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Latest Releases

Latest Releases

23 February, 2012

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade change programme

Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully has described the changes proposed by the Ministry’s consultation document for staff as “a far-reaching and genuine attempt to create a Foreign Ministry that can meet New Zealand’s current and future needs.”

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23 February, 2012

Minister concerned at Hectors dolphin deaths

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson was shocked to learn of the discovery of a pair of endangered Hectors dolphins that washed up inside a marine sanctuary.

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23 February, 2012

Family Court users asked to have their say

Justice Minister Judith Collins today urged people who have used the Family Court to submit their views on how to improve its services before the Family Court Review closes at the end of the month.

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23 February, 2012

Running up $5-$7b more debt not the answer

Opponents of the Government’s mixed ownership programme need to explain to New Zealanders why it would be better to borrow an extra $5 billion to $7 billion from overseas lenders, Finance Minister Bill English says.

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23 February, 2012

New product testing facility will protect consumers

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain opened a brand new weights, measures and product safety testing facility in Auckland today.

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23 February, 2012

Government completes Maori consultation

The Government has completed consultation with Maori on removing the mixed ownership companies from the State Owned Enterprises (SOE) Act and will make decisions on new legislation in coming weeks, Finance Minister Bill English and SOE Minister Tony Ryall said today.

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23 February, 2012

Ultra-fast broadband comes to Dunedin

The Government’s ultra-fast broadband (UFB) initiative is now underway in Dunedin, bringing future gains to schools, medical facilities, businesses and residents.

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23 February, 2012

New Zealand education system receives international praise

Education Minister, Hekia Parata, has welcomed an OECD report which says the way New Zealand assesses student achievement is world leading.

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21 February, 2012

New tower brings faster broadband to rural homes

More rural homes can say goodbye to dial-up internet following today’s launch of the first of 154 new broadband wireless towers, says Minister for Communications and Information Technology Amy Adams.

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21 February, 2012

Appointment of Dr David Collins QC as High Court Judge

Solicitor-General David Brian Collins QC has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson announced today.

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21 February, 2012

Trust to help restore Abel Tasman National Park

Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson has praised the generosity of a private family trust which has launched a multi-million dollar conservation project in Abel Tasman National Park.

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21 February, 2012

ACC levy reductions become law

ACC levy reductions worth more than half a billion dollars a year to workers and businesses have been signed into law by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

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20 February, 2012

It’s not how much money, but how it’s used – OECD education survey

Education Minister, Hekia Parata, today welcomed a new report showing New Zealand students are continuing to perform well compared with their overseas counterparts.

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20 February, 2012

Accounts show need for spending discipline

Lower Government spending has offset lower than expected tax revenue, helping keep the Government's finances on track in the six months to 31 December 2011, Finance Minister Bill English says.

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17 February, 2012

Environmental champions sought

Environment Minister Nick Smith today called for nominations for the 2012 Green Ribbon Awards which recognise the achievements of New Zealanders who are dedicated to protecting and improving our environment.

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17 February, 2012

New air services arrangements with Japan

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says new air services arrangements with Japan build on the already strong relationship between the two countries.

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17 February, 2012

Young New Zealander of the Year congratulated

Youth Affairs Minister Paula Bennett congratulates Sam Johnson, winner of the Young New Zealander of the Year award.

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16 February, 2012

New standing orders help keep up momentum in Treaty settlements

The Government’s commitment to progressing Treaty settlements is being boosted by extended House sitting hours and utilising cognate bill options, Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson said today.

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16 February, 2012

Police praised for major drugs raids

Police Minister Anne Tolley has congratulated the Police after significant drugs busts in the Waikato.

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16 February, 2012

Government steps up border management work

The Government’s three border agencies are stepping up work to make trade and travel more efficient through better co-ordination of border services.

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16 February, 2012

Waka Maori surfs wave of popularity - Sharples

Survey results released today show visitors to te Waka Māori during Rugby World Cup 2011 rated the experience as highly or higher than other RWC 2011 events and venues.

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16 February, 2012

McCully to visit Cook Islands ahead of 2012 Forum

Foreign Minister Murray McCully will travel to the Cook Islands today to meet with the Prime Minister and Cabinet members, and to conduct discussions regarding the Pacific Forum Leaders' meeting to be held in Rarotonga in August of this year.

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16 February, 2012

Budget Policy Statement sets out clear plan

The Budget Policy Statement issued today confirms the Government’s clear economic plan for the next three years – including a return to budget surplus and starting to reduce net debt, Finance Minister Bill English says.

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16 February, 2012

High Hazards Unit now at full strength

The Department of Labour’s High Hazard Unit (HHU) is now running at full strength, Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson announced today.

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16 February, 2012

Livestock tracing bill passes third reading

A bill to deliver electronic national identification and tracing of livestock has passed its third and final reading in Parliament.

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15 February, 2012

High Court decision on Crafar farms

Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson and Associate Finance Minister Jonathan Coleman said today’s High Court judgment on the judicial review of Shanghai Pengxin’s bid to acquire the 16 Crafar farms provides a new judicial interpretation of complex legislation.

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15 February, 2012

New Zealanders commemorate the anniversary of the fall of Singapore

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Nathan Guy has commemorated the 70th anniversary of the fall of Singapore at a wreath laying ceremony in Wellington today.

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15 February, 2012

New $70m plant shows commitment to investing in NZ

Construction of a new $70 million gas plant to supply New Zealand Steel is another strong sign of confidence in the New Zealand economy, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says.

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15 February, 2012

Road User Charges legislation passes

Transport legislation to modernise and simplify the road user charges (RUC) system has passed in Parliament.

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14 February, 2012

New Marsden Fund Council Chair appointed

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce today announced the appointment of Canterbury University Professor Juliet Gerrard as the new Chair of the Marsden Fund Council.

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