Govt extends Timor commitment
The government is offering to maintain a significant military presence in East Timor until November 2002, says Defence Minister Mark Burton. The NZDF battalion-strength deployment in East Timor was scheduled to end in late May 2002. Mark Burton said this week it is now clear that a United Nations peacekeeping force will probably be required in East Timor beyond that date. The pace of developing the East Timor Defence Force (ETDF), continuing militia activity and the political process surrounding the election and independence are critical determinants. The Chief of Defence Force has advised the minister that the NZDF could conduct a further rotation, covering the period from May 2002 to November 2002. In addition, New Zealand will contribute $250,000 to the organisation of East Timor's first legislative elections in August and New Zealanders will also serve under the UN Volunteer programme as district electoral officers. Foreign Minister Phil Goff made the announcement after a meeting this week with East Timor Foreign Minister Dr Jose Ramos Horta.
Regional Museums Policy Explained
The government this week released details of its regional museums policy for capital construction projects. The policy, announced in the Budget, acknowledges that collections of national significance are housed in museums throughout New Zealand, and enables the government to give limited assistance as a funder of last resort to projects focused on properly housing such collections. Arts, Culture & Heritage Minister Helen Clark says the new regional museums policy makes funding available for non-metropolitan museums and galleries, subject to certain criteria. The criteria relate to issues such as ownership and governance; museum viability; funding sources; regional impact and the national significance of a museum's collections. Details are available from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, Ph 04 498 9578.
Government Established New Sports Body
The government this week announced the board for the recreation and sport agency that is being set up to achieve the Government's vision for a healthier and more active nation. The nine-member board includes individuals from a wide range of recreation, sport, business, and governance backgrounds. Board members are: John Wells (Chair) Wayne Boyd, David Collins, Graham Condon, Elizabeth Coutts, Margot Foster, Jane Huria, Bill Osborne and Dr Jenny Ross. The board's appointment follows the report of the Ministerial Taskforce into Sport Fitness and Leisure (the Graham Report) earlier this year. That report recommended the establishment of a new entity to integrate key functions of the Hillary Commission, the New Zealand Sports Foundation and the Office of Tourism and Sport. Legislation to establish the board was introduced to Parliament two weeks ago. The board was chosen through an electoral college process and criteria recommended in the Graham Report. It will initially be a transition board, then take over from the current Hillary Commission Board on 1 July, until the new legislation is enacted. The name of the new agency, which is due to be operating by the end of the year, has yet to be chosen. This year's Budget set aside nearly $100 million extra over five years to implement recommendations in the Graham report.
Funding Boost For Pacific Social Service Providers
The Government is to invest $1.4 million to provide community-based social services to Pacific Islands people. Two consortiums of Pacific social service organisations will be established in Auckland to provide information and support services for the large and growing number of Pacific social service providers. In addition, funding is also being provided to support a large number of individual providers across the country. Social Services Minister Steve Maharey said the consortiums will assist Pacific social services to further develop what they know best - making a positive difference in their community.
Cape Foulwind Development
Tourism Minister Mark Burton this week handed over a cheque for $36,000 for improvements to one of the West Coast's premier tourist attractions, the walkway to the Cape Foulwind Seal colony. A 4-kilometre walkway runs from the Lighthouse at Cape Foulwind to the seal rookery near Tauranga Bay. The seal colony attracts an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 visitors every year and is one of the top five visited sites on the West Coast. Over the past few years there have been significant improvements to the walkway and associated facilities. The new government funding will go towards providing an all weather track. This will help ensure visitors have a quality experience.
