Social credit 1978 election manifesto. Bold new policies to get New Zealand working towards a better tomorrow.  The Social Credit League provides the public of New Zealand with a real alternative, different political philosophy, an alternative team, alternative organization and alternative policies. Many people are very disturbed, concerned and frustrated at what is happening to our society at the moment, and at the inability of respective governments to solve our basic problems. People are being hurt by an unjust system which promotes profiteering ahead of the quality of individual living. The reform policies in these pages are aimed at halting these unwholesome trends. Democracy is under threat in all sorts of ways as the state increases its interference in our daily lives, as executive power grows, and as parliament exercises diminishing control over decisions of fundamental importance. Social Credit policies provide alternative methods of combating rising costs and prices, a means of bringing workers and employers together (instead of the present confrontation policies), ways of helping young people buy homes, keeping farmers on the land, making business viable, and providing a healthier environment in which to live. GIVE SOCIAL CREDIT A GO this time. When you read this manifesto I'm sure you will want to help us build a better nation, based on social justice, security and individual freedom.  A PROPERTY OWNING DEMOCRACY. Social Credit policies are geared to promote a FAIRER DISTRIBUTION and OWNERSHIP of resources, so that ALL New Zealanders receive a just share of the wealth they produce. The economic and financial systems must be reformed to allow a greater spread of private ownership of property and production throughout society so that economic power and therefore political control is more widely distributed at all levels. The only really FREE individual is the one who is economically free from the restrictions, controls and pressures of the state or any other body, thereby permitting him/her to develop his/her full creative potential, either individually or in co-operation with others. Such a truly democratic society may be termed a PROPERTY-OWNING DEMOCRACY, a nation of self-employed, owner-operators, co-operative ventures and worker shareholders.  We uphold:  - Individual liberty and freedom of choice.  - The right of every individual to own his own home, farm or business.  - Competitive individual and co-operative enterprise, and worker shareholding.  - Decentralisation of power and government responsibility.  - Economic security and social progress.  - Sovereign independence.  - Balanced communities.  We oppose:  - political and financial dictatorship.  - monopoly growth.  - state socialism.  - heavy-handed bureaucracy.  - private profiteering from the money system.  - foreign take-overs.  - political expediency.  - abuse of the environment.  Agriculture. A Social Credit Government will direct its farming policy towards security of tenure, promoting further development and settlement assisting with the control of erosion, and ensuring the necessary incentives for further production by:  (a) Stabilising costs.  (b) Reducing taxation.  (c) Ensuring finance at reasonable rates of interest.  (d) Providing adequate services for the rural community.  Social Credits Primary Production policy recognises that farming is a business as well as a way of life and that the business of a farmer is to produce to the limit of which his farm is capable, compatible with good farming, and having done so, he has the right to expect that the prices he receives for his products bear a similar relationship to prices of those things he has to buy for which his product is traded. Social Credit would assure the farmer of his cost of production, including a reasonable profit and thus high production and real efficiency would go hand in hand with a just reward for his efforts, while the farmers standard of living would be determined only by his efficiency as a farmer. Social Credit recognises that each country should specialise in the commodity in which it has a comparative advantage (greatest relative efficiency) and export its surplus of the product for imports from abroad with trading preference to countries operating the same principle.  1. PRODUCE PRICES. Social Credit will pay the farmers for the exchange earned by primary products at its internal cost expressed in N.Z dollars. The Dairy Industry Act and the Reserve Bank Act will be amended to provide for the purchase of the exchange earned, at a variable premium. A Court of Price Review will be set up as a judicial body. This will decide on the variable premium on the exchange earned by the industry. The basic price for primary produce will be arrived at according to the following criteria, aiming to:  (1) Provide the average efficient farmer with a good standard of living.  (2) Enable farmers to pay competitive rates of pay.  (3) Allow them reasonable interest on capital invested in their farms and stock.  (4) Enable them to meet all costs, including any tariffs.  (5) Allow them a remuneration commensurate with the services they render and with that obtained by other members of the community who render equal service.  (6) Preserve the capital invested in the land.  (7) Stimulate the full use of the land.  (8) Maintain the stability and efficiency of the industry in the national interest.  2. MARKETING OF OUR MAJOR EXPORTS. New Zealand's prosperity depends to a large extent on the successful marketing of our surplus primary produce. The Dairy Board and the Apple and Pear Board are well organised for this purpose. Both operate on a co-operative basis and are responsible for the marketing of their own produce. The same policy would be offered to other primary producing industries.  3. FINANCE. Finance Trough all Government agencies, for example the Rural Banking Corporation, for purchase and development and the Lands and Survey Department for marginal lands and civilian settlement will be at no more than 3 per cent interest.  4. PRODUCER POOL ACCOUNT. Funds in Producer Pool Accounts will become trust funds, administered by the industry.  5. CO-OPERATIVES. The extension of co-operatives will be encouraged, and all profits made by them will be exempt from company taxation. Profits distributed to the producers, however, will be assessable income in their hands.  6. PRODUCTION INCENTIVES. Any increase in production (measured in stock units per hectare) which is in excess of the average production of the previous three years will be exempt from income tax.  7. LAND DEVELOPMENT. All Crown land, together with Maori land, that is being developed for farming purposes will be under a Corporation to be formed from the present Land Development Branch of the Lands and Survey Department. No land suitable for development and subdivision will be declined for purchase on the pretext of lack of finance. The present policy of land development will be pursued with vigour, and farm units will be made available for settlement as soon as they are physically ready, as was the case with the settlement of ex-servicemen.  8. FARM OWNERSHIP.  (a) Social Credit believes in the principles of private individual ownership of our New Zealand farmland.  (b) For all economical farm units the present loopholes in the Land Aggregation Act that allow company farming or purchase of land by non-farming interests will be closed. A five-year compulsory residence clause will apply to the purchase or lease of all economic farm units.  (c) It will be the objective of a Social Credit Government by reducing and ultimately stabilising costs, to ensure that farm holdings remain economic units from one generation to the next, and thus protect the individual's equity in the land.  9. FARM PURCHASE SCHEME. To make the future purchase of farm units possible for our young farm workers, a New Zealand wide scheme whereby suitable farm units are purchased and set aside for short-term leasing to intending farm owners which will enable them to gain the necessary experience and capital, will be implemented by a Social Credit Government. Interested primary industries or farming organisations would be encouraged to run these or similar schemes with Government assistance and financial help. As they become available bigger farms will be purchased and broken into smaller economic units under this scheme. The basic plan is for:  (a) The setting up in the initial stage of at least 100 such leasehold units each year over a three-year period.  (b) All units to be average economic units.  (c) Lease for 7 years or less at low rental with usual district terms and conditions.  (d) Special low deposit 3 percent interest loans for stock and chattel purchase.  (e) No restriction on who may apply but 5 years farming experience desirable. Applicants will be selected for ballots by the land settlement committee.  (f) On termination of base or sooner applicants would have:  (i) Right of purchase at valuation from commencement date of lease.  (ii) Or the right to eligibility for ballots under the Social Credit land settlement policy for other units of their choice.  10. LAND SETTLEMENT. Greater emphasis will be placed on settlement, as we believe that the most efficient farmer is the owner-occupier. The immediate objective will be to ballot at least 100 units per annum. No restrictions will be placed on who may apply, and from these applicants will be selected those eligible for ballots, as decided by the Land Settlement Committees, with up to 100 percent finance. Values placed on the units being offered for ballot will have due regard to the productive capacity of the unit, and will not be fixed entirely on comparative sales. In order to protect the Crown against possible speculation, settlement units offered for sale within 7 years must be re-offered to the Crown, which will pay due compensation for all improvements effected up to the time of sale.  11. IRRIGATION.  A. The use of finance at administrative cost for the establishment of irrigation schemes will apply.  B. Where irrigation can be shown to offer substantial benefits, farmers will be given the opportunity to establish such a scheme subject to at least 60 per cent of the occupiers accepting a rating charge to cover operating costs.  C. Full engineering, agricultural and economic investigations will be undertaken before any scheme is commenced.  D. Subject to the foregoing conditions, such schemes will be proceeded with immediately men, machines and materials are available.  E. Loan repayments will be at be rate of 1 per cent for the first year, rising yearly by half of 1 per cent until a maximum of 5 per cent per annum is reached.  12. RURAL HOUSING.  - We shall expedite the building of accommodation in country areas and rural towns. (See also Regional Development and Housing.).  - Where a new house is built for occupation by the farmer himself, and the existing house is suitable for occupation by, and is in fact used to house a farm employee, the new house will qualify for initial or spell depredation up to a maximum of $18,000.  13. CAPITAL STOCK. Farmers will be given the right to choose between the present system of standard values for livestock, whereby all stock is trading stock, and a system whereby capital stock is treated as such, and only trading stock is taken into account in arriving at the taxable income. No additional tax will be incurred in making the changeover.  14. DEATH DUTIES. Social Credit believes that farms and small family businesses must be able to be passed on to immediate members of the family without undue hardship. Death duties will be relieved on estates up to $60000 and an additional $30000 duty free when passed on to an immediate member of the family. A further death within a period of seven years will not entail further duties.  15. FARM EMPLOYEES' TAXATION. To encourage farm workers, the same taxation deductions as allowed to farmers will apply that is, maintenance of their own gear and animals, car depreciation, and telephone rental if not paid by the owner.  16. RESERVE ACCOUNTS. All farmers will be given the opportunity to voluntarily establish reserve accounts to cover disaster due to natural phenomena and not otherwise insurable, similar to the Snow Loss Reserve legislation.  17. LAND VALUATION. The present system of land valuation serves no useful purpose other than as a basis for assessing rates, and will therefore be discontinued. (See Local Government, See. 3)  18. SUGAR BEET INDUSTRY. The establishment of a sugar beet industry in New Zealand will be investigated by a Social Credit Government.  19. FARM ADVISORY SERVICES. The Farm Improvement Club concept of advisory services will be fostered and assisted.  20. STOCK DISEASE CONTROL. The skills of fully qualified veterinarians must at all times be utilised to the full in the sphere of disease prevention and control.  21. PREVENTION OF IMPORTED DISEASES. All goods entering New Zealand will be thoroughly inspected at their place of entry. To this end all inspection facilities will be constantly upgraded at our ports and airports.  22. NOXIOUS WEEDS. New Zealand cannot afford the continuing loss of private and public land to noxious weeds. Eradication, or at least control, will be pursued with the utmost vigour on all land, whether publicly or privately owned. Where private individuals cannot stand the cost of this, the finance will be made available interest-free as a charge against the property.  23. RATING. See Local Government.  24. PESTICIDES. See Environment 6(e) and 9.  25. PLANT BREEDING. With the development of hybrids New Zealand faces the risk of sterility in an increasing number of plants. To this end Social Credit will develop pools of original seeds from pure strains of the plants. Hybrids can be developed from these.  26. ENERGY FARMING. A scheme to produce sufficient fuel alcohol to reduce oil imports by 20% will be vigorously undertaken. To fulfil this goal there will be needed.  (a) Extensive annual plantings of energy-rich crops.  (b) Energy-processing plants situated in rural towns within easy access to keep to the minimum the transport costs of these bulky materials.  27. BEE-KEEPING INDUSTRY. Incentive will be given to the honey industry to realize its full potential both in the internal and export markets.  (a) Loans to Beekeepers. Loans at not more than 3% interest will be available for purchase or development purposes.  (b) Beekeepers' Co-operatives. These will be formed for the extraction and packing of honey and qualify for not more than 3% loans.  (c) Planting of Pollen and Nectar Producing Trees. Not more than 3% interest loans will be available to farmers to cover the cost 0 establishing stands of trees recognized for their pollen and nectar production.  28. GAME BIRD FARMING. Licences will be granted to commercial growers for farming pheasants and grouse.  Broadcasting.  1. TV/RADIO CORPORATIONS. Government and broadcasting authorities must face up to the fact that the B.C.N.Z. is a public service and as such has a responsibility to ensure that New Zealand viewers are protected from cheap commercialism in programming. Indeed, the public is entitled to expect from such a service programmes with flair, style and imagination that reflect the diversity of this country and its people. What N.Z. viewers deserve is a television corporation with the resources to provide real, complementary viewing and competition. The present two-channel system provides neither. What we do have is wasteful duplication, and uneconomic use of resources. Urgent steps need to be taken to place the television industry on a rational basis, such as that operated by the B.B.C., hence enabling it to support art groups, regional and community activities such as orchestras and promote a greater degree of local content in programming.  (a) The Broadcasting Council will be divided into (a) one Television Corporation charged with the operation of two complementary channels, and  (b) A Radio Corporation to administer radio broadcasting. A charter will be drafted for both corporations (safeguarded from political interference).  (c) Attention will be given to developing regional television along the lines begun by the old N.Z.B.C. but discontinued.  (d) Educational television will be established  2. BROADCASTING TIME ALLOCATION. Provision will be made in the Broadcasting Act for a regular allocation of time on radio and television to any group wishing to express new ideas and/or solutions to topical problems.  3. RIGHT OF APPEAL. Any society, person or persons alleging biased or unfair treatment in the allocation of radio or television time will have a right of appeal to the Administrative Division of The Supreme Court.  4. ADVERTISING CODE. Social Credit will establish an Advertising Code of ethics.  5. LOW-POWER COMMUNITY RADIO STATIONS. Social Credit will encourage the development of low power community radio stations with a warrant for 10 years subject to renewal following evidence of ample local support and adherence to recognized standards of presentation and transmission.  6. PRIVATE RADIO STATIONS. Private radio stations will have renewable 10-year licences with a cancellation clause for improper operation. Any licences forfeited would be operated by the Radio Corporation until an application for re-issue to a private or community organization was approved by the Minister.  7. F.M. TRANSMISSION. Licences will be granted under the same conditions as for private radio stations.  8. PENSIONERS' LICENCE FEES. Those in receipt of age or 100 percent disability pensions will be exempted from the purchase of a television receiving licence.  9. EXTERNAL BROADCASTS. Radio N.Z. will be increased in power to permit the presentation of N.Z. to all countries bordering the Pacific Basin, and the adequacy of this single service will be examined in the light of N.Z.'s developing interests in the U.S.A. and in South East Asia. A Social Credit Government will introduce a joint Defence and Foreign Affairs policy (look up) by pursuing an over-riding objective of humanitarianism and of peace in the world community.  1. TRADE AND AID. Trade and aid will be regarded as the most effective defence weapons, we will promote a bilateral trading policy with nations of the Pacific Basin using a system of reciprocal credits, the cornerstone of a new New Zealand international approach.  2. RE-STYLED NEW ZEALAND ARMED SERVICES. In defence policy, Social Credit will develop the concept of 'responsible neutrality' by undertaking a gradual transition of roles in the scope and function of our present New Zealand Armed Services. This will mean major changes in the existing shape and purpose of the Army, Navy and Air Force.  3. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL. Administrative control of the re-styled New Zealand Defence Services will be vested in the present New Zealand Defence Council, which includes as voting members the Minister of Defence and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and which has the authority to appoint other associate members. The Defence Council will over-see the actual transition programme, and will itself undergo change in both composition and function as the transition proceeds.  4. RE-DEPLOYMENT TRUST. During the transition of roles, a special Redeployment Trust will be established to oversee retraining and re-employment of current personnel of the New Zealand Armed Services. Priority in enlistment will be given to current personnel; and for those servicemen wishing to opt out, the Trust will be charged with assisting them in finding equivalent income-earning positions in civilian life.  NEW ZEALAND ARMY. The New Zealand Army will be remodelled and will be composed of and contribute to the following units and programmes:  (a) New Zealand International Peacekeeping Unit (as a contributory to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force).  (b) Home Defence Unit (to ensure the retention of valid New Zealand based defence strategies).  (c) New Zealand Civil Defence Organization.  (d) New Zealand Emergency Relief Force.  (e) Search and Rescue.  (f) Mutual assistance programmes in the South Pacific.  6. NEW ZEALAND NAVY. The New Zealand Navy will be remodelled. As the present force of frigates is phased out through obsolescence it will be replaced by a force of high-speed ocean-going patrol boats, e.g. Hamilton class. Their main role will be search and rescue, fisheries protection, and such police actions as are necessary. The service shall include a suitable supply ship for Scott Base and our island meteorological stations. The hydrographic branch of the existing navy shall become a branch of the service, and a modern and adequately equipped hydrographic survey vessel shall be maintained. Such auxiliary and training vessels, dockyards and shore bases as are necessary shall be retained from existing navy facilities. A New Zealand Volunteer Coastguard Service shall be formed from the present Royal New Zealand Navy Volunteer Reserve and the existing Volunteer Coastguard organizations, and shall bear the same relationship to the New Zealand Coastguard Service as the RNZNVR presently bears to the RNZN. The existing Sea Cadet Corps of the New Zealand Cadet Forces shall form the basis of the New Zealand Coastguard Cadet Auxiliary, which shall essentially provide coastguard training for youth.  7. NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE. The emphasis will be on search and rescue, fisheries protection, emergency transport and civil defence work. Accordingly, greater emphasis would be given to the purchase of suitable helicopters, SAR flying boats, and STOL transport aircraft. A New Zealand Volunteer Air Force would be formed on a similar bask to the defunct Territorial Air Force, and the existing Air Training Corps of the New Zealand Cadet Forces shall form the basis of the New Zealand Civil Air Patrol Cadet Auxiliary.  8. MUTUAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMES. Peaceful, civilian-based assistance programmes through the various units of the re-styled Services, will be maintained and where appropriate, extended. The South Pacific will be the priority region of operation for this work.  9. EMERGENCY RELIEF FORCE. A special Emergency Relief Force, on permanent alert, and drawing its equipment and personnel from the armed services and civilian volunteers, will be established. In cases of disaster in the Pacific region (such as earthquake, flood or hurricane) the unit would be flown in immediately, as an expression of New Zealand's concern to help in a tangible way.  10. NEW ZEALAND CIVIL DEFENCE ORGANIZATION.  (a) Recent history has highlighted the vital nature of the role to be played by the Civil Defence Organization. In order to strengthen the organization and efficiency of the service, it will be incorporated into the restyled defence service as an independent unit, supported in particular by the army and air force. The new Civil Defence Unit would be responsible for regional planning and administration, but would continue to rely on community volunteers for manpower.  (b) Secondary schools will be encouraged to establish school civil defence units as part of their extra subject programmes.  11. NUCLEAR SHIPS. A Social Credit Government will not permit the entry of any armed nuclear warships into New Zealand ports or harbours.  12. NEW ZEALAND LABORATORY OF PEACEFUL MILITARY SCIENCE. An (urgent) investigation will be conducted into the worthwhileness of a New Zealand Laboratory of Peaceful Military Science. Such a laboratory would research into means of 'neutralizing' the more potent chemical and biological weapons that have been developed, and other similar projects.  13. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. Training equipment and conditions of service would be of a high standard, and would equate with those in the equivalent civilian occupations and industries. Accommodation and redesigned uniforms would be provided on a similar basis to the present system. Attractive end-of-service grants would be provided as at present. The three services would still be armed services, but their primary role would be civil service. Top priority will be as follows in:  (a) Salaries.  (b) Living conditions.  (a) Qualifications transferability to civilian occupations.  (b) Educational facilities.  (c) Personal servicemen's liberties.  Social Credit policy is based on a firm philosophy: not the socialist concept of "state" or the capitalist abstraction "business", and the education of students for the big economic machine, but an education based on developing the individual student's creativeness and uniqueness. We will promote a national rather then state system of education in which variety and diversity of educational establishments will be fostered, a system which welcomes adequately-evaluated experimentation. We regard the trend towards a monolithic state system and the policy of absorbing every independent school into it as both extremely unfortunate and politically dangerous. We believe in the "participant" society at all levels and will educate people not only to develop their own potential to the fullest but to co-operate fully with others. Therefore, we will foster the development of the wholesome family unit and a sense of community. This calls for a greater involvement of the public in education at the local level and also an opening-up of all educational institutions to them.  Our policy is designed to promote the following:  (i) Religious and racial tolerance, understanding and respect: we must educate for a multi-racial society and for cultural diversity.  (ii) Decentralization of administration, authority and responsibility.  (iii) Equality of opportunity for all.  (iv) Education of the whole person: education is to be seen as a humanizing force, we must educate for all-round development and not for the production of computer digits. People should achieve satisfaction from their education and be able to adapt to changing circumstances. Thus there should be a greater emphasis on education for self-development, social conscience and for meaning and purpose, in an age of rapid change.  (v) Education in social skills and interpersonal relationships.  (vi) Continuing education from infancy to old age.  (vii) Education for living and the future, as well as for training in essential skills.  WHERE'S THE MONEY COMING FROM? Social Credit holds education next in importance to monetary reform. We shall substantially increase the proportion of national resources allocated to education. Top priority will be given to upgrading state schools but no Government can do this effectively unless it halts inflation. The massive increasing of taxation or raising of internal loans are no answer for both will only increase costs and prices. In the last few years inflation has completely outstripped the increase in education expenditure. Therefore Social Credit will:  a. accord education a higher priority in budget expenditure.  b. stabilize costs in the community and halt erosion of grants.  c. reduce debt servicing.  d. increase the money supply in proper balance with production.  e. use public credit where appropriate.  f. hire out school facilities.  g. give incentives for business sponsorships and  h. improve administrative efficiency.  1. TEACHERS. We will focus our attention on three major areas in order to improve the quality of teaching: (i) the recognition of teachers as professionals rather than as state servants (ii) teacher-training and the need for adequate provision of in-service courses to aid teachers in keeping abreast of rapid changes in curricula (iii) specialist services.  - STATUS. A Social Credit Government will wake possible the attempts of the teaching profession to achieve true professional status by granting it the right, by register, to determine who shall be eligible to enter and by a code of ethics, to decide who shall be deregistered, provided that a right of appeal shall be established.  - FEDERATION. We shall establish a New Zealand Teachers' Federation (not union) with suitable safeguards for minority groups and viewpoints and residual powers for the various federated bodies, including student teacher bodies, so they retain their identity.  - SALARIES. We shall negotiate immediately with bodies representative of the profession salary scales acceptable to the profession, the community and the Government, in tune with an order of priorities in education itself, but always mindful of the place that education holds in the Social Credit concept of the priorities of government.  - TEACHER'S CERTIFICATE. A trained teacher's certificate will be accorded a higher qualification status in salary scales.  - BOOK ALLOWANCES. The purchase of books used in one's trade or profession will be re-instituted as deductible for income tax purposes.  - LOANS FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL. We shall make available, under certain conditions, suspensory loans to teachers for the purpose of travel, exchange or study overseas.  - SABBATICAL LEAVE. We shall, in addition to (f) above, introduce a system of sabbatical leave whereby teachers will be granted leave of absence, without loss of privileges, to either study or travel internally or overseas. Some account of the activity undertaken will be required. Initially the scheme will consist of 2.2 weeks per year of teaching, to be taken after twelve years on full pay. We look forward to the time when finance will allow a year's leave on full pay after five years' service. Similar schemes will also be worked out for members of Teachers' Training College staffs, and for senior as well as less senior officers of the Department who would be likely to benefit.  - ANCILLARY STAFFING. With the introduction of new curricula and the increasing demands made upon teachers there arises the need for more ancillary assistance. Social Credit will look at three areas in particular:  (i) Clerical assistance will be extended to all schools and by an increase in hours.  (ii) Teacher aides will be provided on an extended priority basis, with special attention being given to audio-visual aid centres.  (iii) Library assistants will be provided on an extended priority basis.  SPECIALIST SERVICES. EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS: Services of educational psychologists to disturbed children and their equally disorientated families are hopelessly fragmented and quite inadequate. A Social Credit Government would appoint such personnel on a ratio of 1:6000 as recommended by the World Health Organization. We will also upgrade the service generally, including the provision of social workers to carry out preliminary and follow up work.  GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS: One guidance counsellor will be appointed for every 400 students in both secondary and intermediate schools with eventual appointment to elementary schools.  VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE OFFICERS: For the appointment of Vocational Guidance Officers a Social Credit Government will draw upon the skills of trade, farming and professional people as well as graduates. We will extend vocational guidance services especially in rural areas and special attention will be given to the training of ethnic minorities.  SPEECH THERAPY: We will expand the facilities in speech therapy.  VISITING TEACHERS: The visiting teacher service will be expanded on the basis of one per secondary school and contributing primary and intermediate school.  STAFFING AND SMALLER CLASSES. Our immediate target in relation to class sizes is no more than 20 pupils in sixth forms, 30 in lower forms, and 20 in primary schools We are opposed to the unethical practice of recruiting teachers from other countries.  REGIONAL TEACHING CENTRES. Social Credit will establish regional teaching centres which will enable the bringing together of teachers and staff of varied educational agencies to work together on the research and development of curricula and the distribution of information and materials. Such centres, which could be associated with Teachers' Colleges where appropriate, would also assist with in-service training of teachers.  APPOINTMENTS. The limited tenure system for teacher appointments will be abolished.  TEACHER TRAINING. We favour a close link between Teachers' Colleges and Universities as exemplified in the Schools of Education concept at Waikato and Massey campuses (without loss of autonomy) leading to a degree in education, as well as allowing the option of a post-graduate course. We envisage in the not too distant future, every teacher holding a degree or diploma of one sort or another. We envisage these Schools of Education developing into true Colleges of Education which would be more multi-purpose, catering for all levels in the system, as well as meeting the need of the people in the community who have teaching responsibilities, i.e. evening class tutors, music teachers.  (a) TUTOR/STUDENT RATIO. A Social Credit Government will work towards a 1:15 ratio of tutor/student at Teachers' Colleges and thereafter 1:12.  (b) SUMMER COURSES. We shall promote the holding of summer courses at universities and Colleges of Education where teachers can gain credits for diplomas and degrees.  (c) CROSS-CREDITING. We shall facilitate the cross-crediting towards degrees and diplomas of work done in various types of continuing education courses such as university extension courses and technical institutes.  (d) EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS will be paid salaries comparable to and competitive with those of primary teachers, and where possible trained under the same conditions as primary teachers. This would upgrade the service generally and provide more career opportunities.  (e) RETURN TO SCHOOLS. We advocate that after five years' service Teachers' College lecturers return to secondary and primary schools for one-year teaching periods and Technical Institute teachers return to industry for the same period. Likewise we would like to see more visiting lectureships offered by Teacher Colleges.  (f) SPECIAL EDUCATION. Full-time courses will be offered for those wishing to enter fields of special education such as slow learners or adult education.  (g) RESEARCH. Teachers' Colleges will be provided with sufficient resources for research to enable them to evaluate their programmes effectively and explore new learning and teaching approaches.  (h) IN-SERVICE: The number of in-service courses available needs to be increased and the type of courses varied to cater more for the classroom teacher as well as those in responsibility positions. We will investigate making more time available for on campus training and encourage, especially, staff training programmes in all technical institutes. We advocate close liaison between Teachers' Colleges and school in all subject areas, the building of another residential complex, and more emphasis on short, regional teacher training courses.  IMMIGRANT TEACHERS will be required, where necessary, to undergo a period of reorientation training before assuming duties in this country.  BONDING. Bonding of student teachers will be discontinued and replaced with an incentive payment after several years' teaching.  SALARIES. Remuneration for teachers in training will no longer be regarded as allowances, but will be considered as salaries, automatically coming under the Remuneration Act.  3. SCHOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AMENITIES. Social Credit sees schools as professional units which will generally assume a greater responsibility for their own functioning, within national guidelines. Our general policy towards schools will be to promote greater freedom and flexibility for experimentation and the implementation of innovative programmes, a greater degree of interaction with the home and community, the fostering of the school as a community learning centre, and a more liberal programme to reduce equalities between cultures and sexes. We realize that conversion of schools to full community use is a costly exercise and therefore needs consultation and planning at the outset. Our policy towards building programmes will be to gain the maximum flexibility in design and a greater degree of local decision-making and responsibility which will reflect the particular needs of individual schools, new teaching methods and curriculum development. All substandard buildings should be gradually replaced for we do not favour prefabricated classrooms as substitutes for permanent buildings. Schools are becoming too large and depersonalized. It is time Government placed a figure on maximum growth, and seriously looked at alternatives.  SUMMER SCHOOLS. We shall introduce on an experimental basis Summer Schools for the general public, thus making fuller use of our colleges, many of which have splendid grounds, swimming and recreational facilities, halls, equipment, libraries and accommodation, all of which lies idle for much of the year.  USE OF THE MEDIA.  (i) We are anxious to see immediate use made of television and a greater use of radio as a means of both classroom instruction and adult education. Towards this end we shall co-opt the skills of those in the radio production to produce educational films. Regional programmes and trial broadcasts will be encouraged.  (H) REGIONAL VIDEO-TAPE AND AUDIO VISUAL LIBRARIES will be established, centred on the Regional Teaching Centres. Availability of videotapes will be negotiated with both TV channels.  (iii) VIDEOTAPE RECORDERS: We shall immediately subsidise the provision of videotape recorders to all schools over 800 and thereafter to all other schools provided that skilled operation and training for effective usage is guaranteed.  BUILDINGS.  - ASSEMBLY HALLS AND GYMNASIA: We are well aware of the need for assembly halls and gymnasia at a number of our larger schools and colleges, particularly in rural areas where we envisage such halls and their adjacent schools as becoming centres of community activity to a far greater degree than at present. Care will be taken in the design of these halls to ensure they are suitable for drama, speech and related work.  - New schools will be specifically designed for community usage.  - Local authorities will be encouraged to place community facilities in or adjacent to schools or public parks  SIZE OF SCHOOLS. The maximum size for primary and intermediate schools will be approximately 500 students and for secondary schools, 800-900 students.  SCHOOL LUNCHES. Social Credit will support a school lunch scheme to provide cheap, wholesome and attractive midday meals to children, with the aid of ancillary staff and adequate facilities.  AGE LIMIT. There will be no limit on the age at which a person may study at secondary school. A Social Credit Government will institute a system of 14 years' free education, the right of every citizen, to be taken consecutively to 14 years of age, with a maximum of five years to be taken at any time after that.  BULK PURCHASE OF TEACHING AIDS AND BOOKS. Where appropriate, a Social Credit Government will negotiate the bulk purchase of textbooks and teaching aids. Where it is economic to do so we shall contract with local manufacturers to produce them or, alternatively, the Department itself will produce them.  4. EXAMINATIONS.  a) INTERNAL ASSESSMENT. A Social Credit Government will support the efforts of educationalists in steps taken towards a greater use of internal assessment.  b) SCHOOL CERTIFICATE AND CERTIFICATE OF ATTAINMENT. We are concerned about the limitations of the present School Certificate examination and the intense but narrow field of preparation it demands of candidates. Far too much of the education given our young people is narrow and aims at specialization too soon. It also labels students as failures. We shall institute a syllabus that fits a person out for life and living as well as for earning a living, one that offers some attainable target for every student. Therefore we will issue to each student at the conclusion of his formal education a Certificate of Attainment. This certificate will be a concise record of the particular subjects taken and his achievement in them plus an account of his cultural, social, aesthetic, athletic and other contributions to the school community. Such a certificate would apply to leavers in both fourth forms and fifth forms. The present School Certificate will be modified to include both an external examination and internal assessment. There will also be research on alternative methods of external assessment other than by examination.  c) UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE. We shall phase in a new system of entrance to university based on the spending of two years above the fifth form. Over these two years credit passes may be gained towards graduation from school and entrance to university.  d) TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. We favour a greater degree of flexibility of entry to other tertiary institutions which are more vocation orientated, i.e. Technical Institutes and Teachers' Colleges. In the latter, for example, fluent Maori speakers with a solid knowledge of Maoritanga may gain access without having gained university entrance first.  e) EXAMINATION BOARD. We shall bring all external examinations under the control of one representative Examinations Board.  5. CURRICULA  (a) DIVERSIFICATION AND EXPERIMENTATION. We support the principle of diversification and experimentation in curricula at both regional and local levels to help make learning more relevant and meaningful. Our aim will be good, general education rather than early specialization.  (b) ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES. A Social Credit Government will introduce a planned course of instruction in Human Ecology and Environmental Studies in primary and secondary schools.  (c) INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT. The opportunity will be given for students from primary through secondary schools to take courses in human development and interpersonal relationships, such courses to work in closely with the home and parents and suit local circumstances.  (d) OUTDOOR EDUCATION. Social Credit will foster outdoor education programmes to encourage self-reliance, development of community responsibility, environmental needs and potential, and development of a wider experience of life.  (e) POLYNESIAN STUDIES. We will introduce Polynesian Studies as a subject for School Certificate.  6. ADMINISTRATION.  a) UNDER-SECRETARIES TO THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION. A Social Credit Government will appoint three Under-Secretaries to the Minister of Education to assist with three very important and distinct aspects of the growing field of education, namely: Special Educational Needs, University Education, and Vocational Training. The first of these will have the task and duty of providing the means whereby all pupils in our schools coming within the category of hose having Special Educational Needs will be able to attain the same levels of achievement as other children. The second will have the distinct task of aiding our universities in their efforts to perfect their standards of excellence in both the scientific and academic fields so that the avid demands of the age of automation will at all times be met. The third will be involved in promoting vocational training and the affairs of Technical Institutes, a work of growing importance to the economy of this country.  b) DECENTRALIZATION OF ADMINISTRATION. In keeping with our general political and economic philosophy we will take immediate steps to decentralize administration within the Education Department. (See for example, the policy on school buildings or the administration of technical institutes). Education Boards will be given the necessary authority to administer funds, following initial allocation. We will create a Northland Education Board.  c) SCHOOL BOARDS AND COMMITTEES. A Social Credit Government would favour locally-elected school boards and committees to administer individual schools and is opposed to any concept which deprives parents and other interested persons of such a democratic right and privilege.  d) ELECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES. To encourage more community involvement we support the election of school committees on an annual basis with built-in safeguards for continuity.  e) SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS. We do not wish to see these two bodies amalgamated. They perform two equally necessary but distinct functions. We shall seek to draw a clear line between the functions of the two and to devise a scheme acceptable to both whereby each is represented on the other. We particularly favour the concept of a classroom Parent-Teacher relationship.  f) STUDENT-TEACHER CO-OPERATION. Social Credit will foster greater co-operation between students and teachers in the determination of the curriculum, discipline and general administration of schools.  7. THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS. Social Credit welcomes educational experimentation and individual enterprise among those who wish to establish independent and alternative schools of various types, and believes that Government has a responsibility to so control the economy that all forms of education can flourish in a truly "national" system to the enrichment of all. Social Credit also upholds the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights which stipulates that "Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children". However, we note that under the present economic conditions such freedom of choice is increasingly being denied largely as a result of rising costs because many parents can now ill-afford to send their children to the school of their choice. Present trends and government economic policies will undoubtedly foster elitist schools. Until the economy is brought under control Social Credit will provide just as much assistance as is necessary in order to keep independent schools viable.  (a) EDUCATION BENEFIT. We will replace all state aid with an education benefit or grant equal to a negotiated proportion of the annual cost of educating a child in the state system, provided that the controlling bodies of such independent schools agree to being taxed at company rates for all income currently exempted on education, charitable or religious grounds. Only schools recognized by the Department of Education would be entitled to such assistance.  (b) INTEGRATION. Social Credit is opposed to monopolies, whether in education or in industry. Any forced trend towards a monolithic state system of education and the absorption of every independent school into it would be politically dangerous. If, because of economic conditions or other factors, independent schools find it more attractive to integrate with the state system it should be on a voluntary basis, and the special character of the schools involved must be preserved. Integration should not be a condition for state assistance.  (c) LAY TEACHERS. All positions for lay teachers in the independent schools will be advertised in the Education Gazette as they become available.  (d) SUPERANNUATION AND GRADING. Superannuation and grading rights of teachers in the service of the independent schools will be protected.  (e) TEACHER APPOINTMENT. There will be liaison between the Education Authorities and the relevant independent school Authority in the appointment of suitable teachers.  (f) BOARDS OF GOVERNORS AND SCHOOL COMMITTEES. A Social Credit Government will require the establishment of a Board of Governors for each independent secondary school, and School Committees for the independent primary schools.  (g) FREE FLOW AND PROMOTION OF TEACHERS. We would require reasonable facility to permit the free reciprocal flow of teachers between the independent schools and the state schools. This is essential in order to provide for adequate promotion for any lay teacher, and it would widen the appreciation by one system of the other.  (h) RATE OF INCREASE OF STAFF. Simultaneously with the giving of the Education Benefit, a Social Credit Government will regulate the rate of increase of staff in the independent schools.  (i) ACCOUNTING MACHINERY. We shall require independent schools to adopt standardised accounting methods in order to ensure the correct allocation of all public monies paid to these schools.  (j) RATE OF ADJUSTMENT. The amount of the Education Benefit will be subject to adjustment in relation to a general rise in the cost of state education.  8. POLYNESIAN EDUCATION.  (a) UNDER-SECRETARY. The Under-Secretary for special Educational Needs will deal with all aspects of Polynesian education.  (b) TEACHERS' TRAINING COLLEGE LECTURESHIPS. We will invite applications from the ranks of qualified Maori teachers to fill lectureships at all Teachers' Training Colleges wherein their special responsibility will be to provide all teacher trainees with a composite course dealing with Maori history, languages, lore and customs, and the problems confronting the modern urban Maori, so that an enlightened teaching force can bring about through the schools the appropriate community awareness, attitudes and solutions to these problms with a pluralistic society.  (c) MAORI TUTORS. We will after the academic criteria to allow fluent Maori speakers with a solid knowledge of Maoritanga to tutor in Teachers' Colleges and secondary schools.  (d) IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR MULTI CULTURAL SITUATIONS. Where there is a considerable multi-cultural school population we will foster in-service courses, either within the school or on a nearby marae. Such courses will include adult education on such matters as house financing, budgeting.  (e) RECEPTION CLASSES FOR IMMIGRANTS. Where warranted we will establish reception classes for new entrants to New Zealand on New Zealand life, language and culture as well as providing for the retraining of immigrant teachers now in New Zealand.  (f) IMMIGRANT TEACHERS. Immigrant teachers, where necessary, will be required to undergo a period of reorientation training before assuming duties in this country.  (g) LANGUAGE RESOURCES UNIT. Social Credit will establish a language resource unit to produce teaching materials suitable for multi-cultural situations. This could be a particular function of Regional Teaching Centres.  (h) COMMUNITY CENTRES. We will support the use of community centres for early childhood education among Polynesian and immigrant peoples.  (i) POLYNESIAN STUDIES. We will introduce Polynesian Studies as a subject for School Certificate.  (j) MAORI EDUCATION FOUNDATION. We will provide generous financial assistance to the Maori Education Foundation to promote self-help.  (k) EDUCATION GRANTS. Specific additional grants will be made for the education of pupils from depressed urban environments.  (l) LEARNING MAORI. Every New-Zealand schoolchild will be given the opportunity of learning both Maori and English.  (m) SCHOLARSHIPS. Social Credit will provide additional scholarships to private Maori schools.  (n) VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE. Special vocational guidance officers will be appointed. By liaison with schools and parents they will advise all Maori school leavers and where possible direct them into skilled occupations requiring further training.  (o) PRE-VOCATIONAL COURSES. Orientation courses for Maori youths moving to the cities will be extended. Prevocational courses at technical institutes will be available for all Maori youths who could benefit.  9. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION. We see the greatest needs of early childhood education as the expansion of facilities and competently trained staffs. We favour a combination of hate and independent school education, variety not uniformity. And we believe early education must be made available to all. A Social Credit government will enter into negotiations with the executive representatives of the movement, to assess and then to provide its just educational needs, including continuing education for teachers.  (a) SALARIES AND TRAINING. Early childhood teachers will be paid salaries comparable to and competitive with those of primary teachers and, where possible, will be trained under the same conditions as primary school teachers. This would upgrade the service generally and provide more career opportunities.  (b) USE OF COMMUNITY CENTRES. We favour a fuller use of community centres for parent-child education. Where facilities are not adequate we will help with the provision of such things as parent-centre rooms, crèches, libraries especially in new housing areas or areas of special need.  (c) STAFF/CHILD RATIOS. We will negotiate with the different bodies realistic staff/child ratios (40 is far too many. We suggest 120).  (d) PLAY CENTRES. Play centres will be given annual grants on a per capital basis equal to kindergarten for equipment and running costs.  (e) LIAISON WITH SCHOOLS. To encourage close liaison with parents and schools, early childhood centres should be established in the grounds of primary, intermediate or secondary schools as separate entities.  (f) CHILD CARE CENTRES. We will encourage factories and shopping centres to set up child care centres adjacent to or on their premises.  (g) KINDERGARTEN EQUIPMENT. We will also encourage the use of kindergarten equipment during holiday periods.  10. UNIVERSITY EDUCATION. We believe that a university should fulfil two major functions. The first is to provide facilities for specialised education which will equip students to enter the community highly trained in particular subjects of their choice. In this respect we will foster more liaison between universities, secondary schools, technical institutes and commerce. The second purpose is to provide an opportunity for learning for its own sake, in order to establish an atmosphere and provide conditions congenial for research and the pursuit of knowledge. We further believe that universities should play a greater part in community and continuing education.  (a) UNDER-SECRETARY. We will appoint to the Minister of Education an Under-Secretary for University Education.  SALARIES. We will raise academic staff salaries substantially in themselves and within the income structure of the community.  (c) STUDENT BURSARIES. Every full-time student at university and technical institute, who has the appropriate qualifications which render him/her eligible for entry into those institutions, will receive annually renewable bursaries which will be sufficient to cover boarding allowance fees and other basic costs. The only condition is that satisfactory progress be made and the required number of courses passed. The bursaries would be automatically adjusted each year in terms of rises in the cost of living.  (d) OPEN UNIVERSITY. An open university, similar to the English one, will be instituted to provide wider opportunity for continuing education.  (e) ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES. A degree course in environmental studies and human ecology will be established in New Zealand universities.  (f) ENVIRONMENTAL LAW. Environmental law will be part of legal studies at universities.  (g) INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. Courses in industrial relations will be included in any management study programmes at New Zealand universities.  (h) CHAIR OF AQUACULTURE. A Social Credit Government will establish a Chair of Aquaculture at a selected New Zealand university and encourage and extend the aquatic research facilities in this country.  11. APPLIED RESEARCH. In our rapidly growing technological society the need for planned and co-ordinated research (see Scientific Research) is becoming more and more vital. Social Credit places considerable emphasis on research throughout its manifesto and will initiate applied research by local authorities, government departments, technical institutes, universities, colleges and schools, voluntary agencies and others, into social and recreational programmes, social development plans for new housing areas, city centre social patterns, cultural amenities and additions to educational curricula. Specific policy areas include the environment (non-pollutant research and research into recycling of wastes), housing (user research on all new building development), health (research into curative methods not requiring drug use, e.g. hypnotherapy, acupuncture).  12. VOCATIONAL TRAINING, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, POLYTECHNICS. Tertiary education, and especially that of technical institutes, has been growing at a tremendous pace in recent years, yet increasing needs and demands for changes in administration, course structures and improved quality are not being met. In an age of increasing technology the work of technical institutes should be expanded and their status and quality elevated They should receive a greater degree of recognition and support from Government. No longer should we tolerate institutes having an image of being "poor relations" to the universities. We wish to train our own technologists in depth for New Zealand's immediate and future needs, instead of being continually reliant on overseas "experts".  (a) UNDER-SECRETARY. Social Credit will appoint to the Minister of Education an Under-Secretary responsible for Vocational Training.  (b) AUTONOMY. Social Credit believes the technical institutes are linked too closely to the Department. In order to strengthen their course structure and meet more adequately the needs of local industry they must be freer to determine their own future, similar to that of the universities. Each institute should have its own governing board. We will grant greater freedom to the locally elected Boards of each institute:  - to experiment, within accepted financial limits, with alternative ways of carrying out particular programmes.  - to expand full-time courses where these are felt necessary, after approaches have been made to local industries to ascertain their precise needs.  - to exercise financial decision-making (with block grants rather than the present "tagged" ones).  - to devise their own courses and examinations as alternative means of satisfying certificate requirements.  (c) UNIVERSITY STATUS. In order to elevate the work of the institutes to university level we will  - immediately extend their work to the equivalent of Stage 1 level at university.  - broaden the case of tertiary education and move towards degree-granting status to cover a range of professionally and vocationally oriented courses in such practical areas as journalism, television, computer studies, applied geography. We see little reason too why the universities should not recognize present advanced qualifications from technical institutes as bases for proceeding to higher degrees in the smaller centres the Community Colleges could move towards Stage 1 status.  (d) INDIGENOUS INDUSTRY. We will establish area technical institutes centred on indigenous regional industry, e.g. at Rotorua, entered on the timber industry. We recommend that the A.T.I. should centre its activities on production engineering, food and catering and hotel management.  (e) SCHOOL OF FISHING. A school of fishing will be established at a selected technical institute for the trade training of people wishing to enter the fishing industry.  (f) VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE OFFICERS. We will extend vocational guidance services, especially in rural areas, and special attention will be given to the training of ethnic minorities.  (g) CROSS-CREDITING. We shall facilitate the cross-crediting of work done in technical institutes towards university degrees and diplomas.  (a) BURSARIES (See University Education 10 (c).  (b) TUTOR RE-ENTRY TO INDUSTRY. We advocate that after five years' service technical institute tutors return to industry for a one-year period.  (c) TRAINING INDUSTRIAL PERSONNEL. Top priority will be given to training key personnel in industry e.g. overseers, foremen. These courses will teach skills the jobs require.  13. CONTINUING EDUCATION. We believe the individual's education, in its widest sense, should be able to continue throughout life, and that opportunities should be provided whereby a person may choose with greater flexibility the path he wishes to follow. We applaud the programmes now in operation or being planned at Mangere, Rutherford High, Aroere College and Wellington High School, but note that continuing education is not to be seen just in terms of institutionalised education. A number of points have already been made on continuing education. For example, the alteration to the school leaving age, various teacher training programmes and work in the technical institutes.  (a) RETIRED PEOPLE. Courses will be offered for retired people during vacation periods, to offer intellectual stimulation and help them adapt to rapid social change.  (b) EDUCATION SHOPS. Education shops will be established in major shopping centres on an experimental basis. These will provide model lessons, a display of the latest educational material, appropriate textbooks for home use and opportunity for asking questions and making suggestions. Such shops will be a major step forward in taking education to the people.  (c) ADULT FACILITIES. Social Credit wil provide adequate facilities for adults attending secondary schools.  (d) TRAINING IN ADULT EDUCATION. Specialist appointments in the principles and practice of adult education will be made to Teachers' Colleges.  14. RURAL EDUCATION. Social Credit has always been concerned with the run-down of rural services because of the lack of profitability in farming. Restore this profitability and services such as education will become more vital. We will ensure that the education facilities in smaller areas are of the highest standard, and comparable to those of the larger centres.  (a) COUNTRY SERVICE INCENTIVES. Instead of the present salary bar Social Credit will introduce a system of incentive payments to attract teachers to rural areas. These will be on an (A), (B), (C) scale covering degrees of remoteness as the basis for payment:  (A) More than 80 miles from one of the four main centres.  (B) More than 40 miles from a town of over 7000.  (C) More than 15 miles from a town of over 3000  (b) HOUSING. A Social Credit Government will provide additional rental houses for married teachers serving rural areas and flats for single teachers. Rentals will be reasonable and will be reduced on the basis of an (A), (B), (C) scale.  (c) FORM I TO VII SCHOOLS. Social Credit will progressively replace the District High School system with a Form 1 to 7 system.  (d) ADDITIONAL BOARDING ALLOWANCES. In all cases where Boarding Bursaries do not at present apply, we shall pay an accommodation allowance of $12 a week for outback secondary school children who attend a boarding school or board privately.  CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. To satisfy the cultural hunger that causes many people to leave smaller areas, we will make funds available so that groups such as singers, musicians and theatre can visit these areas.  15. SLOW LEARNERS. We recognize that, while the problem of the slow learner exists, the shortest route to its alleviation is an adequate flow of well-trained teachers into our schools. We shall:  - Promote a teacher/pupil ratio of 1 to 18.  - Make available special grants of money to be spent on this problem.  - Establish special salary scales for teachers engaged in this work.  - Foster exploratory prevocational and work experience programmes as an integral part of courses for slow learners.  - Include in all teachers' training programmes a course whereby trainees will be made aware of the existence of slow learners and their particular problems.  - Provide a specific time allowance for every 25 children with learning difficulties to assist classroom teachers and provide individual teaching on a withdrawal basis.  16. SENIOR PUPILS’ BURSARY. Social Credit will supersede the Family Benefit for 15-18 year olds by a senior school pupil's bursary, payable to the students guardian (subject to the continued progress of the recipient at school). (An extension of the standard tertiary bursary but, on the presumption that most school children of this age are better off living at home, we propose a lesser amount paid to parent or guardian on the student's behalf).  17. EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN. Where a school enrols a child classified by the psychological service as being 'exceptional' (physically or mentally handicapped, speech/ language difficulties, high intellectual ability... ) a time allowance will be provided for special education teachers to assist the classroom teacher and provide individual teaching on a withdrawal basis.  Energy. Coal, of which there are known to be vast reserves, must be regarded as one of New Zealand's most valuable non-renewable resources, because of the wealth of mineral by-products which can be developed from it. Since these will be increasingly required in the development of our economy, coal export or its use as a primary fuel will be discouraged. It will be the duty of the Minister of Natural Resources to ensure that the development of electric power from hydro resources will in no way diminish or eliminate the valuable contribution that the continuing sustained yield from the land will provide to the national economy for the years ahead. Efforts must also be made to conserve fishing in dammed rivers. Although small local hydro plants appear to be not as economic as the major schemes, they could be developed to good advantage not only in environmental terms but also for the overall security of New Zealand. In times of national disaster it is very evident that smaller regional schemes prove invaluable in ensuring that essential services are maintained. It is basic Social Credit philosophy that every New Zealander should benefit to an equal extent from our national resources, regardless of his/her situation. As electric powers universally used by everyone, it will be the ultimate aim of a Social Credit Government to have a basic flat rate for a unit of electric power throughout the country, affecting city and rural dwellers alike. The 14/10/76 report of the N.Z. Energy Research and Development Committee states that the most serious energy problem facing New Zealand during the next fifty years will be that of maintaining security of liquid fuel supply. This problem is seen as being of much greater importance than the nuclear power issue. The report goes on to predict failing world supplies of crude oil and dramatic price increases from the 1990's. Social Credit sees the development of indigenous fuels for motor transport as a key economic issue.  1. CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT.  COST- BENEFIT ANALYSIS. Any proposed development and use of natural resources will be subject to a full cost-benefit analysis, including social and environmental costs.  MINES ACT. Legislation will be introduced making the Mines Act subordinate to legislation concerning the environment.  SUB-STRATA REMOVAL. Where natural gas and/or petroleum are removed from sub-strata they must be replaced with suitable materials e.g. water. Mining companies will be required to rehabilitate land during and after mining. (See Environment 37)  LEVEL OF LAKE MANAPOURI. Lake Manapouri will not be raised above the present high water level and every effort will be made to stabilize the water level.  CLUTHA VALLEY. Because it would preserve a greater diversity of land use in the region, Social Credit prefers an alternative low-dam scheme for the Clutha Valley to the high-dam proposal now adopted by Government.  2. NO NUCLEAR FISSION REACTORS. Social Credit opposes the installation in New Zealand of Nuclear Fission Electric power Stations (i.e. thermal and breeder reactors fuelled by uranium, plutonium or thorium) on the following grounds:  - The very high capital cost of building reactors has not been offset, as earlier predicted by a high capacity factor and consequent consistent low-running costs. Furthermore, a number of reactors have been decommissioned long before their power output equalled initial resource input.  - New Zealand has no fuel grade deposits of uranium and she lacks the requisite supporting technology and industry. Reactors would therefore depend very heavily on foreign money, technology and fuel.  - The distances over which fabricated and spent fuel rods would have to be transported would add greatly to the cost and to the risks of handling accidents, sabotage and theft of weapons-grade material.  - New Zealand's unstable surface would significantly increase the possibility of reactor accidents and would add to the risks attending the storage of long-life radioactive wastes. New Zealand's major primary industries (i.e. all food and beverage production) would be most seriously damaged by either sudden accidental or insidiously gradual build-up and distribution of radioactive isotopes in the environment.  - New Zealand has and should develop indigenous power sources sufficient for the foreseeable future. (See also Environment 12 and 13.)  3. OIL. We will ensure that New Zealanders will receive the benefit from any positive results from the exploration for oil at present being carried out. (See Environment 35 and 36.)  4. COAL. It has long been recognized that the use of coal as a premium fuel is a wasteful and uneconomic utilization of one of our most valuable resources. Bearing in mind the requirements of existing industries, both primary and secondary, a Social Credit Government would investigate the establishment of coal utilization plants with the following products in mind:  (a) Nitrogenous manures for our primary industries.  (b) Chemical dyes for our woolen mills.  (c) Light and heavy oils and petroleum.  (d) Metallurgical coke.  (e) Any other by-product essential to industry.  Specialized coal deposits will be conserved for the purposes to which they are most essential. There will be severe limitation on the export of metallurgical coking coal. It will be need urgently for use in New Zealand steel-making, and its availability could finally decide the viability of an expanded heel industry in New Zealand. This severe limitation would apply explicitly but not exclusively to Mt. Davey coal.  5. NATURAL GAS.  (a) EFFICIENT USE OF GAS. Notwithstanding any previous Government agreement, we will use Maui gas as a premium fuel and reduce its use for electricity generation. The conversion losses of around 70 per cent make such use uneconomic. There will be an extension of the projected life of the Maui gas field. At present the intent of the consortium is to have it consumed at the maximum rate regardless of wastage in order to recoup expenditure and make profit. With wise usage and restructuring of the financial base it can last well into the 21st century, thus helping bridge the gap until safe alternative forms of energy are available.  (b) LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS IN MOTOR VEHICLES. Social Credit will encourage the use of L.P.G. in commercial motor vehicles by:  - the supply of natural gas long-term for the industry.  - removal of the "double tax" anomaly. (Drivers of vehicles using part gas part petrol pay the mileage tax levied on users of alternative fuels plus the sales tax on petrol. For the petrol-driven part of their journeys they are paying double tax).  - Interest-free loans for the conversion of commercial vehicles to L.P.G.  - financial assistance to industries installing L.P.G. facilities.  Although New Zealand's known resources of natural gas make the conversion of New Zealand's whole motor fleet impractical, the partial conversion has advantages. We will be less dependent on imported oil, the price of which is likely to become prohibitive. L.P.G. is a clean fuel and its use in urban commercial vehicles will improve urban atmospheric pollution. Once the L.P.G. industry is established, the utilization of further natural gas strikes will be facilitated. The possibility of converting methane produced from non-fossil crops and wastes (e.g. lakeweed) to C.N.G. will be easier to explore.  (c) METHANOL/GASOLINE MIXTURE AS A MOTOR FUEL (See Scientific Research and Forestry 8 (f).  6. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY. A Social Credit Government will guarantee that New Zealand geothermal energy resources will not be owned or controlled by overseas business or entrepreneurs. Every effort will be made for the full use of our geothermal steam, either directly in the industrial process or for the production of electric power. The proposal to divert the Broadlands Geothermal Field to the production of heavy water by overseas interests will be prevented and this energy source will be conserved for the benefit of New Zealanders.  7. ELECTRIC POWER. Forward planning for electricity production will be conducted under the auspices of the ministry of Natural Resources. (See Environment 5.). In deciding the merits, and demerits of individual proposals, a Social Credit Government will favour long-term benefits over short-term financial returns.  (a) ELECTRICITY CORPORATION. A Social Credit Government would convert the Electricity Department into a public corporation.  (b) POWER DISTRIBUTION AUTHORITIES. There will be redefinition of power distribution authorities' role so that they become power conservation and distribution authorities, charged to ensure equitable distribution of energy supplies. The present power pricing structure will be overhauled to provide for reasonable amounts at low rates and increasing rates for excess usage.  (c) PEAK-LOAD POWER. Research into all possible avenues of reducing peak-load power requirements will be intensified by the New Zealand Electricity Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Ministry of Works and the Labour Department; el. staggered working hours, thermal insulation, etc.  (d) LOCAL SCHEMES. Power supply authorities will be encouraged to develop their own power resources where it can be shown that it is economically sound and in the public interest. Industries will be encouraged to establish their own power plants with energy from indigenous sources.  (e) POWER PRODUCTION FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES. Social Credit will encourage greater research by both government and independent bodies into the development and use of alternative energy sources, e.g., solar, wind, wave, tidal, geothermal or any other environmentally sound scheme to harness renewable resources. Grants commensurate with the importance of the development will be made to any individual, company or corporation who discovers or develops any new method of generating electricity from renewable resources.  8. ENERGY CONSERVATION. There will be strong positive policies for energy conservation by education; imaginative campaigns aimed at making the whole community aware of the facts regarding the use and conservation of energy; inclusion of energy conservation and utilization will be part of every educational curriculum.  (a) HIGH ENERGY INPUT RECYCLING. Social Credit will implement the recycling of waste from any product with a high energy input at the manufacturing stage.  (b) ALUMINUM SMELTING. The Comalco contract will be subject to periodic renegotiation relative to economic and ecological conditions at the time, and the use of available resources. Factors to be considered in renegotiation must be:  - regional development in Southland.  - the price of locally produced AI compared with imported AI.  - the energy requirements of N.Z as a whole.  - and the replacement cost of energy consumed by the smelter.  No extension to the metal-smelting industry should proceed unless there are clear economic and social advantages to New Zealand.  (a) TRANSMISSION LOSSES will be minimized by sensible siting of industry and power stations.  (b) DISTRICT HEATING SCHEMES, etc. The use of waste heat in district schemes and the twinning of facilities as e.g. the siting of thermal power stations adjacent to sewage secondary treatment plants so that waste heat can be used to produce fuel for the plant, will be favoured.  (c) NEW TECHNOLOGY. Social Credit will encourage any domestic or industrial installation which will lessen energy consumption or utilize traditional energy resources more efficiently (e.g. solar heading panels, insulation, space-heating, heat pumps).  (d) CONSERVATION OF FUEL OILS by electrification of suburban rail, better public transport, staggered working hours, etc. (See Environment 38 and 41).  (e) MOTIVE POWER FOR MAIN RAIL LINES. Options will be kept open until the best form of puling power is agreed to, be it electric, diesel-electric or steam. Should electric power be decided on, a 15-year plan to electrify the main railway fines in N.Z. will be implemented, consistent with an energy conservation policy at all levels of N.Z society.  9. ENERGY FARMING. A scheme to produce sufficient fuel alcohol to reduce oil imports will be vigorously undertaken. To fulfil this goal there will be needed:  (a) Extensive annual plantings of energy-rich crops.  (b) Energy-processing plants situated in rural towns within easy access to keep to the minimum the transport costs of these bulky materials.  10. PETROL TAX. Sufficient of the present petrol tax will be transferred from the Consolidated Fund to the National Roads Board to promote a progressive programme, and the balance will be devoted to the development of alternative fuels.  Environment. NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION (See also Forestry, Marine and Energy). Protection of the environment must dominate economics, not vice-versa. Human well-being and ecological salvation must take precedence over speculation and exploitation of our natural resources for profit. Environmental Policies should be built on decentralization or regionalism, with informal public involvement and the creation of balanced communities. Land is our heritage; indeed the very basis of this country's existence. The principle of private ownership is one of trust to ensure that future generations will receive it in as good a condition or better than when it was first developed. New Zealand's natural resources must be developed for the benefit of New Zealanders, and soil conservation must be regarded as a protection of our greatest natural resource, the land.  1. MINISTRY, LAW AND CONSERVATION CODE. Every New Zealander is very conscious that a new political philosophy is urgently required in order to preserve our natural resources, and to enable a scientific and common sense approach to the all-important issue of environmental protection. To this end a Social Credit Government will expand the Ministry of Environment into a Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which will establish a N.Z. Nature Conservancy directly responsible to the Minister. Social Credit will also establish a body of environmental law expressed in a Conservation Code. Where applicable, legislative acts will be subject to the Conservation Code (See 34). All commercial ventures (public and private) and all national development conducted by local bodies or Government departments will be subject to the rulings of the Conservation Code, which will be enforced by the Department of Justice. The Conservation Code will incorporate a procedure which Councils (county, borough and city) may readily follow for the protection of trees and areas of bush, both naive and exotic, which Councils consider have amenity significance. The form and extent of such tree preservation ordinances will be determined by each Council in accordance with the requirements of its community and its ability to administer these efficiently. The Nature Conservancy will include a division for research into and protection of game resources. Representatives from the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, environmental groups and sporting groups will be invited to join this body.  2. FUNCTIONS OF THE NATURE CONSERVANCY. The functions of the Nature Conservancy will be to brief the Minister and set the objectives of the Ministry, to carry out long-term planning in all fields concerning natural resources (See 5, 14 and Energy), to co-ordinate research related to ecology (See 6) and to administer the day-to-day working of the Conservation Code. Social Credit is concerned that the present fragmentation of departments and services with responsibility in environmental matters has led to duplication and anomalies in administration. At regional level, the function of the Nature Conservancy will be:  (a) to determine scientifically on the basis of physical properties of soil, topography and water relationships, the optimal land use for each region (See 17, 18 and 19).  (b) to promote multiple land use by the strategic placement of forests and stands of trees.  (c) by establishment of industries processing local primary production, to assure each region of steady employment opportunities, so that rational population distribution and the growth of stable human communities are fostered.  3. BASIC AND RENEWABLE RESOURCES. The Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941, the Water and Soil Conservation Act 1967, the Nature Conservation Act 1967, the Nature Conservation Council Act 1962 and other relevant legislation will be suitably amended to provide for the above functions and duties under the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. The national soil and water organization will be suitably reorganized in order to Serve the policy requirements under the new Ministry, which will be charged with soil and water conservation as an overriding authority. All departments administering the land and its use will be subsidiary to, and act as agents of, the Minister. As a first major step, the qualifications of professional officers employed on soil and water conservation will be considerably improved and a major training scheme, predominantly overseas in the first instance, will be put into effect. The management of water is inseparable from soil conservation, and he minister will be responsible for the control of all waterways, and for the delivery of water for all purposes. In general, each catchment will have one over-riding objective of management to which other objectives will be subordinate. Each Regional Water Board will have one member appointed to represent local conservation bodies, i.e. Acclimatization Societies, Trampers, etc. The resources of the sea are of no less importance to the future well-being of this country than the resources of the land, and must in consequence be managed to ensure a continuing yield.  4. NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES. All minerals are inherently part of New Zealand's basic wealth and belong to New Zealanders collectively. All mineral wealth, therefore, must be secured to the Crown on behalf of the people. Minerals are not unlimited, and although we may not be in a position to exploit all our raw materials at present, we shall need them in time. Our policy will be to ration these resources as a basis for manufacture or processing in this country. Although export of minerals in a raw state may appear attractive from time to time, this should not be permitted to obscure the major long-term advantages of retaining them for our own use as and when we require them. The present mining regulations will be amended to ensure that all mining operations as they affect our first and second-class land and mineral resources will be evaluated on the basis of the long-term benefit to New Zealand. This responsibility will lie with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.  5. PLANNING. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will set up a planning agency to project the nation's development and environment for the succeeding fifty years, so as to know what its priorities should be and how to achieve them.  6. RESEARCH  (a) Non-Pollutant Research. An independent Scientific Research Corporation (the present D.S.I.R.) will carry out research on non-pollutant projects that will reduce pollution; this body's findings will be made public.  (b) Occupational Health. A division of the Department of Health will be established to examine all aspects of occupational health, with particular reference to noise levels, toxic gases and other hazardous by-products of industrial processes.  (c) Ecological Research. A Social Credit Government will finance more research into the theory and practical application of ecological principles in farming, market gardening, fruit growing and forestry; particular emphasis will be placed on recycling wastes and the best use of by-products. Research grants will be made available to the Scientific Research Corporation, Universities and similar research institutes, and Nature Conservancy Regional Units.  (d) Cost Benefit Analysis. Proposed development and use of natural resources will be subject to a full cost-benefit analysis, including social and environmental costs.  (e) Pesticides. Social Credit will introduce an urgent programme of research aimed at using harmful pesticides more carefully, replacing them with biological controls wherever possible, ultimately phasing pesticides out. This will include both expanded scientific research and agricultural and industrial financial incentives.  (f) Marine Research. Research into marine biology will be increased.  (g) Education and Research. A Social Credit Government will establish a Chair of Aquaculture at a selected them, Zealand university and encourage and extend the aquatic research facilities in New Zealand.  7. EDUCATION.  (a) Social Credit will introduce a planned course of instruction in Human Ecology and Environmental Studies in primary and secondary schools.  (b) A degree course in Human Ecology and Environmental Studies will be established in N.Z. universities.  (c) Legal Studies. Environmental law will be part of legal studies at universities.  (d) Chair of Aquaculture (See 6 (9) above.)  (e) Consumer Education. A Social Credit Government will strongly support consumer education, especially by increasing assistance to the Consumer Council to further its activities.  8. RECYCLING. A Social Credit Government will initiate a policy requiring the recycling of all agricultural, industrial and municipal wastes by one of he following:  (a) reprocessing them into by-products.  (b) converting them into balanced fertilisers.  (c) controlling their return to the environment in non-toxic bio-degradable forms.  9. MANURES. We will encourage by subsidy a greater use of organic manures instead of artificial fertilizers to  (a) provide a more balanced fertilizer for the soil, and  (b) make sure adequate resources are available when overseas supplies dry up.  10. POLLUTION CONTROL.  (a) Vehicle Requirements  All vehicles subject to warrant of fitness tests will be required to meet decibel level and fume-emission level tests, and legislation will be enforced.  (b) Smokeless Zones  Smokeless zones will be established in urban areas.  (a) Manufacturing and Pollution. A levy will be imposed on manufacturers who do not provide for the recycling of non biodegradable wastes. This levy cannot be incorporated in any price increases and will act as an economic penalty for polluters.  (b) Deposit on Glass Containers. Legislation will be introduced to ensure that an adequate deposit must be paid for all glass containers of beverages such as beer and soft drinks. The value of this deposit will be marked on the bottle during manufacture and repurchase by any dealer in the drink concerned will be mandatory, at the price stated. In the case of beer bottles the deposit will be at least ten cents each.  (c) Planned Obsolescence. A Social Credit Government will take action to combat planned obsolescence.  (d) Technology Versus Pollution. Greater assistance will be given to government departments in the use of technology to combat all forms of pollution.  (e) Waterways. The work of catchment authorities in reducing pollution of waterways will be speeded up, with particular emphasis on agricultural and industrial pollution.  11. INTERNATIONAL POLLUTION. Social Credit will campaign vigorously for the adoption of international agreements to reduce world-wide pollution especially oceanic and atmospheric.  12. INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR POLLUTION. Social Credit will press for international agreement to  - outlaw the dumping of radioactive wastes on the seabed.  - store all radio active wastes in monitored, recoverable, terrestrial sites.  - implement standards and procedures which will lessen the possibility of reactor accidents, sabotage and theft of weapons grade material.  All nations inhabit the one earth. Nuclear pollution is too dangerous and long lasting to take the kind of economic short cuts which have rendered other industrial processes damaging to human health. Both pro- and ant-nuclear sources urge that international safety regulations be adopted.  13. INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR FUSION RESEARCH. Social Credit commends those nations whose social concern leads them to pursue research into non-polluting nuclear fusion power production.  14. ENVIRONMENTAL ZONING. Social Credit will adopt a system of environmental zoning for the nation.  (a) An inviolate sanctuary zone.  (b) A reserve or park zone.  (c) An open country zone.  (d) A national development zone.  15. NATIONAL PARKS. Legislation will be introduced to make withdrawal of any part of a national park or other reserve subject to the following conditions:  (a) Five years' public notice and the right of interested bodies to make representations to the Minister of the Environment and to take the matter, if necessary, to a suitable court of law.  (b) The area lost to be replaced by purchase of similar And of at least equal environmental value.  (c) These conditions can only be waived by a unanimous vote of Parliament.  16. OVERSEAS OWNERSHIP OF LAND. No overseas individual, company or interest will be permitted to acquire New Zealand and by purchase, lease, trust, shareholding or any other means, except under the following conditions:  (a) The purchase is approved by both the Ministry of the Environment and the local body concerned.  (b) A development plan covering at least twenty years' work following purchase is submitted which is satisfactory to both bodies.  (c) The Minister of the Environment is satisfied that the purchase and development proposed are non-speculative and in the interests of New Zealand.  (d) Should the development plan or its logical extension be not fulfilled, the Minister of he Environment has the right to acquire the land at valuation.  Social Credit opposes the sale of Crown or Public land to overseas interests.  17. LAND USE COMMITTEES. Regional land use committees will be established to advise the Minister on the correct use of And. (See Race relations, Section 5).  18. UNSUITABLE USE OF LAND. Social Credit will phase out where possible, over a maximum period of twenty years, with adequate compensation, present unsuitable use of land. For example, agricultural and industrial land adjacent to rivers and lakes which are contributing to pollution and eutrophication, will be converted to forestry.  19. URBAN SPREAD. In order to utilize our land to the best advantage, all land adjacent to major cities and boroughs, when offered for sale or subdivision, will be purchased by the Crown at a negotiated price. Following classification of the said areas, titles will be issued with sufficient protection to ensure the best possible usage.  20. ENDOWMENT LAND. As local bodies will no longer be dependent on revenue from endowment land under a Social Credit economy, these areas, subject to their being classified as farm land, will be brought within the scope of the Land Act 1948 which would give the lessees the right of freehold.  21. CROWN LEASEHOLD. The land Act 1948 will be amended to ensure that rentals on all Crown leaseholds will be fixed with due regard to the productive capacity of the unit concerned, and the lessee will be given just value for his improvements. The purchase of Crown Leasehold on deferred payment licence without deposit will be introduced.  22. RATING. The present outdated, inequitable, and costly system of assessing local body rates will be phased out and replaced by a system based on land classification in the case of rural land, and in the case of urban property zoning in accordance with the approved town plan. Local bodies will have the option of rating on a riding and or zonal basis. (See Local Government 3).  23. FARM HOLDINGS. It will be the objective of a Social Credit Government, by reducing and ultimately stabilizing costs, to ensure that farm holdings remain economic from one generation to the next, and thus protect the individual's equity in the land.  24. DIVERSIFIED FARMING AND FORESTRY. Diversified farming and forestry practices will be encouraged in place of mono-culture.  25. FORESTRY INCENTIVES. Incentives for the establishment of forests by farmers and other private organizations will be increased. (See Forestry 4 to 7).  26. NATIVE FORESTS. Milling will be stopped in all remaining virgin forest stands in the North Island. The Nature Conservancy will evaluate South Island virgin forest to determine which should be preserved intact and which should be managed for sustained yield in perpetuity. (See Forestry 2 and 3).  27. SMALL NATIVE BUSH RESERVES. A Social Credit Government would purchase and protect suitable areas of native bush for posterity; small areas of up to 50 acres to be vested with organizations such as Forest and Bird Societies and Acclimatization Societies, while larger areas are controlled by the Crown.  28. RARE SPECIES. We will expand the present policy of preserving natural areas containing rare species.  29. ACCLIMATIZATION SOCIETIES. Voluntary organizations such as Acclimatization Societies will continue their present valuable administrative role. We align ourselves with all organizations opposed to take-overs of our inherited rights.  30. PRIVATE RESERVATION. When owners consider that portions of their land love amenity value (e.g. as "open space" in urban or "pleasing landscape" in rural areas) they may apply to their local authority for private reservation" designation. If the local authority approves the application:  (a) The owner will be bound to fence the area and preserve its amenity value.  (b) The Ministry of Works and Development will pay for fencing at a standard rate/metre for materials and labour but will make no allowance for terrain.  (c) The local authority will defer all rates on that portion of the property so long as the private reservation zoning persists. If, however the reservation zoning is lifted at a later date, the developer will be liable for the immediate payment of all deferred rates.  31. NOXIOUS ANIMALS. The present policy of extermination will be replaced by a policy of control, although the extermination policy will be retained in certain critical areas. We are very much in favour of private hunting both for our young population and for visitors to this country. Where the over-riding prescription for any area of land is for hunting and other recreation, we intend to assist with access and accommodation. We are sympathetic to the orderly development of meat hunting for export as an economic method of controlling noxious animals.  32. NOXIOUS WEEDS. New Zealand cannot afford the continuing loss of private and public land to noxious weeds. Control will be pursued with the utmost vigour. (See Agriculture 22). Mechanical and biological control of weeds will be preferred to chemical spraying. (See 6(e) above).  33. LAKEWEED CONTROL. Mechanical harvesting will be favoured for the control of lakeweed, with a view to processing for energy, compost or fodder. (See Energy 5(b)) Where appropriate, biological control will be considered.  34. MINING. Legislation will be introduced making the Mines Act subordinate to legislation concerning the environment.  35. RIGHTS TO MINE. The exploitation of New Zealand's deposits will be subject to guidelines set by the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. (See 4 above). In all cases of mineral exploitation, royalties will be paid to the Crown.  MINERALS CORPORATION. Social Credit will establish a Minerals Corporation which will be funded by government. Private enterprise interests will by decision of the Corporation, be supported in both exploration and delineation work. Development of proven opportunities will be done by public companies structured by agreement with the Corporation. A New Zealand Mining Court will be established and will consist of a judicial officer as chairman and mining experts to deal with all prospecting and mining applications, and with the ecological factors involved. In the exploitation of any mineral resources it shall be a requirement that there shall be effective New Zealand ownership and control. Social Credit is opposed to foreign interests or foreign people obtaining mineral rights unless it can be proved to be an advantage to New Zealand.  37. ENVIRONMENTAL REHABILITATION AFTER MINING. Mining companies will be required to rehabilitate land during and after mining, so that standards of safety, restoration of soil and vegetation, and visual quality of landscape set by the Mining Court in accordance with the Conservation Code are met. Where natural gas and/or petroleum are removed from substrata they must be replaced with suitable materials, e.g. water.  38. ENERGY CONSERVATION. In line with its policy for a non-nuclear future, Social Credit will encourage all initiatives which lessen energy consumption, use traditional energy sources more efficiently or develop renewable energy resources. (See Energy 8). We will encourage the implementation of staggered working hours to conserve transport and energy resources.  39. CONSERVATION APPLIANCES. Interest-free loans will be granted to install solar heaters, heat pumps, water tanks, reservoirs and composing toilets, without incurring penal service charges.  40. PATENTS. Social Credit will institute legislation which will stop individuals and/or firms from buying off any patent merely to prevent its implementation. Any patent given will have to be developed within three years to retain the patent.  41. A PLEASING ENVIRONMENT.  (a) Hoardings. The natural character of the New Zealand countryside will be preserved from hoardings so that we can have a landscape which is more pleasing to the eye.  (b) Communities for People. Social Credit will provide incentives for people to the in medium and high density communities of small size, surrounded by open spaces and linked by rapid transit systems, thus lessening the dependence on motor vehicles and the need to build further motorways. We will design communities for people, not cars.  (c) Public Transport. More emphasis will be placed on the provision of public transport, especially rail, as a means of improving public access to cities. We recommend that such transport in inner city areas should be free.  (d) Pedestrian Malls. We will encourage attractive pedestrian malls and rest and recreation areas in inner-city areas.  (e) Aesthetic Sound Barriers. Social Credit will foster the construction of grass strips and tree belts between main highways and community areas, to act as aesthetic sound barriers. (The Means to the End).  1. OWNERSHIP OF CREDIT. We will restore to the people the ownership of  their own credit, so that they will be the ultimate and major beneficiaries of its use.  2. NEW ZEALAND CREDIT AUTHORITY (N.Z.C.A.). The N.Z.C.A. will be the only institution which has the power to create, issue and cancel New Zealand money. The N.Z.C.A. will accept authority from and be answerable to the Parliament of New Zealand.  CONSTITUTION OF N.Z.C.A.  a. Parliament shall appoint the chairman.  b. Parliament shall appoint economists.  c. The following sectors shall make appointments for three-year terms: trade unions, business and farming, consumer groups.  FUNCTIONS.  (a) LIMITS OF CREDIT CREATION. It will determine the limits of the total volume of credit creation, such limits to be related to the value of the nation's total production of goods and services.  (b) NEW ZEALAND BALANCE SHEET. It will be charged with the duty of preparing proper statements of the national accounts, including a N.Z. Balance Sheet, showing the true wealth and financial position of the county. These accounts will be presented in conformity with modern accounting practice and will be tabled before Parliament annually.  INCOMES AND CONSUMER GOODS. The New Zealand Credit Authority will ensure that the income of the people equates with the value of goods and services available for consumption.  SURVEY. It will determine the extent to which the actual nation's production fails short of or exceeds desirable possible production.  - N.Z.C.A. will report to the public regularly on the extent and causes of inflation.  - Excessive interest rates will not be permitted to be charged into prices.  (e) OVERSEAS EXCHANGE.  - The N.Z.C.A. will have overall jurisdiction in the purchase and sale of overseas exchange.  - The N.Z.C.A. will buy overseas exchange from producer marketing organizations at a price in N.Z. dollars to give security and a fair income to farmers.  - CONSERVATION OF OVERSEAS EXCHANGE. The cost of buying exchange for the importation of luxury items and/or money for overseas travel will be increased in times of shortage.  - PROTECTION AGAINST INCREASED PRICES FROM THE INCREASED COST OF IMPORTS. The cost of buying exchange for purchasing essential raw materials and capital equipment will be decreased to offset increases in overseas prices.  3. GOVERNMENT FINANCE. Money required for government purposes within New Zealand over and above that received from revenue will be provided by the N.Z.C.A. interest free, and, where circumstances warrant, debt free.  RESERVE BANK. The Reserve Bank will accept management responsibility for social investment on  - loans to local bodies.  - loans to industry to allow non-inflationary investment in the social capital required to improve working conditions. The Reserve Bank will ensure that this investment is maintained at a level which will not initiate demand inflation or result in a lack of effective demand. One measure to ensure this will be to regulate the demand for bans by varying their repayment in accord with government policy.  4. LOCAL BODY FINANCE. The Reserve Bank will provide loans free of interest with an administrative charge only for approved local body projects. Priorities will be determined by the Local Authorities' Loans Board. In certain circumstances debt-free grants may be issued.  5. NATIONAL DEBT. INTERNAL: A Social Credit Government will eliminate all internal government borrowing for non-revenue purposes and progressively redeem the internal debt. OVERSEAS: External debt will be repaid as circumstances permit. A Social Credit Government will not borrow from the I.M.F. A Social Credit Government will legislate for full autonomy of action to implement any or all of its policies and will not accept economic or monetary direction on internal matters. A Social Credit Government will not enter into any contract or agreement with any foreign or international body which entails forfeiture of New Zealand's full internal autonomy.  