1984 New Zealand Policy Document  New Zealand Labour Party  AGRICULTURE POLICY  Principles  1. Land based industries are the foundation of our major export earning capacity. They offer the most certain promise of soundly based regional development and increased employment both on the land and in the industries processing, packaging and marketing the production of that land.  2. Labour's objective must be to maximise the long-term productivity and profitability of the land in harmony with the social and physical environment.  3. Advances in productivity and efficiency have been greatest among younger or newer farmers thus there must always be an adequate flow of new blood into the land based industries through comprehensive training and settlement programmes.  4. As a general rule the tendency should be towards intensive as opposed to extensive forms of land use.  5. Government has a responsibility to provide or ensure finance at lowest market rates for land settlement, desirable development, and for support during adverse seasons.  6. The marketing of the produce of land based industries should be on an orderly basis to achieve maximum market penetration and the best possible long-term returns which should be reflected in reasonably steady prices to the producer which are both profitable and related to the market.  7. The co-ordination of a marketing drive for New Zealand products and a programme to process and package the produce of our land based industries to a much greater degree than in the past must also be a prime objective of a government of today.  8. Given the acceptance of these general principles, Labour accepts that it is government's responsibility to provide a buffer against the short term fluctuations which disadvantage farmers. Accordingly, from time to time it may be necessary to subsidize certain significant input costs to the extent possible given the availability of taxpayers' funds and the contribution those inputs make towards desirable development and production.  Labour's Plan  9. YOUNG FARMERS ONTO THE LAND  The next Labour Government will implement a comprehensive package of policies with the specific aim of once again getting young and new farmers onto the land:  (a) Land Purchase for Development and Settlement  Through the Department of Lands and Survey, Labour will both increase purchase of available suitable land for subdivision development and settlement, and speed up development of purchased land, in order to offer farm units more quickly, by ballot, to new farmers. This will also apply to horticultural and agro-forestry units.  (b) In order to ensure the maximum number of units being released for new farmers, Labour will introduce and implement a Land Purchase Act, to effectively stop undue amalgamation and aggregation of land.  (c) As a top priority, the Rural Bank will be committed to the funding of first (rural unit) purchases.  (d) Labour will encourage retiring farmers to make loan finance available to young farmers who wish to buy their farms.  (e) Labour is concerned to encourage and support farm workers to move into farm ownership through a variety of flexible alternative arrangements; sharemilking is a successful method in the dairy industry, which will be encouraged as sharefarming in the beef and sheep sector. Forms of farm partnerships, and other contractual arrangements will fully protect the rights of the working partner.  2(f) Agro-forestry  The development of Agro-forestry will receive the full support of a Labour Government. This offers the best chance of diversification in much of our hill country. In addition agro-forestry will be progressively developed as existing plantations are milled. Opportunities for individual ownership of forest farms will be presented to foresters and farmers who obtain the necessary experience.  10.RURAL BANKING AND FINANCE CORPORATION.  Labour will expand the functions and role of the Rural Banking & Finance Corporation. This Corporation, under the next Labour Government will exercise its option to offer a full banking service, and the role of the Corporation will include a complete range of financial and advisory services to the primary producing sector. The Corporation will administer Labour's approved farm development schemes. Financial support for the Rural Bank will be adjusted accordingly.  11.GOVERNMENT SUPPORT  (a)Labour will retain present income smoothing schemes as developed by the Third Labour Government.  (b)Approved Farm Development SchemesLabour believes that there must be optimum benefits and returns from Government funding in the primary sector. Labour, therefore, will institute the concept of Approved Farm Development Schemes, which will enable additional assistance to be given to farms and areas which demonstrate genuine need. This assistance will include additional fertilizer and lime subsidies, linked to soil test results, and additional pest and weed eradication assistance. The scheme will be administered by the expanded Rural Bank.  (c)Research Labour recognises the considerable value of research, not only in the traditional areas of New Zealand's primary sector, but also into development and diversification of both techniques and products in this area. Labour will encourage the maximum dissemination and utilization of this research.  (d)Overseas Marketing of Primary Produce and Development of "Added Value" Concept Labour recognises that nearly three-quarters of New Zealand's overseas earnings are derived from export of primary products. Labour is, therefore, committed to an aggressive market search and exporting drive as a top priority and will carry through the necessary reforms in the marketing of meat and wool. Further, Labour will develop, in consultation with the producer boards and the private sector, industry plans for the further adding of value, by processing in New Zealand, of as much as possible of New Zealand's raw primary produce. -  -(e)Labour will introduce special bursaries to encourage young people to undertake training in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and forestry, at tertiary institutions.  (f)Labour will develop the capacity to "contract out" world wide agricultural and forestry expertise, particularly to developing countries, as a constructive means of providing both aid and international trade contacts in the primary production area.  12.REBUILDING RURAL COMMUNITIES Labour recognises that the rural sector not only comprises farmers and their families, but also the residents of small rural towns, and farm workers and their families, together with those in servicing industries in the district. Labour is concerned at the dramatic-loss of population from rural areas. We believe that sound and stable rural communities are part of the key to maintaining and increasing production and export earnings.  13.Labour will encourage the creation of job opportunities in rural communities. Small businesses, cottage industries and co-operative ventures will be encouraged close to the source of raw materials and providing employment opportunities, especially for the young and women who wish to be in the paid workforce.  14.The concept of small holdings, or "stepping stone" units, is important for those many able New Zealanders who do not have the opportunity to work on or own large holdings, but who would wish to own and develop a small holding, either on a full-time or part-time basis, and often on intensive farming or horticulture basis. Research indicates that small holdings often show high levels of productivity. Advice and assistance in both production and marketing will be made available to "stepping stone" farmers. It is noted that, in some areas, the availability of small holdings is inhibited. Labour will, where necessary, work in conjunction with local government to remove legislative or administrative difficulties.  15. More intensive and diverse forms of land use such as horticulture and agro-forestry will require a huge input of semi-skilled Labour.  Labour will establish training courses in horticulture and silviculture for young people and will facilitate their deployment and accommodation so that they can take full advantage of the work opportunities presented. Such work experience will be counted as a qualification for later settlement.  16. HORTICULTURE  Labour's aim is a four-fold increase in export earning to $1 billion by 1990. New Zealand has the soils, climate and skill to achieve this goal, Labour will provide the marketing focus and investment emphasis to this end.  Such development will dramatically increase the satisfying and rewarding employment opportunities in the horticultural sector from the current level of 15,000 full-time jobs and 40,000 seasonal or pan-time jobs. This is an integral part of Labour's social and economic strategy.  17. IRRIGATION AND RURAL WATER SUPPLY  Labour believes the use of the nation's water resources to be of national importance and will continue to encourage and assist in the establishment of new irrigation and water supply schemes. Labour will investigate the application of the existing irrigation policy to ensure the most efficient use of the water resource.  18. AWARDS FOR iNNOVATION AND ACHIEVEMENT  New Zealand should be proud of its world leadership in various fields such as agriculture and forestry. Labour will establish awards for achievement and excellence. These awards will in part be in the form of travelling scholarships. Recipients will seek out other innovative ideas that can be applied in New Zealand, in order to further increase our leadership and competitiveness in specialist export fields.  ARTS POLICY 1984  In view of the need to maintain a continuing dialogue between political parties and the Arts community, a future Labour Government will undertake a Cultural Policy Review, similar to that produced by the 'Arts Conference 70', for the purpose of defining cultural policy and cultural development for the 80's. Such a review might examine the visual and performing arts, the Pacific and European cultural heritage, literature and publishing, sound recording, film and video, broadcasting, national libraries and archives, international cultural relations and the roles of the state cultural organisations and the Government. The review will (a) create cultural policies for NZers in the same way as an economic or defence policy is created; (b) streamline the administration of Government support for the arts; (c) ensure forward planning for the arts.  BROADCASTING  Labour believes that the broadcasting system should reflect and promote the interests of the wide range of New Zealanders who participate in cultural activities.  Accordingly the next Labour Government will review the role of broadcasting in developing the nation's cultures and in supporting and strengthening the arts community.  CRAFTS  3. Active consideration will be given by the next Labour Government to apprenticeships, and to training generally in craft-based industries; at the same time study will be undertaken to ensure that local producers do not suffer unfair competition from cheap imported craft work, including pottery.  GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS  4. Government will purchase suitable works of art for display in public places.  FiLM  5. The next Labour Government will immediately initiate discussions with those concerned to secure the future development of the New Zealand Film Industry. Labour will recognise the importance of the role of the New Zealand Film Commission.  Film is important in the cultural life of New Zealand. It is also an important growth industry drawing on our creative and technical abilities and providing potentially significant economic benefits.  To assist the industry to realise its potential, the next Labour Government will encourage a strong creative, management, production and marketing base for short and feature projects of the highest international standard.  it will ensure continuing secure funding for the New Zealand Film Commission and promote a sympathetic investment climate for film.  It will use New Zealand films to actively promote the country overseas in festivals and international events.  