Government Press Releases

ACC has introduced a motorbike safety programme and teamed up with representatives from key motorcycle, scooter and moped groups.

New Zealand families being able to adopt Russian orphans is an approaching reality. Russian officials have granted a permit to ICANZ for the operation of an adoption programme, which is an important first step.

The Government plans to reclassify high velocity air guns so owners require a firearms licence, by making an amendment to the Arms Order 1984.

Napier District Court have given jail sentences to three men for immigration fraud. Immigration NZ says this sends a clear message that illegally using foreign workers will not be tolerated.

The Commerce Commission has determined payment distribution to ANZ/ING investors. The payment method should return about 95% of the capital originally invested by eligible investors.

Industry Training Federation (ITF) supports the indication that government will look at placing emphasis on the employment outcomes of tertiary qualifications.

The southern half of the Newmarket Viaduct replacement project is due to be opened early; six months ahead of schedule. The early delivery will be a relief for the 160,000 motorists who travel over that stretch of motorway.

Justice Minister Simon Power has announced a package of initiatives to counter New Zealand’s knife crime problem, including increased penalties, education, shared information, and limiting the sale of knives.

Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp opened the new Applied Powder Metallurgy Centre at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, stating that it is a key piece of infrastructure for the titanium industry and will enable New Zealand to gain a competitive advantage in an emerging technology.

Changes to New Zealand’s company tax rate will make our country more competitive internationally, Finance Minister Bill English claims.

In 2007, statistics show that lung cancer accounted for the majority of cancer deaths, followed by breast cancer and bowel cancer.

The annual Conviction and Sentencing statistics update has been released, covering the 2000-2009 period. Prosecution outcomes have improved while the proportion of drug and property offences has decreased, and convictions for violent crimes and traffic offences have increased.

PHARMAC’s medical directory Dr Peter Moodie announces a new iodine-only table, that enables pregnant and breastfeeding woman to meet daily iodine requirements, is now available in New Zealand.

On July 1 Police Safety Orders (PSO) will come into effect. Police Safety Orders enable police to protect families or individuals without having to charge someone with an offence.

A smoking ban in New Zealand prisons is expected to take effect from 1 July 2011, preceded by a 12 month campaign to help prisoners quit smoking. The ban is expected to reduce health and safety risks to prisoners and staff.

A bill is being passed to ensure victims continue to have access to compensation awarded to prisoners.

A support service for former sawmill workers exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP) is to be established by the Ministry of Health. PCP is a timber preservative used in the 1950s to 1980s.

The Government has placed Mr Allan Hubbard, Mrs Margaret Hubbard, Aorangi Securities and seven charitable trusts into statutory management, following a recommendation from the Securities Commission. A number of matters have been referred to the Serious Fraud Office.

Prime Minister, John Key has congratulated the All Whites for their success in the World Cup Match in Nelspruit, South Africa.

The Commerce Commission has recommended regulation of mobile termination access services (MTAS), and to not accept undertakings from Telecom and Vodafone. The Commerce Commission expects that regulation will ensure all mobile users benefit from increased competition, resulting in access to more competitive prices and services.