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Changes to the makeup of the New Zealand Fire Service Commission Board have been announced by Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy today.

Former Deputy Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Wyatt Creech, moves from Deputy Chair to the Chair of the Board. Mr Creech succeeds Dame Margaret Bazley, Chair for the past 12 years, whose term expires on 31 July 2011.

Mr Creech was a minister for nine years. He is an experienced corporate director and has been a member of the Fire Commission since September 2009.

$6 million in lottery funding has been allocated to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, the Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy has announced today.

“In total $154 million in lottery allocations will be pumped back into the community this year, from the proceeds of games like Lotto, Instant Kiwi and Daily Keno.

“The $6 million grant will go to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, following a grant of $8.2 million raised by a special Lotto draw earlier this year.

Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to say a few words today.

This morning you’ve already heard from the Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson, and I’m sure you would have welcomed her decision on landings at Milford Sound aerodrome.

As we know, the weather already provides a natural limit on the number of flights.

I think it is a sensible, balanced and common sense decision. It shows faith in the aviation industry to come up with solutions.

Good evening and welcome. Can I acknowledge all the dignitaries, local MPs and Mayors, and Fire Service senior staff with us tonight.

It was just over six months ago that many of us gathered in Ferrymead for a similar function, presenting certificates for your efforts after the 4th September last year.

None of us could have imagined that a far greater challenge was ahead.

The events of 22 February were something that you train and prepare for, but at the same time hope you never have to deal with – least of all in your home town.

Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy has congratulated two firefighters on their New Zealand Bravery Awards, presented today in a ceremony at Government House in Wellington.

“Senior Firefighter Mervyn Neil from the Hamilton Fire District has received the New Zealand Bravery Decoration for his actions during the tragic Tamahere coolstore fire in 2008.

Good afternoon and welcome to the Beehive.

It’s a real pleasure to host this event here in Parliament today, where we celebrate the achievements of two firefighters who have been recognised with New Zealand Bravery Awards – Mervyn Neil and Peter Hanne.

These awards are announced in April of every year and recognise people who place their own safety or life at risk to help others.

Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy has congratulated the New Zealand Fire Service for their awards at the IPANZ Public Sector Excellence Awards last night.

“The new national fleet of hazmat/command vehicles have been recognised with the Excellence in Networked Government award, and the Overall Prime Minister's Award for Public Sector Excellence.

Good evening and thank you for asking me to say a few words tonight.

It’s great to be here to celebrate an important milestone for New Zealand aviation training.

Importance of the aviation industry

I’m sure most people in the room tonight know just how important the aviation industry is to New Zealand.

Good evening and welcome to Parliament tonight.

Tonight I’d like to say a quick few words about the importance of airports to New Zealand, and update you on a few important issues.

Volcanic ash

Obviously it’s been a disruptive week for air travel in New Zealand with the volcanic ash from Chile affecting flights.

The Civil Aviation Authority is keeping close eye on conditions and doing a good job of monitoring the situation.

The trauma and recovery of quake-hit Christchurch is now being recorded for future generations, says Nathan Guy, the Minister Responsible for the National Library.

“The National Library is collecting a record of the quakes and their aftermath through a variety of mediums, including photos, oral history, web harvesting, and collecting material from memorial services and fundraising concerts,” says Mr Guy.

Tēnā koutou katoa, good evening.

Citizenship ceremonies are held regularly around New Zealand, but I think everyone realises that tonight’s event here in Christchurch is something special.

After what has been a hugely difficult and traumatic few months for Christchurch, I hope that tonight will show the commitment and spirit of this great city, and of our newest New Zealanders.

$160,000 for a new feasibility study will help evaluate options for the Waitangi wharf in the Chatham Islands, says Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy.

“The Waitangi Wharf is the lifeblood of these islands, connecting over 600 local residents with the mainland and supporting important trade in fisheries and agriculture.

New Budget funding of $27.6 million over the next two years for igovt services will help deliver better public services more efficiently.

“The igovt services provide an easy and secure way of accessing government services online and proving identity,” Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy says.

