1080 Low Risk to Fernbirds
A West Coast research project that radio tracked 30 fernbirds through a recent 1080 operation in the Ianthe Forest, has confirmed that 1080 poses only a minimal risk to fernbird populations.
Government
Government Press Releases, New Zealand
Flood Aid for Pakistan
Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced that New Zealand is giving more aid to Pakistan for flood relief efforts.
New ACT Deputy Leader
The ACT Party Caucus today voted to promote John Boscawen to the position of Deputy Leader.
Resignation of Heather Roy
Prime Minister John Key has accepted the resignation of Heather Roy as a Minister at the request of Act Party Leader Rodney Hide.
Income Sharing for Tax Purposes
Revenue Minister Peter Dunne has tabled legislation which would entitle up to 310,000 New Zealand families to income share for tax purposes.This family-friendly bill will empower and assist families with one parent working fewer or more flexible hours in order to raise their children.
Building Act Changes to Make Builders Accountable
The government is introducing changes to the Building Act 2004 to cut bureaucracy, make builders more accountable, and remove the need for building consents for some minor low-risk work.
WTO Findings Favour NZ Apple Growers
The World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Panel has released a report with findings that favour NZ apple growers in the Australia case. The report finds that all sixteen of Australia’s quarantine measures along with their current Import Risk Analysis are inconsistent with their legal obligations as a WTO member.
Loder Cup Awarded to Christchurch Botanist
Dr Colin Burrows, a christchurch botanist with a long involvement and contribution to Canterbury’s natural history, has been awarded the prestigious Loder Cup.
Government Makes Taxis Safer
The government is introducing measure to make taxis safer. From 2011 it will be mandatory for taxis in larger towns and cities to be fitted with security cameras.
Govt Pays Respect to Officer Killed in Action
Defence Minister Wayne Mapp and Associate Minister of Defence Heather Roy today expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government to the family and friends of New Zealand Army Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell DSD.
Biofuels Report
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has tabled a biofuels report in parliament today. The report looks at the potential role of biofuels, and identifies that not all biofuels are environmentally and socially beneficial.
ACC Motorbike Safety Programme
ACC has introduced a motorbike safety programme and teamed up with representatives from key motorcycle, scooter and moped groups.
Russian Adoptions
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.
High Velocity Air Guns to Require Licence
The Government plans to reclassify high velocity air guns so owners require a firearms licence, by making an amendment to the Arms Order 1984.
Immigration Fraud Sentences
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.
Payment Distribution for ANZ ING Investors
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.
ITF Supports Emphasis on Qualifications Employment Outcomes
Industry Training Federation (ITF) supports the indication that government will look at placing emphasis on the employment outcomes of tertiary qualifications.
Early Opening of Newmarket Viaduct Replacement
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.
Initiatives to Counter Knife Crime
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.
Economic Growth via Titanium Centre
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.