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Associate Commerce Minister Craig Foss today congratulated International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) on winning a Business Achievement Award from the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation.

“I am pleased that this Crown entity has been recognised as a top performer.  It stands out – not just in its field, but right across the public and private sectors.  The state sector should be aiming for top marks for its work, and this shows just what can be achieved,” said Mr Foss.

International Day of Older Persons on 1 October is a day dedicated to the celebration of older people throughout New Zealand and the rest of the world.

“Nationally, the response to International Day of Older Persons will feature an exciting range of events planned to honour, celebrate and recognise the valuable contributions older New Zealanders make,” says Senior Citizens Minister Craig Foss.

Thank you for inviting me to the launch of your home safety flipchart.

This is important information that will support Napier’s older people to live safely and confidently in the community.

You have had a number of partners in developing this resource and there is no doubt that a job shared is a job well done. This flipchart is an excellent example of what agencies can do when they work together in partnership.

It’s my pleasure to be here today.

I want to start by taking you back to the situation the Government found itself in when it first came into office in November 2008.

At that time we were all hearing stories of people who had, on the advice of financial advisers, diversified their life savings into a variety of finance companies.

And we all know how those stories ended.

When finance companies began to fall like dominos in 2006 and onwards, some $8.6 billion of investors’ money was put at risk.

The tragedies in Christchurch and around the world have given New Zealanders a wakeup call to get better prepared for emergency events, says Civil Defence Minister Craig Foss.

The annual survey of national levels of preparedness shows a significant increase in the number of people who have taken steps to get ready for disasters.

Sixty per cent of those surveyed say they have taken steps to prepare themselves or their household in the last 12 months, up from 44 per cent last year, with the main prompt being the September 2010 and February 2011 earthquakes.

Racing Minister Craig Foss today announced the reappointment of Warren Bell, Dr Alan Jackson and Thayne Green to the New Zealand Racing Board’s (NZRB) governing body.

“It is vital that the NZRB displays leadership to work to improve the industry’s economic performance and deliver on its potential. These three bring necessary business and industry experience to the boardroom,” said Mr Foss.

Chairman Pat O’Brien and Harness Racing New Zealand board members, club delegates, and invited guests. Thank you for the welcome.

Thank you for the invitation to address the annual conference of New Zealand harness racing clubs and kindred bodies.

I would also like to acknowledge representatives of the New Zealand Racing Board here today, in particular CEO Bill Colgan. I’d also like to welcome Kristy McDonald, the Chair of the JCA.

Hon Craig Foss has released the Briefings to the Incoming Minister from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, Department of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Social Development.

Senior Citizens Minister Craig Foss says older people need to be aware of their rights, and the services and resources that are available to them.

“Elder abuse and neglect can have devastating consequences for older people, and wide-ranging long-term effects on physical and mental health, finances, living arrangements and family” said Mr Foss.

“Research estimates that between 3 and 10 percent of our seniors are being abused in some way, most don’t get the help they need. I wholeheartedly support anything that is done to turn this around.