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Mr Peter Marshall has been appointed as the Commissioner of Police, Police Minister Judith Collins announced today.

Mr Marshall has been the Commissioner of Police, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force since May 2008. He was seconded from the New Zealand Police to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in February 2007.

Mr Marshall has held a wide range of command and operational positions in the New Zealand Police.

Hon John Boscawen speech to launch Consumer Rights Day; Pataka Museum of Arts and Cultures, Norrie Street, Porirua; Tuesday, November 30 2010.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen, it's great to be here.  I'd like to begin by extending a warm welcome to everyone who was made the effort to be here today - it's great to see how many agencies are represented here today to demonstrate what they can do for the community.

Minister of Trade Tim Groser has welcomed the ruling of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Appellate Body, which has found in New Zealand’s favour in the Australia – Apples case.

“The appeal report upholds the thorough analysis undertaken by the WTO dispute Panel around risk assessment and the science at issue. These findings – reached by independent external arbiters – settle any debate. This is good news for New Zealand apple exporters,” said Mr Groser.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett joined families and staff today at a graduation ceremony for young offenders.

“The young men who came here after committing serious offences have been challenged to take responsibility and make a fresh start,” says Ms Bennett.

“They will face challenges and temptations but I’m backing them because I believe if they work hard, they can turn their lives around,” says Ms Bennett.

Youth offenders spend two months on an intensive residential programme know as Military Activity Camp (MAC).

State Owned Enterprises Minister Simon Power today announced the appointment of Chris Moller as chair of Meridian Energy.

Mr Moller was appointed to the Meridian board as a director in May last year. His appointment as chair is effective from 1 January next year to 31 October 2013.

"Mr Moller brings strong governance skills, aligned with extensive senior executive experience to the board,” Mr Power said.

“I look forward to the contribution he will make to Meridian as it further develops its strategy over the coming years."

Prime Minister John Key today welcomed the graduation of the first military-style activity camp under the National-led Government’s Fresh Start youth justice legislation.

PM encourages fresh start for young people

Mr Key met the first 10 graduates and their families at a milestone ceremony in Christchurch to mark the completion of the camp.

“I’m impressed with the way the 10 young men who graduated today have stepped up to the challenge presented to them,” says Mr Key.

Iwi are being invited to discuss how the Crown can deliver its obligations under the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement for new space created by proposed new aquaculture legislation.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley says, the new Aquaculture Legislation Amendment Bill (No 3) is expected to result in the creation of more aquaculture space and this has a special significance for Maori.

Commerce Minister Simon Power today announced the establishment of a committee to conduct disciplinary proceedings arising out of complaints against authorised financial advisers.

“The aim of the Financial Advisers Act is to build confidence in the professionalism and integrity of financial advisers,” Mr Power said.

“A key part of that is making financial advisers accountable for the advice they give.”

Prime Minister John Key announced today that Cabinet has agreed to establish a Royal Commission on the Pike River mine tragedy.

The inquiry will have broad terms of reference enabling it to examine and report on the causes of the explosions at the mine and subsequent loss of life, as well as all aspects of the safety regulatory regime and rescue operations that applied at the mine.

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.

Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy has announced the appointment of Vicki Caisley to the Board of the New Zealand Fire Service Commission.

Ms Caisley is a self-employed contractor based in Auckland with extensive experience in human resource management, both in the private and public sectors.

“Ms Caisley brings a valuable range of skills and experience to the Board. Her experience includes assignments in organisations such as the Auckland District Health Board, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd and Toyota Financial Services Ltd.”

· Mihi

Introduction

· I would like to congratulate Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, on the establishment of the Institute for Post Treaty Settlement Futures and thank you for inviting me to speak today. 

· I also want to thank Professor Smith, Sir Wira and all the staff and governors at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa for having the foresight to establish this Institute. 

Earthquake recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee today announced a package of new measures to assist Canterbury business in the wake of the September 4 earthquake.

Over half a million dollars has been set aside to provide support.

“The best way for the city to recover is to restore the pre-quake flows of traffic – getting the street barriers down, is the best way to get commerce back on its feet,” Mr Brownlee said.

“Numerous businesses have relocated and changed their business model to sustain their business.

Wayne Mapp is travelling to the United States this week for top-level talks in both his portfolio areas of Defence and Research, Science and Technology.

“As the Wellington Declaration makes clear, New Zealand and the US have a close relationship. This visit is an opportunity to build and expand that relationship in both defence and science,” Dr Mapp said today.

A more efficient immigration system and enhanced border security are two of the key benefits of the new Immigration Act which comes into effect tomorrow, says Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman.

‘’The Immigration Act 2009 significantly modernises New Zealand’s immigration laws and provides us with a robust framework for the future.

Thank you for the invitation to speak this morning.

To acknowledge:

Acknowledgements

• Blair Cranston, President, Registered Master Builders Federation
• WarwickQuinn, Chief Executive, Registered Master Builders Federation
• All the companies who have sponsored awards, and all those who are here tonight to receive them.

Introduction

I am delighted to celebrate with you the 20^th successful year of the Registered Master Builders House of the Year and Commercial Project Awards.

Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced in Dunedin a new initiative to recycle used antifreeze thanks to a Government grant of $180,000 from the Waste Minimisation Fund.

“This recycling initiative is about preventing used antifreeze ending up in our water ways causing environmental harm as well as sensible recycling so as to save natural resources,” Dr Smith said.

Youth Affairs Minister Paula Bennett is challenging councils to reach out to local young people through the Youth Development Partnership Fund.

"I also want to encourage young people to step out of their shells, look beyond  Facebook and TV and take part in their communities," says Ms Bennett.

The Youth Development Partnership Fund finances councils to develop education, training and employment projects with input from local youth.

ACC is prepared to do all it can to assist the families of the 29 Pike River Mine workers, ACC Minister Nick Smith says. 

"The tragedy at Pike River Mine is expected to be the biggest claim for a workplace accident in the history of the ACC scheme," Dr Smith said. "A tragedy of this sort is exactly why we have a comprehensive no-fault accident compensation scheme and why New Zealanders make a contribution towards it. No one should have to go through drawn-out litigation for entitlements after such a traumatic event. 

This morning marks a significant step forward in New Zealand’s medical and research infrastructure. This new 3T Skyra MRI scanner is the most advanced machine of its type in Australasia. 

The capabilities provided by this machine will have very real benefits for our people. Babies throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific that are born with significant heart defects will be scanned by this machine. Adult heart patients will also benefit. The information it will provide is a quantum step up on what has been achievable before.

Courts Minister Georgina te Heuheu and Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman today welcomed the swearing in of 16 members of the new Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) in Auckland.

The IPT commences work on Monday, 29 November and will decide all immigration, deportation, refugee and protection appeals in New Zealand.

Established under the Immigration Act 2009, the IPT replaces the current immigration-related appeal bodies and creates a single, ‘one-stop-shop' tribunal to consider all grounds for appeal in one place.

Prime Minister John Key has announced the date for a national memorial service for the 29 men who lost their lives in the Pike River Mine.

After discussion with the Grey District Council, it has been agreed the Pike River Official Remembrance Service will be held in Greymouth next Thursday, 2 December.

"This is a chance for New Zealanders to gather together to remember and mourn the men who tragically lost their lives in one of the nation's worst disasters," says Mr Key.

The service will be at the Omoto Racecourse at a time yet to be confirmed.

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.