Good news for economy
The government has welcomed the announcements that unemployment has fallen to a 12-year low and telecommunications giant Ericsson is to establish a major New Zealand business venture. The fall in unemployment demonstrates that New Zealand has the base to build a sustainably growing economy, capable of producing sophisticated goods and services. This is reflected in the announcement that Ericsson and Wellington-based software firm Synergy are to launch a hi-tech venture, resulting in the creation of 150 jobs in Auckland and Wellington. The decision by Ericsson to choose New Zealand ahead of other countries is a vote of confidence in our economy and a tribute to the work of Industry New Zealand and Trade New Zealand.
Improving tertiary participation by Maori and Pacific students
The government announced to the Tertiary Equity conference in Auckland this week that it aims to ensure all New Zealanders are able to access lifelong learning in the knowledge society. Initiatives taken so far to lower the cost of tertiary education to students will cost $670m over four years. A new $18m package (over four years) is being introduced from the 2001 academic year to fund support services at public tertiary education institutions for Maori and Pacific students to ensure greater numbers begin and complete post-school qualifications.
E-commerce summit a success
This week's E-commerce summit held in Auckland addressed over 500 businesses. A key theme at the event was the need for a proactive government in partnership with the private sector to guarantee New Zealand's long-term e-commerce success. This summit focussed on the government's commitment to advancing e-commerce in New Zealand, and resulted in the launch of the government's e-commerce strategy. Feedback on the strategy will be sought from businesses. For further information visit www.ecommerce-summit.govt.nz.
$22 million injected into school property
The government announced this week that 880 school property improvement projects will be undertaken in 719 schools under the Ministry of Education's Financial Assistance Scheme. The scheme supports projects that are partly funded by the schools and their communities themselves. The government allocated $22 million to the assistance scheme this year for projects ranging from upgraded classrooms to an auditorium, which will be boosted by an additional $17 million from schools and their communities.
Working holiday deal opens doors
An agreement concluded this week will allow more young New Zealanders and Germans to have working holidays in each other's country from 1 December. The agreement, handed over by visiting German Agriculture Minister Karl-Heinz Funke, is the first under a Cabinet decision earlier this year to double the quota of working holiday visas to 20,000. The agreement will assist the government's aim to attract skilled immigrants, increase tourism and build relationships between the two countries. Similar schemes are currently being negotiated with Hong Kong and Italy and investigated with Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.
New human rights institution announced
A new Human Rights Institution for New Zealand is proposed in a paper prepared for the government. The new organisation would incorporate functions now carried out by the Human Rights Commission and the Race Relations Office. The distinct role of Privacy Commissioner would remain. The report suggests further consideration of the roles of the Health and Disability Commissioner and the Commissioner for Children once the new institution has been established. The government is to seek submissions on the report from members of the public and will discuss its recommendations in the light of the public response and the policy commitments of each coalition partner. The key focus of the new institution would be on promoting a human rights strategy, community leadership and education work.
People's bank gains suppport
Independent confirmation of public support for a People's Bank came this week. The government is currently considering the business case for a publicly-owned New Zealand bank using the branch network of New Zealand Post. At the moment, the New Zealand banking industry is almost entirely overseas-owned. Independent research by the prestigious Auckland University Business School Marketing Department indicates that 54 per cent of New Zealanders support the concept of a People's Bank. The existence of the kiwi bank will bring pressure to bear for lower fees and improved services at other banks.
