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Fringe benefits will be made subject to a three-tier tax as the Government moves
to address a long-standing unfairness in the FBT regime, Revenue Minister
Michael Cullen announced today.

The government has decided to progress a series of initiatives designed to assist with the formation of new high technology companies. In particular, it will assist innovators to develop their ideas into marketable propositions capable of attracting start up capital.

Kindergarten teachers will be returned to the State Sector Act in a clause which is part of the Employment Relations Bill introduced to Parliament this week.

A new Bill clarifying the powers of the Controller and Auditor-General and making the position an office of Parliament will be introduced into Parliament tomorrow.

A new council of seven people is being set up to provide top-level strategic advice to the Government on science and innovation, Minister of Research, Science and Technology Pete Hodgson announced today.

The Minister for the Environment, Marian Hobbs, is looking for good examples of local environmental initiatives. She is seeking nominations for the annual Green Ribbon Awards.

Women's Affairs Minister Laila Harré is hosting the first in a series of regional forums profiling Maori women ready to participate in board membership roles.

The suggested "tourist tax" in Kaikoura is misguided and demonstrates a lack of understanding of the true benefits of tourism to local communities, the Minister of Tourism Mark Burton said today.

Address by Hon Mark Burton, Minister of Internal Affairs

Thank you for this opportunity to address you; to officially open your annual conference and of course to be able to officially launch the history of the Chartered Club movement.

Tena koutou katoa ¡V greetings to you all

Your worship Jeremy Dwyer, Mayor of Hastings, Frank Findlow, Operations Director Heinz Watties, friends ¡K

Associate Education Minister (Tertiary) Steve Maharey today called for greater public recognition and acknowledgment of vocational qualifications, including those gained through on-the-job education and training.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade today welcomed reports that the Russian Government has agreed to a visit to the Chechen region by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson.

"Every time we don't put our children in car seats – we are risking their lives," the Minister of Transport Mark Gosche said today.

He launched Plunket's Life Saver Car Seat campaign at the Pasifika Festival in Auckland this morning.

Kia orana, Ni sa Bula, Taloha ni, Malo e lelei, Faka’alofa lahi atu, Halo Olaketa, Ia orana.
Kia Ora, Greetings, Talofa Lava.

The retired Chief Justice Sir Thomas Eichelbaum has been asked to undertake a Ministerial Inquiry into Mr Peter Ellis's case, Justice Minister Phil Goff announced today.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff leaves on Sunday for a six-day visit to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands with a view to strengthening New Zealand’s relationships in the South Pacific.

Being Minister of Sport sounds like a bit of a dream job.

Can I start by thanking you Graham for the welcome and for the invitation come back and speak to you again.

I want to talk this morning about the Government's plans for regional development.

Can I start by thanking you Graham for the welcome and for the invitation come back and speak to you again.

I want to talk this morning about the Government's plans for regional development.

There is absolutely no excuse for substandard housing conditions to exist in New Zealand," the Minister of Housing Mark Gosche said today.

Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you so early in the life of this coalition government. I find it hard to believe that only three months have gone by since we were sworn in, as so much has already been done.

The Foreign Minister, Phil Goff, Finance Minister, Michael Cullen and Associate Foreign Minister, Matt Robson announced today that the Government would contribute $6.4 million to help reduce the debt of the world's poorest countries.

The Government is postponing a decision on whether the fishing industry can directly purchase fisheries research, Fisheries Minister Pete Hodgson said today.

The Ministry of Fisheries will review the monitoring system for managing
southern bluefin tuna, Minister of Fisheries Pete Hodgson said today.