“Using one log-on means people no longer have to remember multiple details for different sites, and being able to verify identity online saves the hassle of having to show multiple forms of ID to agencies.

Internal Affairs Minister Hon Nathan Guy has announced the appointment of Tony Mossman as a Member of the New Zealand Lotteries Commission Board.

“Mr Mossman is a Havelock North-based chartered accountant and Director. His accounting skills and long involvement in community work will be an asset to the work of the Lotteries Commission.

“I want to thank Chris Curley who has now finished his term on the Commission.

Good evening and thank you for inviting me to launch the AIRCARE Accreditation programme. I’m delighted to be launching such a positive and significant programme.

The AIRCARE risk management programme and compliance regime are an excellent example of the aviation industry collaborating with its stakeholders, including the Department of Conservation, to integrate quality safety and environmental practices.

The Government has agreed to pay $351,575 compensation to Aaron Farmer for wrongful conviction and imprisonment, the Associate Justice Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

Mr Farmer was convicted of rape in 2005 and spent two years and three months in prison. His conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal and a retrial ordered after the court found his trial lawyer had not followed up on a potential alibi witness. He was discharged before the second trial began when a new method of DNA testing, not available at the time of his trial, confirmed he was not the offender.

Dr Rod Carr, Vice Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, has been appointed as the third trustee of the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.

The appointment under the Trust deed has been made by Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy and Finance Minister Bill English.

Dr Carr’s appointment is supported by the University of Canterbury. He joins Brendan Boyle, Secretary for Internal Affairs, and John Whitehead, Secretary to the Treasury.

Good evening everyone.  It’s good to see so many friends and supporters of Archives New Zealand here tonight.

This evening we are in for a real treat.  We are here to see a new video about Archives New Zealand, six one-minute features showing some of Archives’ hidden treasures, and a newly restored version of the first ever film made by the National Film Unit – Country Lads, from 1941.

These videos really showcase the important role of Archives New Zealand, the services available and the treasures they hold.

\Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy has announced the 175 public events that have won a share of $9.48 million in funding from the NZ 2011 Festival Lottery Fund Committee.

“A huge variety of events and activities all over New Zealand, which are part of the REAL New Zealand Festival, have received funding which will help communities play a major part in the Rugby World Cup 2011. This is the largest ever celebration for this country and the first time a Rugby World Cup host nation has staged a nationwide festival alongside the Tournament.

The Associate Minister of Justice Nathan Guy has unveiled a new code of conduct for private investigators that will apply from 1 April 2011.

“This new code will regulate licensed private investigators. It strikes the right balance between protecting privacy and allowing private investigators to do their job.

“Private investigators’ work has changed significantly over the years. Instead of mainly domestic issues, most work now focuses on alleged employee theft or insurance fraud. 

Associate Justice Minister Nathan Guy has announced the appointment of Kate Davenport as a member and the deputy Chairperson of the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal.

The Tribunal is an independent body that hears and determines disciplinary charges against real estate agents.

Ms Davenport is an Auckland-based lawyer with a wide range of legal experience in New Zealand and the UK. She is a former Vice President of the New Zealand Law Society, and is an experienced mediator.

The New Zealand USAR team have been welcomed home from Japan by Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy today, after their first ever overseas deployment ended this weekend.

"I'm proud of this team, many of whom have gone straight from working in Christchurch to help Japan in their time of need. It shows the professionalism and dedication of our rescue workers.

"After the Christchurch earthquake, Japan had no hesitation in offering help and I'm glad New Zealand could do the same.

The Minister Responsible for the New Zealand Fire Service, Nathan Guy, has thanked the last of the international USAR teams who have left Christchurch today.

“The Queensland Fire and Rescue Task Force have left Christchurch today, and we are deeply grateful to them and all the other international USAR teams who helped us in our time of need.

“At its peak, around 600 USAR personnel were based in Latimer Square in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. This included foreign personnel from Australia, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, China, USA and UK.

Good morning and thank you for inviting me to address your annual conference again this year

Today I’d like to thank you for the work you have been doing over the last year, and recognise the success you’ve achieved.

First though I want to personally acknowledge those who have been affected by the devastating Christchurch earthquake.