BEEHIVE BULLETIN FOR WEEK ENDING
FRIDAY 17 APRIL 2003
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Also Available On-Line
Unemployment beneficiaries at 14 year low
The number of people receiving the core unemployment benefit has dropped below 100,000 for the first time in 14 years.
Statistics at April 4 show 98,178 people receiving the unemployment benefit. The number of people receiving the
unemployment benefit peaked at 176,334 in January 1993. Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey says the
figures confirm that New Zealand is continuing to hit the mark in maximising job opportunities and creating the right
conditions for employment growth.
New dog control legislation
Four fighting dog breeds are to be muzzled in public under changes to dog control laws announced by Local Government
Minister Chris Carter. Further importation of any more American Pit Bull Terriers, Brazilian Filas, Dogo Argentinos or
Japanese Tosas will also be banned. Chris Carter says these dogs have been bred for fighting and are internationally
recognised as posing a considerable risk if they attack. These initiatives form part of a package of changes designed to
bolster existing dog control legislation and improve public safety, says Chris Carter.
Co-existence with GM is possible
Co-existence between genetically modified crops and conventional agriculture crops is possible, say Cabinet papers made
public this week. Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton says the Royal Commission had found potential benefits for New Zealand
in genetic modification technology and recommended proceeding with caution. The Cabinet papers show that the fundamental
principle underlying regulation in New Zealand is that only GM organisms and GM foods that are considered safe will be
allowed to be grown commercially or sold here. Jim Sutton says the Cabinet papers were part of ongoing work and
Government agencies will continue to consult widely throughout this process.
Review of funding for passenger public transport
The patronage funding scheme to get more people on public transport has been an outstanding success, says Transport
Minister Paul Swain. A review of the scheme was this week announced by Transfund. It provides regional councils with
more funding for every extra journey taken on buses, ferries and other passenger transport, up by 24.9 per cent since
2000. However, Paul Swain says the funding system was never expected to continue indefinitely. Transfund is now seeking
views on a new funding system.
Eco-sabotage penalties to increase
Tough new prison terms and fines are to be introduced for people who sabotage New Zealand's wildlife sanctuaries.
Conservation Minister Chris Carter says the penalties are part of efforts to bolster the Department of Conservation's
ability to protect New Zealand's natural heritage. Recently someone threatened to release a stoat on Codfish Island
nature reserve. The current maximum sentence is one month in prison or a $500 fine. Legislation to be introduced to
Parliament before the end of the year will increase this penalty to a maximum of one year in prison or a fine of
$100,000, says Chris Carter.
Free advice on power plans and savings
With the onset of winter, Consumer Affairs Minister Judith Tizard says consumers wanting the best power deal or tips on
how to save power can use the free Consumer Powerswitch service. This online service www.powerswitch.org.nz) is funded
by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Judith Tizard says the main purpose of Consumer Powerswitch is to provide
information about switching power companies, whether there is a plan better suited to consumers' circumstances, and to
help them make savings on their power bills. Consumer Powerswitch is also available through local Citizens Advice Bureau
and by phoning 0800 367 222.
ENDS