New defence operational HQ at Trentham
The command and control of New Zealand Defence Force operations will be centred on a new joint headquarters to be established at Trentham in the Upper Hutt. The government announced this week that the permanent joint operational level headquarters would be established at Trentham by July 1, 2001. It will replace the existing operational headquarters at Devonport (Navy), Trentham (Army) and Whenuapai (Air Force). The new joint headquarters will be responsible for all Defence Force operational deployments as well as all joint and international combined exercises. Trentham was selected as the location for the new joint headquarters after an extensive review of all the options.
Modern Apprenticeships enters parliament
Debate began on the Apprenticeship Training Bill in Parliament this week. The bill provides for the nationwide roll-out of Modern Apprenticeships in 2001. Modern Apprenticeships is a new work-based vocational education and training initiative that aims to encourage young people to take up and complete apprenticeship training. Almost 100 young people have already signed modern apprenticeship training agreements in pilot programmes operating across eighteen industry sectors this year. Support for the bill has been voiced by all parties in Parliament.
Financial assistance for varroa-stricken beekeepers
Beekeepers affected by varroa mite infestation are to receive financial assistance from the government. The government announced this week that the Rural Sector Assistance scheme, which provides essential living expenses to affected beekeepers, is to be extended. The extension will allow beekeepers in financial distress and those working to keep their beekeeping business viable will be eligible for the grants for two years, rather than the usual one. Up to 30 of New Zealand's 128 affected beekeepers are expected to be eligible.
Last chance for well-settled overstayers
The government this week approved transitional provisions for well-settled overstayers to make their status in New Zealand lawful. The one-off measure is being offered to long term overstayers before tough, new immigration laws take effect. Overstayers will have from 1 October 2000 until 30 March 2001 to lodge an application for a two-year work permit. It is only after the two years that permanent residence can be sought. The provisions will apply only to those considered to be "well-settled" in New Zealand and who arrived before 1 October 1999. It is expected that these provisions will affect between an estimated 5,700 and 7,700 overstayers who have been living in New Zealand continuously for five years or more. People with well-established family links such as a New Zealand spouse or New Zealand-born child will also be eligible to apply. An estimated 18,000 and 22,000 overstayers are believed to be in New Zealand, but these provisions are likely to affect only about a third of that number.
TVNZ draft charter released
The government has approved for consultation the draft text of a charter for Television New Zealand. The draft charter is a statement of objectives. It broadly indicates the form of broadcast content TVNZ is to provide. It will apply to all parts of TVNZ's operations that contribute to its broadcast content and it will be fulfilled through free-to-air services.
Housing appointments
Changes to the boards of Housing New Zealand and the Housing Corporation were announced by the government this week. Roger Bonifant, the current Deputy Chairman of Housing New Zealand's board and Housing Corporation board member will chair both Boards, replacing Michael Cashin, who will complete his extended term as Chairman of Housing New Zealand and Housing Corporation.
