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Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner says the release of the Government response to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities reaffirms New Zealand’s position as a world leader on disability issues.

As part of the Government response, Ms Wagner also announced the formation of a new interagency Disability Data and Evidence Working Group.

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says meetings with U.S.

Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner says the Conference of States Parties was an opportunity to exchange ideas with other countries and support the campaign for Robert Martin, New Zealand’s candidate to the Committee for the Rights of Persons with D

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

I am delighted to be attending my first Conference of States Parties in my role as Minister for Disability Issues. This is a role which allows me to advocate for persons with disabilities at the highest levels of Government.

The New Zealand Government warmly welcomes the appointment of Ms Catalina Devandas Aguilar as Special Rapporteur on Disability. We believe her wide and long standing experience working for the rights of persons with disabilities will serve her well in this important role.

Disability Issues Minister and Customs Minister Nicky Wagner will travel tomorrow to the United States to attend the Conference of States Parties (COSP) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. COSP is the annual meeting for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD).

“New Zealand is considered a world leader in disability issues. The Conference of States Parties is the pre-eminent annual disability-related event, and is an opportunity to promote New Zealand’s achievements and discuss ideas on the world stage,” Ms Wagner says.

Associate Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Nicky Wagner says people want to see Victoria Square preserved as a green, tranquil space that recognises its history.

The community participation process on the future of Victoria Square is underway, and almost 2200 survey responses were received from the public in the first round of feedback. This information has now been collated and the summary of feedback has been released.

“I’m delighted at how many people took the time to have their say on this important civic asset,” Ms Wagner says.

Extra Budget funding will help exporters take full advantage of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and avoid the risk of costly delays at overseas borders, Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says.

Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner today announced the appointment of the 10 founding members of the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Board.

“The establishment of the New Zealand Sign Language Board is an opportunity to promote and maintain one of our three official languages,” Ms Wagner says.

“I am looking forward to working with the Board’s founding members to help improve the lives of New Zealand Sign Language users.

The New Zealand Sign Language Board members are:

Christchurch youth councils will be creating fun and exciting events this winter as a result of a funding boost from the 2014 Winter Chill programme, Associate Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Nicky Wagner says.

“Winter Chill was a huge success with young people creating over sixty diverse and imaginative events which were attended by thousands across the city. I’m pleased that we can celebrate youth week by ensuring that youth-focused events will continue in the city this winter,” Ms Wagner says.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Customs Minister Nicky Wagner today welcomed law changes to help protect New Zealand at the border.

Budget 2015 invests an extra $4.7 million of operating funding over four years to fund extra officers to screen departing international passengers for security threats such as terrorism and drugs, Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says.

This initiative is part of a range of measures in Budget 2015 to improve security at the border, involving Immigration, Customs and Biosecurity.

Disabled students with high needs will receive more support to transition from school to adult life, Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner says.

Budget 2015 delivers an additional $16.3 million over the next four years for participation and inclusion services for students with disabilities leaving school and entering the Very High Needs Scheme.

“The extra support will make a difference to the quality of life for around 300 young people facing significant challenges,” Ms Wagner says.

A new border clearance levy will help the Government to protect New Zealand from imported pests, diseases, illegal drugs and contraband and bring us in line with border approaches by other countries, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Customs Mi

The Government is welcoming NZ on Air’s decision to allocate a further $400,000 for increased TV caption and audio services.

NZ On Air will provide the additional funding to Able, a charitable trust which will deliver an increase in captioned and audio described content.

Broadcasting Minister Amy Adams says the funding will mean a greater number of programmes on free-to-air television will be accessible to the hearing and vision impaired.  

Associate Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Nicky Wagner says the Community in Mind Shared Programme of Action, being launched today, will ensure the remarkable resilience of Canterbury communities continues.

“Recovery from natural disasters is not just about bricks and mortar. We know from international experience that people need support over time to recover their health and wellbeing,” Ms Wagner says.

A design called The Memorial Wall will make for a beautiful and fitting Canterbury Earthquake Memorial, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says.

The design, by Slovenian architect Grega Vezjak, has been chosen from the short-list of six designs to be built on the stretch of the Otākaro/Avon River between Montreal Street and Rhododendron Island.

Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner encourages people from all walks of life to celebrate, communicate and connect with New Zealand’s Deaf Community during the upcoming New Zealand Sign Language Week.

“New Zealand Sign Language Week is a chance to celebrate one of our three official languages, and one that is used by over 20,000 New Zealanders every day,” Ms Wagner says.

Associate Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Nicky Wagner welcomes the public feedback received on Victoria Square and says the community’s ideas will help shape the future of the popular public space.

“More than 2100 people have shared their thoughts and ideas in writing on what they want to see for Victoria Square. The Square is well loved and many people have great memories, we want to ensure these memories can continue,” Ms Wagner says.

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner today congratulated Customs’ newest detector dog team, black Labrador Flame, and Customs Officer Andrew, after they graduated at the Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham.

Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner today announced that applications are being sought for grants from the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Fund.

“New Zealand Sign Language is incredibly valuable for the more than 20,000 New Zealanders who use it to communicate with their loved ones,” Ms Wagner says.

“These include the deaf community, non-verbal people and their families and friends.

“The NZSL Fund has been established to support projects that enable the Deaf community and NZSL users to promote and maintain the Language.

Associate Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Nicky Wagner says the continued funding of the Residential Advisory Service (RAS) means more Cantabrians will be able to access free, impartial advice on getting their home repaired or rebuilt.

RAS, funded by the Earthquake Commission, members of the Insurance Council of New Zealand and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, has received an additional $1.2 million to keep the service running for another year.

Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner says the return of two illicitly taken native jewelled geckos to New Zealand shores sends a clear message that wildlife crime will not be tolerated.

Data released today about the use of Ministry of Health-funded disability support services will help ensure that disabled New Zealanders are receiving the best services, says Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

The demographic data, which has been made publically available for the first time, gives detailed information about the age, ethnicity, marital status, accommodation, deprivation levels and disability types of people using ministry-funded disability support services.

The data will put disabled people at the centre of decision-making, Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Police Minister Michael Woodhouse and Customs Minister Nicky Wagner today congratulated agencies for the latest successful drug-related operation targeting the production and supply of methamphetamine in Auckland.

Operation Wand and Operation Sorrento recovered 123 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of over $120 million in the Auckland region in late March. Nine individuals have been arrested and charged.