AGRICULTURE  STRENGTH IN FARMING  Despite the growing diversity of New Zealand’s economy, farming remains the backbone of the country.  Added together, the different elements of farming, including horticulture and forestry, bring in the majority of overseas earnings and contribute enormously to the wealth of the country.  That’s why Labour has sought to make farming a strong internationally competitive business sector.  Labour has removed the protection and subsidy which used to mask inefficiency and isolate farming from the reality of world trade. Farming is now able to stand on its own two feet and contribute to the wealth of the nation.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN AGRICULTURE  LABOUR HAS:  • CREATED A VIABLE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR  Agriculture has become internationally competitive under Labour. The cast of land has reduced and on-farm costs have been held to their lowest levels in 26 years.  • BROUGHT IN REFORMS IN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE INDUSTRIES  Labour has reformed the ports and provided a forum through which reform of the meat industry is taking place. Both will result in reduced cast and improved service, leading to increased international competitiveness.  • Assisted FARMERS IN NEED  Rabbit control in the South Island has benefited from a $16.5 million 5 year programme designed to control rabbit populations.  Multi-million dollar assistance and rehabilitation packages have been given to help farmers and regional economies following the devastation caused by Cyclone BoIa and the East Coast drought.  • NEGOTIATED INTERNATIONAL ACCESS  Labour has re-negotiated access to the European Community for sheep meat and buffer. It has also accelerated the process of free trade under CER, unlocking a market of at least 20 million people.  AGRICULTURE  • REDUCED BARRIERS TO MARKETING  Under Labour, effective marketing structures have been promoted. The Kiwifruit Marketing Board has been established to increase returns to growers. The Horticulture Export Authority has also been established to ensure improved organisation of horticultural product marketing.  Producer boards have also been supported by giving them greater financial independence from government.  Legislation has also been pursued to remove controls on wheat, eggs and town milk.  • FOSTERED RESEARCH  Labour passed the Commodities Levies Act to enable growers and producers to fund research and market development.  The AGMARDT Trust Fund of $32 million has also been established, the income of which will be used to fund primary sector research  • PROTECTED INDIGENOUS FORESTS  Labour has protected remaining stands of native forest by sustainable management, re-afforestation or outright protection.  Assistance packages have been made available to those people adversely affected by this policy.  • RATIONALISED FORESTRY ADMINISTRATION AND RESEARCH  A Ministry of Forestry has been established under Labour as the principal advisor to government on forestry policy. A Forestry Industries Council has also been set up as a forum for government and forestry industry sectors. Both government and industry are partners in forestry research.  • MOVED TO REDUCE PESTS  An industry/Ministry organisation has been set up to reduce the risk of the  introduction of new forestry pests and diseases into New Zealand and to eradicate those currently present.  • RESTRUCTURED THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY  Forestry has become an internationally competitive industry under Labour. The safe of cutting rights will provide substantial income to New Zealand over the next decade.  • REACHED AGREEMENT WITH CHINA  By re-establishing diplomatic links with China, Labour has opened up a potentially important market and technical partner~  AGRICULTURE  POLICY  LABOUR WI!!:  • CONTINUE THE DRIVE FOR EFFICIENCY  Labour will continue to foster efficiency among providers of rural services in order to drive maximum on-farm efficiency. This will provide the environment in which farms will produce at world-competitive prices.  • EMPHASISE ADDED-VALUE PRODUCTION  Labour will encourage the movement away from commodity-based production to the development of processed products which fetch higher prices and involve greaten New Zealand participation in their manufacture.  • SUPPORT STATUTORY PRODUCER BOARDS  Labour will strengthen the important role of statutory Producer Boards and will enhance their independence from government.  • PROMOTE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT  Vital research and the development of technology will be emphasised by Labour to enhance the international competitiveness of primary industry.  • CONSIDER AN OFFICE OF RURAL AFFAIRS  Labour believes all policies which affect the rural community should be co-ordinated to ensure they do not have an adverse impact on our ability to compete internationally. The establishment of an Office of Rural Affairs will be considered.  • PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE RURAL PRODUCTION  The environmental values of rural land will be protected to ensure production remains sustainable and the benefits of New Zealand’s primary production can be passed an to future generations.  • ATTRACT INVESTMENT INTO FORESTRY  Labour will continue to attract significant investment into forestry to realise its potential to create employment and generate export earnings.  ARTS AND CULTURE  THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ARTS  Labour recognises the importance of the arts and our cultural heritage in creating a truly national identity.  The growing awareness that New Zealand is essentially a Pacific, rather than European, nation makes an understanding of our place in the world that much more important.  Labour has developed an arts and culture policy which seeks to expand our artistic activities, protect our cultural heritage and reinforce the value of our arts and culture through education. -  The Ministry of Cultural Affairs will have a central role in the development of greater cultural awareness and the protection of our cultural heritage.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN ARTS AND CULTURE  • INCREASED FUNDING  Labour significantly increased funding for the arts and introduced a comprehensive policy on arts, crafts and cultural heritage.  • CREATED MINISTRY OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS  Labour created a stand-alone Ministry of Cultural Affairs charged with the formulation of policy and advice to Government on all issues of cultural importance.  • INITIATED THE MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND  Labour initiated the creation of the spectacular Museum of New Zealand.  Scheduled for completion in 1997, the state-of-the-art Museum of New  Zealand will be one of the finest modern museums in the world.  • ESTABLISHED THE CULTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL  Labour established the Cultural Conservation Advisory Council as a complementary body to the Historic Places Trust to identify national priorities in the conservation of movable cultural properties.  • ESTABLISHED THE HILLARY COMMISSION FOR RECREATION AND SPORT  Labour established the Hillary Commission for Recreation and Sport to introduce the principle of arm’s length funding to a large area of recreational activity.  • ESTABLISHED NEW ZEALAND ON AIR  Labour established the Broadcasting Commission, now known as New Zealand on Air, to support the production and programming of New Zealand made programmes.  • INDEMNIFIED EXHIBITIONS  Labour introduced the indemnification of exhibitions scheme to assist galleries and museums to host significant exhibitions by relieving them of the high costs of insurance.  • BOOSTED FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS  Labour has given a mandate to the Department of Internal Affairs to convene a series of action groups charged with developing proposals to increase foreign exchange earnings through the arts.  • PURCHASED A WRITER’S FLAT  Labour purchased accommodation in London exclusively for the use of New Zealand writers. -  • FUNDED THE NZSO  Labour has taken steps to ensure the future funding of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.  • HOSTED ARCHIVES  Labour allocated $18m to purchase the Government Print Building in Wellington for the housing of the National Archives. It also funded the construction of a purpose-built archive repository in Chnistchurch with regional archives to be built in Auckland and Dunedin. Labour also ensured the continuing funding of the New Zealand Film Archive and the Oral History Archive.  • HOSTED EVENTS  Labour hosted the important Arts Forum 2000 to stimulate discussion on possible future arts policies and the Fifth Conference of Commonwealth Arts  ~ Administrators.  • COMPLETED THE NEW ZEALAND BIOGRAPHY  Labour assisted in the completion of the first volume of the acclaimed Dictionary of New Zealand Biography.  • KATHERINE MANSFIELD CENTENNIAL  Labour marked the Katherine Mansfield Centennial by assisting an academic conference at Victoria University and the purchase and restoration of the Mansfield Birthplace.  ARTS AND CULTURE  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  GROWTH OF THE ARTS  • Support Research INTO THE ARTS  Labour will support research into the size and social impact of the arts industry to provide the data on which funding can be partly based.  • PROMOTE CULTURE-BASED TOURISM  Labour will establish greater contacts between the arts and tourism industries to promote the enormous potential of culture-based tourism.  • STRENGTHEN CULTURAL AMBASSADORS  Labour will strengthen the promotion of New Zealand arts and culture internationally by continuing its programme of cultural ambassadors.  • CONTINUE CULTURAL EXCHANGE  Labour will continue to seek productive international exchange of people involved in the arts with particular recognition of the opportunities presented byCER.  PROTECTION OF OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE  • REVIEW THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II ARTS COUNCIL  Labour will review the Arts Council to widen the scope of its activities by incorporating issues relating to the Treaty of Waitangi and the place of ethnic minorities.  • COMPLETE THE REVIEW OF LEGISLATION  The review of the Antiquities Act will be completed and the Protection of Movable Cultural Properties Bill will be introduced This legislation will deaf with newly found Maori artifacts in the spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi by giving them to the appropriate Maori authority. ,  The Historic Places Bill intends to recognise Maori issues and introduce a national Register of Historic Places.  EDUCATION  • FUND CULTURAL HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS  Labour will continue to fund organisations such as the New Zealand Film Archive and the Cultural Conservation Advisory Council.  • ENSURE ARTS EDUCATION  Labour recognises that the arts are an essential element of a balanced school curriculum and will collaborate with the Ministry of Education to. ensure that  all children have guaranteed access to quality arts education.  Arts AND CULTURE  • IMPROVE STATUS FOR ARTS COURSES  Labour will transfer the School of Dance, the Drama School and the Theatre Technicians Training Scheme to the Ministry of Education to give students full status as tertiary students.  BROADCASTING  RESPONSIBILITY AND CHOICE  Labour’s broadcasting policy recognises the need to maintain ownership of strategic services while allowing the market to deliver a wider choice of  broadcasting services to New Zealanders.  Policy has therefore been devoted to creating the environment in which broadcasting can meet the demands of an increasingly complex society. Much of the red tape formerly associated with participation in broadcasting has now gone.  PROTECTION OF STANDARDS.  The demands of the market have been tempered by Labour’s insistence on maintaining programme standards through the Broadcasting Standards Authority.  Standards of service to minorities have also been improved, as shown through the extension of broadcasting hours for the Concert Programme and the growth of Maori broadcasting.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN BROADCASTING  LABOUR HAS:  • INCREASED TELEVISION CHOICE  The Labour Government paved the way for the introduction of a wide range of television services, including new free-to-air television channels, subscription television channels, cable television services and satellite services.  Where there were two Government-owned stations in 1984, the state-owned enterprise Television New Zealand now operates both TV1 and TV2; TV3 is an independent television station, Sky Network operates a subscription channel in Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty with plans to extend throughout the country, and other organisations have plans to operate regional or national networks.  • INCREASED RADIO CHOICE -  Labour increased the number of FM and AM radio services available to listeners. Where there were 51 AM and 8 FM frequency assignments in 1984 (a total of 59 stations), as of 30 June 1990 there were 90 AM and 81 FM assignments.  BROADCASTING  The 1990 figure excludes broadcasters operating on short term licenses, many of whom are expected to evolve into permanent stations as a result of the AM/FM frequency tender.  The figure also excludes frequencies reserved for non-commercial broadcasters.  • SUPPORTED NON-COMMERCIAL RADIO  Labour has provided legal protection to the National and Concert programmes through funding from the Public Broadcasting Fee~  It has also set aside permanent frequencies for a wide range of non-commercial sound radio services, including radio for the print disabled, Maori radio, student radio, Access radio stations and Radio Rhema, a Christian network.  • EXTENDED COVERAGE  Cover has been extended for National Radio, the Concert Programme and primary rural coverage from community radio.  Since Labour came to power the hours of broadcast of the Concert Programme have increased by a third from 93.5 hours per week to 126 hours per week, and coverage has increased from 65 per cent of the population to just oven 80 percent.  Further increases planned will take coverage to oven 90 percent within the next four years. Additional areas to be covered include (in order of provision of service) lnvercargill, Whangarei, Rotorua, Gisborne and the eastern Bay of Plenty.  • TENDERED RADIO FREQUENCIES  The process of obtaining frequencies has been simplified. Labour has also made available frequencies for short-term services wherever possible.  • ESTABLISHED THE BROADCASTING COMMISSION  The Commission was established to provide an independent organisation for negotiating better value from the Public Broadcasting Fee, increasing support for New Zealand programmes and providing services for Maori, minorities, women, children, persons with disabilities and isolated communities.  As at 30 June 1990, the Commission had allocated $31.6 million for television programmes on aspects of New Zealand identity and culture. This total includes $5.1 million for drama, $4.1 million for documentaries, $1 million fan regional news, $1.5 million for programmes aimed at minority groups, $3.2 million for children’s programmes, $5.6 million for Maori programmes, $0.7 million for programmes for the disabled and $2.5 million for arts programmes.  BROADCASTING  • ESTABLISHED THE BROADCASTING STANDARDS AUTHORITY  An effective regime for broadcasting standards administered by a new Broadcasting Standards Authority under the Broadcasting Act 1989 was created by Labour.  • EXTENDED MAORI BROADCASTING  Labour has ensured significant advances in Maori broadcasting through making frequencies available and through increasing funding support.  The Government directed that at least one sixth of the Public Broadcasting Fee should be used for Maori broadcasting. In its first year of operation, the Broadcasting Commission extended that percentage and provided $11 million, or 14.4 percent of net public fee income to go to Maori radio and television.  Where there was just one Maori radio station in 1989, there are now six operating and six more planned for operation by the end of 1991. The Government has also set aside one UHF frequency to be allocated to a viable Maori television network. -  • UPGRADED SHORTWAVE RADIO  This has been achieved by enhancing the content and signal strength of New Zealand’s short-wave radio service to the Pacific.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • LIMIT FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF MEDIA  Labour will limit foreign ownership of broadcasting companies to a maximum of 15 per cent of the share value of any company, with ministerial discretion to raise this to 25 per cent for radio broadcasting organisations.  To prevent the development of media monopolies, Labour will continue to enforce limitations on cross media merges through the Commerce Act.  • GUARANTEE STATE OWNERSHIP OF TVNZ  TV1 and TV2 will remain in state ownership for the people of New Zealand, operating as fully commercial channels under state owned enterprise status.  • ENCOURAGE LOCAL CONTENT  Labour will continue to ensure the making of local programmes through funding from the Public Broadcasting fee allocated by ‘New Zealand on Air’. Labour will make time available for the consideration of a Private Member’s~ Bill on the establishment of a New Zealand Music Quota for radio broadcasting.  BROADCASTING  • DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL RADIO AND THE CONCERT PROGRAMME  Both services will remain non-commercial - Labour will not allow advertising on either service.  • FUND CHILDREN’S’PROGRAMMES  Labour will continue to encourage the production of stimulating and challenging children’s programmes. Other resources will be made available to ensure production.  • APPROPRIATE STAFFING FOR RADIO NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL  The RNZ International shortwave service to the Pacific Islands will include Pacific Island people on its staff to ensure that it remains culturally appropriate.  COMMUNITY AFFAIRS  POWER TO COMMUNITIES  New Zealand is a collection of communities, each of which has its own characteristics and aspirations. The Labour Government has sought to integrate the development and application of its policies to ensure that these aspirations can be met.  The community has, therefore, been central to all Labour’s policies. The keystone of community policy is the development of practical democracy at local and regional level. Labour believes that people know best, and should be given the responsibility and resources to put their decisions into effect.  Labour’s belief is in trust, responsibility and accountability  ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMMUNITY POLICY  LABOUR HAS:  • ENCOURAGED A SENSE OF COMMUNITY  The Labour Government’s policies have encouraged a sense of community in a number of fields by putting decisions in local hands:  • ENCOURAGED EMPLOYMENT  A wide range of employment and business development initiatives have been established  • PROMOTED EDUCATION AND TRAINING  A set of central agencies have been set up to replace the hundred of units which previously existed, with the aim of giving the nation the skills and opportunities which will be vital for our full employment target.  • REFORMED REGIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT  We now have a legal and operating pattern of local and regional government to organise and administer local affairs in combination with, but not dominated by, central government  • CO-ORDINATED SOCIAL POLICIES  The Labour Government has protected and provided for all its communities and citizens for the aged, disabled, sick, unemployed or those with some temporary need.  COMMUNITY AFFAIRS  • RESTRUCTURED HEALTH ADMINISTRATION  The Health Board restructuring has seen emphasis on community health and preventative measures move to a wider base than hospitals. Local committees have been given resources for decision making and accountability, care of the aged, disabled and psychiatrically disturbed -community care and expectation of public placement.  • PROVIDED AFFORDABLE HOUSING  Policies have concentrated on lower economic income earners, and with special provisions for Maori, Pacific Islanders, women and the aged.  • EXTENDED RECREATION, SPORT, LEISURE AND ARTS SCHEMES  Labour has increased its contribution to Community Arts Councils and local body recreation and sports grants to develop community involvement and to train community volunteers  • SET UP MAORI AND PACIFIC ISLAND UNITS  These units have been established and targetted towards the special needs of Maori and Pacific Island Communities so that they have direct control of, and accountability for, resources.  • LOCALISED LAW AND ORDER  Major publicity initiatives have been introduced to concentrate on law and order delivery at a community level, such as safer communities and community policing  • HELPED WOMEN IN THE COMMUNITY  Women’s Refuges, Rape Crisis Centres, Women’s Health Centres and other support services have been designed specifically to assist women have been resourced and encouraged.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • OFFER GREATER RESPONSIBILITY  Labour will continue to acknowledge by practical response, its belief that communities desire and deserve more responsibility for their own development. The Government should support communities not control them.  • SUPPORT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT  Continued support and encouragement will be given to community development in bath the economic and social areas.  • ESTABLISH DECISION GUIDELINES  Labour will continue to establish integrated overall guidelines by which local decisions can be made.  Community Affairs  • ENSURE REPRESENTATION  Local representation on decision making bodies will reflect the population mix of those who are represented.  • PROVIDE ADEQUATE RESOURCES  Adequate resources will be made available to community organisations.  • RESPOND TO CHANGING NEED  Labour will respond to changing circumstances and needs within our society.  • PROMOTE INTEGRATED POLICIES  Labour will continue to promote integrated policies to ensure the conscious development of our communities.  CONSUMER AFFAIRS  A FAIR DEAL FOR ALL  Labour is committed to seeing all consumers get a fain deal.  Labour will therefore continue to reform consumer laws to ensure consumers’ interests are fully protected.  It will also set responsible safety standards for products and services and encourage and enforce acceptable standards of commercial behaviour.  Continued support will also be given to expanding affordable and fair systems for dealing with consumer complaints.  INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS  The disadvantages felt by many consumers when dealing with traders and professional people will be overcame under a Labour Government through the promotion of consumer nights and obligations and assistance to consumer groups. This will help to put consumers in a position of equality when buying goods and services.  LABOUR’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN CONSUMER AFFAIRS  LABOUR HAS:  • ESTABLISHED THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS  Labour established New Zealand’s first Ministry of Consumer Affairs in 1986. The Ministry has since become the focal point for the development of policy designed to promote a fair and informed marketplace and the delivery of consumer programmes for all New Zealanders.  The Ministry is a symbol of Labour’s commitment to consumer protection.  Consumer legislation has been passed and considered in order to protect consumers.  The Fair Trading Act was passed in 1986 to overcome misleading and  • deceptive conduct, ban certain trade practices and ensure consumer information is provided to an acceptable standard.  In addition, Labour has reviewed the key Sale of Goods Act, which will be reformed during the next term of a Labour Government.  A Code of Practice was developed to voluntarily regulate electronic funds transfer at the point of sale (EFT-POS) transactions.  CONSUMER AFFAIRS  The law on credit has been considered and public submissions have been made on reform. A credit awareness campaign was run to bring home the obligations and responsibilities of credit contracts.  The Ministry also assisted with the consumer protection elements of the motor vehicles security register under the Motor Vehicles Securities Act.  The Disputes Tribunal Act was passed, which increased the jurisdiction of these invaluable “market courts.”  • BANNED UNSAFE PRODUCTS  The Ministry has been particularly vigilant in banning and requiring the recall of a number of unsafe products from the marketplace.  The Ministry is continuing to review a range of products with the intention of developing safety standards for their use.  • ANSWERED CONSUMER COMPLAINTS  In 1988, the Ministry introduced a consumer complaints service following changes to the Consumer Council’s functions. The emphasis of the service is on targetting disadvantaged groups within the community such as low income earners, women, Maori and Pacific Island people and those living in isolated communities.  • INITIATED ACTION PROGRAMMES  In addition to its credit awareness programme, the Ministry has produced posters, video productions and pamphlets aimed at increasing consumer awareness on a variety of issues.  A consumer advocate programme was run to teach people how to deal with consumer disputes and a regional complaints liaison programme was run to assist the Ministry’s complaints service in raising its profile and the development of consumer assertiveness.  • SET UP A TRADE MEASUREMENT UNIT  The Weights and Measures Service was transferred to the Ministry in 1988. The new Unit will ensure the continuing integrity of weighing and measurement equipment and pre-packaged goods.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • REFORM CONSUMER LAWS  Vital consumer laws will be reviewed, reformed and brought up-to-date.  This will include the completion of the reform of post-sale consumer legislation, which will bring much needed protection against defective goods and, for the first time, unsatisfactory services.  Reform and consolidation of consumer credit laws will also be completed.  CONSUMER AFFAIRS  • ENFORCE FAIR TRADING LAW  Labour’s commitment to fair trading will be further emphasised through its enforcement of the Fair Trading Act, which provides penalties against misleading advertising, false representations and unsafe products.  • REVIEW THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY  Life insurance products, including group and personal superannuation, will be reviewed to ensure they fairly meet the needs and expectations of consumers.  • CONTINUE CONSUMER EDUCATION  Labour will promote greater awareness among consumers and traders of their rights and obligations. It will do so through publicity material and education programmes for traders, school children and consumers, include those with special needs for wham English is a second language.  • PROMOTE PRODUCT SAFETY  Labour will continue to protect consumers through vigorously setting standards for product and service safety. It will also require the provision of adequate consumer information.  • EXPAND MINISTRY’S ROLE  To accomplish its goals, Labour will expand the role of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. In particular the Ministry’s complaints service and regional liaison programme, which is designed to identify regional consumer needs, will be supported.  • ASSIST CONSUMER GROUPS  To encourage the spread of consumer information, Labour will continue to provide financial and other resources to groups such as the Consumers’ Institute and Citizens Advice Bureaux.  • IMPROVE CONSUMER REPRESENTATION  Consumer’s interests will be clearly represented on a wide range of tribunals, commissions and statutory boards through the appointment of appropriate people by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.  DEFENCE  A REGIONAL APPROACH  The Labour Government’s 1987 Review of Defence Policy clearly recognised an essential fact of New Zealand’s defence posture: that we are a South Pacific nation and our security interests should therefore concentrate on this region.  Labour has since put this into effect through the development of closer security links with other Pacific countries in the form of the New Zealand Defence Force Mutual Assistance Programme, which now includes the majority of Pacific Forum and ASEAN countries.  It has also recognised that security is to an extent dependent on our economic, environmental, trade and diplomatic links with the region.  SELF RELIANCE  While taking a prudent course in developing regional security links, New Zealand has consistently pursued a self reliant defence policy under the Labour Government which stresses the maintenance of a purely defensive capability.  In addition to this, New Zealand’s defence forces have a valuable role in disaster relief and international peace keeping and humanitarian duties.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN DEFENCE  LABOUR HAS:  • REVIEWED DEFENCE STRATEGY  During the first term of the Fourth Labour Government, a comprehensive review of defence policy was carried out.  The resulting white paper “Defence of New Zealand - Review of Defence Policy -1987” emphasised concentration of effort on the South Pacific region. The NZDF Mutual Assistance Programme (MAP) now extends to the majority of Pacific Forum and ASEAN countries.  During 1989, the New Zealand battalion was withdrawn from Singapore. A small caretaker contingent has remained to see to our co-operative interests with Singapore and Malaysia under the Five Power defence arrangement.  There is now a broad consensus amongst New Zealand’s political parties on the policy, of excluding nuclear armed ships from New Zealand, and acceptance of the implications of that policy for defence co-operation with the United States under ANZUS.  - DEFENCE  • PARTICIPATED IN MAJOR EXERCISES  Exercise Joint Venture 89, in the Cook Islands, which was the first to test new joint command arrangements, is the largest overseas exercise ever undertaken by New Zealand’s armed forces.  From mid-January to mid-February 1989, the NZDF conducted Exercise Golden Fleece, the largest mobilisation, deployment and operational exercise in New Zealand since the 1939-45 war.  • COMPLETED RESTRUCTURING  Following the Defence Resource Management Review 1988, and the Defence Act 1990, two separate defence organisations have been established. The New Zealand Defence Force, comprising some 11,700 military personnel and 2,900 civil staff, is the operational entity. The Ministry of Defence has policy, assessment and audit, and procurement responsibilities.  • PURCHASED EQUIPMENT AND RESERVE STOCKS  Since 1987, the Armed Forces have had the purchase of two ANZAC ships approved, taken delivery of the tanker HMNZS Endeavour; 105 mm light guns, 5.56 mm Minimi light support weapons, the new Steyr rifles; and substantial reserve stacks of spares and ammunition.  The RNZAF A4 Skyhawks are being upgraded. The initial phase of modernising the Orion maritime patrol aircraft has been completed.  • INCREASED CO-OPERATION WITH AUSTRALIA  There has been significant progress in developing defence relations with Australia. Arrangements have been concluded for the deployment in 1991, on a long-term basis, of RNZAF A4 Skyhawk aircraft to Nawra, NSW, to provide air defence flying for the Australian navy. This will confer training advantages to both countries.  • MAINTAINED PEACEKEEPING  New Zealand has maintained its lang-standing commitments to the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organisation in the Middle East, and to the Multi-National Force and Observers in Sinai. With the Government’s renewed emphasis on United Nations obligations in the 1987 Defence Review, Army and RNZAF personnel have deployed to the UN Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group, and since 1989 Army personnel have been conducting training for Afghan refugees in Pakistan in mine-clearing techniques.  New Zealanders served in Namibia in 1989 during the transition to independence, and RNZN ships provided a secure and neutral venue for recent peace talks between the Papua New Guinea Government and representatives of Bougainville.  DEFENCE  • ASSISTED WITH DISASTER RELIEF  Disaster relief services were provided in support of the civil defence emergency on the East Coast during and after Cyclone Bola in 1988, and after Cyclone Ofa struck in the South Pacific in February 1990. In recent weeks, the RNZAF has helped in the international effort to evacuate refugees from Iraq and Kuwait.  • IMPLEMENTED EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES  Since 1988, women have been able to train and serve on RNZN non-combat vessels, and as pilots and navigators in the RNZAF. The broader societal issue of women in combat roles is the subject of a recently completed study, which was commissioned by the Ministers of Women’s Affairs, the State Services Commission and the Ministry of Defence.