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New Zealand’s new Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran is Hamish MacMaster, Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee announced today.

The Government has today outlined new measures to promote a more competitive economy, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Jacqui Dean says.

The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) has become the fifteenth and largest industry sector to join the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) biosecurity partnership, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

The Government is providing warm and safe housing for those New Zealanders who need a helping hand, says Social Housing Minister Amy Adams.

“We’re committed to helping vulnerable New Zealanders who need help with housing. That's why we spend over $6 million each day helping 310,000 New Zealanders with their housing and accommodation costs,” says Ms Adams.

The Māia video series released today brings the employability skills framework to life for rangatahi Māori, says Associate Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Louise Upston.

“By 2030, approximately 30% of our students – and therefore our future workforce – will be Māori and will make up a significant proportion of the country’s working-age population by 2040.

The Māia video series, produced by the Tertiary Education Commission provide real examples and a positive connection between employers, employees, and young Māori.

The Government has today announced details of the $100 million social investment fund for mental health, says Social Investment Minister Amy Adams and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.

The $100 million fund will be invested in a package of 17 new initiatives aimed at helping New Zealanders suffering from mental health issues, as well as focusing on improving services and earlier intervention.

Rail Safety Week begins today, and Associate Transport Minister Tim Macindoe is encouraging everyone to stay alert around railway tracks and trains.

“Last year, there were 101 near-misses between pedestrians and trains at level crossings and railway stations, and there have already been 58 near-misses this year,” Mr Macindoe says.

“Rail Safety Week raises awareness about rail safety, and encourages safe and sensible behaviour around trains and tracks.

Donovan Primary in Invercargill will receive funding to build two new classrooms as part of a second tranche of roll growth funding, Associate Education Minister Tim Macindoe has announced.

Invercargill MP Sarah Dowie represented Mr Macindoe at Donovan Primary today, welcoming the support for a school that has experienced continued roll growth since 2005.

Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins today announced funding for 15 projects to increase charging facilities for electric vehicles and switch more trucks, buses and vans to electric power.

The projects are the latest to be funded under the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

Ms Collins announced projects that were conditionally approved under the second round of the fund to receive $3 million. 

A free and independent advisory service to assist North Canterbury residents with quake-related insurance claims is being extended, Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration Nicky Wagner and Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith say.

The announcement follows the success of a pilot programme — set up in April — to help manage claims relating to the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on 14 November 2016.

A project which redesigns and streamlines food safety requirements under the Animal Products Act 1999 is underway, Minister for Food Safety David Bennett says.

The flexibility and location of the new Christchurch Convention Centre will be the key to its success, Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration Nicky Wagner says.

The Greater Christchurch Dashboard — Convention Centre looks at the specifications, capacity and benefits of the facility.

“The convention centre will be a world-class boutique venue right in the heart of the city,” Ms Wagner says.

Conservation Minister Maggie Barry says Maungauika/North Head on Auckland’s North Shore Devonport Peninsula is to become predator free, a first step towards a predator free Auckland.

Making the announcement today at the historic DOC managed reserve, Ms Barry says the initial target is rats.

The Government’s planned investment in Defence over the next 15 years represents a huge opportunity for New Zealand companies, says Defence Minister Mark Mitchell.

Mr Mitchell told Defence industry representatives last night that the country needs a Defence Force that is equipped and supported to respond to a rapidly changing strategic environment.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has released a joint report by the Government and Auckland Council, which updates work undertaken as part of the Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) to understand the required level of transport investment needed in Auckland over the next decade.

“ATAP is the strategic plan for Auckland’s transport infrastructure investment, policies and services to be delivered over the next three decades.

Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell has praised Rotorua for leading the way in becoming the first bilingual city in New Zealand.

Mr Flavell was in the city today to unveil a plaque to mark the occasion, celebrate the bilingual initiatives throughout the city and launch the #kōrero pin to make it easier for those interested in te reo Māori to converse with each other.

Auckland’s historic St James Theatre is receiving $1.5 million in government backing from the Heritage EQUIP fund for privately-owned, earthquake prone buildings.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry says the money for seismic strengthening work will help secure this special building as a theatre venue for many years to come.

Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Peter Dunne has today announced moves to improve transparency about the number of people gaining New Zealand Citizenship through exceptional circumstances.

The Department of Internal Affairs will be publishing six-monthly figures showing the number of grants made under the exceptional circumstances contained in section 9(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act 1977.

These figures are available from today.

Rototuna Primary School in Hamilton will receive three new classrooms that will cost around $1.5 million, Associate Education Minister Tim Macindoe announced today.

Mr Macindoe visited Rototuna Primary School today to share the news with the school.

“Today’s announcement builds on the $2.5 million that I announced earlier this year for roll growth classrooms in the Waikato, as well as the $34.6 million invested through Budget 2016 for education infrastructure in the Waikato region.”

The Tai Tokerau Northland International Education Strategy, launched today in Waitangi, will help Northland take advantage of the opportunities provided by export education, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Paul Goldsmith says.

“There is real potential for international education to bring a range of benefits to Northland,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“Many international students value the opportunity to experience tikanga Māori and te reo in an authentic setting. Northland delivers a uniquely New Zealand experience.”

Thousands of workers are returning to central Christchurch under a government programme designed to reactivate the city centre, Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration Nicky Wagner says. 

The Christchurch Integrated Government Accommodation programme (CIGA) was officially completed yesterday with the opening of the Pita Te Hori Centre (formerly the King Edward Barracks site).

Homecare Medical has been awarded the contract to develop and operate the 24/7 national helpline for New Zealanders affected by sexual violence, say Justice Minister Amy Adams and Social Development Minister Anne Tolley.

“The Government is focused on developing a more sustainable and integrated national system to ensure victims of sexual violence get the support and services they need at the right time,” says Ms Adams.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a programme designed to improve recovery after hip and knee surgery is helping patients get home faster.

“Each year over 11,000 hip and knee operations are carried out in our hospitals, 30 per cent more compared to nine years ago,” says Dr Coleman.

“As well as increasing the number of surgeries we carry out, we’re also continually looking at ways to further improve patient care during and after their operation.

Improvements to the intersection of State Highway 14 and Hospital Road in Whangarei are making it easier and safer for the growing number of people moving through the area, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

The improvements have involved the NZ Transport Agency, Northland DHB and Whangarei District Council working together to make it easier for hospital staff, patients and visitors to access and leave the hospital.