FUNDING  6. The Labour Party, recognising the benefits of a lively cultural scene, commits itself to Arts Council  funding on the basis of a formula which recognises the additional functions which the Council has acquired since 1975, and which moves the level of funding as quickly as possible to an appropriate level of funding relative to GIJP and which makes provision for an annual allocation to the Arts Council, to be made known at the beginning of each new financial year. In addition, the practice of funding important arts activities from lottery funds will be reviewed.  7. THEATRE  Labour will investigate conditions of employment, training, career and pay structures in the performing arts.  8. MUSIC  In the interests of stimulating the New Zealand music and recording industry, the next Labour Government will institute quotas on the output of local content on radio and television and will remove the discriminatory element on the sales tax on recorded music.  SALES TAX  9. The next Labour Government will review the sales tax on pottery and other cultural goods, and provide market development assistance to cultural-based industries.  AUTHORS FUND  10. Labour will review the present level of funding available to the Authors' Fund established by a previous Labour Government, to ensure that New Zealand authors recognised by the fund receive adequate remuneration for their work.  BROADCASTING POLICY - 1984  Labour's Principles  1. Labour is committed to the development of publicly owned broadcasting as part of the rapidly advancing frontier of telecommunications.  2. Broadcasting under Labour will maximise choice, independence in public affairs and documentary production, and an awareness of the possibilities opened up by recent technological advances. Labour accepts that a more open, multi-cultural and educated society requires a broadcasting service to meet a full range of social and cultural needs. There must, therefore, be a greater volume of local content on television and radio.  THE LABOUR PLAN  3. The next Labour Government will immediately appoint a Royal Commission on the Future of Broadcasting and Telecommunications in New Zealand. The Commission will be given terms of reference concerning:  (a) the resources and necessary institutions to develop broadcasting to best serve all New Zealanders.  (b) cable networks and cable TV.  (c) satellite links and New Zealand's international obligations.  (d) computer links, data bases and their relation to public and private access.  (e) cross-ownership patterns in broadcasting and the news media.  (1) the establishment of regional and other television services.  (g) the development of educational television, including increased access to tertiary education courses.  (h) the existence of violence in TV programmes.  (i) whether independence would be further guaranteed by a charter similar to that given to the BBC.  (j) FM broadcasting.  (k) overseas and shortwave services of Radio New Zealand.  (1) the establishment of a right of reply when it is established that an inaccurate or distorted picture has been given of an event or person.  TELEVISION  4. Labour remains committed to providing and preserving for all New Zealanders their own two existing television channels and will extend these services to cover all of New Zealand as far as resources allow. If the National Government sells any of the existing public facilities of either channel, a Labour Government will buy back whatever has been sold for the price paid when it was sold. The television transmission of parliamentary proceedings will be permitted on an experimental basis.  RADIO  5. Labour believes that Radio New Zealand must, in the interests of good public service broadcasting, remain in its present primary position. But where they contribute to variety, private radio stations and access broadcasting should be encouraged.  6. FM services will be extended as soon as practicable throughout New Zealand. There will be no commercials on either the national or concert programme.  7. Labour will investigate extending and upgrading the overseas and short wave services provided by Radio New Zealand throughout the Pacific.  8. Parliament will be broadcast by Radio New Zealand without interruption. Reception will be improved for listeners outside the Wellington area in the evening.  ACCOUNTABILITY  9. Labour believes that broadcasting is not sufficiently accountable to the New Zealand public. In order to promote accountability, Labour will ensure that New Zealanders are made fully aware of their right of complaint.  ADVISORY COMMITTEE  10. Labour will re-establish regional public advisory boards comprising a cross-section of New Zealanders.  MAORI AND PACIFIC ISLAND PROGRAMMES  11. Labour believes the Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand must fulfill its obligation "to reflect and develop New Zealand's identity and culture" and accepts that this will not be possible without greater attention to the use of the Maori language.  12. Labour will encourage the Broadcasting Corporation to provide appropriate facilities and to recruit and train sufficient staff already fluent in the use ofMaori and Pacific Island languages.  13. Labour will require the Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand to make provision for a wider range of television programmes in the Maori language, to be broadcast on one or other of the main channels, and at times convenient to family groups.  14. The Fourth Labour Government will establish a Maori and Pacific Island commercial radio station with programmes available for distribution through other stations.  EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING  15. The next Labour Government will support the introduction of both locally and internationally produced educational television programmes.  16. Labour believes that the programming emphasis should be on wide spectrum continuing education as well as school syllabus needs. Labour is concerned to see educational programming for various population groups; special vocational or voluntary work groups; minority groups with special social needs and for leisure activities and job retraining.  