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • INCREASE SOUTH PACIFIC FOCUS  Over the next three years the Labour Government will consolidate its self reliant defence and international relations policy and protect the integrity of its anti-nuclear stance.  • MAINTAIN AN INDEPENDENT OPERATION  The ability of New Zealand to maintain an independent South Pacific defence posture will be underpinned by an expansion of the country’s transport and logistical support capability.  • PROTECT RESOURCES  Labour will ensure that the New Zealand Defence Force will take an important role in maintaining the security of our resources.  • PLAY A GLOBAL ROLE  New Zealand will continue to play a valuable global role in promoting peace through its participation in United Nations-sanctioned peacekeeping activities.  In addition, Labour will ensure that our forces are trained and equipped to deal with civil defence assignments, both within New Zealand and overseas.  • MAINTAIN PRUDENT EXPENDITURE  Labour will continue to contain expenditure to within the current cap on the  Defence budget. —  • CONTINUALLY REVIEW POLICY .  Labour will also regularly review defence policy tO ensure it addresses circumstances which are relevant to the security of New Zealand.  ECONOMY  SHARED BENEFITS IN A STRONG ECONOMY  Labour believes that a strong and sustainable economy will provide all New Zealanders with the opportunity to raise their standard of living.  Economic growth, which will be generated under Labour, will be the key to the creation of a socially just economy in which all people, including those on lower incomes, will have a share in the benefits of increased wealth.  Economic growth will also create the conditions under which New Zealand will once again enjoy Labour’s stated goal of full employment based on a high wage economy.  COMPETITIVE EDGE  Labour’s economic policy is designed to create the climate in which our productive industries can grow and gain an important competitive edge through the challenge of competition, both in New Zealand and on international markets.  This will only be achieved through sound management of the economy.  Labour will therefore continue to take measures to reduce the public debt and keep inflation under control.  Pressure will be taken off interest rates and the general requirement for taxation will be controlled by maintaining a balance between government income and spending.  CO-OPERATION  Labour has taken a bold new initiative in creating the conditions for economic growth.  Its “Agreement for Growth” will lay the ground for the vital co-operation between the Council of Trade Unions, working people, industry and government that the country needs in the face of an increasingly hostile world economy.  This will be re-inforced by a nationwide economic review conference wjiich will be held later this year and which will become the basis for a negotiated economy.  Only if we work together will we be able to create the economic growth needed for investment in our most productive asset - our people - through the provision of quality health and education services.  Economy  ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS  LABOUR HAS:  • RESTORED PURCHASING POWER  Labour has restored the purchasing power of wages and salaries. It has brought inflation down from 18 per cent in 1987 to its present level of around 5 per cent.  New Zealand’s doors have been opened up to products and services that offer consumers better prices, greater choice and quality service.  Under Labour, the average cost of consumer goods and services is being held and in many cases, prices have actually fallen. Cars, video cassette recorders, television sets, many furniture items, the cost of travel, postal services and freight charges have all fallen in real terms.  • REDUCED PUBLIC DEBT  Labour has reduced New Zealand’s debt burden. The ratio of public debt to the country’s total production (GDP) has fallen from 79 per cent in 1987 to 61 per cent this year and is expected to fall further in the coming year. Labour’s debt reduction programme has reversed a fifteen year trend of increasing public debt.  • REDUCED INTEREST RATES  Labour’s policies have brought down interest rates. Mortgage interest rates  - which climbed over the previous 15 years to over 20 per cent - have dropped down to around 15 per cent.  • TRANSFORMED THE TAX SYSTEM  Labour has transformed the tax system into one of the fairest in the OECD. Personal and company tax rates have been lowered and the burden of taxation has been spread more equitably amongst all tax payers.  Labour has abolished land tax, the excise duty on motor vehicles and diesel fuel.  Labour has moved to considerably simplify the tax system. From next year, half of all prov!sional taxpayers will no longer have to pay provisional tax.  • REFORMED INDUSTRY  New Zealand industry has been reformed by exposing it over time to greater external competition.  Labour has removed import licensing, lowered tariff barriers and deregulated key industries.  Encouragement has been given to management and workers to resolve their differences together, and to relate their wages and conditions to their particular industries’ needs.  - ECONOMY  Labour has lowered the costs of many major inputs to industry through deregulation of the transport, telecommunications and banking industries.  Labour’s industry policies have helped in bringing the costs of a whole range of locally produced goods into line with world prices. No longer are consumers in this country paying higher prices simply because they happen to live in New Zealand.  • TRANSFORMED STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES  The state’s trading onganisations have been transformed from badly-managed loss making operations into profit-making consumer oriented organisations. For example, NZ Post turned a $6 million loss in 1986/87 into a $43 million profit in 1988/89. State Coalmines lost $14 million in 1986/87; Coalcorp made a $6 million profit in 1988/89.  • REFORMED THE PUBLIC Service  Major reform has been undertaken in the public sector. The scale and scope of the changes to financial management and personnel regimes are unprecedented in New Zealand and probably unique in the world.  Labour has clarified responsibilities of Ministers and public service managers and has demanded greater accountability in return.  Labour has transformed the public service from a cumbersome bureaucracy into an efficient, consumer-oriented service.  Under Labour, taxpayers’ money is being used to provide quality services at lower cast.  • DEREGULATED FINANCIAL SERVICES  Labour’s deregulation of the finance sector has resulted in greaten competition in the banking industry and has allowed the free flow of capital in and out of this country.  Labour has laid the ground for investment growth in this country.  • PURSUED EFFECTIVE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT  Labour has vastly strengthened the economic base of this country.  Labour has dramatically reduced the Government’s financial deficit.  The public debt ratio has been considerably reduced.  Labour has virtually eliminated the scourge of inflation.  It has opened the economy to competition, to new ideas, to new people.  Labour has put in place a consistent, coherent economic strategy that has  laid the foundation for long term economic growth.  ECONOMY  LABOUR WILL:  ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT  • PURSUE LONG TERM GOALS  Labour will pursue consistent, coherent and balanced economic policies that are in the long term interests of this country.  • FOSTER A COMMUNITY OF INTEREST  Labour will act in the interests of all New Zealanders in order to ensure wealth is shared equitably. It will not offer favour to select, vocal pressure groups.  INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND COMPETITIVENESS  • PURSUE NON-INFLATIONARY POLICIES  Labour will pursue policies that improve the competitive position of the country’s producers.  To assist this process, it will keep firm control of government spending and it will work towards achieving stable prices.  • REDUCE INPUT COSTS  Labour will continue to work towards the reduction of the costs of vital inputs to industry, particularly transport, energy, and communications.  • Seek NEW MARKETS  Labour places considerable significance on the achievement of improved international market access for our goods and services and will vigorously pursue that goal through the GAIT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) and through the Closer Economic Relationship (CER) with Australia.  GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE  • CONTROL GOVERNMENT SPENDING  Labour believes that the government should live within its income. This will be achieved by controlling the public debt through a combination of increased revenue from economic growth and a carefully considered reduction in government expenditure.  • PROVIDE VALUE FOR MONEY  Labour is commited to the provision of public services which meet peoples’ needs while offering value for the service provided.  - ECONOMY  REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT  • PROMOTE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT  Regional development will be actively promoted under a Labour  Government.  Local communities will be consulted on the most appropriate options for  development.  • ENCOURAGE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARDS  The main agent through which regional development will be promoted will be the newly-established Business Development Boards. They will develop and implement viable investment strategies aimed at creating sustainable new industries and fostering small and expanding enterprises.  TAXATION  • ENSURE FAIRNESS  Labour will ensure that the burden of tax does not fall on members of the community who are unable to pay. It will therefore retain the system of progressive taxation based on income.  The tax system will also be equitable. It will treat people and businesses in similar circumstances equally. It should not be used to favour one kind of investment over another.  • ENCOURAGE PRODUCTIVE LNVESTMENT  Labour will also ensure that the tax system will encourage, rather than discourage, productive effort.  • REMOVE ANOMALIES  Labour will remove as many of the remaining anomalies from the tax system as is practicable.  • PROVIDE A SIMPLER SYSTEM  Priority will be given to the implementation of the recommendations of the Tax Simplification Consultative Committee. In particular, emphasis will be put on reducing the cost of compliance faced by taxpayers, particularly small businesses.  DEBT REDUCTION  • REDUCE PUBLIC DEBT  Labour will continue to repay New Zealand’s public debt and will work to bring the level down to a point where it no longer puts this country’s economic stability at risk.  ECONOMY  SAVINGS  • ENCOURAGE SAVING  Labour believes that savings are best encouraged by well balanced taxes and by a low inflation environment.  Labour will protect savings by keeping inflation under control and by maintaining a non-discriminatory tax system.  INVESTMENT  • ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT  Labour will actively encourage productive investment in this country. While the fundamental strength of the economy will ultimately determine the level of investment here, Labour will encourage the promotion of New Zealand as an investment destination through New Zealand’s trade missions abroad and through the maintenance of sound economic policies at home.  • INVEST IN PEOPLE  Labour believes that New Zealand’s most valuable asset is its people.  Labour will give greatest priority to investment in the health and education of the nation’s children.  EDUCATION  COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION  The future success of New Zealand will depend upon how well we educate our people.  Labour is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to education and the opportunity to reach the highest possible standards of educational achievement.  Only then can people make their fullest contribution to society.  Labour will meet the needs of people at every stage in the education process -from the very young in early childhood education to students in tertiary education and beyond.  A CIVILISED FOCUS  Labour views education in its widest sense. The system of teaching should increase knowledge and impart useful skills. It should also contribute to the development of well-rounded, healthy and socially responsible people. It should promote positive attitudes.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN EDUCATION  LABOUR HAS:  • CREATED AN EFFECTIVE EDUCATION SYSTEM  This has been achieved by:  — more than doubling funding in education from $2 billion in 1985/86 to over $4 billion in 1989/1 990;  — setting in place administration reforms which through the participation of parents and the introduction of charters will challenge all schools to promote excellence in education;  — extending the reading recovery programme to help six year old children at risk from reading failure.  — funding twelve-hundred-and-ten new teachers since 1985 and thus moving towards the goal of a 1:20 teacher:pupil ratio in lunior classes.  • ENSURED EQUAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE  This has been achieved by:  EDUCATION  — increasing the level of financial support to students in tertiary institutions from an average of $49 a week in 1985 to $90.54 a week in 1989 with higher levels targeted to those most in need. Under Labour the student allowance is adjusted automatically every six months;.  — increasing maximum levels of student support to the equivalent of the unemployment benefit and progressively moved to close the gap between student allowances and payments made for unemployment support;  — insisting that Charter guidelines ensure schools’ policies and practices are fair to all children;  — exempting or reducing fees for many students at tertiary institutions, such as teenage students from low income families and students with low income spouses and/or dependents;  ensh rifling in law the right of all people with special educational needs to enrol at a state school and increase funding for teacher aides by more than 80 percent;  — establishing Kura Kaupapa Maori schools and bilingual units to advance the educational achievement of Maori.  • RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FIRST FEW YEARS OF A CHILD’S LIFE IN LAYING DOWN SOUND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS  This has been achieved by:  — giving funding priority to high quality early childhood education programmes including playcentre, kindergarten, family day-care, child-care, Kohanga Reo, Pacific Island language nests, and early intervention team programmes.  — doubling funding in real terms from $37 million in 1984/85 to $70 million in 1988/89.  • UNDERSTOOD THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN CREATING A SOPHISTICATED, TRAINED WORKFORCE TO DRIVE THE ECONOMY .~  This has been achieved by:  — encouraging students to stay in education longer. In 1984, only 43.5 percent of students aged 17 were in full-time formal education. Under Labour this increased to 56 percent in 1989;  — increasing student numbers at tertiary institutions. Forty-thousand additional full-time tertiary places have been created between 1984 and 1990;  — funding transition education and LINK programmes to help students develop the skills needed in the world outside school. Since 1987 the number of students on LiNK courses has grown from 10,000 to  44,000;  - EDUCATION  — establishing the New Zealand Education Qualifications Authority, an independent onganisatian that will provide a range of national qualifications, recognised by employers, that will accurately reflect the skills people have.  • COMMITTED ITSELF TO EDUCATION FOR Life  Labour has established the Health Education syllabus in primary and secondary schools to enable students to understand the basic requirements of good health, both mental and physical, and to develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  EFFECTIVE LEARNING  • INTRODUCE A NEW ASSESSMENT SYSTEM  A new assessment system will be brought in to accurately measure the achievements of students in order to bring about improved standards of teaching and learning.  • FURTHER PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING 1:20 TEACHER PUPIL RATIOS  Labour will further reduce ratios in junior schools to provide a more effective teaching environment.  • PROMOTE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES  Labour will Increase training for boards of trustees, principals and teachers.  • ENSURE A FAIR ALLOCATION OF FUNDING  All schools will receive a fair allocation of funds and special allocations will be made to schools where students are disadvantaged.  EQUAL ACCESS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY  • PROMOTE A WIDER SOCIAL MIX IN TERTIARY EDUCATION  Labour will ensure that students are not effectively barred from pursuing their studies through lack of money.  • IMPROVE MAINSTREAMING  Labour will make its mainstreaming policy more effective by assisting students from an earlier age to ensure they benefit from mainstream conditions.  • RECOGNISE THE ROLE OF MAORITANGA  The Maori perspective will be acknowledged in all schools, particularly through the promotion of Maori language teaching, consultation with Maori  EDUCATION  people over education policy and the development of ways to improve and demonstrate Maori achievement.  EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION  • INCREASE FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION, EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION  Funding will be progressively increased for both of these activities subject to the negotiation of individual charters to establish appropriate service standards.  Increase early childhood care funding from a base of $70 million in 1988/89 as follows:  1990/91 $143.9 million  1991/92 $153.8 million  1992/93 $163.1 million  1993/94 $172.5 million  1994/95 $183.4 million  • ENSURE ACCESS TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION  Labour will ensure all children have access to early childhood education, tailor education to ensure support is available for children with special needs and work to improve parenting skills.  EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR INDUSTRY  • FULLY FUND GROWTH IN TERTIARY EDUCATION  Labour’s goal is to increase tertiary places by 10-1 2,000 next year, boosting our investment in tertiary education in a full financial year by $100 million.  • REFORM THE TRAINING SYSTEM  The link between education and later training will be improved through reforming apprenticeships and on-the-job training and introducing a traineeship scheme which builds on skills developed in the education system and integrating Access into the wider system of educational qualifications.  • INCREASE SKILL AND COMPETENCY LEVELS AMONG YOUNG NEW ZEALANDERS.  Labour will target to retain 65 per cent of 17 year olds in formal education and training by 1993 and 95 per cent by 2000.  • PROMOTE A NATIONAL LANGUAGES POLICY  Fluency in a second language will be promoted from pre-school level~ Languages available will relate to New Zealand’s cultural location and trade links, and will include Maori, Japanese and Chinese.  • INTRODUCE IN FORMATION TECHNOLOGY  Labour will introduce information technology to make learning easier and more effective for students.  EDUCATION  This will also encourage students to become familiar with technology before moving into the workfonce.  Special assistance will be given to schools in disadvantaged areas which would otherwise be unable to purchase the hardware and software required to meet this goal.  A WELL ROUNDED EDUCATION SYSTEM  • PROMOTE COURSES IN “LIFE SKILLS”  Labour believes education must prepare students to meet the reality of life. Courses in healthy living, avoiding drug and alcohol abuse and the peaceful resolution of conflict will be offered.  Labour will encourage the development of self-esteem, self-confidence and social responsibility through all aspects of school life. It will also encourage the rejection of discrimination based on race, sex on creed.  • DEVELOP PARENTING SKILLS  Parenting skills will be promoted and supported, both through the early childhood services and the wider education system.  EMPLOYMENT  THE RIGHT TO WORK  Unemployment is a personal, social and economic waste which results in the escalation of social problems, personal despair and low economic growth.  Labour believes in the right to work and has pledged to restore full employment by 1995. Labour believes everyone should have the opportunity to make their fullest contribution to society.  EDUCATION IS THE KEY  Employment requires skills. These- are most effectively learned within the education system. That’s why Labour’s main policy is to keep young people within the education system and offer courses which give them the skills to find sustainable employment.  INNOVATE TO CREATE  Labour will continue to create opportunities which will enable the unemployed to find jobs. It will target groups within the unemployed, assess their specific requirements and provide assistance to meet their needs.  This year, Labour announced 20 strategies to take New Zealand towards full employment by 1995. The momentum will be maintained.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN EMPLOYMENT  LABOUR HAS:  • EMPHASISED EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT  The Labour Government has put a significant amount of emphasis on retaining students within the education system in order to ensure they leave equipped with relevant work skills. Dedicated schemes have been introduced to ensure students now have access to training which will provide these skills.  • Targetted Assistance  Labour has assessed the requirements of unemployed New Zealanders and made assistance available on the basis of their specific needs. It has treated them as individuals.  The major schemes Labour has adopted are set out below—  — Job Clubs  - EMPLOYMENT  These offer short courses for job seekers on skills such as telephone technique, preparing a CV, and preparing for an interview. Job Clubs are highly successful.  — Job Plus  Job Plus gives wage subsidies of up to $325 a week for up to one year to employers to take on unemployed people in a new job. So far more than 4,400 people have found a job with Job Plus. The aim is to create 30,000 jobs by next year.  — Mobility Assistance  This assistance allows unemployed people to search for jobs in other parts of New Zealand and helps them move to take up a position in a new location.  — Commuter Allowance  This pays for commuter expenses in 12 pilot areas for those who would otherwise not be able to afford to take up permanent work.  — Conservation Corps  The Conservation Corps is very successful for young people, who undertake valuable conservation work through the scheme. About 62 percent of those in the Conservation Carps go into full time work or on to further training.  — Restart  Restart subsidises community organisations and local bodies enabling them to take on long-term unemployed people to do work in the community that would otherwise not be done. They are paid the standard award wage for the job they do. Restart is used to help those who have been out of work for a long period of time back into the work routine. A total of 3425 people are now working on Restart projects. The aim is to fill 4300 places.  • ESTABLISHED A COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT UNIT  The Labour Government has also set up the Community Employment Development Unit. This promotes a partnership between Government and the. community because central government alone cannot solve unemployment. It can however work with communities to tackle unemployment together, building on the unique strengths of each community.  The Unit’s programmes include—  — Bootstraps  A small town self help programme devised to stimulate small communities  to think and act creatively to solve unemployment, using their resources in  a new way.  — Local Employment and Enterprise Development Scheme (LEEDS)  Provides financial and technical support to community organisations to develop local business skills. About 60 centres have been funded to date.  EMPLOYMENT  — Be Your Own Boss  Designed to give practical help to unemployed people who want to develop their own businesses and have the skills, motivation and ideas to do so. The programme offers information, counselling, planning help, and an enterprise allowance of up to $200 a week for up to a year to help people through the early critical stages.  — Trailblazer Projects Programme  Provides access to financial support and technical assistance for community based organisations. They develop innovative responses to local employment opportunities. These may be used as models for similar agencies in other parts of the country.  — Community Owned Enterprises  A $1 million programme has been directed to maintain existing enterprises and to create 10 new ones. Community Owned Enterprises aim to create jobs and services within each area. They undertake trading activities and plough profits back to create new jobs and services.  The Community Employment Development Unit has many other programmes including supervision of the Redundancy Response Team to ensure all assistance from Government departments is co-ordinated and to help people find new jobs.  • ESTABLISHED A PLACEMENT SERVICE  The New Zealand Employment Service, once only recognised as the dole office, now concentrates on matching the right person to the right job. It actively promotes its service to employers and unemployed people. Last year it found jobs for 82,581 people. This year the target is 90,000 including 40,000 long term unemployed jobseekers. The service is also setting targets for unemployed Maori and Pacific Island women and people with disabilities, as announced in August.  The New Zealand Employment Service interviews all long-term unemployed people to make sure they are aware of the full range of options available and to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Nearly 30 per cent move into work or training after the interview.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • CREATE ECONOMIC GROWTH  Labour will co-ordinate a range of policies on the economy, education~ training and business development which will lead to growth, create jobs and reduce unemployment.  • ACHIEVE FULL EMPLOYMENT BY 1995  Labour’s goat is to create full employment by 1995.  EMPLOYMENT  • FOCUS ON EDUCATION  Labour believes the education system is the most effective place to begin equipping people with job skills. Accordingly, it will encourage students to stay at school until they are 18 years of age. Labour will also make available a wide range of training options for those who leave school before this age.  • INITIATE SPECIFIC EDUCATION POLICIES  44,000 link places will be created for secondary students to study in polytechnics; 10,000 special training places will be created in polytechnics for jobs in areas of skill shortages; 125 new school community workers and advisors will be appointed.  To keep students of between 15 and 16 years from leaving school, Labour will provide extra funds for secondary schools.  • MAINTAIN ITS COMMITMENT TO ACCESS  Labour will allocate 80,000 Access training places each year to give people the skills necessary to.re-enter the workforce.  • Foster A MORE EFFECTIVE ROLE FOR THE NEW ZEALAND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE  The New Zealand Employment Service will continue to increase the rate of job placement to an estimated level of 90,000 jobs in 1990/91.  • CO-ORDINATE LABOUR MARKET NEEDS  Labour will use the Ministry of Education Labour Market Policy Unit and the Education Training and Support Agency to co-ordinate policy on Access, traineeships, apprenticeships and farm cadetships. This will provide for the transition to new skills which will be required in the future.  • PROVIDE MORE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING  Labour will provide 800 additional apprenticeships and 700 farm cadetships as well as new industry training opportunities under Labour’s Traineeship programme.  • •PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVES  Labour will constantly innovate to produce schemes which target specific groups within the unemployed.  • ENCOURAGE JOB CLUBS  These clubs help the unemployed develop the skills required to apply for work and give the job seeker greater confidence and better job search skills. This will assist the long term unemployed find jobs. Labour will help 30,000 people into work over the next 18 months.  • EXTEND THE CONSERVATION CORPS  Labour will increase funding of the Corps by a further $2 million from 1991.  • EXPAND RESTART  Restart will be increased to employ 4,300 people at award rates of pay. This will target the long term unemployed over 20 years old.  • Support BE YOUR OWN BOSS  Funding for unemployed people with the skills, motivation and ideas to create employment opportunities will continue.  • MAINTAIN COMMUNITY OWNED ENTERPRISES  Labour will continue to offer this scheme, which creates employment through the establishment of enterprises which plough profits back into their region.  ENERGY  REFORM FOR THE BETTER  Under the Labour Government, New Zealand’s energy policies have shaped up to the realities of the 1990s.  Policy has shifted from a pre-occupation with the supply of energy - at any cost -to a range of initiatives aimed at efficiently meeting the demands of consumers in the marketplace.  Today, policy is driven by the needs of users, not the needs of energy producers.  All major policy decisions have been made. The decade ahead will see the benefits of their implementation.  SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION  Energy will always be in demand, Labour will ensure that it can always be supplied.  The basis of Labour’s energy policy is the production of energy based on sustainable resources. Labour will not sacrifice the needs of tomorrow’s generation for today’s gain.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN ENERGY  LABOUR HAS:  • RESTRUCTURED THE ENERGY INDUSTRY  Consistent with its broad economic policy, the Government has substantially reduced its direct involvement in commercial activity in the energy and resources sector. The key elements have included —  — establishment of the Electricity Corporation and Coal Corporation as State-Owned Enterprises, resulting in extensive productivity increases;  — privatisation of Petrocorp, with the sale of the Government’s share in 1988;  — sale of the Crown’s interest in Synfuels and Maui Gas.  • BEGUN GAS INDUSTRY DEREGULATION  Deregulation, including revision of legislation and associated regulations, is proceeding.  • DEREGULATED THE ELECTRICITY INDUSTRY  Following an in-depth review, the Government took decisions on the restructuring and deregulation of the electricity industry to promote competition and a more efficient structure for the sector. Legislation permitting the formation of power companies from existing power boards and the appointment of commercial directors was passed. Preparations began for the separation of Trans Power, the transmission grid which is a subsidiary of Electricorp. Trans Power will be jointly owned by the generation and distribution sectors with the Government holding a golden share.  • DEREGULATED THE OIL INDUSTRY  Oil market deregulation was introduced in 1988, leading to an increase in competitive activity with improved levels of service to consumers.  • REVISED RESOURCES POLICY  Extensive revision of existing legislation is proceeding under Resource Management Law Reform, aimed at ensuring a balanced and integrated management and conservation regime. This has included the development of proposals for improved resource allocation and pricing mechanisms for Crown-owned mineral resources.  • CONSULTED WITH MAORI COMMUNITY  The Government has consulted extensively with Maori on a range of resource ownership and management issues, such as claims from Ngati Whakaue (geothermal), Ngati Te Ata (ironsands) and Ngai Tahu (greenstone). The Government is actively seeking constructive solutions which recognise accepted grievances and Treaty duties, facilitate Maori economic development and enable the Crown to continue to exercise its sovereign powers under the Treaty.  • PROMOTED ENERGY MANAGEMENT  A considerable energy management programme, including publicity, demonstration projects, seed money and energy audits has been implemented. Significant energy savings have been recorded in both public and private sector organisations as a result.  • RECOGNISED ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES  Petroleum fuel standards were established to minimise public risk from emissions, particularly lead. Decisions were taken in principle to phase out the use of leaded petrol by 1996.  A geothermal management programme was implemented to protect the Rotorua geothermal fields by achieving a reduction in draw-off over ~ three-year period. By March 1988, an overall reduction of 57% had been achieved.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • REFORM THE ELECTRICITY INDUSTRY  Labour will ensure that the natural monopoly of the National Grid is operated responsibly through the collective ownership of Trans Power by electricity generators and distributors.  