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Social Development Minister Anne Tolley welcomes the latest release of benefit figures showing the number of people on welfare for the September quarter is the lowest since 2008, with sole parents leading the impressive results.

Today’s release of the September quarter benefit factsheets shows year-on-year benefit numbers continue to track downwards.

“There are over 10,000 fewer people on welfare compared to September 2013, and more than 70 per cent of these are sole parents,” says Mrs Tolley.

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges says an agreement signed between the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and one of New Zealand’s largest trucking companies is a significant milestone for the Heavy Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Programme.

“EECA has been working with industry groups since 2012 to increase awareness of the potential for fuel efficiency and I am delighted the HW Richardson Group is now on board, with 800 trucks in 30 fleets nationwide consuming 19 million litres of fuel per year.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges wants boat users to make safety the top priority, as New Zealand’s first Safer Boating Week begins today.

“Safer Boating Week is an excellent initiative that raises the awareness of boat safety, and what risks are out there on the water.  We have seen in the last few days the tragic consequences when something goes wrong,” Mr Bridges says.

Prime Minister John Key has welcomed New Zealand securing a place on the United Nations Security Council for the 2015-16 term.

“New Zealand’s success in gaining a place on the Security Council is a victory for the small states that make up over half the United Nations membership,” Mr Key says.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a new campaign to help New Zealanders recognise the signs of a stroke is being launched in Waikato today.

“Every day around 24 New Zealanders have a stroke, and a quarter occur in people under 65. High blood pressure and smoking put people at higher risk, but early detection and effective control of risk factors can greatly reduce the chance of a stroke,” says Dr Coleman.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says new technology being used at Auckland City Hospital will enable more precise and faster radiotherapy treatment for people with cancer.

“Improvements in technology means less time in hospital for patients, and allows clinicians to focus radiotherapy precisely on the cancerous tissue,” says Dr Coleman.

The commitment and sacrifice of thousands of New Zealanders in the war to end all wars is brought to life in a compelling new exhibition at the National Library, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Peter Dunne announced today.

“World War One – A Contemporary Conversation marks the centenary of World War One and explores the relevance of war and conflict in today’s world,” says Mr Dunne.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has congratulated Precision Seafood Harvesting (PSH) for winning the Innovation in Sustainability & Clean Tech award and the Supreme Innovator award at the New Zealand Innovators Awards in Auckland tonight.

“This is a Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) programme, jointly funded by industry and government, with the potential to change the way the world catches fish.

The Resource Management Act needs to explicitly recognise the importance of New Zealanders’ access to more affordable housing if the downward trend in home ownership over the past 20 years is to be reversed, Building and Housing, and Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith said today at the Property Council New Zealand’s Residential Development Summit in Auckland.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman welcomes Northland’s decision to fund free doctors’ visits and prescriptions for under 13s.

“The Government is investing $90 million over three years from 1 July 2015 so all children aged under 13 years can receive free doctors’ visits and prescriptions,” says Dr Coleman.

“Northland’s two Primary Health Organisations (PHO), Manaia Health and Te Tai Tokerau, and Northland DHB have joined together to fund the early roll out of this initiative, which is expected to cost around $450,000.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has today extended his deepest sympathies to the family of Mark Ford. 

“Mark was an exceptional New Zealander who was only too willing to use his considerable talents, both organisationally and personally, in contributing to projects of national significance.

“Following his very successful work leading the amalgamation of the Auckland councils he was a logical choice to chair the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT).

Cabinet today approved the Terms of Reference for a review of settings in relation to foreign terrorist fighters, says Prime Minister John Key.

“Foreign fighters taking part in, or returning from any sort of conflict zone are a concern for many countries,” says Mr Key.

“Our intelligence agencies are aware of the risk and are focused on addressing it.

Minister for Pacific Peoples, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is encouraging New Zealanders to celebrate and participate in this week’s Niuean Language Week.

The theme this year is Fakaako, Fakaaoga, Fakamau ki a Mauokafua e Vagahau Niue: Learn, Use, Retain, Maintain our Language Vagahau Niue.

“This week is about finding opportunities to maintain and grow the recognition, learning and use of the Niuean language in our homes, work places and communities,” Mr Lotu-liga says.

Money Week offers a great opportunity for Kiwis to improve their financial knowledge, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith.

“Improving financial knowledge is a key focus this week. It is important that we all think about our personal finances so we can make good decisions in the short and long term,” Mr Goldsmith says.

Money Week is a nationwide week of events which runs between13 to 19 October and is organised by the Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says health and border authorities are well prepared to detect and respond to any potential cases of Ebola.

“We are treating the situation very seriously. While the risk to New Zealand remains low, we cannot guarantee that we won’t get a case here,” says Dr Coleman.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman is encouraging people to have a conversation today about organ donation.

“Today is Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Day and I hope people will support Organ Donation New Zealand’s campaign by having a discussion with family about their wishes around organ donation,” says Dr Coleman.

Veterans' Affairs Minister Craig Foss today announced the winner of the 2014 Battle of Passchendaele Multi-Media Competition as 17-year-old Siobhan Lenehan from Carmel College in Auckland.

Sara Stern from Middleton Grange School in Christchurch and Micaela Meder from Pakuranga College in Auckland were named equal runners-up.

The competition was launched in 2011 to ensure New Zealand’s sacrifice on the Western Front is not forgotten.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman is getting out of the Beehive to meet the health sector, starting with Southern District Health Board tomorrow.

“I will be visiting all 20 District Health Boards over the next few months to engage with doctors, nurses and management. As a doctor I know the value of clinicians in helping to drive progress in the health system,” says Dr Coleman.

Good morning and thank you for the invitation to open the New Zealand Respiratory Conference for 2014, A breath of hope. I opened this conference two years ago, and I am very pleased to be here again in this 50^th anniversary year of the Asthma Foundation – a great achievement.  This year the conferencewelcomes over 200 attendees from across New Zealand and Australia.

I would like to acknowledge my colleagues, MPs and extend a particular welcome to those who have travelled from overseas for this conference, including:

Applications for the 2014 Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards open today, offering the chance to highlight the success of young Pacific peoples in New Zealand.

The program is now in its sixth year and recognises the achievements and potential of our future Pacific leaders.

“Our Government recognises that the Pacific community is one of the largest and youngest populations in New Zealand.  Ensuring that our young people thrive is crucial for the entire economic and cultural outlook of New Zealand.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully travels to New York today ahead of the United Nations Security Council elections.

“On 16 October New Zealand will vie with Spain and Turkey for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council,” Mr McCully says.

“The final days of our campaign are crucial and we will work hard right up to the vote to convince the international community that New Zealand deserves a place on the Council.