Beehive Bulletin - 15 September 2006

New cultural website launched

A new government-funded website launched this week will harness the web to promote New Zealand culture. NZLive.com is designed to increase awareness of, and participation in, cultural activities and events, and is funded through the government's Digital Strategy. The site will make Kiwi culture more accessible to overseas and local audiences and promote the quality and diversity of New Zealand's cultural industries. www.nzlive.com

$9.6 million for schools ICT

A further 174 schools will join a nationwide programme to transform learning through innovative use of ICT. Government investment of $9.6 million over the next three years will support 30 clusters of schools with plans to put ICT at the heart of their teaching programmes. Around two-thirds of schools have been involved in this programme since it began in 1999, using technology to make teaching more exciting and innovative, and to lift standards for all students.

Consultation begins on Alcohol Advertising Review

New Zealanders are encouraged to give their views on regulations surrounding alcohol advertising by a steering group set up to see whether the existing regulatory framework for alcohol advertising fits with the government's alcohol policy. There is currently voluntary industry self-regulation of alcohol advertising in New Zealand. The government-led review follows a petition delivered to Parliament highlighting concerns over alcohol promotion. A key part of the consultation will be looking at young people's exposure to alcohol advertising and the impact this could have on them. For more information visit www.moh.govt.nz.

NZ to take strong stance on bottom trawling

New Zealand is taking a strong stance on bottom trawling in international waters and will seek the support of other nations at regional meetings and at the United Nations General Assembly next month. The government is seeking an immediate moratorium on the high seas outside areas where competent Regional Fisheries Management Organisations exist or are under negotiation. This measure would exclude bottom trawling from about a third of the world's high seas, promoting conservation measures amidst growing concern about the impact of bottom trawling on unique marine life and habitats.

Seasonal work permit pilot extended 12 months

An extension to the seasonal work permit pilot means a pool of increasingly experienced workers will be available to the horticulture and viticulture industries. This extension - to September 2007 - ensures workers who have already gained skills and employment can continue to provide labour in areas of absolute labour shortages, and a new pool of workers is available to meet ongoing need. The pilot was launched in December 2005 as a further avenue to help meet peak season labour needs, and over 3,000 seasonal work permits have been issued since then.

Te Arawa Lakes settlement legislation passed

The passing into law of the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Act this week provides for the full and final settlement of Te Arawa's historical Treaty of Waitangi claims in relation to 14 lakes around Rotorua. The Act is an important milestone in addressing historical grievances in the Rotorua area and also acknowledges the grievance felt by Te Arawa regarding the lakes as a result of historic actions by the Crown and that some of these actions were in breach of the Treaty.

ENDS

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