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Energy and Resources Minister Phil Heatley and Environment Minister Amy Adams have welcomed the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s interim report on her investigation into hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

The interim report finds that the environmental risks associated with fracking can be effectively managed, providing that the best operational practices are implemented and enforced through regulation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced the appointment of career diplomat Mark Talbot as High Commissioner to Tonga.

“Tonga is New Zealand’s closest independent neighbour and we work closely on a number of key matters, especially in relation to the Pacific Islands Forum,” Mr McCully says.

“Mr Talbot’s trade negotiations skills and experience supporting two successful Pacific Islands Forums will prove invaluable.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today named New Zealand’s next High Commissioner to Samoa as career diplomat Jackie Frizelle.

“New Zealand and Samoa have a strong and unique relationship – one that was cemented 50 years ago with the Treaty of Friendship,” Mr McCully says.

“Ms Frizelle has extensive experience in the Pacific and will bring an impressive mix of strategic and practical skills to her new role.”

Justice Minister Judith Collins has today introduced legislation to Parliament to modernise the family justice system and make it more accessible to those who need it most.

Ms Collins says the Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill is the first important step to creating a modern and accessible family justice system that is more focused on the needs of children and vulnerable people.

“It is important to concentrate on putting the needs of children first, and our reforms will support parents to resolve their simple parenting and relationship issues outside court.

Justice Minister Judith Collins today tabled in Parliament the Law Commission’s report Review of the Judicature Act 1908: Towards a New Courts Act.

The Judicature Act forms part of New Zealand’s constitution and is one of the oldest pieces of legislation on our statute books. It provides much of the legislative foundation for the higher courts of New Zealand, including the Court of Appeal.

“We are focussed on creating a modern, accessible and people-centred justice system.

Cabinet has approved further changes to the Crown Minerals (Permitting and Crown Land) Bill currently before the Commerce Committee, Energy and Resources Minister Phil Heatley says.

A Supplementary Order Paper recommends changes to current legislation to strengthen the Bill in light of the report of the Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal Mine Tragedy.

The Royal Commission’s report endorses the proposals being progressed through the current review of the Crown Minerals Regime and reflected in the Bill being considered by the Commerce Committee.

Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today – it’s great to here.

I’d like to start by acknowledging NetSafe NZ and the terrific work it does to promote confident, safe and responsible use of online technologies.

I’m sure you’ll agree that the way we use and interact online has changed markedly over the past 20, 10…even 5 years.

New regulations will ensure that health and safety is a priority in the growing petroleum exploration and extraction industry, Acting Minister of Labour Christopher Finlayson announced today.

New regulations are being introduced to strengthen management of oil wells over the whole life of the well, including managing hazards that could cause a major accident, and minimising the likelihood of an uncontrolled release of oil and gas. Operators will also be required to prepare and submit safety cases to the regulator for assessment before commencing any new operations.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has welcomed plans to re-open the Tongariro Northern Circuit and part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on Thursday.

The tracks to Emerald Lakes and Oturere Valley will also be opened on Thursday morning.

“Department of Conservation staff have worked hard since last week’s eruption at Mt Tongariro’s Te Maari crater to see what tracks can be opened and when,” Ms Wilkinson says.

Government agencies’ sustained crackdown on methamphetamine (‘P’) is continuing to stifle the spread of the drug among New Zealanders, Prime Minister John Key says.

“When I launched the Government’s plan to tackle P in 2009, this country had one of the highest proportion of P users in the world. At the time, I said this Government would confront the P problem using the full force of our arsenal.

Fledgling New Zealand businesses will be able to secure their company name, domain name and trade mark from one search with a new product launched today by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says.

ONECheck is an online search tool that delivers more efficient, user-friendly government online services to New Zealand businesses. Until now, people have had to search three different websites to check the availability of their new business name.

The latest national health target results, released today, show district health boards (DHBs) have made great progress on the new increased immunisation and shorter waits for cancer treatment targets.

“This is the first time chemotherapy wait times have been included in the cancer target,” says Health Minister Tony Ryall.

