February 2009

Part of National's first 100-day plan was a Youth Justice Bill which included ‘Boot Camps’ for the worst 40 youth criminals. Chief Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft is reported in this morning's DominionPost as saying that overseas experience shows “It made them healthier, fitter, faster, but they were still burglars, just harder to catch”. He has a point.

While the NZDF may have a role to play as it does with the LSV (Limited Service Volunteer) Scheme run at Burnham Military Camp but funded by MSD– running boot camps is a burden. It's no secret that the NZDF is already over-committed; any attempt to load it with more outputs, without fundamental changes to the way they would be applied would be unfair.

The Army’s job is to train soldiers, not to act as a youth services provider or social welfare agency.

The Government today released details of its new Voluntary Bonding Scheme for new graduates. It offers cash incentives to work for up to five years in under-staffed regions or specialty areas.

The country is currently in need of doctors, nurses and midwives. Under this scheme Doctors would receive after-tax payments of $10,000 a year, midwives would receive $3,500 and nurses $2,833.

It will also offer teachers before-tax payments of $3,500 a year for five years on top of their salary to work in schools in subjects with shortages, while veterinary graduates working in certain rural areas would qualify for a taxable payment of $11,000 a year. An attempt to ensure that graduates are moved into communities and specialties that need them most, the scheme would also boost the amount that graduates can repay on their student loans.

I spent yesterday afternoon and evening at Waiouru Army Camp, where I had been invited to be the Reviewing Officer for the Army Reserve Commissioning Course graduation ceremonies and Guest of Honour at the graduation ball.

My previous attendance at a March Out Parade had been three years ago at my own, following my TF Basic Training, although that had been from a somewhat different perspective - from the ranks.

The graduates had completed six weeks of intensive officer training and will now return to their units around the country to fill 2nd Lieutenant posts, and to re-commence their university studies or day jobs.

They say you can't beat Wellington on a good day and that was absolutely true of Sunday when the weather turned it on for around 9,000 people who turned out in support of the annual Pelorus Trust Wellington Round the Bays event.

Along with a good group of friends, family and colleagues I took part in the event – we were all very hard to miss in our bright shirts!

At the end, there were a few sore body parts - but it was great to get out and see so many people participate and show some great community spirit. The event charity was the Heart Foundation - an admirable cause, as one in three people will be affected by heart disease at some stage in their lives.

As part of National's wider Infrastructure package, Prime Minister John Key this week announced that an additional $9 million in funding would be allocated to expand facilities for special needs students at special schools and satellite units. This announcement is in line with the Government's pre-election promises.

As part of my role as Associate Minister of Education, I will be working closely with Education Minister Anne Tolley and the Education Ministry to ensure that this funding goes where it is needed most. Special Education will undergo a full review and a transparent funding formula will be devised so as to continue increasing Special Education funding into the future.

The Parliamentary year began today with the House resuming at 2pm. Parliament has gone into urgency in order to introduce a number of new Bills for their first readings.

With the exception of the Taxation (Business Tax measures) Bill, today's legislation is all about law and order and measures with which to maintain both.

As part of our Supply and Confidence agreement with National ACT is supporting these bills but there are some provisions we have a little difficulty with. One which springs to mind is included in the ‘Gangs and Organised Crime Bill’ which gives local authorities greater powers to enforce height restrictions on fences constructed around residential properties. The idea is that, by limiting the height of such fences, gangs will be prevented from too heavily fortifying their headquarters or 'pads'.

The National Army Museum

Amongst the most pleasant tasks for a Minister is that of opening a building or launching an event. During my visit to Waiouru Military Camp this week I was invited to announce the renaming of the Museum, which is now known as 'The National Army Museum'. This ceremony was part of Project Te Mata Toa, which means "Through the Eyes of the Warrior", a re-branding project for the Museum. The Museum is of national significance and tells the stories of all those who have served, past and present, in the full spectrum of conflict.

February 3 was chosen as the date of the official launch of the Museum's re-branding because it was on 3 Feb 1915 that Private William Ham became the New Zealand Expeditionary Force's (1NZEF) first fatality in World War I.

Private Ham's great,great, grand-niece, Ashley Mackenzie-White, was at the launch to represent her family and was visibly moved by the recognition of this soldier's service to his country.

Leg 2 of my Defence portfolio visits was from 28-30 Jan and included RNZAF Base Auckland (Whenuapai & Hobsonville) and RNZN Devonport. The Minister of Defence also joined me on this part of the programme. These two days were very full and comprehensive and included briefings/tours at Whenuapai of 485 Wing (essentially all the operational squadrons and their deployable support elements), 6 Sqn (SeaSprite Helo), 5 Sqn (P3 Orion), 40 Sqn (C130 Hercules), Parachute Training & Support Unit and the Expeditionary Support Squadron. Then to Hobsonville where I was able to see the RNZAF elements still remaining there and tour the many workshops.

Day 2 with the Navy commenced with a powhiri at the RNZN Marae, then on to the major training facilities and a comprehensive tour of HMNZS Canterbury - our multi-role vessel. Several crew capabilities were also demonstrated for us.

I've commenced a two month programme of visits to Defence facilities and units as part of portfolio responsibilities. The first of these was over the period 20-22 Jan when I visited RNZAF Woodbourne near Blenheim. I received briefings and tours of the Ground Training Wing, SafeAir and the A4 Skyhawk storage compound.

23 Dec 08: Minister of Consumer Affairs Heather Roy today released the annual reports - for the period July 1 2007-June 30 2008 - from the adjudicators of the upper North Island (Chris Cornwell), lower North Island and South Island (Nicola Wills) Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.

"The Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal provides a low-cost option for consumers to take motor vehicle disputes, and these reports summarise the applications the Tribunal dealt with during the year," Mrs Roy said.

"The reports are released as required by section 87 of the Motor Vehicles Sale Act 2003, and are available on the Consumer Affairs Ministry of website www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz.

"Included in the reports are details of cases the adjudicators feel require special mention, and which make recommendations for changes to the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003 that - based on the Tribunal's experience - the adjudicator deems desirable.