Fourth business-government forum
About 100 business leaders from the South Auckland region attended a forum today in Manukau City with government ministers. It follows on from business-to-government forums in Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton. The get-togethers are aimed at identifying initiatives that will help improve New Zealand's economic performance. Prime Minister Helen Clark says the forums demonstrate the importance that the government attaches to developing and maintaining an ongoing dialogue with business to improve New Zealand's economic returns.
Commissioner for Children's powers to expand
Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey announced this week that new legislation to significantly increase the roles, functions and powers of the Commissioner for Children will be introduced to Parliament in September. The legislation will give better effect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) and increase the independence of the Commissioner. Additional funding of $2.8 million over four years for the Commissioner's Office was provided in the Budget to enable him to take on the expanded role envisaged in the bill. Steve Maharey says the bill will help the Commissioner be a more effective advocate for children and young people.
$950 million for road projects
Transport Minister Mark Gosche has welcomed Transfund's announcement that it will spend $950 million on road and transport services this year, an increase of $10 million. The Auckland region gets a 10.4 per cent increase to almost $189
million for easing Auckland's gridlock. Also, changes to the funding system to match passenger numbers with funding had seen funding for passenger transport increase by 17 per cent or $9 million to a total of $61 million. Projects include the investigation and design stages of upgrades to Auckland's ``Spaghetti Junction'', the extension of the Hawke's Bay Expressway to Napier Airport, a $20 million flyover on State Highway 20 at Puhinui and $8 million for possible alternatives to roading projects including the rail/bus interchange at the end of Lambton Quay in Wellington.
Govt rejects 'home tax' idea
Michael Cullen has given his word that a tax on home ownership will not be introduced as long as he is Revenue Minister. Prime Minister Helen Clark has also ruled out the proposal. The tax on housing investment, by which home owners would pay tax on the equity in their home at their income tax rate, was among proposals aired by an independent tax review committee. Michael Cullen stressed that the home-tax idea came from the review committee and that he had not had any input into its paper. He said when the suggestion of such a tax was made by the OECD last year, he rejected it in very strong terms, and he had seen nothing that has changed his mind on the subject.
Indonesian President to visit
Prime Minister Helen Clark announced this week that Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid is to visit New Zealand next week. Mr Wahid and several ministers will arrive in Christchurch on the afternoon of 27 June, leaving early the next day. He will meet Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, Helen Clark, Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton and other cabinet ministers before attending a state dinner next Wednesday. Helen Clark says the Government welcomes the opportunity to discuss with Mr Wahid developments in Indonesia and how New Zealand might best support Indonesia's democratic transition, as well as mutual interests in the region and internationally.
Govt issues social security document
Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey this week issued Pathways to Opportunities, the government's statement on the social security system. It outlines six broad areas where the government is trying to achieve its new approach to social security. They include simplifying the benefit system, making work pay, supporting families and children, establishing mutual responsibilities, building partnerships and tackling poverty and social exclusion. The booklet cost about $25,000 to produce and will be distributed to around 4000 people. Steve Maharey says the $5.4 billion spent each year on benefits must not only provide security; it must become an investment in people's potential. More information can be found at www.executive.govt.nz/minister/maharey/
Govt announces more enterprise awards
Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton this week announced the sixth round of Industry New Zealand Enterprise Awards. The sixth round of enterprise awards has 34 recipients, taking the number of grants awarded to 174 since September 2000 when the awards started. Jim Anderton says the awards are clearly making a difference. Crazy Catch, which received an Industry New Zealand Enterprise Award in November 2000 has impressed the Warriors rugby league team so much that they got a larger version of the Crazy Catch ball skills trainer this week. Entrepreneurs or small business owners can receive a maximum of $20,000 from an Industry New Zealand Enterprise Award, which can be used to fund up to 50 per cent of the cost of a project.
