Displaying 409 - 420 of 420 results.

The Resource Management Act needs to explicitly recognise the importance of New Zealanders’ access to more affordable housing if the downward trend in home ownership over the past 20 years is to be reversed, Building and Housing, and Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith said today at the Property Council New Zealand’s Residential Development Summit in Auckland.

  • Nick Smith
  • Environment
  • Building and Housing

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman welcomes Northland’s decision to fund free doctors’ visits and prescriptions for under 13s.

“The Government is investing $90 million over three years from 1 July 2015 so all children aged under 13 years can receive free doctors’ visits and prescriptions,” says Dr Coleman.

“Northland’s two Primary Health Organisations (PHO), Manaia Health and Te Tai Tokerau, and Northland DHB have joined together to fund the early roll out of this initiative, which is expected to cost around $450,000.

  • Jonathan Coleman
  • Health

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has today extended his deepest sympathies to the family of Mark Ford. 

“Mark was an exceptional New Zealander who was only too willing to use his considerable talents, both organisationally and personally, in contributing to projects of national significance.

“Following his very successful work leading the amalgamation of the Auckland councils he was a logical choice to chair the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT).

  • Gerry Brownlee
  • Canterbury Earthquake Recovery

Cabinet today approved the Terms of Reference for a review of settings in relation to foreign terrorist fighters, says Prime Minister John Key.

“Foreign fighters taking part in, or returning from any sort of conflict zone are a concern for many countries,” says Mr Key.

“Our intelligence agencies are aware of the risk and are focused on addressing it.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister
  • National Security and Intelligence

Minister for Pacific Peoples, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is encouraging New Zealanders to celebrate and participate in this week’s Niuean Language Week.

The theme this year is Fakaako, Fakaaoga, Fakamau ki a Mauokafua e Vagahau Niue: Learn, Use, Retain, Maintain our Language Vagahau Niue.

“This week is about finding opportunities to maintain and grow the recognition, learning and use of the Niuean language in our homes, work places and communities,” Mr Lotu-liga says.

  • Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
  • Pacific Peoples

Money Week offers a great opportunity for Kiwis to improve their financial knowledge, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith.

“Improving financial knowledge is a key focus this week. It is important that we all think about our personal finances so we can make good decisions in the short and long term,” Mr Goldsmith says.

Money Week is a nationwide week of events which runs between13 to 19 October and is organised by the Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income.

  • Paul Goldsmith
  • Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says health and border authorities are well prepared to detect and respond to any potential cases of Ebola.

“We are treating the situation very seriously. While the risk to New Zealand remains low, we cannot guarantee that we won’t get a case here,” says Dr Coleman.

  • Jonathan Coleman
  • Health

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman is encouraging people to have a conversation today about organ donation.

“Today is Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Day and I hope people will support Organ Donation New Zealand’s campaign by having a discussion with family about their wishes around organ donation,” says Dr Coleman.

  • Jonathan Coleman
  • Health

Veterans' Affairs Minister Craig Foss today announced the winner of the 2014 Battle of Passchendaele Multi-Media Competition as 17-year-old Siobhan Lenehan from Carmel College in Auckland.

Sara Stern from Middleton Grange School in Christchurch and Micaela Meder from Pakuranga College in Auckland were named equal runners-up.

The competition was launched in 2011 to ensure New Zealand’s sacrifice on the Western Front is not forgotten.

  • Craig Foss
  • Veterans’ Affairs

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman is getting out of the Beehive to meet the health sector, starting with Southern District Health Board tomorrow.

“I will be visiting all 20 District Health Boards over the next few months to engage with doctors, nurses and management. As a doctor I know the value of clinicians in helping to drive progress in the health system,” says Dr Coleman.

  • Jonathan Coleman
  • Health

Applications for the 2014 Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards open today, offering the chance to highlight the success of young Pacific peoples in New Zealand.

The program is now in its sixth year and recognises the achievements and potential of our future Pacific leaders.

“Our Government recognises that the Pacific community is one of the largest and youngest populations in New Zealand.  Ensuring that our young people thrive is crucial for the entire economic and cultural outlook of New Zealand.

  • Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
  • Pacific Peoples

Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully travels to New York today ahead of the United Nations Security Council elections.

“On 16 October New Zealand will vie with Spain and Turkey for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council,” Mr McCully says.

“The final days of our campaign are crucial and we will work hard right up to the vote to convince the international community that New Zealand deserves a place on the Council.

  • Murray McCully
  • Foreign Affairs