New Zealand national Party. Objects (Copy of Party Rules 2 - 15).  2. Loyalty to the queen. To sustain and promote loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen.  3. Democratic Government British Justice. To maintain within New Zealand a system of democratic government based on the principles of British freedom, tolerance and justice.  4. International affairs. To strive for world peace and to uphold the purposes  Affairs and principles of the United Nations Charter.  5. Defence. To maintain an efficient system of national defence and, to this end, to participate in collective security arrangements.  6. Non-Sectional Policies. To implement policies designed to benefit the community as a whole and to foster goodwill between all sections of the community.  7. Private Enterprise competition. To encourage the growth of private enterprise with healthy competition and to promote individual ownership.  8. Individual Effort and Initiative. To encourage individual effort and initiative, thrift, self-reliance and efficiency.  9. Economic Growth. To encourage the sound economic growth of the nation.  10. Property owning democracy. To develop further a property-owning democracy and, in particular, believing that home ownership is conductive to responsible citizenship and helps to create better family-life, to encourage New Zealanders to own their homes.  11. Personal Freedom. To ensure the greatest possible measure of personal freedom and to uphold the rule of law whereby the citizen is protected from arbitrary government.  12. Progressive Legislation. To promote progressive social and humanitarian legislation.  13. Parliamentary candidates. To encourage and assist the candidature for Parliament, honourable and loyal supporters of the Party.  14. Furtherance of objects. To encourage interest in polities generally and to advocate the objects and policies of the Party and to oppose subversive and other doctrines which are contrary to the principles of the Party.  15. Co-operation with Similar organisations. To co-operate with other organisations which have similar principals and objects.  ITS AIMS AND PRINCIPLES. Since it was founded over 33 years ago, the National Party has been the main bulwark in New Zealand against State Socialism and Communism. Throughout its existence the Party has affirmed that human progress and happiness - spiritual, moral and economic - can best be attained when the individual has the greatest freedom to exercise initiative, self-reliance and enterprise. The Party is thus opposed to unnecessary restrictions on individual freedom and strongly opposes the State dictatorship of Socialist Government. The National Party has common bonds with all who cherish personal freedom; with all who believe that New Zealanders are individualists who can develop a vigorous nation if given encouragement and opportunity. The Party has always striven for the people as a whole and not for sectional interests. It seeks to create a nation in which business is founded on private ownership and management with reasonable competition -and fair rewards; in which equality of opportunity is universal; in which there is justice for all and special privilege for none. It holds that a property-owning democracy is the best basis for the modern welfare society. The Party’s supporters are unswervingly loyal to Queen and country. They wholeheartedly strive for world peace and uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations. They believe in maintaining adequate and efficient defence forces to help defend, if need be, the way of life we cherish. The Party’s basic outlook is essentially humanitarian. Its terms of Office from 1949 to 1957 and from 1960, have been marked by progressive legislation, generally buoyant economic conditions, good opportunities for the younger generation, full employment and security with generous care for the infirm and aged others in need. The policy of the Party for the future, as outlined in this Manifesto, ensures that the next term of the National Government will again be one of efficient and progressive Government for the benefit of all New Zealanders.  What the party stands for. We believe (from a booklet of this title issued by the Party). We believe:  1. In the individual and that individual effort and initiative, self-reliance and efficiency should be encouraged to the utmost.  2. In the liberty of the individual, in the basic freedoms - freedom of speech, of religion, freedom from want and from fear - and in the rights of minorities.  3. In the Rule of Law whereby the citizen is protected from arbitrary government. We believe in the principle that all citizens are equal before the law and equally subject to it.  4. That human progress and happiness - spiritual, moral, social and economic - can best be attained when the individual is free to make his own decisions within the law; we strongly oppose the state dictatorship of socialist government.  5. New Zealanders are essentially individualists who will work best to develop a vigorous and prosperous nation when given incentives and opportunity.  6. In private enterprise with healthy competition and fair rewards as the most efficient system for commerce and industry.  7. In encouraging the sound economic growth of the nation by setting targets to aim for rather than by centralised state control.  8. That Government economic policy should create the climate in which men may make their own decisions and work out their future in their own ways.  9. Improved standards of living must be based on high productivity and efficient service.  10. In a property-owning democracy, in promoting individual ownership of homes, farms and businesses, including ownership of shares.  11. In efficient national defence including collective security arrangements and in the loyal discharge of our international obligations.  12. In policies that benefit the community, as a whole rather than sectional interests, and in fostering goodwill between all sections.  13. In progressive social and humanitarian legislation based on social justice and acceptance of the duty to care generously for the aged, young, sick and needy.  14. In religious and racial tolerance and understanding and in integration of Maoris and Europeans as one people.  1. National development. Basic policy:  1. National development was the subject of the first plank in the party’s 1966 manifesto - indicative of the prime importance which the party attaches to planned expansion of the whole range of the Nation's economic and social activities. The national government gave practical effect to this policy by organising during 1968 and 1969 the most momentous and widely representative conference in New Zealand’s history. The basic recommendation of the national development conference was for a target growth rate of 4,5 per cent per annum in real gross national product. This envisaged an economy combining full employment of resources with a standard of living rising by 2% per annum until 1972-73 and 2,5% per annum thereafter. The national government adopted these targets and will continue to make tie decisions necessary to achieve them.  2. The national government affirms that during the balance of this century New Zealand will be transformed into a society of diversified production and mature social development while continuing to enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. By the year 2000 our population should 5 million. The decisions currently being made by the national government will ensure that, during the 1970’s, sound foundations will be laid for the prosperity and social welfare of the increased population forecast for the end of the century.  3. The national development conference captured the imagination of New Zealanders with its wide-ranging recommendations. These numbered 632, and immediately the national government began adopting them. Adoption of about 30 was effected or announced in the 1969 budget and to date more than 220 have been approved. Reports are currently being examined with a view to implementing many more at an early date. We will use the conference reports and recommendations as guidelines to our development policies.  4. The national government adopted a proposal of the conference that a small representative national development council, chaired by a minister, be appointed to keep under review the targets and objectives of the conference and the measures needed to give effect to them. The council which is advisory to government may also propose changes in targets and generally is charged with following up to decisions of the conference and maintaining contact with various sectors. It will also co-ordinate the network of government industry consultation arising from the conference. Several sectors councils linked with the main council will ensure full consultation with each of the economic and humanitarian areas of national life.  5. Relevant planks of this manifesto refer to progress in working towards the conference targets and to national government’s plans for the immediate future. The fundamental outlook of the national government favours as much individual initiative and private enterprise as possible and aims to preserve the greatest measure of freedom in all aspects of economic and personal affairs. The national government will create the basis for a new era of national development on which New Zealanders will be able to build effectively and efficiently in all spheres of working.  Details:  6. In the economic sphere, for the more mature type of economy we have been developing in New Zealand during the last decade, we envisage a more sophisticated financial system, able to provide economical use of available resources for the various avenues of investment. The use of computers has dramatically altered accounting and statistical facilities and we are taking steps to provide more up-to-date official statistics which are important in decision-making.  7. Economic forecasting will play a bigger part in future development plans. The targets fixed by the National Development conference will require greater use and better co-ordination of economic forecasting. An economic Planning Division has been established in Government to facilitate this. It is proposed to establish a Government computer centre to allow fullest and most efficient use of data processing equipment by State Departments. Indicative planning will assist farmers and businessmen in assessing long-term prospects for development.  8. Long-range increased farm production targets are closely linked with the need to extend and diversify New Zealand's exports. The National Government will continue to provide financial incentives to farmers and others associated with production for export and to give assistance to research organisations associated with improving production methods. Imaginative and vigorous overseas trade promotion methods will be undertaken in all likely markets for New Zealand products.  9. Industrially, the moves towards large basic metal industries will materially enhance the prospects of our heavy and light engineering industries. The National Government will do everything possible to encourage the development of the iron and steel mills, the aluminium smelter and similar projects based on indigenous resources, including further expansion of forest products industries, the fisheries industry and the industries processing food products.  10. Generation of electricity in sufficient quantity will be vital to major development. The National Government has planned the completion of foreseeable hydro-electric schemes by the late 1970’s and will make early decisions on the later power needs of New Zealand in the light of progress in nuclear power generation and the possibility of important finds of oil and natural gas.  11. Efficiency in transport and communications will be a prime need of the new age and both the isolation of New Zealand externally and the difficult terrain within the country will require increasing attention to the provision of up-to-date transport vehicles and facilities, including containerisation and methods of loading and unloading. We will ensure an adequate allocation of resources to the expansion to the expansion of transport in all forms.  12. Social welfare in the broadest sense will become progressively more important as population grows, as the proportion of older persons rises and as long established housing areas require re-development. The decision of the national government to adopt the recommendation of the National Development Conference for a new department of social welfare indicates the growing significance of the many government welfare activities and the need for their co-ordination and unified administration.  13. In education, the national government will continue to ensure that sufficient resources are diverted to education buildings and equipment and that employment conditions in education are sufficiently attractive. We must maintain a rate of expansion in facilities for learning commensurate with the population growth and the rapidly changing technological needs which can be expected in the last third of this century.  11. The arts will be actively encouraged by the national Government because of the contribution of cultural pursuits to the well being of the country and its development in the broader sense. We think that as the nation grows, it will wish to match material and social achievement with progress in the arts, and a policy of grants to appropriate organisations and tax incentives to individuals willing to support the various arts will be continued.  15. Tourists from overseas will be a big source of overseas income and will enliven the local sense. Every effort will be made to capitalise on the growing awareness of these facts. The national government has provided airports to accommodate the jet airliners of the main Pacific routes, and we will take new steps to promote tourist travel to New Zealand, particularly from countries bordering the Pacific.  16. A more vigorous role for New Zealand in international affairs, especially in the South East Asian regions, is inevitable. The National Government has demonstrated its preparedness for these bigger responsibilities by extending diplomatic representation and by fully discharging New Zealand’s treaty obligations.  One of these white pages is inserted after each plank of the manifesto in the loose-leaf edition supplied to candidates and news media editors. These pages give 5 highlights from the relevant plunk followed by 5 achievements by the National Government in the same field. These pages are not part of the formal manifesto, they are in the nature of talking points for candidates and convenient references to the main point in each plank.  National development. National promises.  1. Positive action towards achieving the target rate of 4,5% p.a. recommended by the Development Conference.  2. A policy of national development to match the horizons of opportunity as New Zealand’s population grows towards the 5 million mark by 2000 A.D.  3. Adoption of many more of the recommendations of the National Development Conference as reports come forward on implementing them.  4. Full support for the National Development Council in its roles of reviewing progress in implementing the Conference decisions and of maintaining contact with the main sectors of national life.  5. To provide scope for as much individual, initiative and private enterprise as possible as the best means of building vigorous nation.  5-STAR PERFORMANCE 0N EARLIER PROMISES.  - Most successful National Development Conference 1968-69 to set targets for balanced development.  - An increase in the Gross National Product from $2434 m. to $4043 m. in the 8 years to 1967-68.  - Continuing high levels of prosperity and employment.  - Record export earnings - over $1 billion latest year - and in more diverse markets.  - New capital formation of over $6 billion since early 60’s.  2. Taxation & Finance. Basic policy:  1. Excessive rates of taxation are a discouragement to progress and development, and national governments have given incentives to individuals and companies by progressively reducing rates of taxation. National governments have reduced rates of taxation in 15 of their 17 years in office. It will be the continuing taxation policy of the national government to reduce rates of taxation to give incentives to greater effort and economic progress.  2. The national government asserts that a just and equitable distribution of the taxation burden should be a constant objective in taxation policy. A new system of personal taxation has been introduced which will make it possible to adjust taxation more equitably. The income at which the maximum rate is reached has been substantially raised. Taxation concessions introduced with the new rates amounted to at least $22 m. a year.  3. The national government has introduced and will continue to promote better business methods in government and will keep a firm check on overall government expenditure. The national government appointed a public expenditure committee, representative of both parliamentary parties, to examine the estimates of expense presented to the house, the public accounts and the accounts of such corporations and other organisations as are in receipt of money appropriated by parliament. It is required to report on any economies that may be effected. The committee has travelled extensively during parliamentary recesses and reported to parliament annually with a number of recommendations designed to ensure better value for government.  4. The national government believes in widespread individual ownership of capital. An important aspect of its policies is to give worthwhile incentives for small savings which are a valuable contribution to capital formation. To this end, we established the national savings committee, granted nation-wide coverage of trustee savings banks and legislated to provide for trading banks to establish savings banks. The national development conference targets require that an extra 2% of the gross. National product be saved internally. Policies have been introduced to achieve this objective including the new national development bonds maturing in 8 years and the bonus bonds for which the interest equivalent will be balloted among bondholders. It will be the continuing policy of the national government to encourage small savings to assist in financing the country’s national development.  5. To further encourage savings, the national government made two amendments to income tax exemptions from 1st April 1969 to provide:  a. That taxpayers belonging to employer-subsided superannuation schemes may claim the full amounts of their insurance premiums and superannuation up to maximum of $500 and other taxpayers up to $650, a concession valued at $5m. a year.  b. That the exemption for interest and building society dividends be increased to $100, a concession valued at $3m. a year.  6. During 1969, the national government instituted a new superannuation scheme through the national provident fund and based on the successful farm workers superannuation scheme which will allow any employer, no matter how small, to offer a transferable superannuation scheme to his employees.  7. The national government will continue its policy of making maximum use of new-Zealanders savings and the supplementing these with overseas borrowing, in order to meet the capital needs of our rapidly developing economy. The productive and export potential of New Zealand farms and industries justifies the confidence of the national government that the greater production resulting from the increased capital resources will enable the country to meet the loan payments and interest charges. The national government will continue to use overseas loans in payment for part of the imported content of the raw materials and equipment for developmental projects.  8. The national government is maintaining its policy of management reform with a comprehensive programme for improvements in governmental financial management, including the introduction of a new expenditure planning programme and budgeting system (PPBS) and a government-wide integrated management accounting system. The new systems will emphasise budgeting for results. They will aid effective planning and decisions-making in government but will also generally assist the community’s understanding of the activities of government and their costs.  9. Basic objectives of the national government’s taxation policy are:  a. To give incentives for New-Zealanders to work more and earn more.  b. To encourage young people to acquire higher skills and assume greater responsibilities.  c. To provide incentives for increasing exports.  d. To expand economic production on farms and in factories.  e. To keep costs of production in check.  f. To provide more jobs for our rapidly increasing population.  g. To hold the cost of living as stable as possible.  h. Maximum possible stability in the value of money.  Taxation and finance. National promises.  1. A continuing policy of reducing rates of taxation to live incentives to greater effort and economic progress.  2. Comprehensive programme of improvements in Government financial management.  3. A firm check on Government expenditure and continued functioning of the Public Expenditure Committee of Parliament to report on possible economies.  4. Incentives to small savings to promote widespread ownership capital and help finance national  5. Prudent overseas borrowing to meet the capital needs of the rapidly developing economy.  5-star performance on earlier promises:  - Reduction in tax rates each year throughout 1960’s except in 1967, plus introduction of a wide range of tax concessions and incentives in farming, fishing, forestry, industry, tourism and in the export sector.  - Repayment of virtually all short-term overseas debt raised in 1967 to meet balance of payments crisis.  - Established of the New Zealand dollar on credible basis in relation to overseas currencies.  - A doubling of small savings since 1961.  - Reduction of the Public Debt as a proportion of the Gross National Product.  3. Monetary and economic. Basic policy:  1. The national government asserts that the overall management monetary and economic along sound and progressive lines is one of the most important responsibilities of government. A comprehensive review of monetary policy has been made and important changes implemented. These will make monetary policy a more effective economic aid and require less dependence on direct controls.  2. The national government will promote legislation and policies designed to ensure that the creation and issue of money is kept in balanced relationship with the production with the production of goods and services, so that the greatest degree of economic stability can be maintained and the value of all earnings, savings and other income safeguarded.  3. The national government will ensure that monetary and economic policy is directed towards the maintenance of full and efficient employment policy of New Zealand’s resources of labour and capital, maximum possible stability of the price level and measures and incentive schemes to promote a steady rate of economic growth throughout the economy.  4. The national government believes that greater use and better coordination of economic forecasting would aid the balanced development of New Zealand’s economy. To this end, an economic planning division has been established within government to promote better programming of government expenditure in relation to resources available to the whole economy. The work of the National development council will be facilitated by this unit. It will be the aim of the national government to provide by its general policies, and where necessary by special incentives, conditions favourable for the attainment of the targets set by the national development conference.  5. The national government will continue its support for international monetary and economic co-operation, and to that end will continue New Zealand’s participation in the international monetary fund, the World Bank, the Asian development bank and other similar international organisations. The national government in 1968 passed legislation making New Zealand one of the first countries to be able to notify its intention to participate in the special drawing rights scheme of the I.M.F. This scheme is expected to alleviate pressure on major currencies and help overcome the regular crises in international monetary affairs and the national government will wholeheartedly support these moves.  6. The national government will continue to receive reports from the independent monetary and economic council which will remain free to publish its reports and advice to the government on internal price stability, supply of money, any reforms needed in the monetary system and the provision of finance for economic expansion.  National promises:  1. Balanced relationship between the creation and issue of money and the production of goods and services, to promote economic stability and safeguard values of income and savings.  2. A monetary and economic policy directed towards maintaining full employment, stability of costs and prices and economic growth.  3. Conditions favourable to attaining the growth targets set by the National Development Conference, including greater use and better co-ordination of economic forecasting.  4. Practical support for international monetary and economy co-operation and participation in the special drawing rights scheme of the I.M.F.  5. Continued publication of reports of the independent Monetary & Economic Council.  5-star performance on earlier promises:  - The restoration of normal conditions after severe 1967-68 recession.  - An increase in export income since 1967 by nearly 50%.  - The attainment of stability through the use of flexible economic policies.  - Deeper public awareness of the economic issues confronting New Zealand as a result of intensive efforts by Government to promote greater understanding in this area.  - Revision and improvement of monetary and tax systems.  4. Education. Basic policy:  1. The national government is determined that our young people should be encouraged to realise that no real success comes without study and hard work and that they should equip themselves to render loyal and faithful service to their country and their fellow men. We think that our educational system should be directed to these ends and that young people should have every opportunity to develop their talents to the full.  2. The national government aims to create the conditions in which the appeal of the teaching profession will continue to attract dedicated and able men and women and in which the desire to learn and take society to higher levels of attainment is a dominant urge of teachers and students alike.  3. Evidence of the importance the national government attaches to adequate education facilities at all levels is found in the increased expenditure authorised during the past 9 years when annual net expenditure has increased from $87 m. to $209 m., including increased capital provision for educational buildings in that period from $17 m. to $35 m. the national government recognises the many challenges which must be faced in determining the priorities of expenditure for education.  4. The national government is determined that the highest priority consistent with the other essential needs of a developing country must be given to educational requirements and that the targets of reduced class sizes, more and better trained teachers and adequate ancillary staffing must be attained as soon as possible. The national government will also give comparable priority to the building and equipment needs of the expanding educational system.  5. The shift in emphasis towards technical training for farming and industry poses further problems in assessing the future development of educational facilities. It is estimated that the demand for technicians will increase spectacularly during the 70’s and to meet this situation the national government will ensure that adequate resources are provided for technical training.  Details:  6. An Advisory Council on Educational planning has been set up to consider and advise the National Development Council and the minister of education on:  (a) The implementation of recommendations of the National Development Conference concerning education.  (b) Priorities in educational development and  (c) Matters of educational importance referred to it by the Minister, the Director-General of Education, or the National Development Council.  Section B, teaching conditions:  7. Conditions of Service: The national government is determined to create the professional conditions within, the service that will continue to attract people of the highest calibre and encourage them to remain in the profession. The extensive system of in-service training at present in operation will be extended and the bursary scheme for the upgrading of teachers’ qualifications will be continued. Ancillary staffing introduced by the national government will be increased substantially and extend in all types of schools to enable teachers to devote more of their available time to teaching. From February 1970 the workload of first-year teachers will be reduced and we will improve the conditions of service of part-time teachers. The salaries and conditions of service of teachers will be reviewed and improved regularly.  