6. BANKING AND INVESTMENTS.  TRADING BANKS.  (a) Normal business relations between the trading banks and their customers will remain.  (b) The trading banks will be licensed as agents of the N.Z.C.A.  (c) The trading banks will loan to their customers only that money made available to them by the N.Z.C.A.  (d) The trading banks will be advanced sufficient money from the N.Z.C.A., at a service charge only, to meet the requirements for working finance of business and individuals  (e) The operative reserve and asset ratio controls over the trading banks will be abolished.  (f) The trading banks will be individually advanced money by the N.Z.C.A. in proportion to the demand deposits held by each on customer's account.  (g) Subject to government approval, the trading banks will be entitled to charge reasonable service fees to customers for cheque and accountancy services rendered.  P.O.S.B. Post Office and Trustee Savings Banks will be maintained as repositories for the people's savings and equitable rates of interest will be paid. Full cheque facilities will be made available to depositors.  BUILDING SOCIETIES. Savings institutions such as Building Societies will be encouraged to invest in private industry. The present directives insisting that a percentage of loan money be channelled into Government Stock will be revoked.  TRUSTEE ACT 1956. The Trustee Act 1956 will be amended to enable trustee investments to be made in approved agricultural and industrial undertakings.  N.Z. INVESTMENT CORPORATION. An Investment Corporation will be established to advise on avenues of investments and investments approved by the Corporation will be state guaranteed.  STATE TRADING ENTERPRISES. Existing state trading enterprises shall be converted to corporations.  CREDIT UNIONS. A Social Credit Government will give every encouragement to the New Zealand Credit Union movement and similar co-operative savings groups.  INFLATION-PROOFING OF SAVINGS. P.O.S.B. Savings and Trustee Savings will be guaranteed against inflation provided they are placed on term deposit for two yeas. The interest rate will be 2% plus a guarantee to equate with the current inflation rate. This premium will be reduced steadily as a Social Credit Government brings inflation under control. The money required for inflation-proofing will be drawn from N.Z.C.A. Credit Unions will also be afforded the same protection provided they place their members' savings in a Trustee Savings Bank for the two-year term.  INTEREST CHARGES. All leading institutions will be limited to fixed maximum interest rates to be determined by Acts of Parliament or by regulation.  7. HIRE PURCHASE  - The hire purchase regulations will be overhauled to place interest rates on a day to day basis.  - Trustee Savings Banks will be the agents for this type of borrowing.  - Industrial hire purchase will be abolished.  8. STABILIZATION. We will stabilize the price of living and ensure that the benefits accruing to the nation from the implementation of a Social Credit economy are safeguarded. In the first term of office a Social Credit Government will endeavour to introduce a national dividend.  COMPENSATING PRICES  (a) We will establish Compensating Prices on essential commodities, and gradually extend hem to cover a far wider range of consumer goods, without adding to taxation.  (b) PRICE CONTROL. The objective of a Social Credit Government is to remove controls by regulation but the need to ensure that prices do not escalate is recognized. Price control will, therefore, continue until the monetary reform measure of compensating prices can be implemented.  (c) WAGE ORDERS. In the interim period while bringing inflation under control wage orders (where necessary) will be expressed in money terms and not as a percentage of present incomes.  (d) HOUSE PRICE STABILIZATION. The maximum selling price of residential properties over and above vendor's original purchase price shall not exceed the average inflation rate (as specified in the price of living index: all groups) for each year of ownership by the vendor, plus any additional substantiated costs of improvements made during his/her ownership.  MONOPOLIES AND TAKE-OVERS  - the interest of consumers adequate legislation will be introduced to govern business monopolies and take-overs.  - Social Credit will establish an Antitrust Board charged with examining company aggregation.  - If it is shown that the aggregation of resources is necessary, Social Credit will convert this type of monopoly into a co-operative.  - Those companies which cannot be fragmented will be subject to Price Control.  10. TAX REFORM  (a) LIMIT ON TAXATION. A Social Credit Government will legislate to place a strict limit on the percentage of national income the treasury could collect in taxation.  (b) REBATES. We will increase the rebates for a dependent wife or husband.  (c) INDIRECT TAX. We will progressively reduce indirect taxation.  (d) INCOME TAX  - Income tax will be reduced on incomes at the lower levels as a substitute to an increased wage order.  - The present rebate of tax on overtime will be increased.  - The Cost of travel to and from work will be charged against taxable income. The maximum amount will be not more than required costs of travel by public transport qp to $300 maximum.  (a) HOUSING MAINTENANCE. A Social Credit Government will allow the individual taxpayer to charge the cost of interest charges rates and maintenance of his or her home (in which his or her family lives) against taxable income up to a maximum of $500 per year.  (b) RACING CLUBS. Racing clubs will be taxed on a graduated tax scale.  (c) DEATH DUTIES. Social Credit believes that farms and small family businesses must be able to be passed on to immediate members of the family without undue hardship. Therefore there will be no death duties on estates worth up to $60,000 and additional $30,000 duty free when passed on to an immediate member of the family. A further death within a period of seven years will not entail further duties.  (h) PETROL TAX. Sufficient of the present petrol tax will be transferred from the Consolidated Fund to the National Roads Board to promote a Progressive programme, the balance being devoted to the development of alternative fuel.  11. COMPANY TAXATION. A revision of company taxation will be undertaken to ensure greater equity and increased incentive.  (a) WORKER SHAREHOLDING SCHEMES. In all cases where any trading organization is operating an approved worker shareholding scheme for Industrial Councils, and Industrial Trusts, such a trading organization will be designated as a co-operative and not liable for any taxation at the company level. In all cases tax would be paid once only, in the hands of the individual shareholder.  (b) TAXATION ON RETAINED PROFITS. Taxation on retained profits will be progressively increased to discourage this means of building capital. (Social Credit will make available low-cost finance to industry.) All dividends paid on the shares of participating companies will eventually be free of tax at the company level.  12. EXPORT CREDIT ACCOUNT. The N.Z.C.A. will establish an Export Credit Account for those nations wishing to reciprocate. Credit exchanged will equate with the value of goods to which any reciprocal trading arrangement applies. The Export Credit Account will balance, and credit exchanged with willing nations will be provided upon consultation and in conjunction with producer organizations represented on a Board of Trade.  13. INTERNATIONAL CLEARING HOUSE. A Social Credit Government will initiate negotiations with governments of other nations to establish an International Clearing House for currency. A Social Credit Government will introduce a joint Foreign Affairs and Defence Policy (Look up) by pursuing an over-riding objective of humanitarianism and of peace in the world community. A bilateral trading policy with nations of the Pacific Basin will provide the cornerstone of a new New Zealand international approach.  1. RE-STYLED FOREIGN MINISTRY. Social Credit will aim at International Co-operation by:  (a) establishing diplomatic relations with any countries irrespective of political system or belief.  (b) promoting by all means possible greater international knowledge and awareness of New Zealand.  (c) supporting a division of foreign affairs to attend to overseas administrative matters.  (d) Re-examining economic, trading and military agreements in the light of independent diplomacy.  (e) promoting trading ties with underdeveloped countries on the basis that all people have the right to share in the wealth of the world without being used as instruments for financial and political gain.  2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS.  (a) We are opposed to such mandatory international agreements as Bretton Woods and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade where they are against the interests of New Zealand. We will trade with other nations wishing to trade with us on a reciprocal, bilateral and mutual credit exchange basis.  (b) The repayment of all outstanding loans due to the I.M.F. will be a top priority.  3. UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION.  (a) We shall support the U.N.O. in its efforts to preserve peace and harmony, and will co-operate with all nations in this endeavour.  (b) We shall support the specialized agencies of the U.N.O. in so far as they work for true freedom, peace and economic security for peoples and nations. New Zealand support for the humanitarian agencies, in particular, will be progressively stepped-up, both in terms of personnel and finance.  (c) New Zealand will make far more outspoken use of the U.N.O. as a forum on matters of great global importance. (For example, on trading, financial, environmental, racial and moral issues.)  (d) A re-styled New Zealand Armed Services will contribute a permanent unit to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force. Each commitment of the New Zealand Peacekeeping Unit to world duties will be subject to an open vote in the New Zealand parliament.  4. NEW ZEALAND YOUTH-EARTH PROGRAMME. A Social Credit Government will establish a N.Z. Youth-Earth Programme as a major part of its overseas assistance objective. The programme, although funded and assisted by Government, would operate independently, and would primarily aim at stepping up significantly the number of young New Zealanders moving into overseas communities to assist in whatever way possible. The emphasis on the programme would be on Pacific Basin countries, and the scheme would allow senior secondary students to opt for a year's work in an overseas community. It would be hoped that volunteer community groups would plug into the programme to boost its significance.  5. INTERNATIONAL MEDIATION. The New Zealand Government would adopt an active role in international mediation, particularly in offering our country as a global venue for such discussions.  6. GLENEAGLES AGREEMENT. A Social Credit Government will support The Gleneagles Agreement concept.  7. NUCLEAR ARMAMENTS- FREE ZONES.  (a) New Zealand would give vigorous support, through the U.N.O. and via its own independent diplomatic initiatives, to the concept of world nuclear armaments-free zones.  (b) In this role, Social Credit would place top priority on support for the establishment of a nuclear armaments-free zone in the South Pacific.  8. PACIFIC AREA. Although our external efforts shall be directed primarily towards the people of the South Pacific, a Social Credit Government will expand economic and cultural co-operation and communication with the nations of the Pacific basin as a whole and with South-East Asia, and will co-operate with these nations towards their attaining social and economic self -determination. To further these ends we will  (a) promote trade, using a system of reciprocal credits.  (b) reduce restrictions and tariffs on imports from these countries.  (c) provide assistance in educational programmes.  (d) ensure that New Zealand has its own diplomatic representation in these countries.  (e) provide financial assistance and encouragement of local industry to create job opportunities in areas previously New Zealand dependencies.  9. EDUCATION.  (a) A Chair in Peace Studies will be established and funded by Government at a selected New Zealand University.  (b) A curriculum in Peace Studies will be commissioned and introduced into New Zealand school.  10. CROWN AND COMMONWEALTH.  (a) A Social Credit Government will affirm our allegiance to the British Crown as head of state in New Zealand.  (b) Social Credit will affirm our loyalty to the Commonwealth; but would actively seek ways to enliven it as a free association of nations on trading, financial, environmental, racial, moral, and other political questions.  11. SPECIAL IN WHITE PAPER ON NEW ZEALAND'S GLOBAL OPTIONS. Social Credit will institute a special 'White Paper' on the range of global options open to New Zealand. We will allow for and encourage the fullest public participation in this exercise, hoping for contributions from the churches, political parties, universities, youth at large and citizens. Recommendations arising from the White Paper will be incorporated into Government policy where they fit into the overall concept of a responsible neutrality.  Forestry. The guidelines to any practical and effective forest policy for New Zealand are correct (usually multiple) land usage, management for high and sustained yields, the most modern refinements to technique, complete and diverse utilization and planning for present and future markets. Social Credit believes that afforestation and forest utilization policies must recognize the following:  - The destruction of watershed protection forest will reduce rainfall, with detrimental effect upon New Zealand's agricultural and pastoral industries.  - A greater degree of soil erosion will inevitably follow the denudation of country and will effect slips, scouring, flooding and the pollution of freshwater and estuary fisheries.  - Forests re-oxygenate the air.  - Forest is the habitat of rare and increasingly endangered wildlife and plant species, which are priceless assets to this country.  - Merchantable forests should be managed for the benefit of future as well as present generations. The possibility of world shortages of high quality timber are no longer remote. Requirements of world markets should be investigated.  - The potential market for New Zealand's forest products is tremendous. We need to plant larger, areas and manage them for a sustained yield.  - Whenever timber is cut, the whole tree should be used.  - Forestry provides an alternative rural way of life to farming. Effective regional development depends on creating more employment opportunities in country districts.  - Forest is needed for recreation (e.g. tramping and hunting) and its outstanding beauty attracts tourists to our country.  - Native flowering shrubland forms are an important component in the honey industry.  1. NATURE CONSERVANCY. The N.Z. Forest Service will be subject to the Conservation Code. It will work within the guidelines laid down by Nature Conservancy, whose regional units will instigate research into local forestry problems. (See Environment 1 and 2.)  2. N.Z. NATIVE FOREST  a. Virgin Forest. All remaining North Island virgin forests (Horohoro, Rotorua, Whirinaki, Rotorua, Waikaremoana, Gisborne, Tihoi, Taupo) will be zoned inviolate sanctuary and no milling whatsover will take place in them. The beech forests will be for the benefit of New Zealand and not overseas interests. The Nature Conservancy will decide which of the southern forests will be zoned inviolate sanctuary and which may be milled on a sustained yield basis and replanted in native species.  (b) Regenerating and Managed Native Forests. Cutover and regenerating native forests will become the subjects of regional evaluation by the Nature Conservancy, who will decide  - which shall be left to regenerate and thus add to the area under inviolate protection forest.  - which shall regenerate for sustained yield native timber production, and  - which shall be replanted with native or exotic species.  It will direct the N.Z. Forest Service to manage them accordingly.  (c) Native Timber Production. Supplies of native timbers will be rationed on a fair and equitable basis for the benefit of all interested industries.  3. DANGERS OF MONOCULTURE IN EXOTIC FORESTS. Pest and disease control in single stands of exotics (pine and poplar) have been expensive, unhealthy, ineffective and often damaging land use. Preference will be given to biological control of plant diseases, by growing a variety of species together and using alternative species when replanting cutout sites. The integrated control of plant diseases depends on tree and undershrub multiculture, microbiological and humus enrichment of soils, birds, insects and the cautious use of fungicides and pesticides.  4. MULTIPLE LAND USE. In order to supply a growing demand for timber and related products for home and export markets, Social Credit will increase the area of land under silviculture. We propose the establishment of exotic forests on marginal land. Where there is an erosion problem, native regenerative and multiculture methods will be preferred. All available crown land will be planted as soon as possible. The biggest problem will be to persuade private owners to allow their land to be used for forestry. Social Credit will offer alternatives as below.  5. STATE FOREST RENTAL LANDS. There will be no compulsory acquisition of land but tracts of land suitable for forestry will be leased from private owners. The capital cost (fencing, planting etc.), labour and risks for the venture will all devolve upon the state forest service. The land owner(s) may apply for continuance of access, grazing, hunting, fishing and camping rights. Rents paid will reflect the degree of usage rights retained by the owner(s). Owners will also be consulted about the management of their land.  6. CO-OPERATIVE FORESTRY VENTURES. Nurserymen, farmers, private companies, Maori trusts and local and ad hoe bodies will be invited to submit proposals, each of which will be treated on its merits. Where the proposals are approved, long-term loans at nominal rates of interest will be made available. This will be a far cheaper way of promoting afforestation than the present state forests. In certain circumstances, crown land will be made available to private companies.  7. FOREST SERVICE BOARDS OF MANAGEMENT. We shall set up local Boards of Management who will be directly responsible to the regional Nature Conservancy.  (a) Board members shall be  - state forest administrators.  - representatives of those contributing land, plant or finance to co-operative forestry ventures.  Limited speaking (not voting) rights will be extended to landowners under our state forest rental land policy. (See 5 above)  (b) The Boards will administer  - multiple land use.  - finance for state and co-operative forestry.  - the programme of diverse forest production from seedlings through silviculture to timber supply and marketing to secondary industries.  - the flow of public and privately contracted plant and labour to service all local forestry needs.  8. WOOD UTILIZATION. Our aim is to use the whole tree including leaves branches and bark as well as wood. Wasteful and inappropriate uses of timber will be eliminated. The Forest Service Boards of Management will endeavour to provide a continuous supply of raw materials for the following industries:  (a) Building timbers and related products such as particleboard and coreboard.  (b) Furniture timbers, including veneer timbers for which there is limited specialist demand. Most veneers are now imported but are likely to become unavailable from overseas in the future; quality seeds should be provided for small farm-forest stands.  (c) Pulp and paper.  (d) Lumber such as railways sleepers, fence posts, telegraph poles and rough-sawn timber for boxing, bridge planking etc.  (e) Chemicals, e.g. dyes, plastics, paints, oils, emulsions, wood proteins, sugars, alcohols etc.  (f) Fuel. As world supplies of fossil fuels are exhausted, an increasing proportion of gaseous, liquid and solid fuels are likely to be derived from wood.  9. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS. A price structure and export programme will be set up and administered by the Board of Trade after consultation with the Nature Conservancy. Exotic trees will continue to be exported as at present. The trade will expand as forestry expands into marginal lands. As secondary industry increases in New Zealand, its processed products will be exported in preference to the raw log. Owing to our tree multiculture policy, a greater variety of timber will become available to cater for local special markets. We consider that, with very rare exceptions, we should not be dependent on timber imports.  10. TIMBER PRICE STRUCTURE.  (a) To see that the grower obtains a proper return for his labour we shall establish floor prices for timber, publicly promulgated.  (b) To see that the buyer obtains value for money, we intend to assist the industry in every way to improve its practices.  (c) Because of the length of time needed for N.Z. native timber to mature and the rental value of land set aside for native plantation and regeneration, the price of native timber must reflect the 'replacement cost' of the species.  11. TAX CONCESSIONS.  (a) Private individuals and co-operatives will be allowed to deduct the cost of forest plantation development for income tax purposes.  (b) Income from farm forestry may be averaged over a five-year period for taxation purposes.  Health. Social Credit believes it is every New Zealand citizen's heritage to have a comprehensive and efficient health service available. Social Credit further believes that the health service should be orientated to the community and not wrapped into monolithic structures of concrete known as hospitals, passing as evidence of an adequate and efficient health service. Social Credit monetary and financial policies will ensure that health care programmes are no longer financed by a loan programme attracting high interest rates.  1. MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD. We shall establish an independent Advisory body to review the operational efficiency of the various aspects of the health services. The findings will be published, including recommendations for further developments.  2. HEALTH EDUCATION.  (a) Funds will be made available for further education of all medical and paramedical persons. A health education authority will be established to co-ordinate and pursue the training of health service administrators up to executive level. Line management techniques for all those engaged in the supervision and administration of he health care programmes will also be taught.  (b) We shall institute a Government-sponsored programme to carry a health institute campaign to the people and to the schools. This would include special reference to the harmful effect of cigarette smoking, and alcohol and the driver.  3. NO COMPULSORY MEDICATION. We do not believe in compulsory medication except during an emergency situation, on the grounds that this is contrary to the fundamental principles of democracy.  4. REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES.  (a) Decentralization is imperative if communities are to be served with the health care system which suits their particular needs. Three regional health authorities will be established in the North Island and two in the South Island. With the right stimulation communities will participate to their utmost in establishing a service that will ensure all facets of health care are provided for.  (b) Hospital Boards will retain their identity in the proposed regional groupings.  5. HOSPITALS.  (a) FUTURE FACILITIES. In future building programmes, more attention will be paid to full out-patient facilities, with adequate consulting and operating rooms and a certain number of day recovery beds. If these departments were properly planned, a considerable saving of hospital beds would result.  (b) HOSPITAL CRECHES. Maternity and general hospitals will be provided with creches supervised by salaried staff, for the benefit of patients' visitors.  (c) HOSPITAL CAR PARKS. Provision will be made for adequate car parks and covered assembly areas for visitors using public transport.  (d) DORMITORY-TYPE WARDS CONVERSION. Hospital Boards will be granted finance to convert the dormitory-type of wards into relatively private cubicles.  (e) COTTAGE-TYPE MATERNITY HOSPITALS. Hospital Boards will be provided with finance to establish cottage-type maternally hospitals where required for normal deliveries, within a radius of 40 miles from a base obstetric hospital.  6. GENERAL PRACTITIONERS.  (a) GENERAL PRACTICE ESTABLISHMENT. Finance for general practitioners wishing to establish solo practices will be available on terms at least as favourable as those available to group practices.  (b) GENERAL PRACTICE NURSES. While we support the concept of the practice nurse subsidized on the basis of work off-loaded from the general practitioner, we oppose the growth of a second-class tier of medical service based on a shortage of general practitioners.  (c) ACCESS TO PUBLIC HOSPITALS. We believe that Hospital Boards should be encouraged to allow local practitioners who wish to look after their own patients to do so. Suitable safeguards must be provided and the local practitioners would be helped by the local specialists.  (d) MEDICAL FEE SUBSIDY. The patient subsidy on medical fees will be two-thirds of the average common fee. In the case of age beneficiaries and people on economic benefits, the Treasury is to meet the full fee. In the case of dependent children the patient subsidy will be five-sixths of the average common fee.  (e) RURAL MEDICAL SERVICE. General practitioners working in isolated areas or sparsely-populated areas will be paid an adequate remoteness allowance where this may be necessary.  (f) RURAL SOLO PRACTICE. Solo general practitioners will be entitled to a free half day every week, and one weekend in two free without penalty. When patients are obliged to travel longer distances for medical care when the local doctor is off duty, mileage and other costs involved will be refunded.  (g) DOCTOR'S TRAVELLING. Patient subsidy for doctor's travelling time will be increased calculated from the surgery to the nearest general practitioner on duty.  7. ALL STAFF IN MEDICAL CARE  (a) SALARIES REVIEW. Salaries of all staff employed in medical care shall be reviewed. This review will include all hospital officers and the nursing profession, and not only those officers with medical degrees. These reviews will be made in order to retain the services of highly qualified officers in the hospital service. It is intended to bring salaries into line with those obtaining in industry and civilian life.  (b) REFRESHER COURSES. We shall encourage full-time hospital officers to avail themselves of overseas refresher courses.  8. SPECIALISTS  (a) PATIENT SUBSIDY FOR SPECIALIST CARE. Patent subsidy for specialist care will be paid at the same ratio as for general practitioners. Specialists will also be able to claim mileage outside town or city boundaries calculated from the main office of the nearest specialist in that particular field.  (b) CLAIM FOR SPECIALIST BENEFIT. To claim a specialist benefit for the patient, the specialist must have a letter of referral from the general practitioner.  (c) SPECIALIST NURSE SUBSIDY. Specialists will be entitled to a practice nurse subsidy on the same basis as general practitioners.  9. RESEARCH.  (a) MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL. The Independent Medical Research Council will be broadened and encouraged to develop programmes not only in health and medical research but also in the delivery of health care to the community. These programmes will be funded by central government.  (b) CANCER AND CARDIAC RESEARCH will be continued and supported by the Medical Research Council.  (c) OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS. The Medical Research Council will foster programmes to examine all aspects of occupational health, with particular reference to noise levels, toxic gases and other hazardous by-products of industrial processes.  (d) RESEARCH INTO CURATIVE METHODS. Curative methods not requiring drug use will be encouraged and research on these methods will be carried out, e.g. acupuncture, hypnotherapy, chiropractic homeopathy etc.  (e) SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH. A Social Credit Government will establish by direct and annual grants a university-based Sociological Research Centre. It will be appropriately and adequately staffed by psychologists, sociologists and medical specialists, on both a permanent and consultative basis.  The Sociological Centre will conduct research into the serious social problems of:  (a) Mental Health.  (b) Alcoholism.  (c) Drug addiction.  (d) Contraception.  (e) Illegitimacy and abortion.  (f) Homosexuality and lesbianism.  (g) Crime and violence.  The Sociological Centre will also recommend appropriate legislative reform and  other remedies, and research recreation activities and facilities.  (f) ALCOHOL PROBLEMS. The Alcoholic Liquor Advisory Council will be further assisted in its programmes of education in the dangers of excess drinking. There will be a coordinated policy embracing all aspects of the problem which will include:  - Education: The preparation of effective educational material for use in schools and other areas.  - Facilities: The development of further basic facilities under the direction of Hospital Boards for the assessment and treatment of persons with alcohol problems.  - Programmes: The development of alcohol-related programmes in industry.  - Road Safety: The implementation of further publicity emphasizing the dangers on our roads caused by the drinking driver.  10. MENTAL HEALTH  (a) LEGAL REFORM. We shall set up an independent Committee to investigate the need for legal reform relating to mental health. This reform will be divided into four main categories:  - Certification procedure.  - Patients' property rights and civil rights.  - Review of patients' conditions from time to time.  - Administration of Mental Hospitals.  (b) PROFESSIONAL POSTS. We shall set up two professional psychiatric posts in New Zealand. One will be concerned with undergraduate training and the other will be for the purpose of providing adequate training for qualified practitioners wishing to specialize in psychiatry. It is reasonable to suggest that the Professor responsible for graduate training should be in one of the centres where a Mental Hospital exists. A close liaison between general hospitals could then develop.  (a) SERVICES FOR MENTALLY ILL. The contribution that the social services have made to medicine in the past decade have been enormous. Much greater emphasis is being placed on the interpersonal and social factors which contribute to mental illness. The establishment of mental health associations will be encouraged to assist in the prevention, after-care and rehabilitation of people suffering , from mental illness. Voluntary organizations effectively working in areas of human crisis will receive strong support  (b) EXTRAMURAL SERVICE.  - We believe that there should be an expansion of extramural service with the aim of rehabilitating and supporting mental defectives in ordinary society. Cases requiring residential care would receive it in neighbouring hostels or large houses converted for the purpose.  - To encourage and facilitate extramural care in the interests of the patient, and to discourage too early admission to institutions particularly for children, we will:  - Increase the child allowance to parents of mentally defective children and physically handicapped children.  - Allocate realistic levels of payment to foster parents.  - Establish a register of suitable foster homes.  - We will ensure that the community service would be administered with considerable local autonomy and with the participation of voluntary bodies, parents, medical and other professional workers, as well as representatives of hospitals and educational boards.  (a) Units. A policy of phasing out mental hospitals will be implemented. Units will be provided in general hospitals for those who cannot be accommodated and treated in community based facilities or in their own homes.  (b) TRAINING. Training schemes will be provided for therapists, counsellors, mental health officers, and mental health education officers. A thorough investigation will take place into the present system of training psychiatrists with a view to bringing it into line with the new approaches to all aspects of mental and emotional health.  (c) COMMUNITY CARE. Psychiatric hospitals and psychiatrists should be integrated into the primary health care system. Services should be provided which would enable the mentally and emotionally ill to receive help in their own homes in the same way as those who are physically ill.  (d) HANDICAPPED PEOPLE. S.I.H people will be entitled to full support by the establishment and manning of training facilities. They will also be provided for and cared for where applicable by the integrated Extramural Community Health programme. All who are disabled, whether physically or intellectually, will be cared for.  (e) SPECIALIST BENEFIT. We propose that a psychiatric specialist benefit should be introduced for patients referred by a general practitioner and a day hospital benefit for psychiatric patents attending private day treatment.  (f) ALLOWANCE. We shall increase the allowance from the Social Welfare Fund to long-term patients.  (g) SALARIES. The psychiatric staff coming under the control of the hospital boards will retain the rate of remuneration and other privileges enjoyed under the Health Department.  11. CARE FOR THE AGED.  (a) Community Fellowship Cottages. More community fellowship cottages, staffed by a family living in, will be established to house small groups of elderly citizens who can no longer cope on their own, but do not yet need full-time nursing care.  (b) Community Fellowship Cottage Finance And Administration. Community fellowship cottages will be financed with zero interest loans through local bodies, and rent collected will be used to pay the staffing family. Local bodies will be responsible for maintaining acceptable standards of care.  12. ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF MEDICAL CARE.  (a) People who choose physical rather than medical treatment will not be penalized financially for so doing.  (b) Chiropractors, osteopaths, homeopaths and other specialists operating in the field of physical, rather than medical treatment, will be recognized by a Social Credit government as an integral part of the New Zealand health service on the condition that they are registered with a recognized authority within each specialist field. They will then be eligible for social welfare benefit and accident compensation payments.  (c) ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY. Every encouragement will be given to all maternity hospitals and maternity wards to introduce birth without violence methods, as developed by Leboyer. This will include training staff in those methods, and grants where necessary to alter existing conditions, while ensuring that highest delivery standards are maintained.  13. PRIVATE HOSPITALS.  (a) PATIENT SUBSIDY. Patient Subsidy. An adequate daily subsidy will be provided for each resident in a Church or Charitable home (non-profit-making) so that a twenty-four hour nursing service can be provided for all at a reasonable cost. This would mean that those other than the wealthy can be accommodated.  (b) LOAN FINANCE. We shall provide money at low rates of interest to private and maternity hospitals for renovations, improvements or new buildings.  14. ADDICTIVE DRUGS  (a) The Health Department will be the sole importer of addictive drugs, and they will be held under bond at public hospitals.  (b) The Public Education Programme on the dangers and misuse of all drugs will be extended.  (a) Free clinics for the confidential, medical and psychological treatment of addicts will be established.  15. SEXUAL DISORDERS. Free clinics will be established for the confidential medical and psychological treatment of sexual disorders.  16. VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS. Social Credit recognizes the value of voluntary organizations such as the Plunket Society, the Crippled Children's Society, Alcoholics Associations, Health Camps and the like and will therefore ensure that sufficient finance is made available for them to function efficiently. Consultation with these organizations can prove most valuable as liaison between patients and the profession.  17. STANDARDIZATION OF AMBULANCE SERVICE.  (a) An ambulance service standardized and co-ordinated by Government will promote the following:  1. A career structure throughout the country.  2. Standardization of vehicle design and equipment.  3. Standardization of staff training.  4. Formation of regions e.g. 3 regions in North Island, 2 regions in South Island.  (b) In each region the regional superintendent will be a member of the A.T.A.B. Ambulance Transport Advisory Board.  (c) The A.T.A.B. as such becomes one for the whole country with five regional superintendents advising as he New Zealand Ambulance Advisory Council.  (d) An Air Ambulance section will comprise the following;  - Fixed Wing Section, Civil Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol and aero clubs.  - Rotary Wing Section, Civil Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol and commercial operators.  (e) Similar in structure to the New Zealand Fire Authority.  18. REHABILITATION CENTRES. Favourable consideration will be given to establishing rehabilitation centres where desirable and practicable in hospitals.  Housing. We believe that the family unit is the most important social factor for a stable, prosperous and united nation. The individual is largely the product of his environment, and therefore high priority will be given by a Social Credit Government to improving housing standards. To ensure that existing services are utilized to the full, to reduce the cost of providing essential services, and to contain urban sprawl within reasonable bounds, it is essential that a new architectural approach be made to ensure that the privacy of the individual is protected, whilst planning for higher density living. Home ownership will be encouraged to the full. Private enterprise, local bodies and central government should combine to provide the pressing needs for rental accommodation. We believe that a number of present-day social problems can overcome by ensuring than an integrated cross-section of the community is provided for in all housing development planning.  1. TOWN PLANNING.  (a) Public Participation. Town planning legislation will be rewritten to provide for public participation before plans are prepared, and provide a fully-unified approach to the urban community environment, e.g. to encourage multi-use buildings.  (b) Balanced Communities. The Minister for Housing will ensure that all new housing projects become balanced communities.  (c) Town Planning Profession. The Town Planning profession will be encouraged to broaden its professional expertise by including studies in social and community living.  (d) No Housing Development. No new housing development will be permitted until a proper community social development plan is approved.  (e) User Research. Continuous user research will be carried out in all new building development.  2. URBAN DEVELOPMENT (See also policy on Natural Resources Sec. 37 (b) Communities for People).  (a) As there is only a limited amount of first-class land in New Zealand the emphasis will be on the use of second and third-class land for housing. The concept of the satellite suburb or township, with the provision of first-class rail and road communications to serve them, will be fostered.  (b) In order to utilize our land to the best advantage, all land adjacent to major cities and boroughs, when offered for sale or subdivision, will be purchased by the Crown at a negotiated price. Following classification of the said areas, titles will be issued with sufficient protection to ensure the best possible usage.  3. RE-DEVELOPMENT. The prime function of local bodies and Government should be in the field of reconstruction. In larger towns and cities there are decaying areas requiring reconstruction. Finance will be made available to local bodies undertaking this type of work generally or to loan to individuals at 3% to carry out essential structural renovations to their own homes.  4. HOUSING CORPORATION. All provisions for housing and home ownership will apply to ordinary and extended families, approved single parent and combined single parent families, and single men and women. The housing Corporation will ensure that:  (a) The interest rate will be no more than 3 percent.  (b) Any proposition will be treated on its merits, whether it be for a single or multiple unit, new dwelling or for renovating an existing one.  (c) The professional fees of an architect, a quantity survey on an engineer, and a building consultant (see (g) below) can be included in the loans.  (d) There will be no fixed limit for loan propositions, but restrictions will be determined rather on the ability to meet charges and on variable periods of repayment.  (e) Loans for houses on leasehold land will be dealt with on an equal basis to those on land held in fee simple.  (f) Raising a house to make flats. Loans will be made available to raise a house provided that a flat or flats are constructed underneath.  (g) Where the supervisory and advisory services of an architect are not employed, building consultancy services will be made available at low cost to help intending home owners with the planning of a house, to help explain the plans, to discuss and incorporate modifications to such plans, and to supervise building and sub-trade work to safeguard the client.  5. SAVINGS INCENTIVE FOR HOUSING. In order to encourage home-ownership and saving to that end, Social Credit will immediately offer the following incentives:  (a) A home-ownership account on term deposit, opened with the N.Z. Post Office Savings Bank, or with any Trustee Savings Bank, will be inflation-proofed.  (b) Money deposited in such an account in any one financial year will not be subject to income tax, at the end of that year.  (c) The minimum term for deposit must be two years.  (d) If money is withdrawn for purposes other than home-ownership it immediately becomes subject to income tax retrospectively at current rates based on the withdrawer's annual gross taxable income before deduction.  6. CO-OP SELF-HELP HOUSING. We will encourage co-operative housing by providing research funds to suitably organized groups and societies and assisting them in the purchase of land. Loans at 3% interest will be made available to develop a complex of low-rise apartments in inner suburb areas.  7. CITY CENTRE HOME UNITS. Incentives will be given to builders of multi-storey office blocks in city centres to put in a proportion of residential accommodation. Cities must be taken back for human beings. Cities must be made fit for people to live and work in and be able to enjoy life.  8. BUILDING BYLAWS. We will set up a committee to rewrite NZSS 1900 (the model building bylaw) in accordance with minimum structural requirements rather than the desires of vested interests. It is our belief that design standards would allow for greater versatility and individual initiative, with a minimum of official interference, and to further these aims a domestic building permit would become basically a certificate of structural integrity rather than the expression of a restrictive design criterion. The building costs of New Zealand dwellings are amongst the highest in the world, and our endeavours would be directed towards reducing these as much as possible, and to reducing the wastage of valuable resources in their construction.  9. ALTERNATIVE HOUSING. Individual and co-operative owner-built housing on rural land would be basically exempt from building restrictions, but a certificate of structural integrity would be required, and minimum health standards would have to be met. These proposals are intended to encourage and assist self-supporting rural communities, which find it difficult to establish themselves at reasonable cost under existing circumstances.  10. HOUSING ON MAORI LAND. The section of the Town and Country Planning Act which currently prohibits the building of homes on maraes or on Maori land adjacent to maraes will be repealed.  11. THE OHU SCHEME. We will support and extend the existing Ohu scheme, in accordance with our policies of decentralization and individual and group enterprise, as we consider the establishment of self-supporting rural communities to be part of the answer to the problems of excessive urban growth and rural depopulation.  12. LARGE-SCALE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT. No large-scale housing development will take place without first a SOCIAL IMPACT REPORT being prepared by the Local Authority concerned, or without provision being made by the Local Authority for all necessary social amenities.  13. COMPULSORY ACQUISITION. Where a house is taken by compulsory acquisition under the Public Works Act, the Crown will be required to rehouse the dispossessed person in conditions at least equivalent to those in which the person dispossessed is at present housed.  14. RURAL HOUSING. In country areas and rural towns we shall expedite the building of accommodation for civil servants, schoolteachers and other rural workers to ensure adequate services to the rural community.  15. STAMP DUTY. It will be our ultimate aim to exempt from stamp duty the first purchase of a house to be occupied by the purchaser up to the sum of $18000.  16. HOUSING FOR AGED PARENTS. We will assist people to provide accommodation for their parents, if they are in receipt of the age benefit, in the following ways:  (a) By introducing legislation to enable the construction of self-contained flats for parents as an addition to the existing home owned by the family.  (b) Finance for these flats will be made available up to half of which will be an interest-free suspensory loan so long as the flat is occupied by one or both of the parents. A Social Credit Government will allow the individual taxpayer to charge the cost of interest charges, rates and maintenance of his/her own home (in which his/her family lives) against taxable income up to a maximum of $500 a year.  17. STATE HOUSE RENTALS. Rentals for state houses will be reassessed every three years the rent will be regulated to a percentage of the nett household income. There will be a right of appeal to the Rent Appeal Board.  18. CONSERVATION APPLIANCES. Interest-free loans will be granted to install solar heaters, heat pumps, water tanks, reservoirs and composting toilets, without incurring penal service charges.  Immigration.  1. IMMIGRATION OBLIGATION. Social Credit recognizes New Zealand has a humanitarian obligation to immigrate restricted numbers of people from over-populated Pacific Islands as well as restricted numbers of refugees.  2. IMMIGRATION APPLICATIONS. Each application for immigration into New Zealand will be considered "in its own right" regardless of race, colour or creed, but having regard to New Zealand's specific needs and its humanitarian obligations.  3. SUSPENSORY LOANS FOR INDUSTRY. Interest-free or suspensory loans will be made available for the establishment of local Island industry on a comp basis under the initial supervision of the N.Z Government.  4. INCENTIVES FOR TUTORS. Incentives will be given trained workers who are prepared to educate and train staff in the islands.  5. WORK PERMITS AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING. The Industrial Training Service will be further developed to allow for greater encouragement to ALL Polynesians to accept promotion. The Pacific Island work permit schemes will be reviewed to place emphasis on trade training.  6. MIGRANTS' ADVISORY COUNCIL Additional migrants' advisory services will be set up to educate Pacific Island people as to their rights and obligations and in basic skills needed to meet the daily requirements of life in New Zealand.  7. INFORMATION ON N.Z. FOR INTENDING MIGRANTS .True presentation will be made of New Zealand life when advising intending migrants overseas, not the glossy image produced to promote tourism.  8. ADEQUATE COUNSELLING FOR INTENDING MIGRANTS. Adequate counselling and interviewing of the migrant and family will be used to ensure the applicant has a fair chance of adjustment and settling.  9. UPGRADING OF PASSAGE SUBSIDY SCHEME. The subsidy scheme will be reviewed to afford the sponsor financial protection.  10. ENCOURAGEMENT TO RETAIN SKILLED TRADESMEN. Skilled tradesmen will be encouraged to remain in or to return to their trades instead of unskilled work.  11. FLEXIBLE RETIREMENT AGE. The retirement age will be flexible.  12. I.T.S. AND AUTOMATION ADVICE. The I.T.S. section of the Department of Labour will be encouraged to include advisors on modern methods, machinery and automation.  13. NO SHORT LIST OF IMMIGRATION SKILLS. The short list of immigration skills will be abolished.  14. RELAXATION OF OFFENCE BARS TO MIGRANTS. The regulations regarding prohibited migrants will be reviewed to allow some leniency for a minor offence committed more than five years before application for entry is made.  15. RESTYLED PERMIT CONTROL. The system of permit control will be restyled to enable the Immigration Department to act efficiently and promptly against overstayers.  16. RESTYLED PERMIT EXTENSION. The procedures for extension of permits will be improved to prevent visitors overstaying.  17. TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA. Tourism will be encouraged and our agreement with Australia for freedom to travel across the Tasman will be retained.  18. UPGRADING N.Z PASSPORTS. N.Z passports will be adapted to conform to international standards.  19. N.Z. CITIZENSHIP Applicants for N.Z citizenship will have their applications granted after 5 yeas residency regardless of race, colour, religion or political belief.  Industrial relations. A Social Credit economy provides the groundwork for a type of employer-employee relationship which has hitherto been unattainable in an order of society based on a system of finance unable to meet the requirements of modern industrial progress. We see a proper relationship as one in which no member of our society benefits unless he benefits others; in which all members, according to their contribution of effort and skill, receive their fair and proper share of the standard of living they make possible; in which wage earners reassert their dignity and self-respect as vital members of the productive community together with their fellows in business management, farming and the professions, all engaged in the task of building a better New Zealand which we may all enjoy. Social Credit believes in the principle of mutual employer-worker shareholding and profit-sharing and worker participation in industrial management.  1. INCOMES. We shall ensure that wage earners receive an income from their basic weekly employment which is adequate to provide a good standard of living for themselves and their families.  2. INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. Industrial relations will be based on the principle of encouraging industrial co-operation and harmony between workers and employers, unions and management through negotiated terms. A Social Credit Government will play an active role in apparently irreconcilable industrial disputes. Social Credit will establish a scheme for industrial employees to acquire part ownership of the capital in the industry in which they are employed.  3. TRADE UNIONS. We acknowledge the right of all workers to organize and strive to improve their conditions, rates of pay and hours of work. We also see trade unions as a source of knowledge and skill co-operating with industrial management to achieve greater progress for all. A Social Credit Government will encourage unions to re-form on an industry basis.  INDUSTRIAL COUNCILS. Industrial Councils will bargain for and represent all workers at the one place of work. These new Industrial Councils will be expected to affiliate with the Federation of Labour which must continue to represent all wage earners at the national level.  FORMATION OF INDUSTRIAL COUNCILS An Industrial Council will be established at the place of work when a majority of workers so resolve by secret ballot supervised by the Labour Department. Any 5% of wage and salary earners at the one place of work may demand in writing of the Labour Department that a secret ballot be held for the purpose of forming an Industrial Council.  INDUSTRIAL TRUSTS. Industrial Councils will be authorized to appoint by election specialist people as be members of an industrial Trust, which will be responsible to worker-shareholders for the administration of their shares.  FUNCTIONS OF INDUSTRIAL TRUSTS.  a. To maintain a register which will record the number of fully paid shares individually owned by every employee over the age of 18 years and after one year's service.  b. To accept limited liability for advances made at a minimal service charge by the New Zealand Credit Authority and which are invested as either productive or social capital in real company assets.  c. To repay social capital loans from profit income at a rate determined from time to time by Government policy.  d. Ensure that as company shares are free of liability they are progressively allocated to individual employees.  e. Upon request to purchase, at market or independent valuation, the shares of people who leave the employment of the company and to automatically purchase the shares of a deceased person unless registered in the name of a husband and wife when purchase will apply upon survivor's death.  f. To transfer the shares of people who leave or retire and do not wish to sell, to a special non voting but dividend bearing category.  g. To appoint from among their number initially, at least 25% of the members of the company board of directors, such representation to eventually equal employee shareholding with voting rights, to a maximum of 50% of total company shareholding.  h. To make representations, at board level, on behalf of employees, as to the proportion of investment desired between improving the social and physical environment and increasing productive capacity.  i. The directors appointed to represent the members of industrial Councils will regularly inform their shareholders of the progress of the company and the reasons for policy decisions mode by the board of directors.  SERVICE INDUSTRIES.  (a) Those sections of public controlled organizations which actually utilize productive capital for the sale of goods or services at profit, will be separately organized and designated as Trading Corporations with power to trade under conditions similar to those applying in the private sector.  (b) Trading corporations will be required to obtain at least 50% of the money required for productive capital by the sale of non-voting shares to investors.  (c) Trading Corporations will be expected to service their liabilities of social capital loans and investor capital so as to give a return to all of their shareholders at a level similar to that applying in the private sector.  (d) Trading Corporations which are given to operate with low risk monopoly status will be subject to price control which will allow for a return on financial capital at 5%.  (e) Trading Corporations which are charged with selling an essential service to the public would be subsidized by Government when the social benefits from a given service outweigh the economic losses sustained in providing adequate services to decentralized industries when the location of these industries has high social and environmental benefits.  (f) Trading Corporations will be administered by an elected or appointed Board to accept social and productive financial capital from Industrial Trusts with similar worker-shareholding rights and Board representation as is applied in the private sector.  (g) In special situations where Industrial Trusts could not directly associate with either a company or Trading Corporation, these Trusts will be empowered to operate as trading entities in their own right.  KB. A trading Trust which services a waterfront would organize occupationally integrated, co-operative groupings of people who would provide a package service to importers and exporters. The profits from such trading will service the social and productive capital required to further the social and economic well-being of all people who work at a port.  (h) People whose work denies them any possibility of being associated with a trading organization because of its strictly service nature (e.g. such as those whose chosen career is in government and local body work) will be empowered to establish Trusts which would invest social capital to provide amenities and facilities for members. Liability for social capital advances made to these Trusts would be guaranteed by the employer in conjunction with employees.  (i) In all cases that any trading organization is operating an approved worker-shareholding scheme for Industrial Councils and Industrial Trusts, such trading organization will be designed as a co-operative and will not be liable for any taxation at he company level. In all cases tax would be paid once only, in the hands of the individual shareholder.  MINISTER FOR LABOUR. The Ministry of Labour will be considered a fulltime portfolio.  CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION. We affirm our endorsement of the principle of conciliation and arbitration in the settlement of industrial disputes. We shall investigate the provisions and administration of the present industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act and carry out such revisions as may be found desirable to expedite prompt action in dealing with industrial disputes.  REDUNDANCY. We uphold the principle of full employment. All wage earners displaced for any reason, whether from economic conditions or from automation, will be paid their award rate until other employment is available. In order to receive the award rate the worker will be required to enroll in an approved retraining programme designed to equip him for a more productive and remunerative occupation. If, however, a retrained worker refuses employment near his home and suited to his capabilities, he will cease to receive the award rate. Such employment may include attendance at a training establishment. When a skilled industry closes down, society should pay the social cost of re-establishing the people concerned in another area so that their skills are not wasted.  AUTOMATION. Social Credit welcomes automation because its enlightened financial policy is geared to receive it. The wage earner need have nothing to fear from automation, as his income is assured and will have more buying power to allow his full participation in the increased national standards of living which will result. Automation will be fostered to replace human energy in repetitive dirty, unpleasant and dangerous jobs, such as freezing works.  WORKING CONDITIONS. The financial system will be reformed to allow non-inflationary investment in the social capital required to improve working conditions. Properly constituted companies will be advanced loans at a service charge only for investment in social capital under conditions similar to that applying under Social Credit Local Body policy.  MARGIN FOR SKILL. We will provide a basic wage which will ensure a decent standard of living for all adult workers. A graded point system, additional to the basic wage, will ensure a margin, not only for skill, but also for danger, discomfort, hours of work, responsibility, extra study and length of service. The points system would be a guide to industrial councils in establishing margins within their respective companies.  WORKER SHAREHOLDING.  (a) Participating companies will reconstruct their ordinary capital so that the face value of shares issued to existing shareholders corresponds with the intrinsic value of net assets and for eventual equal shareholding between workers and investors.  (b) The present financial system will be reformed to allow advances to be made of social capital at a service charge only to participating companies.  (c) Advances made of social capital will be guaranteed by issued company shares held in the name of an industrial trust; such shares will be progressively transferred to individual workers as they are freed of liability by the progressive repayment of advances from retained profits.  (d) Profits will be free of tax when transferred to industrial trusts for the purpose of repaying social capital loans, and thus freeing worker shares of liability.  (e) Taxation on retained profits will be progressively increased so as to eliminate the reserves method of accumulating financial capital.  (f) All dividends paid on the shares of participating companies will eventually be free of tax at the company level.  (b) Long term company borrowing of investment monies at fixed interest charges will be restricted to the land value of company assets.  (h) The maximum amount possible of financial capital required for investment in productive assets will be obtained by the sale of ordinary shares to the investing public.  (i) Industry will be encouraged to accept responsibility for the security and welfare of people.  SUPERANNUATION. Any income related superannuation scheme, compulsorily imposed by Government, will be repealed.  SAFETY.  (a) Present legislation on the subject of industrial safety will be revised and strengthened in its administration so that it may better safeguard workers against accidents and also minimize the loss to industry of valuable man-hours.  (b) SAFETY EQUIPMENT. All items of equipment used for protection against injury will be exempt from sales tax. Customs duty may be reduced or waived after considering local manufacturers of competing articles.  EDUCATION AND RESEARCH. We shall foster and assist the expansion of industrial research and training to improve the natural efficiency and ability of New Zealand workers. Scholarships will be made available to enable them to study and train overseas.  (a) Courses in industrial relations will be included in any management study programmes at established New Zealand Universities.  (b) Top priority will be given to the establishment at Technical Institutes of training courses for key personnel in industry, e.g. overseers, foremen. These courses will teach the skills the jobs require.  HUMAN AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS. A Social Credit Government will encourage industry to employ and, where necessary, provided qualified personnel to deal with the human and social problems encountered by participants in industrial and commercial activities, e.g. plant nurses, medical officers, psychologists, chaplains, and personnel trained in improving the industrial environment.  OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH. A division of the Department of Health will be established to examine all aspects of occupational health, with particular reference to noise levels, toxic gases and other hazardous by-products of industrial processes.  CO-OPERATIVE ENTERPRISE. We favour the principle of co-operative enterprise. In the case of monopoly in any industry we shall actively assist in the formation of co-operative supply organizations so that small operators will be free from the dictates of monopoly groups.  BUSINESS FINANCE. We shall financially assist suitably qualified workers wishing to establish their own businesses. This will be available under conditions similar to those provided under the rehabilitation scheme for ex-servicemen.  HOLIDAYS. We shall arrange a meeting of interested parties to study the possibility of staggering annual holidays throughout the year in order to ensure the provision of adequate services at all times. There will be a minimum of three weeks' annual leave for all workers permanently employed.  FOUR DAY WORKING WEEK. Social Credit will move towards the four-day working week in order to help promote its policy, full use of automation and the development of greater opportunities for leisure. This would be related to a strong and positive programme at local, regional and national level for helping people to use their leisure constructively, for self-development and self-expression.  WORKERS' TRANSPORT. A Social Credit Government will allow individual taxpayers to charge cost of travel to and from work against taxable income. The maximum amount will be not more than required costs of travel by public transport. Maximum $300.  Law reform.  1. ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION OF THE SUPREME COURT. We strongly support the Administrative Division of he Supreme Court as a replacement for appeal authorities. Right of appeal will be granted from all administrative tribunals to this division.  2. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS. Certain basic procedures to ensure a far hearing should be followed by all tribunals unless for Mood cause expressly exempted. These include such matters as notice of the time, place and issues; evidence; public hearings; legal representation; privilege; and a requirement that findings and reasons be supplied either as of right or on timely request. Tribunals will remain free to prescribe detailed rules.  3. RIGHT TO A HEARING. We shall ensure that any person whose rights, property or livelihood are adversely affected by administrative action or the exercise of statutory powers is first entitled to a hearing. There will be a right of appeal to the Administrative Division of he Supreme Court as to the right to a hearing and the adequacy of any hearing afforded. In addition, a provision requiring a hearing before the grant, revocation, suspension or modification of any licence will be enacted.  4. JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS. A simple uniform method of review will be introduced to replace the prerogative writs and actions for injunctions and declarations, and the grounds for review will be codified and extended to include all errors of law. The Administrative division of the Supreme Court will hear all applications for review of administrative decisions subject to a right of appeal to the Court of Appeal.  5. APPEALS AGAINST ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS. We support the right of appeal to the Administrative Division of the Supreme Court in the areas of the greatest friction between the public, Government Departments and local bodies, to be determined on the recommendations of the Ombudsman.  6. The Ombudsmen will continue in their appointments and he conditions of these will be equated with those of a Judge of the Supreme Court. R is not envisaged that the Ombudsmen would sit on the general run of cases coming before the Court, but that their services would be called upon at the descretion of the Chief Justice to sit on those cases where the experience accumulated in their capacities as Parliamentary Commissioners would be of particular value and assistance to the Court.  7. CITIZENS' RIGHTS.  (a) PERSONAL FILES.  - A Social Credit Government will protect the individual rights of people from being infringed by computer data usage.  - We will ensure that personal information held by government departments is correct and valid in its reference.  - All information held at the central data bank will be made privately accessible to the individual concerned at no charge.  (b) DOCTORS' FILES. Neither police nor anyone else will have unrestricted. access to doctors' private files or files in public or private hospitals on their patients.  (c) ANTI BUGGING. The right of the individual will be protected by the institution of further anti bugging laws  (d) POLICE EVIDENCE. In order that both the individual and the police be protected, confessions of accused persons in criminal cases shall not be put in evidence unless taken in the presence of the accused solicitor, a Justice of the Peace, a welfare officer or other person who will see fair play.  (e) POLICE INTERVIEW. Police interviews tape-recorded in duplicate in the presence of the accused lawyer will be admitted as evidence in a court of law, one copy to be held by the prosecution and one by the defence.  (f) RESTITUTION. Legislation will be introduced to readjust penalties for crimes against property and the person in such a way as to further shift the emphasis from fines and imprisonment to restitution to the injured part, provided that such alteration in emphasis stops short of the point which would involve indirect penalties for the innocent dependents of the offender.  