More support for free doc's visits for under-6s

More families are set to benefit from free doctor's visits for their children aged under six following an $8.25 million investment by the Labour-led government, Health Minister Pete Hodgson announced Monday.

The funding will be rolled out from 1 January and is a result of Labour's agreement with New Zealand First to work towards the objective of free health care for under sixes. It will be made available each year to practices that commit to providing free care for children under six.

"The Labour-led government believes that all children deserve the best possible start in life," Pete Hodgson said. "We don't want any parent to think twice about taking their young child to the doctor because of how much it costs. The majority of general practices already charge no fees for children under six and we want to make sure those practices are getting the support they need. We also hope that some practices charging very low fees will see the funding as extra incentive to reduce their fees to zero."

61 per cent of general practices currently charge no fees for children under six, making the median fee $0. Average fees do vary across the country, but at a national level the average is still low at $5.

KiwiSaver take-up figures take off

The latest enrolment numbers for KiwiSaver confirm that the work-based saving scheme is off to a strong start, Finance Minister Michael Cullen and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne said this week.  As of Wednesday, the total number of KiwiSaver enrolments received by Inland Revenue had reached 129,591, with 5,900 opt-outs also received.

"It is encouraging to see that just two months since the launch of the scheme, almost 130,000 people are already saving for a better standard of living in retirement through KiwiSaver," the Ministers said.

"These figures are heartening, but they are just the start," the Ministers said.  "We’ll see them continue to rise as people realise the value of saving for retirement – especially when, subject to legislation now before Parliament being passed, compulsory employer contributions to KiwiSaver start next year."

188 businesses add weight to SuperGold Card

Discounts from 188 businesses with 2215 outlets between them are being offered to seniors through the SuperGold Card, Associate Senior Citizens Minister Winston Peters announced at this week's launch.

Over half a million SuperGold Cards are currently being sent free to all New Zealand residents 65 years or older, and to those under 65 who receive Superannuation, a non-qualified spouse entitlement, or a Veterans' Pension.

The Card provides discounts on a wide range of everyday goods and services, as well as easy access to central and local government entitlements previously received through a Super Card or a Community Services Card.

"This is an important step for New Zealand. It shows that we take our seniors seriously, through something tangible and rewarding," Mr Peters said.   "But the really important thing to stress at this point is that is just the start. Businesses are continuing to sign up on a daily basis, and the Ministry of Social Development is currently in discussion with 200 more companies."

Click here for a list of participating businesses and discounts

New policy to grow kiwi firms via offshore links

Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard this week announced a new policy to grow and strengthen New Zealand firms - that will see new government support for firms to form strategic partnerships or make investments offshore.

"We are shifting one aspect of government's international investment support programmes to focus explicitly on growing our firms and sectors through offshore strategic investment alliances - partnerships that will deliver concrete wider benefits and add value to firms and industry sectors in New Zealand," Trevor Mallard said in a speech to the Wellington Diplomatic Club.

"Research shows that inwards and outwards investment by firms is important. It can help firms and sectors grow and become more productive by bringing in offshore expertise, technology, innovations, and additional capital.

"This new policy follows a scheduled review of the work of government agency Investment New Zealand that found good, bad and mixed results. As a result of the review some programmes are being dropped or refined - as is the point of any evaluation exercise.

"The Labour-led government is committed to working with business to transform this economy into one that is both innovative and sustainable, and one that generates higher incomes for New Zealanders. To do this we need to develop globally competitive firms as the small New Zealand market is just not enough. Our inward investment rates are okay but our outward investment rates need a boost."