Student Job Search nationwide network launched
The government this week launched a new $1.9m nationwide computer network
for Student Job Search. An additional $3m was invested in Student Job
Search in the Budget to assist it to find more work for students over the
summer and to upgrade its technology. The state-of-the-art nationally
networked system will provide a greatly improved service to students and
employers. The system allows for efficient e-mail contacts with employers,
on-line job boards, reduced telephone costs and an interface with the
Department of Work and Income to facilitate student allowance and community
wage payments.
Fire Service Commission members announced
Three new members to the New Zealand Fire Service Commission were announced
by the government this week. Angela Foulkes, Dr Piers Reid, and Terry
Scott will bring with them a wealth of experience from diverse and varied
backgrounds The Fire Service Commission will benefit much from their
appointment.
Legal Professions legislation released
Details of a proposed new regulatory regime for lawyers and of a new
profession of qualified conveyancers were released by the government this
week. The reforms aim to promote a more competitive environment for the law
and real estate industries, allowing for a flexible regulatory response in
a rapidly changing market. The proposals, currently being drafted into a
Legal Professions Bill that will be introduced into the House early next
year, will balance self regulation with clear and defined protections for
consumers. The New Zealand Law Society will perform this role for lawyers,
and a new regulatory body with the working title of the Society of
Conveyancers will regulate non-lawyer conveyancers. The legislation will
also incorporate consumer protections, such as compulsory indemnity
insurance and, for those who handle clients' money, a fidelity fund to
protect against theft.
'Open Skies' Agreement reached with Australia
A new 'open skies' Air Services Agreement between New Zealand and Australia
was announced this week. The long-awaited agreement encompasses the Single
Aviation Market Arrangements, signed in 1996 and replaces New Zealand's
oldest bilateral air services agreement, signed in 1961. It allows the
airlines of each side to operate services beyond the other country over any
routing they choose, and with as many flights as they see fit. Previously,
beyond services were limited to the equivalent of 12 Boeing 747 services
per week, and to a maximum of 11 countries. Additionally, there is now no
requirement for airlines to file fares for approval, thereby allowing a
more prompt response to changing market conditions and a reduction in
compliance costs.
Government help for secondary school gyms
The Government is injecting nearly $5 million into gymnasia at nine
secondary schools where facilities are inadequate. The announcement was
made this week at Wellington East Girls' College, which will receive
$619,840 as part of a special package agreed to by Cabinet. The school
has been waiting for more than a decade to get decent government support
for a proper gymnasium. Other schools which will benefit from the $4.9
million immediately available were Otago Girls' High School, Papakura High
School, Massey High School, Long Bay College, Gisborne Girls' High School,
Horowhenua College, Queens High School, and Glendowie College. An
additional $2.5 million will be spent on gyms at other secondary schools
over the following three years.
Library literacy programme in South Auckland boosted
Students in South Auckland schools will benefit from a $1.1 million library
literacy programme run by the National Library of New Zealand, the
government announced this week. The money will fund four years of a pilot
project for schools in Mangere and Otara. Schools in these areas will
have ready access to the National Library's expertise and resources to
strengthen and enhance their students' literacy and information skills.
The aim is to make a measurable difference to the government's programme to
improve skills and education across society. School Services will work
with 29 schools in Mangere and Otara, which are also part of a Ministry of
Education initiative to raise achievement levels.
Waitangi Day commemorative events
Community organisations planning events to commemorate Waitangi Day 2001
will receive $70,000 more from the Government than they did last year.
The government has announced that the 'Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund
2001' has $170,000 available for community groups throughout the country to
organise commemorative events. The fund supports activities which
acknowledge the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and is designed to
encourage a country wide participation in the commemorations. Proposals
must encourage community participation and achievement, promote a cultural
experience or event and provide participants with an opportunity to learn
more about the Treaty.
