Search

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith has welcomed today’s publication of new research on the economic benefits of international education for regions across New Zealand.

The eight regional economic impact reports detail living costs, tuition fees, average spend per student, the number of jobs supported and economic value for Northland, Bay of Plenty (including Tauranga, the Western Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua), Taranaki, Manawatu-Whanganui, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson-Marlborough-Tasman, Otago (including Dunedin and Queenstown) and Southland.

The Better Public Service (BPS) goals of growing the number of children in Early Childhood Education, increasing the proportion of 18 year olds with NCEA Level 2 or equivalent, and increasing graduates of Level 4 or tertiary equivalents have all shown fantastic progress, say Education Minister Hekia Parata and Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith.

The University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington have been successful in their bids to host new Centres of Asia-Pacific Excellence (CAPEs), Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced today at an event at Victoria University.

The CAPEs will be cross-institutional centres of excellence specialising in the language, culture, politics and economics of countries or groups of countries within the Asia-Pacific region.

Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith today announced three new appointments, as well as two reappointments, to the Science Board.

New members Dr David Wratt, Dr Jill Vintiner and Professor Aidan Byrne have been appointed to the Board for terms of three years. Dr Charlotte Severne and Professor Adam Jaffe were also reappointed for further terms of 3 years and 18 months respectively.

The Science Board is responsible for the allocation of funding used predominantly by research organisations for science, technology, research, and related activities.

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith today announced $2 million funding for a wood-processing facility which uses automation and robotics to turn low-value pine trees into high-value wood products.

This is just one of the local initiatives announced at the release of the Tairāwhiti Economic Action Plan in Gisborne.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Education Minister Louise Upston have today announced the release of a new online resource designed to help young people enter the workforce.

The Employability Skills Framework clearly sets out the key behaviours, attitudes and personal qualities employers say are essential for getting and keeping a job.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith has today announced the release of the 2017 Occupation Outlook app and webpage to help young job seekers and students make important study and career decisions.

“The improved Occupation Outlook provides an easy-to-use overview of job demand, likely income levels, and training requirements for different career pathways,” Mr Goldsmith says.

Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith has welcomed the signing of a ground breaking bilateral international science agreement between New Zealand and Australia at the Leaders’ meetings in Queenstown today.

The Australia – New Zealand Science, Research and Innovation Cooperation Agreement is a commitment to valuable collaboration across the innovation and science systems, and between researchers and innovative companies, on both sides of the Tasman.

Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith has today announced $2 million of funding for 41 projects from the 2017 Unlocking Curious Minds contestable fund.

“The Unlocking Curious Minds fund particularly focuses on projects that engage young New Zealanders who have fewer opportunities to be involved with science and technology.

“It’s about giving young Kiwis more choices. Taking part in science and technology keeps more career options open to young people,” says Mr Goldsmith.

Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith has today welcomed the launch of the Waikato IT cluster, as another example of how regional and industry-led initiatives can drive economic opportunities.

The CultivateIT cluster, which already boasts around 50 members, is being officially launched at Waikato Innovation Park as part of the Waikato Tech Showcase this week.

“The CultivateIT cluster strengthens Waikato’s reputation as a strong destination for digital technology,” says Mr Goldsmith.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith today announced the recipients of more than $5.7 million of funding to improve the management of long-term health conditions.

The contestable funding was awarded to three successful projects, all relating to the prevention and management of diabetes.

“Diabetes affects around six per cent of New Zealanders and their families,” says Dr Coleman.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister, Paul Goldsmith, has today introduced the Education (Tertiary Education and Other Matters) Amendment Bill to Parliament.

The Bill is designed to update legislation that affects the everyday running of tertiary education organisations.

“This Bill will allow for more flexibility in the tertiary funding framework, and improve accountability in return,” Mr Goldsmith says. 

Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith has today announced the reappointment of Claire Robinson, Brett Hewlett, and Suse Reynolds to the Callaghan Innovation Stakeholder Advisory Group.

“The reappointment of Ms Robinson, Mr Hewlett, and Ms Reynolds recognises the valuable skills and insights they all contribute to the advisory group, as well as their work to ensure that Callaghan is connected and engaged with its stakeholders,” says Mr Goldsmith.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith has welcomed the record number of New Zealanders now in employment, which has reached 2.5 million for the first time.

The latest Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS) shows a 0.8 per cent increase in employment over the past three months, equating to 19,000 additional people now in employment.

Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith and Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell have today opened a fifth round of the Te Pūnaha Hihiko - Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund in which up to $4 million is available for successful projects.

“We are seeking proposals that strengthen connections between Māori and the science and innovation system. This fund will continue to foster a greater understanding of how science and technology can contribute to the aspirations of Māori organisations, for the benefit of New Zealand,” says Mr Goldsmith.

Education Minister Hekia Parata and Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith have congratulated the 17 New Zealanders who have received New Year Honours for services to education.

“There are passionate and committed people working hard every day to help ensure that young New Zealanders get a world-class education and it’s great to see some of the very best being honoured,” says Ms Parata.

Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee and Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith today announced initial funding of up to $3 million to develop and enhance GeoNet’s natural hazards monitoring capability and response service.

The funding will support GeoNet - New Zealand’s official geological hazard information service - to further develop New Zealand’s hazards monitoring tools.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith has today named the first students to receive a Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Latin America (PMSLA).

Thirty seven top students from across New Zealand have been chosen for the first round of 2016/17 scholarships, with a total value of $250,000.

“The new scholarships aim to introduce more young New Zealanders to Latin American countries and cultures, as well as build connections that will benefit New Zealand into the future.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith has today announced the latest round of successful recipients of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (PMSA).

A total of 156 New Zealand students have been selected to study, carry out internships or conduct research at top institutions throughout Asia as part of the first 2016/17 scholarship round. Successful applications came from universities, institutes of technology and polytechnics, and private training establishments.

A report canvassing views from New Zealand’s vibrant creative sector, and the role copyright and registered designs has in their work, has been released today by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith.

“Our creative sector spans a range of industries and organisations and face a myriad of challenges as well as opportunities in the digital environment. This is the context in which copyright operates.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced all KiwiSaver annual statements will have to disclose total fees paid in dollar terms from 2018.

“Fund fees can have a considerable impact on an investor’s total retirement savings. Kiwis should have easy access to an accurate statement of the fees they are paying.

“Some providers have indicated they need to make IT system changes and will not be able to provide a dollar figure for fees by next year. The regulations will include a one-year transitional option for these providers.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced an appointment to the New Zealand Standards Approval Board, an independent statutory body which approves standards developed by committees of industry experts.

Building company owner Richard Merrifield has been appointed as the seventh member of the Board.

“I am pleased to announce Mr Merrifield’s appointment to the Board,” says Mr Goldsmith.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith today welcomed the KiwiSaver findings of the Retirement Commissioner’s three-yearly review of retirement income policies.

“I have received the KiwiSaver recommendations made by the Commissioner and will give them considerable thought.

Know your consumer rights this holiday season reminds Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith.

The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has launched the Twelve Consumer Tips for Christmas campaign today.

“As we make our shopping lists, and check them twice, the campaign is a timely reminder of how to shop smart this festive season.

“MBIE’s Consumer Protection and Trading Standards teams have a sleigh full of tips to ensure you have a safe and hassle-free holiday period,” says Mr Goldsmith.