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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.

  • Steven Joyce
  • Science and Innovation

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.

  • Nick Smith
  • Nathan Guy
  • Maggie Barry
  • Environment
  • Primary Industries
  • Conservation

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.

  • Nick Smith
  • Building and Housing

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.

  • Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga

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.

  • Craig Foss
  • Transport

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.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Disability Issues

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.”

  • Craig Foss
  • Transport

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.

  • Gerry Brownlee
  • Defence