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Successful applicants from the New Zealand ballot for Gallipoli 2015 have three weeks left to accept their place at next year’s centenary Anzac Day commemorations, says Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse.

“The last day to confirm attendance on the Gallipoli Peninsula is Saturday 25 October 2014. Travel booking details must also be provided by this time, so it is important that successful applicants get their plans in place if they haven’t already,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse has announced a 10-week window will apply to the Trans-Tasman visa agreement for the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

“From 26 January to 5 April 2015, cricket fans and other visitors to Australia and New Zealand will only need to apply for one visa under a new Trans-Tasman Visa Arrangement,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has announced plans to select 25 Youth Ambassadors to attend 2015 Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli.

“The 1915 Gallipoli campaign holds an important place in New Zealand’s history. Gallipoli 2015 is central to New Zealand’s First World War centenary programme,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“Our Youth Ambassadors will be important in carrying the traditions of Anzac Day commemorations forward. They will be encouraged to tell the Gallipoli story in their own voices, from their unique perspectives.

Land Information Minister Michael Woodhouse today announced the reappointment of Phillip Curnow and Ken Taylor to the Valuers Registration Board (VRB) for a further three-year term.

The VRB is an independent statutory body – administered by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) – that oversees the registration of valuers and investigates complaints.

“Both Mr Curnow and Mr Taylor were first appointed to the VRB in 2007 and reappointed in 2011,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Rail Safety Week is a reminder for all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to stay alert around level crossings, says Associate Transport Minister Michael Woodhouse at today’s Rail Safety Week launch.

“A near miss can also be seen as a near hit. It’s just not worth taking the risk around level crossings, which is why this year’s focus for Rail Safety Week is on level crossings,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“There are more than 1300 level crossings in New Zealand, and on average, there is a near miss every three days.”

A national service will be held at the New Zealand Memorial on Chunuk Bair, Gallipoli on 8 August 2015 to commemorate the centenary of the historic Anzac battle, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has announced.

“On the 99th anniversary of this battle, I am pleased to confirm a national service will be held on the Gallipoli peninsula next year for the centenary.

Novice drivers and motorcycle riders will be encouraged to progress to the next licence stage within five years, with the introduction of a time limit on new learner and restricted licences, says Associate Transport Minister Michael Woodhouse.

Under changes to the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule, drivers or riders who don’t move on to the next stage of the Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS) within five years will need to pass another theory test to renew an expired learner or restricted licence.

A Bill to improve support provided to veterans has unanimously passed its third reading in Parliament, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse says.

“The Veterans’ Support Bill will enable the Government to better meet the needs of both older veterans and those of modern-day deployments,’’ Mr Woodhouse says.

The Bill is central to the $60 million package announced by the Government in response to the 2010 Law Commission review of the War Pensions Act 1954.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett and Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse have announced plans for a new programme aimed at getting more Kiwis into seasonal work, alongside an increase to the annual RSE cap.

Mr Woodhouse says the need to raise the cap on Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers from 8000 to 9000 demonstrates the success of the RSE scheme.

Associate Transport Minister Michael Woodhouse has today announced the timetable for the introduction of mandatory electronic stability control (ESC) for cars imported to New Zealand.

Mr Woodhouse has signed a new Land Transport Rule that will phase in mandatory ESC for all new and used light passenger and goods vehicles entering the New Zealand fleet.

“ESC has been described by the New Zealand Automobile Association and many road safety experts as the most significant advance in vehicle safety since the seatbelt,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Land Information Minister Michael Woodhouse today released the 2014 Report on Agency Adoption of the Declaration on Open and Transparent Government.

The Declaration requires public sector agencies to release their high value public data for reuse by third parties.

“The Report shows that government agencies are increasingly releasing public non-personal data in open formats for reuse,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Proposed changes to the regulation scheme for valuers will better position it to meet current demands, Land Information Minister Michael Woodhouse said today.

The proposals are detailed in the ‘Review of the Occupational Regulation of Valuers’ discussion document released today by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).

“The current occupational regulation scheme for valuers was established by the Valuers Act 1948, making it one of the oldest schemes in the country,” Mr Woodhouse says.

The travel concession mileage rate paid to eligible veterans will increase by 20 per cent from today, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse says.

“It is important that the mileage rate is reviewed from time to time to ensure that it remains relevant to changes in the cost of travel in private motor vehicles,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“I have recently considered the rate at which the travel concession mileage rate is currently paid and have determined that the rate should be increased.’’

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse today announced a $150,000 grant to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA).

“I am very pleased to confirm this extra support for the RSA. As we reflect on the passing of 100 years since World War One, it’s great that we can provide some assistance to help those supporting veterans in our community,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse today announced that nationals of Macao Special Administrative Region of China (Macao) will no longer need a visitor visa to travel to New Zealand for a short visit.

“The visa waiver will make it easier for Macao nationals to come to New Zealand, which will create opportunities for business, cultural and social exchanges,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“This agreement recognises the growing engagement between New Zealand and Macao.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse has marked World Refugee Day and paid tribute to the agencies and individuals that work all year round to help support the resettlement of refugees.

“World Refugee Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to act to address the terrible suffering of 33 million people now displaced worldwide,” says Mr Woodhouse.

International student numbers in New Zealand look set to grow again following the worst effects of the global financial crisis and the Christchurch earthquakes, Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce and Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse say.

The International Education Snapshot: 2013 full year report, released today, provides a snapshot of the trends in New Zealand’s international education industry for the 2013 academic year.

I’d like to start by thanking the hosts of this conference – the Salvation Army, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, and the New Zealand Police – for inviting me to open the two day Prevent People Trafficking Conference. 

Associate Transport Minister Michael Woodhouse is reminding road users to take care and drive to the conditions over Queen’s Birthday weekend.

“As we come into the winter months, driving conditions can get more challenging. I encourage all those travelling this weekend to slow down and avoid distractions so that everyone makes it to their destination safely,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Budget 2014 provides $300,000 to accelerate the Open Government Data and Information Programme over the next two years, Land Information Minister Michael Woodhouse says.

The programme, which is led by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), is Action 13 of the government’s ICT Strategy and Action Plan.

“The funding will see LINZ accelerate work with public-sector agencies to focus their efforts on supplying and releasing public data that people want to reuse,’’ Mr Woodhouse says.

The Government will invest an extra $5.6 million in operating spending over the next four years to help newly arrived quota refugees during their first 12 months in New Zealand, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse says.

All quota refugees spend their first six weeks at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre, before being resettled in five regions throughout New Zealand: Auckland, Waikato, Manawatu, Wellington and Nelson.

The Government is spending more than $7 million over the next four years to boost the number of labour inspectors and immigration officers dealing with the Canterbury rebuild.

The money will be used to fund an additional six labour inspectors and seven immigration staff, including three compliance officers and two investigators, and will result in an extra 20 investigations of serious or high-profile cases over an initial 18-month period.

It will also deliver an employment standards audit programme for businesses associated with rebuild activity.

Associate Transport Minister Michael Woodhouse is reminding drivers to keep focused while behind the wheel this Road Safety Week.

“The road is a complex environment and requires our full concentration. When we’re out on the road, it’s very easy to be distracted by a phone, music, or even other people. It’s important to remember that a moment’s inattention can have serious consequences,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has today introduced an amendment to extend eligibility for the Veteran’s Pension to all veterans over the age of 65.

“Discussions with Hon Peter Dunne and an approach from the RNZRSA accorded with my own thinking about how we could further improve the Veterans’ Support Bill to better recognise the service of veterans,’’ Mr Woodhouse says.