8. Smaller Classes: The national government will accelerate the program me already begun of reducing primary school staffing ratios to a maximum of 1: 35 and secondary staffing ratios so that principals may organise classes of a maximum of 20 in sixth forms and 30 in other forms.  (a) Many positions in primary and intermediate schools have already been upgraded in the past 3 years to provide the senior staff for the new staffing ratios. In 1968 an interim improved schedule provided for probationary assistants to have classes of 30 without increasing the size of other classes as was formerly the case. The teachers for the next major step are already in training and intakes into teachers' colleges for the next three years will be kept at a level for each of the four steps to follow at yearly intervals. The stopped programme has already been published and will begin immediately following the completion of the transition to 3 year training in 1971, being fully operative at the beginning of 1975.  (b) The first step towards the new staffing ratios for secondary schools is in operation this year. The second step has been announced for 1970 and the next 3 steps will follow at yearly intervals, the whole programme being operative at the beginning of 1973. Each year by agreement, a working party of Post Primary Teachers and the Education Department will investigate and recommend to government the nature and size of the next step in the programme, bearing in mind the number of teachers available and the needs of rural schools. This flexible approach is designed to speed the transition to the limits of available staff.  9. Teachers’ Colleges: The National Government will continue to provide better facilities and staffing conditions Teachers’ Colleges. In particular we have:  a. Already raised the minimum entry qualification to teachers' colleges from School Certificate to Lower Sixth Form Certificate and will raise it as soon as practicable to university entrance.  b. Approved a capital works programme for new buildings totalling $29 m. for the 5 years up to 1973-74 and  c. Undertaken to set up outpost colleges where there is sufficient demand to attract persons from provincial areas into secondary teaching.  9. Teacher Housing. A National Government will continue its liberal teacher housing under which 120 houses have been provided in 1969, making a total of 2700 together with 70 teacher hostels. Houses will be provided for:  a. head-teachers and secondary principals in centres of population up to 6000 (this was 4000 up to 1968).  b. Teacher-drivers.  c. Senior secondary assistants at District High Schools.  d. Married male senior primary assistants at consolidated schools.  e. Secondary assistant teachers in country service schools.  f. primary assistant teachers in centres up to 6000 population and special centres, particularly in rapidly growing areas, (c.g. Kawerau, Tokoroa, and Turangi) where staffing difficulties stem from lack of housing.  g. special schools staff, and  h. Caretakers of secondary schools.  Section C, curriculum and special services:  11. Curriculum Development :  a. The Curriculum Development Unit established by the Government will continue its revision of the Curriculum to meet modern needs. Care will be taken with the manner and pace of changes to ensure adequate planning and preparations are made before each new step is taken.  b. Special attention will be devoted to civic responsibilities in the revision of the compulsory social studies syllabus. The National Government believes that the individual is first and foremost a citizen and should have a full appreciation of his place in our society and his responsibilities as a member of it.  c. To ensure that a broad general and liberal education is attained, the operation of the now School certificate examination will be closely watched in conjunction with the School Certificate Examination Board, a broadly representative body set up by the national government as a permanent body to study and report on the changing needs as to qualification certificates of pupils at this level.  d. Special attention will be paid to the extension of the teaching of languages of nations with which New Zealand has increasing trade. Since 1967 the teaching of Japanese and Indonesian to sixth form groups has been fostered. To provide the necessary teachers, these languages are now taught at four universities and at wellington Polytechnic.  12. Educational TV : The National Government regards the introduction of educational television as a matter of high priority. A broadly based advisory committee has been announced to consider and report on the introduction of educational television in New Zealand schools. Academic programmes for adults will be provided in conjunction with the N.Z. Broadcasting corporation. At present a series on the new mathematics is in preparation and others will follow. After the above inquiry, the National Government will survey, and if necessary expand the present provision of audio-visual aids in primary and secondary schools.  13. Pre-school Education: Increased assistance will be given to play-centres and kindergartens. Pre-school facilities for Maoris particularly will be expanded. The National Government will institute a full inquiry, into pre-school services, both state and independent. This Committee of inquiry will hear evidence an all aspects of pre-school education, its organisation, financing and administration and recommend improvements and changes arising from problems associated with its tremendous expansion in the last 9 years under a National Government.  14. Remedial teaching. The standardized attainment tests, now available for reading, will be extended to cover other basic subjects and full-time and part-time remedial teachers appointed where the need exists.  15. Special Education: the work of the special education service which caters for the needs of the psychically, mentally and emotionally handicapped will be extended. Every child, no matter what his handicap, will be given full opportunity to an education suited to his potential.  16. Schools with special problems. Liberal staffing above normal staffing schedules, extra equipment, additional positions of responsibility and positions for teachers aides will be provided in schools which have special problems, particularly in schools with a high proportion of Maori or Island children.  Already under this scheme:  (a) 20 schools in Auckland City and Porirua have 4 or 5 permanent teachers additional to normal staffing entitlement with extra classrooms, equipment and teachers’ aides.  (b) Over 25 schools have 1 or 2 extra permanent teachers and extra classrooms.  (c) Over 100 schools have additional assistants.  (d) Schools with a high proportion of Maori children now have a junior assistant additional to normal staff entitlement, or an additional permanent qualified teacher, or a teachers’ aid, or a combination of any or all of these depending on their problems.  (e) Over 300 schools have qualified part-time assistants additional to normal staff entitlement and  (f) Over 200 schools have additional first-year teachers above normal staff entitlement.  17. Maori education: The National Government has taken active steps to close the education gap between Maori and European and to create the right conditions within the education system for the further educational advancement of the increasing numbers of Maori children. The Government has  (a) Greatly expanded facilities for pre-school education.  (b) Transferred the Maori service primary schools into the administrative control of district education boards and extended to all primary schools with high proportions of Maori pupils the special forms of staffing assistance formerly available only in Maori service schools.  (c) Approved specialist advisors to assist teachers in the development of effective language programmes in schools where there are significant numbers of Maori pupils.  (d) Conducted training, courses to make teachers familiar with the special learning difficulties Maori may have.  (e) Organised seminars to provide educational and vocational guidance for fifth and sixth form Maori pupils.  (f) Appointed guidance counsellors in secondary schools with high proportions of Maori pupils.  (g) Increased the number of pre-employment and trade training courses for boys and  (h) Reconstituted the Advisory Council on Maori education.  The National Government will:  (a) Continue the expansion of education in districts where Maori children can benefit from it.  (b) Press ahead with the production of teaching materials for use by teachers in classrooms with large numbers of Maori pupils.  (c) Appoint more guidance for counsellors in schools with large numbers of Maori pupils.  (d) Reorganise the Maori Scholarship scheme in order to benefit more able Maori pupils.  (e) Continue the encouragement of Maori boys and girls to further their education.  (f) Extend pre-employment schemes for Maori boys and girls.  (g) Continue tuition in the Maori language in secondary schools as at present.  (h) Extend opportunities for Maori language tuition at forms I and II level where sufficient parents desire it and where there is linkage with secondary schools  (i) Encourage Maoris to seek professional and skilled occupations and assist them with scholarships and bursaries; emphasis will be placed on the value of technical training as well as university study.  18. Pacific islanders in N.Z. : The National Government will help parents and children settling in New Zealand from the Pacific Islands to make the best use of educational opportunities.  19. Vocational guidance: the National Government will:  (a) Appoint guidance counsellors to more large secondary schools in addition to the 37 already appointed.  (b) Where necessary, extend the Vocational Guidance Service and increase the number of centres from which it operates.  (c) Improve the training and operation of schools career advisers.  (d) develop close liaison between guidance services in the schools and the needs of employers in industry and commerce and  (e) Continue training courses for newly appointed guidance counsellors.  Section D. Buildings, equipment, facilities.  20. School Buildings: the new and revolutionary S.68 plan will be adopted for new secondary schools and a now updated code now in final stages of preparation for primary school buildings, making better provision for modern needs, will be introduced. The modern transportable classrooms in permanent materials providing accommodation of a high class that have been evolved under the National Government, will be used to phase out pre-fabricated rooms and to cater for the fluctuating rolls which are a problem in newly developed areas. There are now some hundreds of these modern rooms in use.  21. Classroom Equipment: The whole basis of the supply and replacement of primary and intermediate school equipment by Government will be reviewed and provision made for a more liberal basic equipment list and a new policy for replacement.  22. Incidentals and Capitation Grants: These will be reviewed at regular intervals both quantitatively and qualitatively and an investigation is under way to evolve, if possible, a simpler and quicker method of estimating the needs of schools. These items have both been increased substantially in 1969 the increases, back-dated to 1st February, totalling $500000. The total payments have been from $2,2 m. in 1960 to 6 m. in 1969.  23. School Libraries and Free Text Books: Library rooms will be provided in the larger primary schools. Regular reviews will be made of the adequacy of the textbook grant and increases made accordingly. Such a review is at present being made by an inspecting committee which is visiting a selected sample of schools and on completion of the review, substantial increases will be made. Under the National Government expenditure on primary and secondary textbook grants has risen from $700000 in 1960 to $1,7 m. in 1969.  24. Educational Research: The National Government will continue to contribute substantially to the finances of the Council of Educational Research. We will expand facilities for educational research in New Zealand and investigate the part to be played by the existing institutions - the Department of Education, the universities and the N.Z. Council for Educational Research.  Section E. Education of country children.  25. Hostels: An extensive programme of hostel replacement and will be carried on and more hostels will be built where the demand exists.  26. Boarding bursaries: The National Government will continue to review Boarding bursaries so that the bursary maintains its value equal to one term’s fees at a State secondary school hostel as recommended by the Commission on Education.  27. Form 1- form 6 Schools and Area Schools: The progressive establishment of new Form 1 - Form 6 schools will continue. There are already 15 in operation, 3 in course of translation and another 7 under offer and negotiation with the local people concerned. Area Schools will be established in districts of low population density. One is in operation and another will be established in 1970.  Section F. independent schools.  28. (a) The National Government recognises the role of the Independent Schools in the national system of education, dating from the time New Zealand was founded to the present day. We recognise the right of parents to make their own choice. The National Government believes that this does not conflict with its progressive policy of expanding and developing the state system of education.  (b) Since 1962 the National Government has had negotiations with the Inter-denominational Committee of independent Schools representing all the religious denominations which run schools, and also other schools. The representations made by this responsible and representative committee persuaded the Government that greater assistance should be given. In consequence, since 1963 the assistance to independent Schools has been considerably increased, but has not provided for any payment of teaching salaries or capital grants for buildings.  (c) The National Government is not prepared at this point of time to extend or promise further assistance in an attempt to outbid other political parties. We will not take part in an auction of this nature on the eve of the General Election. However, after General Election, the National Government will give further study to the submissions of the Committee of independent Schools and will consult all other persons or organisations which may wish to make representations with the aim of reaching a satisfactory and equitable solution of the controversial question of State assistance to independent Schools. A solution cannot be reached by hasty decisions made without consideration of all the factors involved. These factors are the continuation of adequate assistance to independent schools, and to protect and to preserve their independence. A prime consideration of a National Government is that the State school system shall be progressively improved and developed to equip out young people to play a full part in an increasingly complex society.  SECTION G – Senior technical education:  29. Senior Technical Education: The National Government, in furtherance of its policy of ensuring that technical education is adequate for the growing needs of farming, manufacturing and servicing industries and Government Departments, will continue with the imaginative developments already proving effective in meeting this new demand. Expenditure on senior technical education has grown from $ 3m. in 1964 to $9 m. in 1969. The following are the more noteworthy aspects of National’s policy:  (a) Additional senior technical courses will be attached to secondary schools in smaller centres.  (b) Specially staffed Vocational Departments attached to secondary schools will be established as the nuclear of future Technical Institutes in centres where the workload is sufficient.  (c) Regional Technical Institutes will be extended to provincial centres as their vocational departments attain sufficient day workload to make a separate institute viable. The criteria for the establishment of technical institutes have been modified in terms of the recommendation of the National Development Conference from the equivalent of 25 full-time day staff to the equivalent of 10. Special measures have been evolved to ensure full employment of staffing in provincial institutes to bring the benefits of a technical institute to the provincial centres at an earlier date. This will allow vocational departments in provincial areas to be converted at a much earlier date than under the former criteria.  (d) The Central Institute of technology will be transferred from Petone to specially planned new buildings on a site of 45 acres at Heretaunga. The first stage of these buildings costing $5 million will be completed in 1973. Authority has been given for planning the second stage and for a 500-bed hostel on the site. The cost of the stages under planning and out to tender is $8.6 m.  (e) The Technical Correspondence Institute will be extended and new courses established.  (f) Close liaison between industry, commerce, agriculture and technical training will be established through the new Vocational Training council.  (g) A National School of Catering will be established which in addition to improving catering generally, will give vital assistance to the tourist industry in meeting the anticipated heavier influx of overseas visitors. Courses in catering, already operating at Auckland and Otago Regional Institutes will be extended to other regional institutes when the demand arises.  (h) The Vocational Training Council will be asked to investigate pre-entry trade training with special attention to the pilot schemes recommended by the National Development Conference and the catering industry. The Council will also be asked to make recommendations for the training in new work skills of those whose previous jobs may have become outdated by technological advances.  (i) Cross-crediting between Technical Institutes, Universities and Teachers' Colleges will be encouraged by negotiation. This is already done in engineering.  Section H - universities and adult education:  30. Universities: Because higher education in our universities makes a tremendous contribution to national progress by providing teachers, scientists, research workers, professional men and women as well as many leaders in industry, the National Government will ensure that the necessary capital needs of the universities are met. The National Government will also ensure conditions of employment for the teaching staff that will attract and retain professors and lecturers of high academic attainments. The National Government operates a system of quinquennial budgeting to enable the universities to plan ahead and makes "block'' grants to cover all the running expenses of each University. The following figures showing the increases in Government expenditure on universities during the past decade are indicative of the importance the National Government places on University development.  1960 1961  Building and equipment $1,7m $12,0m  Bursaries $0,6 m $6,4m  Block grants (for running costs) $5,0m $17,7m  $7,3m $36,1m.  In addition, the National government has already approved the block grants for the 1970-74 quinquennium which will rise steeply to $34 m. for 1974 and total $139 m. for the 5 years. The following specific aspects of our policy on university education will continue  (a) Special attention to the capital needs of the Universities.  (b) Maintenance of the existing policy of admission to Universities.  (c) The Halls of Residence subsidies programme.  (d) Examination of University staff salaries by a special committee at regular intervals.  (e) Intake into both medial schools to be substantially increased and provision made at Wellington and Christchurch for increased clinical teaching.  (f) Full support for research in the Universities and encouragement of co-operation between industry and the universities on projects of importance to national development.  31. Adult Education: The National Government will continue to give full support to the National Council of Adult Education.  EDUCATION. NATIONAL Promises.  1. An educational system that gives all young people the opportunity to develop their talents to the full, encourages success through real effort and inculcates loyalty and faithful service to the community.  2. Conditions which attract dedicated and able men and women to the teaching profession.  3. The highest allocation of expenditure on education consistent with the other essential needs of a developing country.  4. An Advisory Council on Educational Planning to report on development and priorities in education.  5. An accelerated programme of reducing class sizes.  6. Higher entry qualification for admission to Teachers' Colleges.  7. Introduction of educational TV.  8. A full enquiry into pre-school education.  9. Liberal staffing for schools with special problems.  10. A widely based programme to close the education gap between Maori and European and generally to promote educational advancement of Maori children.  11. An expanded vocational guidance service.  12. Continued State aid to independent schools consistent with progressive improvement and development of the State School System.  13. Wide-ranging development in senior technical education.  14. To meet the necessary capital needs of the Universities and to ensure employment conditions to attract and retain professors and lecturers of high academic attainments.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - Overall expenditure up from $87 m. to $209 m. in 9 years.  - 3-year training for primary teachers.  - Ancillary staffing introduced.  - Programme for smaller classes begun.  - University bursaries examination introduced.  5. Science. Basic policy:  1. The economic growth of New Zealand and the well being of its people will depend increasingly on growth in our scientific effort and the adoption of research in farming, manufacturing and service industries. The national government will follow a beneficial. In this the national government will continue to consult with and be guided by the national research advisory council.  2. The national government will encourage universities, industrial enterprises and state departments to stimulate research and will encourage the closest co-operation between them to make sure that scientific manpower is trained to develop New Zealand’s resources. The aim is a scientific environment that will attract and hold New Zealand graduates.  3. The national government will ensure that adequate teachers and equipment are available to enable young New Zealanders to embark on careers in science. The objective is sufficient men and women interested in New Zealand’s scientific problems who are highly qualified in all fields of pure and applied science.  4. The national government will expand extension services to farming and to manufacturing to ensure that the results of research are applied more rapidly. Special assistance will be given to manufacturers to encourage greater appreciation of science and scientific techniques.  Details:  1. Young New Zealanders must be encouraged to study and research in fields where their knowledge can be applied to New Zealand’s special problems. To encourage a lively participation by New Zealand Universities in research relevant to development, the National Government will expand its policy of negotiating research contracts between Government Departments, industry and the universities.  2. The National Government will encourage participation by the universities in research of national importance by:  (a) the siting where possible of Government laboratories close to universities,  (b) increasing the grants to universities by government agencies for research projects of national importance.  (c) the establishment, with Departmental support of research units in the universities to ensure that scientific fields of national importance are adequately covered by the universities.  (d) increased provision of post-graduate scholarships and fellowships by Government agencies (e.g. NRAC) for research in fields of national importance, and  (e) encouragement of co-operation between industry and the universities on projects of importance to national development.  7. The National Government has introduced a policy of making grants to industry to encourage it to undertake more research and development in its own laboratories or through contracts with universities or Government agencies. By this means and by supporting Research associations we hope to encourage industry to become more research minded and employ more scientific and technical staff.  8. The National Government will expand scientific liaison and extension services to ensure that results of research are applied rapidly both to farming and industry.  9. The National Government will encourage industry to develop new products by a system of pre-production orders.  10. The National Government will continue to support the activities of the Mineral Resources Committee in evaluating the mineral resources of New Zealand. Where companies take up exploration licences for petroleum and other minerals we will make available appropriate scientific services. We will also encourage joint research by Government agencies, universities and industry in the processing of New Zealand minerals.  11. The National Government has initiated a policy of establishing a Government computer centre so that the fullest and most economic use is made of data processing equipment by State departments.  12. The National Government will continue to support the activities of the existing nine research associations and encourage the formation of new ones. This partnership between Government and industry is an efficient and effective means of encouraging research and technology within industry itself.  13. The National Government will increase New Zealand participation in international science by making funds available for symposia to be held in New Zealand on topics of importance both internationally and to New Zealand. The attendance of leading scientists from other countries will also act as a stimulant to New Zealand scientists, enabling them to benefit from discussion of their problems with overseas experts.  14. The National Government has expanded the DSIR staff so that New Zealand scientists may play a fuller part in our programme of technical assistance to developing countries in fields where they have social experience. This will be concentrated principally on:  (a) agricultural problems associated with soil, crops and pastures.  (b) the establishment of technological laboratories to carry out applied scientific work in fields such as food and drug testing and assistance to small industries, and  (c) the investigation and development of natural resources such as geothermal steam, soil and minerals.  15. The National Government will continue scientific research in Antarctica in close co-operation with the other 11 signatories to the Antarctic Treaty which came into force in 1961.  16. Other aspects of the National Government's programme for intensifying scientific research include:  (a) continuing to provide adequate facilities and equipment for Government research institutions; expenditure having been more than doubled from $300000 in 1963 to $630000 in 1969.  (b) a level of salaries for scientists and technicians which will aim to attract and retain suitable staff, and  (c) intensification of the capital works programme of the Department of Scientific and industrial Research and other scientific building programmes.  National promises.  1. Concentration of scientific research in areas where likely to the most beneficial in consultation with the national Research Advisory Council.  2. A scientific environment that will attract and hold New Zealand graduates.  3. Adequate teachers and equipment to attract young people to careers in science.  4. Expansion of extension services to farming and manufacturing.  5. Research contracts between Government Departments, industry and the universities and increased university participation in research of national importance.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - Government $ for $ contribution to Dairy Research Institute up by $1301000.  - Government $ for $ contribution to Wool Research Organisations up by $100000.  - Building Research Association established.  - Vast expansion in mineral exploration following work of Mineral Resources Committee.  - Scheme for Government grants to encourage research in industry.  6. Literature and arts. Basic policy:  1. The national government recognises the important role the arts and culture can play in the development of national character and in the promotion of New Zealand’s economic and social advancement. So that this advancement may be matched in the artistic and cultural spheres, we will ensure that incentives are provided to assist those organisations and individuals in the community able and willing to promote the arts and culture.  2. For these reasons, the national government will continue its policy of improving the facilities for education in and in the practice of the arts of making grants to organisations engaged in cultural activities and of allowing tax concessions to those making donations for educational and culture purposes.  