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Latest News From the Beehive

The Christchurch Rebuild – Gaining Momentum: Speech to Canterbury Employer’s Chamber of Commerce

One of the National-led Government’s four main priorities this term is to support the rebuilding of this, our second-biggest city, and to stand beside the people of Canterbury.

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Community to have say on red zone’s future

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has welcomed today’s announcement of a community participation process to gather ideas about future use of the region’s residential red zones.

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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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Same old same old economic policy from Labour

Labour’s so called ‘Manufacturing Policy’ once again reheats the same old tired economic policies that would take New Zealand back to the dark days of high inflation, sluggish growth and low-job prospects, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says.

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15,000 fewer people dependent on benefits

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says the latest benefit figures showing a five year low confirm New Zealand welfare numbers are back to where they were pre-global recession.

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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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Te Tau Ihu Treaty settlement legislation passed

The House sat for extended hours this morning to pass four bills giving effect to the final deeds of settlement for historical Treaty claims in the South Island.

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Defence Force supports Poppy Day

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman joined Defence Force personnel including the Vice Chief of Defence Force Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short, to collect donations for the annual Poppy Day appeal in Wellington today.

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The Co-operative Bank joins Government scheme

Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith today welcomed The Co-operative Bank into the Government’s Welcome Home Loans scheme, bringing the total number of lenders offering the first home loan product to 11.

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Inaugural Game Animal Council appointed

Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith and Associate Minister Peter Dunne today announced the appointment of 11 members to the inaugural Game Animal Council.

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$2 million for new classrooms at Tai Tapu school

Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye today announced nearly $2 million funding for new classrooms at Tai Tapu School in rural Canterbury.

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Drive safely over Easter

Associate Transport Minister Michael Woodhouse is urging road users to slow down and take care this Easter.

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Feedback wanted on full rest home audit reports

Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew is encouraging the public to share their views on full rest home audit reports being published.

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New law will hold partners complicit in welfare fraud to account

Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows has welcomed the passage of a Bill to hold partners complicit in welfare fraud to account, 102 votes to 17.

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Tax conference to address simplification

Revenue Minister Todd McClay has announced that simplification and modernisation will be the focus of the tax conference to be held in conjunction with Victoria University, on 12 and 13 June.

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Funding for World War One Centenary

Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne (Presiding Member of the Lottery Grants Board) has today announced that the Lottery World War One Commemorations, Environment and Heritage Committee has approved funding of over $9.1 million towards 80 projects which commemorate World War One.

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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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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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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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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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