Launch of new arts curriculum for schools
A new 'Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum' programme was launched by the government this week. The curriculum, which brings together dance, drama, music and the visual arts, sets aims and achievement objectives for primary and secondary students. The statement is an important part of the government's broader strategy to offer opportunities to all New Zealanders to participate in creative, high skilled work in their own country.
Govt and Contact sign Alexandra flood deed
The Government and Contact Energy have signed a Deed formalising joint contributions to address flood problems in Alexandra and surrounding areas. The Deed has resulted from extensive consultation between local bodies, the Alexandra community, technical specialists, government officials and Contact Energy over the last six months. The plan will assist people who were seriously affected by the major floods in 1995 and 1999, and provide greater flood protection for the town in the future. The Deed provides for construction of flood barriers to protect the main parts of Alexandra and the purchase of certain flood prone properties, or of easements over properties where flood protection works are not practical.
Fisheries sustainability decisions for 2000-2001
The government this week announced fisheries management changes for the new fishing year beginning on 1 October. These decisions have been made after recent scientific assessments and in consultation with all stakeholders, including Maori, recreational and commercial fishers and environmental groups. The aim of the changes is to ensure the sustainability of fisheries and the marine environment. The decisions include reduced catch limits for several species for commercial and recreational fishers and setting a threshold for Hector's dolphin mortalities in set nets. New Zealand's Quota Management System is a world leader and has led to of our fish stocks are being managed in a more sustainable manner.
Rural fund launched
The Sustainable Farming Fund was launched this week as part of the government's commitment to rural communities and their wellbeing. The contestable fund would provide financial support through grants for help in solving community problems, enhancing environmental, economic, and social outcomes. The grant, more than $5 million this year and planned to increase in future years, would help rural communities to determine which projects would most benefit the community. The fund compliments other government initiatives, particularly the regional development strategy and environmental programmes underway.
E-commerce summit programme and website launched
The government this week launched the programme and website for the government's e-commerce summit. The Summit, to be held in Auckland on 1-2 November, will feature addresses from world authorities on e-commerce strategies and sought after practitioners in the field. Businesses will also offer feedback on the government's e-commerce blueprint for New Zealand. The event aims to give businesses a practical roadmap for planning their move or next move into e-commerce. Keynote addresses will focus on how businesses can become internet ready, tips for keeping up with the e-commerce revolution and the best and worst of marketing on the Web. Demand for the places at the summit is expected to be high. More information and registration details can be found in the ummit's website - www.ecommerce-summit.govt.nz
UN treaties signed at Millennium Summit
Helen Clark has endorsed six United Nations treaties at the New York Millennium Summit this week. New Zealand's ratification and signing of the treaties demonstrates our commitment to the UN's treaty framework and to the promotion, enforcement and protection of human rights everybody is entitled to. The treaties which New Zealand signed or became party to are; Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Optional Protocol to the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the Desertification Convention, and the Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.