Details:  3. In administering the above policy, the National Government will continue to give financial and other support to the following (in respect of the first three, under a formula reviewable every three years and giving an assured annual income) :  (a) Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council established by the National Government as the central agency for promoting the Arts.  (b) National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum.  (c) New Zealand Historic Places Trust, established by the National Government to preserve historic places.  (d) New Zealand Literary Fund, to assist and encourage creative writers.  (e) New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute established by the National Government at Whakarewarewa as a positive step towards preserving the cultural heritage of the Maori people.  (f) National library to be built on a site already acquired in the Government centre in Wellington designed to co-ordinate library facilities at National level.  (g) National council of adult Education, to co-operate with the universities and other organisations engaged in adult educating much of the world of the 1000 full-time and part-time tutors and lecturers being for the advancement of arts and crafts, drama, music, and literature.  4. The National Archives building, to be erected in Wellington, will provide a permanent repository for archives of importance in New Zealand's administration and history.  1. The Historic Articles Act will continue to be administered to retain in New Zealand articles and documents of historic value.  Literature and arts. National promises.  1. Incentive to assist organisations and individuals able and willing to promote the arts and culture.  2. Improved facilities for education in, and practice of, the arts.  3. Tax concessions for donations for educational and cultural purposes.  4. Full support for the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council as the central agency for promoting the arts.  5. Continued assistance to the National Council of Adult Education, particularly in its work of advancing studies in arts and crafts, drama, music and literature.  5-STAR PERFORMANCE ON EARLIER PROMISES:  - Increased Government grant to Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council for period of three years and re-introduction of subsidy on public donations to the Council.  - Social and Cultural Committee set up within framework of National Development Conference and its recommendations in cultural field are being studied for implementation.  - Additional staff available to, and improved basis for governmental financing of work of, New Zealand Historic Places Trust, National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum.  - Comprehensive celebration of Cook Bi-centenary, including creation of permanent Cook Fellowship.  - Establishment of Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Whakarewarewa.  7. Social welfare. Basic policy:  1. The national party has always stressed the importance of the individual, his rights and his welfare. Belief in human values and the welfare of those with special needs have underlined the policies and administration of the national government which has promoted much progressive social and humanitarian legislation. We will continue to express our concern for people and their welfare by giving high priority to the social and welfare services within government and by continuing generous assistance to voluntary community groups engaged in charitable and humanitarian projects.  2. In furtherance of this basic concept, the national government will bring together the present department of social security and the child welfare division of the department of education to form a new department of social welfare. Following the recommendation of the national development conference on the co-ordination, of social services, the national government will give further consideration to bringing other areas of state welfare activity into the new department.  3. The national government has in the field of human relationships passed legislation to give greater rights to the individual in law and administration. Evidence of these are the ombudsman, the matrimonial the proceedings act, domestic proceedings act, guardianship act, status of children act, matrimonial property act, the criminal injuries compensation tribunal and legal aid. We will continue to promote legislation of this kind as the need arises in harmony with changes in community thinking on social obligations and welfare opportunities.  4. The national government while encouraging and assisting voluntary welfare organisations in their important work will ensure that where special needs can be met satisfactorily only by the state, the government must act generously especially concerning the sick, the aged and the infirm. The special welfare fund instituted by the national government is evidence of this kind of outlook as also the numerous increases over the years in social security benefits as costs have increased.  5. The national government will establish a separate division of the department of social welfare to co-ordinate rehabilitation work by all government departments and liase closely with agencies in this field to promote a vigorous rehabilitation programme including job assessment and improved and expanded re-training activity. Greater emphasis will be placed on rehabilitation to minimise the waste op potential manpower and enable the victims of accident and incapacitating illness to return as quickly as possible to useful employment and financial independence.  Details:  6. Within this broad policy the National Government will continue the following aspects of its administration:  (a) Maintenance, as far as possible, of economic stability to safeguard the value of all earnings and savings and to ensure gainful employment for all able and willing to work.  (b) Extensions to the education system, not only to provide the best general education but also suitable special teaching of retarded children, psychological services to assist with maladjusted children, extensions of guidance counsellor and vocational guidance services and provision of adequate hostels for children required to live away from home for secondary schooling.  (c) Provision for extensive adult education including training for leisure in arts and crafts, drama, music and literature.  (d) Support for the work of the Youth Activities Officers of the Department of Internal Affairs, in association with church and youth organisations, in fostering leadership training and arranging better use of resources; special encouragement to the National Youth Council.  (e) Support for the Rotorua Maori Arts and Crafts Institute as a valuable step in preserving the cultural heritage of the Maori people.  (f) Extension of health services to the limit of available resources, taking full advantage of scientific advances and modern equipment.  (g) Generous subsidies for religious and welfare organisations towards the capital costs of homes for the elderly; care for the aged by Hospital Boards in cases where family and welfare organisations with Government assistance are not able to provide adequately.  (h) Maximum use of the District Nurse and Community Nursing Services and support for such voluntary work as Meals on Wheals and the laundry service for the aged and infirm.  (i) Generous grants to the Plunket Society.  (j) Generous grants to those organisations caring for the mentally and physically retarded.  (k) Establishment of more hospital rehabilitation units to help patients back to normal domestic and trade duties.  (l) Generous assistance with housing for families in the lower income groups, and assistance to local bodies for financing pensioner flats at low rentals.  (m) Increases in Social Security benefits (other than family) to make full allowances for increased costs from time to time.  (n) Generous payments from the Welfare Fund, instituted by National for those in greater need than normal.  (o) Financial Support to the Disabled Re-Establishment League in its work of co-ordinating the rehabilitation and re-training services for injured and disabled workers.  (p) Special assistance to Maoris when particular needs require sympathetic attention, including special health and educational problems; continuing support for the work of Maori Welfare Officers and Maori Women’s welfare Leagues.  (q) Support for Volunteer Service Abroad and extensions of aid to underdeveloped countries.  (r) Promotion of a better appreciation of the proper relationship between workers and employers in modern society and improved understanding of mutual problems; more steps to reduce industrial accidents.  (s) Investigation by the New Zealand Institute of Economic research on behalf of Government into the problems of regional development with a view to action to preserve employment opportunities in areas of slower economic growth.  (t) Full protection of the rights of the individual and continuance of the work of the Ombudsman.  (u) Substantial contribution for legal aid in civil cases.  (v) Compensation for victims of crimes of violence.  (w) Minimum delays in dealing with criminal and civil cases in the Courts and reduced time for accused persons to spend on remand.  (x) Full support of the work of Marriage Guidance Counsellors whose salaries are now fully paid by the Government.  7. The National Government will introduce legislation, as appears necessary or desirable, after opportunity for full consideration by all interested and affected parties of the proposals on Workers Compensation by the Royal Commission under Mr Justice Woodhouse. To facilitate proper consideration by all concerned, a White Paper has been produced setting out in detail the impact of the proposals.  8. The outlook of the National Government specially equips it to face the increasing awareness of the social and individual problems of big population concentrations in the growing urban areas. We will ensure that social problems arising are promptly considered. We recognise the need in Government administration to ensure not only that the rights of individuals are protected but also that all members of the community are kept adequately informed of legislation and administrative acts that affect their welfare.  9. The National Government is sympathetic to the greater demand from qualified younger persons, more highly educated and in great numbers than previously, to take an active part in shaping the future of their environment. To this end we will appoint suitable younger persons to statutory and other bodies which have Government appointees so that their viewpoint may be effectively considered.  Social welfare. National promises.  1. Concern for people and their welfare by giving high, priority to the social and welfare services within Government.  2. A new Department of Social Welfare initially to embody the present Social Security Department and the Child Welfare Division of the Department of Education.  3. To promote more legislation as the need arises in line with that already passed by National in the field of human relationships and human rights.  4. Generous State action where special needs of people cannot be met from community and other sources.  5. Co-ordination of rehabilitation work and improved job re-training activity.  5-STAR PERFORMANCE ON EARLIER PROMISES:  - establishment of a worthwhile partnership with voluntary organisations to promote humanitarian projects.  - Enactment of substantial body of legislation to protect the rights of individuals.  - Introduction of co-ordinated scheme for training and rehabilitation of the disabled.  - Generous assistance with housing for families in the lower income groups, including family benefit capitalisation.  - Special attention to Maori health, education and welfare.  8. Opportunities for youth. Basic policy:  1. Throughout its history the national party's philosophy and actions have stressed the need to build the nation upon self-reliant, healthy, happy and purposeful young men and women on whom will rest the responsibilities for the future.  2. The national government’s administration provides opportunities for youth, encourages initiative and enterprise, and develops the kind of society where there is maximum freedom for the individual. The records of the two national governments show how successfully and constructively the country can be governed in accordance with these principles.  3. Young people will be encouraged to assume responsibilities in the community. In recognition of their aspirations and in accord with greater emphasis being given to their active membership on educational and welfare governing bodies, national government will include suitable younger persons on appropriate boards and committees to which government appointments are made, where their ability would usefully assure adequate expression of the younger viewpoint. We will also encourage other appointing authorities to do likewise.  4. In recognition of the higher standards of education and earlier maturity of young people, the national government has reduced the age for voting to 20 and has made other adjustments in the ages at which young people may make wills, enter into contracts and drink in hotels. A detailed examination of over 80 statutes fixing the age at which young people may perform various functions and acquire certain rights is being undertaken with a view to reducing the age where appropriate.  5. The national government will give full support to proposals or schemes from voluntary organisations to encourage or train younger people to give leadership in community projects or to advance proposals designed to develop leadership qualities in young men and women.  6. The national government recognises the major role played by church and youth organisations in arranging leisure time activities and fostering training for leadership. Where government assistance is desirable or necessary to develop suitable youth activities, sympathetic consideration to proposals will to be given. In particular, financial assistance will continue to be given to the national youth council and to the youth activities of appropriate voluntary organisations working in this field.  7. The youth activities officers of the department of internal affairs will concentrate their efforts on fostering leadership training and more co-ordinated use of resources. The aim is to increase the effectiveness, variety and extent of participation in youth work at the local level by local authorities, voluntary youth groups and other agencies. Greater encouragement will be given to the use of existing recreational and cultural facilities belonging to schools, local bodies and other organisations including halls and sporting areas and facilities. This would promote more widespread youth recreational and cultural activities and leadership training by pooling community capital resources and thus minimising the need for additional capital outlay.  OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH. National promises.  1. To create conditions conducive to the development of self-reliant healthy, happy and purposeful young men and women.  2. To encourage young people to assume responsibilities in the community and to set an example by appointing suitable younger persons on appropriate boards and committees.  3. A review of the law fixing the ages at which young people may legally perform various functions and require certain rights, with the object of reducing the ages now specified.  4. Support for proposals or schemes from voluntary organisations to encourage or train young people in leadership.  5. Continued financial assistance to the National Youth Council and other suitable organisations.  5-STAR PERFORMANCE ON EARLIER PROMISES:  - Youth Activities Officers appointed within the Department of Internal Affairs.  - Increased grants made to national Youth Council and to national youth organisations.  - Youth leadership training schemes promoted and assisted financially.  - Secretarial and administrative services provided for the national water and mountains safety campaigns.  - Subsidies on the cost of church halls and youth camps introduced.  9. Health. Basic policy:  1. The national government’s basic objective is a health policy that provides the necessary curative and preventive facilities to promote health and well being for all New Zealanders. To achieve this the national government undertakes to continue its policies of progressive legislative and other measures to ensure the best public health services.  2. At the same time, the national government affirms that the valuable community self-help and the initiative of voluntary organisations should be encouraged in their important spheres and we will continue to assist these organisations in various ways  3. In keeping with the national government’s concern to deal sympathetically with those needing special help, its policy for the aged is based on the following principles:  (a) The right and responsibility of the family to care as far as possible for its older members.  (b) Where aged people cannot reasonably be helped by their families, then the community in which they live, working through religious or welfare organisations and local authorities, with government assistance where necessary, is best qualified to care for them and  (c) Where the elderly cannot be helped by these means, hospital boards should be responsible for their care.  (d) the national government undertakes to work closely with the medical profession to improve the organisation of medical services in New Zealand so that maximum use may be made of the training given to members of the medical and ancillary professions.  5. Medical Schools: The National Government in 1917 established the second medical school at Auckland, now accepting 60 new students annually, and by 1974 an additional outflow of over 50 New Zealand-trained doctors will provide a 50% increase on the present number. We will encourage the University of Otago to extend the intake of under-graduate students to its Medical School and to complete the arrangements now being negotiated for additional clinical training at the Wellington and Christchurch public hospitals. We will also urge the University of Auckland to increase the intake of medical students to its Medical School as rapidly as possible. Present expectations are that the intake at Otago will increase by 30 to 150 in 1972 or 1973 and at Auckland by 60 to 120 in 1974. These increases would provide increases in outflow between now and 1980 in 4 steps rising from the present 106 to 240. The National Government will have early discussions with the University Grants Committee and the medical profession to determine the need for and the location of a third medical school to meet the growing requirements of the country. The National Government passed legislation in 1969 to provide for an education Committee of the New Zealand medical Council. This was designed to give the medical profession a stronger voice in conveying the profession’s views on the requirements for medical education. A will continue to encourage and give financial support to the Post-graduate Medical federation.  6. Medical Research: The National Government will provide increased financial support for the Medical Research Council, the grant to which is currently $1.16 m. a year, 4 times the amount granted in 1963. We will retain the tax incentives for companies and persons to male grants for medical research. The 1919 Budget included more generous concessions for companies making donations for medical research and we have provided $25,000 in 1969 for the National Heart Foundation.  7. General Medical Services: Further encouragement will be given to general practitioner services, particularly in rural areas, including the development of group practices and the establishment of Health Centres, so that maximum use of highly trained medical personnel may be achieved. The National Government recently doubled the G.M.S. Benefit for Social Security beneficiaries and introduced a new specialist consultant benefit. Special assistance has been given in 1969 to doctors practising in rural areas.  8. Community Services: Encouragement will be given to the work of social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and home aids. The National Government will promote extensions of voluntary services, such as the "meals-on-wheels" scheme and the laundry service for the aged and infirm.  9. Hospitals Policy: The National Government's HOSPITALS POLICY has four features:  (a) Maintenance and expansion of a comprehensive and efficient health and hospital service administered by locally elected Hospital Boards.  (b) Provision of finance to encourage Hospital boards to allow doctors adequate opportunity to study abroad.  (c) The establishment of more hospital rehabilitation units for helping patients back to normal domestic and trade duties, and the greater use of disabled civilian rehabilitation training centres.  (d) Continuance of the subsidy and suspensory loans schemes introduced by the first National Government to assist private hospitals and maternity homes. We have increased the subsidies to private hospitals and their patients and will keep these under review.  10. Hospital Care: There will be sustained improvement of the hospital system including the transfer to hospital board control of all state financed hospitals (except the Security Psychiatric Hospital) with further merger of hospital districts as necessary to improve the hospital service. A capital works programme will be devised to meet the growing demands for hospital services.  11. Mental Health: The National Government has taken progressive steps to improve the services for the mentally ill. It has made substantial improvements in medical, nursing and other staffing as well as improving and extending the accommodation for both patients and staff. It will continue its vigorous policy of replacing obsolescent buildings, renovating existing buildings and providing additional accommodation where necessary.  12. Nursing Services: The national Government, with the objectives of giving better service to those needing nursing assistance and of saving unnecessary expenditure in public hospitals, will expand the District Nursing Service in both town and country districts as well as encourage hospital boards and private hospitals to develop the Home Nursing Service.  13. Disease Control: As new vaccines effective against other communicable diseases became available, these will be issued free as is already the case with vaccines against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles.  14. Maternal Welfare and Child Health Programmes: We will continue to give emphasis not only to improving health and to reducing the overall maternal and infant mortality figures, but also to helping to achieve for the Maori people the standards already reached by the European population. Encouragement will continue to voluntary bodies working in these fields.  15. Plunket Society: The National Government will continue its policy of generous grants and assistance to the Plunket Society and affirms that the Society should be maintained as one of the important voluntary health organisations in the community.  16. Homes for Elderly: we will continue the policy of generously subsidising religious and welfare organisations in the capital cost of providing homes for the elderly. For the 1969-70 year subsidies for this purpose including local authority pensioner housing will total $2 m.  17. Mentally & Physically Retarded: The National Government will continue to expand residential and non-residential services and facilities for the mentally and physically retarded. We will continue to give sympathetic support to the many voluntary organisations involved in this work. The aim is that those persons with the capacity to be trained to play a useful part in society should be given all practicable assistance to do so.  18. Drug Abuses: The National Government will be constantly vigilant to protect New Zealanders against the dangers of drug abuse and will institute an educational programme in this regard at secondary school and university levels.  19. Environmental Pollution: present programmes against air pollution, water pollution and radiation contamination stemming from the advise of the Pollution Advisory Council, Radiological Advisory Council and Department of Health will be maintained and expanded.  Health. National promises.  1. The necessary curative and preventive facilities to promote health and well-being for all New Zealanders.  2. Close consultation with the medical profession to improve the organisation of medical services.  3. Greater intakes of students into the 2 medical schools and early consideration to the need for and location of a third school.  4. Continued progressive steps to improve the services for the mentally ill.  5. Continued encouragement and assistance to voluntary organisations active in health and welfare work.  5-star performance on early promises.  - Establishment of Auckland Medical School and increased intake of students to the Otago Medical School together with four-fold increase in financial assistance to medical research between 1964 and 1970.  - Expanded public and mental hospital building programme as well as improved staffing and other facilities for the mentally ill.  - Expanded health benefits and introduction of specialist consultation benefit.  - Acceleration of programme of financial assistance to local authorities and religious and welfare organisations in provision of accommodation for the aged.  - Improved public health measures in control of communicable diseases, including spectacular elimination of poliomyelitis over last 7 years.  10. Housing. Basic policy:  1. The national government aims to ensure that new houses are built economically and in sufficient numbers to the housing requirements of all our people. In the last 9 years 206500 homes have been erected, of which over 78000 were financed with state advances corporation loans.  2. The national government affirms that home-ownership adds to the independence of the citizen and will therefore encourage home-ownership by liberal loan assistance, stimulating private financial institutions to lend for housing, fostering such schemes as group building and selling state houses to their tenants. The first national government passed the joint houses act which gives protection to family houses.  3. In view of the problem of urban sprawl, which is swallowing up productive farmlands and enormously increasing the cost of providing community services, the national government will encourage the building of multi-storey accommodation.  4. National government believes slum clearance in the main cities must be given increasing prominence as developments occur in the inner-city areas and older houses become sub-standard. We have assisted in the redevelopment projects of the city councils concerned mainly by providing long-term finance for major projects, and have recently announced increased financial provision for this purpose.  5. The national government, in planning future major housing developments, will, in conjunction with local authority and town planning experts, pay special attention to the need for balanced community development to ensure these new housing projects preserve the best features of New Zealand urban life.  Details:  6. The following current income and loan limits for private home financing will be revised in the light of in basic incomes and of building costs  (a) For new homes:  - the general limit for a State Advances loan is $6500, recently increased from $6000.  - where the applicant contributes at least 20% of the total cost from his own resources, the limit is $7000, recently increased from $6,500.  - where a person has access to an approved lending institution, the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme will assure the difference between the first mortgage limit and 90% of value, with an overall loan limit of $13500, until recently $8000. The State Insurance Office will be instituting the Provision of Mortgage Guarantee Insurance so that a greater Proportion of advances may be made on first mortgage and so obviate second and subsequent mortgages at high rates of interest.  - if built under the Insurance Leasehold Scheme, the maximum allowable value of the section is $2000, of which the purchaser must find the cost above $1500.  (b) For purchase of an approved existing house:  - a loan up to 2/3 value with a limit of $7000 interest at 3% where income qualifies, otherwise at current standard rate (until recently the limit was $5000 to $5300 according to size of family.)  - transfer of Slate Advances Mortgagee up to 2/3 value with loan limits and interest as in above.  - Provision of up to $2000 by means of capitalisation of family benefits.  (c) For purchase of older houses. The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is available to guarantee to an approved lending institution the difference between first mortgage limit and 85% of value, with a loan limit of $13500, until recently $7200.  (d) For home extensions to provide for elderly or dependent relatives: A person with a State Advances mortgage may receive an additional loan of up to $2000 within the limit of 2/3 value of the property including the addition.  7. We will build State rental houses to meet the needs of those on lower incomes who are not able to finance their own homes. In particular, we will:  (a) continue to build larger houses to meet the needs of applicants with big families.  (b) facilitate transfer of State tenants with families where they have outgrown their accommodation and  (c) increase the number of smaller units for tenants whose families have left home, and encourage these tenants to transfer from their larger accommodation.  8. The National Government will introduce legislation to provide satisfactory titles for ''own your-own'' flats.  9. We will assist local bodies to finance pensioner flats at low rentals by generous subsidies and low interest loans. We have increased the subsidies for these to 50% of the total unit cost, with a maximum of $2500 per flat, until recently $1850.  10. The National Government has made statutory provisions enabling local bodies to build "''own your-own'' flats for sale to elderly persons. We will make finance available, if necessary for the purchase of such flats as well as for those erected by charitable and religious organisations.  11. We will provide finance up to $7000 per home, (until recently $6500), to assist counties through the Rural Housing Scheme to provide accommodation for farm workers.  12. We will sell groups of sections in large government housing blocks for home building.  13. The following miscellaneous features of the National Government’s housing policy will be continued:  (a) Guarantees for group building with a section value limit of $2000.  (b) Optional lease or purchase of Crown sections for group builders to facilitate lowest possible cash deposits for homeseekers - with a section value limit of $2000.  (a) Home lay-by accounts with a bonus of $200 on $4000 saved - these amounts being now double those allowed up to 1969.  (b) Capitalisation of family benefits for nevi and existing homes and purchase of State rental houses.  (c) 3% loans for new houses where income does not exceed $2480 plus $100 per dependent child, until recently $2280 plus $100.  (f) Sale of sections in large Government housing blocks to persons wishing to build their win homes.  (g) Sale of State houses to tenants to encourage home ownership.  (h) Departmental houses and pool houses for State servants on transfer and also for members of the Armed Services.  (i) Rental flats for single women.  14. Urban Renewal – Financial assistance: In furtherance of the National Governments concern to assist in the comprehensive redevelopment of urban areas, the financial assistance available to local authorities for this purpose will be:  (a) More liberal state Advances loans for purchase of new or existing houses suitable for conservation in comprehensive urban renewal areas up to 90% of valuation with a limit of up to $9250.  (b) Financial grants to local authorities towards the cost of planning comprehensive urban renewal areas.  (c) A 3 to 1 subsidy to local bodies on the difference between the cost of acquisition and clearance of land and the value of the reclaimed land where the re-use is predominantly for the erection of residential accommodation. (The former subsidy was 2 for 1.)  (d) Continuation of loans to local authorities for building rental accommodation in a renewal area at consessional interest rates, currently 3,5% but reviewable, the occupier's income not to exceed $3500 p.a.  (e) Loans to local authorities for acquisition of properties in comprehensive urban renewal areas where necessary at local body interest rates.  (f) Provision of an annual sum of $4 m. to meet requirements within comprehensive urban renewal areas for loans and subsidies to local bodies as well as for State housing when special circumstances make it desirable and the land is available.  15. Community Halls in Now Housing Areas: The National Government recognises the need for essential community facilities n big areas of new housing development as early as possible to provide adequate opportunities for young people, particularly, to pursue social and leisure interests. The Government will continue to finance community facilities linked with State school assembly halls in approved housing areas, both State and private and will encourage the controlling authorities to adopt a liberal policy in the non-school use of these facilities.  Housing. National promises.  1. a policy to provide economically, sufficient new homes to house all our people.  2. Increased and generous State Advances Corporation loans for many classes of home builders, stimulation to private financial institutions to lend for housing and encouragement to such schemes as group building.  3. Encouragement of multi-storey accommodation to counter the problems of urban sprawl.  4. Generous finance to City Councils for re-development projects to replace old and substandard inner-city housing.  5. Special attention to balanced community development when planning major housing projects.  6. Legislation for satisfactory titles for own-your-own flats.  7. Financial assistance to local bodies for pensioner flats at low rentals and to charitable and religious organisations for flats for elderly people.  1. Finance for community facilities linked with school assembly halls in approved housing areas, both State and private.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - 206000 new houses have been built since National became the Government in 1960.  - Direct Government expenditure on new housing, including loans to local bodies for community and pensioner housing, since 1960 has been $700 million.  - In the last nine years, State Advances loans to those wishing to acquire a new home have totalled $443 million for 78000 new houses.  - Over 40000 families have been housed in State rental accommodation by National since 1960 or an average of 4600 each year in office.  - Over 10000 building sections have been developed by the Government in the same period for private sale and made available to the public on favourable purchase terms.  11. Social Security. Basic policy:  1. The national government affirms that the nation has a duty to care for the aged, the sick and needy with generosity and justice and at the same time to ensure that the thrifty are not penalised.  2. We believe the community’s duty, particularly towards the aged, does not end with the payment of monetary benefits by the state. The national government will seek to improve welfare services through co-operation with and direct assistance for church and other voluntary organisations so that their invaluable contribution to human welfare may be extended).  3. The national government adopted the recommendation of the national development conference that there should be a penetrating examination of the social security system to review the developments since the present provisions were instituted. Accordingly, a royal commission with a wide order of reference has been appointed and the national government will give prompt and full consideration to its report which is to be made before the end of 1970.  4. Rates of benefits, other than family, will be increased from time to time having regard to increases in national income, wages and the cost of living.  Details:  5. In accordance with its general outlook, the National Government has encouraged religious and other voluntary welfare organisations in their dedicated work which has made possible the considerable social advances of recent years. Subsidies have been granted and tax incentives for certain donations have been allowed. We will continue this kind of assistance as well as full Government co-operation with community welfare groups.  6. National will continue its generous administration of the Welfare Fund which it established to provide assistance for those with special needs.  Social security. National promises.  1. Prompt and full consideration of the report of the Royal Commission on the Social Security system recently appointed by the National Government on the recommendation of the National Development Conference.  2. To continue to increase rates of all benefits except the benefit from time to time having regard to increases in the national income, wages and the cost of living.  3. Improved welfare services by co-operation with, and direct assistance to, church and other voluntary organisations.  4. Continued generous administration of the welfare fund established by National to give assistance in cases of special need.  5. Tax incentives for certain classes of donations for welfare purposes.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - Benefits increased on 7 occasions between 1962 and 1969.  - Allowable income limits extended.  - Supplementary assistance limits increased and qualifying conditions liberalised.  - Benefits provided for mental hospital patients.  - Family maintenance allowance for beneficiaries with dependent children introduced.  12. Maori Affairs. Note: the provisions of this plank, to be extent they are applicable, relate also to pacific islanders resident in New Zealand.  Basic policy:  1. The basic policy of the national government is equality between Maori and European in accordance with the spirit of the treaty of Waitangi  2. The national government regards improved standards as the most important single objective. Only through better education will Maoris be able to make their full contribution to the social and economic life of the nation. The Maori education foundation established by the national government is now progressively demonstrating its value and will be fully supported in its help to deserving scholars.  3. Special assistance has been given in pre-school training and adult education. This assistance will be expanded with the ultimate objective of enabling all children to enter primary school on an equal footing. The national government has established extensive trade training for Maoris catering for 11 trades, and nurse training for both sexes. This training is to be expanded and to embrace new trades. A start has been made to have Maoris trained as technicians and this will be expanded.  4. Special assistance has been given by the national government to housing Maoris. A programme has been introduced to build rental flats in country areas to care for the aged who do not want to move to the towns.  5. The national government strongly believes in the importance of Maori cultural pursuits, their arts and crafts and history, and will continue to encourage them so that all that is valued in Maoritanga may be preserved to this end the present subsidies will be continued.  Details:  6. Education: The National Government in fulfilment of the above policy on Maori educating has taken active steps to close the education gap between Maori and European, and to create the right conditions within the education system for the further educational advancement of the increasing numbers of Maori children. The government has:  (a) greatly expanded facilities for pre-school education.  (b) transferred the Maori service primary schools into the administrative control of district education boards and extended to all primary schools with high proportions of Maori pupils the special forms of staffing assistance formerly available only in Maori service schools.  (c) approved specialist advisers to assist teachers in the development of effective language programmes in schools where there are significant numbers of Maori pupils.  (d) conducted training courses to make teachers familiar with the special learning difficulties Maori children may have.  (e) organised seminars to provide educational and vocational guidance for fifth and sixth form Maori pupils.  (f) appointed guidance counsellors in secondary schools with high proportions of Maori pupils.  (g) increased the number of pre-employment and trade training courses for Maori boys and  (h) reconstituted the advisory Council on Maori Education.  The National Government will:  (a) continue the expansion of pre-school education in districts where Maori children can benefit from it.  (b) press ahead with the Education of teaching materials for use by teachers in classrooms with large numbers of Maori pupils.  (c) appoint more guidance counsellors in schools with large numbers of Maori pupils.  (d) reorganise the Maori Scholarship Scheme in order to benefit more able Maori pupils.  (e) continue the encouragement of Maori boys and girls to further their education.  (f) extend pre-employment scholars for boys and girls.  (g) continue tuition in the Maori language in secondary schools as at present.  (h) extend opportunities for Maori language tuition at Forms I and II level where sufficient parents desire it and where there is linkage with secondary schools.  (i) encourage Maoris to seek professional and skilled occupations and assist them with scholarships and bursaries; emphasis will be placed on the value of technical training as well as university study; and  (j) support the Maori Arts, and Crafts Institute at Whakarewarewa, established by the National Government to give training in the principle Maori arts and crafts.  7. The National Government will continue with the following other aspects of its administration related to the welfare of Maoris  (a) General Welfare:  - hostels for young Maoris working in cities with subsidies to churches and other organisations providing such accommodation.  - Youth leadership training and encouragement to suitable Maori youth organisations.  - Encouragement of Maori Committee organisation and consultation with the New Zealand Maori Council on all proposed legislation affecting Maoris particularly.  - Support for the Maori welfare Officer Service and the Maori women's welfare leagues expansion of the Maori Warden Service.  (b) Housing  - Loans in addition to the normal amounts granted by the Maori Trustee to young married couples who have paid at least 10% of the value of the section.  - Rental cottages for elderly Maoris living, in substandard dwellings on Maori land which the owners desire the Government, and it is willing to develop.  (c) Health:  - Health education programme.  - Special work in treating ear complaints in children and anaemia in mothers and children and in reducing infant mortality and pulmonary tuberculosis.  - Diagnosis of special health problems by the Maori Health Committee of the Board of health and the promotion of remedial programmes.  8. Farming, Lands and Industry: The national Government is actively encouraging more Maoris to engage in general farming and horticulture, poultry farming, seafood farming and fishing, as well as in servicing and manufacturing industries. We will provide technical advice and financial assistance for these more diversified economic pursuits, particularly when this will broaden the opportunities open to Maoris continuing to live in the smaller centres of population and remoter areas. This policy will apply to individuals, partnerships, co-operatives or limited companies wholly or predominantly owned by Maoris. In addition to this the following features of the National Government's lands policy relating to Maoris will continue  (a) financial assistance to Maori Land incorporations for land improvement, to settlers purchasing freeholds and for afforestation.  (b) Encouragement and opportunities to young Maoris to get complete farm training and to settle on Maori land.  (c) consultation to achieve amalgamation of the titles and trusts and assistance in enforcing covenants of leases of Maori land against defaulting lessees.  (d) Expansion of the land-lease scheme for afforestation on a share basis.  MAORI –AFFAIRS (applicable also to Pacific Islanders resident in New Zealand where appropriate).  NATIONAL PROMISES.  1. Equality between Maori and European in accordance with the spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi.  2. Improved education standards, regarded by National as the most important single objective; full support for the Maori Education Foundation.  3. More trade training schools.  4. Special assistance in housing and health.  5. Further encouragement, in consultation with Maori organisations, of Maori cultural pursuits and continuance of present subsidies so as to help preserve all that is best in Maoritanga.  5-STAR PROMISES ON EARLIER PROMISES.  - Passed the Maori Affairs Amendment Act 1967 which recognises that the Maori is capable of looking after his own affairs.  - Established the Maori Education Foundation which will be of immeasurable benefit in the future to large numbers of Maoris.  - Greatly extended education services for Maoris with emphasis on play-centres and pre-school training; instituted special trade training schemes for Maori boys, which are developing hundreds of tradesmen who would probably have entered unskilled occupations.  - Subsidies to churches and other organisations for hostels for young Maoris working in cities and support for various welfare activities.  - Financial assistance to Maori Land Incorporations for accelerated land improvement and encouragement to Maoris to be trained as farmers.  13. Foreign affairs. Basic policy. The national government’s basic policy in foreign affairs is to:  1. Vigorously advance New Zealand’s national interests.  2. Preserve our independent national sovereignty and up hold the same right for other countries.  3. Make it clear that whatever may be the differences of ideology or aspiration between them, New Zealand desires friendly relations with all countries and will do all it can to foster understanding, cultural exchanges and mutually advantageous trade arrangements.  4. Loyally discharge our international obligations.  5. Use our influence to secure world peace and promote social and economic progress throughout the world.  6. Give firm support for responsible recommendations of the United Nations.  7. Maintain close ties with Britain and help keep the Commonwealth strong force in world affairs and so enhance its unique contribution to international harmony and interracial understanding.  8. Support wholeheartedly the objective of general disarmament.  9. Maintain sufficient well-trained armed forces and modern equipment to play a proper part on request in those collectives security alliances of New Zealand is a member and to which New Zealand must look for support in the event of her security being threatened.  10. Help promote secure and stable conditions in South Asia and the South Pacific which are areas of special concern to New Zealand.  11. Promote the progress of our island territories.  12. Honour New Zealand’s pledge to the government of South Vietnam and with our allies help the people of South Vietnam to defend themselves against the communist aggressors while at the same time expanding social and economic assistance to alleviate the misery and devastation of the war.  13. To promote general disarmament, the National Government will work for the early implementation of the 1968 Treaty to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the earliest possible conclusion of a treaty banning all nuclear tests above the surface of the earth.  14. To advance the security and stability of South East Asia and the South pacific, the National Government will support not only active political and aid programmes but also collective defence arrangements with SEATO and the Commonwealth. Our alliance with the United States and Australian under ANZUS is our greatest shield.  15. Economic assistance to the Cook Islands, Western Samoa, Nieu and the Tokelau Islands will be channelled increasingly into projects with a revenue earning potential for those territories.  16. The national Government will support the political, economic and social development of South pacific islands generally and will play its full part in the affairs of the South pacific commission.  17. The National Government will maintain the closest possible consultation with Britain and other members of the commonwealth and strive to make our partnership with Australia and the United States of America even more effective in the interests of peace and progress in the pacific.  18. In recognition of the importance of close ties with our Asian neighbours, the National Government pledged to increase New Zealand’s assistance to countries in South east Asia in the economic and social fields, especially through the Colombo plan, ECAFE, Asian development Bank and commonwealth aid schemes. We will expand our technical training for Asian and Islands students in New Zealand and continue training students from other areas under commonwealth and United Nations programmes.  19. The government is encouraging co-operation from private firms so as to introduce more New Zealand goods and services into overseas aid programmes and some progress has already been made.  20. The National Government has pledged New Zealand to a target of 1 per cent of the gross national product for external aid. We will work steadily towards this target. In the current year overall aid expenditure will rise to almost $14m, nearly three times that provided in 1960-61 while the Colombo Plan appropriation has been doubled from $2m in 1968-69 to $4m for 1969-70.  21. We will continue to encourage and assist Volunteer Service Abroad and other forms of private external aid. The National Government has assured the Council of Volunteer Service Abroad of sufficient financial support until 1972 to meet its administration costs in New Zealand and the return fares of volunteers. Currently, about 120 volunteers are serving abroad.  22. Under a National Government New Zealand will continue to play its full part in the activities of the United Nations and related organisations in the economic and social fields such as FAO, UNESCO, ILO, UNDP (United Nations Development programme), IMF, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.  23. New Zealand’s trading interests will be vigorously promoted by all means, including active participation in the GATT and other international bodies concerned with world trade.  24. The National Government will ensure that New Zealand's representation abroad is maintained and extended in accordance with our national interests in the last five years, we have established embassies at Rome, Bonn, Brussels, the Hague, Saigon and Djakarta.  FOREIGN-AFFAIRS. NATIONAL PROMISES.  1. To vigorously advance New Zealand’s National interests while loyally discharging our international obligations.  2. To use our influence to secure world peace, to support wholeheartedly the objective of general disarmament and to promote social and economic progress throughout the world.  3. To give firm support to responsible recommendations of the United Nations.  4. To help promote secure and stable conditions in South East Asia and the South Pacific and to promote the progress of our Island Territories.  5. To honour New Zealand’s pledge to the Government of South Vietnam and while helping the people of that country to defend themselves against the Communist aggressors, to expand social and economic assistance to them.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - Full and effective performance of New Zealand’s responsibilities in the General Assembly and in the specialised agencies of the United Nations.  - Continued active co-operation with our allies in Anzus and SEATO and Commonwealth defence arrangements.  - Expansion of New Zealand's overseas representation to meet the demands of our international and trade requirements.  - Increased external aid and active assistance to Volunteer Service Abroad.  - Increased economic assistance to the Cook Islands, Western Samoa, Niuc and the Tokelau Islands.  14. Defence. Basic policy:  1. The national government believes its first duty is to defend the people of New Zealand and to ensure that adequate well-equipped and well-trained forces are provided.  2. To this end, the national government will continue to see that New Zealand’s security is safeguarded and that the country is able to carry out its obligations to the commonwealth, the United Nations and our allies in defence of the free world.  3. The national government’s policy is one of collective defence in full collaboration with our allies and closer association in matters of planning and equipment.  4. An important feature of the national government’s defence policy is the ministry of defence which is set up and trough which the three services are being effectively co-ordinated.  5. The essential features of national’s defence administration are the continuos re-equipment of the services and maintenance of ready to go Naval, Army and Air force regular units and an army combat brigade group and logistic support group based on an effective national service programme. Defence expenditure has been steadily increased to a current annual vote of $89m so that the re-equipment may proceed at satisfactory levels. Orders for new equipment costing $70m were placed during 1967-68 and 1968-69, including $21m for a new frigate, $36m for aircraft and $5m for army armoured personnel carriers and combat radios.  6. An important development which will be continued is suitable publicity aimed at informing the country of progress in building up efficient armed services. It is also designed to give the community a wider understanding of New Zealand’s defence requirements and of the operations of the services in meeting these.  7. The national government will continue to give rehabilitation assistance to servicemen who have completed overseas duty in qualifying combat areas. In accordance with an agreement reached with the Returned services Association in 1963, biennial reviews of the rates of disablement and war widows pensions have since taken place and increases granted in line with movements in the consumers’ price index. This policy will continue.  8. The national government adopted the recommendation of the National Development Conference for an independent inquiry into the social security system, and the Royal Commission since appointed is required to take into account the relationship between its proposals and recommendations and any pensions and allowances payable under the war pensions  DEFENCE. National promises.  1. To ensure adequate, well-equipped and well-trained forces are provided to defend the people of New Zealand and to carry out our international obligations.  2. Collective defence in full collaboration with our allies and in closer association in planning and equipment.  3. Continuance of the Ministry of Defence trough which the three services are being effectively co-ordinated.  4. Suitable publicity to inform the country of progress in building up efficient armed services and to give the community a wider understanding of the operations of the services.  5. Generous rehabilitation assistance to servicemen who have completed overseas service in qualifying combat areas and biennial reviews of the rates of disablement and widows pensions.  5-star performances on earlier promises.  - Continuing progress in unification of Defence functions.  - Major equipment purchases for all three Services totalling over $115 million since 1961.  - Maintenance of a New Zealand contribution to collective defence arrangements.  - Further development of defence co-operation with allied nations particularly in the field of defence supply.  - Implementation of defence aid programmes in South Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.  15. Overseas trade. Basic policy:  1. Exports are vital to New Zealand’s economic development and the national government has promoted and will continue to promote energetically, the expansion and the diversification of New Zealand’s export trade.  2. In view of our success in expanding exports, from $588m in 1960-61 to $1001m in 1968-69, we accept the targets of the national development conference for a 50% increase above 1967-68 export income by 1972-73 and 102% increase by 1978-79. To achieve these objectives the national government has initiated and will develop policies to help to create and maintain the economic conditions under which private enterprise can increase production competitively and efficiently to meet the targets.  3. The trade promotion council, appointed by the national government, meets regularly and draws upon the wide experience of its members in assisting with the development of New Zealand’s exports. The council has been appointed the sector committee for overseas trade of the national development council. We will continue to encourage organised promotion of export industries through and in consultation with producer and manufacturer organisations.  4. The broad policy of the national government will continue to be encouraging trade through private enterprise and on a multilateral trading basis, subject to commonwealth preferences so that New Zealand imports and exporters will be free to buy and sell on the markets of their choice. The government will continue to aid the trader with appropriate facilities and incentives.  5. The Australia New Zealand limited free trade agreement which came into operation on 1 January 1966 is steadily increasing opportunities for New Zealand to build up its export trade. the national government will continue to encourage the development of trans-Tasman trade in co-operation with New Zealand producers and manufacturers and with adequate safe-guard for our industries.  