Social direction briefings
The government has announced that it will invite a range of local body and community representatives to a briefing and discussion on the government's social policy direction. The first of the briefings would be held in Auckland on 17 November followed by further briefings and discussions in Christchurch and Wellington. The government has been active across all social policy areas, implementing its health, education, housing and other social sector policies and programmes. It now aims to complete the year by bringing an invited cross-section of representatives from the social sector up to date on achievements and developments.
New support for exporters
The government's new export credit guarantee scheme is expected to support exports of at least $100 million a year. The scheme will target small to medium sized export firms with growth potential. The government will work with the private sector to provide underwriting services for exporters requiring finance between shipping and payment for delivery. The scheme provides a credit guarantee and is expected to support four or five new mid to long-term export credit guarantees a year, averaging about $15 million each and facilitating about $100 million of exports a year. Trade New Zealand will be providing information on export credit to exporters through direct mail, its website, an 0800 hotline and nationwide roadshow presentations.
Seasonal work campaign announced
A new campaign to encourage job seekers to take up seasonal work opportunities has been launched by the government. The guide to seasonal work for job seekers entitled 'What about seasonal work?' introduces a seasonal work-friendly approach by the Department of Work and Income which will see the Department working in a much closer relationship with seasonal employers. The campaign is designed to promote seasonal employment to registered job seekers and to outline the benefits of taking up the job opportunities, as well as assisting seasonal industries such as fruit growing, shearing, skiing and tourism to recruit sufficient staff.
$4.5 million for business investment and growth
The government has announced a further $4.5million is to be made available for business growth and major investment. Two new programmes - the Business Growth Service and the Major Investment Service will both support and encourage significant investment in new projects. The programmes, launched and managed by Industry New Zealand, aim to build and develop business enterprises with growth potential. More details of these programmes are available from Industry New Zealand (www.industrynz.govt.nz).
Closer Economic Partnership signed
Helen Clark and Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong signed a Closer Economic Partnership agreement between New Zealand and Singapore, in Singapore this week. The announcement follows debate in Parliament this week on the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee's report into the CEP. In a vote taken at the end of the debate, Parliament voted by 89 votes to 30 in favour of a closer economic partnership with Singapore. The agreement will encourage trade in goods and services, promote investment, create jobs and assist economic development. The CEP will eliminate tariffs on goods traded between the two countries, and reduce compliance costs for New Zealand exporters through jointly agreed disciplines on standards.
Peace monitors for Solomons
New Zealand will send a group of 14 peace monitors to participate in an International Peace Monitoring Team for the Solomon Islands the government announced this week. The Townsville Peace Agreement , signed on 15 October presents an opportunity to end the conflict since fighting began two years ago. The ANZAC team will be deployed in two stages. An advance party, involving 6 New Zealanders, has arrived in the Solomons. The main body of 47, including the other 8 New Zealanders, will be in place by early December. The role of the IPMT will be to support the indigenous Solomon Islands Peace Process under the aegis of the Peace Monitoring Council. The monitors will be neutral, unarmed, and deployed at the invitation of all the main parties to the ethnic tension. The New Zealand contingent will be made up of one Ministry of Foreign Affairs officer, six New Zealand Police officers and seven Defence Force members.
Varroa management plan backed
Cabinet this week approved a $7.5 million plan to manage the varroa bee mite over the next two years. The plan aims to keep the South Island varroa-free for as long as realistically possible, and to minimise the economic impacts In the North Island. Mr Sutton said that if varroa was detected in the South Island, the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry (MAF) would seek government funding to carry out a delimiting survey to assess the feasibility of eradication. Cabinet has approved $500,000 available for varroa-specific research immediately, with possible further research funding if necessary. The National Beekeepers Association has been granted $20,000 a year for 2 years to purchase technical advice.