BROADCASTING AND THE ARTS  17. The next Labour Government will assist the Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand in providing and maintaining employment for artists. Labour will ensure that there is liaison between the various bodies who currently employ and represent artists in New Zealand - including the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council, New Zealand Film Commission, National Film Unit, and the Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand - to co-ordinate and produce a plan to ensure that musicians, actors and writers earn sufficient from their broadcasting employment to secure their careers.  THE NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA  18. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is one of New Zealand's most valuable cultural assets. Labour believes that the long term security of the orchestra should be absolutely preserved, if necessary with direct grants.  19. Labour is committed to reversing the trend that has seen the orchestra reducing its itinerary of provincial engagements over the past four years.  THE LISTENER  20. Labour is committed to protecting the Listener's editorial independence. Labour views any political move to inhibit, financially or otherwise, the Listener's contribution to New Zealand life as a threat to the independence of broadcasting.  SPECIAL PROGRAMMES  CHILDREN  21. Labour believes that those responsible for the choice, and making of children's programmes should be reminded of the Broadcasting Act's requirement to 'entertain, inform and educate'. A majority of programmes telecast for children do little more than entertain and often do not exhibit a culture with which they can readily identify.  22. Labour can see that the amount of advertising during children's programmes has increased dramatically in the last year. There is particular concern about the number of advertisements aimed specifically at children. Labour will encourage the halting of advertising during children's program. mes.  SPORTS ORGANISATIONS  23. Labour believes that the Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand has a social contract, in terms of the Broadcasting Act, to provide an adequate coverage of all major fixtures of all sports. Advertising during these programmes must not be allowed to intrude into the presentation.  LICENCE FEE  24. Labour believes that broadcasting cannot be independent if the Government plays politics with the level of licence fee. Labour will put the question of the level of the licence fee to the tribunal for an independent assessment. Labour will not introduce advertising on Sundays.  RELIGIOUS BROADCASTS  25. Labour fully endorses the aim of improving religious programming to produce the highest professional standards.  CONSUMER POLICY  THE LABOUR PLAN  All New Zealanders are consumers.  In a modern economy many consumers - particular those on lower incomes, those for whom English is not a first language, those with limited knowledge of existing consumer rights - are often placed in a relatively weaker position than producers or suppliers. Labour is committed to a fair deal for all consumers.  2. Effective consumer protection takes many forms; including protective legislation and other Government action on behalf of consumers, consumer education, the ability of consumers to know and use their rights and responsibilities, and access to adequate support services. Both State and community services are important, but Labour believes a key missing element at present is overall co-ordination.  3. MINISTRY OF CONSUMER PROTECTION  Labour will therefore set up a Ministry of Consumer Protection.  The Ministry will be a small compact co-ordinating body, acting to develop and implement a range of policies that will protect consumers and to promote and encourage the valuable work done by various community consumer organisations.  4. For example, the new Ministry will  * initiate consumer law reform, in consultation with consumer organisations  * co-ordinate consumer rights campaigns, as well as other education carnaigns, based on the success of the first such promotion by the third Labour Government, in conjunction with the Consumers Institute and other organisations  * provide financial support, information and other appropriate resources to such organisations as Consumer's Institute and other consumers' groups  * promote the establishment of more small claims tribunals, and the raising of the present limit on claims  ensure the outlawing or inhibiting of misleading advertising, wasteful or deceptive packaging, and worthless guarantees and the enforcement of fair product safety and information provisions  * ensure that special attention is given to contracts between businesses and consumers to ensure the full intent of any contract is clearly set out in the main clauses; is fully explained to the per. son concerned; is not further limited or restricted by provisos in small print; and is accompanied by an explanation, in lay language, that is attached to and forms part of the contract  * give special attention to credit card operations, to ensure fair trade practices  * promote effective and direct consumer representation on appropriate statutory boards, commissions and tribunals  * act with all Government departments, agencies and voluntary organisations to perform a coordinating and initiating role and overcome the haphazard and ad hoc arrangements that currently pass as consumer protection.  DEFENCE POLICY  The Labour Plan  1. The next Labour Government will take whatever action is necessary to defend the independence and territorial integrity of New Zealand.  2. Labour does not consider that any military threat to New Zealand security currently exists. Nevertheless, Labour recognises the need to maintain an effective nucleus of defence forces which can be expanded should the strategic situation change.  3. Labour believes that, consistent with its foreign policy objectives, defence policy should be focused on the Pacific and particularly the South West Pacific.  4. Labour will ensure that New Zealand's defence policy is consistent with, and supportive of, the principles of the United Nations Charter, and the United Nations' need for peacekeeping forces.  THE ANZUS ALLIANCE  5. Labour is committed to adopting a more independent stance within the ANZUS alliance in terms of Labour's International Affairs Policy.  