DETAILS:  6. To give effect to the above policy, the following features of the National Government’s export drive will be continued.  (a) A close watch on developments related to Britain joining the E.E.C. with a senior minister entrusted with the negotiations and a vigorous follow-up at the appropriate time, to the effective representations already made.  (b) Promoting and supporting overseas trade missions in consultation with the Trade Promotion Council, Producer Boards and the Federation.  (c) Taxation and import licensing incentives to exporting manufacturers to encourage maximum diversion of productive facilities to profitable exports.  (d) Full co-operation with the Producer Boards and exporters in their quest for new markets and greater sales of primary products.  (e) Support and encouragement for private enterprise through such organisations as the New Zealand Export Corporation.  (f) Promotion of New Zealand’s international trading interests through the GATT and other international bodies concerned with a more stable and satisfactory basis for world trade.  (g) The Export Guarantee Office (EXGO), established by the national Government, will provide export credit insurance for traders, especially in new markets where trading conditions are uncertain.  7. The National Government will continue to exploit every opportunity to advance New Zealand's trading prospects abroad such as:  (a) Participation in trade fairs and international exhibitions of which the New Zealand pavilion at Expo‘70 in Osaka will be one of the most significant.  (b) Trade surveys of potential new markets.  (c) New trade commissioner posts of which 10 have been opened in the ‘60s to make a total of 24.  (d) New trade agreements with other countries to win more favourable entry of New Zealand exports.  (e) Trade development campaigns by news media, advertising and in store promotions.  (f) Encouragement of exporting through export seminars and the activities of export liaison officers.  (g) Short-term appointments of specially qualified persons from private enterprise to conduct market surveys of specific products in specific areas.  (h) Training in marketing and product presentation; research into export products and markets.  Overseas trade. National promises.  1. Continued energetic promotion of the expansion and diversification of New Zealand's export trade.  2. To accept the targets of the National Development Conference of a 50% increase above 1967-68 export income by 1972-73 and a 102% increase by 1978-79.  3. Regular meetings of the representative Trade Promotion Council set up by National.  4. To continue to encourage trade through private enterprise and on a multilateral trading basis, subject to preferences.  5. Continued encouragement of trans-Tasman trade.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - Assisted by Nationals vigorous trade promotion policies, exports from New Zealand have now broken the billion dollar per annum barrier  - The minister of Overseas Trade and Deputy prime Minister has recently again emphasised in all European capitals New Zealand’s special position in the event of Britain's into the EEC.  - Under NAFTA, negotiated by National, New Zealand's unfavourable trade balance with Australia has improved from 4 to 1 to 2 to 1.  - Nation wide Export seminars have been conducted to assist and inform exporters.  - MASSIVE Government support for EXPO ‘70 in Japan will create opportunities for greatly extended trading in this immense and growing market.  16. Farming. Basic policy:  1. New Zealand’s economic well-being depends largely on a progressive farming policy. For the 1960’s, the national government initiated a vigorous policy on farm incentives and farmers achieved spectacular records in production and exports. In the last six years, livestock numbers have risen by 23%, meat production up by 20%, wool by 17% and diary products by over 10%. Now the national government accepts the targets for the 1970’s set by the national development conference which call for a 70% increase in export earnings of farm products by 1978-79.  2. This mammoth task calls for new programmes in livestock breeding, in crop development and in our horticulture and wine making industry. The national government will design incentives for farmers to tackle the job, it will work in close co-operation with the agricultural production council.  3. The national government will intensify its drive for greater export of food products and for the production of new products in co-operation with the producer and with private industry, who are strongly represented on the trade promotion council. There will be four lines of attack:  a. Diversification of products and packaging, the promotion of new products to meet the tastes of people throughout the world  b. Seeking out and developing profitable new outlets.  c. The expansion and consolidation of existing markets  d. The achievement of higher New Zealand content in exported products.  Maximum advantage will be taken of contacts through international aid programmes to stimulate demand for New Zealand products.  DETAILS:  4. The national government will maintain its present policy of producer control over the marketing of primary produce.  5. The national government will maintain its progressive land policy aimed at bringing suitable land into profitable production. Marginal lands board operations and assistance will continue on a generous scale and state advances corporation farm financing will also assist qualifying farmers to develop their properties. Details:  6. To support research programmes in livestock breeding the national Government will support selected breeds of animals, where necessary, through the maximum security quarantine station on Somes Island.  7. The Controlled Climate Laboratory at Grasslands Division, D.S.I.R., Palmerston North, will be used to explore the possibilities of new crops for livestock feeding.  8. The national Government has made research contracts into new techniques for vegetable cropping at Lincoln College. This policy will be continued and further contracts will be made.  9. Veterinary diagnostic services will be reorganised within the Animal Health Division of the Department of Agriculture. The services will be expanded in co-operation with the veterinary profession and with veterinary clubs. There will be negotiations with the Veterinary Services Council with a view to establishing a diagnostic station at the School of Veterinary Science, Massey University.  10. The scheme for the eradication of tuberculosis from diary herds will be extended to give complete coverage. The campaign against disease is now being expanded to deal with tuberculosis in beef herds and with brucellosis.  11. From 19701 it is estimated that the Veterinary School at Massey University will produce 30 graduates each year. Overseas training for veterinarians will be continued, to strengthen New Zealand's veterinary forces in recognition and control of exotic diseases.  12. The scheme to encourage the production of beef in the dairy industry will be extended into 1970/71.  13. The Department of Agriculture will expand research in machine milking in large dairy herds.  14. An Assistant-Director of economics has been appointed in the Department of Agriculture and the Economics Section will be further strengthened.  15. To promote the best use of advisor services available to farmers, a conference of those interested in extension work will be held in 1970.  16. The National Government will consult with the Wool Board and Federated Farmers in any reorganisation of wool marketing suggested as a result of present investigations.  17. An investigating company will be established by the National Government to examine the feasibility of developing an integrated carded sliver and wool tops industry in New Zealand for domestic and export production.  18. The National Government will continue to support and expand the work and facilities of the Agricultural Engineering, institute at Lincoln College.  19. The National Government is assisting the farming industries with a transport subsidy on fertiliser and reduced prices for insecticides and herbicides - it will continue its policy of taxation concessions and incentives.  20. The Young Farmers' Club movement has proposed a conference on agricultural education to be held in 1970 and the national Government will co-operate with YFC to carry this through.  21. The National Government has always recognised that a vigorous policy of land development is the first essential to maintaining and improving the nation's standards of living. The following 7-point land settlement programme remains in the forefront of the National Governments policy;  (a) Optional freehold or leasehold tenure at a fair rent.  (b) Finance up to 90% of land value for suitably qualified men taking up land provided from development schemes.  (c) Finance for suitable applicants on other approved properties.  (d) Development of unoccupied Crown and Maori lands.  (e) Purchase by private treaty of areas suitable for subdivisions.  (a) Review as they fall due, or as terms can be negotiated with licence-holders, of Crown leases or licences of areas, particularly in the South Island, which are suitable for more intensive settlement under modern methods.  (b) Irrigation schemes in suitable areas.  22. The National Government has begun land development for other than sheep farming and dairying to provide for more variety in settlement opportunities. This will be continued so that in time Government will be making available process growing farms, market garden land and berry fruit orchards.  23. Farming financing through the State Advances corporation has increased during the term of the present National Government from an average of $14.8 m. per annum 1958-60 to an average of $32.5 m. per annum 1961-69, the total amount of advances since 1961 amounting to $260.6 m. We will continue to provide the finance necessary to ensure that qualifying farmers may develop their properties and increase the output of exportable produce. The National Government has established a separate Rural Account at the State Advances Corporation which will consult Federated Farmers from time to time when determining lending policy related to this Account.  24. Appreciating the difficulties experienced by some farmers in re-financing, the National Government has continued to provide finance for the Marginal Lands Board to meet applications where this assistance is not available from private lending institutions and the further development of a potentially economic property is being restricted.  25. To provide assistance to those farmers whose farms are no longer suited to their present use, or have become uneconomic, the National Government will continue to exercise the power to purchase farms vested in the State Advances Corporation and the Marginal Lands Board. In addition, finance will continue to be made available for the voluntary amalgamation and re-subdivision of such properties where this will lead to the establishment of economic farming operations.  26. The National Government will continue its policy of purchasing deteriorated properties for long-term development and settlement.  27. To provide more farms, the National Government will continue to develop the 1.8 million acres farmed by the Lands and survey Department, now carrying about 2 million sheep and nearly 300000 cattle and showing substantial annual increases.  28. The National Government has made the Lands and Survey Department flocks and herds available to Ruakura Research Station, Massey University and Lincoln College for such projects as animal development work. This will enable tests to continue on a large scale to assess the findings of research on, for example, animal development work under practical farm conditions.  29. The Land Use Advisory Committee has been set up as recommended by the National Development conference to develop criteria and advise on the best use of Crown land, and to assist in forming opinion for the future use of all our land.  30. A new Chair of Range Management has been established at Lincoln College with Government financial assistance to further research into tussock and mountain land.  31. Water and Soil Conservation: The National Government has always emphasized the importance of conserving fertile land which is the prime source of our national wealth. Under the second national Government, expenditure on soil conservation, rivers control and drainage has been nearly doubled. In recognition of the need for a national policy for natural water, the National Water and Soil Conservation Authority was established to supervise the administration of the Act and in particular, to co-ordinate at national level the work of the following national authorities dealing with water allocation, erosion, flood control and pollution. Conservation and River Control Council, Water Allocation Council and Pollution Advisory Council. The National Government will continue to give high priority to water and soil conservation in view of its importance to the nation’s health and wealth.  Farming (Including Lands and water and Soil Conservation). National promises.  1. To accept the targets of the National Development Conference which call for a 70% increase in export earnings by 1978/79.  2. Incentives to farmers, in close co-operation with the Agricultural Production Council to achieve the necessary now programmes in livestock breeding, crop development, horticulture and wine making.  3. Intensification of the already spectacular drive for greater exports of food products and the production of new products.  4. Continuance of producer control over marketing of primary produce.  5. Maintenance of National's progressive lands policy and the generous assistance of the Marginal Lands Board.  6. Continued high priority to Water and Soil Conservation.  5 star performance on earlier promises. Farming.  - In the last 6 years, livestock numbers have increased by 23%, meat production by 20%, wool production by 17% and dairy products by over 10%.  - Tuberculosis eradication has been extended from 2.5 million to 3.55 million dairy cattle and the Veterinary Advisory Officer Service increased from 4 to 16 to maintain highest animal health standards.  - National sheep Recording Scheme established.  - Wine production has reached a new high of 3.5 million gallons.  - Research contracts made at Lincoln College for new techniques in vegetable cropping.  5 star performance on earlier promises. Lands.  - Farm financing through the State Advances Corporation has risen from an average of $14.8 m. a year for 1958-60 to $32.5 for 1961-69 and a separate Rural Account has been established, the lending policy from this to be settled from time to time in consultation with Federated Farmers.  - Commenced land development for other than sheep farming and dairying to provide more variety in settlement opportunities.  - Land Use Advisory Committee set up, as recommended by National Development Conference, to develop criteria for best use of Crown land and also on the future use of all land.  - Financial assistance to establish a Chair of Range Management at Lincoln College to further research into tussock and mountain land.  - Continuing development of 1.8 million acres farmed by lands and Survey Department carrying 2 million sheep and 300000 cattle; 180000 acres of new grass during the past 5 years.  5 star performance on earlier promises. Water and Soil Conservation:  - The development of a national policy for nature and soil conservation through the passage of the water and Soil Conservation Act 1967.  - Government expenditure on water control and soil conservation more than doubled from 3.4 m. in 1960/61 to an estimated 8m. for 1969/70.  - Major flood protection and river control works commenced and substantial progress made on the Piako, Whakatane, Ruamanga and Waikato Rivers and an the Rangitikei River No. 2 scheme; plans in hand for further schemes.  - Commencement of poverty Bay/East Cape project designed for increased production and erosion prevention in the district.  - Soil conservation measures supported by local money, to maintain or safely increase production on some 900 farms involving 4.5 million acres plus minor works covering further 1 million acres.  17. Forestry. Basic policy:  1. The national government recognises the big scope for long-term development of forest industries and their export potential. It believes these industries should be developed to derive the maximum benefit from our natural advantages in climate and soil for growing a number of versatile and valuable soft-woods. Accordingly the national government will continue to support farmer, private enterprise and local authority participation in the needed expansion of plantings and will continue to offer financial incentives.  2. The national government will further promote export earnings from forest industries which have already doubled from 1966 to 1968 when the record figure of $52.2 m was reached.  3. The national government will continue to give practical encouragement to help the forestry industries to reach the export targets for the forestry sector adopted by the national development conference. These were $72.5m. for 1973 and $96.2m for 1979 and involve all annual compound growth rate (in value) of 15.8% between 1968 and 1973, 4.8% between 1973 and 1979, and 9.7% over the 11 years 1968-79.  4. The national government has introduced and will continue to foster the manufacture and processing of wood to give the greatest possible New Zealand content in our wood exports and thus earn the maximum in overseas funds.  5. From April 1970 the national government will make grants of half the cost of planting, development and maintenance of companies and individuals undertaking approved forest programmes provided that the qualifying expenditure does not exceed $200000 a year. This scheme will run in conjunction with both the present farm forest loan scheme and the existing tax concessions given as an incentive to established forestry companies. For tax purposes individuals will be allowed to spread the income from the sale of trees over a period of 5 years.  6. The national government in 1965 passed legislation to set up State forest parks and recreation areas, to facilitate public recreation and enjoyment. Two parks are already operating and a further six are being set up. The New Zealand forest service will open up areas of both exotic and native forests for use by the public for tramping, camping and shooting.  DETAILS :  1. The National Government has adopted the recommendation of the National Development Conference to set up a Forestry development Council representing all sections of the industry and Government to assist in the future co-ordination of the forest industries.  2. The National Government will continue to give increasing assistance to industry through advice and research in all fields of forestry and forest products development, though the biggest expansion will be in the activities of the New Zealand Forest Service. The conservation of protection forests will be continued through noxious animal control, protection planting and related research.  3. The National Government has introduced a scheme in which land is leased for long-term afforestation on the basis of the owners sharing in the earnings. This policy has proved particularly popular with Maori landowners.  4. We have given forest research high priority. The first of a three-stage programme has been completed at Rotorua for rehousing the Forest Research Institute in buildings specifically designed for its needs and the planning for the second stage is well advanced. A Faculty of Forestry has been established at the University of Canterbury where teaching will commence in 1970. The Protection Forestry Branch of the forest Research Institute will be located at the University, thus associating more closely teaching and research to the great benefit of forestry development.  5. The National Government will continue vigorous overseas trade promotion of forest products. The New Zealand-Australia Free Trade Agreement negotiated by the National Government has greatly assisted the export of timber and wood products. A Timber Trade Commissioner is stationed in Sydney and regular sales missions are sent to Japan and other countries. We will continue to encourage industry to export forest products in as advanced stage of processing as possible.  6. The National Government has approved the planting of 5000 acres of radiate pine in 1970 to implement the first step in a 5-year special programme recommended by the National Development Conference, to minimise the effects of a low rate of planting between 1935 and 1950.  FORESTRY. National promises.  1. Acceptance of the National Development Conference export targets for the forestry industries involving compounded annual increases of 15.8% up to 1973 and 4,8% from then to 1979.  2. Continued support and financial incentives to farmer, private enterprise and local authority plantings for the required extra plantings to meet the projected expansion of forestry exports.  3. To encourage the greatest possible New Zealand content in wood exports to maximise export earnings.  4. To give tax concessions as well as grants of half the cost of planting, development and maintenance by companies and individuals undertaking approved forest programmes under certain conditions.  5. To open up areas of both exotic and native forests for use by the public for tramping, camping and shooting to facilitate public recreation and employment.  5 star performance on earlier promises.  - Export earnings from forest industries doubled between 1966 and 1968 when a record $52.2 m. was reached.  - Organised the Forestry Development Conference and adopted the proposal for a Forestry Development Council representative of all sections of the industry.  - Introduced Farm Forest Loan Scheme and a new encouragement scheme along with other favourable taxation incentives.  - Greatly expanded forest planting.  - Passed legislation to set up Forest Parks and gazette several such Parks.  18. MINERAL RESOURCES. Basic policy.  1. The national government is ensuring that the potential for New Zealand’s economic development and export earnings in its considerable mineral resources is fully explored. The national government throughout its term of office has progressively amended legislation and administrative practices to give encouragement to provide incentives for the development of our mineral resources. New Zealand’s legislation is now widely acknowledged as comparing favourably with that of other countries similarly engaged in posturing the development of natural resources.  2. The national government is continuing to encourage, local participation in mineral development but in major ventures, particularly those related to oil, the investment of overseas capital and know-how will be encouraged where this is essential to effective exploration.  3. The national government has already played a vital row in the development of the steel industry, petroleum gas and coal mining. Consideration will be given as required to provide further financial incentives for mineral exploration, including direct financial and technical participation in mineral development of likely national significance.  4. Provision will be made, where necessary, by legislation, to promote conditions favourable to the expenditure of risk money and the diversion of highly skilled technical personnel and costly sophisticated equipment to New Zealand, as far as possible, the conditions will be made comparable with those in other countries engaged in mineral exploration while safeguarding the opportunities and rights of New Zealanders.  5. the national government has already implemented some proposals on minerals of the national development conference and has approved several other recommendations of the conference. It will give urgent consideration to the remainder, in particular, approval has been given to the recommendation for appropriate mineral economic studies, regional feasibility studies and other research work as a basis for assessing potential mineral resources, market possibilities and capital and other requirements for development.  DETAILS:  1. The exploitation of natural gas deposits is proceeding apace and will provide a substantial power source for household and industrial use from mid-1970.  2. Provision will be made for taxation depletion allowance as well as incentives for successful discoveries.  3. A National Government will promote modern mining, legislation to encourage mineral development and provide requirements for safe working conditions.  4. The National Government will continue to give the incentives to promote the following sources of mineral wealth which are currently under active use or exploration:  a. In iron and steel industry has been established and its success is already in excess of forecasts.  b. The Comalco aluminium smelter is planned for production in 1971.  c. Vast sums spent on off-shore oil exploration have given very encouraging results. Off-shore, drilling is in progress for the purpose of proving the Maui field and definite proposals have been put forward for drilling on three other off-shore structures. Seismic and geophysical exploration is proceeding in a number of other areas.  d. Other developments in train for the production of valuable industrial raw materials, include bentonite, dolomite and silica sands for glass making already in production.  e. Investigation into the development of several types of New Zealand clay has advanced to the stage of pilot production plants.  f. The production of lead, zinc and silver has begun successfully and is expanding.  g. Plans in hand can well lead to the development of a substantial scheelite industry.  h. Plans are also well advanced for the development of ilmenite sands by two major groups leading to the production of titanium, a metal of rapidly growing importance in the world’s economy. These ilmenite deposits are known to be among the largest in the world.  i. Substantial sulphur deposits have been discovered and methods of mining are under intensive investigation.  j. Investigations are proceeding for the mining of low grade ores of gold on a scale not attempted in New Zealand before.  k. Coal mining, which as for many years represented our principal mining undertaking, has also been the subject of a new look. The steel works have provided a new and expanding market for Waikato coal. The proposed coal-fired power station at New Plymouth, due to start in 1973, will require a very large coal mining development in the Buller.  l. Intensive search continues in a number of places for their potentially valuable metals and minerals such as nickel and copper.  10. We will encourage joint research by Government agencies, universities and industry into the processing of New Zealand's minerals  National promises.  1. To give incentives for the development of New Zealand's considerable mineral resources, including a taxation depletion allowance.  2. To encourage local participation in mineral development, but in major ventures, particularly oil, to welcome investment of overseas capital and "know-how".  3. To provide legislative and other provisions favorable to the diversion of risk monal to New Zealand as well as the necessary highly technical personnel and equipment.  4. To consider the recommendations of the National Development Conference on minerals not already adopted by the National Government.  5. To encourage joint research into processing our minerals by government agencies, the universities and industry.  5 performance on earlier promises:  - The promising results obtained from No.1 off-shore oil-well off the Taranaki coast.  - The advanced progress in construction the natural gas pipeline from Kapuni to Auckland and Wellington.  - The successful searches for a wide variety of minerals and production of bentonite in South Canterbury in 1969.  - Promising results from the prospecting of sulphur in the Taupo region.  - Concentration of coal mining on the more economic mines.  19. Fisheries. Basic policy:  1. The national government has a wide-ranging and imaginative policy that has developed the fisheries industries into a significant economic force and achieved export markets worth nearly $15m a year - a fivefold increase. We will continue to encourage these industries to satisfy the domestic market and to meet to a greater extent the challenge op the lucrative export markets awaiting development.  2. The national government has swept aside the former controls which were stifling expansion of the industry. New freedoms are enabling private enterprise to achieve greater expansion than ever before. Fleets have been enlarged, catches have increased and ancillary industries such as fish-processing, manufacture of by-products and boat-building have received new life. These advances have given gainful employment to considerable additional numbers of fishermen and factory workers.  3. in addition to developments in sea fishing such as rock oyster and mussel farming and pelagic fishing with modern trawlers, a thriving eel export industry has been developed and Chatham Islands crayfishing has been expanded enourmously.  