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Social Development Minister Anne Tolley says the number of people receiving a benefit is continuing to decline year on year with a 2.5 per cent drop in the number of people receiving a main benefit between December 2014 and December 2015.

“The number of people receiving a main benefit has fallen by almost 7,800, or 2.5 per cent in the last 12 months,” Mrs Tolley says.

“Sole parents continue to lead the way, with a 5.7 per cent drop or 4,154 fewer people receiving Sole Parent Support compared to the same time in the previous year.”

Trade Minister Todd McClay can now confirm that the Government is planning to host the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in New Zealand on Thursday 4 February.

“New Zealand has issued invitations to TPP Ministers to sign the Agreement in Auckland.

“Signature will mark the end of the TPP negotiating process,” says Mr McClay.

“Following signature, all 12 countries will be able to begin their respective domestic ratification processes and will have up to two years to complete that before the agreement enters into force.

Trade Minister Todd McClay today released a new TPP factsheet outlining how TPP specifically recognises the Treaty of Waitangi, as well as other areas of significance for Māori including opportunities for Māori exporters.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there about TPP,” Mr McClay says.

“Nothing in TPP will prevent the Crown from meeting its obligations to Māori.

Widespread drought conditions in the South Island mean the medium-scale event classification will be extended until the end of June, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

“Extra funding of up to $150,000 will go to local Rural Support Trusts with $40,000 of this going to the North Canterbury Trust,” says Mr Guy. 

Speaking with farmers at a sheep and beef farm in Weka Pass, Hurunui, Mr Guy acknowledged this is the third time the classification has been extended.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges says the launch of a new international air service out of Wellington is a significant development for Wellington Airport.

Singapore Airlines announced the new service today which will operate between Wellington and Singapore, via Canberra, four times a week.

“This new service opens up two new international connections and creates the first ever, non-stop connection between New Zealand and Canberra and the first direct service (operated with a single flight-number) between Wellington and Singapore,” Mr Bridges says.

Ministers Bill English and Simon Bridges have announced that the proposed alternative Silver Fern (Black, White and Blue) flag will fly alongside the current New Zealand flag on the Auckland Harbour Bridge from Friday 22 January.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge will be the latest in over 250 sites around the country that have the alternative flag on-loan from the Flag Consideration Project to display beside the current flag, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English says.

Around 100 young people who have overcome significant challenges have been selected for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) and are participating in the programme this week.

Youth Minister Nikki Kaye says the programme, personally spear headed by the Prime Minister, held annually since 2010, is a great opportunity for the young people, aged 14-17, from Auckland, to be recognised for their personal achievements and community contributions.

Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says he is looking forward to celebrating Chinese New Year with communities around the country.

“2016 is the Year of the Monkey, the ninth animal on the Chinese zodiac calendar. New Zealand’s Asian communities, and the wider community, look forward to the lunar new year with much excitement,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“It is a time for renewal, for families to come together and for celebration.”

Duty Minister Nikki Kaye has welcomed the next stage in the historic nuclear deal between Iran, the Five Permanent (P5) members of the United Nations Security Council, and Germany.

“The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has now verified Iranian compliance with the deal and this will clear the way for the lifting of UN sanctions against Iran,” Ms Kaye says.

“New Zealand hopes this agreement can form the basis for building trust, opening a new chapter of cooperation in the Middle East.

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce today announced the appointment of three new members to the boards of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS), and the New Zealand Forest Research Institute (Scion).

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce today launched a second round of the Unlocking Curious Minds contestable fund, offering up to $2 million for successful projects.

Applications are now open for the fund, which supports innovative projects that will excite and engage young people, in particular those who have fewer opportunities to become involved in science and technology.

The Government has today launched a consultation document on a new Marine Protected Areas Act to replace the Marine Reserves Act 1971 that includes proposals for recreational fishing parks in the inner Hauraki Gulf and Marlborough Sounds.

The growth in residential building hit an all-time record of a billion dollars of work consented in a month for the first time ever, Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith noted today in response to Statistics New Zealand building consent data.

Duty Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga says the New Zealand Government strongly condemns North Korea’s claimed underground nuclear test today.

“New Zealand views North Korea’s actions as highly provocative and irresponsible,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

This is the fourth nuclear test conducted by North Korea since 2006.  North Korea claims the test was a hydrogen device.

Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss is urging drivers to remain focussed and vigilant as they head home these holidays.

The provisional holiday road toll for 2015/16 is 12. 

“While it’s encouraging to see the holiday road toll is lower than last year’s 16, 12 deaths is still 12 too many,” Mr Foss says.

“My deepest sympathies go out to anyone who lost a friend or loved one this holiday season.

Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner congratulates those honoured for services to the disability community in the New Year’s Honours.

“Throughout New Zealand, there are thousands of people who work tirelessly to serve and help the disability community. I would like to congratulate those who have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours,” Ms Wagner says.

“People who contribute to the disability community often have first-hand experience with disabilities and include family members, community workers, caregivers and business owners.

The provisional road toll for 2015 is 321, Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss says.

“It’s incredibly sad and disappointing to have lost so many lives on our roads in 2015.  The road toll is not just a number — every figure represents not only the life lost but also grieving families, friends and communities,” Mr Foss says.

“While it’s too early to say why the toll increased in 2015, data from 2012-2014 shows drivers continue to make the same mistakes.”

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has welcomed news that Iraqi troops who were trained by the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Building Partner Capacity mission in Taji were part of the force that has retaken the city of Ramadi from Daesh (ISIL).

“The success of these troops results from their commitment to the training programme they have been involved in. New Zealand and Australian trainers can take some pride over the successful action by the recruits,” Mr Brownlee says.