Search

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says from today New Zealanders who need officially-verified documents for use in most countries can get them issued electronically.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says identity legislation which passed its final reading today will enable New Zealanders to prove their identity quickly and securely when dealing with government agencies and businesses.

“The Electronic Identity Verification Bill passed its third reading tonight. This will enable more widespread use of the igovt service, which enables people to log into numerous websites using a single password, and prove their identity via a website rather than using paper documents.

The reopening of the National Library heralds a new era in connecting New Zealanders with the documentary heritage of their country, says Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain.

The National Library building on Molesworth Street was officially reopened by Prime Minister John Key early this morning.

“The National Library has undergone an amazing transformation. It’s a state of the art space which embraces technology – it’s an exciting and vibrant place to spend time in,” says Mr Tremain.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today announced the establishment of a new government IT panel to purchase Microsoft products.

“A Syndicated Services Panel has been set up to order and administer Microsoft licences. This will reduce the cost of purchasing licences, remove duplication and streamline the procurement process,” says Mr Tremain.

“Currently, agencies needing to purchase Microsoft services deal directly with a range of Large Account Resellers (LARs). This creates inconsistencies in service levels and the fees charged by various LARs.

More than 1000 New Zealanders have opted to renew their passports on line since the Department of Internal Affairs launched the service a week ago, and Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says this is a fantastic response.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today announced 39 appointments across 15 Lottery distribution committees. 

Most of the appointments start in February next year, when current terms expire.  Three new members fill vacancies and start in November this year.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain has announced that from Friday 2 November New Zealanders will pay less for their adult passport and be able to renew their passports online.

“All adult passport applicants whose application is processed in New Zealand will pay less. Prices for adult passports will drop by as much as $28 for renewals using the new online service,” says Mr Tremain.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says today’s announcement of grants by the Canterbury Fund will make a positive difference to Christchurch communities.

A joint partnership between the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust and Vodafone New Zealand Foundation today announced grants totalling $1.15 million to 66 community organisations in Christchurch.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today announced eight appointments to the Film and Video Labelling Body.

“I am pleased to announce that Denise Ewe, Veer Khar, Pefi Kingi, Joseph Liava’a, David Lui, Shana Malio, George Ngatai and Parmjeet Parmar will join the current Community Representatives to help ensure that the interests of the general public are taken into account in the labelling of films,” says Mr Tremain.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says that a new procurement arrangement for web services will streamline tender processes for government agencies.

“The new Common Web Services initiative, led by the Department of Internal Affairs, will allow government agencies to easily engage online expertise from an approved list of 42 providers. Agencies requiring web related resources can now select from this panel of providers, complete minimal paperwork, and get on with the job of providing government information and services online.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain will attend the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Executive Committee in London on behalf of the Minister of Sport and Recreation next week.

New Zealand currently represents Oceania on the WADA Executive Committee. The current membership also includes Sport Ministers from South Africa, Canada, Japan, the European Union, and International Olympic Committee representatives from Egypt, Switzerland, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Italy.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today announced the reappointment of Rt Hon Wyatt Creech as Chair and David McFarlane as Deputy Chair of the Fire Service Commission Board. Rangi Wills has also been appointed as a new Board member.

“Rangi Wills will be succeeding the incumbent member Bob Francis, who has served two full terms on the Board. I am particularly pleased that this appointment will bring Māori representation back to the Board, as Māori are represented strongly in the volunteer fire service.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says lower passport fees are being considered as the Government moves to enable online passport applications.

“Online applications have been trialled successfully and will be available to the public by the end of the year. This will streamline the process of applying for a passport and reduce costs, providing the opportunity to look at the level of fees,” says Mr Tremain.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says the Government is taking the next steps towards the adoption of cloud computing, paving the way for improved services and significant cost savings.

Cloud computing will enable government agencies to pay per-use for ICT products and services delivered through networks, rather than maintain their own ICT infrastructure.

“Cloud computing is an exciting, emerging technology which will contribute directly to better public services, promote innovation, and substantially reduce costs,” says Mr Tremain.

Online passport applications and a single customer number for businesses are among plans to improve the way government interacts with companies and the public, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain say.

As part of the Government’s Better Public Services initiative, the Ministers today released action plans for the Government’s planned one-stop online shop for businesses (Result Area 9) and for New Zealanders to complete transactions with Government easily online (Result Area 10).

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today announced appointments to the two bodies that support the National Library of New Zealand.

“I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Helen Tait as the new Chair of the Guardians Kaitiaki of the Alexander Turnbull Library,” says Mr Tremain.

There are three other appointments to the Guardians Kaitiaki:

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain announced today the first round of funding to commemorate the centenary of World War One is now open to applicants.

“To recognise the importance of this war to our nation, the Lottery Grants Board has set aside over $17 million to fund commemorative projects,” says Mr Tremain.

“Funding for commemorative events is available through two pools: a $7.291 million general fund for community events and smaller capital work projects; and a $10 million fund for one or more large scale projects of national significance.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain has announced that former Cabinet Minister Paul Swain will head the four person panel to review New Zealand’s fire services.

Other panel members are:

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain has announced a review of the functions and funding of New Zealand’s fire services.

“An independent panel will provide advice on how New Zealand can have a 21st century fire service which operates seamlessly with the roles performed by other emergency service providers,” says Mr Tremain. “This will include identifying any gaps or overlaps in emergency services and options for the future role of the fire service.

New Zealanders now have online access to a fascinating glimpse of their early history through the pages of the first 21 years of the New Zealand Herald says Internal Affairs Minister, Chris Tremain.

The addition of digitised Herald issues from 1863 to 1884 to the National Library’s website http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz  will be officially launched in Auckland this evening. 

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today announced the reappointment of two members of the Gambling Commission – Graeme Reeves as Chief Gambling Commissioner and Paul Stanley as Gambling Commissioner. Both Commissioners’ terms are for three years.

“The reappointments will retain valuable governance experience and skills. Mr Reeves, of Wellington, will continue to provide his legal expertise and strategic analysis experience, while Mr Stanley, of Tauranga, will provide Māori and health sector perspectives,” says Mr Tremain.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today announced the reappointment of Nicola McCully as the Deputy Chief Censor of Film and Literature for a further three-year term.

“The reappointment will maintain the organisational capability of the Office of Film and Literature Classification and is part of a long-term succession management plan. The Office is an independent Crown entity that classifies films, videos, books, magazines, and computer files and bans objectionable publications,” says Mr Tremain.

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today announced that $17 million in lottery funding has been allocated by the Lottery Grants Board to commemorate the centenary of ANZAC landings at Gallipoli and the First World War.

“The Lottery Grants Board recognises the importance of this centenary event to our nation. This money will be available to fund community events and projects marking the centenary of World War One with $10 million going towards one or more large scale commemoration projects of national significance,” says Mr Tremain.

Smart new online services will make it easier for the New Zealand public and businesses to interact with the Government, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain say.

Targets set for the Government’s planned one-stop online shop for businesses (Better Public Services Result 9) and for New Zealanders to complete transactions with government easily online (Result 10) were released today by Prime Minister John Key.

The targets are: