Company Tax Changes Will Increase NZ Competitiveness
Changes to New Zealand’s company tax rate will make our country more competitive internationally, Finance Minister Bill English claims.
Government
Government Press Releases, New Zealand
Lung Cancer Statistics
In 2007, statistics show that lung cancer accounted for the majority of cancer deaths, followed by breast cancer and bowel cancer.
Conviction and Sentencing Statistics
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.
Newly funded iodine only tablet to meet unmet need
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.
Police Safety Orders (PSO) Keep Families Safe
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.
Prison Smoking Ban
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.
Victims Claims Rights
A bill is being passed to ensure victims continue to have access to compensation awarded to prisoners.
Support Service for PCP Exposed Sawmill Workers
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.
Statutory Management of Hubbards, Aorangi Securities and Charitable Trusts
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.
All Whites Success Congratulated
Prime Minister, John Key has congratulated the All Whites for their success in the World Cup Match in Nelspruit, South Africa.
Regulation of Mobile Termination Access Services Recommended
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.
Refunds for Broadband Customers
As a result of a settlement between the Commerce Commission and Telecom New Zealand, 1300 customers will be refunded for potentially being misled by a broadband promotion Telecom NZ conducted in 2008.
Google NZ Data Collection Update
The Privacy Commissioner has agreed to formally refer the matter of Google collection of data from wi-fi networks in New Zealand to the NZ Police.
Migrant and Refugee Assistance
Budget 2010 has provided extra funding for the Settling In initiative which will support extra coordinators in more regions around the country.
Power Users Recommended to Shop Around
Gerry Brownlee, Minister of Energy and Resources, is recommending that consumers in Dunedin shop around and find the best power company for their needs, as well as increasing house insulation and using clean-heat devices.
Government May Repeal Gift Duty
The government is looking into repealing gift duty, and intends to if concerns around creditor protection and social assistance targeting can be dealt with. Gift duty was originally introducted to prevent circumvention of estate duty rules.
NH-90 Helicopters for NZ Air Force
The Royal New Zealand Air Force will be introducing NH-90 helicopters into service next year. The capabilities of the new NH-90 helicopters are immense compared to the current Iroquois.
Skills Highway DOL Website
Department of Labour’s (DOL) new Skills Highway website has been developed closely with a range of companies and business groups.
Rugby World Cup 2011 Volunteers Wanted
Volunteers are wanted to host thousands of international and local visitors for the Rugby World Cup 2011.
Protecting Young People on the Internet
Hector’s World website has been launched as a resource to protect young people on the internet.