Details:  1. As a further incentive to the expansion of the industry, the National Government has a $l million Mortgage Guarantee and $600000 State Loan Scheme to provide finance for individual fishermen to purchase new fishing vessels. The Government widened this scheme as from 1 January 1969 to include assistance for used fishing vessels, fishing gear and equipment, re engineering of vessels and re-financing of existing loans.  2. An important aspect of the National Government’s policy for the  fishing industry is to promote fisheries research in all its aspects such as  a. world-wide recruitment campaigns for scientific and technical staff.  b. provision of improved laboratories and planning towards permanent laboratories with supporting research vessels.  c. Purchase of a modern technology vessel for investigation into new species and experimental work in fisheries gear and catching techniques.  d. institution of data collection programme to give basic information on populations and trends in New Zealand’s top commercial fish species.  e. membership of Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council and participation in its work, and  f. provision of research contracts with universities.  1. Field extension or advisory services to the industry will be established to promote the use of modern techniques, gear and equipment. These services have already begun in the rock oyster industry. A gear technology laboratory has been set up and instructional courses for the industry are planned.  2. We will prepare and promulgate quality standards and a code of practice covering hygienic handling of fish from catching to consumer, for both local and export markets.  3. The National Government will vigorously promote various kinds of fish farming and has already taken important steps to encourage experimental projects. We will assist private farmers by putting out 400000 oyster spat catching battens in Northland capable of producing quality oysters for local and export markets worth $1.3 m. a year by 1973. We will encourage the leasing of tidal areas by private farmers. We will explore the prospects of oyster farming in the Foveaux Strait area. Prospects will be examined for mussel farming with an annual potential of $1 m. in the Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel-Bay of Plenty and Marlborough Sounds.  4. A training school for fishermen and seamen will be developed from the training courses already organised for the industry. The National Government has approved a subsidy for a new scheme to provide a subsistence allowance for fishermen attending the 5-Week training courses for Coastal Fishing Skippers tickets. We will continue to sponsor safety courses for fishermen and seamen as well as demonstrations of life-raft equipment. Approval has been given the purchase of lifeboats for safety demonstrations.  5. The following features of the national government’s fisheries policy will be continued:  a. Grants to the Fishing Industry Board to assist in the development of the industry.  b. Exclusive fishing zone of 12 miles by agreement with Japan under which Japanese fishing in this zone will terminate by the end of 1970.  c. Realistic survey and manning of fishing vessels to improve safety standards and efficiency of operation.  d. Taxation incentives to exporters of good quality fish, both fresh and processed; these were extended in the 1969 Budget.  e. Experimental rock oyster farms and sale of quality oysters from these farms on local and export markets.  f. Special training courses for fishermen.  g. Publications on design and construction of fishing vessels.  h. Investigations into valuable crayfishing resources at the Chatham Islands.  i. The development of new fish export products such as eels.  j. Attendance by Marine Department technical personnel at overseas fisheries courses and conferences.  k. Substantial expenditure on fisheries research and management, including the use of the new Government research vessel, James Cook.  11. The National Government has established New Zealand Ports Authority to prepare a national ports plan for the development of ports and harbours which will take into account the requirements of the fishing industry, including berthage and maintenance of vessels, storage and export facilities.  National promises.  1. Continuation of a wide-ranging and imaginative policy for fisheries development which has resulted in export markets worth $15 m. a year.  2. Full use of National’s $1 million Mortgage Guarantee and the $600000 State Loan Scheme for purchasing fishing vessels, equipment and re-engineering.  3. Promotion of fisheries research and development of a training school for fishermen.  4. Field extension or advisory services to promote modern fishing techniques, gear and equipment.  5. Vigorous support for experimental steps already taken towards various species of fish farming with a big potential for export income.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - All recommendations of 1962 Select Committee on which action was necessary have been taken up, including establishing the Fishing Industry Board and giving it increased finance.  - Established a further Select Committee in 1969 to enquire into present day problems of the fishing industry, including oystering in Foveaux Strait and crayfishing.  - Increased expenditure on research, equipment, staff and purchase of deep-sea fisheries research vessel James Cook.  - Major expansion in rock oyster development for exports.  - Established Training Safety Courses for fishermen.  20. Industry. Basic policy:  1. The national government believes that continuing expansion of industry is essential for the development of our economy, the raising of our standards of living and the provision of jobs for our increasing population. National’s industrial development policy has been an important factor in the expansion of manufacturing and servicing industries whose output has increased from $1514 m. in 1960-61 to $2538 m in 1967-68.  2. We accept the projections of the national development conference that the output of manufactured industries should nearly double in the next decade and provide employment by 1978-79 for an additional 100000 persons. The industrial policy of the national government will be geared to achieve these targets.  3. A basic principle is that most effective industrial development can be best achieved by private competitive enterprise with a minimum of regulation or control by the state. We agree with the broad conclusion of the national development conference that industry should be left free to make its own decisions about future production policy using competitive prospects as its guide and within a clearly enunciated policy of protection. This has been and will continue to be the general policy of the national government concerning industry.  4. The criteria for industrial development recommended by the tariff and development board continues to be accepted by the national government as the guiding principles for the development of industry. The objective of the government is to stimulate industrial development in such a way that the greatest productivity and the most economic use of our resources of Labour, capital and material are achieved. We will arrange for the research proposed by the national development conference into criteria for industrial development and also study the numerous suggestions of the conference for the expansion of manufacturing industries.  5. The national government accepts and will implement the decision of the national development conference on protection for manufacturing industries. The manufacturing sector should be accorded a level of protection sufficient to promote steady industrial development, increasing manufactured exports and full employment. This level of protection however, should be such as to encourage competition, efficiency and reasonable prices to other sectors and to consumers paid should also have regard to the need to give the consumer choice and variety. It is accordingly recommended that the system of protection should be flexible, that import licensing should be replaced by tariffs as the main measure of protection and that this transition should be carried out in accordance with a clearly defined programme and within a reasonable time. It is recognised however that there are cases where other protective measures including import licensing may be more appropriate than a tariff.  6. The tariff and development board, whose membership has recently been increased from 6 to 8, will in line with the above policy, continue to advise the government on the extent and method of protection necessary for the establishment and expansion of competitive economic industry in terms of the criteria for industrial development.  7. The national government will continue its policy, within the limits allowed by the overseas funds position, of exempting raw materials, machinery and equipment for industry from import licensing and of progressively increasing the flexibility in the system. In October 1969 a further list of exemptions was announced effective from 1 July 1970 and estimated at an annual value of $75m. This will mean that about two-thirds by value of New Zealand’s imports will be free from import licensing.  8. The national government has already adopted some and is giving urgent consideration to the remaining recommendations of the National Development Conference relating to industry. These involve research and more detailed examination of such important factors as:  a. encouragement of technology, particularly in development and design.  b. encouragement of applied management productivity, marketing and costing techniques.  c. possible establishment of an institute of industrial economies.  d. Provision of appropriate finance through an enlarged Development Finance Corporation.  e. encouragement of rationalisation; and  f. the long-term basis of protection.  9. The following features of the National Government's industrial policy will be continued  a. Restraints on the cost structure to enable exporters to be competitive in world markets and manufacturers supplying the domestic market to keep their prices more in line with those of competing imports.  b. Depreciation allowances and financial incentives to promote economic expansion of industry and more exports.  c. Encouragement of improvements in design and presentation and full support for the Industrial Design Council appointed by the National Government.  d. Support for the Inventions Development Authority established by the National Government to capitalise on the inventive talent of New Zealanders.  e. A progressive education policy, particularly in the fields of technological training, including the new Central Institute of Technology at Heretaunga, coupled with fostering closer relations between educational authorities and business-men to ensure the needs of industry and commerce for trained personal are met.  f. Progressive relaxation of import licensing, including greater flexibility and simpler procedures, but in respect of classes of finished goods and raw materials made in New Zealand, import licensing protection will be removed only after inquiries and report by the Tariff and Development Board and after adequate protective duties are in force. (Refer to Paragraph 4 of the Commerce plank for full details of import licensing policy). The Emergency Protection Authority will continue to consider and, if justified, grant short-term protection fir industry pending a case being presented to the Board for long-term protection.  g. Encouragement to the development of industries based on agriculture and forestry as well as others using indigenous raw materials.  10. The national government will continue to give encouragement to industrialists to manufacture for, and sell in overseas markets. The kind of incentives to exporters given in recent years which have been a key factor in the spectacular development of manufactured exports, will be continued. Industry will be further encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities won for them in the New Zealand-Australia Free Trade Agreement.  1. The Tariff and Development Board will continue to meet the official representatives of Trading industrial and commercial groups and report to the Government on matters relating to industrial development.  2. The national government welcomes overseas loan and equity capital for the development of industry wherever possible in conjunction with New Zealand shareholding. Publications setting out Government policy and containing advice to investors have been widely distributed within New Zealand and overseas. In order to simplify procedures for potential overseas investors, the administration of the relevant regulations has been centralised in the Reserve Bank where a special section will provide information and liaison facilities and arrange contacts with appropriate Government agencies.  13. The Development Finance Corporation established on a private enterprise basis with Government backing is providing finance for industrial development which qualifies for support. The national Government has accepted the National Development Conference recommendation that the Corporation should play a larger role in providing finance for industry and the Board of the Corporation has revised its landing policy to take account of the Conference views. It is also implementing the Conference recommendation for more publicity of the facilities offered by the Corporation.  14. In accordance with its basic approach to industrial development through long-term expansion of sound industries, the National Government will investigate opportunities for establishing new industries of economic worth. The establishment of the iron and steel industry has been carried through to completion expeditiously, on the basis of a New Zealand-owned and directed company supported by the best overseas technical advice, managerial experience and capital available. Similar urgency will be given the industry’s extension into new products. The National government is proceeding with the building of the Manapouri Power Scheme to provide cheap power as the basis for the aluminum industry and is co-operating fully with Comalco in the establishment of this industry after the successful negotiations of recent years. The development of New Zealand clays and the export of iron sands are two more developments of a kind the National Government will continue to assist. An investigating company will be established by the National Government to examine the feasibility of developing an integrated carded sliver and wool tops Industry in New Zealand for domestic and export production.  15. The National Government will continue to foster scientific research and the application of science in industry. We have introduced a policy of making grants to industry to encourage it to undertake more research and development in its own laboratories or through contracts with universities or Government agencies. By this means and by supporting Research Associations and encouraging the formation of new ones, we hope to encourage industry to become more research minded and employ more scientific and technical staff. The National Government will expand scientific liaison and extension services to ensure that results of appropriate research are applied rapidly to industry.  16. The National Government recognises the desirability of balanced economic and social development throughout the country and will continue to give all reasonable assistance to encourage the decentralisation of industry and other activities. In furtherance of this policy, we have commissioned the Institute of Economic Research to undertake research into regional economic development, with special reference to manufacturing and urgent consideration will be given to the findings of the Institute.  17. The National Government will, in consultation with other principal shareholders, arrange for the gradual disposal of Government-held shares in the Tasman Pulp and Paper Company Ltd. The objectives would be  a. to preserve the balance of voting strength of hew Zealand shares in relation to overseas shares.  b. to ensure that the shares were sold only to New Zealand citizens.  c. to provide that the shares could not be acquired by overseas interests.  d. to dispose of the Shares over a period of years to avoid depressing the market value of shares already held by other shareholders and to ensure the widest possible spread of ownership.  National promises.  1. A policy to realise the projections of the National Development Conference for a doubled output of manufacturing industry by 1978-79 involving the employment of an extra 100.000 persons.  2. A policy in agreement with the view of the National Development Conference that the most effective industrial development can be achieved by private competitive enterprise with a minimum of regulation by the State.  3. Continued acceptance of the criteria for industrial development recommended by the Tariff and Development board in 1963.  4. Study the numerous important proposals of the National Development Conference on the expansion of manufacturing as well as arranging the research suggested on the criteria for development.  5. Acceptance of the decision of the National Development Conference on the basis of protection for manufacturing industries.  6. Continued operations of the Tariff and Development Board as the advisory body on the extent and method of protection for new and established industries.  7. progressive exemptions from import licensing of industrial raw materials, machinery and equipment, coupled with greater flexibility in administration; by mid-1970 about two-thirds by value of imports will be exempt from licensing.  8. Continued financial incentives to industrial exporters.  9. A bigger role in providing finance for industry by the Development Finance Corporation.  10. Expansion of scientific liaison and extension service for industry; more grants for industrial research and encouragement of more industrial research associations.  11. Urgent consideration to a report commissioned from the Institute of Economic Research on regional economic development with a view to more decentralisation of industry.  12. Gradual disposal of Government-held shares in the Tasman Pulp and Paper Co. Ltd.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - Spectacular expansion of output of manufacturing and servicing industries during the 7 years to 1967-68, from $1514m to $2538m and establishment of the major industries of iron and steel and aluminium.  - Generous financial investment incentives and taxation depreciation allowances to promote economic expansion.  - Establishment of the Department Finance Corporation.  - Full support for the Industrial Design Council and the Inventions Development Authority, appointed by National.  - Progressive relaxation of import control on industrial raw materials and equipment with adequate protective safeguards through the Tariff and Development Board and the Emergency Protection Authority.  21. Commerce. Basic policy.  1. The national government re-affirms its faith in the value of vigorous private enterprise as the mainstring economic development and, with a view to granting the greatest possible freedom to business, the national government will continue to remove or relax controls over trading which cannot be justified within a policy of protecting private competitive enterprise.  2. Export promotion of both farm and industrial products remains in the forefront of the national government’s trading policy. All reasonable means to assist traders to develop new products for exports and new markets and to expand existing ones will be adopted, including strong support for the trade promotion council appointed by the national government and fully of representative of farming, manufacturing, trading and worker interests.  3. The national government will continue its policy within the limits allowed by the overseas funds position, of progressively increasing the flexibility in the import licensing system so that importers and industrialists may enjoy the greatest possible freedom in ordering their imported requirements to meet the changing needs of the market.  Details:  Import licensing: The National Government has already substantially relaxed the control over imports by exempting from licensing over half in value of all imports. This policy will be continued and a further list of exemptions and announced in October 1969, effective from 1 July 1970, of an estimated annual value of $75m will mean that about two-thirds by value of New Zealand's imports will then be free from import licensing. It is recognised that some import licensing must be retained because of the level of overseas exchange reserves and the National Government will continue with its policy of progressively relaxing the requirements of the system through greater flexibility and simpler procedures. The system will be reviewed from time to time to with changing conditions and every endeavour will be made to remove anomalies.  The National Government's basic policy on import licensing is  (a) Manufacturers’ raw materials and equipment. As the overseas funds allow, import control will continue to be removed:  - from the few remaining manufacturers’ raw materials and equipment of a class not made in New Zealand and  - from other raw materials and equipment when recommended by the Tariff and Development Board after hearing representations from affected parties, but only after adequate protective customs duties are in force.  (a) Finished Goods: As the overseas funds position allows, import control will be removed:  - from the remaining, finished goods not made in New Zealand and  - from other finished goods after inquiries and recommendations by the Tariff and Development Board; but only after adequate protective duties are in force.  (c) Token Licences: While import Licensing remains, it will continue to be the policy of the National Government to allow imports of token quantities of finished goods for comparative and competitive purposes.  (d) Emergency Protection: The Emergency Protection Authority will continue to provide for a quick preliminary review of cases where emergency protection of a New Zealand Industry or product is called for.  5. Prices: It is the National Government’s policy to restrain as far as practicable the upward movement of prices associated with a developing economy by:  a. Maintenance and encouragement of competition.  b. Enforcement of price control where competition does not provide effective restraints.  c. Inspection of price movements and policing of restrictive practices.  d. appropriate monetary and fiscal measures to control buying pressures by ensuring a realistic balance between the volume of money and the supply of goods and services and  e. Financial assistance and active support for the Consumers’ Institute and the Standards Association in their work in the interests of the consumer.  1. Consumers' Institute: In fulfilment of the National Government's policy commitments, the Consumers' Institute has been established as an independent Organisation. The Institute is gaining widespread support and is obtaining substantial financial requirements from consumer subscriptions and the sale of its publications. This work will continue to be supplemented by a Government grant.  2. The National Government has passed the Consumer Information Act 1969 and the Food and Drugs Act 1969 to provide for the effective protection of the consumer against misleading packaging, labelling and advertising goods and requiring relevant information as to contents of consumer goods to be given on the packaging. The necessary regulations under the Acts are being prepared and will come into operation in 1970.  3. Standards Association of N.Z.: The Association has been established by the National Government as an independent authority with Government financial support. The Association is obtaining financial contributions from industry and other organisations which receive the benefit of the work of the Standards Council and its committees.  4. Hire Purchase Trading: The National Government will implement the recommendations in the special report of the Tariff and Development Board on Hire Purchase and Credit Trading. Some of these have already been given effect by administrative action and legislation is being prepared.  5. Assistance to Smaller Businesses: The National Government recognises the importance to the economy of smaller businesses and believes that if they are to play their most effective roles they must have ready access to the latest scientific and technical developments in production, marketing and management. We are studying ways of further assisting smaller businesses by means of liaisons advisory and extension services additional to those already available from State departments.  6. Inventions and Design: The National Government’s policy on industry provides for continued support and encouragement of the Inventions Development Authority and the industrial Design Council.  7. Metric Weights and Measures. The National Government will introduce metric weights and measures progressively over a period of years after taking into account the advice of the representative Metric Advisory Board appointed in 1969. An officials’ preliminary report has been widely circulated to interested groups and Sector Committees will be appointed to consider the effects of metrication on various sections of the community.  National promises:  1. To continue to remove or relax controls over trading which cannot be justified within a policy of promoting private competitive enterprise.  2. Continued strong support for the representative Trade Promotion Council and all reasonable means to assist traders to develop new products for export and new markets.  1. Progressive flexibility in import licensing to allow maximum freedom in ordering imported requirements to meet the changing goods of the market.  2. A positive policy of price restraint through measures to encourage competition, watching restrictive trade practices and taking appropriate monetary and fiscal measures to ensure a realistic balance between the volume of money and the supply of goods and services.  3. Assistance to smaller businesses by liaison, advisory and extension services to help in providing latest developments in production, marketing and management techniques.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - Exemption from licensing of about two-thirds by value of all imports (by July 1970 - at present over half).  - Several important changes in import licensing procedures which have saved the commercial community a tremendous volume of work and much delay.  - Appointment in 1969 of a representative Metric Advisory Board to prepare the wage for introducing metric weights and measures.  - Passed legislation in 1969 for effective protection of consumers against misleading packaging, labelling and advertising.  - Consumers' Institute and Standards Institute both established as independent organisations, with Government financial support.  22. Surface transport. Basic policy.  1. By its progressive revisions of transport legislation as part of its forward-looking policy, the national government has created the conditions for economical, efficient and safe transport, both public and private and will continue to review transport administration to meet the changing needs of for expanding and developing economy.  2. The national government has set up a ministry of transport, with a transport advisory council and a national ports authority to promote and advise on rationalisation and co-ordination of all modes of transport. Emphasis will be placed on research and planning for advice to both government and private interests on the most effective use of all forms of transport.  3. The national government will pay special attention to the social as well as the economic implications of major changes in transport systems such as the move to containerisation and has charged the national ports authority with making recommendations on these aspects.  4. The national government will support moves to improve freight handling methods, containerisation will be encouraged where it is in the best interests of New Zealand. The national government will work to achieve fair and satisfactory arrangements for:  a. Fixing freight rates.  b. An appropriate balance between freight rates for conventional and container ships and  c. The flow of import and export cargoes to make the best use of the nations port and transport facilities.  5. The national government will treat public safety on the roads as all important and will maintain and intensify its drive for road safety.  6. a major building and re-equipment programme has been a feature of the national government’s railways administration and further modernisation of the railways system will be pressed forward with high priority.  7. The national government will continue to work towards conditions of economic operation and healthy competition in transport and to give opportunities for further operators to enter this field as the industry grows.  Details:  8. The national government will, within the above general policy, continue the following aspects of its administration:  (a) Road.  - Constant review of road safety legislation including that on blood alcohol testing.  - Support for the National Road Board's research into highway design and safety.  - Greater emphasis on Driver Improvement Schools and advanced driver training systems.  - Action on the report of the Special Committee on urban passenger transport services with special reference to financing these services.  - Publication of transport information bulletins.  (b) Rail.  - Further modernisation of railways including completion of lowering of tunnel floors to permit handling of international standard containers.  - New and improved passenger facilities including ''Roomette'' express trains and buffet cars on the Main Trunk systems.  - Assessment of prospects of providing railcar services on other routes after three new railcars are proved on North Island Main Trunk.  - Easing of rail protection restrictions as competitive conditions allow so as to give more freedom of choice in modes of transport.  - Further moves begun with the Railways Act 1968, to free the railways from detailed ministerial control.  (c) Sea. High priority, in association with the Transport Advisory Council, for finding an acceptable formula whereby coastal shipping and the railways may provide their respective transport services efficiently and economically.  9. In support of the greater emphasis on research, further university bursaries will be offered by the Ministry of Transport in transport economies and automotive and traffic engineering for study both in New Zealand and overseas.  National promises.  1. Continuous review of transport administration to meet the needs of our expanding and developing economy, with special attention to the social as well as the economic implications of major changes.  2. Emphasis on research and planning to advise both Government and private enterprise on the most effective use of all forms of transport.  3. Support for moves to improve freight handling methods, including containerisation where it is in the best interests of New Zealand.  4. Intensify the drive for greater road safety.  5. High priority for further modernisation of the railways.  5-star performance for earlier promises.  - Established a Ministry of Transport to plan and co-ordinate the development of New Zealand's transport system, with the help of a Transport Advisory Council.  - Commissioned a firm of international consultants to undertake a thorough study of containerisation for New Zealand.  - Placed the operations of the Railways Department on a more business-like basis, introducing the Blue Streak luxury railcar service and ordering multi-million dollar modern sleeping car trains for main trunk lines as well as gearing the Department for the container era.  - Appointed in 1969 a special Committee of Inquiry into Urban Passenger Transport.  - Placed the detection and apprehension of intoxicated drivers on a scientific basis with breath and blood tests and introduced a demerit points system for early detection and education of potentially dangerous drivers.  23. Civil aviation. Basic policy:  1. The national government regards the economic development of New Zealand’s air services as essential to the future well-being of the national and its civil aviation policy will continue to be directed to this end.  2. We will provide modern navigational facilities, compatible with forecast growth and economic returns for both international and domestic aviation requirements.  3. Under the national government, air New Zealand developed has developed into a modern international jet airline. Full protection, encouragement and assistance will continue to be given to our flag-carrying airline.  4. National will aid further expansion of the route structure of air New Zealand. In particular, Rarotonga airport will be developed to give New Zealand added bargaining strength in international air rights negotiations, as well as providing access to an exciting new tourist attraction within the New Zealand currency area and further assisting the development op the Cook Islands.  5. National Airways Corporation has been modernised with the latest jet equipment and will retain full government support.  6. The national government will promote the overall economic development of other air services and the extending aircraft manufacturing industry.  Details:  7. Within the above policy the National Government will continue the following aspects of its administration:  a. Planning and construction of the permanent terminal buildings at Auckland International Airport and at Wellington.  b. Collaboration with local bodies in the planning, development and management of jointly financed aerodromes.  c. Regard for the needs of agricultural aviation as a significant contributor to increased farm production.  d. Continuing investigation and study into the possibilities of extending air freighting.  National promises.  1. Economic development of New Zealand's air services.  2. Modern navigational facilities in line with forecast growth of both international and domestic airlines.  3. Aid to further expansion of the route structure of Air New Zealand.  4. Full support for National Airways Corporation.  5. Promotion of the overall economic development of other air services and of the growing aircraft manufacturing industry.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - Established Air New Zealand, equipped it with intercontinental jets and helped it establish routes in the Pacific area.  - Purchased Boeing 737 jet aircraft for the National Airways Corporation's main trunk routes.  - Upgraded 21 airports throughout the country in nine years, and provided sophisticated navigation aids for New Zealand’s air network.  - Completed negotiations and preliminary planning for an international airport at Rarotonga and an international passenger terminal at Auckland International Airport.  - Stimulated New Zealand’s agricultural aviation, to lead the world, and encouraged the export of New Zealand-made aircraft.  24. Post office. Basic policy.  1. The national government is giving new emphasis to modern communications as a vital element in efficient national development. The spectacular extension of modern telecommunications systems in national development in recent years has been the result of this policy. Projects currently envisaged total a planned expenditure for buildings and equipment of $81.4m in the 3 years from April 1970. The national government has also improved communications with other countries, believing that New Zealand’s out-reach to new trading relationships and its increasing influence in world affairs demand the quickest and most efficient contacts to reduce the effects of our geographic isolation.  2. This progressive policy will be continued by national which aims to give New Zealanders a comprehensive communications system to take advantage of the advances overseas during recent years in personal and official communication. In particular, teachers are being considered for a satellite earth station costing about $4m to be built in New Zealand to provide additional international communication circuits and with the capability of providing live television relays to and from overseas countries.  Details:  1. The National Government will shortly inaugurate an automatic message relay centre to handle international telegraph traffic more economically and efficiently. This follows the opening in 1969 of the new automatic international telephone exchange for direct overseas dialling.  2. The National Government will establish in 1970 an experimental electronic telephone exchange at Paekakariki which, if successful, will lead to a new era in telephone efficiency - greater reliability, lower operating and maintenance costs, and reduced building requirements.  3. The following features of the National Government's administration will be continued:  Telecommunications:  a. Telephone and telex connections on demand.  b. Completely automatic local telephone service.  c. Toll-free service over wide areas (FREDA: Flat rate extended dialling areas).  d. Up-grading of party-line service.  e. Adequate toll services with increasing automation.  f. Overseas telephone and telex calls on demand.  g. Expansion of mobile radio services.  h. Mechanisation of inland and overseas public telegraph services.  i. Development of data transmission facilities.  Postal:  - Upgrading of all aspects of existing services including extent of delivery, speed of transport and handling methods, including progressive mechanisation.  - Intensified promotion of philatelic sales including the development of overseas outlets; a new series of designs for postage stamps will be introduced in 1970.  Savings Bank: Encouragement of more savings with the Post Office Savings Bank by continuing imaginative promotional work and, wherever possible, improving service to the public by such means as simplifying procedures, intensifying staff training, and introducing new services. Post Office Bonus Bonds and National Development Bonds announced in the 1969 Budget are recent savings incentives designed to provide a convenient and attractive form of investment for small and medium savings.  Computer Processing: Extension to all repetitive operations such as telephone and toll billing and motor-vehicle costing.  NATIONAL PROMISES.  1. New emphasis on modern communications as vital to sound national development and early consideration of tenders for a satellite earth station to be built in New Zealand costing about 11 m.  2. An automatic message relay centre to handle international telegraph traffic more efficiently.  3. An experimental electronic telephone exchange at Paokakariki in 1970 to test the prospects for a new era in telephone efficiency.  4. Upgrading of postal services including progressive mechanisation.  5. Imaginative promotion work to encourage more Post Office Savings deposits.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - Nearly 65% more telephones in past 9 years, over 160 more automatic telephone exchanges in the same period with considerable extension of free-calling areas; substantial improvement in toll services with delays in connection largely eliminated.  - Automatic Telex introduced, subscribers now totalling over 1,000 and with international connections available.  - Greatly improved mail services; 85% local mail delivered day of posting or following day.  - Intensified promotion of sales of stamps overseas.  - Computer processing being extended to all repetitive operations such as toll billing and motor-vehicle costing.  25. Broadcasting. Basic policy:  1. The national government established the New Zealand broadcasting authority and the New Zealand broadcasting corporation. Both are independent bodies and each will continue to operate in terms of their legislation.  2. The broadcasting authority is a regulatory body to consider the claims of both the broadcasting corporation and private enterprise to initiate and develop radio and television stations and to define the conditions and standards for their operation.  3. The broadcasting corporation will retain its independence in the choice of programmes and will continue to have statutory responsibility to maintain and improve its services. Capital development involving an expenditure in excess of $10 is now proceeding and includes the building of studios, the completion of microwave linking of New Zealand, the replacement of original temporary transmitter installations and the completion of first channel television coverage of New Zealand.  4. The national government regards the establishment of a second TV channel as a matter of urgency and the minister of Broadcasting has already asked the broadcasting authority to undertake an enquiry into the needs of New Zealand for additional television services, including the best way of introducing competitive private enterprise television and colour television and of ensuring the continued development of the services of the broadcasting corporation.  5. The national government considers the introduction of educational television should have high priority. A broadly based advisory committee has been set up to consider and report the introduction of educational television in New Zealand schools. Academic programmes for adult will be provided in conjunction with the broadcasting corporation. At present a series on the new mathematics is in preparation and others will follow. Both the broadcasting corporation and private enterprise stations will be required to co-operate with educational authorities in the development of educational television.  6. The number of television programmes produced in New Zealand will be increased and made available for export. The completion of the $5m avalon television studio complex will enable greater use to be made of local artistic talent throughout New Zealand in the production of television programmes.  7. The arts and cultural activities will continue to receive assistance from the broadcasting corporation. In addition, private broadcasting stations will be required to appropriate responsibilities in this field.  8. Programme standards:  a. The national government considers that the highest programme standards in both radio and television should be maintained. The broadcasting authority act and Broadcasting Corporation Act each provide that programmes which might be offensive to good taste and decency are not broadcast. It is national government policy to ensure that the power of broadcasting to influence moral standards will be exercised in a responsible way.  b. The Minister of broadcasting has asked the broadcasting Authority to consider whether there should be some more formal or strict censorship of television programmes to ensure a high standard of presentation.  National promises:  1. Continued operation of the N.Z.B.C. and the Broadcasting Authority as independent bodies.  2. Completion of the first channel television coverage of New Zealand by the N.Z.B.C. and to regard the establishment of a second channel as a matter of urgency.  3. To give the introduction of educational television high priority.  4. To increase the number of New Zealand-produced television programmes including their availability for export.  5. To ensure that the immense power of broadcasting to influence moral standards should be exercised in a responsible way.  5-star performance on earlier promises:  - Removed radio and television from direct political control.  - Established the NZBC with complete independence in the programme field.  - Established the New Zealand Broadcasting Authority with a view to introducing competitive private enterprise broadcasting.  - Empowered the Broadcasting' Authority to set and maintain high programme standards.  - Arranged for the Broadcasting Authority to undertake an immediate enquiry into the establishment of a second television channel.  26. Employment and industrial relations. Basic policy:  1. The national government has demonstrated that it accepts the responsibility of maintaining a steadily expanding economy in which everyone able and willing to work can be assured of an adequate opportunity of gainful employment under fair working conditions. Even in recent adverse economic conditions, employment continued at high levels not matched in other countries.  2. The national government will continue to ensure that the real income of wage earners increases in keeping with national prosperity, productivity and development. A guiding principle of the national government is that the welfare of the community as a whole is best promoted when workers are fairly rewarded and are thus given the incentive to work wholeheartedly with employers to achieve maximum output at economic costs.  3. The national government gives unqualified support to the principles of conciliation and arbitration as a means of settling employment conditions and disputes though considers the industrial conciliation and arbitration act needs amendment. The practice of industrial negotiation under the act requires adjustment to comply with modern industrial conditions but the national government believes this can be achieved satisfactorily only with the support of the organisations of employers and workers.  4. The continuing objective of the national government is to promote a better understanding and improved relationships between the organisations of employers and workers. As a result of this approach, the procedures for making general wage orders have been adjusted with the support of both parties. The New Zealand employers’ federation and the New Zealand federation of labour are engaged in discussions for the amendment of award procedures. The national government will, where necessary, incorporate in legislation those improvements upon which agreement can be reached. We are working positively to convince management and trade unionists alike of their obligation to society to avoid unnecessary stoppages and disputes, and to resolve those which do occur with speed so that the flow of production and exports may not be needlessly impeded. Consideration will be given to a broadly based industrial relations conference after conclusion of the current discussions.  5. The national government considers that a continuing flow of suitable immigrants is important to the balanced development of New Zealand. To ensure there will be sufficient numbers of immigrants with those specialised skills particularly needed in New Zealand, the policy will be to continue assisted immigration for selected classes of skilled workers including agricultural workers, and to give encouragement and assistance to employers association schemes.  6. The National Government is actively campaigning to bring about a better understanding of the proper relationship between workers and employers in modern society. The National Government has, in association with organisation of workers and employers, encouraged Victoria University of Wellington to set up in 1970 an Industrial Relations Centre to promote studies and understanding of problems in this field.  7. Industrial Safety: The National Government will continue to sponsor through the National Safety Association increased efforts to reduce disabling accidents and loss of life in industry. We are confident that through continuing our present policies the marked improvement of the past three years will be continued into the future. The National Government set up and will continue financial support to the Disabled Re-establishment League in its work of co-ordinating the rehabilitation and re-training services for injured and disabled workers.  8. A special advisory committee has been operating in Auckland to consider the problems of re-engagement of marginally employable workers. This committee has demonstrated that useful work can be done in this field. The National Government will set up more such committees as the need can be established. We have also set up a special advisory committee on the commitment of women including retraining of older women wishing to re-enter industrial employment. The National Government will give prompt consideration to proposals of this committee.  9. Industrial Training: The Vocational Training Council has been set up to provide appropriate machinery to ensure the co-operation of employers and workers in developing and improving our various systems of industrial training. These will include:  a. continuing review of apprentices of procedures.  b. training within industry, a service operated by the Labour Department to improve management techniques, especially at the lower levels of management and  c. re-training and upgrading the skills of adult workers to make them more efficient in the advanced techniques of modern industry; the great expansion of the technical education service having been directed toward this end. The National Government considers that with effective co-operation between industry, including both management and trade unions, and the technical institutes, the needs of the country as assessed by the National Development Conference can be achieved.  10. Equal Pay for Women: The National Government has adopted the policy of equal pay for equal work and this is applied in all State departments. In many industries the employers and/or the unions are reluctant to move towards the adoption of this policy for their industries. Though the issues in many eases are complex, we will encourage the parties to wage agreements to examine the prospects of making progress towards equal pay.  11. Under National Governments, officers of the Department of Labour responsible for the enforcement of laws governing the conduct of industry, such as the Factories Act, Construction Act and Shops and Offices Act have been trained and encouraged to perform their tasks with tact and consideration, as well as with firmness and efficiency. This policy, which has brought about much better co-operation and understanding between industry and the Department will be continued.  12. Workers’ Compensation: A white paper has been produced setting out in detail the impact of the proposals of the Royal Commission under the chairmanship of Mr Justice Woodhouse. This document will facilitate proper consideration to all interested parties of the effect of the proposals in the Commission’s report. The National Government will introduce legislation, as appears necessary or desirable, after opportunity for full consideration by all interested and affected parties.  National promises.  1. Maintenance of a steadily expanding economy in which everyone able and willing to work can be assured gainful employment under fair working conditions.  2. To ensure that the real income of wage earners increases in keeping with national prosperity, productivity and development.  3. Unqualified support to the principles of conciliation and arbitration as a means of settling employment conditions and disputes, although believing that the I.C. and A. Act needs amendment.  4. To promote better understanding and improved relationships between the organisations of employers and workers.  5. A continuing flow of suitable immigrants as important to the balanced development of New Zealand.  1. To introduce legislation as appears necessary or desirable on the proposals of the Woodhouse Commission on compensation for injury after opportunity for full consideration by all interested parties.  5-star performance on earlier promises:  - The expansion of special Government work, 6165 men being placed in such jobs in the year ended 31 march 1969. Reduction of unemployment from just over 9,000 in may 1968 to 2176 in mid-October 1969.  - Establishment of the National Advisory Council on the Employment of women.  - The setting up of the Auckland Advisory Committee on Training and Employment and the passing of the Technicians Training act 1967.  - Enactment of the General Wage Order act 1969.  - The initiation of a complete review of Workers' Compensation.  27. State services. Basic policy:  1. The National Government acknowledges the important contribution of the state services and state servants in meeting the challenges arising from the administration of government in this period of rapid growth and progressive legislation. The National Government expects that the state services will be able to make even more valuable contribution to the next decade of national development.  2. The National Government affirms that New Zealanders wish to retain and develop a modern democratic society with the greatest measure of personal liberty consistent with competent government. To this end the elected government needs the support of diligent, loyal and efficient public service, impartially selected, administratively competent, politically neutral and imbued with a spirit of service to the community.  3. The national government has implemented with courage and imagination, policies designed to ensure that programmes of administrative reform, training and managerial advisory services are available to meet the far-reaching changes in this age of technology. At the same time, under a national government, the state services have become more conscious of their duties and responsibilities to the people of New Zealand and have attained an enhanced sense of their obligations to the community.  DETAILS:  1. Because the National Government is seeking to achieve a higher degree of competence in all phases of State Service activities, and because efficiency with economy is our constant aim, we will ensure that the State Services Commission continues with its programme of developing management advisory services and its extensive training schemes to maintain and improve efficiency in all Departments of State.  2. Following the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Wage and Salary Fixing Procedures in the State Services, the National Government in consultation with the combined State Services Organisations has agreed on the acceptance of a wide range of proposals. The main points of the new wage fixing agreement are:  a. An expanded and-improved machinery of co-ordination and negotiation on wages and salaries and conditions of service.  b. The establishment of a State Services Tribunal to hear appeals against determinations of the employing authorities in cases with significant inter-service implications.  c. Retention of single service Tribunals to hear appeals in single service cases and the establishment of a Hospitals Service Tribunal to hear such cases in the Hospitals Service.  d. The monetary limit of mandatory jurisdiction of all Tribunals will be $7300 a year on present scales but they will have recommendatory powers beyond that level.  e. Acceptance of the wage fixing criteria recommended by the Royal Commission with minor modifications.  f. Replacement of the annual ruling rates survey by the Labour Department's half-yearly survey as the index of general movement to keep State pay in proper relativity with pay outside the State Services.  g. Adjustments indicated by the half-yearly surveys to be applied generally as a percentage of wages and salaries subject to certain limitations and certain reservations and exceptions.  h. Restoration of margins to the 1967 level by an adjustment to present pay scales at $2420 and above based on the percentage movement revealed by the 1968 and 1969 ruling rates surveys.  i. Establishment of a Pay Research Unit in the Department of Statistics.  j. The present common rate for all tradesmen to be split into separate rates according to trade.  Retention of the Advisory Committee on Higher Salaries to conduct triennial reviews of top salaries in key positions.  1. We will continue to give prompt consideration to any recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Higher Salaries so that the margins for skill and responsibility in the higher ranks of the State Service will be adequate.  2. The National Government will continue to have a Cabinet Committee on Government Administration to co-ordinate the administrative and personal policies of the various State Service organisation and assure the representatives of the State Services adequate access to, and consultation with, Government.  3. The National Government has passed legislation to provide for the adjustment of superannuation in relation to increases in the cost of living. This legislation provides substantial increases to be paid to existing Superannuitants and for adjustments to be made annually to superannuation payments in the future. The new scheme is supported by an increase in contributions of 1% by members of the scheme.  4. The National Government, believing that the community has a right to the fullest understanding of government and the operations of government departments, has directed that each department should endeavour to have a public relations programme to tell the public about the scope and extent of its operations.  National promises:  1. Continued programme of developing management advisory services and extensive training schemes to improve efficiency.  2. Implementation of broadly based new wage and salary fixing procedures for the State Services.  3. Prompt consideration of recommendations of the Advisory Committee on higher salaries.  4. Continued functioning of the Cabinet Committee on Government Administration to co-ordinate administrative and personnel policies throughout the State Services.  5. In adequate public relations programme for all departments to keep the public informed of their activities.  5-star performance on earlier promises:  - First Royal Commission on State Services for 50 years in 1968.  - Passed the State Services Remuneration and Conditions of Employment Act 1969 which largely implements the recommendations of the 1968 Royal Commission ensures that state servants salaries are adjusted to keep them in line with movements outside the State Services.  - Passed the Superannuation Amendment Act 1969 effective from 15 June 1969 provides for annual, adjustments to Government Superannuitants retiring allowances in line with increases in the cost of living and an increase of 1% contribution rates.  - Continued firm control of staff levels and efficiency and economy measures by which the growth of the Public Service has been reduced from 2.6% in 1967 to 4% in 1968-69.  - Since 1960 over $20 m. has been spent in the erection of departmental buildings, representing a major step in overtaking the large backlog of office accommodation requirements.  