Retail electricity supply will become more efficient. Labour will fully implement its policy of reform in the electricity distribution industry.  Electric Power Boards will become companies, with shares owned by local trusts and profits returned to the community.  • REFORM THE GAS INDUSTRY  Labour will bring in legislation to reform the gas industry. The goal of the reform will be to reduce costs through making the gas industry more competitive.  In the past, the gas industry has suffered from ill-conceived government involvement. Under Labour, this has ceased.  • PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT  Labour will strike a balance between meeting energy demand and maintaining energy supply without jeopardising the quality of the environment.  Mandatory standards of energy efficiency will be established in a variety of industries to foster energy conservation.  Labour will also achieve a 20 per cent reduction in the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in its fight against global warming. The same goal will be promoted in international forums.  Labour will provide further funds to the Energy Management Group, which will advise on and promote the best use of energy.  • FOSTER RESPONSIBLE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES  Energy and mineral use decisions will be made under new comprehensive resource management laws, which will take a broad overview of how the nation’s resources will be managed. Labour will ensure wide public consultation on resource use.  • GRANT NO SPECIAL ADVANTAGES FOR DEVELOPERS  Under mineral resource management law reform, mineral explorers and developers will be placed on the same footing as other industries.  Labour will devise a coherent and fair regime for resource royalties.  ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION  WORKING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT  Labour has earned its credentials as the only environmentally responsible party in New Zealand by creating the most ambitious, comprehensive and effective environment and conservation policy this country has ever seen.  The Labour Government has, over the past six years, worked tirelessly to make New Zealand a safe, clean and beautiful place in which to live.  Labour has laid down commonsense principles and set up a management system which will enhance New Zealand’s clean and green image. It is this approach which will guide us towards a future free from the large scale pollution which has blighted so much of the rest of the world.  Labour has brought in policies which will ensure we can continue to harvest the natural bounty of New Zealand for generations to come.  Labour has also made difficult, sometimes unpopular, decisions through which it has sought to create a balance between the desirability of retaining the natural environment and the need for economic growth and prosperity. At all times, Labour has endeavoured to ensure all views are heard and considered when policy has been decided.  INTERNATIONAL RESPECT  Labour also recognises that global environmental issues vitally affept New Zealand and has moved decisively to stimulate international responses to shared problems.  Among other initiatives, Labour has called on the global community to support its policies to protect Antarctica from mining, halt the depletion of the ozone layer, address climate change, stop driftnet fishing and save dolphins and porpoises as well as to maintain the ban on commercial whaling.  Labour has earned the respect of the international community for its commitment to the environment. Labour has taken the lead and shown the way to a better future.  ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION  CONSERVATION FOR THE FUTURE  Labour has made the protection of New Zealand’s natural resources, landscapes, wildlife and national heritage an urgent priority. Significant progress has been made in preserving our unique environment for future generations.  Above all, Labour has sought to meet the aspirations of most New Zealanders, who continue to value the beauty of our unique natural heritage alongside the demands of a growing, productive economy.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN CONSERVATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT  LABOUR HAS:  • IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT  In 1984, Labour inherited a natural resources management structure which was ineffective.  There was no logical structure, effort and resources were duplicated, it was expensive to operate and offered insufficient protection for the environment.  Labour’s alternative policy has since become a blueprint for balanced and effective environmental management and conservation.  Policy goals continue to be economic development based on the renewable use of resources, recognition of our obligation to hand on these resources to future generations and recognition of the importance of protecting the environment to maintain the unique and high standard of lifestyle enjoyed by New Zealanders.  Labour has consistently pursued an integrated range of policies designed to meet these goals.  • ESTABLISHED EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES  Labour has set up the Ministry for the Environment to give policy advice to government on a wide range of environmental issues.  It has set up the well resourced Department of Conservation to administer the Crown conservation estate and interests so that future generations can enjoy the benefit of living in New Zealand’s natural environment.  A Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment - the environmental “ombudsman” - has been created to ensure equity in dealings between the public and government agencies on environmental or conservation issues.  • REVIEWED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LAW  Labour has reviewed all resource management laws and established the concept of sustainability as the cornerstone of its environment and conservation policies.  ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION  Sustainable management means the use, development and protection of natural and physical resources in a way, and at a rate, which enables people to meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do so.  • REFORMED LOCAL GOVERNMENT  Before reform of local government was completed in 1989, there were 800 territorial and special purpose authorities in New Zealand dealing with different aspects of local Government. There were also 15 major statutes dealing with land, water, air, resources management, the coast, geothermal energy and mining. With so many agencies administering environment/conservation legislation, the system was chaotic.  A simpler, more effective structure has now been created.  • REFORMED RESOURCE LAW  The Resource Managagement Bill is the centrepiece of Labour’s resource management policy. Labour will pass the legislation as a matter of urgent priority.  The Bill is based on the concept of sustainability.  It also seeks to achieve balance by recognising the value of the environment and society’s need to use resources for social and economic development.  The Bill enforces these concepts by making local government accountable for controls and standards while allowing communities to set their own priorities. It also gives clear functions to central government and binds the Crown.  • PROMOTED “ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY” LABELS  Labour has reviewed the need to provide consumers with information on which to choose environmentally friendly products and initiated action on the development of a labelling scheme which will help with purchasing decisions.  • ENCOURAGED ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS  Labour has established a pilot paper recycling scheme in the Executive Wing of government, removed highly ozone depleting substances from the air conditioning units of ministerial cars and runs its ministerial fleet on unleaded petrol. These are only the first steps towards making government departments more environmentally aware.  • ESTABLISHED ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION  Labour has established specific environmental educational responsibilities for the Department of Conservation and Ministry for the Environment and the~ Ministry of Education.  • PROTECTED INDIGENOUS FORESTS  Labour has established the first new national parks in decades - Whanganui River and West Coast Paparoa - and has added 52,500 ha in the Mt Haast  and Red Hill Ranges of Mt Aspiring National Park. Three new wilderness areas have been designated - the Tasman, Raukumara and Paparoa areas.  Since 1986, Labour has added almost 500,000 ha of indigenous state forest into reserves, protected all indigenous forest, whether in public or private ownership, and banned the export of indigenous woodchips.  Labour abolished the destructive subsidies on forest clearance and funded the Protected Natural Areas Programme to protect representative samples of New Zealand’s natural environment.  • PROTECTED WETLANDS  Labour more than doubled the amount of wetland under protection. The Whangamarino swamp, Kopuatai Peat Dome and Miranda estuary have all recently been added to the the list of of wetlands of international importance under the RAMSAR convention.  • PROTECTED THE OZONE LAYER  Labour passed the Ozone Protection Act in June 1990, which sets phase out schedules for ozone depleting CFCs and halons used in New Zealand. It also played a significant role in the international debate on strengthening the Montreal Protocol for control of ozone depleting substances.  Labour has ratified the strengthened Montreal Protocol agreed by the Parties in June 1990.  • OPPOSED DRIFTNETTING  Labour has totally opposed all forms of dniftnet fishing. It has successfully co-sponsored a United Nations resolution condemning dniftnet fishing in the South Pacific by 1 July 1991 and a global moratorium by 30 June 1992.  Labour also successfully hosted a conference in Wellington, in November 1989, of South Pacific Nations resulting in a driftnet convention and commitment to long-term regional fishing management for albacore tuna.  Labour successfully convinced Japan to cease dniftnetting in the South Pacific before the scheduled 1991 completion date and has influenced other driftnetting nations to drastically reduce their South Pacific fleets.  • PROTECTED ANTARCTICA  Labour has put on record its opposition to mining in any form in Antarctica and has promoted a comprehensive binding environmental protection regime for Antarctica.  • HELPED WHALES AND OTHER CETATIONS  Labour successfully promoted to the International Whaling Commission that a report be prepared on the global status of threatened dolphins and porpoises and suggested the continuation of the moratorium on whaling.  ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION  • REFORMED WASTE MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES  Labour has recognised the serious community concern about the management of wastes, specially their impact on the environment.  A Hazardous Wastes Task Force reported to Government in March 1988 from which principles for future management were established. All resource management laws were subsequently reviewed and the Hazards Control Commission was established, which will allow rationalisation of waste management and provide policy input to government.  Public comment has been sought on two discussion documents on packaging and waste and a comprehensive waste management strategy, covering both the public and private sector, has since been established.  • RESEARCHED CLIMATE CHANGE  The Labour Government played a prominent role in the United Nations  Climate Change Programme, which followed the siginficant input made by  New Zealand in a series of working groups.  Labour has also called for public comment on a discussion document produced by the Government on the issue and has considered the first round of policy initiatives.  Labour has also recognised that energy efficiency is the immediate key to reducing greenhouse gases and has maintained the Energy Management Group in Ministry of Commerce, included mandatory energy efficiency standards in building codes and set 1996 as the last phase out date for lead in petrol.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY MANAGEMENT  • PROVIDE EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION )  Labour has recognised the importance of developing effective policy on the  environment and conservation. It has set up the Ministry for the Environment  and the Department of Conservation as the key agencies through which  policy will be developed and advice provided to government.  • SUPPORT THE ENVIRONMENT OMBUDSMAN  Labour will actively support and fund the office of Parliamentary  Commissioner for the Environment.  Labour will also investigate the possibility of further strengthening the officéT  through more resources.  ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION  ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE POLICY  • RECOGNISE THE NEEDS OF FUTURE GENERATIONS  Labour will ensure the use, development and protection of natural and physical resources in a way which enables people to meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.  • RECOGNISE TRADITIONAL MAORI RESOURCE MANAGEMENT  The traditional Maori practices of rahui (seasonal bans), wahitapu (sacred places), kaitiakitanga (conservation practices) and taiapure (inshore fishing) will be recognised.  RATIONAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT  • ENACT THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BILL  Labour’s top priority will be to pass the Resource Management Bill into law. This is the most far-reaching reform of resource management ever undertaken in New Zealand.  The reform will create New Zealand’s first totally integrated regime for environmental management and will result in great improvements in the quality of the environment and in its conservation.  A transition team, which will work with local authorities and a variety of other interested groups, will be put in place to ensure the smooth transition to the new regime.  • PUBLICISE GOVERNMENT POLICY  Labour will actively guide the management of the environment through the provision of policy statements made under the Resource Management Act. These will include nationally significant issues such as the status and management of wetlands, waste disposal and geothermal resources, among other things.  • MANAGE THE COAST  The Resource Management Bill recognises the national significance of New Zealand’s coastline. Labour will ensure that the Minister of Conservation will have overall responsibility for its management in the public interest.  • CONTINUE WATER CONSERVATION ORDERS  Labour is committed to the continuation of water conservation orders as the most effective way of protecting the environmental and conservation values of our rivers.  • INTRODUCE QUALITY STANDARDS  Labour will set rigorous minimum standards for environmental trouble spots such as noise exposure levels, air pollution, water quality, landfill design and sewage treatment.  ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION  • LEVY POLLUTERS  Labour will investigate the introduction of a levy on individuals or organisations which engage in practices which pollute the environment.  • ESTABLISH ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS  The Labour Government will actively co-operate with industry, local government and professional groups to establish performance standards and management controls designed to enhance the environment. These will cover practices such as the design of subdivisions and mining activities and will ensure maximum benefit for the environment at the lowest possible cost.  • EXERCISE A MINING VETO  Labour will recognise and support the right of landowners to veto mining proposals on private land.  CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES  • ESTABLISH THE HAZARDS CONTROL COMMISSION  Labour will establish a Hazards Control Commission which will provide policy advice on the management of hazardous substances and new organisms.  • LICENCE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HANDLERS  Labour will tighten up control over hazardous substances and new organisms by introducing a clear licencing system, operated by the Commission, which will cover their importation, manufacture, development or use in New Zealand.  The licencing system will cover such items as pesticides, explosives, flammable and toxic substances, the importation of exotic species and the release and development of modified organisms which may adversely affect the environment.  • TRACK HAZARDOUS MATERIALS . ~S’  A tracking system will also be set up to identify the total management of very hazardous substances and wastes. This will ensure their safe use, transportation and disposal.  POLLUTION CONTROL  • ESTABLISH NATIONAL STANDARDS  The Labour Government will set national standards for matters such as —  — siting, structure, operation and maintenance of hazardous  installations -~  — acceptable levels of air, land and water quality  — noise, odour, radiation etc.  — clean-up of contaminated sites  — waste reduction, treatment and disposal  — transportation and receipt of waste.  • INTEGRATE POLICY  Labour will also undertake a range of other activities including the provision of advice to local government on pollution control, administration of hazardous installation permits and the undertaking of environmental impact assessments.  REDUCTION OF WASTE  • REDUCE WASTE  Labour will target an initial 20 per cent reduction in solid waste by 1993. This will be achieved by a comprehensive plan to reduce the production of waste, to reuse, recycle, reprocess and safely dispose of waste.  • INTRODUCE RECYCLING  Recycling is a key component in waste reduction. Labour will set up a recycling trust to provide information, technical support and seeding finance. The trust will involve central and local government, the recycling industry and community groups.  Labour will look to mandatory deposits and other incentives if recycling fails to sufficiently reduce the volume of waste.  ENVIRONMENTAL LABELLING  • PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY LABELLING  Labour is introducing a product labelling scheme, known as Environmental Choice, which will give consumers a reliable standard by which to choose environmentally “friendly” products.  NATURAL RESOURCE ACCOUNTING  • MEASURE THE VALUE/QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT  Labour will ensure the sustainability of national resources by introducing a system which will incorporate these factors into national decision making.  ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DEPARTMENTS  • CONTINUE THE MODEL SCHEME  Labour has established a model recycling scheme within the Executive Wing of government. It may become the prototype of further experiments which may lead to the development of environmentally aware practices and production.  ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION  GLOBAL CONCERNS  • SPONSOR INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION  The Labour Government will continue its leading role in the resolution of global environmental problems.  • REDUCE OZONE DEPLETION  Labour will us&’the Ozone Protection Act to phase out carbon tetrachioride and methyl chloroform by the year 2000.  It will phase out CFCs by 1997, or earlier if possible.  Labour will work with industry to develop codes of practice for the use, maintenance, collection and re-processing of ozone depleting substances. Research will also be undertaken into the collection, storage and destruction of these substances.  • REDUCE Greenhouse Gasses  Labour will continue to press for an international convention on global warming and the protection of rainforests.  Labour has set an initial goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent by 2005 and will conduct a vigorous research programme to develop a timetable for achieving a 60 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.  This will be achieved through energy efficiency, renewable energy resources, methane collection from landfills and by protecting and enhancing our forests and oceans.  • PROMOTE AN ANTARCTIC PARK  Labour will continue to promote an Antarctic Park under the Antarctic Treaty. It will promote a protocol to the treaty which permanently bans mining and imposes a requirement for the production of environmental impact assessments and establishes controls on waste management, tourism, scientific study and pollution as the most effective way of protecting the environment.  • PROTECT THE ANTARCTIC ENVIRONMENT.  Labour will also investigate the concept of a whale sanctuary in the Antarctic region.  • OPPOSE Driftnetting  Labour will continue to oppose driftnetting and all forms of unsustainable fishing techniques.  • PROTECT MARINE MAMMALS  Labour will continue to apply pressure to protect threatened species and oppose the slaughter of whales.  ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION  Labour will review and strengthen the Marine Mammals Protection Act to ensure long term protection of marine mammals in local waters.  NATIVE FOREST PROTECTION  • PRESERVE PRIVATE NATIVE FORESTS  Labour will save New Zealand’s remaining native forests on private land. This will be achieved through a combination of policies based on complete protection, ecologically sustainable management and replanting.  • FUND NGA WHENUA RAHUI  Labour will encourage Maori owners of native forests to protect their forests through the Nga Whenua Rahui scheme.  • SUPPORT THE FOREST HERITAGE FUND  Labour will provide $6.75 million a year to the Fund, which will protect forests of particularly high ecological value through a variety of means.  • BAN NATIVE EXPORTS  Labour will continue the ban on the export of kauri other than salvaged timber. It will also maintain the current ban on all other native timber exports unless produced under a certified ecologically sustainable regime.  Labour will pass legislation which places controls on the management of native forests on private land so that they are sustained or enhanced in perpetuity.  • ENCOURAGE RE-PLANTING OF NATIVE FOREST  Labour will encourage the re-planting of native forest through schemes such as Tu Kakariki (the New Zealand Tree Programme).  PROTECTED AREAS  • ENSURE GUARANTEED ACCESS  Labour will protect the right of access along the sea, all lakes and rivers for recreational pursuits including fishing and hunting.  • PROTECT MARINE RESERVES  10 per cent of the coastline will be protected within marine reserves by 2000.  • CREATE NEW PARKS  Subject to a New Zealand Conservation Authority recommendation, Labour will establish a Kauri National Park in Northland and investigate national park status for the Coromandel and North West Nelson Conservation parks.  • BAN MINING  Labour will pass the Protected Areas Bill to ban mining in all national parks, wilderness areas, national reserves, scientific reserves, sanctuaries, ecological areas and nature reserves and Antarctica.  ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION  PEST CONTROL  • CONTROL THE SPREAD OF PESTS  Labour will take vigorous action to control the spread of problems such as rabbits, possums, goats, wasps and Old Man’s Beard.  PROTECTED SPECIES  • PROVIDE EFFECTIVE PROTECTION  Protection for native plants and animals will be increased through amending the Wildlife Act.  Recovery plans will be developed for all 406 species of plants and animals which are recognised as endangered or threatened.  Priority for this work will be given by resourcing the recently established Protected Species Unit within the Conservation Department.  • CREATE TOUGHER PENALTIES  Labour will enact tougher penalties to ban illegal trade in endangered species.  ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION  • PROVIDE EDUCATION  Labour will ensure that the Department of Conservation, Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Education play a key role in increasing awareness on environmental matters.  FISHERIES  A SUSTAINABLE FISHING INDUSTRY  Labour recognises that commercial fishing is a billion dollar industry which has created growth and jobs for New Zealanders.  Labour also recognises the vulnerability of the industry, which is potentially prey to over-fishing and exploitation.  That’s why Labour has introduced the Quota Management System, a policy of sustainable resource management - so that future generations of New Zealanders can also enjoy the fruits of our seas and the economic benefit of a strong fishing sector.  A NEW ZEALAND INDUSTRY  Eleven years ago, the New Zealand fishing fleet caught only 15 percent of the total catch. Today, it catches nearly 98 percent.  Labour has ensured the fishing industry has remained in New Zealand’s hands.  RECOGNITION OF MAORI FISHING  Labour has also recognised the legal standing of Maori fishing rights. It has established a fair and reasonable system through which the Maori will be able to participate in New Zealand’s commercial fishing industry.  Locälised, traditional, fishing interests have also been recognised.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN FISHING  LABOUR HAS:  • INTRODUCED QUOTA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM  The Quota Management System was introduced in 1986. As a result New Zealand became the first country in the world to manage and conserve its fisheries on a sustainable basis. Since then inshore fisheries have generally shown a significant improvement.  • PROMOTED INDUSTRY GROWTH  The commercial sector has grown rapidly. It now earns $820 million in export receipts (1988/89) compared with $441 million in 1984 and $98 million for 1978/79.  FISHERIES  • INCREASED NEW ZEALAND INVOLVEMENT IN FISHING  New Zealanders have dramatically increased their involvement in the fishing industry - the New Zealand fleet caught 94 per cent of the total catch in 1988 compared with 72 percent in 1984 and 18 percent in 1977. This fishing year the New Zealand fleet was allocated more than 98 percent of the total quota allocation.  • PROMOTED QUALITY RESEARCH AND STOCK ASSESSMENT  Quality research and stock assessment has been significantly assisted -including the commissioning of a $25.6 million purpose built deep-water fisheries research vessel.  • PASSED THE MAORI FISHERIES ACT  Labour passed the Maori Fisheries Act, which recognises historic Maori  fishing rights and provides for Maori involvement in commercial fishing.  Under the Act the Maori Fisheries Commission was established to receive  10 per cent of all fish quota for allocation to iwi.  The Act also set up procedures to establish and control taiapure - local coastal or estuarine fishing areas that have traditionally been significant to Maori.  • ENCOURAGED AQUACULTURE  The development of aquaculture has been encouraged through projects related to the commercial farming of native paua and rock lobster and extending the scallop enhancement programme.  • ENSURED FISHING LAW COMPLIANCE  Restructured compliance operations and legislation have ensured that the Quota Management System can operate effectively. Illegal paua fishing operators have been caught resulting in several successful court cases.  • BANNED DRIFTNET FISHING -  Driftnet fishing has been banned within our EEZ and international agreement for a complete ban on this unacceptable fishing technique has been sought.  • MAINTAINED PRIVATE SECTOR LIAISON  liaison has been maintained with all interest/industry groups - commercial, recreational, Maori, environmental - on issues of fisheries conservation and management.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • COMMIT TO QUOTA MANAGEMENT  Labour will continue to maintain the New Zealand fishery through the allocation of sustainable quotas.  FISHERIES  • CONTINUE RESEARCH  Vital research into the quality and size of New Zealand’s fish resources will be funded. A $25.6 million purpose-built deep-water research vessel has been commissioned to obtain accurate estimates of fish stocks and sustainable yields.  • STOP ABUSES  Commercial abuses of fishing, such as wall of death or set net fishing, will be outlawed or regulated.  • FOSTER SUSTAINABLE GROWTH  Labour will foster the growth of the fishing industry.  • IMPROVE RECREATIONAL FISHERIES  Labour will ensure that recreational fishing remains available to New Zealanders.  • PROMOTE AQUACULTURE  Labour will further promote the development of aquaculture in New Zealand in order to assist the export potential of fish and shellfish farming and associated industries.  • RECOGNISE THE TREATY OF WAITANGI  Labour will continue to recognise the Treaty of Waitangi and will implement its policy of allocating the 10 percent fish quota allocated by the Maori Fisheries Commission for eventual transfer to iwi.  • RECOGNISE TAIA PURE  Labour will support the protection of special coastal areas under taiapure, in which local iwi administer specified fishing resources.  HEALTH  HEALTH IS A RIGHT  Labour believes good health is a right. Labour is therefore strongly committed to protecting and improving the health of all New Zealanders through an efficient, publicly funded health system in which the state is the dominant provider of health services.  Under the principles Labour has established in the New Zealand Health Charter, citizens will have equal access to a health system which provides effective health care, respects individual dignity, and promotes wellness and community involvement.  A PLAN FOR THE FUTURE  Area health boards, through which most public health services are provided, will be held accountable for their performance. They will be required to meet a range of public health goals and targets and to increase their surgical throughput.  Primary health care will be made more affordable in line with recent initiatives to increase the GMS and offer voluntary contracts to doctors.  WELLNESS, NOT ILLNESS  Emphasis will be placed on preventing illness through promoting healthy life-styles. Action on the ten point programme in the Health Charter will significantly reduce the incidence of premature death and avoidable illness and disability by the year 2000.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN HEALTH  LABOUR HAS:  • ADOPTED THE NEW ZEALAND HEALTH CHARTER, GOALS, AND TARGETS  The New Zealand Health Charter represents a commitment to a nationwide, publicly funded health system with its overall goal being to protect and improve the health of New Zealanders. Key principles which will guide the development and operation of the public health system are detailed in the Charter, as well as comprehensive strategies based on 10 health goals.  These goals are to: reduce smoking, improve nutrition, reduce alcohol consumption, reduce amount of high blood pressure, reduce motor vehicle crashes, reduce hearing loss in children in the under-five year age group, reduce disability and death from asthma, reduce avoidable illness and death  HEALTH  from heart disease, cut the incidence of cervical and skin cancer. These goals are now guiding the work of area health boards.  • ESTABLISHED AREA HEALTH BOARDS  A nationwide area health board system has been established. Local boards are no longer solely concerned with hospitals, they now manage the entire health spectrum in their area.  Funding for area health boards has increased at realistic levels. The total sum being directly allocated to boards this year is 5.6 per cent higher than last year. Area health boards now have greater flexibility to move funds between capital and operating costs, while some ‘tagging” of funds to achieving national health goals and reducing waiting lists will ensure progress in those areas.  • REQUIRED EXTRA OUTPUTS FROM PUBLIC HOSPITALS  There has been an increased number of operations in public hospitals each year — Year ended March: 1988, 140 111; 1989, 183 849; 1990 (Estimate based on first nine months), 193859. For 1990/91 $15 million tagged funding is going to area health boards for even greater efforts to boost the numbers of operations performed.  • IMPROVED PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE  Increases were made in the General Medical Subsidies, which mean most children under five should be seen for free by the doctor, while those children over five should generally be seen for no more than five dollars. The recent budget also reduced the cost of doctors visits by five dollars for the elderly and chronically ill.  A contract option was introduced for General Practitioners who keep patient charges within set guidelines. In the contract practices, adults’ fees will be limited to a maximum of ten dollars. The fees for beneficiaries, the elderly, chronically ill, and children over five will be limited to five dollars, and the guarantee of free treatment for under-fives is absolute.  Under Labour union health. centres have been established. They are now thriving in Otahuhu, West Auckland, Otara, Hamilton, Porirua, Newtown, and Christchurch. Unions in a number of other provincial towns are keen to start such centres.  • FUNDED OVERSEAS MEDICAL TREATMENT  The maximum grants for medical treatment overseas have been increased in 1990 from $20,000 to $30,000 for treatment other than transplants, and for transplants from $40,000 to $80,000.  • IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES  $50 million has been provided for area health boards over this, and the next financial year to speed up the improvement of community-based mental health services. Big improvements are called for and area health boards will be held accountable for delivering them.  HEALTH  A clear national policy statement on the principles which must underlie community mental health services has been released.  Funding is available for national organisations involved in advocacy for and service provision to the mentally ill.  Funding has been provided to establish the network of safe care units recommended by the Mason Report. Seven will be established with two in the greater Auckland area and one in each of the Waikato, Manawatu-Wanganui, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago area health board districts.  • WIDENED SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICES  School dental nurses are now able to make contact with and offer treatment to those secondary school students who have not registered with a dentist, to ensure that those teenagers are given the opportunity to continue the free dental care to which they are entitled.  Fissure sealants have been successfully introduced into the school dental service, reducing the number of fillings in permanent teeth by 20-40 per cent.  • MOVED TOWARDS A SMOKE FREE GENERATION  The recently passed Smoke-Free Environments Act aims at slowing the recruitment of new smokers by cutting out advertising and sponsorship. It also recognises the rights of non-smokers not to be poisoned by passive smoking - particularly in the work place and public places. The Labour Government is among the most progressive in the world in its determination to reduce the death toll from tobacco.  A Smokefree Generation campaign has been launched to encourage young people to grow up free from the pressure of smoking.  • RECOGNISED SUBSTANCE ABUSE  More than $21 million of Vote:Health is allocated each year to substance abuse education and projects by area health boards, contracted agencies, and the Department of Health. A research programme has been developed to survey illicit drug use patterns and levels in the community.  • GIVEN AUTONOMY TO MIDWIVES  More birthing options and better chances of keeping maternity services in smaller communities have been created resulting from reversal of the 1971 move by National which stopped midwives delivering babies without being under medical supervision. Midwives have gained their autonomy under Labour. Women can now have more choice in hOw they give birth.  • ACTED ON THE CARTWRIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS. THIS INCLUDES —  — A nationwide screening programme to enable the detection and early treatment of cervical cancer or cervical abnormalities is being implemented.  HEALTH  — Development of a training model for non-medical smeartakers and standards of competency.  — Development of a treatment protocol for management of abnormal smears.  — Educational resources: the “Smear tactics” videos aimed at raising awareness among young women of the need for regular cervical smears.  — Government funding for a new course to train cytology laboratory assistants at the Central Institute of Technology.  — Service development grants to improve colposcopy services in Auckland, Canterbury, and Taranaki.  — Recall of the women identified by Judge Cartwright as being owed a special duty.  — Work on a national standard for informed consent.  — Development of a. new standard for area health boards ethics committees reviewing research and treatment protocols.  — Introduction of the Health Commissioner Bill which provides for a nationwide network of health consumer advocates, a Health Commissioner, and a new, independent complaints system for health consumers.  • TAKEN OTHER INITIATIVES IN WOMEN’S HEALTH  A breast cancer pilot screening programme is being piloted in  Otago/Southland, with a second pilot due to be selected shortly.  A working group on how to combat osteoporosis has been established. Well Women’s Clinics were established and funded by the Labour Government.  A ministerial advisory committee on women’s health has been established.  • PRIORITISED CHILDREN’S HEALTH  A ten point programme of priorities for action in children’s health has been developed. Like the Health Charter and Goals, it tackles the basic causes of death, disease, and disability among our children - asthma, hearing loss, child abuse, injury by accident, and cot death.  Government has decided that child resistant closures on medicines should be mandatory to reduce the numbers of children poisoned.  From November this year a new combined measles, mumps, .?nd rubella vaccine will be introduced for small children. The objective is to eliminate these diseases.  Hepatitis B vaccination is provided free to all under-sixteen year olds and to the sexual and household partners of carriers of the disease. New Zealand has the most comprehensive campaign against this disease in the world.  HEALTH  • PROVIDED FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES  The Health Services Equal Employment Opportunities Development Unit has been set up and promotes equal employment opportunity policies and practices throughout the health sector. lts work is underpinned by the Employment Equity Act 1990.  • FOUGHT AIDS AND OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES  Aids prevention initiatives have included: setting up a needle and syringe exchange scheme, an extensive health education campaign, and establishing an epidemiological unit to monitor trends in the disease. Of the world’s governments, New Zealand is recognised as having had one of the most reasonable, progressive, and effective policies to deal with this alarming epidemic.  Extra resources ($1.5 million a year) have been allocated to provide for more sexually transmitted clinics to treat and fight the spread of those diseases.  The Contraception, Sterilisatiori and Abortion Amendment Act promoted by the Minister of Health and now passed by Parliament enables under-sixteen year olds to have access to contraceptive information. That is vital for the fight against AIDS, other STDs, and unwanted pregnancy among teenagers.  • CAPTAINED HEALTH RESEARCH  The Health Research Council Act ensures that greater emphasis can be given to public health research, while maintaining high quality biomedical research.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • PROVIDE EFFECTIVE PUBLIC HEALTH  The provision of public health services will be made more accountable. Area health boards will be required to sign contracts with the Minister of Health which set out health goals and targets for their region.  Under this contract, close monitoring of the performance of area health boards will be possible and boards will be measured to ensure efficient management of public funds and the appropriate delivery of services. An increase in the amount of surgery performed by all boards will be required with the extra $15 million tagged for waiting list reduction in this year’s grants.  • IMPROVE Access TO HEALTH CARE  Labour has significantly improved access to health care by cutting the cost of visiting a general practitioner for the young, the elderly, and the chronically  ill.  Labour is committed to continuing the contract option for general practitioners. It provides for an indexed state payment to doctors and sets maximum fees to clients. That now means free consultations for under 5s;  HEALTH  other children, the elderly, beneficiaries and the chronically ill will face charges of no more than $5, and for adults no more than $10.  Union Health Centres and Women’s Health Centres will be further encouraged as a means of providing wide access to healthcare services.  • REDUCE DISEASE AND ILLNESS LEVELS  Labour is committed to significantly reducing the following diseases and illnesses — dietary, tobacco and alcohol related conditions, high blood pressure, death and disability through motor vehicle accidents, hearing loss among the very young, disability and death from asthma, coronary heart disease and stroke: invasive cervical cancer and skin cancer.  • IMPROVE CANCER CONTROL  Labour will develop a comprehensive cancer control strategy covering prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care.  • IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH CARE  Labour places priority on improved services for the mentally ill. Massive extra funding has already been provided for new forensic and community-based services. Labour will hold area health boards accountable for achieving the much needed improvements.  • BACK HEALTH CONSUMERS’ RIGHTS  Labour will enact the legislation which it has already introduced for the Health Commissioner and health consumer advocate system to give easier access to complaints procedures. The Commissioner’s first duty will be to draw up a code of health consumers’ rights.  Labour will also provide for significantly increased lay representation on all health professional registration and disciplinary bodies.  • IMPROVED HEALTH QUALITY  Labour supports the introduction of quality assurance programmes throughout the health services. In primary care that includes systems for recording vital primary• health information, peer review, accreditation of services and a range of other initiatives which will raise the quality of care and ensure that the consumer perspective is recognised.  Nurses and physiotherapists are also being encouraged to develop quality assurance for their professions.  The Labour Government has also provided funding for the establishment of a nationwide accreditation system to promote quality in the health system.  • PROTECT WOMEN’S HEALTH  Labour is committed to implementation of the national cervical screening programme, to the pilot breast cancer screening programmes, and to developing policies for the primary prevention of osteoporosis.  HEALTH  • PROTECT CHILDREN’S AND ADOLESCENTS’ HEALTH  Labour has released a national policy statement setting out ten priorities for improvements in children’s health and will work to see that all targets are reached. A policy statement on adolescent health will be developed. Labour will ensure that young people have access to adequate information about their sexuality and health needs now that Section 3 of the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act has been repealed.  • PREVENT SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES  Labour will ensure that the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS has a high priority. Significant extra resources have been committed to this area already.  • ESTABLISH COMMUNITY SEWERAGE SCHEMES  Labour will investigate new forms of support for the establishment of effective sewerage systems where sound public health and environmental grounds warrant central government support.  HOUSING  HOUSING IS A RIGHT  Labour believes access to acceptable housing is a right. Every New Zealander is entitled to have a roof over his or her head.  Labour does not accept that people should be deprived of reasonable housing because of overcrowding, sub standard accommodation, cost or special needs.  HELPING THE NEEDY  The Labour Government has put an end to the years of the housing crisis. It has relieved the position of people with serious housing needs.  A massive building and housing programme has brought rental housing within the reach of many more people.  Flexible loan policies have made owning a home an affordable prospect for people on modest incomes.  Co-operation with a range of agencies has provided specialist accommodation for the elderly, the disabled or for those at risk.  Labour has a proud record which will be carried forward into the future.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN HOUSING  LABOUR HAS:  • SUPPORTED STATE HOUSING  Under Labour, the state rental stock reached a record total of 67,753 at the end of June 1990.  In the same year the Housing Corporation housed nearly 10,000 new tenant households, a result of new acquisitions and improved stock management practices.  Allocation of houses is conducted through a pointing system which was fine-tuned this year to ensure that applicants with the most serious housing need get priority on state waiting lists.  • SPONSORED RENTING TO OWNERSHIP  More than 1,191 state tenants were assisted into home ownership last year. As tenants move into home ownership, the units they have occupied are freed up for those with most serious housing need.  HOUSING  • LENT MONEY  During the 1989/90 financial year, the Housing Corporation approved more than 26,000 loans valued at $642 million.  More than 7,000 loans, valued at $323.20 million, were approved under the Corporation’s modest income and loans to tenants schemes.  The Relocatable Cottage programme has been extended to include a loans option as well as renting. This programme, which places a relocatable cottage near friends or family, enables such people to give support to older people and those with special needs, while allowing them to maintain their independence.  • PROVIDED HOMESTART LOANS  The Homestart lending programme helped 12,837 households bridge the gap between their savings and the deposit on a new loan. These loans totalled more than $124 million.  There has also been an increase in the number of Sweat Equity loans which allow people to use their own labour as part of their deposit on a home.  • INCREASED SECOND CHANCE LOANS  3,012 Second Chance Loans, valued at $126.5 million, were approved during  1989/90, a 6 per cent increase over the previous year. These loans provide for households which must refinance existing homes or relocate because of marital breakdown or hardship.  • PROVIDED COMMUNITY AND WELFARE ASSISTANCE  Loans to the value of nearly $29 million were made to a wide variety of community and welfare organisations in the 1989/90 year. These provided assistance to nearly 1,713 households.  More than 160 special tenancies were allocated during 1989/90, exceeding targets set by the Housing Corporation and well above the 102 tenancies approved during 1988/89.  Special tenancies make rental housing available to community groups which provide support housing for special, urgent or temporary housing needs.  The housing requirements of people with disabilities and special needs are being addressed under the Health Welfare Interface, established to provide closer liaison between the Housing Corporation, Social Welfare Department and the Department of Health in the delivery of services.  The Community Grants Scheme allows groups to provide advisory or advocacy services to people with housing needs or undertaking research into housing needs. In 1989/90, more than $360,000 was directed to community groups for this purpose.  • ASSISTED OLDER PEOPLE  The Housing Corporation has developed the Better Use loans programme for older people who are finding their existing home too difficult to maintain  HOUSING  or unsuited to their needs. These loans bridge the gap between the price of their existing home and a new home. Nearly 165 households received these loans in the 1989/90 year, 126 of them in serious housing need.  The Housing Advice and Delivery Service (HAND) has been established to provide free advice and assistance on housing matters to older people. The programme recognises that impartial advice is sometimes as helpful as practical assistance.  Three pilot Home Equity Conversion schemes are planned for Auckland, Nelson and Levin, with extension to other centres in 1991. This scheme allows older people to borrow against the value of their homes. The scheme allows for the money borrowed and the interest charged to be recovered from the estate or at point of sale.  • IMPROVED MAORI HOUSING  Almost 250 loans were made for houses on land in multiple ownership during the 1989/90 year, housing 269 households. This enabled houses to be built on collectively owned Maori land without the land being alienated. The house, rather than the land, provides security for these loans.  A researcher has been appointed to the Maori Women’s Housing Project. The policy aims to provide a sound information base for planning policy and institutional changes to better meet the housing needs of Maori women.  • HELPED WOMEN’S HOUSING  Six Women’s Project and Venture Fund loans have provided assistance to more than 50 households. Almost all of these households were in serious housing need.  • PROVIDED BOARDING HOUSE ASSISTANCE  A new Boarding House Assistance programme, which aims to retain and enhance the supply of boarding house accommodation in high demand areas, has been established.  Assistance available includes loans to upgrade existing boarding houses, loans to community organisations to purchase existing boarding houses and an extension of the Corporation’s mortgage guarantee scheme to cover private boarding house investors.  • CREATED A HOUSING INITIATIVE  The New Zealand Housing Initiative, a joint venture between the Housing Corporation and the private sector, seeks greater co-operation with local authorities in achieving high quality subdivision development and land utilisation at minimum cost. Together with the Housing Corporation, it has published “A Fresh Look at Housing” outlining innovative methods of achieving quality subdivision design. In May 1990, a design competition for a residential development using Housing Inititiative principles attracted 64 entries nationwide.  HOUSING  • INTRODUCED THE TENANCY BOND  The Tenancy Bond division was set up in February 1987 in response to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 in order to provide free advice on tenancy law to both landlords and tenants.  Most rental disputes taken to the division are solved before referral to the Tenancy Tribunal where nearly 70 per cent of all disputes are resolved by mediation. Applications to the Tribunal have grown threefold from 7043 at the end of its first full year of operation to more than 21,500 by June 30 1990.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • ENSURE ADEQUATE HOUSING IS AVAILABLE  Labour will continue to ensure all New Zealanders are adequately housed in suitable accommodation at an affordable cost.  • TARGET GREATEST NEED -  Labour will continue to direct most of its assistance to people whose housing needs are greatest.  • INCREASE AND IMPROVE HOUSING STOCK  Where needed, Labour will continue to increase the country’s housing stock. It will also ensure state rental housing is upgraded to provide acceptable housing standards.  • PROVIDE FLEXIBLE MORTGAGE FINANCE  The Housing Corporation will continue to provide affordable loans for those in need. Second Chance and Homestart loans will be provided to assist people into their own homes.  • ATTEND TO SPECIAL NEEDS  Labour will help a range of special needs groups to find adequate housing. It will work with agencies to provide housing schemes for the elderly, women, the disabled, co-operatives and Maori housing projects located on land in multiple ownership.  Policy will also assist people needing emergency accommodation. Loans will be provided for older people against existing properties to enable them to relocate to more suitable accommodation.  • CONTINUE URBAN RENEWAL  Labour will make good use of available land within our cities through filIin~ in under-used areas with innovative building projects which will improve the housing environment.  HOUSING  • ENCOURAGE JOINT VENTURES  Labour will work with local authorities and private companies, through the Housing Corporation, to meet needs where they arise.  • PROVIDE VITAL HOUSING SERVICES  A number of services will continue to be offered by Labour to ensure equity between landlords and tenants and access to legal services.  Tenancy laws will be enforced to ensure fairness in the rental housing market. Key elements in this service will be maintenance of the tenancy bond and mediation services.  Also, the Housing Corporation will continue to provide conveyancing services in competition with traditional suppliers of these services. Buildguard insurance protection will also continue to be available to provide protection against faulty construction of new houses.  • IMPROVE EXISTING HOUSING  Labour will continue to provide home improvement loans to homeowners on modest incomes and will help community groups operate home improvement advice centres.  IMMIGRATION  CHOOSING THE BEST  The real competitive advantage for New Zealand lies in its people, not its raw materials. That’s why Labour’s immigration policy has been designed to attract people with the right skills. Labour has taken an active approach to sourcing people from a range of countries throughout the world.  Under Labour, immigration will become an important trigger for economic growth by adding to the skill base that helps create jobs.  A MANAGED PROCESS  To ensure all prospective immigrants receive equal treatment the activities of private immigration consultants will be regulated and application procedures will be streamlined.  Immigrants arriving into New Zealand will be resettled in an orderly, supportive fashion.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN IMMIGRATION  LABOUR HAS:  • THOROUGHLY REVIEWED IMMIGRATION POLICY  The emphasis of the review was to devise policy to attract high quality, skilled immigrants to create jobs and enhance New Zealand’s entrepreneurial skills base.  • DISBANDED THE UNFAIR OCCUPATIONAL PRIORITY LIST  Under the Occupational Priority List immigration was based entirely on occupation. Labour has widened the criteria to ensure it attracts people with skill and experience.  • REDESIGNED APPEAL PROCEDURES  The frustrating delays formerly experienced in the appeal system have been reduced. Now only one appeal is allowed.  • ANNOUNCED A RESETTLEMENT FUND  Each successful general immigrant will be charged a modest levy to help newcomers settle into New Zealand quickly and effectively. This special fund will be used to teach immigrants about Kiwi lifestyles and English as a second  IMMIGRATION  language. The fund will also enable more research on the effects of migration on New Zealand’s social and economic fabric.  • UNDERTAKEN A COMPLETE REVIEW OF THE MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY STRUCTURES WITHIN THE IMMIGRATION Service.  This will enable the Service to respond to applications with greater efficiency.  • ANNOUNCED A POLICY TO ACCREDIT IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS  Approved immigration consultants will be able to process applications for the  Immigration Service, enabling decisions to be made faster and more  effectively. However, the final checks and decisions will still be made by the Immigration Service.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • PUT NEW ZEALAND FIRST  Labour’s immigration policy will put New Zealand’s interests first in establishing the number and mix of immigrants.  People applying to come to New Zealand will be assessed according to a comprehensive points system which measures, among other things, qualifications and experience, family links, language ability, age and ability to settle successfully.  A business immigration policy, designed to bring immigrants with business acumen and entrepreneurial skills, will be incorporated into the points system.  Targets will be set so that immigration flows can be planned, controlled and monitored properly.  • ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW PROCEDURE  An independent tribunal will be set up to review procedural problems. The Minister of Immigration will retain the right to review immigration cases where exceptional circumstances exist.  • CREATE AN EFFECTIVE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME  Labour will ensure that immigrants settle into New Zealand as effectively as possible. A resettlement programme will provide English as a second language, instructions in New Zealand’s lifestyle and post-settlement research. This will be funded by a modest levy on general immigrants.  • STREAMLINE THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE  Labour will ensure the immigration service is structured and resourced to meet its responsibilities effectively and maintain the integrity of New Zealand’s borders.  IMMIGRATION  • RETAIN PACIFIC QUOTAS  Traditional regulated levels of immigration from the Pacific will be retained, as will the Western Samoan quota.  • MAINTAIN A COMMITMENT TO REFUGEES  Refugees will remain welcome in New Zealand. Labour will provide a co-ordinated resettlement programme.  • REGULATE PRIVATE IMMIGRATION AGENTS  Labour will ensure integrity is retained in immigration consulting by requiring members of the profession to be accredited.  INFORMATION  INFORMATION IS POWER  Labour believes that equitable access to information is a central component of democracy. Unless people have information, they are not in a position to make reasonable choices about their life, work, environment or future.  The Labour Government has recognised the importance of information by creating a new policy designed to promote awareness of its availability and ensure equal access to its sources.  The essence of the policy is the integration of the large number of sources into a publicly accessible resource.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • CONSULT WITH RELEVANT GROUPS  Labour will develop its information policy on the basis of full consultation with a variety of interested groups.  These will include key information users and providers, the general public, the commercial community, Maori people and the state sector.  Within the state sector alone there is a wide range of information providers such as the National Library, the Department of Statistics, Lands and Survey and the Meteorological Service.  • DEFINE THE ISSUES  Labour will seek answers to a wide range of issues in establishing its policy settings.  Resolution will be found on key issues such as:  — privacy equity of access to information, co-ordination of information needs, ownership of information, international standards on control and access to information, recognition of information needs, a cost recovery regime, cultural requirements of information suppliers.  • PRESERVE OUR HERITAGE  Labour will promote and support the activities of the Alexander Turnbull  Library and the Oral History Archive and the preservation of the history of the Maori.  IN FORMATION  • PROMOTE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT  Labour will encourage the National Library to support educational development through the school library service, publication of resource materials in Maori, promotion of information technology skills and the continued funding of the National Film Library.  • SUPPORT THE NATIONAL LIBRARY  Labour will continue to support the National Library. It will position it as a key member of the community by giving it the function of monitoring the needs of communities for information. It will also support the promotion of the Library’s services.  • ASSIST BUSINESS SERVICES  Labour will assist the National Library to provide information services to the business community. This will commence with the library undertaking research into the information needs of the business community followed by the provision of access to appropriate information.  INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  INDEPENDENT FOREIGN POLICY  Labour believes in the development of a strong, independent foreign policy which is committed to looking after New Zealand’s global and regional interests.  Labour will therefore continue to actively seek constructive relations with nations to ensure New Zealand’s point of view is clearly expressed and understood on matters of interest.  Representation will be maintained in strategic locations to ensure the nations’ trade, security, political and humanitarian interests are effectively protected.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  LABOUR HAS:  • NEGOTIATED THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE  The Labour Government has been a major proponent of eliminating barriers to world trade, particularly in agricultural commodities and products. New Zealand has established itself as a key member of the CAIRNS Group, whose members have been lobbying intensely for the liberalisation of world trade.  The Labour Government’s efforts have met with considerable success. This year, for the first time, agriculture has been included in the GATT negotiations.  Progress was made at the Houston economic summit in November 1989, when the seven richest industrial nations announced that agricultural subsidies should be reduced in all areas and negotiations speeded up. New Zealand stands to benefit more than any other country from international agricultural reform.  • SECURED Access TO THE EC  The Labour Government has secured the best ever deal for the sale of dairy products to the EC. Access for New Zealand butter and sheepmeat has been guaranteed until 1992. This is the longest period for specified quantities of  • butter since the initial five year period following Britain’s accession to the EC in 1973.  • DECLARED A NUCLEAR-FREE NEW ZEALAND  The Labour Government had the courage in 1987 to enact the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone and disarmament and arms control legislation. The  INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  legislation banned nuclear weapons from New Zealand and implemented our responsibilities under the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty.  Labour believes that, as a sovereign country, New Zealand has the right to determine its own defence and international relations policy.  • CAPPED DEFENCE SPENDING  Expenditure on defence has been capped for the next three years. Under Labour, defence spending has reduced while spending on social services has risen.  • BROUGHT Forward CLOSER ECONOMIC RELATIONS  Labour has brought the date for free trade with Australia forward by five years. All barriers to trade ended on 1 July 1990.  The result is access to a market of 16 million Australians as well as increased consumer choice in New Zealand.  Under Labour, exports to Australia have grown by 174 per cent: from about one billion dollars in 1983 to $2.6- billion in 1989. In 1983 the trade ratio was 1.42: 1 in Australia’s favour. Now it is almost equal.  • PROMOTED TRADE  In the current Uruguay Round of the GATT, New Zealand has succeeded in persuading the other players that, for the first time, trade in agricultural products should be given the same freedom that industrial and manufactured goods enjoy. New Zealand’s efforts to convince others that freeing up global trade will be good for everyone have continued through meetings of the Cairns Group and in the lobbying of the Eminent Persons Group.  Momentum under CER was stepped up so that free trade in goods across the Tasman came in early on 1 July 1990. This presented a great economic opportunity for New Zealanders. Discussions on drawing the two economies closer continued in other areas like communications and services.  The Government’s commitment to a failsafe system of protecting the world’s largest remaining wilderness was given practical effect in the Protected Areas Bill for banning any New Zealand involvement in mining in Antarctica. A permanent ban on all mining will be pursued by the New Zealand delegation to the Treaty Meeting in Santiago in November, in the form of a comprehensive and legally binding protocol.  An International Antarctic Centre has been opened in Christchurch to serve as a gateway for the scientists pursuing research projects in the Antarctic.  New Zealand kept in close touch with Pacific developments. The Government of Papua New Guinea asked for assistance with providing a venue for talks with the leaders of the North Solomons Province to start discussing the Bougainville issue. Three ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy were sent and the Endeavour Accord was signed on 5 August.  INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  • PROVIDED AID  Labour continued to provide aid to meet the needs of developing countries, particularly those in the Pacific rim and South East Asia regions.  • SUPPORTED HUMAN RIGHTS  New Zealand continued to follow issues of concern in the human rights area. Events in Fiji led to a cooling of relations with the regime there, although necessary contact was maintained. New Zealand also joined other countries in reacting to the Chinese Government’s actions against its own populace in the events around Tiananmen Square in June 1989, and in renewing Ministerial contact more than a year later, made sure the Chinese authorities knew where New Zealand stood on such issues.  Close contact was established with the African National Congress, and other steps were taken to ensure that New Zealand is in a good position to deal with the leaders of a post-apartheid South Africa, and with the emerging new government there.  • OPPOSED NUCLEAR TESTING  New Zealand pursued its stand against French nuclear testing, and took on the French Government for its role in the sinking of the “Rainbow Warrior”, despite the difficulties this made in the bilateral relationship. The Government in Paris appeared to respect the stance and, under Prime Minister Rocard began a process of reconciliation.  • CO-OPERATED IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  A central principle of Labour’s foreign policy is co-operation. Labour believes that world issues can most effectively be solved and managed through open and constructive dialogue.  Labour will therefore continue to stress New Zealand’s participation in a range of world forums.  • RECOGNISED REGIONAL INTERESTS  Labour recognises that New Zealand is a South Pacific nation. Our interests lie in the Pacific and so does our future.  Policy will be directed towards developing our relations with other Pacific nations in order to create an environment based on international co-operation, peace, self determination for all nations and social justice.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL PEACE  Labour will continue to work towards, and support initiatives for, international peace and disarmament. It will actively promote its view on proposals for  INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  disarmament and will participate in international efforts to achieve a world free from the threat of armed conflict.  • ENCOURAGE SELF DETERMINATION  Labour believes in the right of all nations to self determination. It will support this principle through appropriate international forums.  • SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS  Labour will support initiatives to strengthen international forums such as the United Nations and other co-operative international groups or bodies which seek to promote peace and understanding between nations.  • RECOGNISE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS  Full co-operation will be provided for organisations dealing with global environmental problems. This will include working towards the protection of the atmosphere and the protection of Antarctica through the establishment of a world park.  Labour will participate fully in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992.  In addition, Labour will promote the New Zealand initiative to establish an environmental protection council as a key agency of the United Nations.  • PROVIDE GLOBAL AID  Labour will continue to give practical development assistance to developing nations and others in need. Emphasis will remain on the provision of assistance which contributes towards sustainable benefits based on local initiatives.  Labour believes New Zealand’s Official Development Assistance Programme should be progressively increased until it reaches at least 0.7 per cent of gross national product.  • PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS  Labour will support the protection of human rights through vocal opposition -to their abuse, regardless of the source of the abuse.  • PROMOTE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES  The right to equal opportunity and participation in decision making processes will be promoted internationally by Labour.  • FIGHT RACISM  Support will also be given for efforts to eliminate racial discrimination and, ir~ particular, New Zealand will continue to honour the Gleneagles Agreement on sporting contacts with South Africa.  • RATIFY THE LAW OF THE SEA  Labour will ratify the Law of the Sea Convention.  JUSTICE/LAW & ORDER  PREVENTION THE BEST APPROACH  The Labour Government believes that the best approach to stopping the spread of crime is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.  Considerable emphasis has therefore been placed by Labour on a targetted range of policies aimed at reducing the number of crimes and offences being committed.  EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT  Labour also recognises that society needs an effective and fair law enforcement system through which to bring criminals to justice.  Attention has been focussed on ensuring adequate penalties are available to deter crime and punish offenders. Policies have also been introduced which adequately resource the police in terms of staff numbers and the technology required for detecting crime.  SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS  A key element in Labour’s policy is to address the needs of the victims of crime, including both the offender and the direct victim. Greater support will be given than ever before for counselling, reparations and rehabilitation.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN JUSTICE/LAW AND ORDER  LABOUR HAS:  • AMENDED LEGISLATION  A range of important legislative changes have been made by Labour to tighten up penalties and extend police powers of detection and surveillance.  The Criminal Justice Act was amended to ensure imprisonment of violent offenders. who commit offences punishable by two years imprisonment or more.  Rape laws were amended to provide that people convicted of sexual violation should be imprisoned.  New offences were created for using a firearm against a law enforcement officer, committing a crime with a firearm, aggravated burglary and assault with a weapon. The maximum penalty for possession of an offensive weapon was increased.  Justice/Law & ORDER  The 1987 violent offences legislation extended the non-parole period of life imprisonment and preventive detention from seven to ten years.  Eligibility for parole has been removed for certain serious violent offenders. Amendments to the Arms Act increased the penalties for possession of firearms without a lawful purpose.  The police have been given greater powers to use electronic surveillance to counter drug dealing.  In 1989 the police were given more powers to move against groups who intimidate the public, and the Government introduced non-association orders.  • Forfeited Assets  A bill was introduced relating to the seizure of the assets of people involved in serious criminal activity, which will have implications for drug dealing as well as white collar crime.  • INCREASED SENTENCING -  The courts have responded to public concerns about the serious violent offending in the sentences that are being imposed and have increased the average length of prison sentences imposed for violent offences increased by 48 per cent - from 420 days in 1985 to 623 days in 1989.  • CONSIDERED PRISON REFORM  Major changes have been approved which will take the prison system through the 1990’s, based on the report of the Roper Committee: Te Ara Hou, the Department’s Submission to the Committee, and the Department of Justice Resource Management Review (Strategos Report).  These changes will foster the twin objectives of humane containment and rehabilitation in order to reduce reoffending.  The Reform has the Following Features  — the introduction of a comprehensive case management system for all inmates;  — a new senior management structure in prisons to be followed by an organisational review of all prisons;  — new strategies for the recruitment, training and career development of all staff;  — the introduction of a new head office structure; and  — the establishment of working parties to examine habilitation centres, case management, partnership, health services, women in prisons, and the rights of inmates.  JUSTICE/LAW & ORDER  • CONSIDERED HABILITATION CENTRES  The concept of habilitation centres which can receive offenders transferred from prison at an early stage of their sentence, has been investigated by a working party of officials within the Department of Justice. The Minister of Justice has called for submissions on the report of the Habilitation Centre Development Group: Habilitation Centres.  • FOSTERED CRIME PREVENTION  Labour has introduced the Safer Communities Programme which is more broadly based than traditional enforcement identified with the Police and the Department of Justice. It will also mean the involvement of the wider community in crime prevention.  The Safer Communities programme aims to use local knowledge, and to enhance the co-ordination of existing programmes funded by central government. The Safer Communities policy provides a new structure to co-ordinate central government, local government and the community.  • REVIEWED THE NEEDS OF VICTIMS  The Victims Task Force was established by Labour under the Victims of Off ences Act 1987 and reflects a commitment to address the needs of victims of crime.  The Task Force is funded by a levy of 1 per cent of court fines paid. It is also intended that further funds will be directed towards victim services from the confiscation of proceeds of criminal activity when the Criminal Forfeiture Bill is passed.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  CRIME PREVENTION  • FOSTER SAFE COMMUNITIES  Labour will place the security of the community at the heart of all community crime prevention initiatives.  • PROVIDE COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING  The move towards community oriented policing will continue. Labour is opening a new community Police Station every two weeks this year and will, by 1993, cover the country with a network of community.  POLICE STATIONS  • MAINTAIN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH  It is stated policy to have a neighbourhood support group in every residential street.  JUSTICE/LAW & ORDER  • EVALUATE PILOT SCHEMES  Labour will build upon the recently announced initiative of the Prime Minister’s  Safer Communities Council by evaluating the four Pilot schemes during 1991.  Following this it will expand the policy across the country to ensure every  local authority has a Safer Community Council operating in their area.  • PROVIDE VITAL IN FORMATION  Labour will ensure that every household in New Zealand has information available on the protection of all residents and their property  • UNDERTAKE RESEARCH  Research will be undertaken into the causes of crime in New Zealand, particularly youth offending and recidivism.  • INVESTIGATE THE Extent OF UNREPORTED CRIME  Labour will investigate unreported crime and examine ways of ensuring ) people feel safe in their communities. It will also explore broad based and  multi faceted solutions to patternsof violence in the community and in homes, as recommended in the Roper reports.  Continued support will be given to the effective “keeping ourselves safe” programmes for women and children.  LAW ENFORCEMENT AND LAW REFORM  • CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN THE ROLE OF THE POLICE  In 1990-91 there will be four intakes of recruits into the Police College. Labour has, by implementing its promises on early retirement for the unfit and by civilianising many non-police staff positions to free trained officers for frontline duties, given an added strength of 1,000 younger, fitter frontline officers to the New Zealand Police Department.  The Labour Government will continue to keep the staffing of the Department to the levels required.  • CONTINUE TO REVIEW POLICE TRAINING  Labour will ensure training remains relevant to policing in a multi cultural society.  Labour will also continue to ensure that recruiting reflects the diverse nature of the New Zealand society by implementing equal opportunity policies.  • PROVIDE TECHNOLOGY  Labour will continue to provide the police with the technology to achieve the results that society expects from the Department.  The DNA testing technology will be introduced. The AFIS fingerprint machine will be commissioned. The police helicopter will remain in service as a priority item and the Identikit computer system will be more widely made available.  JUSTICE/LAW & ORDER  • REFUSE TO ARM THE POLICE:  The police will not carry arms and long batons as standard equipment.  • STRENGTHEN THE ARMS ACT  Labour will strengthen and actively enforce the Arms Act to keep lethal weapons out of the hands of criminal elements, and not becoming widespread in the community or used for other than genuine sporting and hunting purposes.  • CONSIDER INDEPENDENT PROSECUTIONS  Consideration will be given to whether New Zealand should establish an independent Public Prosecutions Office.  • PROGRESS LEGISLATION  Labour will complete the comprehensive revision of the Crimes Act. A new Bail Act will be produced which will ensure violent and sexual offenders are detained.  Pass the Criminal Records Bill, enabling people to live down a criminal record ten years after release without a subsequent conviction.  • ENSURE LENGTHY SENTENCES  Labour will continue to ensure that violent offenders, including rapists, are imprisoned for lengthy periods. Tougher penalties will be given for cruelty to animals.  • STOP THE DRUG TRADE  Resources will be provided to detect and prevent the growth, importation and distribution of illegal drugs.  • PROVIDE FULL CO-OPERATION  Labour will provide legislation and resources to allow for full co-operation, mutual assistance and extradition of offenders with as many other countries as possible.  The proceeds of criminal activities will be confiscated from offenders and then used to benefit victims.  • STRENGTHEN THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ACT  Labour will ban discrimination on grounds of age, political belief, sexual orientation, mental and physical disability, past or continuing mental illness, health status including being HIV positive, pregnancy and union membership or activity.  The prohibition against discrimination; including on grounds of sexual orientation, shall extend to all positions in all Government Departments.  This issue may be subject to a conscience vote.  JUSTICE/LAW & ORDER  The Race Relations Act and Conciliator will be incorporated into the Human Rights Act and Commission.  • ALLOW INTERIM INJUNCTIONS  Labour will strengthen the Commission Act by providing for interim injunction proceedings pending the final resolution of discrimination disputes.  • REVIEW COMPANIES AND SECURITIES LEGISLATION  Labour will emphasise public accountability and disclosure in respect of listed companies and securities available to the public - including strengthening the law prohibiting officers of insolvent companies from trading under other names or taking positions of responsibility in other companies.  • REVIEW THE MATRIMONIAL PROPERTY ACT  Jurisdiction will be extended to include the period after the death of one of the spouses and to defacto marriages, and give partners in defacto marriages similar rights and responsibilities to those of partners in marriages.  • EXAMINE ELECTRONIC Banking LEGISLATION  This will be examined along with other consumer legislation to protect consumer rights.  • PROVIDE COMPENSATION  Labour will ensure jurors, witnesses and interpreters are adequately compensated for loss of earnings during their service.  • MODERNISE THE RULES OF EVIDENCE  Legislation and resources resources will be provided for the wider use of evidence on video tapes in court and extend pilot programmes of police recording and videotaping of defendants’ confessions and statements throughout the country.  • CREATE EFFECTIVE RIGHTS OF DISCOVERY  Labour will legislate to create rights of discovery which are appropriate for defence and prosecution counsel in criminal trials.  • REVIEW LEGALAID  Labour will enact, monitor and review the comprehensive legal aid system established by the Legal Services bill to control abuses while ensuring adequate access for appropriate legal services for all.  • CREATE A PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE  This will have branches in main centres and will assume most of th~ responsibility of the provisions for criminal legal aid.  JUSTICEJLAW & ORDER  VICTIM SUPPORT & REHABILITATION  • REHABILITATE OFFENDERS  Labour will pay greater attention to the rehabilitation of offenders through counselling, education and vocational training.  • PROVIDE COUNSELLING SERVICES  Resources will be made available for the counselling and treatment of sexual abusers of children and adults.  • PROVIDE DECENT FACILITIES  Labour will ensure that proper accommodation is available for prisoners remanded without bail, especially women and young persons.  • ASSIST HABILITATION COUNSELLING  Labour will initiate and provide financial assistance for effective treatment at community habilitation centres for an appropriate range of sentenced offenders.  • EMPHASISE REPARATION  Labour will put more emphasis on methods of sentencing that provide reparation to injured parties and ensure victim impact reports are responded to by the Courts.  • IMPROVE SUPPORT TO VICTIMS OF CRIME  Labour will improve support and assistance to victims of crime, particularly the victims of child abuse, sexual assault and violence, including through crisis counselling, practical assistance, and advice and support by police and social agencies.  • PROMOTE USE OF DISPUTES TRIBUNALS  Labour will expand and encourage the greater use of Disputes Tribunals, pre-hearing conferences, mediation and a range of pre-trial diversion programmes to reduce the need for court appearances.  • IMPROVE COURT ADMINISTRATION  Labour will ensure better scheduling and set timetabling of Court hearings and appearances and longer sitting hours to reduce delays in the courts.  • ALLOW REIMBURSEMENT OF COSTS  Labour will provide that in the event of a person being charged with an offence, and the charge subsequently dropped, the person shall be entitled to seek reimbursement of reasonable costs incurred.  • ENSURE EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION  Labour will ensure equitable representation of the sexes, Maori and ethnic groups throughout the justice system, including judges and JPs.  LABOUR RELATIONS  A PRACTICAL SYSTEM  Labour supports an industrial relations framework which provides for workers and employers to resolve their own differences. It supports balanced law where the rights of all the parties are respected. The Labour Relations Act and its recent amendments provide that framework.  Encouragement will be given to the further development of the trade union movement to ensure proper representation of members’ interests in all areas of concern.  FAIR WORKING CONDITIONS  Labour will actively support the development of improved working conditions. Laws promoting higher standards of health and safety at work, as well as equal employment opportunity, will be enforced.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN LABOUR RELATIONS  LABOUR HAS:  • PASSED THE LABOUR RELATIONS ACT 1987  This legislation introduced the greatest reforms in industrial relations in New Zealand for almost a century. The Act encouraged bargaining reform and returned responsibility for settling disputes to employers and unions. This was in contrast to the previous system of routine political intervention which meant problems were “shelved’ rather than resolved.  The legislation also encouraged the development of stronger more effective unions and required increased union democracy and accountability to members.  The legislation was reviewed in 1990 and amended to iron out difficulties which had become apparent in the meantime.  Key changes were—  — changes to more effectively promote reform away from occupational bargaining towards industry and enterprise bargaining;  — a right of access to arbitration in situations where employers (or unions) fail to bargain in good faith and negotiations have been stalled for a protracted period; •  — changes to ensure that employers do not have to pay redundancy just because they sell a business as a going concern;  LABOUR RELATIONS  — changes to ensure that young people delivering milk, newspapers and pamphlets have recourse to unjustified dismissal procedures;  — making wharf work an essential service thereby requiring 14 days notice before any strike action can be taken.  • INCREASED MINIMUM WAGES  When Labour took office in 1984, the statutory minimum wage was $84.17 per week. It is now $245 per week, which represents a massive increase even after allowing for inflation.  • INTRODUCED PARENTAL LEAVE  The Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 protects the employment of workers taking leave to care for a baby. It enables a parent to take leave and then subsequently return to their job. The rationale behind the Act is that parents should not suffer in their employment by reason of having children.  • ENCOURAGED TRADE UNION EDUCATION  Labour passed the Trade Union Representatives Education Leave Act 1986 which entitled workers to leave for trade union education during working hours. Labour also set up, and funded, the Trade Union Education Authority (TUEA) to run training courses. The whole concept of trade union education is seen by Labour as being fundamental to greater membership awareness, and more democratic and accountable unions.  • IMPLEMENTED EMPLOYMENT EQUITY  The Labour Government has passed the Employment Equity Act 1990. This piece of legislation is the most significant move for women during the last decade. It enables pay equity claims to be taken on behalf of female occupations that have traditionally received lower pay than is fair. The new legislation also requires employers to implement equal employment opportunities programmes to ensure that women, Maori, Pacific Island, disabled and other disadvantaged groups are not discriminated against in the workforce.  • IMPROVED OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY  The Labour Government has a bill before Parliament to implement its health and safety policies.  The main features are—  — the existing mish mash of legislation will be replaced with a single comprehensive piece of legislation which clearly sets out the responsibilities of employers, workers, unions and others;  — workplace safety committees are to be set up, as part of a continuous monitoring of workplace safety.  LABOUR RELATIONS  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • CREATE A REALISTIC BARGAINING SYSTEM  Workers and employers will have a positive choice of bargaining arrangements from occupational and industry awards to enterprise agreements, but subject to legally enforceable minimum standards, wages and conditions.  • ENCOURAGE DEMOCRATIC UNIONISM  Fewer, more representative and better resourced unions capable of effectively pursuing workers’ interests will be encouraged.  • SUPPORT GREATER CO-OPERATION  Labour will encourage more input into Government policy through the Government’s compact with the Council of Trade Unions. Unions should also assist Government to achieve sustainable economic growth as the basis for job creation and equal employment opportunity.  • SUPPORT UNION/EMPLOYER CO-OPERATION  Following the recommendations of the Enquiry into Industrial Democracy, Labour will consider policies for participation by worker representatives in decisions which affect their employment in their industry or enterprise.  • ENSURE A SAFE, HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT  Support will be given for a safe and healthy working environment. The Occupational Health and Safety Bill now before Parliament will be passed. Joint union and employer health and safety committees will be set up to ensure that appropriate standards are met through a bi-partisan approach to health and safety issues.  • DEVELOP INDUSTRY RE-TRAINING  A comprehensive re-training package will be developed in consultation with unions and employers to promote employment continuity and the development of a skilled workforce.  • CONTINUE IMPROVED TRADE UNION EDUCATION  Labour will continue to support and develop trade union education to ensure effective participation by workers in their unions and to increase their knowledge on issues which affect their working lives.  • CONTINUE COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYMENT Equity —  Labour strongly supports employment equity. It is committed to increasing employment opportunities for women, Maori, ethnic groups and people with disabilities. It is equally committed to raising women’s rates of pay to a level equal to male counterparts through the operation of the equal employment opportunity and pay equity law.  LOCAL GOVERNMENT  FAR REACHING REFORM  Labour has brought New Zealand’s system of local government up to date after over 100 years of neglect.  The far-reaching reforms introduced over the past three years have put behind us a system which was created for conditions which applied in 1876, not 1990. The result is a system of local government which is relevant to today’s communities -the communities the system was created to serve.  Labour has also ensured local government will remain relevant by giving it the power to continually review its structure and change with the times.  AN EFFICIENT, MORE ACCOUNTABLE SYSTEM  We now have a simpler and more efficient system which gives electors the opportunity to judge the performance of their local authority.  Under Labour’s reforms, all local authorities must perform in a businesslike manner by publishing an annual plan for their area and reporting their success in implementing it.  For the first time in over 100 years, New Zealanders can now make a rational judgement when it comes to voting for their representatives.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT  LABOUR HAS:  • REFORMED LOCAL GOVERNMENT  Labour has progressively improved the structure of local government since 1987 in the most comprehensive review of its structure for over 100 years.  A new, simpler and more rational structure for local government was established by the Local Government Commission.  The new structure came into being following the local authority elections of October 1989, and came into force on 1 November 1989.  In place of 22 regions, 217 territorial authority districts and 466 special purpose authority districts, the new structure now comprises 14 regions, 73 territorial authority districts and 7 special purpose authority districts. A much simpler, more effective system.  LOCAL GOVERNMENT  • CLARIFIED THE PURPOSE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT  For the first time in the country’s history the purposes of local government have been clearly spelt out in law. This has effectively removed the ambiguity that existed in the past concerning the relationship of local authorities to their constituents on the one hand and central government on the other.  • Increased ACCOUNTABILITY  Local authorities must now conduct all their affairs in an open, comprehensible and accountable manner.  From 1 July 1990 all local and regional authorities were required to enter into a new annual planning and reporting cycle. This process ensures, among other things, that electors have an opportunity to consider and comment on their council’s plans for the coming year and judge its performance on the basis of the stated objectives of those plans.  • FURTHER DEVELOPED ELECTORAL REFORM  The Government has continued, the process of electoral reform. It has moved to the development of community based local government and increased accountability by:  — creating a simpler and more accessible system of multi-functional territorial and regional authorities based on direct elections rather than, in some cases, appointments.  — affirming the principle of mandatory wards in territorial authorities with populations of 20,000.  — establishment of constituencies within the regions.  • Increased REMUNERATION  Rates of remuneration for local authority elected members have been increased to ensure the widest possible cross section of the community has the opportunity to stand for election.  Previous restrictions on the levels of remuneration have seriously called into question the ‘representative’ nature of many local authorities. Many workers could not afford to offer their services to the community.  • RECOGNISED COMMUNITY BOARDS  One of the purposes of local government is the recognition of different communities of interest. Every recognised community can now be represented by a community board made up of a mix of elected and appointed members — the latter being appointed by the parent territorial authority.  These boards provide a measure of self-government at the community level that could otherwise only be achieved through the establishment of separate territorial units.  LOCAL GOVERNMENT  Community boards provide both increased opportunities for elector participation and the achievement of economies of scale through rationalisation at the territorial level.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • RE-AFFIRM DEMOCRACY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT  Labour will re-affirm the vital importance of democracy in the structure and operation of local government.  Labour will ensure local government elections are based on the principle of one-person, one-vote.  There will be no return to the privileged system of additional votes for absentee landlords, which provided for additional representation based on wealth.  Nor will there be a return to discriminatory ratepayers’ polls, in which women are traditionally under-represented.  • ENCOURAGE PROVISION OF ESSENTIAL FACILITIES  Labour is committed to the vital partnership between local and central government in the provision of facilities to local communities.  Labour will continue to encourage the provision of social, economic and cultural facilities appropriate to each district or region.  • REVIEW FAIR AND EFFECTIVE FUNDING  Labour will undertake a comprehensive review of local government funding. This will involve close consultation with local authorities and the local communities they serve.  Labour will amend the Rating Powers Act to ensure that all government property used for administrative or commercial functions will be ratable at the same level as privately owned properties.  Labour will also ensure that the raising of funds by rates or other charges does not unduly impact on people. It will not, therefore, introduce regressive taxes such as poll taxes and uniform charges for services.  • ENSURE PROVISION OF SERVICES  Labour will ensure local government meets it obligations to provide essential public services such as transport, roading, refuse collection, recreational facilities etc.  Accountability to the community for the actions of local authorities will also be ensured.  LOCAL GOVERNMENT  • ENSURE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION  Much of the administration and management of the country’s environment rests on local authorities. Labour will ensure that the duties and obligations assumed by local government are discharged in the public’s interest.  • REQUIRE CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMUNITY  Labour will make sure that consultation in decision making takes place an a local level. All local authorities will be required to consult with all sections of their local community, including iwi.  • ENSURE PUBLIC ACCESS to INFORMATION  Labour believes in open government. It will ensure that this principle is strengthened by its extension to local government.  Accountability will be achieved through greater public knowledge of local government affairs. The law will be amended so that agendas of meetings are adequately publicised and available before meetings. Decisions taken without proper notification or with the public improperly excluded may be declared invalid.  MAORI AFFAIRS  HONOURING THE TREATY OF WAITANGI  The Labour Party believes the Treaty of Waitangi is a living agreement which must be honoured.  Labour will therefore use the terms and principles of the Treaty to improve the social, economic, health, educational, political and cultural development of Maori people.  NEW DIRECTIONS  Labour believes that the devolution of many of the functions of the former Department of Maori Affairs has given Maori people the opportunity to once again determine their destiny.  Labour also believes that the decisions on Maori issues are best made by Maori people themselves.  The Labour policy will empower Maori people to make decisions through their iwi, pan-tribal, national and regional organisations.  Labour will ensure that Maori people achieve equality with all other New Zealanders and equally share the benefits Aotearoa offers her people.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN MAORI AFFAIRS  LABOUR HAS:  • HONOURED THE TREATY OF WAITANGI  Labour increased the membership of the Tribunal, enabling it to hold hearings in divisions. Several agencies now offer assistance to Tribunal claimants - Treaty Issues Division, Manatu Maori, the Treaty of Waitangi Policy Unit, Justice Department, the Macri Land Information Office and the Justice Department  • RESPECTED WAITANGI DAY COMMEMORATION  A genuine air of optimism and goodwill characterised the February 1990 gathering, due in no small way to Labour’s willingness to step ouffurther and stronger than any other Government in meeting Maori aspirations and the concept of tino rangatiratanga guaranteed in the Treaty of Waitangi.  MAORI AFFAIRS  • INCREASED DEVOLUTION POLICY  Labour has more than quadrupled its direct assistance to Maori from $68 million to $277 million in 1990/91.  It has set up Manatu Maori, a Ministry responsible for policy and monitoring other agencies’ responsiveness to things Maari.  Labour has established Te Tira Ahu lwi, Iwi Transition Agency, to strengthen iwi authorities far the delivery of Government services.  Labour has also passed the Runanga lwi Act to give iwi Maari a legal entity which can contract with Government for the delivery of those services.  • CONTINUED POLICIES FOR SELF-RELIANCE  Labour has established the Maori Development Corporation, a bank for business enterprise development as well as the MANA Enterprises to assist in business development and job creation at the lower end of the market.  