“All DHBs have achieved the new target with every patient receiving their radiotherapy and chemotherapy cancer treatment within the four week international gold standard.

The reopening of the National Library heralds a new era in connecting New Zealanders with the documentary heritage of their country, says Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain.

The National Library building on Molesworth Street was officially reopened by Prime Minister John Key early this morning.

“The National Library has undergone an amazing transformation. It’s a state of the art space which embraces technology – it’s an exciting and vibrant place to spend time in,” says Mr Tremain.

Expanding relationships with Māori and iwi youth service providers is an important tool in addressing Māori over-representation in youth crime, says Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows.

“Young Māori are significantly over-represented in youth offending statistics, with an apprehension rate of more than three times that of Pacific or New Zealand European young people,” says Mr Borrows.

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne today announced a Temporary Class Drug Notice banning a substance found in tested samples of the K2 synthetic cannabis product.

Prime Minister John Key says his thoughts are with the family and friends of Lady Diana Isaac, who died peacefully last night at home.

“Lady Diana’s contribution to Canterbury and New Zealand was truly remarkable. From her early philanthropic work with her late husband Neil, right up until the time of her death, she was an outstanding champion for Canterbury, the arts and conservation,” says Mr Key.

Good afternoon.

It's certainly a pleasure to be invited to speak here at the first NetHui South and I'd like to begin by acknowledging InternetNZ for organising this event, and for their on-going work in ensuring that key issues affecting the development of our digital future continue to be prominently and actively debated. 

It's definitely refreshing to see a gathering of this type in the South and focusing on rural and provincial New Zealand.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and Taupō MP Louise Upston will visit Turangi today to discuss the recent eruption of Mt Tongariro with the Department of Conservation and GNS Science.

The mountain erupted for the second time this year on Wednesday.

Ms Wilkinson and Mrs Upston will meet with Tuwharetoa paramount chief Sir Tumu te Heuheu and a small group of community leaders. They will be briefed by DOC and GNS officials on the current state of volcanic activity and possible future scenarios for Mt Tongariro’s Te Maari crater.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced New Zealand has formally lodged an intervention before the International Court of Justice in the case brought by Australia against Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean.

Intervention is a procedure that enables a non-party to the case to put its legal views before the court.

I am delighted to have been invited to address you on a sector that plays an increasingly significant role in our society and which is of particular importance to me.

 The success of the not for profit sector is something that I personally am deeply interested in, so when

I began to think about my remarks today I focused on two questions.

First, why exactly should the Government, through the tax system provide support for the not-for-profit sector? 

Defence Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman is holding talks today with the visiting United Kingdom Minister of State for the Armed Forces.

Dr Coleman and the Rt Hon Andrew Robathan are holding a bilateral meeting in Auckland.  Mr Robathan has been formally welcomed with a powhiri at the Devonport Navy Base.

"This is a useful opportunity to maintain the very good working relationship with the British Armed Forces," said Dr Coleman.

Up to 30 Korean War veterans will be funded to attend the 60th anniversary commemorations of the Korean War Armistice in July next year, Veterans Affairs Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

“This will be a chance for veterans to pay tribute to their fellow servicemen and women who served New Zealand in this conflict. It is an important way of honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“All expenses will be covered for those selected to attend the events in Korea, including medical care.

The Ohaaki Wetland is evidence of the success that can be achieved when groups work together towards a conservation goal, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

Established on 35 hectares of land beside the Waikato River, the Ohaaki Wetland was formally opened by Ms Wilkinson today.

“The wetlands will provide a unique marshland that will enhance biodiversity in the region by providing an ideal habitat for bird life, including rare or endangered species such as the White heron,” Ms Wilkinson says.

Good afternoon everyone, it is a pleasure to be here today.

Ohaaki Wetland is a great example of what can be achieved when a leading energy company like Contact - partners with trusts, government agencies and NGO’s – on a project that has so many environmental, recreational and other benefits.

Like most worthwhile projects – this has taken time to come to fruition. It’s been decades since the idea was first mooted but earthworks only began 2010 and took five months to complete.