Australia  6. Labour accepts the need for co-operation and compatibility with Australia in the defence field. This should include regular consultation, joint training programmes, exercises with our treaty partners and moves towards the standardisation, manufacture and supply of defence equipment.  Civil Aid  7. Labour believes that the maintenance of law and order is the function of the police, not the Defence Forces.  8. The Defence Forces will be trained and equipped to assist with civil defence, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations.  9. The Defence Forces will be used to provide logistic and technical support for New Zealand's overseas development assistance programmes and United Nations civil aid activities.  A Volunteer Defence Force  10. Labour will maintain an effective Defence force made up of career service personnel, with provision for a continuing element of Territorial Force Volunteers. There will be no peace-time conscription.  11. The Territorial Force will continue on a volunteer basis, adequately equipped and trained for rapid mobilization. The protection of the civilian employment of Territorial Force personnel will be maintained.  Equipment  12. Labour will ensure that the Defence Forces are adequately equipped to meet New Zealand's defence objectives.  Conditions of Service  13. Labour will provide conditions of service which will encourage suitable persons to join and remain in the Defence Forces.  14. The next Labour Government will end our battalion commitment in Singapore and ensure adequate accommodation is available fbr the return of this battalion.  15. Labour recognises that in order to maintain the highest professional standards in our Armed Forces it is necessary to ensure that our Armed Forces exercise regularly with those of other countries, and that suitable exchanges occur regularly.  Civilian Re.establlshment  16. Labour will undertake programmes to ensure the level of skills and training in the Defence Forces are recognised by Trades Certification Authorities.  17. The Third Labour Government made considerable progress in organising full civilian recognition for trade skills obtained within the Armed Forces. Labour will remove remaining anomalies.  1983 Defence Review  18. The next Labour Government will, in consultation with the Chief of Defence stafi conduct an urgent re-evaluation of the recommendations of the 1983 Defence Review in light of Labour's commitment to an efficient, effective Defence Force sufficient to meet New Zealand's own needs and within this country's economic capabilities.  DISABLED PERSONS POLICY  Principles  1. Labour's policy is to ensure that disabled persons are able to achieve their maximum potential within the community in all aspects of living.  The disabled must be allowed to live as normal a life as is possible with as wide a range of choices of life-style as can be achieved.  Administration  2. A Labour Government will re-examine all Ministerial responsibilities in relation to the disabled to ensure maximum co-ordination of all services.  3. Labour will ensure that disabled people will be represented on committees involved in the planning of their future. Consideration will be given to the appointment of an advocate for the disabled.  4. The next Labour Government will give responsibility for the co-ordination of all rehabilitation services to a strengthened Council for the Community Welfare of Disabled Persons. More disabled persons will be appointed to this and other councils which will consult with organisations such as the Disabled Persons' Assembly of New Zealand Incorporated. Voluntary organisations and State Departments will be encouraged to co-operate with each other to provide the best possible services. Where necessary legislation will be enacted to provide the necessary platform for comprehensive and imaginative rehabilitation programmes.  5. Labour will ensure that one of the first tasks of the Council will be to provide statistics to furnish a comprehensive picture of the handicapped so that appropriate policies can be devised and finance allocated to areas of greatest need.  Special Needs  6. Labour will examine methods of improving the mobility of disabled persons in relation to their special needs incurred in travelling to and from work, or to places of education or recreation. This will be done in conjunction with the Disabled Persons' Assembly of New Zealand Incorporated.  7. The Labour Party is aware of the difficulties disabled persons suffer through sales tax, import duties and customs duties on special equipment and transport needed by disabled people. A special conference will be called to discuss all aspects of these taxes so that maximum assistance can be given to those that need it.  8. Labour will examine means to increase the provision for mobility housing and will regularly review the loan limits for interest-free loans for permanently disabled persons for home modifications.  9. Labour will discuss the need to establish community-based accommodation and care units for the multi-handicapped.  10. Labour will extend domiciliary services, such as home help, to assist disabled persons to manage more readily in their own homes. Special attentions will be paid to the provision of support services for those people caring for the disabled.  11. Labour will extend the provisions of the Disabled Persons' Community Welfare Act to meet the needs of those not in the paid workforce and to ensure that the access provisions of the Act are being implemented.  Employment  12. The Labour Government will ensure that a constant and fair number of jobs for disabled persons will be made available within the State sector.  13. Labour will encourage employers to adapt premises to employ disabled people.  14. Labour will encourage all those disabled who are able to work to do so. Special employment officers will be appointed to the Department of Labour to provide assessment and guidance for placement in either open or sheltered employment. Sickness/Invalid benefit entitlement will be far more flexible so that people can take up part-time or temporary employment with entitlement to reduced or suspended benefits.  