A bill tightening up tobacco controls has passed its first reading in Parliament today and will now go to select committee for public submissions.

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia says the introduction of the Smoke-free Environments (Controls and Enforcement) Bill is a further signal that this Government is serious about reducing the harm caused by smoking.

The Bill proposes banning tobacco retail displays and retailers from using tobacco trading names to advertise tobacco and stricter restrictions on selling tobacco to minors.

Disability Issues Minister Tariana Turia is welcoming the release of a report on the human rights of disabled people in New Zealand.

The report, Disability Rights in Aotearoa New Zealand, was written by the Convention Coalition, which is a collaboration of New Zealand’s disabled peoples’ organisations.

The Coalition comprises the Disabled Persons Assembly, Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc, Deaf Aotearoa NZ, Ngati Kapo, Nga Hau E Wha and People First New Zealand.

Legislation to discourage smoking by removing displays of tobacco products in dairies and other retail outlets was introduced in Parliament today by Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia.

“This Government is serious about reducing the harm caused by smoking and it is vital that we do more to help people quit smoking and stop young people from being tempted to take up the habit.

“The evidence shows that most people who smoke want to quit. It’s harder to quit when you walk into a shop and are confronted with the instant temptation of tobacco on display.

Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Tariana Turia is urging New Zealanders to celebrate the outstanding contribution volunteers make to their communities.

This Sunday is International Volunteer Day and today Mrs Turia released the latest Quarterly Generosity Indicators Update June 2010.

“Everyday of the week volunteers are helping in their communities whether it’s saving lives or just ensuring life is a little more comfortable.

Disability Issues Minister Tariana Turia has welcomed a photographic exhibition in Parliament showing the experiences of disabled people and their families in other countries.

The Access for All exhibition will be on display in Parliament’s foyer until Monday December 13 and has been organised by CBM, an international disability and development organisation working to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia is urging New Zealanders to treat people living with HIV and AIDS with dignity and respect.

Today is World AIDS Day and the theme is Universal Access and Human Rights.

“HIV and AIDS can affect anyone at anytime and it is important to remember that this disease knows no social, ethnic or economic barriers,” says Mrs Turia.

“By promoting individual human rights new infections can be prevented and people with HIV and AIDS can live free of discrimination.”

Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Hon Tariana Turia today announced the recipients of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowships for 2011.

“The Churchill Fellows will enrich New Zealand by applying lessons learned from their global counterparts,” says Mrs Turia.

“Our communities will benefit from the diverse international knowledge these Fellows will bring home.”

For 2011, the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust has awarded $74,000 to 15 people. The average grant is $5000.

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia today announced the three Te Apa Mareikura Award recipients and two John McLeod Scholarship recipients.

Hori Barsdell, Phillip Tane, Matiu Julian, Pirihia Roberts and Harata Te-Amo Simeon have been acknowledged for their exceptional academic and community achievements in Maori health.

"These wonderful recipients have made an indelible mark in shaping the nature of the communities around them.

Employers in the state sector have been recognised for going the extra mile for staff with significant disabilities.

Disability Issues Minister Tariana Turia presented the Mainstream Awards at a ceremony in Wellington today.

Newlands College was named the 2010 Employer of the Year in recognition of their success in providing high quality supported employment.

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia today launched the Whanau Ora Integrated Services Delivery Report, a study that looked into how Maori health providers deliver integrated services across health and other sectors.

"The findings of this study provide useful information as the implementation of the Government's Whanau Ora initiative gets into full swing," says Mrs Turia.

The 2009 Tobacco Use Survey released today shows that the overall prevalence of smoking is continuing to decline but exposure to second-hand smoke is still a significant issue for some households,

Everyone has a role to play in helping to reduce diabetes in New Zealand, says Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia.

Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Tariana Turia has announced that the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector will operate from the Department of Internal Affairs from 1 February next

Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy and Minister of Community and Voluntary Sector Tariana Turia have welcomed the Auditor-General's report on lottery and community grants, tabled today in Parliam

Removing retail tobacco displays and tightening up tobacco controls have been announced by Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia today.