S.I.S. The present S.I.S. Amendment Act will be amended to transfer the power to issue a warrant to the Chief Justice and to set a time limit on the duration of the warrant at not more than 90 days. The privacy and democratic rights of all New Zealand residents who abide by the laws and democratic conventions of our society will be safeguarded. To this end, the definition of what activities should come under the surveillance of the S.I.S. should be altered from that of 'subversion' to 'treason'. Where a person under investigation is dissatisfied with the Commissioner of Security Appeals, he will be allowed to petition to have the allegations tested in a court of law.  8. COURTS.  - DUTY SOLICITORS. Duty Solicitors will serve in all Courts to ensure that all prisoners receive adequate legal advice.  - COURT WELFARE OFFICERS. Special welfare officers will be appointed to Courts and gaols and they, with the police, will share access to and responsibility for, the accused from the time of arrest until he is brought before the Court, and eventually released.  - COURT FINES. AT fines payable as a result of Court action will be determined as a percentage of a person's income rather than a hat he.  - PROBATION OFFICERS. In recognition of their importance to the community Social Credit will upgrade conditions of employment for probation officers and increase their numbers.  9. PRISON REFORM.  - PRISONERS' WAGES. Prisoners who are able and willing to work during their sentence will be paid the equivalent of award wages of the occupation for which they are employed in the prison. These payments will be made to their families or to compensate their victims.  - PRISONERS' LEAVE. Home leave for prisoners will be granted monthly to approved prisoners, in every gaol centre.  - PRE RELEASE HOSTELS. Social Credit will encourage the establishment of pre release hostels for prisoners in every gaol centre, to help them fit more easily into society.  10. MARRIAGE LAW REFORM  (a) Legislation will be implemented to provide for contractual union.  (b) For matrimonial proceedings a Social Credit Government will replace the present judicial proceedings with Family Courts.  (c) The first consideration of the Family Court shall be the welfare of the children.  (d) There shall be only one ground for divorce: the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.  (e) The Social Welfare Department will have the sole responsibility for paying and collecting maintenance and alimony.  (f) Social Credit supports the division of present maintenance into maintenance and alimony.  (g) Where there are no dependent children alimony shall cease when the divorce has been made absolute.  (h) In property settlements all assets acquired during marriage shall be equally divided. Assets of either party acquired prior to marriage or inherited during marriage will remain the property of the individual concerned.  (i) The minimum maintenance payments will be based on the Social Welfare formula for dependent children.  11. DRUG ADDICTION. A clear distinction will be made in law between soft and hard drugs, the penalties for the selling and use of he latter being substantially increased, particularly in the case of sale to minors. In accordance with Social Credit's philosophy the following logical and humane proposals will form the basis for the necessary legislation under a Social Credit Government.  (a) Remove some of the anomalies in the present laws relating to social drugs.  (b) Eliminate the "hard" drug peddlers, their black market prices and the crime associated with both.  (c) Unjust Restrictions. Remove some of the unjust restrictions on what can only be described, after all, as a personal concern, thus reducing to some extent State interference in the private affairs of the individual.  (d) Provide increased public education in the hazards of the misuse of drugs.  (a) Encourage more "hard" addicts to seek medical aid.  (b) Printed Warnings, Ensure that social drugs carry clearly printed and conspicuous warnings of the possible health hazards involved in their use.  (g) Access to Drugs. We will make available through clinics to registered addicts only, at normal prices, other drugs required.  (h) Drug Addiction Classification. Classify drug addiction as an offence only if the addict is unregistered.  (i) Treatment for Addicts. Give every encouragement and opportunity to registered added to undergo medical and/ or psychological treatment ?such treatment to be free.  (j) Committal of Drug Addicts. Establish a mechanism for the committal of drug addicts in a serious medical or mental condition, such as patients to be treated at special clinics established for this purpose.  12. ABORTION. A FREE VOTE IN PARLIAMENT. Since abortion is inextricably intertwined with the twin questions of fundamental human rights and life itself, the question of its general legalization, beyond the reasons and conditions already provided for in law, must never become a matter of party politics cutting across the individual principles and convictions of Members of Parliament. Social Credit believes the matter to be one of individual candidates in the first instance, and subsequently by a fee vote in Parliament.  13. HOMOSEXUAL LAW REFORM. The existing law relating to homosexual behaviour between consenting adults in private will be repealed. The laws providing penalties for the sexual corruption of minors will be retained.  14. CONVEYANCING. The Public Trust will be authorized to carry out conveyancing.  Local government. Social Credit believes in the decentralization of control, and to this end a Social Credit Government will allow local bodies greater scope in which to operate, with resulting benefits to the people they serve. We recognize the duty of he central government to establish a climate in which local bodies may be free and able to develop their communities.  1. ADMINISTRATION.  (a) To eliminate existing anomalies, consolidation and revision of the statutes governing counties and municipalities will be undertaken in consultation with the New Zealand Counties and Municipal Associations.  (b) In rural areas particularly, the incorporation of ad hoc authorities with the major local body, for administrative purposes only, would be encouraged where economy and efficiency could be improved.  (c) City Councillors, Borough and County Councillors will declare their financial interests to a committee appointed by the judiciary, on being elected to their offices.  2. FINANCE. Subject to approval by the Local Authorities' Loans Board loans for development will be made available free of interest but with an administrative charge only. In certain circumstances, free grants will be provided to make possible the establishment of basic community amenities such as water supply and drainage and sewerage systems. Such assistance will speed development and receive communities of heavy demands for debt servicing which will in turn halt the continual rise in rates.  3. RATING. The following sets out the Social Credit League's policy as an alternative to the rating methods at present available to local bodies. The League submits that the costs of present rate assessment and administration are excessive and unwarranted. The League's alternative will take the emphasis completely away from valuation, placing the emphasis in rural areas on land quality, and in urban areas on payment relative to services rendered. Once the system is adopted by a local body there should be no further costs involved in its administration from that point onwards. This will mean considerable savings, which will to some degree assist in stabilizing the ever-increasing rates in the short-term, while the League's local body finance proposals will assure ratepayers of long-term benefits. The "rateable value" as distinct from land or capital value shall be determined on the basis of the following three broad categories:  1. Rural 2. Urban 3. Private reservation.  RURAL AREAS AND LAND CLASSIFICATION. There has been in operation in New Zealand for some time a land classification system based on an accepted international standard. Classes vary from class one, which is the highest quality land comprising deep foams and silts, to class eight which comprises bare mountain tops and scree. From class one to eight are all the intermediate classes, which are well defined, as they are compiled from land inventory maps based on the physical properties of the land and its productive ability. Detailed soil maps are available for the whole of the county, so that it will be a relatively straightforward matter to complete classification for any one county, for the purpose of rating. Once the classification maps are completed, it will be simply a matter of super-imposing the titles on to the master sheet. The end result will be that every farm will be divided into various classes, so that every owner will know exactly for all time the areas in their respective classes. From this point onward the local body will be empowered to assess rates on the respective classes, which could be varied from riding to riding. In the case of county towns, there will be no reason why the adoption of the urban system cannot be implemented. where there are industrial undertakings situated within the county, a special rate assessment could be arrived at commensurate with the services rendered by the local body concerned.  URBAN AREAS. In residential areas, the specific zones will be determined by the density of living units relative to the services provided by the local body. The three zonings within the residential category will be A, B and C. Residential A will be basically the family or single dwelling unit, with the lowest number of units per acre. Residential B will be zones surrounding zone C (high-density housing) and beyond, also fringing the commercial areas. Here density of the units will determine the zone boundary, but as with zone A, will be more clearly defined according to the number of home units per acre. Residential C will be high-density housing, such as high-rise flats. The unit density per site is established firstly by the site occupancy rate, and secondly by the location of the site in relation to areas of open space surrounding the site and the dimensions of the streets in the area. This is also related to the number of units that can be placed on the site, and therefore the amount of local body services that these units will use. While the basic rate will be determined by the zone, the individual site rating must be determined by the use mode of he particular site as compared with that of the adjoining site. For instance, a site with 10 flat units would pay proportionately higher rate to that containing one residence, although in the same zone. In the case of commercial zoning, the basic rateable value will be determined on a lineal basis. There will, however have to be exemptions on those sections which are still being utilized as residential. These naturally will be rated on the equivalent of residential C. High-rise buildings will pay a relatively higher rate to that of a single floor. This will be calculated on a sliding scale, based on the various factors relevant to the use being made of the local body services provided. Industrial zoning will be based on area, and the use made of local body services.  PRIVATE RESERVATION. This will apply to land which has been designated under the local authorities district scheme for preservation in its natural or existing state or where usage is restricted for environmental or conservation reasons. The category may be further divided into A, B, C, etc. according to extent or type of activity permitted. It will ensure that land will be retained as an elective reserve but remain in private ownership. All three categories may be employed by any territorial local authority to ensure a just levy and to foster the objectives of the operative district scheme. The benefits expected to result from the adoption of these proposals can be summarized as follows:  1 . A considerable saving in the cost of administration, resulting from the non-recurring cost of valuation. The "rateable value" will only vary as the district scheme is varied or as the extent of services increases.  2. The emphasis will be placed on the equitable payment to the local body for services rendered e.g. two dwellings alongside each other should pay the same relative rate for the same services used by the same number of people, regardless of the cost of the dwelling.  3. Local bodies will be given statutory power to vary the rate from riding to riding.  4. With the increasing use of rival land for developing the tourist industry, the farming community in many instances is at present being penalized for the higher cost of land transactions, which has no bearing on the farming industry.  1. The community will appreciate the ability to buy and sell land for what it is truly worth to them, on the basis that they pay an equitable rate to that of their neighbour. Farmland and urban dwellings will soon find their real worth.  2. The valuation profession will establish its true place in the community.  4. TOWN PLANNING  (a) Town planning legislation will be rewritten to provide for public participation before plans are prepared, and provide a fully unified approach to the urban community environment e.g. to encourage multi-use buildings.  (b) The Town Planning profession will be encouraged to broaden its professional expertise by including studies in social and community living.  5. BOUNDARY CHANGES. As the need for reforming local government to counter the growing power and bureaucracy of central government remains urgent but unfulfilled, we would encourage the establishment of sound territorial units based on local identity, natural community focus and geographical features.  (a) The Local Government Commission will be directed to draw up alternative schemes of local government reform based on these factors.  (b) A poll of ratepayers and residents will be taken on the alternatives and the views of the majority put into operation.  (c) When all processes of participation and consultation have been held, the Local Government Commission will be empowered to draw up a final scheme of local government reform.  (d) After further representations have been heard, this will become the mandatory scheme for implementation.  (e) A Social Credit Government will not recognize the system of united regional councils at present being planned.  6. WARD REPRESENTATION. A ward system of representation on local bodies may be decided at a poll on the petition of 5 per cent of ratepayers in the area.  7. HOUSING.  (a) PENSIONER housing schemes will receive greater encouragement and liberalization of the Rural Housing Act, 1939, will be considered.  (b) DOWNTOWN RENEWAL. For reconstruction of decaying areas in larger towns and cities finance will be made available to the local body generally or for lending to individuals at 3% to carry out essential structural renovations to their own homes. (See also Housing for city centre home units, town planning, urban development)  8. CIVIL DEFENCE. We shall continue to have local civil defence organizations administered by local bodies and we shall reimburse them their administrative costs which are at present an added burden to their already strained finances (See Defence, Section 10).  9. NOXIOUS WEEDS. Greater amounts of finance will be provided to enable all noxious weeds to be controlled.  10. MUNICIPAL COMPOSTING. Local authorities wishing to establish plants will be assisted financially to encourage the composing of sewage wastes. The inter-departmental committee for refuse disposal of organic wastes will be reconstituted to actively promote such schemes and to co-ordinate them with pollution control under the Water and Soil Conservation Act 1967.  11. CREMATORIA. Local bodies in our larger centres will be encouraged to provide crematoria, and financial assistance will be given towards this end.  12. REFERENDA. Where a local body has held a referendum on any issue, the result will be binding until varied by a further referendum.  13. ELECTION OF MAYORS. Social Credit will ensure the continued direct community election of mayors.  14. TRUST TAVERNS. Social Credit will ensure the establishment of trust taverns where public support shows a demand for same. Small taverns (as opposed to large ones) are favoured.  15. FINANCIAL YEAR. To bring our national accounting system into accord with New Zealand’s trading pattern, the financial year will end on June 30.  Marine. In the past New Zealand's rich oceans have not received the attention they deserve, and the few people harvesting the area have not received the assistance warranted by their efforts. By default the Japanese and other nations are exploiting our seas. Since the establishment of the 200-mile zone of economic management the development of a New Zealand-based industry for processing and exporting the potential harvest is essential.  1. JOINT DEVELOPMENT. An invitation to joint development should be extended to experienced nations under guidelines favourable to New Zealand and ensuring education of local personnel, so that future expansion can be from within the industry, and not limited to the licensing of overseas interests. Suggested guidelines are:  - Overseas groups prepared to participate in this scheme shall have that percentage of licence costs, equal to the percentage of total catch processed and/or exported from New Zealand, rebated to the licensee.  - That licence holders be encouraged by a rebate of charges, to lodge details of craft and equipment with a Government-assisted repair facility. For example, Whangarei Port would seem to be potentially ideal as a basic facility already exists.  - The establishment of rest and recreation centres by consortiums of licence holders will be encouraged in major ports, so that crew exchanges and provisioning can be made without the vessels returning to home ports.  - That the duty-free importation of supplies and equipment be offered to consortiums prepared to establish bases in secondary ports, this to include tax refunds on fuel to the home country levels.  - Any overseas licensee prepared to include not less than 20% of New Zealand registered and manned tonnage in annual fleets will receive a rebate of licence fees, equal to twice the percentage of fish stocks caught by such craft.  - Where licensees are willing to invest not more than 49%, and not less than 33%, of the required finance for processing, freezing and canning facilities, interest-free Regional Development Loans will be provided to co-operative ventures, participated in by local marine interests and located in secondary ports.  - That where any licensee is prepared to offer a supervisory position aboard any vessel, a Government subsidy, equal to 50% of the standard New Zealand salary, or the difference between the New Zealand and home country rate, whichever is the lesser, will be paid.  Any group, co-operative, consortium or licensee, prepared to offer practical instruction, (to an approved standard), for fishing industry cadets, will receive a subsidy equal to 50% of stores and salary to a maximum of 50% of the equivalent full-scale rate for a qualified man.  2. RESEARCH AND EDUCATION. We shall ensure that the Scientific and Industrial Research Corporation (see Research policy) gives high priority to the research of our strategic fishing grounds, including shell fish.  (a) CHAIR OF AQUACULTURE. A Social Credit Government will establish a Chair of Aquaculture at a selected New Zealand university and encourage and extend the aquatic research facilities in New Zealand.  (b) SCHOOL OF FISHING. A school of fishing will be established or assisted at a selected technical training institute for the trade training of people wishing to enter the fishing industry.  (c) MARINE FARMING. Research into the rapid development of marine farming of shellfish stocks will be intensified.  3. TERRITORIAL LIMITS  (a) EXTERNAL LIMITS. A Social Credit Government will endeavour by International Agreement to extend the territorial limits to a minimum of 50 miles. If necessary, this will be done by unilateral action, to protect the marine assets for the benefit of New Zealanders.  (b) THREE-MILE LIMIT. A three-mile limit will be imposed around the whole of the coastline of New Zealand against all forms of power trawling and seine or puce netting.  4. NATIONAL FISHERIES BOARD. A Social Credit Government will establish a National Fisheries Board comprising men who are independent of but interested in the fishing industry, representatives of the industry, and independent scientists interested and experienced in marine life. This Board will report to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and advise on matters relating to the industry with a view to formulating and controlling policy. One facet of policy must be to ensure that every citizen has, as far as is practical, opportunity to purchase fresh fish.  5. MANAGEMENT. Scientific investigations would be put in hand towards the implementation of fish management and fish farming.  (a) SHELLFISH. All littoral stocks of shellfish (rock oysters excepted) will be decommercialized, and marine shellfish farming in suitable areas will be encouraged for commercial purposes.  (b) ROTATIONAL HARVESTING. Zoning will be introduced for the rotational harvesting of crayfish, and permanent sanctuary zones banned at all times to exploitation of crayfish will be established.  6. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. Finance will be made available to assist the fishing industry to build up a fleet of vessels to fish the natural increase and to assist the industry generally, such as in the establishment of packing and processing facilities in order to export any surplus.  7. FISHERIES PROTECTION. We shall take all steps necessary to protect our fishing grounds from any possible damage or depredation.  8. MARINE RESERVE. An area of one nautical mile around the main islands of the Poor Knights and the Pinnacles will become a marine reserve.  9. CARGO HANDLING.  (a) PORT AND STEVEDORING EMPLOYEES. A Port and Stevedoring Employees' Council will be established to make representations, and recommendations on manning, handling, movement, storage, or any other procedure designed to increase efficiency. Such a Council will liase with the Ports and Harbour Board Associations.  (b) PRODUCTIVITY AGREEMENT. A local and national productivity agreement on cargo handled will be negotiated by all port employers loading, discharging or storing marine cargoes. Such bonuses will be allocated to the various areas on the ratio of actual to potential man-hours worked, other than hours not required by a port authority which will be classed as worked.  (c) WORKER PARTICIPATION. Further worker participation will be fostered in accordance with Social Credit industrial policy.  10. RESEARCH EXPANDING N.Z. SHIPPING. The New Zealand Shipping Corporation (N.Z.S.C.), will be charged with researching, developing, and expanding a New Zealand owned mercantile fleet capable of meeting expanded trade requirements and of reducing the nation's dependence on overseas interests for the established trade routes.  11. RESEARCH INTO COASTAL SHIPPING. The N.Z.S.C. will be responsible for research and development of vessels suited to the New Zealand coastal service and liaison with relevant harbour and port authorities to ensure that an efficient coastal service regains its place in the nationwide transport system.  12. MARINE INSURANCE. The N.Z.S.C. will convene a meeting of shipping port authorities, importers-exporters and insurers, and any other relevant group, and through that meeting establish the New Zealand Mercantile Interests' Insurance Pool, (N.Z.M.I.P.) The objectives of the N.Z.M.I.P. would be to encourage the Insurance in New Zealand of any goods imported and exported through New Zealand ports, or carried on New Zealand registered vessels or vessels which load or discharge any cargo in New Zealand waters, and to accept the insurance of any New Zealand-registered vessel or of any goods transported to or from New Zealand for the purpose of trade, sale, or exhibition by any other means. A plussage would be added to insurance contracted overseas.  Explanation. (The purpose of this organization would be to reduce the massive cost to New Zealand of insurance in the "invisibles" of the external trade deficit. Where necessary the claims would be met in overseas funds, sufficient to replace the goods F.O.B.)  13. REFITTING AND VESSEL CONSTRUCTION. Port authorities (with altered terms of reference) will be commissioned to investigate and report on the suitability of any New Zealand port or harbour, for the construction, repair and modification of vessels to international standards, and on the economic factors attending the development of such a facility.  Overseas trade. The present protectionist approach by individual countries, whether by means of economic sanctions or the quota system, engenders friction and jealousy between nations which often ends in open conflict. These policies are largely the result of inadequate internal monetary systems. As a means of establishing secure markets over the widest possible area, and to show by example a method of dealing with the problems of world trade, a Social Credit Government will implement the following policy.  1. RECIPROCAL AND BILATERAL TRADE. An application will be immediately lodged with G.A.T.T. for a waiver of the Agreement, to permit reciprocal and bilateral trading with countries other than our traditional markets, and reduce tariffs gradually, thus reducing internal costs, making all exports more competitive on overseas markets.  2. EXPORT CREDITS. An export Credit Account will be established at the N.Z.C.A. for the those countries willing to reciprocate, so that trading may proceed unhampered by balance of payments problems. Such credits will be at a nominal rate only, and where justified (such as in the case of underdeveloped countries), will be interest-free. This latter aspect would ensure that trade policies based on the principle of economic justice rather than charitable aid are pursued.  3. BOARD OF TRADE. A Board of Trade will be set up, with the responsibility of carrying out a long-term policy of import allocation related to export earnings. The quantum of imports must be kept in annual balance with our export earnings, after providing for our external debt servicing. Exceptions may be necessary from time to time to ensure that essential capital equipment and raw materials are imported for the development and benefit of the country as a whole. (See also policy on Secondary Industries). Sufficient exchange will be reserved for this purpose.  4. TRADE COMMISSIONERS. The time is overdue for the appointment of well qualified Trade Commissioners to ensure adequate overseas promotion of New Zealand's industry, both primary and secondary. Towards this end a Social Credit Government will establish consular offices and trading posts wherever practicable with the object of further reciprocal and bilateral trade. To ensure that trade promotion is prosecuted with the utmost vigour, Trade Commissioners will be appointed from the commercial field for contractual periods on terms attractive to well-qualified men. Such appointments will be outside the jurisdiction of the State Service Commission.  5. EXPORT DEVELOPMENT. There is no doubt that we must continue to diversify our products, in both primary and secondary industries, and see that our skills and resources are fully utilized. All that is basically necessary to ensure that our exporting industries make unimpeded progress is to provide sufficient incentive by way of taxation relief. This can best be achieved by increased taxation exemptions for travelling and advertising. Financial assistance will be given to those industries developing new products and to new industries considered worthy of promotion by the Trade Commissioners for particular markets. (See also proposals for a National Investment Corporation under Finance).  6. FOREIGN INVESTMENT. A Social Credit Government will introduce adequate measures to prevent foreign investors from obtaining a dominant interest in New Zealand property and industry. (See Overseas Ownership of Land under Environment).  7. SALES PROMOTION. A Social Credit Government will use all possible means to promote sales of New Zealand products to potential markets and employ qualified market research personnel from private enterprise.  Parliamentary system reform. Social Credit chose its title as a Political League very carefully for we are determined to get away from the faults and weaknesses of the Party System. Social Credit members will be united in our Financial Policy to reform the faulty economy but on matters of conscience our philosophy demands that they have a free vote in parliament to exercise the wishes of their constituents. These matters would include decisions relating to abortion, morals, the commitment of combat troops overseas, etc. Social Credit abhors the increasing gap between true democracy and the present parliamentary system and believes the following steps will overcome anomalies in the present democratic structure.  1. MEMBERS’ CODE OF ETHICS. A code of ethics for Members of Parliament will be drawn up. This code will place some restriction on the protection members have at present when making personal attacks on people, both within and outside the House of Parliament when this type of attack made outside the House would face proceedings in a court of law.  2. PRIVATE AND PUBLIC INTERESTS. All Members of Parliament will be required to make a complete disclosure of their financial affairs to the Auditor General who will report thereon as he thinks necessary to a select committee of the House. Ministers will not be permitted to deal in land or engage in financial or business activities likely to lead to a conflict between their private affairs and the public interest and may be required to convert certain of their assets into blind trusts where only the trustees know the nature of the trust investments.  3. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE. A member of the High Judiciary will be chosen by and seconded to parliament to assume the duties of Speaker of the House of Representatives.  4. ELECTORAL REFORM. Under a Social Credit Government parliamentary elections will be conducted under the proportional representation system incorporating the single transferable vote in multi-candidate constituencies. This is known as PR-STV.  5. REFERENDA.  (a) INITIATIVE. A Social Credit Government will adopt a system known as the 'initiative' as found in Switzerland and some American states, although in a somewhat modified form to suit N.Z. conditions. Under this system a N.Z government would be obliged to hold a referendum on any matter if approximately 100000 eligible electors petition for it. (Petitions such as that on the beech forests and abortion would have qualified.)  (b) LOCAL BODIES. Where a local body has held a referendum on any issue, the result will be binding until varied by a further referendum. Legislation will be passed to compel local authorities to abide by the results of referenda.  6. ONE ELECTORAL ROLL. The Social Credit Political League favours a single common Roll for all New Zealanders.  7. ELECTORAL SPENDING LIMITS. A Social Credit Government will tighten electoral spending limits, extending them to national campaigns which will include a more detailed demarcation between the two. There will be restrictions placed on pseudo-government spending such as free air travel for M.P.s campaigning outside their electorates.  8. ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES COMMISSION.  (a) The redrawing of electoral boundaries every five years after the general census should be the task of an independent impartial body of persons, free from political or other interference.  (b) No direct party political representatives will be members of the Electoral Representation Commission. While we are blessed with the redrawing of electoral boundaries all suspicions of interference and/or gerrymandering must be avoided. Hence the need for an independent, impartial body.  9. ORGANIZATIONS OF ELECTORS. All Members of Parliament will be encouraged to foster the formation of non-party organizations of electors to act as liaison committees, and to consult with them in matters concerning their respective electorates. Members will be required to report to their electorates after each session of parliament.  10. ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION. All legislative acts will be subject to environment legislation where applicable.  11. PARLIAMENTARY TERM. Social Credit will maintain the three-year life of parliament.  12. EARLY SESSION OF PARLIAMENT. A mandatory and shortened and early session of parliament will be held within a specified time following a General Election.  13. SELECT COMMITTEES. A greater emphasis will be placed on public hearings of Parliamentary Select Committees.  14. PARLIAMENTARY SUPERVISION OF DELEGATED LEGISLATION:  (a) We shall introduce a provision whereby all statutory instruments must be laid before parliament and will be subject to a resolution affirming the instrument.  (b) A select committee of the House will be set up to scrutinize and report on statutory instruments laid before parliament.  (a) We shall amend the Regulations Act 1936 to ensure that all delegated and sub-delegated legislation is published before it comes into effect. Non-publication at the time of an alleged offence will be a complete defence to any charge involving beach of a regulation.  15. CABINET APPOINTMENTS. A Social Credit Government will give consideration to appointing Members of Parliament of other political parties to cabinet, committees and/or other offices when their experience and expertise can be of use and, indeed, even desirable for a harmonious relationship between the Government, the House of Representatives and the people of New Zealand.  16. SECRETARIAL AID. Each Member of Parliament will be provided with an aid for secretarial duties.  17. BALLOT PAPERS. Standardized ballot papers will be introduced to cover both Parliamentary and Local Body Elections.  18. VOTING AGE. The voting age will be maintained at eighteen years.  