15. Labour undertakes to amend the Education Act in order to ensure that there is free access for all children to the education or training that they need.  16. Labour believes disabled children should, wherever possible, attend ordinary schools, This will entail the funding of such items as special books for the partially sighted. Schemes of care attendance at tertiary institutions will be established and funded.  17. Labour will ensure that there is a vigorous education programme to promote the general understanding of the needs and problems of the handicapped and to counteract prejudice.  18. Labour will ensure that there is early identification of all children with special needs and regular counselling and advisory support for their parents. Where possible this identification will be made during the pre-school years.  19. Labour will:  improve staffing ratios.  lengthen and upgrade pre-service staffing ratios.  lengthen and upgrade pre-service and in-service training and  improve support services for those working with and teaching younger children with special needs.  expand full-time, continuing education, and in-service training opportunities for all teachers involved in working with those with special needs.  20. To provide for young children with handicaps Labour will ensure the development of after-care services, workshop facilities for handicapped children beyond school age and the provision of a community-based residential facility for those who are not independent and who cannot live at home. Young disabled school leavers should be assisted to undertake vocational training to equip them for the job market.  ECONOMIC POLICY  I THE APPROACH  To achieve Labour's economic and social goals a healthy and growing economy is essential. Therefore, effective and efficient economic management is the major goal of Labour's economic policy. And Labour's social policies will ensure a fair deal for the unemployed, those who are ill-housed, those who lack adequate health care and those without proper access to education.  2. Labour's approach to our economic problems has two central features.  3. The first is recognition of the need for a clear set of objectives and priorities which economic policies must satisfied. These will guide the next Labour Government through all the changes of circumstances which arise in the day to day management of the economy. The policies will deal consistently with a range of economic problems.  4. The second is the fuller involvement of all sections of our society in setting the objectives, in defining the priorities and in charting the way ahead. We must mobilise the skills throughout the community, reconcile our difFerences and move forward as people.  II BACKGROUND  5. There is no simple or easy solution to the economic problems of New Zealand. The lack of room to manoeuvre has been created primarily by the economic policies of the government in recent years.  These have resulted in  * high levels of unemployment.  * widening of inequalities in income and a reduction in the standard of public housing and health.  * falling living standards.  * rising levels of overseas debt.  * investment flowing into speculation rather than production.  * a record internal deficit.  6. It will take considerable time to eliminate the effects of these policies. Care will be needed as we move to solve many problems at the same time.  III PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES  7. The aims of Labour's policy are:  * full employment.  * economic growth.  * fairness and social justice.  * maximum possible stability in prices.  * a more democratic approach to economic management.  * greater control by New Zealanders over their own economy.  8. Labour will raise the living standards of New Zealanders. Employment and the creation of new jobs is the top priority. Urgent action must be taken to improve the position of low and middle income households. Labour's over-riding concern is for those who cannot afford to make further sacrifices.  9. Labour will rebuild our economy on eight main foundations:  * consensus on the programme of economic and social reconstruction.  * a fair prices and incomes policy.  * an investment strategy to help restore full employment and reduce the external deficit; -  * reform of industry assistance.  * a fair tax system.  * monetary policy that underpins a balanced growth strategy.  * fiscal policy that tackles the problems caused by the internal deficit.  * the re-targetting of public resources to ensure a more effective delivery of services to those in greater need.  10. These policies will be applied gradually with the aim of:  permanently reducing  * unemployment.  * the external deficit.  * inflation.  * the internal deficit.  * interest rates  and permanently improving  * growth rates.  * living standards.  * access to public services of an acceptable standard  IV ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONSENSUS  11. Labour will foster a broad based economic and social understanding concerning the direction of economic management. There will be widespread consultation, discussions, and negotiations. From this process will come the following:  (a) A prices and incomes policy based on genuine negotiations among all the parties.  (b) A wage-fixing system which ensures that the structure of wages, when related to taxes and public assistance programmes, allows all families to obtain an adequate minimum living income. The adjustment mechanism must be comprehensive so that all economic conditions can be taken into account.  (c) An overall plan for economic recovery which deals with employment levels, trade assistance and an investment strategy.  V PRICES AND INCOMES  12. Labour is committed to negotiating a new system for determining prices and incomes with the trade union movement and employers. Immediately upon becoming government, Labour will initiate a conference of sector and interest groups to consider and reach agreement on the precise features of a prices and incomes policy.  13. The incomes policy will:  (a) Establish permanent and formal machinery for income determination, including major participation from trade unions, employers and government. Full economic information will be provided to all parties.  (b) Provide for annual wage adjustments aimed at maintaining real disposable incomes - taking into account changes in taxation, increases in productivity and the social wage provided by way of government assistance for such matters as health benefits.  (c) Allow for collective bargaining, within guidelines between employers and trade unions.  14. Labour will review, in consultation with all affected parties, the legislative and administrative procedures used in wage bargaining to ensure that the bargaining process:  (a) strengthens the protection given to vulnerable groups in the workforce via the National Award system.  (b) enables a regular re-assessment of minimum wages under a revised Minimum Wages Act.  (c) ensures that the structure of wages, when related to the system of taxation and the availability of various public facilities such as housing, health, education, and welfare services, allows all workers to obtain an adequate minimum living income.  (d) allows consideration of national economic conditions to be taken into account when the overall dimension of wage adjustments is under discussion in any year.  (e) permits greater flexibility in the outcome of the bargaining process in particular areas, industries, occupations or enterprises.  15. Prices Policy  Under Labour, the Commerce Commission will be empowered, in terms of the agreed prices and incomes policy, to hear applications for price increases in enterprises which are not subject to sufficient competition. There will be opportunity for public participation in the hearings of the Commission. The Department of Trade and Industry will exercise a watchdog role for other enterprises. A strong competitions policy will be followed in which monopolies, mergers and restrictive trade practices will be dealt with firmly. A firm monetary policy will also assist in holding prices down.  VI INVESTMENT STRATEGY  16. Labour's investment strategy will provide an active role for the government in ensuring that investment flows into the areas of economic activity which are of most benefit to all New Zealanders. This  strategy will stimulate investment, leading to growth and jobs, and a progressive reduction of the external deficit.  17. Labour will re-orient government intervention in investment towards key growth areas of the economy. There will be particular emphasis on assistance for marketing arid research and development. Such intervention will be carefully planned and the criteria dearly defined. The role of private enterprise in contributing towards more balanced and sustainable growth will be acknowledged. But it will also recognise that, for some projects, the size of the investments required, the risks associated with them and the time scale on which returns are received from them, are such that public initiative or participation is required.  18. Features of the investment strategy will be:  (a) provision of loans and grants by government to selected industries.  (b) a move away from speculative areas of investment to productive areas of investment.  (c) encouragement of viable industries based on further processing of New Zealand's raw materials.  (d) Involvement by trade unions, community and industry groups in its formulation.  (e) a gradual reduction of the internal deficit in real terms in order to allow more investment.  19. The selection of industries which are to receive assistance will be made by the government after consultation with industry organisations and trade unions, and after advice from an Industrial Development Board. The Board will be a small advisory body comprising people from the private and public sectors and including a person experienced in trade union affairs.  20. The following criteria will be applied by the Board:  (a) priority will be given to job-rich industries.  (b) industries would usually be selected only where there is some form of market impediment or State ownership of the resources involved.  (c) evaluation will be on the basis of forecasted medium term rates of return.  (d) assistance for particular industries will not be open ended.  (e) the totality of assistance by government to the industry will be examined, not merely financial needs.  (f) investments should result in either a broadening of the export base, a saving on imports, or improvements to the infrastructure.  (g) account will be taken of the willingness of the private sector to provide a share of the development finance needed.  21. The funds will come from an Industry Investment and Assistance Fund. This will be financed from a number of sources:  (a) government tax, loan revenue, or other investments such as superannuation.  (b) special government-guaranteed loans.  (c) industry levies.  (d) repayment of loans and interest receipts.  (e) royalties for technology development.  (Ultimately the fund should be self-financing).  22. The Board will be able to investigate different organisational forms through which investments will be made. Where assistance is being directed towards existing companies, the Development Finance Corporation will generally act as an agency for the Board.  23. To meet the needs of the investment strategy and to improve its other functions, Labour will examine a re-organisation of the Development Finance Corporation and its possible conversion to a New Zealand Development Bank.  24. The Auditor-General will report to Parliament on whether payments from the fund have been properly made.  25. A monitoring mechanism will be set up. A small number of consultants will report directly to the Board and the Minister on the effectiveness of assistance.  26. Closer links will be forged between research work and commerical needs. Labour will ensure that investment decisions make full use of public sector research. Successful researchers and innovators will be encouraged to join private sector exporters in the development and marketing of new products. The potential of publicly-owned agencies to exploit the commercial potential of this research will be explored.  