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Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain announced today that the Department of Internal Affairs has signed a three year agreement with Microsoft which will reduce future licensing costs by up to $119 million.

The agreement, negotiated by the Department of Internal Affairs, will provide a range of products to government agencies on desktop and office productivity software like Windows and Office, and enterprise software like Windows Server, Exchange and SQL Server Database.

Minister for Disability Issues Hon Tariana Turia, and Internal Affairs Minister Hon Chris Tremain are encouraging marae to utilise an excellent resource for enhancing accessibility on the marae, Te Whakaāheitanga Marae Kua Wātea te Huarahi.

This marae accessibility toolkit was put together by people from CCS Disability Action Waikato, Community Waikato, Hauraki Maori Trust Board, and Waikato District Health Board.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says a computer infrastructure deal signed off by the Department of Internal Affairs will save taxpayers up to $250 million over the next ten years.

The Department of Internal Affairs today confirmed IBM as the third member of the Government Infrastructure as a Service supplier panel. IBM joins Datacom and Revera Ltd who were awarded contracts in October 2011.

Civil Defence Minister Chris Tremain says that an initial milestone has been reached today with over 100,000 people registered to participate in the first nationwide ShakeOut earthquake drill.

“The Canterbury earthquakes have shown us that we need to be prepared for major earthquakes, and practise how to protect ourselves when they happen,” says Mr Tremain.

“New Zealand ShakeOut is an important Civil Defence initiative and I’m pleased to see workplaces, schools and families are getting behind it.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain has applauded the work of the Department of Internal Affairs censorship team for its latest worldwide sting tracking offenders trading in images of child sexual abuse.

Associate Tourism Minister Chris Tremain will officially open the Hauraki Rail Trail today. This is the sixth great ride to be completed under Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail.

“The Hauraki Rail Trail is an incredibly unique Great Ride. It stretches for 77 kilometres, much of it along an old railway formation. It is almost completely flat, making it ideal for cyclists of all ages and abilities, especially families,” says Mr Tremain.

Rural public libraries to get UFB boost

Public access to broadband has received a big boost, with 183 rural public libraries included in the Rural Broadband Initiative, Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams and Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain have announced.

Ultra-fast broadband (UFB) will be available at libraries throughout the country, including in Winton, Waimate, Darfield, Hokitika, Te Kuiti, Opotiki and Ngaruawahia.

Ms Adams says having UFB available at rural libraries will make a big difference to local communities.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today released draft consumer credit legislation to better protect consumers from irresponsible lenders.

Over the next six weeks the Minister will visit community and industry groups around the country to discuss the draft Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill.

“The Government is getting tough on loan sharks and lenders who don’t play fair. Money lenders should not be able to prey on desperate people, leaving them and their families trapped in a spiral of debt,” says Mr Tremain.

Civil Defence Minister Chris Tremain today launched New Zealand ShakeOut, the biggest earthquake public education campaign ever staged in New Zealand.

“The ShakeOut campaign will last for six months, and will include radio and television advertisements, a social media campaign, and promotional activities around the country. This will culminate in a nationwide earthquake drill on 26 September,” says Mr Tremain.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says a new cross-agency group will help to raise awareness of scams so that people can protect themselves from being misled.

“Today marks the beginning of Fraud Awareness Week, so this is a timely occasion to highlight the importance of vigilance in the fight against scams,” says Mr Tremain.

“One in 10 New Zealanders approached by scammers will hand over money, with the average victim losing almost $5000.

Associate Transport Minister Chris Tremain is urging Kiwis to make sure they understand planned changes to two of the give way rules before they come into force on 25 March.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain opened a brand new weights, measures and product safety testing facility in Auckland today.

The new building and laboratory will support testing of petrol pumps, supermarket scales, and other measuring devices to ensure they are accurate. It will also be used to test whether products meet safety standards, and to help monitor fuel quality.

“The work done in this building will affect every single New Zealander,” says Mr Tremain.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain is pleased that the Consumer Law Reform Bill passed its first reading today.

“The Consumer Law Reform Bill is a vital update to New Zealand’s consumer laws and another step towards implementing the Government’s 120-point Economic Development Action Plan,” says Mr Tremain.

“The Fair Trading Act, Consumer Guarantees Act, and other consumer laws are relevant to everyone in daily life. These laws are sound, but have not been updated in over 20 years.

Mr Speaker, I move that the Consumer Law Reform Bill now be read a first time.

I nominate that the Consumer Law Reform Bill be referred to the Commerce Committee.

The National Government is committed to a brighter future for New Zealanders. This includes a strong commitment to strengthening and building our economy.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says a new freephone number will help empower and protect consumers from being preyed on by unscrupulous loan companies.

The freephone number 0800 LOAN STRESS was launched today. It will give consumers better access to services to help them clearly understand their rights and resolve disputes with finance companies.

“Too many consumers are being treated unfairly by their loan providers,” says Mr Tremain.

The Minister of Civil Defence, Chris Tremain, travelled to Christchurch yesterday to work with volunteers in the Student Army.

“I just wanted to spend the day working beside the volunteers, and take the opportunity to thank them for their outstanding contribution,” Mr Tremain said.

Civil Defence Minister, Chris Tremain, together with Nelson MP, Nick Smith, is this morning visiting Nelson in response to the floods that hit the region over the last 24 hours.

"I want to assess the damage firsthand, ensure Civil Defence is appropriately responding, and identify any ways that Government can further assist the region to protect life and property," said Mr Tremain.