19. NATIONAL ANTHEM AND NEW ZEALAND FLAG. The League will only support a change of National Anthem and New Zealand flag provided the principle of change is endorsed by the majority in a nation-wide referendum.  20. NEW ZEALAND ANTHEM. The New Zealand Anthem, God Defend New Zealand, will take precedence at all official government functions.  Population. (See also, Immigration). Social Credit recognizes it is not the role of government to arbitrarily stabilize the population growth rate, but to create the economic and social opportunities and incentives, through which people are attracted voluntarily towards more evenly distributed population patterns, resulting in Table self-fulfillment and a satisfying standard of living. We believe in (i) the need to preserve individual choice and the maturity of people to themselves control the population (ii) educating for increased public awareness and responsibility (iii) a viable decentralization policy (iv) a vital agricultural policy to stop urban drift, and (v) a humanitarian trade and aid policy to help underdeveloped nations.  1. COUNSELLING. Social Credit will foster organizations which provide counselling and guidance in family planning.  2. EDUCATION. The opportunity will be given for education in all interpersonal relationships, social values, family planning and sex education in schools, by suitably qualified counsellors in close liaison with parents.  3. ABORTION. See Law Reform.  4. SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH CENTRES. Social Credit will establish sociological research centres based on the universities and collaborating with Medical Schools, Public Hospitals and Family Planning Clinics. They will be appropriately staffed by psychologists, sociologists, and medical specialists, on both a permanent and consultative basis. These centres will research matters such as population, contraception and abortion.  5. IMMIGRATION. New Zealand's greatest need is to retain the services of its own citizens. The net loss of population, particularly of those with academic and business acumen, through better overseas prospects can only be countered by offering such people equal or better prospects to stay or return. This can be achieved by stabilizing our cost of living, decreasing our present disincentive taxation level, and regaining the confidence of our people by providing administration that will satisfy these points.  6. DECENTRALIZATION. See Regional Development. New Zealand has been, and is still being, served by a loyal, competent and efficient staff of public servants. The goodwill, however, so necessary between employer and employee is fast vanishing. It will be the first duty of a Social Credit Government, therefore, to regain the goodwill of all public servants. The present policy of engaging overseas consultants for many of New Zealand's problems is in many cases unnecessary, and reflects on the capabilities of our top professional and technical staff. This practice is creating an unnecessary drain on New Zealand’s hard-earned overseas funds, and will therefore be discontinued. Should it be necessary to obtain the benefit of overseas experience it would be preferable to send our own personnel overseas for the purpose.  Public administration.  1. STATE SERVICES ACT 1962. This Act will be amended if necessary, to ensure that there is more flexibility of promotion without the incessant, costly, and sometimes unnecessary transfer of staff. This can be achieved by the use of personal grading, or merit promotion. The present inflexibility is costing the county untold amounts in staff movement and staff goodwill.  2. STATE SERVICES COMMISSIONERS. We believe that the State Service Commissioners should be selected from outside the Service This would ensure a less biased approach to appointments. We believe that the three State Service Commissioners should in every way be free of political control, and in effect have the freedom of the judiciary. Their position should not enable them to become Permanent department Heads.  3. PERMANENT HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS. Permanent Heads will continue to be appointed by the State Service Commission. Their position will also hold the open right of appeal.  4. REPRESENTATION ON PRODUCER BOARDS. The practice of appointing retired public servants to producer boards will be investigated. Their technical ability can be invaluable but their knowledge of Departmental personnel could be embarrassing to Permanent Heads.  5. DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION. In order to improve the approach of public administration, we believe all Departments should have a top executive committee, comprising not less than six and not more than twelve members, according to the size of the Department, constituted both to advise on and carry out Government policy. Where appropriate, representatives from closely allied interests will be included in the executive committee. The Minister will be chairman and will hold regular meetings throughout the year.  6. PROMOTION. There appears to be an increasing emphasis on professional qualifications rather than personal administrative ability. This should not be the case. There must always be a balance maintained between the professional man and the competent proven administrator.  7. RIGHT OF APPEAL. Appeal Board personnel should be appointed from outside the State Service. In any case where an employee is not carrying out the policy of the Government, then the Minister should always retain the right to prematurely retire the individual in question.  8. SALARY SCALES. Public servants in common with all other employees are entitled to the immediate percentage increase in salary as determined in a general wage order.  9. HOUSING. Where housing is Provided for public servants in particular positions, the rentals charged should be regarded as part of the cost structure of the particular Department. Any concession that may be apparent in these rentals should be regarded purely as a concession for that particular position.  10. TRANSPORT. Where public servants have to use a car or their particular position in a Department, then financial assistance will be given to such individuals to purchase a car at no more than three per cent. This will avoid undue pressure for Department vehicles, encourage private ownership and lessen the overhead costs of Departments.  11. SUPERANNUATION. The present percentage basis for public servants for joining the Government Superannuation Scheme of 6 per cent up to the age of 30 years with increasing percentages over this age is based on the insurance risk approach, and tends to discourage those joining the Service later in life from participating on an equal basis. We consider a universal 6 per cent deduction for superannuation from all public servants to be fair and reasonable.  12. SUPERANNUITANTS. Upon assuming office a Social Credit Government will immediately institute a review of all Superannuitants, with a view to placing them in the position in which they would have been had they been retiring at the time of the review.  Race relations and Maori and island affairs. (See also, Immigration). Our immediate policy will be to meet the needs of Polynesians resulting largely through urbanization.  1. RACE RELATIONS RESEARCH. Social Credit recognizes the need for extensive research into race relations and the whole area of cultural adjustment as the necessary basis for the pursuance of enlightened policies in this area by appropriate government departments. A Social Credit Government would support the immediate establishment of a fully-equipped, and adequately-staffed university-based race relations research and study centre.  2. TREATY OF WAITANGI. A Social Credit Government will pass legislation to enact the non retrospective ratification of the land and citizenship provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi with the exception of the crown pre-emption clause.  3. GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. The following will be phased out as soon as they become redundant:  (a) The post of Minister of Maori and Island Affairs.  (b) The Department of Maori and Island Affairs.  (c) The Maori Social and Economic Act 1945 and the organization's created by this Act.  (d) The staff and duties of the Department will be relocated and incorporated into the appropriate Government Departments.  4. MAORI LAND COURTS. The Maori Land Court will be retained as a separate body.  5. LAND. Land utilization committees comprising Maori owners and representatives of associated Government departments will be established to deal with the immediate problem of correct land use, and will be ultimately dispensed with when they have served their purpose.  6. CULTURE. Social Credit will set up a committee consisting of Maori elders and learned fellow New Zealanders to preserve and promote Maori culture, so that all New Zealanders will become more conscious of their Polynesian heritage.  (a) Every effort will be made to provide courses urgently, for those willing to teach Maori language and culture in schools.  (b) A basic course in Polynesian Studies will be provided for all teachers in training.  (c) The Maori Arts Centre at Rotorua will be expanded with a view to training more craftsmen, providing information on Maori arts, and selling products in New Zealand and overseas.  (d) The use of Maori motifs (rafter patterns, etc) will be encouraged in the manufacture of appropriate goods e.g. textiles, and also on wrappings and trademarks.  (e) Because old Maori artefacts are scarce and invaluable, they will not be allowed out of New Zealand unless they are on loan to museums or for exhibitions.  7. EDUCATION.  (a) MAORI EDUCATION FOUNDATION. We will provide generous financial assistance to the Maori Education Foundation. The League appreciates that he Foundation arose through a realization by the Maoris of the importance of promoting education, and that it is an example of self-help.  (b) EDUCATION GRANTS. Specific additional grants will be made for the education of pupils from depressed urban environments.  (c) LEARNING MAORI. Every New Zealand schoolchild will be given the opportunity of learning both Maori and English.  (d) SCHOLARSHIPS. Social Credit will provide additional scholarships to independent Maori schools. (See Education, Section 8).  8. VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE. Special vocational guidance officers will be appointed. By liaison with schools and parents they will advise all Maori school-leavers and where possible direct them to skilled occupations requiring further training. (Note: at present 80% of Maoris are in occupations classed as unskilled. There is an urgent need for a higher ratio of Maoris in other occupational levels).  9. PRE VOCATIONAL COURSES. Orientation courses for Maori youths moving to the cities will be extended. Prevocational courses at technical institutes will be available for all Maori youths who could benefit.  10. COMMUNITY CENTRES. Social Credit will establish in cities with a significant multi-cultural population, cross-cultural urban community centres, multi-culturally staffed and with the main objective of allowing people of any culture to meet on absolutely equal terms for the purpose of mutual cultural enrichment.  11. URBAN MARAES. Social Credit will establish urban maraes in all cities with a significant Maori population, in full consultation with the Maori people.  12. TRIBAL TRUST BOARDS. The League will restore the purchasing power of Tribal Trust Board incomes to their original level, by subsidy or by a reassessment of original grants. (Note: because of the depreciation in the value of money, Tribal Trust Board incomes have been eroded, and some Boards have been forced to curtail benefits at a time when a rapidly expanding youthful population needs every assistance).  13. HOUSING.  (a) Special local body regulations will be formulated to enable the Department of Maori and Island Affairs to experiment with new architectural housing and settlement designs more in tune with traditional Maori and Polynesian kinship and cultural patterns.  (b) HOUSING ON MAORI LAND (See Housing 10).  14. FOREST STANDS. Funds will be made available for establishing forest stands on Maori land, in similar fashion to the present farm forestry loans scheme.  Recreation, culture and sport. The development of modern technology in western countries has, over the years, shortened the amount of time that has to be spent in satisfying material needs. Generally people now have more spare time (leisure time) in which to meet their cultural and sporting needs. The word 'leisure' refers to the self-fulfilling values gained by individuals as they use their leisure Arne by participating in self-chosen activities, or recreation, values such as relaxation, freedom, pleasure satisfaction, confidence, creativity, success, acceptance. The degree to which people gain such leisure values determines the degree to which they further their own development. The end is a fully developed, rounded person; the means to the end is a wholesome use of available leisure time.  1. BASIC PRINCIPLES.  (a) Social Credit will remove the enforced need for second incomes and overtime by reforming the financial system.  (b) Social Credit:  - recognizes that leisure time should be spent in the pursuit of leisure values.  - recognizes that social problems arise from the misuse of leisure time.  - recognizes that people participate in recreation to fulfil basic human needs.  - recognizes that the responsibility for furthering individual self-development through recreation lies with the group, the community and the nation.  Social Credit will take positive steps so that all New Zealanders can further their own self development through the attainment of leisure values.  2. PROVIDING FOR RECREATION. It is important that an environment which will allow the benefits of leisure and recreation to be realised should exist. Facilities, programmes and leadership must be readily available to an educated public, who are able to use their leisure time for the pursuit of leisure values.  3. RECREATION AND GOVERNMENT. The function of Government and public bodies, in recreation, is to provide the support and necessary assistance, so that individuals can further their own development as a result of voluntary participation in recreation. There is no place for Government directives in New Zealand recreation. A. Social Credit Government will:  - Allow non-inflationary social investment in recreation development.  - Give recreation development high priority in Government budgets.  - Appoint a Minister for Recreation, Culture and sport.  - Amend the relevant sections of the Recreation and Sport Act 1973 and any other Act to allow:  - The title The N.Z. Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport to be adopted by the N.Z. Council for Recreation and Sport.  - The N.Z. Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport membership to be based on one member for each Regional Recreation Council, with an elected chairperson.  - The N.Z. Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport to become an independent body.  - The N.Z. Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport to recommend annually to parliament, through the Minister, Reserve Bank social investment loans and grants required; to furnish to parliament annually a report of its proceedings and operations for the preceding financial year; and to attach to the report a copy of its accounts for the year certified by the Audit Office.  - Amend the relevant sections of the recreation and Sport Act 1973, and any other act, to allow the N2. Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport to perform the administrative functions of, and replace the present Ministry for Recreation and Sport.  - Give the New Zealand Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport responsibility for considering and granting applications for subsidies, grants and social investment loans for Recreation Associations, Local Authorities and Regional Recreation Councils.  - Require the New Zealand Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport to establish liaison with all government departments and other bodies which involve, or administer, aspects of recreation.  - Require the New Zealand Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport to establish, in consultation with recreation professionals and their employers, employment and salary guidelines for recreation workers.  4. SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. The community has as its basic purpose the furthering of the welfare of its members, and assisting them in their self-development. Therefore, the essential concentration of recreation facilities, programmes, leadership and education must exist at the community level where the need is greatest. A Social Credit Government will:  (a) Encourage the establishment of Recreation Associations or similar bodies based on a Local Authority area with all recreation clubs being entitled to membership.  (b) Encourage Recreation Associations to be concerned with recreation development in the community as a whole.  (c) Enable Local Authorities to establish a Joint Recreation Committee with the local Recreation Association that would be responsible for the drawing up of a Community Recreation Development Plan, its application and other matters concerning recreation as required.  (d) Ensure that a Local Authority follows the Community Recreation Development Plan, when approved by that Local Authority.  (e) Enable the New Zealand Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport to give priority to applications for grants, and social investment loans which are in accordance with the Community Recreation Development Plan, and also those which come from Recreation Association member organizations. For example, adequate grants should be provided for art galleries and museums. Conservation facilities for restoration of objects should be progressively provided and upgraded, including the training of specialists.  (f) Provide finance so that properly constituted Recreation Associations may employ part-time or full-time secretaries.  5. SERVING THE REGION. Recreation planning, co-ordination and policy must continue at the regional level, to ensure a rational approach to development takes place. A Social Credit Government will:  (a) Encourage the establishment of Regional Recreation Councils, based on a number of Local Authorities.  (b) Give the New Zealand Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport responsibility for determining the membership of each Regional Recreation Council having regard for centres of interest, local needs, population, geography, and other relevant factors.  (c) Require that Regional Recreation Councils consist of two members from each Recreation Association within its area, the members being elected every second year at the Annual General Meeting of each Recreation Association.  (d) Require that each Regional Recreation Council elect one of its members to the New Zealand Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport for a term of two years.  (e) Provide finance so that travelling specialist/ advisers and necessary clerical staff may be attached to each Regional Recreation Council.  6. LEISURE EDUCATION. In an age where leisure time makes up such a large portion of our daily lives, education for the wise use leisure is most important. The education system must prepare each individual for the constructive and satisfying use of leisure time.  A Social Credit Government will:  (a) Give responsibility to the Department of Education, and the New Zealand Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport for developing a leisure education syllabus for primary and secondary schools, first to be introduced as a pilot scheme in selected schools.  (b) Require that all new schools are designed with community usage in mind, and encourage community usage at existing schools.  (c) Encourage schools to become members of Recreation Associations.  (d) Give responsibility to the New Zealand Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport for continuing public leisure education.  7. RECREATION LEADERSHIP. Effective leadership of recreation activity is necessary if the best use of facilities and programmes is to be made. A Social Credit Government will:  (a) Encourage the establishment of degrees and diplomas in recreation at New Zealand universities.  (b) Enable teachers' colleges to offer courses in recreation leadership for all students.  (c) Encourage Recreation Associations to hold regular recreation leadership classes for interested persons.  8. INDUSTRY. As economic democracy becomes operative, industry will be able to accept a greater responsibility in providing recreation facilities and opportunity for worker shareholders and the community. A Social Credit Government will:  (a) Allow industrial trusts and trading trusts to use social investment loan monies for community recreation development where it will benefit their members and members' families.  (b) Encourage industrial councils, industrial trusts, trading corporations, and trading trusts to become members of Recreation Associations.  (c) Require that any recreation or sport facility developed at a place of work using social investment loans, where practicable, be designed with community usage in mind.  Encourage tertiary institutions to provide wider training in social sciences, and basic recreation philosophy, leadership and organization in managerial courses.  9. RESEARCH. Recreation development must occur in response to the needs of individuals within a community. This requires that the present and future needs of New Zealanders are known. A Social Credit Government will:  (a) Provide through the New Zealand Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport, finance for recreation research by local authorities, universities, Recreation Associations or other relevant bodies.  (b) Enable recreation research to become an objective of the Sociological Centre. (See Health 9 (e).  (c) Require that recreation research be a pad of Community Social Development plans for new housing areas.  (d) Encourage Recreation Associations to participate in the establishment of community social objectives.  10. TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. Students should be aware of the effects on people of any decisions they may have to make in future employment. A Social Credit Government will:  (a) Encourage tertiary institutions offering social science courses to include recreation studies wherever relevant.  (b) Encourage student bodies and controlling bodies of tertiary institutions to ensure that adequate recreation facilities and programmes, education and leadership are available to students.  11. SALES TAX. Participation in recreation activity often requires the use of specialized equipment. New Zealanders should not be penalized by way of high sales taxes on recreation equipment, for participating in recreation activities. A Social Credit Government will after consultation with the New Zealand Council for Recreation, Culture and Sport reduce sales tax on New Zealand-made recreation equipment.  12. HORSE RACING.  (a) Social Credit will review the whole of the horse racing organization, e.g. small racecourses being closed; syndicated breeders unable to race in New Zealand.  (b) Social Credit supports substantial increases in totalizator permits for both the thoroughbred and harness-racing industries. More permits, especially in country districts, would help prove horses now unable to start because of he limits on racing days and venues and would thus improve their export selling price.  13. GREYHOUND RACING. Greyhound racing will be allowed full off-course betting facilities equal to those of horseracing.  1. DECENTRALIZATION.  (a) Companies will be encouraged and assisted to establish industry in the smaller centres with the maximum possible number of local investing shareholders.  (b) Decentralized factories will be autonomous where possible.  (c) Companies will have access to low-cost social capital to invest in those amenities, which the local people believe will provide an optimum social and physical environment at work and in the enjoyment of leisure time.  (d) Companies will be encouraged to co-operate with their local body in the building of integrated, self-contained communities which will provide adequate social, cultural, educational and recreational facilities to be shared and enjoyed by all of the people within the community.  2. TRANSPORT.  (a) Adequate transportation systems will be provided to service decentralized industry.  (b) The transportation costs of all decentralized companies within regions will be automatically subsidized to the extent that the price of products marketed is competitive with industry in close proximity to large markets.  3. INDUSTRY CLOSING DOWN. When a skilled industry becomes redundant in an area (e.g. coal mine), Social Credit believes that society should pay the social cost of re-establishing the people concerned in another area so that their skills are not wasted.  4. HOUSES & AMENITIES IN SMALL TOWNS. Social Credit believes in fully utilizing existing houses and civic amenities in the smaller towns. To encourage this we will see that adequate passenger transport is available to nearby larger towns or using them to house farm workers and their families.  5. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. To satisfy the cultural hunger that causes many people to leave smaller areas, we will make funds, available so that groups such as singers, musicians, theatre, can visit these areas.  6. EDUCATION. We will ensure that the education facilities in smaller areas are of the highest standard and comparable with those in larger centres.  Road safety.  1. FINANCE  (a) Finance which will give access to the resources allocated to improve the safety on highways, roads and streets, will be provided by a combination of interest-free loans and a reallocation of existing taxation.  (b) All forms of petrol tax and motor registration fees will be transferred from the consolidated fund for use by the National Roads Board, local authorities and Road Safety Councils.  2. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE STANDARDS  A. MOTOR TRADE ASSOCIATION. The motor trade association will be further involved in establishing maintenance standards and be encouraged to upgrade the standard of work of its members particularly in regard to those mechanical features relevant to road safety.  (b) ACCIDENT-PRONE FEATURES. Standards enforced will be related particularly to the importance of mechanical features and items of equipment which statistics prove contribute most to accident rate when not adequately maintained or utilized.  (c) DESIGN. Improvements in the design and construction of new vehicles which are known to reduce the incidence and severity of accidents will be progressively applied in New Zealand.  (d) REDUCED USE. There will be a reduction in the use of the internal combustion engine in the high-traffic-density areas of our larger cities.  (e) OTHER VEHICLES. Greater use will be made of electrically-powered vehicles together with the development of rapid transit public transportation systems in order to alleviate the accident hazard and to reduce the problems of pollution.  3. PUBLIC TRANSPORT.  (a) Local authorities will be requested to accept the responsibility of implementing and encouraging the use of transport alternative to the private motor car, with the purpose of reducing accidents within their area of jurisdiction.  (b) Local authorities will receive finance to implement these recommendations from interest-free loans, the only restricting factor being the availability of manpower and resources.  4. IMPROVING DRIVING ABILITY.  (a) Social pressure, individual status and individual responsibility will be used as the method of improving behaviour on our roads in preference to law enforcement.  (b) Drivers will be encouraged to continually improve their skill and competence, and that those who do so be suitably rewarded by an enhanced driving status.  5. GRADED LICENCES. A system of graded licences will be introduced.  6. ROAD SAFETY COUNCILS. There will be established Regional Road Safety Councils which will replace the present Road Safety Committees and the existing Road Safety Council which will be disbanded.  (a) Local Body responsibility. It will be the responsibility of the local bodies of a region to convene an autonomous Road Safety council to serve and represent the area within the region concerned.  (b) Representative. Each Road Safety Council will be truly representative of all parties within the region who are interested in road safety.  (c) Functions. The functions of the Road Safety Councils will be:  - to involve the community in the promotion and maintenance of Road Safety.  - to accept subsidies and grants from both Government and local bodies.  - to administer the driving training grounds set up by the local bodies of their Region.  - to appoint traffic wardens at least one of whom shall be the executive officer of the Road Safety Council.  - to keep a record of complaints sent to the Road Safety Council by private citizens who have noticed behaviour on the roads which is detrimental to road safety.  - to forward to the appropriate Regional Road Safety Council complaints against users of vehicles registered in other centres.  - to upgrade licences.  - to downgrade licences of licenceholders against whom a significant dossier of complaints has been built up.  - to endeavor through its Executive Officer, to make those against whom complaints have been made, aware of their transgressions and of the penalties in grading which such acts could entail.  7. LOCAL BODIES' INVOLVEMENT IN ROAD SAFETY.  (a) Local bodies will convene autonomous Road Safety Councils and subsidize the administration of them.  (b) Local bodies will be required to provide driving training grounds in appropriate locations with facilities to train and test drivers.  (c) Local bodies will subsidize the corps of Traffic Wardens appointed by the Road Safety Council of their areas. These Traffic Wardens will be complementary to the transport Department Officer in the area.  8. ACCIDENT STATISTICS. The publication of accident statistics will be made on an area basis as well as on a national basis, the areas being Road Safety Council areas. This will stimulate local pride and involvement in the matter of road safety.  Scientific research. Social Credit's policy calls for research of all kinds. (See Education 11). There is a pressing need in New Zealand for a far wider and all embracing approach to all aspects of research, which should be divorced from any political influence. The heavy loss of research personnel is not altogether due to the salary scale but to a certain extent is caused by frustration in their work, due to restrictive administrative procedures and lack of adequate research finance. Social Credit will support scientists in their desire for academic freedom and adequate financial grants for research.  1. SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH CORPORATION. The D.S.I.R. will be reconstituted as a Scientific and Industrial Research Corporation which will be charged with the following responsibilities:  (a) The conduct of research into all facets of New Zealand's primary and secondary industries.  (b) Ensuring that the remuneration of all personnel employed compares favourably with overseas salaries.  (c) Ensuring that modern and up-to-date equipment is available at all times.  (d) Ensuring that the health of man, as it relates to that of animals and the soil, is maintained at all times.  (e) Ensuring that diagnostic stations are maintained in suitable districts. Note 1. In its Annual Report for the year ending 31.3.65 (p. 30) the National Research Advisory Council said, in connection with poisons in agriculture: This Council is convinced that a research unit is necessary to watch and assess the build-up of effects on animal populations, insect life, and ultimately life in the waters. Consideration of this and other conservation problems has confirmed the Council's belief that the basic research can be carried out more successfully by an independent agency. Note 2. The N.Z. Energy Research and Development Committee has stated that fuel for transport is becoming a pressing concern world-wide. (See Energy preamble) Social Credit expresses particular interest in:  - the D.S.I.R.'s current experiments into mixed methanol gasoline fuel.  - the production of fuel alcohols from wood, crops and wade.  - farm production of methane from waste to power stationary and mobile farm machinery.  - the establishment of a petrochemical industry based on coal (See Energy 4) and the production of L.P.G. from natural gas. (See Energy 5b)  secondary industry. The maintenance and expansion of existing industries and the setting up of new industries will receive encouragement and co-operation. The interests of the New Zealand people will always be paramount where foreign participation through overseas investment is sought, and the growing lend towards overseas control will be halted. Outgoings of New Zealand exchange as earnings by overseas investors will not exceed the savings and/or earnings of exchange effected by the operations of any industry. The establishment of new industries based on the use of our own raw materials, processing and packaging of primary products, and production of goods for export and home consumption will be actively assisted by the following means:  1. Expansion of industrial research.  2. Provision of development finance under reasonable terms.  3. Taxation incentives and realistic depredation allowances on plant and equipment.  4. Board of Trade control of import licence allocations lee from Government interference, to ensure an adequate flow of imports of necessary raw materials, and to afford protection where required for all sections of industry.  5. Liberalizing of transport regulations to promote greater economy and efficiency.  6. An enlightened labour and employment policy which will bring about greater co-operation between wage earners and management in developing our industries to mutual and general advantage.  7. Establishing assured markets for export production by measures set out in the policy section on Overseas Trade.  