It has funded more than 4000 trainees in 1989/90 under the MACESS programme.  Labour has promoted papakainga housing developments and kaumatua housing, and other Maori housing initiatives.  • IMPROVED EMPHASIS ON LANGUAGE AND CULTURE  Labour budgets almost $13 million for Kohanga Reo, and has resourced eight Kura Kaupapa Maori for graduates of Te Kohanga Reo.  Underpinning this is the Maori Language Act 1987, which established the Maori Language Commission.  Te Maori was an outstanding cultural success in America in 1987, and in 1990 an exhibition of Maori art toured Australia.  The Cultural Festival was attended by 10,000 people who travelled with the waka taua to the Waitangi Day commemorations.  • CONTINUED HANDBACKS OF LAND AND ASSETS  Labour has continued its programmes of land development scheme handbacks to Maori ownership. To date 65 properties with an estimated value of $116 million have gone back into Maori hands.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  TREATY OF WAITANGI  • ADHERE TO THE Treaty OF WAITANGI  Labour will ensure that all legislation enshrines the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.  MAORI AFFAIRS  • RETAIN WAITANGI DAY  Labour will continue to recognise the significance of Waitangi Day.  • IMPROVE RESOURCING OF THE WAITANGI TRIBUNAL  Labour will improve the resourcing of the Waitangi Tribunal and act on Tribunal recommendations within a year of their presentation to the Minister of Maori Affairs.  ADMINISTRATION OF MAORI AFFAIRS  • SUPPORT MAORI ADMINISTRATION  Labour will continue to support Manatu Maori, the Te Tira Ahu Iwi (Iwi Transition Agency), and the Maori Development Corporation in the best interests of the Maori people, and undertake continued consultation about their administration.  • ENSURE EQUAL ADMINISTRATIVE STATUS  Labour will take the necessary steps to ensure Manatu Maori is accorded the same status, in every way, as the State Services Commission and Treasury.  • PASS THE MAORI AFFAIRS BILL  Labour will pass the Maori Affairs Bill which is at present before Parliament.  MAORI LAND  • RETURN NON-ESSENTIAL MAORI LAND  Labour will ensure that Maori land compulsorily taken under the Public Works Act and no longer essential for Government purposes will be returned to the successors of the original owners without further payment.  • IMPLEMENT THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON MAORI RESERVED LANDS  Labour will implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Maori Reserved Lands, with a view to ensuring improved returns to these beneficial owners.  • ASSIST LANDLESS IWI MAORI  Labour will assist iwi Maori, who have been rendered landless as a result of Crown breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, to re-establish an economic base.  HEALTH  • ADDRESS HEALTH NEEDS  Labour will urgently address the health needs of Maori people, with emphasis on preventative health and health education including — diet, non-smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, accident prevention, and exercise.  Labour will support all health care measures, including traditional Macri medicine.  MAORI AFFAIRS  Labour will also encourage the competent teaching of parenting and home management skills.  • Increase HOUSING LEVELS  Labour will increase the level of Maori home ownership Labour will continue to develop Marae and Papakainga housing, and will support Maori communities in their housing needs and initiatives.  ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION  • SUPPORT MAORI CONSERVATION  Labour will support the efforts of Maori people to conserve the natural environment and reserve indigenous resources for cultural purposes.  • COMPENSATE FOR DEVELOPMENT  In cases of conflict between the potential to develop Maori land and the need to conserve the land in an undeveloped state, Labour will be prepared to discuss appropriate compensation with the owners.  JUSTICE  • FOSTER MAORI JUSTICE SYSTEMS  Labour will encourage the development of the New Zealand justice system to include Maori justice systems and include cultural models such as the use of marae, whanau and community programmes.  • Increase THE NUMBER OF MAORI WARDENS  Labour will resource and increase the number of Maori Wardens.  • INCREASE MAORI PARTICIPATION IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM  Labour will encourage the recruitment of Maori people into the Justice and Police services.  EMPLOYMENT  • REDUCE MAORI UNEMPLOYMENT  Labour is committed to reducing the levels of Maori unemployment and will provide for Maori initiatives to be undertaken and resourced, in association with Labour’s Employment Policy.  LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND EDUCATION  • SUPPORT MARAE  Labour will provide continuing support for urban and rural marae complexes, and encourage them to have a greater role in promoting Maori social, economic and cultural life.  • MAORI AFFAIRS  • ENCOURAGE TEACHING OF MAORI  Labour will encourage the teaching of Maori language and the Treaty of Waitangi within the context of New Zealand history and international developments for indigenous people.  • STRENGTHEN THE MAORI LANGUAGE COMMISSION  Labour will strengthen the Maori Language Commission in order for it to successfully fulfil its role.  • Resource KOHANGA REO  Labour will resource Te Kohanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Maori, and other Maori alternative continuing education programmes and institutions - to the tertiary level.  • ESTABLISH A MAORI CULTURAL FOUNDATION  Labour will establish and resource a Maori cultural foundation.  • ESTABLISH A PERMANENT EXHIBITION PROGRAMME  Labour will establish a permanent programme of exhibitions of Maori art, weaving and sculpture, both traditional and contemporary; and will encourage involvement in international exhibitions, permanently resourcing the required administration.  PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION  • GUARANTEE PROPER PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION  Labour guarantees the right of Maori people, the tangata whenua, to separate, and just representation in Parliament. Labour will provide Parliamentary services relevant to the Maori electorate.  Census data should be used as the base for determining the number of Maori seats. Maori representation should be on the basis of total Maori population, and have due regard to the geographic size of the Maori electorates.  • ENHANCE IWI IDENTITY  Labour will allow Maori people to note iwi affiliations on the Maori electoral roll and census, to strengthen and enhance iwi identity.  WOMEN  • CONTINUE POSITIVE PROGRAMMES  Labour will undertake and resource positive programmes for Maori women, dealing with training and employment, promotion to higher management positions, and increasing their involvement in public affairs.  MAORI AFFAIRS  FISHERIES  • RECOGNISE FISHING RIGHTS  Labour will continue to recognise Maori fishing rights under the Treaty of Waitangi and will implement its policy of allocating the 10 percent fish quota allocated by the Maani Fisheries Commission for eventual transfer to iwi.  • Recognise TAIAPURE  Labour will support the protection of special coastal areas under Taiapure, in which local iwi administer specified fishing resources.  @ Maori language skipped.  OPEN GOVERNMENT  REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT  The maintenance of representative government lies at the heart of our democratic tradition. The objective of Labour’s policy on open government and electoral reform is to ensure government is conducted in a fair, representative and open manner. Democracy should not only be done, it should be seen to be done.  Serious consideration has been given by Labour to amending our system of representation to include some form of proportional representation. Labour will, in its next term, seek the views of the people on this issue through an indicative referendum.  The question of the term of Parliament will also be addressed, in this year’s general election, through a poll to be held in conjunction with the general ballot.  EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION  Administration can always be improved. Labour will take steps to improve accountability, and hence improve performance.  It will also cut out as much of the red tape involved in government as possible in order to make the process simpler and more comprehensible.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN OPEN GOVERNMENT AND ELECTORAL REFORM  LABOUR HAS:  • STREAMLINED PROCEDURES  Labour passed the 1990 Electoral Amendment Act, which streamlined the procedure for holding general elections.  • CONSIDERED A FOUR YEAR PARLIAMENT  Labour passed the Term Poll Act 1990, which provides for holding a poll on the term of Parliament (from three to four years) in conjunction with this year’s general election.  • INVESTIGATED PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION  Labour has given full consideration to proportional representation and has decided to hold an indicative referendum on whether they prefer the current system or MMP.  OPEN GOVERNMENT  • RESEARCHED PRIVACY LAW  Substantial work has been completed on the preparation of privacy legislation and a bill is being prepared.  • DECLARED FINANCIAL INTERESTS  Legislation requiring MPs to declare their financial interests is being prepared.  • EXPANDED THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT  The Official Information Act has been amended to provide for a wider range of information and to enhance the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  REFORM OF PARLIAMENT  • ENCOURAGE PUBLIC ACCESS TO SELECT COMMITTEES  Labour will continue to seek public input into legislation through the maintenance of the travelling schedule of Select Committees, which is designed to enable communities to make submissions on proposed legislation.  • TELEVISE PARLIAMENT  Labour will ensure the fullest access by the public to Parliamentary activity through allowing televised transmission of proceedings.  • REVIEW PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE  The rules of Parliamentary privilege will be reviewed to ensure civil liberties are protected.  GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION  • INVESTIGATE AUTONOMY  Labour will investigate the possibility of giving public servants the authority to make decisions which affect their region without reference to Wellington.  • IMPROVE THE PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE COMMISSION  Labour will continue to improve the secretarial and research assistance available to Members of Parliament.  • REVIEW LEGISLATION  A variety of legislation will be reviewed by Labour. This will include the New Zealand Security Intelligence Act, the law on defamation, criminal libel and search and seizure, which’ is contained in a number of Acts of Parliament.  103.rtfPRIVACY  • CONTROL ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE  OPEN GOVERNMENT  Labour will undertake a review of contemporary methods of electronic surveillance. This will farm the basis of decisions on whether further safeguards are required to ensure privacy.  • PROTECT PERSONAL IN FORMATION  Labour will stop abuse of personal information. It will legislate to make it mandatory for any commercial organisation compiling lists of personal information to inform all persons concerned that their names have been listed. A copy of the information should, on request, be sent to the named person.  Redress will be made available where disclosure or amendment of incorrect information is refused, or where the organisation disseminates the information knowing it to be incorrect. The Crown will be able to commence action.  REGULATIONS AND BUREAUCRACY  • MAKE PUBLIC BODIES ACCOUNTABLE  Labour will ensure steps are taken to make all public bodies accountable for their actions.  • PROTECT PEOPLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT  Labour will make it easier to obtain redress through the courts for unlawful government actions by removing legislation which currently restricts public ability to make effective complaint.  • SIMPLIFY PROCEDURES  Labour will make a concerted effort to simplify the procedures of government, to eliminate unnecessary form filling and to provide speedy, courteous and informed services to the public.  Departments will be required to provide relevant publicity material concerning the range of their services.  Government departments will be decentralised to allow for local decision making.  A red tape audit will be required of all new programmes. Cabinet will use the audit to eliminate any unnecessary procedure.  • ENSURE PERIODIC REVIEWS OF LEGISLATION  Labour will ensure legislation is regularly reviewed and, where necessary, repealed.  OPEN GOVERNMENT  • MAKE ACCESS TO NEW ZEALAND LAW EASIER  A clear system will be devised to make the location of statutes easier. All regulations will be reprinted and codified.  ELECTORAL LAW  • INVESTIGATE PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION  Labour will conduct a referendum on the mixed member proportional system  (MMP) of electing MPs. MMP was the method recommended by the Royal  Commission on the Electoral System.  • WORK FROM BASIC PRINCIPLES  Reform of the electoral system will proceed where it advances the following principles —  — Effective government.  — Parliamentary activity and political parties.  — Fairness, Representation and Comprehensibility.  — Voting rights for adults and real influence in electing central and local government.  — Effective Maori representation in relation to the population.  — Effective, clear and fair limits on campaign spending by candidates at local and general elections.  - Determination of the Maori seats by the same population and enrollment criteria as general seats.  -   OVERSEAS TRADE AND MARKETING  EXPORT FOR GROWTH  Growth is vital to New Zealand and the only really sustainable growth will come from exports to the international market.  Labour’s policy on overseas trade and marketing is to continue to open up international markets to New Zealand’s products and services. Labour will positively encourage exporters to remain internationally competitive and, by doing so, raise the standard of living in New Zealand to its former position as one of the highest in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).  Labour will also reduce the country’s dependence - currently 76 per cent of export receipts - on a relatively narrow range of goods susceptible to price fluctuation. It will encourage the success of a wider range of exporters by promoting policies to differentiate New Zealand’s goods in the global market and by adding value to products through further processing.  A CHANGING WORLD  Never has this been a more pressing task than now. World trade patterns are changing rapidly and New Zealand, through Labour’s overseas trade and development policy, is positioning itself for the future.  Momentous events, such as the growing importance of the east Asian economies and the rapid onset of Closer Economic Relations (CER) with Australia, the emergence of the single European market in 1992 and the collapse of communism in eastern Europe offer both threats and opportunities.  Labour is ensuring we will be able to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the future.  A CO-OPERATIVE APPROACH  Labour’s approach is to create a positive environment in which trade can actively flourish. It will continue to negotiate with other countries, singly or through organisations like the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATI), to break down trade barriers.  However, Labour will also help industry sectors to exploit opportunities and develop their capabilities through quality analysis of opportunities and issues and  OVERSEAS TRADE AND MARKETING  well co-ordinated programmes to make the most of opportunities. In some cases, individual companies will also be helped directly to develop export opportunities.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN OVERSEAS TRADE AND MARKETING  LABOUR HAS:  • NEGOTIATED EC QUOTAS  Labour negotiated a 4 year butter and sheepmeat access agreement with the EC in September 1989. This provides access until 1992 on the basis of a reduction in tariffs and levies. This could be worth $3 billion for New Zealand.  • ESTABLISHED CEDEC  The Cabinet Economic Development and Employment Committee was established in February 1989 to co-ordinate and accelerate policy development. It has since considered a wide range of initiatives in tourism, agriculture, CER, infrastructure reforms, etc.  • ENHANCED THE GATT  Labour put agriculture onto the GATI agenda for the first time. This has created the very real possibility of long term reform of world agricultural trade. One estimate of the potential value of this for New Zealand is an increase in world agricultural prices by 65 per cent.  • CREATED THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT BOARD  The creation of the New Zealand Trade Development Board (TDB) in 1988 represented a new and significant partnership between government and private enterprise to foster the growth of New Zealand’s foreign exchange earnings.  The TDB has entered partnerships with industry sectors to develop competitive international marketing structures, strategies and programmes in products such as food and beverages, agritech, defence, horticulture and healthcare. A number of large scale promotions in foreign markets have also been undertaken.  The Board has also researched and identified major new trade opportunities in the aquaculture and education sectors, helped government in removing legislative barriers to trade and developed co-operative marketing structures for each industry.  An extensive “Get into Australia” campaign was undertaken to promote export opportunities opened up by CER.  The TDB implemented an export awareness campaign aimed at audiences ranging from trade unionists to school children.  An Individual Exporter Programme, which assisted around 1,700 companies with grants totalling over $20 million, was also undertaken.  OVERSEAS TRADE AND MARKETING  The TDB initiated discussion on strategies for New Zealand to achieve a top 10 ranking in GDP by 2010, a goal which involves lifting foreign exchange earnings from $18 billion in 1990 to $32 billion by the year 2000, in real terms and increased international competitiveness.  Ministerial-led trade missions have also been organised which have resulted in significant foreign exchange earnings and opened up new opportunities for New Zealand exporters in more difficult markets such as Central Europe and the Indian sub-continent.  Individual exporters have also been assisted through regional consultancy services in New Zealand and the provision of a wide range of in-market services through its overseas trade commissioner network.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL TRADE  Labour will continue to push for the elimination of trade barriers and will actively support growth in international trade.  It will use its prominent place as a member of the CAIRNS Group to strongly urge support for liberal access to markets for agricultural products. Labour will also use a variety of regional trade groupings, such as Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), meetings to promote regional trade.  • CO-ORDINATE INDUSTRY GROWTH PLANS  Working directly with business sector groups through the TDB Labour will develop growth and marketing plans for New Zealand’s export sector which will build our exporting competitiveness.  The TDB will continue to focus its activities on the promotion of added-value products, differentiation of New Zealand products in the world marketplace and the identification and targetting of wealthy niche markets.  • ADVANCE CER  Labour will complete the move to a totally free market in goods and services with Australia.  • MONITOR EASTERN EUROPE  Labour will closely monitor events in Eastern Europe to identify the threats and take up the opportunities arising from political change in Europe.  • MAINTAIN A HIGH EUROPEAN PROFILE  Labour will continue to push for access to the European Community market.  It will ensure New Zealand participation in the 1992 Expo in Seville, Spain, in  order to promote New Zealand goods and services for the European  Community market.  PACIFIC ISLANDS  GROWING COMMUNITY  New Zealand is unquestionably a South Pacific nation. Wealth, however, is not equally shared in the region and New Zealand has traditionally attracted migrants who have come in search of a better standard of living.  Over 150,000 Pacific Islanders now live in New Zealand and contribute towards the country’s cultural diversity.  THE PACIFIC DIMENSION  The Labour Government has recognised the growing role this community will play in New Zealand’s future.  Policy has been directed towards the establishment of agencies to ensure that Pacific Island people can participate and contribute fully to the nation’s social, cultural and economic life.  Emphasis has been placed on narrowing the difference in standards Pacific Island people experience in employment, health, housing, education and economic status compared to other groups within the community.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN PACIFIC ISLAND POLICY  LABOUR HAS:  • ESTABLISHED THE MINISTRY OF PACIFIC ISLAND AFFAIRS  The Labour Government has fully recognised the importance of the role of the Pacific Island community in New Zealand through the establishment, on 1 July, of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.  The Ministry is responsible for the development of policy in relation to the varied Pacific Island community in New Zealand.  • Bestowed HONOURS  The growing contribution to the affairs of the country were acknowledged through the award of 50 New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medals to  members of the Pacific Island community. -.  Many Pacific Islanders have also been recipients of the Queens Birthday and  New Years Honours on the recommendation of the Minister of Pacific Island  Affairs.  PACIFIC ISLANDS  • MADE PACIFIC ISLAND CONFERENCE GRANTS  Under Labour, many Pacific Island groups throughout the country have been able to arrange meetings and seminars with the assistance of a grant.  • CREATED THE MINISTER OF PACIFIC ISLAND AFFAIRS NEWSLETTER  The Pacific Islands newsletter has played a key role in providing news for the community. It has a circulation of about 4000 families and enables discussion of important matters such as the importance of education and the availability of various grants and scholarships for Pacific Islanders.  • EXTENDED THE MINISTRY OF PACIFIC ISLAND AFFAIRS ADVISORY COUNCIL  In addition to the existing representation from Tonga, Fiji, Niue, Tokelau, Cook Islands and Samoa, representation on the Council has been extended to include the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.  • PROVIDED EDUCATION  Labour has provided funding for over 150 Pacific Island language nests.  Pacific Island staff have now been included within the policy section of the Ministry of Education. In addition, there are now Pacific Island  representatives in all education units such as Boards of Trustees,  Qualifications Advisory Council, Parents Advocacy Council, University,  Colleges of Education etc.  Pacific Islanders have also participated in a range of senior management courses at universities and polytechnics.  Labour has established a range of special courses for Pacific Islanders, such as welding, journalism and a bridging course in nursing.  • IMPROVED HEALTH  Increased representation has been achieved for Pacific Islanders throughout the health system.  Pacific Island people are now represented on Area Health Boards, and the selection panel for medical students.  A Pacific Island Nurses Association and Pacific Islands Ethnic Groups Nurses Association have been established as has a Pacific Island AIDS trust. Under Labour, the Pacific Island community has enjoyed considerable input into health policy through the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.  • AIDED BROADCASTING  In addition to a proposed Pacific Island radio station in Auckland, Pacific  Island issues are regularly aired through Radio New Zealand and Access  Radio.  • RECOGNISED SPECIAL NEEDS IN SOCIAL WELFARE  Under Labour, the Pacific Island community has enjoyed considerable input into policy formation within the Department of Social Welfare in matters such  PACIFIC ISLANDS  as the Equal Employment Opportunity Programme. There is also a Pacific Island Unit within the Department.  • FOSTERED PACIFIC ISLAND EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT BOARD  There has been an increase in scholarships available to Pacific Island Students through the Achievers Programme.  One hundred and twenty businesses have been assisted with business development loans and others assisted through Pacific Island Business Workshops.  Pacific Island language nests have been assisted through Pacifica.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • RECOGNISE NEED  The Labour Government will continue to sensitively acknowledge the desire of members of the Pacific Islands community to retain their cultural identity.  It will also continue to accept that the Pacific Island community has special needs which cannot necessarily be met through solutions and initiatives which apply to other groups in the community.  • CONTINUE SPECIALISED ADMINISTRATION  Labour will retain its commitment to meeting the needs of Pacific Island communities through the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs and the Pacific Island Affairs Advisory Council.  • IMPROVE PACIFIC ISLAND REPRESENTATION  Labour will encourage the expression of Pacific Island views at government level and through official agencies such as appropriate boards, councils and other representative bodies.  • PROMOTE POSITIVE ACTION  Support will be given to positive action to actively recruit Pacific Islanders in government departments.  Specific encouragement will be given to the appointment of board members as well as Pacific tutors, lecturers and liaison officers at polytechnics, community colleges, universities and colleges of education.  Labour will also continue to encourage government departments, local authorities and community service organisations to employ people who can communicate with minority cultural groups.  • RECOGNISE PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN EDUCATION  The role of Pacific Islanders in the New’Zealand education system will be recognised by Labour.  PACIFIC ISLANDS  Encouragement will be given for the enrollment of Pacific Island teachers in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at universities.  Also, Labour will ensure the continuation of autonomous Pacific Island Resources Centres in Auckland and Wellington and establish a similar facility in the South Island.  Student and teacher exchanges will be encouraged between New Zealand and South Pacific schools.  The Minister of Education will continue to monitor school charters to ensure schools are administered with integrity in respect to Pacific Island issues.  • ACT ON EMPLOYMENT NEEDS  Labour will continue to fund the Pacific Island Employment Development  Scheme to assist the disproportionate number of unemployed Pacific  Islanders.  The Scheme will promote viable, unsubsidised employment opportunities among the people of the Pacific Island community.  A Labour Government will also be sensitive to cultural attitudes in the promotion or alteration of employment schemes.  • RECOGNISE QUALIFICATIONS  Labour will ensure that qualifications gained in the Pacific are properly evaluated by the Overseas Qualification Assessment Unit. It will also ensure provisions for re-training, where necessary, for adaptation to New Zealand conditions.  • RETAIN AND DEVELOP LANGUAGE  Labour will increase funding for Pacific Island Early Childhood Language Groups and, where possible, provide for the teaching of languages through schemes such as ACCESS.  • ENHANCE IMMIGRATION CAPABILITIES  The staff of the Department of Immigration will be trained to appreciate the cultural differences of their clients in order to promote understanding and the development of positive attitudes.  The Labour Government has recognised the special relationship between New Zealand and other Pacific Island nations in its immigration policies. The Labour Government continues to respect the quota system for Samoan citizens coming to live in New Zealand. This is the agreement between the Governments of Samoa and New Zealand which sets the level of migration from Samoa.  The Minister of Immigration and officials from the Ministry will consult carefully with the Pacific Island community when formulating immigration procedures and policies.  PACIFIC ISLANDS  • ENSURE MEDIA ACCESS  Labour will ensure that Pacific Island staff will be included in the Radio New Zealand Pacific shortwave service.  It will also continue to financially support Radio Access programmes and allocate a place on the radio spectrum for a Pacific Island language station in Auckland.  • SUPPORT TRANSITIONAL REGIME  Labour will ensure that the five year transitional regime set up to provide the Pacific Island community with sufficient lead time to decide on the management of housing, community officer, trade and vocational courses, public service recruitment, community centre and welfare grants schemes will be honoured.  PEACE AND DISARMAMENT  POLICY FOR PEACE  The Labour Government’s historic ban on nuclear ships has become symbolic of our commitment to a peaceful region and a peaceful world, in which common security interests are addressed in a non-belligerent way.  Labour is totally opposed to the development or use of weapons of mass destruction, whether they be nuclear, chemical or biological.  However, Labour also recognises that conventional weapons are equally threatening to peace. Historically, the international arms trade has been a factor in the escalation of tensions often arising initially from economic or social injustices.  Labour believes that disarmament and real peace need to be approached on a comprehensive basis, both domestically and internationally.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN DISARMAMENT  LABOUR HAS:  • CREATED A NUCLEAR-FREE NEW ZEALAND  Upon its election in 1984 Labour declared New Zealand nuclear-free, then enshrined the policy in law through the passing of the Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act.  • APPOINTED A MINISTER FOR DISARMAMENT  Labour instituted the portfolio of Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control, responsible for the Disarmament and International Security Division of the Ministry of External Relations and Trade.  • SET UP THE Peace AND DISARMAMENT EDUCATION TRUST  Labour used some of the money from the Rainbow Warrior fund to set up this trust, the PADET, which funds peace education activities for New Zealand groups and individuals.  • CREATED THE PACIFIC TRUST FUND  A second trust fund was also established to assist a~ppropriate environmental, cultural and development projects in New Zealand and the Pacific.  PEACE AND DISARMAMENT  • ESTABLISHED THE PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DISARMAMENT AND ARMS CONTROL  Labour set up the public advisory committee (PACDAC) under its nuclear-free legislation. The committee advises the Minister on relevant matters and also administers the PADET.  • SUPPORTED A NUCLEAR-FREE SOUTH PACIFIC  New Zealand was instrumental in setting up the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (SPNFZ). Last year Labour worked to gain wide endorsement of the Treaty in a resolution at the United Nations.  • ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN UNITED NATIONS  Labour has radically changed New Zealand’s voting pattern at the UN and has been more active in sponsoring or co-sponsoring resolutions. We continue to sponsor the Comprehensive Test Ban resolution each year. Last year’s co-sporisorships included a resolution on haval arms control.  • PROMULGATED GOVERNMENT — NGO Partnership  Labour believes that it is important for the Government and non-governmental organ isations to work together to advance our peace and security policies. NGO representatives are now included on official delegations to important disarmament conferences.  • OPPOSED FRENCH NUCLEAR TESTING  Labour has maintained consistent and strong opposition to the French Nuclear Testing programme in the South Pacific.  • OPPOSED WASTE DUMPING ON JOHNSTON ATOLL  Labour believes that the Pacific should not be used for the dumping of nuclear or toxic wastes or for the disposal of weapons and together with other South Pacific countries has opposed the United States programme to bring chemical weapons from Europe for destruction on Johnston Atoll.  • SUPPORTED NUCLEAR TESTING VERIFICATION  Labour believes that practical demonstrations of support for its anti-nuclear policy are important. Thus it has provided substantial funding to enable New Zealand to participate in an international experiment on the seismic verification of nuclear testing. This is being run under the auspices of the Ad Hoc Group of Seismic Experts (the GSE) set up by the Conference on Disarmament.  • INFLUENCED THE UN NUCLEAR WEAPONS STUDY  Labour ensured that New Zealand was represented on a small group of countries convened by the UN, under Swedish chairpersonship, to conduct a Nuclear Weapons Study over the last year. The group’s findings will be reported to the UN in the next few weeks.  PEACE AND DISARMAMENT  • HOSTED THE PACIFIC SECURITY SYMPOSIUM  Earlier this year the Minister for Disarmament hosted at Parliament a symposium on Pacific security. This included academic, NGO and government representatives from the Asia-Pacific region and was the first time such a group had been drawn together to undertake a comprehensive analysis of and exchange of views on Pacific regional security.  • SPONSORED CONTROLS ON CHEMICAL WEAPONS  The idea of a convention to ban chemical weapons has strong support from  Labour. New Zealand is working in the international discussions to advance  this cause and the Minister for Disarmament has secured agreement from  New Zealand’s chemical industry to have a trial inspection here shortly.  • ENCOURAGED NON-VIOLENT CONFLICT RESOLUTION  Labour has implemented many of the recommendations of the Roper Committee on Violent Behaviour, providing funding for family and early childhood measures which will assist individuals and families to cope with conflict in a non-violent way.  • PROMOTED PEACE EDUCATION  Labour has encouraged peace education as part of education curricula and has ensured funding for NGOs through the PADET. The PADET has also funded the first comprehensive study of peace education in New Zealand educational institutions. This material is now the basis for further policy initiatives.  • INVESTIGATED A GLOBAL REPOSITORY FOR IN FORMATION  Labour has funded an initial assessment of the work which would have to be done to undertake a feasibility study on the establishment of a global repository for information in New Zealand.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  The Labour Government recognises and welcomes recent significant changes in international relationships, and re-affirms its commitment to a concept of common security which goes beyond military defence and embraces environmental and resource protection and trade development.  • MAINTAIN A NUCLEAR-FREE NEW ZEALAND  Labour will maintain our prohibition on nuclear armed or powered vessels and the ban on all forms of nuclear weaponry.  • SUPPORT A NUCLEAR TEST BAN  Labour will support multi-lateral disarmament mechanisms, including the New Zealand-sponsored UN resolution seeking a comprehensive test ban.  PEACE AND DISARMAMENT  • Ensure PEACE EDUCATION  In order to advance domestic understanding of peace and security issues, including conflict resolution, Labour will ensure that specific funding is allocated for research and education in this area.  • SPONSOR THE PACIFIC PEACE AND SECURITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE  Part of this expenditure will include the setting up of a Pacific Peace and Security Research Institute. This will be an independent centre capable of undertaking high quality research on topics relating to the establishment and maintenance of peace and security in the Pacific region. Its initial funding will be provided by Government and although it will then be given the ability to seek additional funding from elsewhere, its autonomy will be guaranteed through the establishment of a trust deed.  • ESTABLISH A PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE FOR SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE  AGENCIES ‘1  Labour will establish a special Parliamentary Committee for Security and  Intelligence Agencies. This will be a permanent committee, including the  Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition amongst its members.  Backbench Members of Parliament will form a majority of the committee,  which will be chaired by an MP who is not a member of the executive. The  Committee’s role will be to review and investigate particular intelligence or  security agencies, or the particular operations, activities, roles, management  or expenditure of particular agencies.  • SUPPORT A NUCLEAR-FREE PACIFIC  Labour will continue to oppose all deployment, storage and testing of nuclear weapons in the South Pacific and will also continue to oppose the dumping or destruction of nuclear or toxic wastes or weapons in our region.  • ENCOURAGE A CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVNATION  Labour will support the implementation of a comprehensive convention on biological and chemical weapons.  • PROMOTE NAVAL ARMS REDUCTION  Labour will work internationally to advance the concept of naval arms reduction.  • INVESTIGATE REGIONAL CO-OPERATION  Labour will seek peaceful ways to enhance our common interests with other countries of the Asia-Pacific region.  • ENGAGE IN PEACEMAKING  Labour will investigate ways in which New Zealand can contribute in a positive and non-violent way to international conflict resolution.  RECREATION AND SPORT  ACTIVE PARTICIPATION  Labour recognises the important contribution played by recreation and sport in building a physically, mentally and emotionally healthy and co-operative society.  Labour has a proud and consistent record in the promotion and development of recreation and sport, having established the Ministry of Recreation and Sport and the Council for Recreation and Sport during the Third Labour Government. Since then the portfolio has been given greater priority with the establishment of the Hillary Commission for Recreation and Sport.  The Hillary Commission is now the key agency through which Labour’s policies are developed and managed.  The approach of the Commission has been close consultation with the community to ensure Labour’s policies are responsive to community needs.  Positive steps have been taken in getting the whole population involved. The Commission, encouraged by Labour, has introduced a range of programmes such as KiwiSport which will benefit New Zealanders for years to come.  Labour is committed to increasing the Commission’s funding, which will guarantee further initiatives designed to enrich the Kiwi lifestyle.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN RECREATION AND SPORT  LABOUR HAS:  • REFORMED ADMINISTRATION  Labour has totally re-vamped the administration and management of recreation and sport. It is now more effective and more responsive to the needs of the community.  Labour recognised the importance of these activities to the well-being of the nation and provided direct resources through the establishment of the Hillary Commission for Recreation and Sport.  • CREATED THE HILLARY COMMISSION FOR RECREATION AND SPORT  The Ministry of Recreation and Sport and the Council for Recreation and  Sport were replaced by the Hillary Commission for Recreation and Sport in  April 1987.  The Commission is the key agency through which government policy is implemented. Its role is to develop and encourage sport and recreation in New Zealand.  RECREATION AND SPORT  After close consultation with the community, the Commission introduced the KiwiSport programme, restructured the local recreation and sport scheme, set up a nationwide network of Regional Sports Trusts and established a comprehensive planning process for national recreation and sport organisations.  The Commission has since introduced other highly successful initiatives for a wide range of groups centered on community participation. Among these have been activities for women, Maori sport and recreation for the disabled.  • GUARANTEED FUNDING  Under Labour, sport and recreation has received guaranteed funding. Funds have increased four-fold over the last six years to today’s budget of $22 million for the Hillary Commission.  • SET UP KIWISPORT  KiwiSport is a skill-based sport programme which brings adult sport down ) to size for primary school children. The programme has exceeded all  expectations, with over 200,000 children and 9000 teachers actively involved in schools throughout the country in 22 different sports.  • RESTRUCTURED LOCAL RECREATION AND SPORT  Following a major independent review, the Local Recreation and Community  Development Scheme was renamed the Local Recreation and Sport  Scheme and the criteria were modified to target local voluntary recreation  and sport organisations and groups run by volunteers.  • Assisted INTERNATIONAL SPORT  The success of our international sportspeople coincides with a massive 800 per cent increase in funding for international sport over the past six years.  In 1983/4 the New Zealand Sports Foundation received $320,000, this year it has received a $1.5 million grant. In all, $2.7 million will be used to support our top sportspeople this year. The New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association will receive over $600,000 this year.  • PARTLY FUNDED THE 1990 COMMONWEALTH GAMES  An important result of the $9 million government funds invested in the successful Auckland Commonwealth Games was the provision of valuable sporting facilities for the nation as a whole.  The Government and the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board provided over $38 million towards the cost of the Games. This was a worthy investment in an event which has helped put New Zealand on the world map.  • ESTABLISHED THE VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMME  Government has recognised the vital importance of the volunteer in the development of recreation and sport and of our community as a whole. The VIP programme will enable groups, clubs and associations to gain, train and  RECREATION AND SPORT  retain their volunteer trainers, coaches, organisers and administrators, all of whom are vital to their effective operation.  The VIP is part of the Local Recreation and Sport Scheme. Funding will increase from $3.3 million this year to $8.3 million in 1992. An extra $10 million will be provided for training and support.  • RESEARCHED LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND  The largest survey of its type in New Zealand was undertaken by the Commission into our life-style patterns and health indicators. Its findings will provide key information to guide policy not only in the recreation and sport field but also in health and education.  • ENCOURAGED WOMEN IN SPORT  The women in Physical Recreation and Sport Task Force, which was established by the Commission in 1988, completed a comprehensive report. This formed the basis of the HiIIary Commission’s Policy booklet. A specialist Programme Manager was appointed in 1989 and is currently implementing the priority policy goals.  • ENCOURAGED MAORI SPORT AND RECREATION  The Commission established a Maori sport and recreation task force in 1989.  The funding of the task force has led to the development of clear policy, which  is being implemented through the appointment of two special Programme  Managers.  • PROMOTED FAIR PLAY  Labour has encouraged the development of fair play attitudes within sporting codes through the Hillary Commission’s “Fair Play” campaign.  Regional Sports Trusts have had codes in existence for several years and KiwiSport operates on “fair play codes” during activity sessions.  • SPONSORED THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONNEL  The Hillary Commission has wisely invested the majority of its National Sports Development Fund in personnel to subsidise the professional management core of most national sports associations.  The Coaching Association of NZ has been provided with resources to enable the development of an accreditation programme. KiwiSport now have a Leaders Award designed for 6th Form students, parents and other volunteers as basic entry training.  • DESIGNATED CULTURAL AMBASSADORS  The Labour Government launched a sport and cultural ambassador programme to encourage the use of New Zealanders who have excelled internationally in sporting and cultural fields in the promotion of overseas trade and tourism. More than 100 ambassadors have been appointed.  RECREATION AND SPORT  Substantial funding is available to ensure maximum trade benefits are achieved by each ambassador. Cultural elite performers are valuable assets in boosting trade and tourism overseas.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT  • ENCOURAGE THE HILLARY COMMISSION  Under Labour, government will continue to fund and encourage the Hillary Commission’s role in the development of recreation and sport policy and programmes.  The New Zealand Lotteries Grants Board will continue to fund recreation and sport through the Commission, a direct result of the increase in revenue to the Board through Labour’s promotion of Lotto. The Volunteer Involvement Programme will receive further increases in funding of 50 cents per head this year and next year.  The Commission will continue to develop programmes at a national and community level, with emphasis on the development of human resources -primarily volunteer trainers and organisers etc.  • SUPPORT NATIONAL SPORTS ORGANISATIONS  Labour will guarantee regular funding over a minimum two year period to national recreation and sport organisations.  Improved coaching standards will be encouraged in order to foster sporting talent at all levels and in particular the development of sporting talent at international level.  COMMUNITY EMPHASIS  • INCREASE LOCAL PARTICIPATION  Labour will actively encourage the participation of local authorities and communities in implementing its policies. The strong partnership Labour has established with local authorities in sport and recreation will be further developed.  • EXPAND THE LOCAL RECREATION AND SPORT SCHEME  This will be augmented through increased funding of the Local Recreation and Sport Scheme. By 1992, this will reach $2.50 per head of population, a 150 per cent increase on last year - an extra $10 million over three years.  Labour will further encourage the partnership between the Commission and local authorities in which allocation decisions are essentially made by local assessment committees of the Local Recreation and Sport Scheme.  RECREATION AND SPORT  Encouragement will be given to local authorities to include recreational plans within their overall planning.  • DEVELOP REGIONAL SPORTS TRUSTS  The role of regional sports trusts will be developed and Labour will ensure they are governed by representative boards. Funding will come from a partnership between central government and the Trusts’ regional supporters, such as commercial sponsors.  • ENCOURAGE THE USE OF LOCAL FACILITIES  Labour will encourage school boards to increasingly make facilities available for use by community groups.  EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, SPORT AND RECREATION  • INTEGRATE POLICY IMPLEMENTATION  Labour will ensure that recreation and sport activities are co-ordinated with related aspects of education, training and employment. This will be based on an urgent study, currently underway, into the inter relationships between recreation and sport, education, training and employment.  • DEVELOP TERTIARY COURSES  Tertiary and community courses will be further developed to provide qualifications for employment.  • AUGMENT ACCESS  The education and self development components of recreation and sport will be included in ACCESS and other courses.  • ENCOURAGE SPORT IN SCHOOLS  Labour will encourage schools to devise policies which increase sports and outdoor recreation participation within schools.  SPORT AND RECREATION AS AN INDUSTRY  • INCREASE EMPLOYMENT  Labour will identify opportunities to increase employment through the recognition of recreation and sport as an industry.  • CO-ORDINATE TRAINING  Training for the industry will be co-ordinated in order to meet the industry’s needs.  SPECIAL GROUPS  • PROMOTE SPORT AND RECREATION FOR ALL  Labour will ensure that all social groups have the opportunity to participate in activities which suit their needs.  RECREATION AND SPORT  Labour will strengthen current Hillary Commission initiatives such as KiwiSport, Women in Sport, Maori Sport and the recently launched KiwiAble programme.  • ENSURE AN EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDING  Labour will make sure both sexes receive similar funding. It will also make efforts to identify the needs of ethnic groups through the development of traditional and emerging sports.  Disabled people will also be encouraged to take part in recreation and sport through KiwiAble.  SPORTS SPONSORSHIP  • REPLACE TOBACCO SPONSORSHIP  Labour will use the recently established Health Sponsorship Council to promote health and healthy lifestyles through the sponsorship of sports, arts, culture and recreation.  Labour believes that tobacco sponsorship of healthy lifestyles through sport and recreation is a contradiction in terms  The Council will ensure that bodies which have been receiving sponsorship from the tobacco industry in the year prior to May 17 1990, and which had a reasonable expectation of it continuing had the recent ban not been imposed, will be guaranteed funding for a minimum of two years after the expiry of the contract with the industry.  REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT  GROWTH FROM THE REGIONS  Labour believes that the regional economies hold the key to future economic development and full employment by 1995.  Labour therefore recognises that the Government’s role is to promote opportunities for regions to assess their own potential for business development and employment growth.  A network of 21 Business Development Boards and Centres have been established across New Zealand to provide one-stop shops for those seeking advice on the twenty business development programmes which Labour has established. Business Development Boards are also responsible for promoting business opportunities in regions.  Boards offer two main types of financial help: New Business Investigation Grants and Regional Development Investigation Grants.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT  LABOUR HAS:  • RE-STRUCTURED ASSISTANCE  Through re-structuring the former Regional Development Council system, Labour has increased its focus on assistance to the regions and introduced a more efficient delivery system.  • EXTENDED POLICY REACH  Under Labour, regional development policy has been extended to include urban areas. Before restructuring, assistance was largely confined to rural areas and very small communities. Now, progressive initiatives can be taken up in the country’s urban areas.  • INCREASED ASSISTANCE  Labour has so far allocated over $4 million in grants to applicants to both schemes administered by Boards.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • CONTINUE TO PROMOTE AN ENTERPRISE CULTURE  Labour will help stimulate regions to enhance business development;  REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT  • COMMIT AN ADDITIONAL $59 MILLION TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT  Labour will ensure that Business Development Boards have adequate resources;  • ENSURE EFFECTIVE CO-ORDINATION AND MARKETING  Labour will actively promote and co-ordinate all the Government’s business development programmes;  • PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT  Labour will ensure that development is environmentally sustainable and energy efficient;  • INVESTIGATE NEW SCHEMES  All schemes will be investigated to establish whether they should be added to the business development programme to further assist small and medium sized businesses;  • PROMOTE GREATER CO-OPERATION-  Labour believes in co-operation between Business Development Boards and private sector lending agencies regarding venture capital for new business projects.  SCIENCE  SCIENCE — KEY TO THE FUTURE  For New Zealand to be more internationally competitive, as a trading nation, we need to spend more on research and development and we need a workforce with greater technological skills.  Now that the major reforms of science structures are complete Labour will ensure that more is spent by government and industry on essential and applied research and development.  — The rewards of restructuring government science institutions will result in greater investment in science and will help unlock the door to future prosperity.  EDUCATION UNDERPINS SUCCESS  Our success in research and development will be built on people. Labour will  vigorously continue to promote scientific and technological skills and knowledge.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY  LABOUR HAS:  • INTRODUCED COMPREHENSIVE POLICY  Labour has introduced a comprehensive policy on research science and technology and set long term national strategies.  • CREATED THE MINISTRY OF Research, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY  Labour created a stand-alone Ministry charged with formulation of policy and advice to Government on all issues including national priorities and strategies.  • ESTABLISHED THE FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY  Labour created the Foundation to independently assess on a contestable basis the funding of science. The Foundation consists of scientists with working experience.  • Set UP A NEW CABINET COMMITTEE  Labour established a specific Cabinet Committee on Research Science and Technology to elevate the role and importance of R S & T in Cabinet decision-making, and to set priorities for Government funded science.  SCIENCE  • PROVIDED STRATEGIC FUNDS  Labour has established three new contestable funds in line with the nation’s greatest needs. They are climate change, new technologies for growth and Antarctic research.  • REFORMED SCIENCE DEPARTMENTS  Labour has reformed government departments involved in science to reduce bureaucracy and increase the amount of research.  • FOSTERED BASIC RESEARCH  Labour has enshrined in legislation the special and vital role of basic research. Specific criteria define exactly what public good research is to focus public research on the strategic research needs of New Zealand.  • ENHANCED THE ROYAL SOCIETY  Labour has enhanced the role of the Royal Society as a independent voice for professional scientists and technologists in the Government decision-making process.  • PROMOTED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY  Labour has instituted the CREST award scheme to encourage secondary schools in the pursuit of scientific excellence and careers in science.  • INTRODUCED STUDY AWARDS  Labour has introduced a study award scheme for women, Maori and Pacific Islanders to encourage them into science and technology careers.  • ESTABLISHED A SCHOOL INDUSTRY LINK SCHEME  Labour has established a highly praised link scheme between schools and industry to encourage relevant and applied study of New Zealand industry science and technology. This will increase the quality and level of study of science in schools.  • SUPPORTED THE SCIENCE ROADSHOW AND SCIENCE CENTRES  Labour has supported the Science Roadshow and a number of local science centres to encourage interest and recruitment into science careers.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • DEVELOP AN EFFECTIVE RESEARCH STRUCTURE  Labour has reformed the way all research priorities are set. New Zealand’s goals and priorities will be set and published through the Cabinet Committee on Research, Science and Technology.  SCIENCE  Desirable public research has been defined in legislation and will continue to be considered the vital basis on which all applied research is developed. This will also develop New Zealand’s scientists and technologists.  Management of the Government’s research programme will be conducted through the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology.  • INCREASE FUNDING FOR SCIENCE  Labour’s goal is to increase investment in research, science and technology from the current 1.1 per cent of GDP to 1.25 per cent by 1993.  Public sector research will be undertaken using the principle of Centre of Relevance”, which ensures research is co-ordinated and undertaken within relevant institutions. They will be encouraged to develop links and affiliations with industry, universities and other research institutions.  Private sector investment will be stimulated by encouraging more public/private sector collaboration.  • CONSIDER THE COMMODITY LEVIES ACT FOR SECONDARY INDUSTRIES.  The 100 per cent tax deduction on research and development will remain;  • IMPROVE FUNDING MANAGEMENT  Social science research will be enhanced under the funding management of the Foundation for Research Science and Technology.  • ENCOURAGE INDUSTRY/PUBLIC SECTOR COLLABORATION  Tertiary education institutions will be enhanced by greater industry and public sector research collaboration.  • ESTABLISH THE Tertiary RESEARCH BOARD  Labour will establish the Board to identify national education needs with employers and scientists and to encourage greater co-operation in research. Opportunities for student exchange will be enhanced by this process.  • ENSURE A TECHNOLOGY SYLLABUS FOR SCHOOLS  Labour will ensure a technology syllabus for schools is developed and promote careers in science and technology in both secondary and primary schools. Formal links between industry and schools will be established.  • EXTEND STRATEGIC PLANNING  Labour will ensure the gathering and production of essential data is maintained as a basis for producing a regular published strategies - on research, science and technology.  Labour will establish an overseas technology monitoring unit to keep New Zealand up to date in industrial and pre-commercial research.  SENIOR CITIZENS  SECURITY, DIGNITY AND INDEPENDENCE  Labour recognises the valuable contribution senior citizens have made and continue to make to society.  It also recognises that New Zealand’s elderly form a special group with specific needs which can be most effectively met through clear, consistent and focussed policy.  That is why Labour has created a specific policy for senior citizens. Its goals are simple- the creation of an environment in which New Zealand’s senior citizens can live in security, peace and independence.  Labour will therefore devote the resources needed to continue to recognise the contribution that senior citizens have made and will continue to make to New Zealand society.  Labour will protect and promote the interests of this important, vulnerable and rapidly growing sector of our society.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • CONSULTATION  After a period of comprehensive consultation with senior citizens throughout New Zealand, Labour will establish a Ministry for Senior Citizens to reflect and promote the interests of this group.  • MINISTRY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS  The Ministry will focus clearly on the needs of the elderly and will advise on and implement a comprehensive Labour Government policy for senior citizens.  The Ministry’s key functions will be to advise the Minister for Senior Citizens on policy development, to fund Guaranteed Retirement Income, to monitor trends and developments affecting senior citizens and to promote their well-being.  The Minister will take a Cabinet position and will be an advocate for the needs and interests of our elderly.  • COMMUNICATION  The Ministry will develop personal networks and systems for the communication of information to senior citizens to ensure that they are fully informed of their rights and the services available to them.  • COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION  Labour will develop flexible consultative mechanisms to ensure that policy reflects, at all times, the needs not only of the majority of senior citizens but also sub-groups with special needs.  In addition, Labour will encourage and support the work of existing groups concerned with the needs of senior citizens.  In addition, Labour will encourage and support the. work of existing groups concerned with the needs of senior citizens.  Labour will also promote and protect the interests of care givers, by ensuring that the implications for them of the findings of the Government’s study of the value of unpaid work are recognised in policy.  • COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION  Labour will promote awareness of the aging process and attempt to bridge the generation gap through the development of communication and education programmes.  • INCOME MAINTENANCE  Labour will ensure the payment of a retirement income through the Guaranteed Retirement Income scheme . This will ensure the real incomes of the elderly are linked to long term economic growth.  The rate of payment will be reviewed annually.  Labour will guarantee that the incomes of senior citizens will not fall behind those of the general population as wages increase.  Labour will also continue to assist those with limited incomes through various forms of support eg; accommodation benefits, disability allowance, special needs grants etc.  • HOUSING NEEDS  Labour will retain and extend specialised housing schemes presently in place and will develop new and innovative housing alternatives for senior citizens.  • HEALTH REQUIREMENTS  Labour will continue to review, identify and respond to the health needs of  senior citizens. —  This will be achieved through close consultation with those involved in the design, development and implementation of health services.  Senior CITIZENS  Social and community services Labour will continue to deliver existing social, and community services and will develop innovative new responses to the needs of senior citizens.  SERIOUS FRAUD  STOPPING WHITE COLLAR CRIME  The Labour Government has cracked down on white collar crime through the introduction and enforcement of a specific policy on serious fraud.  Labour has brought in strong measures which are designed to apprehend criminal activity, protect innocent victims and foster integrity in commercial activity.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • SUPPORT THE SERIOUS FRAUD OFFICE  Labour will maintain its commitment to resourcing the Serious Fraud Office, which it set up under its own statute to investigate cases of serious fraud.  The legislation has created substantial penalties for non-compliance with serious fraud investigators’ legitimate requirements.  Investigators have the power to properly investigate sophisticated corporate and computer-based crime.  The pressing need for the establishment of the Office is clear from the workload it has built in its short period of operation. Inquiries are continuing into over $200,000,000 of allegedly fraudulent gain.  • OVERHAUL LEGISLATION  Labour is also undertaking a thorough review of legislation relating to companies and securities in order to control potentially criminal behaviour and establish a greater degree of discipline and integrity in corporate affairs and financial markets.  Among the reforms to come will be the enactment of the Companies Bill and legislation to implement the Russell Committee Report on the sharemarket.  SOCIAL WELFARE  A FAIR AND JUST SOCIETY  Labour was the founder of New Zealand’s welfare state and it remains committed to the goal of providing people with the essential resources needed to participate in society.  Labour believes that people should not have to endure the misery of living as outsiders in this country because of barriers such as age, disability, family circumstances or low income.  The welfare state is, for Labour, the main agent through which people in need can be given the opportunity to take their place as citizens in a compassionate society. :)  Ultimately, the health of a nation depends upon the stability of its families and an awareness that we can all contribute to the welfare of the nation.  EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE  Labour’s approach to the welfare state is to establish need and direct effective assistance towards meeting it. Priorities have to be set and assistance is targetted to those in most need.  For many people, such as the elderly and disabled, these needs remain indefinitely. However, Labour believes that people should be encouraged to make the transition from assistance to the paid workforce where practicable. It also believes that welfare benefits should be fair and rational in their application and free, as far as possible, from abuse.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN SOCIAL WELFARE  LABOUR HAS:  • INCREASED FAMILY ASSISTANCE BY 600 PER CENT  In 1984 National provided families with only $6 per week per child. Labour has increased that to a maximum of $42 per week per child with Family Support.  The new Family Benefit will raise that maximum to almost $50 from April 1991.. For many working families this will mean an extra $20 or more per week. The system will also be simpler, and will eliminate the hassles with Family Support being paid through the tax system.  SOCIAL WELFARE  Labour’s plan preserves the basic universal Family Benefit payment, which is so important to many New Zealand women. All family assistance is paid directly to the primary caregiver, usually the mother.  • SUPPORTED FAMILIES AT RISK  Labour has introduced new child protection laws which focus on getting families (including the wider family) to take more responsibility for young people in cases of law-breaking or child abuse.  Labour has greatly increased funding for groups dealing with domestic violence. Womens Refuge funding, for instance, is 13 times what it was under National ($2.88 million compared to only $221,000 in 1984).  Also, increased resources have been directed to prevention of violence within families through the Family Violence Prevention Co-ordinating Committee.  