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Latest News From the Beehive

Prime Minister saddened by death of Owen Woodhouse

Prime Minister John Key today expressed his condolences to the family of Sir Owen Woodhouse, ONZ KBE DSC. Sir Owen passed away aged 97.

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Growth seen further lifting average wage by $7,500

The average annual wage is expected to increase by $7,500 to around $62,200 a year by 2018 if New Zealand achieves its economic growth forecasts over the next four years, Finance Minister Bill English says.

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Pre-Budget Speech to the Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce

Good afternoon. It’s a pleasure to be with you again today. I would like to thank John and Raewyn and their team at the Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to speak to you again this year. I also want to acknowledge the Chamber’s work in promoting the Wellington business community and in grappling with issues affecting businesses in the capital city.

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Genesis to list with third-largest share register

Genesis Energy will have the third-largest New Zealand share register on the NZX when it lists tomorrow, Finance Minister Bill English and State Owned Enterprises Minister Tony Ryall say.

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Crown accounts confirm no room for spend up

Another month of revenue running below forecast has again pushed up the deficit and reinforces the need for restraint in government spending, Finance Minister Bill English says.

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Now David really has some explaining to do

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says Labour leader David Cunliffe has got himself in the most astonishing predicament on TV3’s Firstline this morning, by claiming the National Land Transport Fund is “going to be in surplus very soon,” so it’s time to give some of it back to taxpayers.

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More trouble with Labour’s transport policy

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says Ministry of Transport analysis of Labour’s new policy for taxing motorhomes shows many motorhome owners would actually be charged higher Road User Charges under a Labour government than they are presently, not lower, as Labour’s leader claimed this morning.

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Overseas student loans collection hits $100m

Over $100 million of additional taxpayer money has now been collected from overseas-based borrowers in an initiative that will help keep the scheme sustainable for future students and taxpayers, Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce and Revenue Minister Todd McClay say.

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Govt to establish Food Safety Science & Research Centre

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce and Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye today announced that expressions of interest have been released for a Food Safety Science and Research Centre.

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PM’s Education Excellence Awards Finalists announced

Education Minister Hekia Parata today announced the finalists for the inaugural Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards.

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Labour’s latest dead end street

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says today’s Labour policy announcements of cutting revenue currently being invested in safer, more productive transport infrastructure should worry the public on a number of levels.

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Accord to address Christchurch housing

A Christchurch Housing Accord has been agreed between Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith and Mayor Lianne Dalziel to help address housing issues in the city.

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Industry Training & Apprenticeships Amendment Bill passes third reading

Legislation that completes the Government’s comprehensive reforms to industry training today passed its third and final reading in Parliament.

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$5m investment in Māori-led science & innovation

Up to $5 million over two years will be invested in developing the science and innovation potential of Māori people, resources, and knowledge, Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce and Māori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples announced today.

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Ambulance paramedics trialling new technology

Health Minister Tony Ryall says new technology being introduced by St John ambulance, and partially funded by the government, will change the way paramedics work in the field.

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NZ on track to phase out imports of ozone-depleting substances

New Zealand is on track to phase out bulk imports of ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by the end of this year, Environment Minister Amy Adams says.

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Asia Region Funds Passport initiative progresses

Commerce Minister Craig Foss today released a consultation paper on the Asia Region Funds Passport initiative, which will open up opportunities for cross-border offerings of managed funds.

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Minister pleased with successful StudyLink peak season

Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows has today congratulated StudyLink staff on a highly successful Student Allowance and Loan peak season.

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Successful crime-fighting pilot to be expanded

A successful Justice sector frontline pilot, which saw a dramatic drop in total crime in the Hutt Valley, will benefit three other areas, Justice Minister Judith Collins has announced.

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NZ health and engineering support to Solomons

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced New Zealand will send health personnel and a Bailey bridge to Solomon Islands to assist with the response to flooding.

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Announcement of further ITE provision

Education Minister Hekia Parata today announced the five universities the Government will partner with to provide further postgraduate level initial teacher education (ITE) qualifications from 2015.

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Rollout of faster broadband to remote East Cape schools complete

All twelve rural schools in remote locations around Gisborne and Wairoa now have faster broadband, as a result of the Government’s broadband initiatives, Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams announced today.

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New campaign to put the spotlight on measles

Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew has welcomed the launch of a new campaign which encourages people to check if they have been immunised against measles.

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Lifehack Weekends head to the regions

Lifehack Weekends are back and young people from across the country are getting together to create technology-based solutions to mental health issues.

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New High Commissioner to Solomon Islands

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced diplomat Marion Crawshaw as New Zealand’s next High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.

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McClay opens Business to Government Workshop

Revenue Minister Todd McClay has opened the Business to Government Collaboration Workshop in Wellington today, citing it as a great opportunity for Government and private enterprise to find new ways to improve and simplify digital services.

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IPCC report shows need for global agreement on emissions

Minister for Climate Change Issues Tim Groser says the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emphasises the need for a truly global agreement in 2015 to ensure efforts to cut greenhouse gases (GHG) are effective.

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$9.9m in funding for new sustainable farming projects

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has welcomed the latest round of projects receiving funding from the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF), covering a range of issues from water quality to climate change.

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Spreading the word on alternative tree species

Associate Primary Industries Minister Jo Goodhew has announced that a project which aims to provide information for growers on alternative tree species has been approved for a Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) grant.

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Trends revealed from Census 2013 online option

Several trends have emerged following analysis of the 2013 Census online option, Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson says.

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Patient safety campaign to focus on surgery

Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew has launched the next phase of the national patient safety campaign Open for better care, which focuses on reducing harm associated with surgery.

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Changes make it easier to recover debt

Courts Minister Chester Borrows says changes which come into effect today will improve the process for people recovering debt owed following a civil court case.

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Considering a new flag

The time has come to discuss New Zealand’s flag formally, carefully and respectfully, allowing all New Zealanders to have their say.

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Prime Minister’s Statement to Parliament

The Government is continuing to implement its plan to build a faster-growing economy with more jobs and rising incomes, and to support New Zealanders and their families.

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Better Public Services

We want our public service to be more innovative, enterprising, driven, and focused on results. We’re delivering improved frontline services, reduced costs, and better results for you and your family.

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