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A rise in domestic violence is likely to add to Christchurch’s misery, says the Minister of Women’s Affairs Hon Hekia Parata.

Ms Parata urged those at a breakfast she hosted at Parliament this morning to mark 100 years of International Women’s Day, to be prepared for an increase in violence following last month’s devastating earthquake.

“The international evidence is that domestic violence increases after big natural disasters and the increase may continue for up to a year.

ACC Associate Minister Hekia Parata will tomorrow launch a scooter safety campaign which aims to get young riders to cover up to reduce their risk of injury.

“A lot of young people are riding scooters wearing light clothing, such as teeshirts, shorts and jandals,” says Ms Parata. “This means if they come off their scooter, they’re likely to sustain significant injuries.”

Acting Energy and Resources Minister Hekia Parata today acknowledged and thanked electricity, gas and fuel companies for the hard work and support they are providing to the people of Christchurch.

“Long hours, under difficult conditions, have gone into reconnecting Christchurch and ensuring people are safe.

“Many of those workers have their own homes and families to worry about, but they have still worked tirelessly for the greater good of Christchurch.

Ethnic Affairs Minister Hekia Parata has praised ethnic communities for their resilience and compassion following the devastating Christchurch earthquake.

Ms Parata has met with ethnic communities and other groups in Christchurch affected by the earthquake.

Ethnic Affairs Minister Hekia Parata says the Government is doing all it can to support ethnic communities affected by the Christchurch earthquake.

“The Office of Ethnic Affairs is contacting ethnic organisations in Christchurch to let them know about specialist services available to their communities, such as Language Line,” says Ms Parata.

The Government is seeking public input into a review of the gas and electricity sector’s certification regime, says Associate Energy and Resources Minister Hekia Parata.

“The safe supply and use of gas and electricity is important to all New Zealanders,” says Ms Parata.

“Certification is an integral part of energy safety, and I welcome this opportunity for consumers, tradespeople and all those involved in the sector to have their say on how it could be improved.”

New Zealand is ranked among those at the top of the world for gender equality according to a report to the United Nations (UN) released by Women’s Affairs Minister Hekia Parata today.

The seventh report to the UN under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms Of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) recognises New Zealand as a leader in gender equality and this is reflected in the CEDAW report.

The CEDAW report is prepared every four years and is a ‘report card’ to the UN on how well Kiwi women are doing.