NZ - Ireland film agreement signed

NZ and Irish governments have signed a film co-production agreement to facilitate screen industry partnerships between the two countries.

Like NZ, Ireland has a strong screen industry which has performed well in recent years, and both governments have demonstrated a firm commitment to supporting screen production. Co-production agreements enable approved joint film projects to gain official co-production status.

"International film agreements give our screening industry better access to a wider pool of creative and financial resources. They provide economic and cultural benefits for the partnership countries and promote the development of diverse local screen industries," Prime Minister Helen Clark said.

New homes to be warmer, cheaper to run

The most significant improvements to the energy efficiency of new homes in 30 years came into effect earlier on this week.

The new reforms will deliver a triple win for our health, environment and lower gas and electricity bills and with projected annual savings for households of between $1,800 (Dunedin) and $760 (Auckland).

Positive review for emissions trading framework

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has praised NZ on the design of its proposed Emissions Trading Scheme. The government invited the IEA to review the emissions trading framework, following on from that organisation's in-depth review of NZ's energy policies last year.

The IEA compliments the Labour-led Government for a "well-intergrated" strategy which takes a "very realistic approach". It is particularly interested in the way the scheme links to existing Kyoto Protocol mechanisms, which it offers a "lower cost" method for reducing NZ's emissions

NZ has been invited to join the International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP) places NZ in the leading group of nations on climate change issues.

William Wallace Award winners announced

Every year, Child Youth and Family Services honors remarkable young people who have defied the odds and achieved excellence with the William Wallace Awards.

Among this year's winners are young New Zealanders who have overcome huge barriers, with the love and support of their caregivers and social workers, are now pursuing their dreams of further education and travel. Some are going to university; other winners are training for careers in a diverse field, or in one case, going to Gallipoli as part of Army Cadet training.

The awards are given from a total of $20,000 and got towards supporting the young New Zealanders in fulfilling their potential through leadership, vocational or tertiary training.

Young Entrepreneurs Making their Mark

Our young people are the business leaders of the future. This week Youth Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta praised the skills of the young entrepreneurs who were honoured at the Lion Foundation's Young Enterprise Awards this week.

"We have much to be proud of in our young people. They are paving the way to a brighter future for all New Zealanders."

"The success of the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) is a result of a healthy partnership between government, through the education sector, and business." said Nanaia Mahuta.