BASIC PURPOSE. Social Credit believes that the basic purpose of a social welfare programme should be to (i) preserve life and promote health so that each person is as physically healthy and fit and emotionally healthy and stable as their potential allows (ii) enhance the dignity, freedom and independence of the individual person so he can walk tall with respect and (iii) guarantee as a fundamental right, that every New Zealander has a basic standard of living below which no citizen will fall for reasons beyond his or her control.  PRINCIPLES. Social Credit's policies are designed to ensure that each person has equality of opportunity to reach his/her maximum potential. To this end we will:  - STRENGTHEN family life and promote balanced communities.  - ASSIST the handicapped and disabled to attain a maximum degree of independence.  - OFFER meaningful opportunities to the displaced in order that they can once again make a worthwhile contribution to the nation's progress.  - GUIDE the weak and assist them to accept their responsibilities as citizens.  - PROTECT the frail and ensure that they are not exploited by an unscrupulous few.  - GIVE a just and living wage to our senior citizens who have contributed so much to the nation's heritage in their earlier years.  - ENCOURAGE community welfare groups and organizations and ensure that there is a two-way dialogue between these groups and Government.  1. SOCIAL CHANGE. Democratic government should be concerned with bringing about the optimum conditions for human development ? a life for us all that has qualities and life values that enrich humanity. To know where we are, and to promote these life values, we need systems for measuring social performance, that is, social indicators (comparable to economic indicators) to inform us whether society, as distinct from the economy is healthy. We also need a measure (index) of the rates at which we make and break relationships with significant things, places, people, organizations and information sources that make up our human environment. How much newness can we cope with as individuals, communities or organizations, because he ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment is essential to personal and community health. The promotion of social health in New Zealand can best be sewed by programmes and facilities anticipating change and the prevention of social problems, and, as far as possible, the hazards of injury, accident and crime. It's time we analysed present social trends, considered their consequences and planned to terminate them, if undesirable, and replace them or foster them if desirable. At all times, however, it is considered better to encourage individuals and communities to set their own goals and achieve them rather than have government do this for them. Social Credit would build in incentives at all levels of social development and welfare and work solidly on the principle of localized democracy.  (a) SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT. A Social Development section will be set up as part of the Social Welfare Department, to anticipate and prepare for new social patterns and frameworks.  (b) SOCIAL OBJECTIVES. A Social Credit Government will invite people and organizations to submit suggestions for priorities in social objectives for one year, five years and ten years for their communities.  (c) SOCIAL INDICATORS. We wilt use social indicators to measure the results of social policy and the effects of economic programmes. We will also use other means (indices) necessary to analyze and anticipate the effects of policies and future social changes.  (d) APPLIED RESEARCH. A Social Credit Government will initiate applied research by local authorities, government departments, technical institutes, universities, colleges and school, voluntary agencies and others into social and recreational programmes, social development plans for new housing areas, city centre social patterns, cultural amenities and additions to educational curricula.  2. ENVIRONMENT. An ecological balance between communities and their environment should be maintained so that their use and enjoyment of the environment does not endanger the quality of life of future generations. A healthy, stable and free society which will allow maximum individual self-expression is only possible when the ownership of the assets of society are shared by as many individual people as possible. Human well being and ecological salvation must take precedence over speculation and exploitation of our natural resources for profit, and ova economic growth for its own sake. The League is particularly worried by the uncontrolled growth of the big city and its effects on the inhabitants. Researched studies have shown that increasing population density produces mental and social disorders and serious health hazards as well as ongoing industrialization with its accompanying social and environmental problems. Hence the concept of more balanced communities has been worked out in terms of Social Credit housing policy and general policies affecting the urban environment. For example, we suggest hat houses be grouped around open squares instead of in streets and we advocate traffic by-passes on sunken highways, smokeless zones, green hearts within residential areas, and a more integral relationship between surrounding agricultural land and the urban area. We would like to see a thorough reappraisal of the whole concept of subdivision and the tendency to build too many houses on a minimal area or on valuable farmland. (See the following sections Environment, Housing, Regional Development).  3. SOCIAL SECURITY. A Social Credit Government will recognize the fact that all citizens should benefit from the Social Security system.  BENEFITS.  - We shall maintain pensions and other benefits to ensure that the recipients are able to maintain a reasonable living standard in comparison with other sections of the community.  - We will review and revise the Social Welfare system and remove anomalies and restrictions which unjustly penalize applicants for benefits.  - We will abolish the seven-day standdown clause of the S.W. Act whereby a benefit does not begin for a period of seven days, in all cases.  - We will reduce the residential qualifications for the eligibility to receive benefits to a period of 10 years.  - We will amend existing legislation to ensure that a married man is entitled to draw a Sick Benefit without his wife first ceasing to work.  - We will ensure that a self-employed person is able to draw Sick Benefit without undergoing a means test.  (b) INCREASED ALLOWABLE INCOME. We will progressively increase the allowable income to all beneficiaries as a move towards the ultimate abolition of the means test.  (c) MORAL CHARACTER. We believe that it is not the role of Government to exercise moral judgement on the individual and will, therefore, abolish the relevant clause in the S.W. Act whereby a benefit is subject to a person's moral character.  4. SENIOR CITIZENS. A Social Credit Government will recognize the fact that senior citizens have, in their earlier years, contributed to the wealth of the nation today, and as such, are entitled to receive a benefit in later years.  (a) SUPERANNUATION.  - We will continue the present N.Z. Superannuation Scheme.  - Each year Universal Superannuitants will be entitled to an annual travel warrant which will be valid for a period of one month, and can be used on non-suburban road and rail services outside holiday periods.  - Universal Superannuitants will be exempt from paying the radio and television licence fee.  - Universal Superannuitants will be exempt from paying the telephone rental.  - Telephone and washing machines will be installed in all new blocks of pensioner flats.  VILLAGES. As a pilot scheme, Government sponsored villages, which will include low rental flats, and communal dining room and recreation facilities, will be constructed in the four main centres.  COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP COTTAGES. More community fellowship cottages, staffed by a family living in, will be established to house small groups of elderly citizens who can no longer, cope on their own, but do not yet need full-time nursing care.  5. REHABILITATION AND ADVISORY SERVICES. A Social Credit Government will establish a Rehabilitation and Advisory Section of the Social Welfare Department. The primary object will be to assist disabled and displaced persons to rehabilitate in order that they can achieve a maximum degree of physical and financial independence. The section will be staffed mainly with social workers who will liaise with the various welfare organizations and the Department of Labour. The role of the section will be as follows:  (a) To review all applications for a Rehabilitation Benefit.  (b) To advise and assist with job training that could lead to total or partial rehabilitation.  (c) To assist with placing in suitable and worthwhile employment the disabled or displaced persons who are capable of undertaking employment.  (d) To assist those people who have been displaced in employment because of automation, or the evolution and modernization of business and industrial techniques. Assistance will be mainly with guidance and assistance in job training and education.  (e) To assist and guide young people who come from country areas to the cities for employment.  6. SOLO PARENTS. In the case where one parent, through death or other causes is left with the responsibility of raising a family alone, the immediate concern of a Social Credit Government will be to preserve the family unit without any undue financial hardship, particularly with regard to the welfare of the children.  (a) WIDOW'S BENEFIT  - We will introduce a widow's adjustment payment which will be payable on one occasion only, immediately following the death of the husband. The payment will be made to all widows with a dependent child. The amount of the payment will be increased according to the number of dependent children in the widow's care as at the date widowhood commenced.  - The amount of the present widow's benefit and mother's allowance will be adjusted to ensure that a basic family living standard is maintained.  - The duration of marriage will not be a determining factor regarding the eligibility of a widow to receive a Widow's Benefit.  (b) HOUSEKEEPER BENEFIT. In the case of a widower or deserted husband with dependent children, we will introduce a Housekeeper Benefit which will be payable to each widower or deserted husband, providing he and his children live together as a family unit.  (c) MAINTENANCE AWARDS. In the case of legal separation we will introduce a system whereby all maintenance awards and agreements will be registered with the Social Welfare Dept. Upon registration, the amount of the award or agreement will be paid regularly by the Dept. which will be empowered to take steps required to secure the reimbursement from the husband. Maintenance awards and agreements will be subject to an automatic increase proportionate to any wage order increase. The husband shall have the right of appeal.  UNMARRIED MOTHERS. In the case of an unmarried mother who decides to keep her child it is our concern that the child should have the same opportunities in life as other children. We believe that it is not the role of Government to enter into moral judgement in such cases. In order that an unmarried mother can work and devote her income to the upbringing of the child and maintenance of a home, we will introduce a Nursery Benefit which will be payable direct to approved nurseries and day care centres. In order to protect a child from hardship, an unmarried mother may apply for an emergency benefit during times of illness.  7. HANDICAPPED PERSONS (See Health 10(h). It is the duty of Government, on behalf of the people, to ensure that the physically and intellectually handicapped are adequately provided for physically and financially, so that they may obtain the best of attention and enjoy a fair standard of living. The object of a Social Credit Government will be to assist the handicapped person to the point where the person is able to attain a maximum degree of physical and financial independence according to the degree of the disability.  INVALID BENEFIT. We will abolish the present invalid benefit and expand the sickness benefit to include those beneficiaries who are at present receiving an invalid benefit.  REHABILITATION BENEFIT.  - We will introduce a Rehabilitation Benefit which will be made payable for the use of all persons who wish and are able to partly or totally take steps to overcome their handicap. This benefit may be payable without the beneficiaries first discontinuing their receipt of the sickness benefit. The purpose of this benefit is to provide a secure financial base to those people who require assistance as they grope their way back to full or partial employment The object of the Rehabilitation Benefit will be to cover the costs incurred in Rehabilitation. For example:  - the costs incurred to a person who, through disablement, finds it necessary to learn a new line of employment.  - the cost of special transport that is required in order that a disabled person can accept new employment.  - The Rehabilitation Benefit will be paid direct to the source that is providing the service that is necessary for the rehabilitation of the individual.  8. SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS. We believe that voluntary organizations provide a valuable adjunct to the administration of Government policy as they are not bound by strict rules and regulations and can therefore show greater understanding and humanity in certain cases. These organizations will be given every encouragement in their work and, where necessary, authority to direct expenditure. A Social Credit Government in recognition of the work of voluntary groups, particularly in the field of child welfare, will encourage and assist such organizations as Birthright Heritage Budgeting Advisory Service, Marriage Guidance Service and Prisoners' Aid to extend still further their fields of activity. As a first step in assisting such welfare organizations we will make travel grants available to welfare organizations in certain cases, in order that they may send personnel overseas to study the latest techniques.  9. CHILD WELFARE. We believe that no child should suffer because of an imperfection of either parent, for example moral or criminal. We believe that any child afflicted with any physical or mental handicap should have the opportunity to lead as full and active a life as possible. Where suitable accommodation is not at present available, a Social Credit Government will provide buildings and vest such buildings in the name of trustees acting for the voluntary organization involved. A Social Credit Government will make the following changes in the field of Child Welfare:  (a) Provide assistance by way of an Emergency Benefit to the parents of a child who requires special care, and who are faced with financial hardship because of the child's special needs.  (b) Encourage the adoption of parentless children and meet the cost of legal fees incurred in the case of an adopted child.  (c) AT RISK BABIES. In order to protect infants born to immature mothers or parents with 'at risk' infants, existing post-natal care programmes will be broadened and incorporated into the community health activity within an extramural hospital's jurisdiction.  (d) PRE-NATAL SERVICE. The pre-natal service will be broadened and further integrated into the community health programme; further supportive educational facilities will be provided for expectant mothers.  10. APPEALS. A Social Credit Government will establish an Independent Appeal Board to hear appeals from persons who wish to dispute decisions made by the Social Welfare Commission.  11. PUBLICITY. We shall give greater publicity to the benefits and methods of assistance which are written into legislation so that all eligible persons will know the extent and details of such legislation.  12. AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT. Percentage increases to wages as a result of General Wage Orders shall mean automatic percentage increases to pensions and similar benefits such as Superannuation payments.  13. RIGHTS OF PARENTS. We will hold an inquiry into the rights of parents in respect to their children.  14. STUDY AND TRAVEL BURSARIES. We will make available study and travel bursaries to recognized social workers both voluntary and full-time, for them to be better trained and equipped.  15. MAINTENANCE AND ALIMONY. The Social Welfare Department will have the sole responsibility for paying and collecting maintenance and alimony.  16. Funeral facilities. We will encourage the establishment of non-commercial funeral facilities e.g. charitable trusts.  17. SPECIAL SOCIAL WORKERS. Special teachers will be trained to act as district social workers amongst children at schools, taking special interest in the home environment and school problems associated with children.  18. FOSTER PARENTS. The system of foster homes and foster parents will be upgraded.  (a) Social Credit would implement a co-ordinated campaign to communicate to the public the urgency of upgrading services for deprived children and families. They would also promote the image and value of good foster care. Active steps would be taken to recruit more foster parents, especially Polynesian.  (b) Social Credit would bring in training for their social workers dealing with foster care similar to that already given to social workers dealing with adoption.  (c) Each Department of Social Welfare would appoint one social worker whose main job would be foster care work.  (d) Social Credit would provide greater educational opportunities to foster parents and consider possibilities of special loans to suitable people willing to foster to enable them to extend their house to give enough room to take in foster children.  (e) Social Credit would encourage research into better methods of foster placements and consider the viability of paying salaries to foster parents.  Tourism. As an exchange earner, tourism has some particular attributes. It is not subject to the price fluctuations which plague agricultural exports, nor does it have to contend with highly competitive substitutes as do many primary commodities. Encouragement will be given to private enterprise to provide the facilities required by both local and overseas visitors.  1. TOURIST AND PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT. This Department should be defined by statute as a promotional Department, and should be divorced from the business of selling travel so that it can expend its skills and energies in the promotion of New Zealand. Legislation will be passed towards this end, and adequate finance will be provided to ensure that reasonable advertising campaigns are conducted through the appropriate media overseas.  2. NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL AND HOLIDAYS ASSOCIATION. We shall continue to recognize this Association as the permanent advisory body to Government, because it is so constituted that it represents the major private enterprise and organizational concerns in the tourist industry.  3. OVERSEAS LIAISON. We shall do everything possible to encourage firm liaison with Australia, Fiji and adjacent areas in the promotion of the South Pacific, in order to expand our share of the tourist travel which emanates from the jet routes of the Pacific as a whole.  4. SCENIC ATTRACTIONS. New Zealand's scenic attractions must be preserved, and where such attractions are threatened with destruction or impairment by public works or industrial enterprise, the relative value of the attraction and the enterprise must be considered. In all cases alternative sites will be thoroughly investigated and used where possible, even if this may involve some extra cost and inconvenience. A Social Credit Government would regard it as a duty to ensure that our attractions are preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.  5. TOURIST HOTEL CORPORATION. The Tourist Hotel Corporation will continue its role of development and expansion of accommodation in new areas, where private enterprise cannot or will not operate. With increased efficiency and lower interest rates for development monies, it should be possible to reduce tariffs to a more competitive rate.  This Corporation must never be allowed to become a monopoly subsidized by the taxpayer.  6. ACCOMMODATION  Finance will be provided for the assistance necessary to expand our tourist accommodation on a businesslike basis. In our long-term planning of the tourist industry, we are in favour of divorcing beds from beer so that accommodation will be considered in its own right, and the sale of liquor kept as a separate issue.  7. NATIONAL PARKS. We shall continue the development of our National Parks with a view to improving and expanding the facilities available to both overseas tourists and New Zealanders and their families. We align ourselves with all sporting organizations opposed to take-overs of our inherited sporting and recreational rights in our national parks.  8. TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA. Our agreement with Australia for freedom of travel across the Tasman will be retained.  Transport. Each medium of transport is superior for certain purposes, and our objective will be to offer all transport users the most efficient and economic methods of meeting their requirements. The overall policy of a Social Credit Government will be to ensure that the Ministry of Transport carries out its duties of administering the transport industry in a fair and impartial manner.  1. RAILWAYS. Following its initial construction, which was primarily to open up the country, the railways have had to face considerable competition from various other forms of transport, and because of its inability to modernize its equipment, it has had to have regulations applied in order to maintain its very existence These regulations have not allowed for the true competition with other transport operators that should have been possible. The following policy aims to provide such competition and to save valuable fuel oil.  RAILWAY CORPORATION. A Social Credit Government will, at an early date, form a N2. Rail Corporation to take over the present N.Z Railways. It will, over the years, encourage the N.Z.R.C. to:  - float a public share issue at a nominal $1 (N.Z.) per share with a minimum holding of 100 shares (with a maximum yet to be set) so that the people of New Zealand can have a real share and interest in the nation's most vital transport asset;  - encourage the N.Z.R.C. to invest in the most up-to-date equipment so that the best use can always be assured of the basic resources available.  - assist the N.Z.R.C. with low interest loans from the N2. Credit Authority to ensure that there is always adequate finance to keep the railways in viable position within the whole spectrum of transport in N.Z.  - create a viable career structure to attract the best possible workforce.  - institute a comprehensive in-service training scheme to keep pace with modern technology.  PASSENGER SERVICES. A Social Credit Government will encourage the N.Z.R.C.. to create and maintain a fast, comfortable inter-city passenger service. Such a service would provide a daily return service between provincial cities and the four main centres wherever possible. All trains/railcars will have a buffet or full meal service provided so that the traditional refreshment stop will become a thing of the past. In time is envisaged that the inter-city service absorb all long-distance N.Z.R. coach services (parallel to main railway fines) leaving the role of suburban bus services and the feeder service for towns and cities not located on main trunk railways, to private bus services or N.Z.R. services where applicable. Suburban bus runs will connect, where appropriate, with mainline trains and/or long distance coaches.  MOTIVE POWER. Options would be kept open until the best form of pulling power was agreed to, be it electric, diesel-electric, or the modern efficient steam engine. Should electric power be decided on, a 15-year plan to electrify the main railway lines in New Zealand would be implemented, consistent with an energy conservation policy at all levels of N.Z. society. The very latest technological advances in railway electrification would be employed to see that the most efficient system was built.  BRANCH LINES. A Social Credit Government would not authorize the closing of any further branch lines unless a thorough investigation (impact report) had been carried out. Recently closed (previous 10 years) branch lines would be reinvestigated to see if they could be reopened and run economically. Such lines could be reopened in conjunction with regional development plans which brought new industries to the towns and areas they serve. Where economically viable, "feeder" railcar/ train services may be possible on certain branch lines to give connections with mainline trains. This is an area worth investigating as many country roads cannot carry a heavy truck and bus-type load without expensive repairs.  (e) NEW TRACKAGE. The major gaps in the present N.Z.R. system would be closed. These include: Napier, Taupo/Rotorua/Kinleith, Gisborne, Taneatua (via the old Motohora Branch). This would give direct access to Auckland from Hawke’s Bay Poverty Bay areas and also provide two further Wellington Auckland routes in addition. Similar adjustments would be made in the South Island where such new fines would provide improved (and economical) access to poorly served areas. All lines would be progressively changed over to continuous welded rail (cwr) including the provision of concrete sleepers.  (f) SIGNALLING. A Social Credit Government would encourage the N.Z.R. Corporation to progressively install the latest signalling techniques consistent with safety and speed.  WORKSHOPS. Where possible all new rolling stock, both freight and passenger, will be constructed in the Railways' own workshops. The staff and facilities in these workshops will be progressively enlarged to cope with the increased demands which will be placed on these departments once a rolling-stock building, repair and replacement policy is implemented and that priority be given to repair existing dead rolling stock.  2. ROAD TRANSPORT  (a) LICENSING. It is recognized that some form of licence control is necessary to prevent needless waste of our resources and to reduce damage to our roads and the cost of roading. The system will, therefore, be retained.  (b) FINANCE. A Social Credit Government will ensure that all road transport operators have access to finance on an equal basis with the public corporations such as the Railways Corporation and Air N2.  (c) COMPETITION. As this aspect is one of the fundamentals of the philosophy of Social Credit, it will be the policy of a Social Credit Government to progressively reduce the restrictive regulations coming between the various sections of the transport industry, and to ensure that ultimately New Zealand has a freely competitive and efficient transport industry, operating within guidelines which are fair and reasonable to all sections of the industry, provided that priority is given to New Zealand-owned services.  (d) N.Z. ROADS BOARD. A Social Credit Government will ensure that all revenues due to this Board are received and administered by it. The Board will take over the financing of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and Lyttelton Tunnel, and tolls will be abolished.  3. PUBLIC TRANSPORT. More emphasis will be placed on the provision of public transport especially rapid transit systems such as rapid rail, as a means of improving public access to cities. We recommend that such transport in inner city areas should be free.  4. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT.  (a) Adequate transportation systems will be provided to service decentralized industry.  (b) The transportation costs of all decentralized companies within regions will be automatically subsidized to the extent that the price of products marketed is competitive with industry in close proximity to large markets.  5. RESEARCH. It is to be noted that transport is one of the terms of reference for the Scientific and Industrial Research Corporation. Being an independent body, it will be able to advise the Minister of Transport, in a completely unbiased manner, of any findings relevant to the transport industry.  6. CIVIL AVIATION. New Zealand has built up, and is being served by a most efficient and creditable passenger and freight service. In the agricultural and pastoral sphere, an industry has been established which could be regarded as the envy of the world for its ability to handle topdressing and spraying on all types of country. This has contributed considerably to New Zealand's increased production over recent years. Although Air N.Z. provides an excellent main trunk service, there would appear to be room for more feeder services in some areas. It will be our policy to ensure that, where these are justified, finance will be made available for their establishment, and also to ensure that those other companies at present in operation are not put out of business through unfair competition.  7. COASTAL SHIPPING.  (a) We shall ensure that no unfair competition is created in our coastal shipping by other forms of transport.  (b) We shall ensure hat finance is made available on an equal basis with other forms of transport.  (c) We shall encourage integration with other forms of transport. (See Marine policy).  8. EXTERNAL FREIGHTS. New Zealand is completely reliant on shipping and air services for taking its products to the markets of the world. It is, therefore, the duty of Government to ensure the continuous availability, efficiency and economy from the New Zealand point of view of these services. We view with concern the present lack of effective control over this vital link and over the charges we are obliged to pay for it from our overseas earnings.  9. MODERN AIR SHIPS. Social Credit will investigate the possibilities of the modern air ship for transport.  10. CONSERVATION CODE. All sections of the transport industry will be subject to the Conservation Code administered by the Nature Conservancy Council.  Women. The individual is more important than the state, systems should be made for people, not people made to fit into preconceived systems. This basic Social Credit philosophy and the policies in this manifesto apply to women just as much as men. We see both sexes as having equal status and we aim to provide economic and social justice for all, without discrimination, and in a truly democratic spirit. Social Credit recognizes women's ability to excel in either domestic, vocational, cultural or political spheres. A Social Credit Government would ensure that positions in the community were held on ability and experience and that there was no question of discrimination on grounds of sex, colour, race or religion. However, certain parts of this manifesto may apply to women more than men, namely, the policy on cottage-type maternity hospitals, our attitude to abortion, our policies on marriage and divorce law reform, alternative delivery of babies (Health 12c), solo parents (Social Welfare 6), pre- and post-natal e (Social Welfare 9). But the League sees that removal of sex discrimination is only part of the answer. Our key battle is against inflation and economic circumstances which force women to go out to work, whether they want to or not. If women are to be truly liberated then they must be able to choose freely whether key want to continue a career or stay at home to look after a family. But at the moment that freedom of choice is restricted because the husband's income is no longer enough to keep the family. We will deal with the causes of inflation and restore the real purchasing power of the Angle wage.  Education before Marriage To promote stable, happy family life Social Credit will institute pre-marriage education so that couples entering marriage may understand each other's physical and emotional needs, prepare for parenthood and learn the practical skills of housekeeping, budgeting etc.  Youth. (See also, Education; Housing; Recreation, Culture and Sport; Industrial Relations ... ). Much in this manifesto refers to youth such as incentives to help young couples buy houses or to own a farm. Social Credit is very keen to assist all groups or societies responsible for youthful activities, such as Scouts, Guides, St John's Cadets, Outward Bound etc. to ensure that the enthusiasm and energies of youth are channelled to good purpose. The nature of youth participation at all levels should be as equal as possible, democratic, and voluntary. Particular attention is drawn to our whole new policy on Recreation, Culture and Sport. Some specific, youth-oriented policies are listed below.  1. NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL. The National Youth council will be given greater responsibility in the planning and promotion of youthful activities to ensure that monies voted to it are distributed equitably and to the best advantage.  2. BASE SITES AND EQUIPMENT. Every assistance will be given through the Council for base areas to enable the establishment of sporting and youthful activities where such areas are necessary, and assistance will be given towards the necessary equipment for such establishments. Assistance will also be given by way of grand to ensure the continued administration of training schemes.  3. OUTWARD BOUND. When and where appropriate, such schools as Outward Bound will be established throughout the country.  4. CIVIL DEFENCE. Co-ordination of various youthful activities with civil defence will be encouraged and assisted, in order that the energies of youth are utilized to the full. School groups could also be formed in a similar manner.  5. SOCIAL SERVICE CORPS. A Social Credit Government will encourage the immediate setting up of a volunteer N.Z. Social Service Corps.  6. YOUTH HOT LINE. A Social Credit Government will establish a parliamentary Youth Hot-Line, a spokesman for youth in cabinet.  7. AGE OF MAJORITY. The age of majority will be lowered from twenty to eighteen years.  8. BURSARIES. For senior pupils' bursary see Education 16. For tertiary bursary see Education 10.  9. YOUTH-EARTH PROGRAMME (For living and working in overseas communities see Foreign Affairs 4).