28. Tourism. Basic policy:  1. The national government recognises the big potential of the tourist industry and accepts the targets for its future expansion adopted by the national development conference. These include earnings of overseas exchange reaching $35m by 1973 and $70m by 1979 as measured by reserve bank receipts. Apart from the value of such an addition to the economic strength of the country, the national government will continue to assist the growth of tourism because of its value in fostering international goodwill and understanding and of the opportunities it gives for more private enterprise and extra employment.  2. The stimulus national government’s drive for more tourism has encouraged the tourist industry to achieve remarkable progress in recent years. This has been facilitated by the incentives given private enterprise to build world-class tourist hotels and motels. The national government will continue with this policy of incentives.  3. In furtherance of our policy, we have established a tourist facilities development scheme of financial aid to encourage private enterprise to provide better recreation and other facilities at the principal tourist centres and to enable local authorities and other organisations to provide essential tourist amenities.  4. The national government will co-operate with the tourist industry in encouraging our people to be tourist minded. We will work through the tourist development council, representative of tourist and allied interests, including the N.Z. travel and holiday association, whose co-operation has been an important step in developing an appreciation of the potential of tourism.  5. The national government will promote a greater flow of tourists into New Zealand in association with private enterprise and in doing so will give full consideration to the recommendations of the national development conference related to tourism of which we have already completed action on 36.  Details:  6. The National Government will continue to encourage the development of those amenities desired by our own people travelling within New Zealand for healthy holiday or business reasons, because it believes the best foundation on which to build a flourishing overseas tourist trade is a well-balanced domestic system of recreation and holiday facilities.  7. With the incentives given by the National Government the availability of suitable tourist accommodation has greatly increased, as also have international and internal transport services. In hotels significant to the tourist industry the current 11000 available rooms include nearly 2600 provided since 1961 while in the motel field there has been the spectacular increase from 867 units in 1961 to 5070 in 1969. Hotel beds added (or expected to be added in 1969) with direct Tourist Accommodation Development assistance, number 2300 and the first major hotel to be built in Wellington for a generation has been commenced and will provide 400 beds. A further 280 are under consideration or in the planning stage. This Scheme was introduced in 1962 and expanded in 1965 and limits on loans and guarantees of first mortgage were raised to 60% in 1968. Taxation incentives to cover both the erection of new hotels in areas of overseas visitor interest and to improve the quality of existing hotels were introduced in 1967 and 1968. A further special supplementary depreciation of 1% on new accommodation was introduced in the 1969 Budget on the recommendation of the National Development Conference.  8. The Tourist Hotel Corporation will continue to develop the key tourist resorts and provide top quality accommodation where appropriate accommodation would not otherwise be available. The Wairakei Tourist Park, with its international golf course, being developed by the Corporation is an entirely new concept in New Zealand tourism and is expected greatly to add to the attractiveness of this resort. Extra beds added by the Corporation since 1960 number 434 and further developments are planned.  9. A new Tourist Facilities Development Scheme as recommended by the National Development Conference, was announced in the 1969 Budget. This Scheme offers financial assistance for new projects or extensions or upgrading of existing facilities where there is an established need in areas attracting significant numbers of overseas visitors. The facilities are to be of a suitably high standard and available for the use and enjoyment of the general public.  10. The National Government will continue to enlist the co-operation of privat enterprise and voluntary travel and tourist associations in furthering the interests of the tourist trade. As recommended by the National Development Conference, action is being taken to examine the role of Government in the industry. The Tourist Development Council has been established in consultation with the New Zealand Travel and Holiday Association to review tourist targets and make recommendations to Government.  11. Tax incentives introduced first by the National Government in 1963 have encouraged private tourist interests to extend their promotional efforts overseas and this assistance is to continue. Following a recommendation of the National Development Conference to increase overseas promotion, Budget provision was made for $540000 in the current financial year. Much extra promotion for New Zealand tourism is expected from New Zealand's participation in Expo ‘70 at Osaka, Japan.  12. National will aid further expansion of the route structure of Air New Zealand. In particular, Rarotonga Airport is being developed to provide access to an exciting new tourist attraction within the New Zealand currency area. National Airways Corporation has been modernised with the latest jet equipment. The National Government will continue its policy of collaborating with local bodies in planning, developing and management of jointly financed aerodromes.  13. The National Government in 1965 passed legislation to set up State Forest Parks and Recreation areas, to facilitate public recreation and enjoyment. Two parks are already operating and a further six are being set up. The New Zealand Forest Service will open up areas of both exotic and native forests for use by the public for tramping, camping and shooting. The Taupo Basin Co-ordinating Committee, representative of local interests and Government has been set up by the National Government to assist in establishing and maintaining public reserves around Lake Taupo.  14. The National Development Conference assessed the increased opportunity of careers in the tourist industry at 12,000 extra jobs in the next decade. The National government has set up a National School of Catering at the Central Institute of Technology to supplement technical education already provided by the Auckland Technical Institute and the Otago Polytechnic. A twelve-week course in hotel management began at the Central Institute on 1 September 1969. The Government will continue to consult with the hotel industry to ensure adequate provision for training.  National promises.  1. To accept the targets for the expansion of tourism recommended by the National Development Conference through which export earnings will reach $35 m. by 1973 and $70 m. by 1979.  2. To continue to assist the development of tourism including the provision of financial incentives and financial aid through the Tourist Facilities Development Scheme recommended by the National Development Conference.  3. To co-operate with the Tourist industry through the representative Tourist Development Council.  4. To encourage the development of tourist amenities including financial assistance through the Tourist Accommodation Development scheme.  5. To continue tax incentives for private enterprise overseas promotional work.  5-star performance on earlier promises:  - Government incentives through building loans, guarantees and generous depreciation allowances have multiplied New Zealand's capacity to accommodate tourists.  - Annual Government expenditure on tourist promotion overseas has more than trebled since 1960 to $540000 and substantial tax incentives encourage promotional activity by private interests.  - Total visitor traffic has almost trebled during the 60’s and long-stay tourist numbers have nearly quadrupled, earning now $20 m. a year in overseas exchange.  - Through the Tourist Development Conference, Government has encouraged tourist interests to plan and prepare for further accelerated development.  - In hotels significant to the Tourist industry rooms have increased by 2600 to 11000 since 1961 and motel units have increased by 4200 to 5070 in the same period.  29. Nature conservation. Basic policy:  1. The national government asserts that the natural assets of New Zealand, the mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, beaches and islands, are a priceless heritage, that they contribute to the well being and happiness of our people, and that they are a source of great potential wealth from overseas tourists.  2. We will continue to aim at the maximum conservation of the scenic areas and natural attractions of New Zealand when assessing proposals to change scenic areas in the course of economic progress.  3. The national government will, for the benefit of future generations, continue to add to reserves, domains, wild life sanctuaries and refuges, and parks. Legislation has been passed to protect beaches and islands from unrestricted purchase by non-New Zealanders and a survey of beaches is being undertaken to determine whether further reserves should be created.  4. The national water and soil conservation authority set up by the national government will promote a water-use policy which will take adequate account of the needs of fisheries, wild-life and recreation. Co-operation, extending to financial assistance in some cases, will be accorded voluntary organisations working to preserve scenery, wildlife and fresh-water fishing. The work of the national parks authority, the nature conservation council, the fauna protection advisory council and the fresh water fisheries advisory council will continue to be fostered and expert advice sought from them on matters on which they have expert knowledge.  5. The Taupo basin co-ordinating committee, representative of local interests and government, has been set up by the national government to assist in establishing and maintaining public reserves around Lake Taupo.  6. The National government has made some progress towards determining the wide-ranging recommendations of the 1968 commission of inquiry into the organisation of wild life management aid research. The recommendations affect to state departments and 36 statutory and voluntary organisations, as well as the universities and various sporting societies. We will resolve the principal issues in consultation with interested parties.  National promises:  1. Maximum possible conservation of scenic areas and natural attractions.  2. To continue to add to reserves, domains, wild life sanctuaries and refuges and parks.  3. To promote a water-use policy to take adequate account of the needs of fisheries, wild life and recreation.  4. To establish and maintain public reserves around Lake Taupo through the representative Taupo Basin Co-ordination Committee.  5. To resolve, in consultation with interested parties, the principal issues reported on by the 1968 Commission of Inquiry into the organisation of wild life management and research.  5-STAR performance on earlier promises:  - Greater awareness of need for conservation accepted in all Government development agencies.  - Full scale investigation into the organisation of wildlife management and research completed and retention of wildlife habitat, particularly wetland promoted by purchase and by persuasion.  - Mount Bruce Native Bird Reserve developed for the study and breeding of rare native birds in an endeavour to devise effective management techniques and better understanding of basic requirements for their survival in the wild.  - Facilities for research into and management of coastal lagoons and their associated wild, particularly waterfowl, established; experimental work for the improvement of habitat for upland game (quail and pheasants) begun.  - Introduced the Land Settlement and Land Acquisition Amendment Act to protect our desirable resorts from overseas ownership.  30. Constitutional. Basic policy:  1. The national government’s constitutional policy aims at the enlargement of personal liberties and responsibilities and the further extension of our property-owning democracy. The national government has made marked progress in protecting the rights of citizens by the appointment of the Ombudsman and reviewing unnecessary legislation and restrictive regulations. New Zealand’s ombudsman was the first in the commonwealth and his jurisdiction has now been extended to administrative acts or decisions of hospital and education boards as promised in our 1966 manifesto.  2. We firmly uphold the principles of loyalty to the queen and of responsible government by the elected representatives of the people.  3. The practice will be continued of the parliamentary public expenditure committee examining government spending with a view to economies and increased efficiency in government services.  4. The parliamentary statutes revision committee will continue to have the opportunity to review new regulations to safeguard personal rights and liberties or to draw attention to unusual or unexpected use of powers conferred by statute.  5. Another forward step by the national government in the protection of the state and the preservation of the rights and freedom of the individual was made in 1969 by providing a statutory basis for, and defining the functions of, the security service and providing for a right of appeal.  6. The national government, in its concern to protect fully the rights of property owners and to avoid injustices arising from the compulsory acquisition of land by the state and local authorities, has been studying a special report on the relevant law and administration and the basis of compensation. When our studies are completed we will bring down amending legislation and alter the procedures.  National promises:  1. To uphold the principles of loyalty to the Queen and of elected responsible Government.  2. To aim at the enlargement of personal liberties and responsibilities.  3. To continue the practice of reviewing all new regulations through the Parliamentary Statutes Revision Committee to safeguard personal rights and liberties.  4. To bring down, after studying a special report now in hand, amending legislation and procedures to protect fully the rights of property owners and to avoid injustices arising from the compulsory acquisition of land.  5. To continue to examine, through the Parliamentary Public Expenditure Committee, all Government spending to ensure economy in government services.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - Appointed Ombudsman, whose work has been well received by the public, and extended his functions to education and hospital boards.  - Improved Parliamentary procedure.  - Abolished some procedural privileges that the State and public bodies enjoyed in legal proceedings against citizens.  - Required all new regulations to be reviewed by a select committee of Parliament.  - Introduced the first adequate scheme in the world to compensate those Suffering loss from criminally inflicted injuries; a move that has received acclaim in many countries.  31. Law and order. Basic policy:  1. The national government affirms that the foundation of its policy is the maintenance of the rule of law. It upholds the principle that all citizens are equal before the law and equally subject to the law of the land administered by independent courts, free from interference or direction by the government.  2. We assert that the laws themselves should be clear and certain and that parliament should be vigilant to make such changes as new circumstances require, at the same time ensuring that traditional rights an privileges are respected.  3. The national government is determined to wage war on the violence and other crime currently manifested in thuggery, bashings and brutal assaults. These crimes are less in evidence than in evidence than in many other countries but we will continue to take all available steps within the law to ensure that our people are adequately protected, free from molestation and able to enjoy security in their homes and freedom of movement elsewhere. The national government has introduced better policing methods by supplementing constables on the beat with mobile patrols. This move will be accelerated to ensure that prompt arrests may be made of gang hooligans, thugs, vandals and other criminals.  4. The national government believes that an adequate, well-trained and dedicated police staff, in whom the public have confidence is the foundation on which all other measures to cope with crime must be built. Under the national government striking improvements have been achieved in staffing training, accommodation, mobility, equipment and communications. These have resulted in an efficient loyal team of police for the maintenance of law and order and the prevention and detection of crime.  5. The national government will create a new portfolio of police because of the growing importance of the police department, its expanding responsibilities and its increased strength, now exceeding 3000.  Details.  1. An important aspect of the National Government's policy is that of ensuring that the law and its procedures are in line with modern conditions and the needs of the people. The Law Reform Commission set up by the National Government has reported on several occasions and its recommendations adopted by the Government to good effect. The work of the Commission and its expert committees will be continued.  2. The National Government passed the novel but effective Criminal Injuries Compensation Act in 1963. This legislation has attracted much interest abroad and has gone some distance in protecting citizens against criminal violence.  3. In pursuit of the National Government’s determination to protect the people against crimes of violence, the National Government has substantially increased the maximum fines and terms of imprisonment for serious offences. Recently, as an indication to the Courts of our view that more severe penalties should be imposed in appropriate cases, the maximum fine which Magistrates may impose for the more serious offences has been increase  4. The Courts have been given additional means of rehabilitation of criminal offenders. These include the extended use of pre-release and post-release hostels and work centres. More probation officers have been appointed.  5. The National Government will take further steps to strengthen the police force, both in personnel and in equipment, in continuance of its policy of deterring would be criminals through effective prevention and detection. In the last 9 years the number of police has increased by about 600 in addition to 50 civilian staff, and the proportion of policemen to population has recently been increased from 1:950 to an authorised establishment of 1:890. On reaching this strength, a complete review of policing methods will be undertaken and if more police are required they will be recruited. Greater mobility, first class communications and better accommodation have been progressively achieved in recent years and further advances will be made in mobile radio and in teleprinter services. The number of vice squads has been increased and District Commanders have been authorised to use special patrols during weekends and at holiday gatherings. These squads will be put on a permanent basis as may be necessary.  6. The National Government will continue to give full support to the Police Youth Aid Section as a positive and promising means of reducing juvenile delinquency. The Talks in Schools programme will be expanded and a comprehensive training syllabus will be made available to members of the Section, now numbering 48 in 38 centres - double the numbers in 1960.  7. The National Government is determined to deal resolutely with trafficking in drugs and their illicit use. The Narcotics act, passed in 1965, has greatly strengthened the powers of enforcement officers and regulations passed in 1968 and 1969, requiring stricter security for stocks, have been effective in reducing the incidence of burglary and theft of narcotics. We will ensure that the Criminal Investigation Branch and Customs officers are given the full support in their important work which includes counselling offenders, advice to parents and public addresses.  8. The National Government has passed legislation to implement its 1966 Manifesto promise to provide legal aid in needy cases so that no one should be prevented through lack of means from seeking redress in the courts.  National promises:  1. To uphold the principle of the maintenance of the rule of law and the equality of all citizens before the law.  2. To wage war with determination on the current violence and brutality occurring in some places and to ensure as far as possible that our people are adequately protected.  3. To maintain an adequate, well-trained and dedicated police staff in whom the public may have confidence and to take further steps to strengthen the police force.  4. To create a new portfolio of Police.  5. To deal resolutely with trafficking in drugs and their illegal use.  5-star performance on earlier promises.  - Heavier penalties for crimes of violence, especially against women and children and extension of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act to property damage by prison escapers.  - Initiated legislation to provide legal aid in needy eases.  - Improved police equipment and facilities and substantially increased the police force - in the last 9 years the number of police has increased by about 600 in addition to 50 civilian staff, and the proportion of policemen to population has recently been increased from 1:950 to an authorised establishment of 1:890.  - A reformed law on divorce and guardianship removed legal discrimination against children born out of wedlock, strengthened marriage guidance service, and has given wives, for the first tine, an effective share in the family home, irrespective of where the legal ownership lies.  - Most effective and acceptable reforms to the licensing laws this century.  32. Local government.  Basic policy:  1. The national government recognises that the rapid development of New Zealand during the past decade and tae consequent spectacular growth of urban communities has caused many difficult problems for local government and imposed an increasing burden of rating many property owners. We have many progressive moves to assist in lightening this load and will continue action towards a more equitable distribution in the cost of municipal and county services.  2. Recent constructive action taken by the national government to assist the finances of local authorities include:  (a) The rating act 1967 to make possible improvements in rating methods;  (b) The counties amendment acts of 1969 to enable counties to levy rates on a differential basis to give relief and move anomalies.  (c) Government subsidies of more than $1.25 m. a year announced in 1969, to municipalities and counties on water supply and sewerage schemes, thereby rising rating levies and stimulating progress in works essential for public health.  (d) The special carter committee on urban transport in 1969 whose interim recommendation was immediately approved, involving government grants to urban passenger transport operators totalling about $500000 a year, thereby easing the cost on ratepayers and commuters.  These moves are indicative of our practical concern about the financial burdens upon tee people arising from expanding local authority services. Further assistance is given to local authorities by the national roads board whose subsidies in the current year will contribute $10 m to the cost of municipal streets and $19m to the cost of county roads.  1. Recognising tee need to take further substantial measures to lighten the heavy burden on ratepayers, the national government will institute a full inquiry into tee wider question of overall authority finance. Early in 1970, it will confer with the municipal and county associations on preliminary details.  2. The local government commission act of 1967 provides a new basis for forward thinking in planning in local government organisation with the object of introducing greater overall efficiency. The local government commission established under that act is making good progress with area schemes which will set the pattern for the demanding needs of local government for the 1970’s.  3. The national government believes a strong and independent system of local government is essential in a democracy. It recognises that local government is assuming an increasingly important role as our nation develops and is determined to ensure that the relationship between central and local government and between related local authorities themselves are effective and harmonious.  4. It is a basic feature of the national government's approach that the respective roles of central and local government should be clearly defined and that their working relationships should be suitably co-ordinated. To this end the national government has recently announced more effective co-ordination arrangements between the administrative agencies in government responsible for administering local government policies.  5. The national government recognises the growing problems of valuation for rating purposes and will continue discussions with local authority organisations with tee aim op devising practical means of overcoming the difficulties.  6. The National Government acknowledges that the burden of some local authority rates is becoming excessive and is falling inequitably on some classes of ratepayer. It has taken several steps to give relief during its period in office, apart from those mentioned above, and is dealing with the situation as a matter of urgency in consultation with the Municipal and Counties’ Associations. Among the actions taken are:  (a) Provisions to enable postponement of rates on residential properties in industrial or commercial areas, and in other places, to help elderly and many other ratepayers who desire to continue living in their own homes when rating values have greatly increased.  (b) Provision for postponement of rates on farmland in counties with potential for urban development.  (c) Provision for overhaul of rating exemptions.  (d) Payments of grants to local authorities in lieu of rates o Government-owned houses, state rental houses, Government trading departments and other properties have greatly increased - from $2.5 m. in 1963 to $7.64 m. in the current year. Government financial assistance to local authorities has quadrupled since 1960.  1. The National Government will continue the following other aspects of its administration relating to local authorities:  a. Constant review of all aspects of rating with a view to additional reforms, in furtherance of the progress made under the Rating Act 1967.  b. Preparation of a Local Government Bill to incorporate the major local government legislation at present spread throughout a number of separate Acts.  c. Reviews may be necessary of all other local Government legislation, including the Local Government Commission Act 1967, to settle a desirable pattern for the future development of local government structures and administration.  10. The National Government will, after giving effect to the scheme for more effective co-ordination of the work of Departments of State dealing with local government, investigate the possibility of establishing a Department of Local Government with particular responsibility in this field.  33. Civil defence. Basic policy.  1. The national government is determined that all reasonable precautions should be taken to deal with a national regions or local civil defence emergency anywhere in New Zealand through an efficiently organised and volunteer-supported civil defence system.  2. To provide the basis for a comprehensive organisation using national, regional and local resources, the national government passed the civil defence act in 1962 and has amended it from time to time in the light of experience. Considerable progress has been made in co-ordinating the resources of government for assisting local authorities in any emergency and we will continue to assist local authorities to build an effective civil defence organisation throughout the country.  Details:  Within the above policy, the National government will continue the following features of its administration:  a. Maintenance of an up-to-date plan for a National organisation setting out procedures and responsibilities for the various aspects of civil defence at national, regional and local levels.  b. Employment of a national Director and in each of the 3 Civil Defence regions, a Regional Commissioner, Assistant Regional Commissioner and a training officer.  c. Education in civil defence organisation and methods including attendance at Government expense of 24 local authority officers each year at the Australian Civil Defence School regional and local short training courses, realistic exercises and the issue of training manuals.  d. Government subsidy to local authorities as an incentive to improve their civil defence arrangements in respect of certain items of equipment and to employ paid local civil defence officers.