The committee’s brief is to provide funding for intervention programmes designed to reduce the amount of family violence. Since it was set up under  ) Labour in 1986, funding has increased from $22,000 to $476,000 this year.  • IMPROVED FAIRNESS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE  Labour is legislating to provide ACC-type payments for people incapacitated through illness, as well as injury.  Labour’s new care-subsidy gives a higher level of funding ($486 a week) to provide specialized care for those long-term disabled people who need it.  Labour has made sure that people with disabilities are represented on important new decision-making bodies like the Social Welfare Commission, District Executive Committees and Community Organisation Grants Committees.  Labour has increased the Disability Allowance from $14 a week under National to $37.50 a week.  Labour has created a nationwide Attendant Care scheme to assist people with disabilities to remain in their own homes.  Labour has promoted building regulations which ensure that public buildings are accessible to people with disabilities.  Labour has developed a rehabilitation policy which helps disabled people incorporate themselves into the paid workforce. The Rehabilitation League has been restructured into 25 special teams which provide advice and on-the-job support nationwide.  • IMPROVED THE WELFARE SYSTEM  Labour has set up special benefit abuse teams who check up on improper benefit payments. These teams bring in $12 in savings for every $1 of operating costs.  A new nationwide computer system will ensure speedier service and better control.  SOCIAL WELFARE  Labour has clamped down on Special Needs Grants and limited these extra payments to a maximum of $200.  Labour’s new Universal Benefit will be easier to understand and harder to abuse. it will also be fairer, recognising the extra costs faced by people who live alone.  • HELPED PEOPLE BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT  Labour has recrafted the benefit system for young people to steer them into work or training. The dole will no longer be available to those under 18.  Labour has built up the training incentive allowance system which assists sole parents to improve their workforce skills.  Labour is widening the gap between benefits and wages to make the move back to employment more attractive.  • INCREASED FUNDING FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS  Funding for the Society for the intellectually Handicapped has risen from $11 million under National to $44 million under Labour.  Many other groups, like Citizens Advice Bureaux and refuge services, have also seen major increases in funding under Labour.  The Labour Government is distributing $14 million to local community groups through the Community Organisations Grants Scheme this year.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  INTEGRATED POLICY DEVELOPMENT  • CONTINUE ITS COMMITMENT TO FAIRNESS  Labour is committed to the goals of the Royal Commission on Social Policy, which will lead to a fairer, more just society.  • CO-ORDINATE POLICY MAKING  Labour will establish a Social Policy Unit which will co-ordinate policy across the key government departments of education, health, housing and welfare. The Unit will monitor the impact of policy and review its effectiveness.  SECURITY FOR FAMILIES AND LOW INCOME EARNERS  • GUARANTEE INCOME SUPPORT  Labour will guarantee income support for people where income is lost through unemployment, accident, illness or age.  • ENSURE ADEQUATE BENEFITS -  Labour will ensure that adequate assistance will be available to families and others who face a range of difficulties arising from the impact of low incomes.  SOCIAL WELFARE  • RATIONALISE THE BENEFIT STRUCTURE  Labour will move to a Universal Benefit system which is simple to understand and fair.  • TARGET ASSISTANCE  Labour will also continue to target assistance to groups with particular needs. Schemes such as the Incapacitated Carer’s Allowance, the Survivor’s Grant, extra funding for beneficiaries and the elderly living alone, and interim benefits for spouses from low income families who are leaving the workforce as well as the provision of the Guaranteed Minimum Family Income assistance, will continue.  • CONTINUE FAMILY SUPPORT  Labour will continue to direct financial and other assistance towards families suffering from a range of difficult circumstances such as youth offending, domestic violence, substance and alcohol abuse.  Labour will continue to fund intervention programmes to reduce the impact of family violence. It has set up the Family Violence Prevention Committee to determine appropriate expenditure in this area.  • TAKE A BALANCED APPROACH TO ASSISTANCE  Labour will take a sensitive and balanced approach to the protection of children while stressing the responsibility of the wider family in dealing with problems arising from delinquency or abuse.  DISABILITY AND ILLNESS  • ENSURE EQUITY FOR THE DISABLED  Labour will continue to assist people with disabilities and ensure their needs are met. Labour will provide a flexible support subsidy approach to the funding of residential and vocational services.  • FOSTER EMPOWERMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED  Under Labour, people with disabilities will have a voice in the decision making  process. They will be represented on the Social Welfare Commission,  District Executive Committees and Community Organisations Grants  Committees.  Children and families will continue to have an advocate in the form of the  Commissioner for Children.  • ASSIST VICTIMS OF LONG TERM ILLNESS  Victims of serious illness will no longer be treated as secondary to accident victims in terms of the benefits available. Labour will establish an Incapacity Scheme in which a graduated benefit will be paid by the new Rehabilitation and Incapacity Corporation, which will replace the Accident Compensation Commission and extend assistance to victims of serious illness.  SOCIAL WELFARE  BENEFIT FRAUD AND ABUSE  • REDUCE BENEFIT FRAUD  Labour will reduce the amount of benefit fraud through a nationwide system of Benefit Control Payment Units, which will be responsible for tracking potential benefit fraud.  A strictly limited form of information sharing between the Department of Social Welfare and the Inland Revenue Department will make the detection of fraud more effective while ensuring the privacy of personal information.  • ENSURE NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT PAYMENTS  Labour will ensure that non-custodial parents meet their obligations through a new scheme which integrates the Child Maintenance and Liable Parent Contribution schemes.  By combining these schemes into the Child Support Scheme, Labour will ensure income for women supporting children without a partner and eliminate the deliberate evasion of responsibilities which was a feature of the former schemes.  TOURISM  A GROWTH INDUSTRY  Labour believes New Zealand’s future is dependent upon sustainable growth in foreign exchange earnings which will lead to growth in jobs and wealth for all New Zealanders. Tourism is a key part of Labour’s plan for growth.  Labour believes that the projected two million visitor arrivals by the year 2000 can be exceeded. However, the value of tourism depends not only upon numbers but also increased spending by visitors and longer stays in New Zealand. These goals will be targetted by Labour in partnership with the tourism industry.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN TOURISM  LABOUR HAS:  • INCREASED Growth  Tourism is a dynamic growth industry. It is a key strategic area for future wealth creation, job growth and regional development.  In the last six years tourism has grown to be New Zealand’s biggest single earner of foreign exchange.  Nearly a million visitors come to New Zealand annually, and even the current growth rate of nearly ten per cent annually would see two million by the end of this decade.  • REFORMED THE TOURIST INDUSTRY  Labour has reformed tourism structures to enable New Zealand to take advantage of projected growth in tourism in the Asia-Pacific region and to thus exceed the current projected estimates of visitor arrivals.  • CREATED THE TOURISM STRATEGIC MARKETING GROUP  The Tourism Strategic Marketing Group of nine leading industry marketers, including the Tourism Department, was set up. The group has already produced its first report, a comprehensive document now open for industry discussion which looks at all aspects of tourism development and marketing and will result in a strategic marketing plan for New Zealand.  • REFORMED THE TOURISM DEPARTMENT  Radical reform of the Tourism Department has taken place, replacing its old functions and image with a new mandate to work with the private sector on behalf of all New Zealanders in the development and marketing of tourism.  TOURISM  • SET UP THE TOURISM FORUM  The outmoded Tourism Council has been replaced by a Tourism Forum which provides regular interface between the industry and the Government, not only the Minister of Tourism but other relevant government departments.  • CREATED THE REGIONAL TOURISM ACTION CAMPAIGN  The Regional Tourism Action Campaign has been set in place to help the regions organ ise themselves to take advantage of tourism growth.  • DESIGNED KIWIHOST  As part of the regional campaign, KiwiHost was designed - a comprehensive community-based programme to upgrade the standards of service and hospitality throughout the country.  • CONDUCTED MARKET RESEARCH  Rearch has been successfully conducted and used as the basis for new marketing campaigns in important strategic markets. The Australian campaign, which has raised to record levels visitor numbers from that country, is an outstanding example of this.  • OPENED UP THE AVIATION MARKET  Labour has opened up the aviation market so that in six years the number of international airlines flying into New Zealand has increased from 11 to 24.  • IMPROVED FLEXIBLE SERVICES  Shopping hours, taxi services and liquor licensing have been freed up to enable the tourist industry to provide for the needs of visitors.  • IMPROVED TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  Labour funded the development of tourist attractions on Crown land through the Tourism Department and the Department of Conservation.  • APPLIED FOR WORLD HERITAGE STATUS  Labour also applied for World Heritage status for South West New Zealand.  • FOSTERED REDEVELOPMENT OF MILFORD SOUND  The Labour Government resolved the longstanding issue of the development of Milford Sound tourist facilities by providing a Government guarantee and extra funding. The redevelopment is now underway.  • FUNDED COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES  Labour funded the development of many community-based attractions through the Tourism Facilities Development Grants programme.  TOURISM  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • MARKET NEW ZEALAND  Under Labour the Government will remain the major marketer of New Zealand as a destination.  • GAIN A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE  Labour will continue its economic policies aimed at gaining a competitive advantage for New Zealand tourism internationally.  • ENSURE EFFECTIVE INDUSTRY/GOVERNMENT CO-OPERATION  The Labour Government will strengthen the linkages it has put in place between the tourism industry and the public sector, to ensure even more effective co-ordination of action and targethng of resources.  • INVEST IN TOURISM  Labour will continue to invest in tourism, not only through the marketing activities of the Tourism Department, but through the Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Transport. For example, the contribution of tourism will be taken into account when making roading decisions.  • USE MARKET RESEARCH  Labour will continue to place a high priority on market research so that better market segmentation will increase the earnings from tourism.  • DEVELOP HUMAN RESOURCES  There will be a major focus on human resource development in tourism, with more co-ordination between the different providers and the industry. Tourism training and education will be driven by the growth needs of the industry.  An industry group will be set up to oversee the human resource development policies. .  • SET UP A VISITOR IN FORMATION NETWORK  To assist the spread of visitors throughout the regions and to enable secondary centres to capture tourism earnings, a Visitor Information Network will be set up. Preliminary work on this is now completed and the new network, when in place, will incorporate over a hundred existing information offices into a comprehensive, unified system, assisting visitor dispersal and promoting longer stays in New Zealand. -~  • INCREASE AVIATION LINKS  The last six years’ work on aviation will continue, particularly focusing on increasing access to New Zealand from the potentially large Asian markets.  TOURISM  • BRING IN TOURISM SPECIALISTS  New immigration policy will assist tourist operations to bring in the specialists necessary to develop their businesses.  • PROMOTE JOINT MARKETING  Joint research with Australia will continue and exploration of joint marketing opportunities with Australia and South Pacific countries will be advanced.  • PROMOTE EVENT TOURISM  Event tourism will be a major focus for development, enabling the industry to capitalise on New Zealand’s unique features.  • DEVELOP AUTHENTIC MAORI TOURISM  Maori tourism will be encouraged so that visitors to New Zealand have the opportunity to experience Maori culture in an authentic way rather than the cheapened and degraded versions which are sometimes offered. Maori tourist operators will be encouraged to take advantage of their resources so they can gain economically from’the growth in tourism.  • RETAIN THE TOURISM FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT GRANT  This scheme will be continued.  • REVITALISE THE TOURIST INDUSTRY FEDERATION  The Government will continue to encourage the New Zealand Tourist Industry Federation to strengthen and revitalise itself.  TRANSPORT  EFFICIENT TRANSPORT VITAL FOR GROWTH  An efficient, affordable transport system is a vital pre-condition for New Zealand’s economic growth.  Located far from our major markets, we must ensure that our price-competitiveness is not undermined by unreasonable transportation costs.  Labour’s goal has been to reform the transport industry in order to increase efficiency and reduce costs and therefore create market opportunities, encourage regional development and create new jobs and business ventures.  CONCERN FOR SAFETY  Transport can be hazardous: Labour has taken great strides to ensure the safety of transport users in and around New Zealand.  This commitment has been most obvious in Labour’s reform of the driver licence system, vehicle design, and drink-drive rules.  Safety has also been a priority in other areas such as the aviation and maritime safety-audit systems and improving New Zealand’s weather forecasting system.  ACHIEVEMENTS IN TRANSPORT  LABOUR HAS:  LAND TRANSPORT  • REDUCED THE ROAD TOLL  Driving speeds have been stabilised and the road toll reduced as a result of publicity, education, enforcement and increased penalties.  Involvement of local communities and councils in planning and developing road safety initiatives for their area has been achieved.  Graduated driver licensing has been introduced for young people: this has helped to reduce the road toll (by 30 percent for 15-17 year olds); 200 extra New Zealanders are alive now as a consequence. -.  Lifetime driver licences have been introduced, giving a reduction in cost to general public and providing a much simplified system of licensing. New safety design rules developed for locally assembled and imported motor vehicles have been passed.  Transport  Tougher drink-drive measures have been introduced.  • INTRODUCED TAX REDUCTIONS  Reductions have been made in fuel and vehicle taxes since 1986, saving road users at least $650 million a year.  • ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSIT NEW ZEALAND.  Funding for traffic engineering, education and enforcement can now be considered together, while allowing greater public involvement in planning.  • ENSURED PUBLIC TRANSPORT REFORMS  New public transport reforms have ensured better value for the $50 million Government plus $50 million Local Authority subsidy.  • REMOVED LICENSING RESTRICTIONS  Removal of many licensing restrictions and establishment of a transport licensing system based on the quality of operation and public safety has been achieved.  More taxi operators have resulted, giving the public greater choice. Fares have also been held - in Auckland, for example, fares have remained stable for three years.  SEA TRANSPORT  • FOSTERED WATERFRONT REFORM  Waterfront reform has resulted in direct and indirect savings of upwards of $200 million.  Port reform has included the transfer of commercial operations from harbour boards to companies geared to operate as successful businesses.  Port company shareholding has been opened up to the private sector to increase efficiency.  Labour has encouraged lower shipping costs for New Zealand exporters through the abolition of the Waterfront Industry Commission and the rationalisation of the waterside workforce, equivalent on its own to savings of at least $58 million a year.  Record ship loading rates and faster ship turnaround - at less cost - are now being achieved.,  AIR TRANSPORT  • PROMOTED COMPETITION  Competition has been injected into domestic air services. This has reduced the cost of air travel. Domestic air travel has increased by 29 per cent.  A net reduction has also been achieved in charges to air operators. Fuel tax has been abolished and new user charges have resulted in a net gain to the industry of $5 million a year.  TRANSPORT  Establishment of airport companies at international and several secondary airports has led to more efficient operation.  • IMPROVED SERVICES  Seven new foreign airlines have commenced service to New Zealand providing additional overseas services to Christchurch and Auckland.  Five new bilateral international air service agreements have been signed which have helped to encourage tourism.  • IMPROVED SAFETY  A complete overhaul of aviation legislation has implemented a ‘safety-audit’ regime to make the skies safer.  METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES  • IMPROVED SERVICES  Major improvements have been made to weather forecasting through a focus on new technology.  Market recovery of costs has been introduced for specialised commercial services.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  LAND TRANSPORT  • REDUCE ROAD FATALITIES  Labour aims to reduce the road toll by 200 fatalities in 1991, and reduce rates of all other accidents.  • CONSIDER BANNING ALCOHOL FOR DRIVERS UNDER 20  Labour will seriously consider extending the zero alcohol level for graduate licensees in stages 1 and 2 to all drivers under 20.  • IMPLEMENT RANDOM BREATH TESTING  A Labour Government will extend current random stopping rules to allow automatic breath testing of all drivers stopped at a test site.  • EXPLORE VEHICLE CONFISCATION  Laws on vehicle confiscation, following an offence, may be extended.  • OUTLAW RADAR DETECTORS  Labour will further enforce speed restrictions by ensuring radar detection devices are outlawed.  • INVESTIGATE CAMERA DETECTION EQUIPMENT  The use of red light cameras to detect speeding motorists will be explored.  Transport  • MAKE SAFETY HELMETS COMPULSORY FOR CYCLISTS  All cyclists will be required to wear approved safety helmets.  • INCREASE PENALTIES FOR MAJOR DRINK DRIVE OFFENCES  Labour will promote the use of the manslaughter charge for causing death while drinking and driving. It will also increase penalties for dangerous driving causing death as well as other drink-drive offences.  • INVESTIGATE THE SPEEDING PENALTY POINTS SYSTEM  Labour will look at graduating the demerit points system, increasing the number of points in line with higher speed.  • PROMOTE THE SAFETY AUDIT SYSTEM  Rather than use the inspection approach to safety problems, which deals with symptoms, Labour will use the safety audit system to get at basic causes  • EXTEND LOGBOOK EXEMPTIONS -  Vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of 6,000 kgs or less operating within a 50 km radius of the owner’s base location will be exempted from using logbooks.  • PROMOTE PUBLIC TRANSPORT  Labour will maintain central government funding by ensuring that the $100 million central and local government subsidy for transport is effectively used on behalf of the public.  SEA TRANSPORT  • IMPROVE SEARCH AND RESCUE  Labour will install a land based receiver to enable search and rescue, through the international COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, to quickly pinpoint signals from emergency locator beacons.  • INTRODUCE SAFETY AUDITS  For ships, boilers, lifts and cranes.  • REDUCE TRANS-TASMAN SHIPPING COSTS  Labour will continue to reduce costs by encouraging competition and removing restrictive trade practices.  • FOSTER EFFICIENT SHIPPING SERVICES  Labour will foster the Shipping Industry Reform task force proposals.  • REDUCE COASTAL SHIPPING COSTS  Implement measures to reduce coastal shipping costs arising out of the “Coastal Shipping Review.”  =TRANSPORT  • INCREASE PORT EFFICIENCY  Further improvements in port operations will be supported by encouraging local industry ownership in port companies.  AIR TRANSPORT  • COMPLETE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE AVIATION SAFETY AUDIT SYSTEM  Simplified rules designed to make aviation safer will be introduced over the next two years. Harsher penalties will be included.  • COMPLETE COMPANY STRUCTURES FOR AIRPORTS  Labour’s programme of airport corporatisation will continue.  • DEVELOP INTERNATIONAL AIR LINKS  More air links will be developed to benefit the public and the tourist industry.  METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES  • IMPROVE SERVICES  Labour will continue to upgrade automatic weather stations and satellite receiving equipment.  WOMEN  EQUALITY THE KEY OBJECTIVE  The creation of a positive social and legislative environment in which we can achieve equality for all women is of prime importance to Labour.  Further action will be taken to remove remaining barriers which hamper the development of equality and deny the fulfillment of the full potential of women and, as a consequence, society.  A PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMME  Labour has a fully co-ordinated programme to significantly improve the position  of New Zealand women.  ACHIEVEMENTS FOR WOMEN  LABOUR HAS:  • INCREASED REPRESENTATION  Labour has achieved the election of a record number of women Members of  Parliament. There are 11 women MPs, five of them are Ministers and one is  Deputy Prime Minister.  This is only a start, but Labour will continue to ensure women are increasingly represented in Parliament.  • CREATED THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN’S AFFAIRS  The Ministry of Women’s Affairs was established by Labour in 1985 to advise on how to achieve social and economic equality for women.  Labour has guaranteed there will always be female representation in Cabinet. Recent work from the Ministry has included superannuation, tax and benefit reform, valuation of unpaid work, employment equity, women’s health services, housing, violence and pornography and early childhood education.  • IMPROVED EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION  Following the introduction of Labour’s 1987 early childhood care policy, preschool education participation rates are now amongst the highest in the world. After the Meade Report on early childhood care was published in 1989, the Government increased funding by $43 million. -  WOMEN  • ESTABLISHED THE KOHANGA REO AND PACIFIC ISLAND NESTS  Increased funding for these schemes has meant wider choices, better trained teachers and greater participation.  • INTRODUCED EMPLOYMENT EQUITY  Labour has introduced new legislation for pay equity and equal employment opportunities.  This will help remove barriers to women entering non-traditional occupations and seeking promotions, as well as closing the gap between women’s and men’s wages.  Other initiatives taken in this area include a law change in 1987 which allowed women and men to share unpaid leave at the time of birth or adoption.  • PROVIDED HOUSING FOR WOMEN  Housing Corporation rules have been changed to assist women. Rental and lending programmes are now more flexible and better recognise women’s needs.  • HELPED WOMEN COPE WITH VIOLENCE  Recommendations from the Committee of Enquiry into Pornography have been considered and legislation will be introduced this year to regulate its availability.  Funding for women’s refuges and rape crisis centres has increased to $3 million — six times greater than the funding available in 1984. Programmes to encourage non-violent conflict resolution are also being implemented.  • PROMOTED WOMEN’S HEALTH  The Cartwright Report was published in 1989. The result has been the preparation of national ethical standards for hospitals. $14 million has been allocated for a National Cervical Screening programme. Pilot projects have already started. Women’s health centres funded by Labour in 1986 are continuing to provide services.  • INCREASED FAMILY SUPPORT  The July Budget has increased the family benefit for working parents on low and middle incomes, while maintaining the benefit for all parents. From April 11991, the Universal Benefit will be paid directly to the main caregiver, the majority of whom are women.  WOMEN  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • ACHIEVE EQUALITY OF INCOMES  Women’s rates of pay will be progressively raised to a level equal to male counterparts through the implementation of pay equity and equal employment opportunity laws.  Assistance will be increased to families with young children to enable parents to decide whether to remain at home or seek paid employment  • FUND FAMILY CARE  The Labour Government will examine how to provide support for parents caring for young children at home, including paid parental leave.  • INCREASE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES  To both encourage women into employment and reduce unemployment generally, sustained economic growth will be vigorously pursued. This will be supported by specific training and re-training for women, Maori and Pacific Island people, the disabled and other disadvantaged groups.  • PROVIDE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE  Emphasis will be placed on improving women’s primary and preventative healthcare. Therefore, access to culturally appropriate services, including cervical screening and mammography, will be improved.  • ENSURE EQUALITY OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY  Labour’s aim will be the energetic implementation of equal employment opportunity programmes in educational institutions. Appointment procedures for senior staff in schools will be reviewed.  To help eliminate sex role stereotyping, a resource centre will be established and funded.  To improve parenting skills, an investigation will be made into the provision of further resources for parent education groups.  • DELIVER JUSTICE FOR WOMEN  All laws will be monitored in relation to the Treaty of Waitangi, and progressively reformed where necessary to ensure the special needs of women are protected in matters of justice.  A key reform will be the outlawing of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, physical and mental disability and condition or union membership. This policy may become the subject of a conscience vote. To ensure adequate legal representation, all complainants in sexual vio~tion cases will be offered representation by a court appointed lawyer.  WOMEN  • PROVIDE ADEQUATE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE  Labour will turn the provision of early childhood care and education into a right. Funds devoted to care and education programmes, including home based care and Kohanga Reo, will be increased.  To safeguard parental earnings and protect children’s best interests, the Labour Government will provide funding for after-school and school holiday care and education.  • IMPROVE STATUS FOR MAORI WOMEN  Under Labour, the economic and social status of Maori women will be raised through honouring the Treaty of Waitangi. Particular emphasis will be placed on improving Maori health, housing, childcare, employment and education.  To enhance Maori participation in decision making, appropriate institutions will be required to consider the Maori women’s voice in decision making.  Also, to ensure a range of views is incorporated in decision making, government appointments will reflect the community’s gender balance and the Treaty of WaitangL  • IMPROVE PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING  Labour will develop polices to increase the participation of women candidates standing for public office and will increase the number of women appointed to government appointed boards and committees by 25 per cent.  The Ministry of Women’s Affairs will report to Labour on the barriers to participation in public life faced by women and will suggest policies designed to overcome them or take direct action to remove them.  • VALUE UNPAID WORK  Labour values the unpaid work undertaken by women. This will be incorporated into the national accounts as a step towards establishing the real value of the role played by women in society.  YOUTH AFFAIRS  POLICY INPUT  Labour believes every social group has the right to have its voice heard because each is affected to some degree by the impact of government policy.  Labour has therefore ensured that the youth of New Zealand can participate in decision making in the same way that senior citizens will soon be able to: through the establishment of an effective system of representation.  In the case of young people, policies on employment, education and training, health; income, justice and the environment are key issues. -  ACHIEVEMENTS IN YOUTH AFFAIRS  LABOUR HAS:  • CREATED THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS  Labour established the Office of Youth Affairs in July 1989. It was officially launched in October 1989 with a celebration involving many young people. Staff were recruited and appointed by January this year. The office became a Ministry in July this year.  • PUBLISHED YOUTH MATTERS  In March the first issue of the newsletter, Youth Matters, was published. The Ministry has set up a large network of contacts with youth and community organisations.  The Ministry presented papers oh mental health to various conferences including the World Mental Health Congress in Auckland last year. In June, the Ministry also published “In a Time of Crisis”, guidelines for schools on how to deal with the death of a young person.  • PROVIDED ADVICE  The Ministry has advised the Minister and Government on policies affecting youth particularly in areas such as health, education, employment, justice, income and the environment. The National Advisory Committee on Solvent Abuse is hosted by the Ministry and the National Co-ordinator is a Ministry  staff member. —  • MADE CONTRIBUTIONS  The Ministry has contributed to the organisation of Te Taumata Rangatahi Mo Te Tiriti 0 Waitangi, the Youth Treaty Summit, a national hui for young people to discuss the Treaty of Waitangi. The Ministry is also a member of  YOUTH AFFAIRS  the interdepartmental group working on youth benefits and student allowances and it has contributed information to the United Nations on policies affecting youth. In addition, the Ministry was involved in the Commonwealth Youth Programme Conference on Drugs in Kuala Lumpur last year.  • FOSTERED YOUTH DEVELOPMENT  The Conservation Corps, a very successful programme for young people, transferred to the Ministry this year. Young people participating in the Corps undertake valuable conservation work which improves their self-esteem and encourages their development. About 62 per cent of those in the Corps go into full-time work or on to further training.  POLICY  LABOUR WILL:  • Support THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS  Labour will ensure that the recently established Ministry is adequately resourced to provide policy advice on the work of all other departments which affect young people.  It will therefore take an integrated approach to identifying the needs of young people and the impact upon them of a range of government policies.  • ENCOURAGE REPRESENTATION  Labour will incorporate the views of young people in policy by appointing representatives to statutory boards and committees, especially those which have an impact on young people.  • CONSULT WITH INTERESTED PARTIES  Labour will also ensure that government departments, local authorities, statutory boards and committees strengthen their consultative processes to include the views of young people and youth interest groups.  • PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ETHNIC GROUPS  Labour acknowledges the differing needs of ethnic groups and will ensure that these groups are provided with the opportunity to put their concerns to government.