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Health Minister Tony Ryall and Associate Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman today welcomed confirmation the new Northern eating disorder service is up and running and providing much needed treatment to seriously unwell patients in the region.

‘’The Government said it would provide more eating disorder services and we’re delivering on that promise,’’ Mr Ryall says.

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced the appointment of professional company director Wayne Walden and business consultant Alison Gerry to the board of Television New Zealand (TVNZ).

Dr Coleman also confirmed that Sir John Anderson, who was appointed chair in 2006, has been retained as chair for another year from 1 May. Mr Walden and Ms Gerry were both appointed for three years.

‘’Wayne and Alison bring skill sets that will add to the existing expertise of the board,’’ Dr Coleman says.

Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman has welcomed confirmation China’s biggest carrier will bypass Melbourne and fly a direct Guangzhou- Auckland route.

China Southern Airlines announced last month it was running a three-times-a week service via Melbourne from April this year, but today confirmed it will bypass the Victorian state capital creating a direct route to Auckland.

‘’For the tourism sector it’s an invaluable tool to help grow the rising number of Chinese visitors,’’ Dr Coleman says.

The Government’s business migration scheme has attracted $416 million of potential investment capital that is poised to flow into the economy, Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman announced today.

‘’We developed a policy package that makes New Zealand very attractive to business migrants, and they’re staking their confidence in New Zealand at a time of difficult international financial conditions,’’ Dr Coleman says.

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced the appointment of Te Raumawhitu (Te Rau) Kupenga to the Broadcasting Standards Authority board.

Mr Kupenga has been appointed for three years. He has a legal background and is currently an iwi consultant working with Ngati Porou. He also held senior positions in the Office of the Maori Trustee and recently was a regular panellist on a lifestyle television show.

‘’Te Rau’s legal experience will add a valuable perspective to the Broadcasting Standards Authority”, Dr Coleman says.

Associate Health Minister Jonathan Coleman today welcomed the appointment of Dr Lynne Lane as the new chair of the Mental Health Commission.

Dr Lane has been appointed for three years from 1 January 2011 and replaces Dr Peter McGeorge who resigned earlier this year.

‘’Lynne brings strong management expertise and significant health sector experience to the role,’’ Dr Coleman says.

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced the reappointment of Michael Glading to the board of NZ On Air.

Mr Glading has served one term on NZ On Air and was reappointed for two years from 1 January 2011.

“Michael has a 30 year career in music and sports management and has worked with a variety of musicians and sportspeople ranging from Yulia to Sir Bob Charles. His wide set of skills and industry experience will continue to add value to the board,” Dr Coleman says.

Less red tape and a new visa will make it easier for international students to study in New Zealand says Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman.

Under the new Immigration Act, which recently came into effect, interim visas can be granted to students while their applications are being processed. The frequency for which police and medical certificates must be provided is also being extended.

The changes, which commence in February 2011, will help boost the $2 billion a year export education market, says Dr Coleman.

New research released today by the World Bank and Waikato University shows the Government’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme is producing positive spin-offs for Tonga and Vanuatu.

RSE, which supplies migrant workers for the local horticulture and viticulture industry when New Zealanders are not available for work, improved per capita income for Pacific households with RSE workers by almost 40 percent.

A national campaign to promote the switch to digital television was launched today by Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman.

The Going Digital campaign provides a website, www.goingdigital.co.nz and a free-phone helpline, 0800 838 800, so people can get the information and advice they need about switching to digital TV.

The Government announced in September that New Zealand will make the switch, region by region, to digital television by November 2013, beginning with Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast in September 2012.

A more efficient immigration system and enhanced border security are two of the key benefits of the new Immigration Act which comes into effect tomorrow, says Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman.

‘’The Immigration Act 2009 significantly modernises New Zealand’s immigration laws and provides us with a robust framework for the future.

Courts Minister Georgina te Heuheu and Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman today welcomed the swearing in of 16 members of the new Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) in Auckland.

The IPT commences work on Monday, 29 November and will decide all immigration, deportation, refugee and protection appeals in New Zealand.

Established under the Immigration Act 2009, the IPT replaces the current immigration-related appeal bodies and creates a single, ‘one-stop-shop' tribunal to consider all grounds for appeal in one place.

Associate Health Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced the Government's next steps to improve access to mental health and addiction services over the coming year.

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced the appointment of Sandra Kailahi and Uluomatootua Saulaulu Aiono to the National Pacific Radio Trust board. 

Spending by international and domestic tourists increased to $22.4 billion for the year ended March 2010, Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman confirmed today.

Drug treatment services for the Southern region were boosted today with the opening of an expanded residential service at Dunedin's Moana House.

The Labour party is making claims that do not match the facts regarding the reimbursement of overcharged visa fees to Samoan citizens, says Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman.

Associate Health Minister Jonathan Coleman today welcomed the roll out of an initiative to improve the quality of mental health and addiction services.

Justice Minister Simon Power and Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced the appointment of Grant Pearson as the chair of the Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal

Justice Minister Simon Power and Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced the 16 members of the new Immigration and Protection Tribunal.

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced the appointment of Tiwana Tibble to the board of Radio New Zealand (RNZ) and the promotion of Richard Griffin to deputy chair.

Employers can now check online if job applicants are entitled to work in New Zealand, Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman announced today.

The Government announced today that New Zealand will complete the switch to digital television by 2013.

Associate Health Minister Jonathan Coleman today opened the redeveloped Midland Regional Forensic Psychiatry Service at Waikato Hospital.