VII INDUSTRY ASSISTANCE POLICY  27. Labour's policies will create job opportunities and ensure that any necessary reconstruction proceeds on a planned basis and with ample warning. As a general principle, Labour prefers protection by way of tarifs to import licensing. Any change in this direction must, however, be gradual. Labour recognises that in some circumstances import licensing will still be needed, particularly to preserve employment.  For some industries it may need to be maintained indefinitely Examples include motor vehicles, textiles, clothing and footwear.  28. Labour's import licensing policies will be based on the above principles, and  (a) The existing programme will be reviewed in consultation with interested parties.  (b) The value of remaining import licences will be maintained. The licences will gradually be allocated by tender. Any additional allocations will be tendered for.  (c) Where protected industries seek to obtain excessive price increases additional licences may be issued.  (d) There will be a review of the adequacy of New Zealand's protection against dumping by overseas countries. -  (e) Labour will examine the possibility of introducing protection to develop new industries to stimulate competitive import substitution programmes and export orientated industries based on natural resources, or to reduce the level of imports required to create new jobs.  29. Labour will reform New Zealand's tariff to reduce disparities and increase the level of uniformity. Labour will review developing country preferences and consider the imposition of tariffs on products now imported duty free. The interests of developing countries in the South Pacific will be protected.  30. Labour will modi& the government's own purchasing policy to ensure that a positive and consistent preference is given to New Zealand made goods and services over those from overseas.  31. Where workers need to move from one industry to another, re-training and relocation assistance will be provided. Trade unions, manufacturers and local communities will all be involved in the development of these programmes. A more active workforce planning process will be followed. This will involve a closer matching of skills training programme with the workforce requirements that will emerge as a result of the investment strategy.  VIII TAXATION  32. The tax system is unfair and inequitable. Adjustments must be made to get rid of the unfairness. The tax laws will be changed with the following objective in view:  (a) encouraging the employment of people.  (b) providing help for the disadvantaged.  (c) bringing equity and fairness to the tax system.  (d) encouraging growth and increases in productivity.  (e) encouraging investment into productive areas of the economy rather than non-productive areas.  (f) cracking down on tax evasion and tax avoidance.  (g) encouraging savings.  (h) ensuring fairer distribution of the tax burden.  33. In view of these principles, Labour will:  (a) reform personal income tax to ensure that lower and middle income households are substantially better off when transfer payments and wage adjustments are taken into account.  (b) reform personal income tax to ensure that shift work, overtime, part-time work and secondary employment are not discouraged.  (c) remove the anomalies in sales tax - for example, the discriminatory level of taxation on the boat, caravan, cosmetics, record and computer industries.  (d) review the present structure of company tax.  (e) make strenuous efforts to widen the tax collection base by cracking down on tax avoidance and evasion.  IX RETARGETTING OF PUBLIC RESOURCES  34. Overall government spending will be carefully controlled. It will be made more effective by a shift in ( priorities. Government assistance must:  (a) re-distribute help to those in need.  (b) address urgent needs in the areas of health, housing and education.  (c) iron out the anomalies and unfairness in the social welfare benefit system.  (d) maximise employment.  (e) help those on low and middle incomes.  35. Labour will introduce major changes to government taxation and spending to:  (a) reduce the problems and anomalies caused by the interaction of tax and social welfare policy.  (b) ensure that all New Zealanders reach an adequate standard of living, and that those who have families to support are able to do so.  (c) review the abatement mechanism for social welfare assistance.  (d) re-examine where the real benefits of existing assistance measures fall, and take steps to counteract the effects of programmes that widen inequalities.  X INFLATION AND MONETARY POLICY  36. Labour will follow stable and consistent money and credit policies. Money growth targets will be fixed and followed. Labour will ensure that the growth in money supply and credit is limited to that suf ficient to finance the planned growth in the value of production.  37. Inflation will be attacked through Labour's prices and incomes policy and the strengthened competition policy.  38. Labour will use the powers of the Reserve Bank to implement its firm monetary stance. In addition to its existing functions and powers, the Reserve Bank will be authorised to conduct open market operations in financial securities. This will assist in ensuring that the targets for monetary policy are met.  39. Existing financial regulations and controls will be reviewed with a view to eliminating as many as possible. All regulations made under the Economic Stabilisation Act and the Reserve Bank Act will be reviewed. When that process is complete the Economic Stabilisation Act will be repealed.  Any regulations made under it which are found to be necessary will be preserved by Act of Parliament.  XI FISCAL POLICY  40. Labour will gradually reduce the level of the government deficit in real terms. Within that primary objective, fiscal policy will be used to ensure that the overall level of economic activity remains at levels compatible with Labour's medium term objectives.  41. Labour's fiscal policy will:  (a) give the public sector greater flexibility to achieve objectives.  (1) improve management systems in the public sector and introduce incentives which reward innovative practices and penalise waste.  (c) mercial concerns so that prices reflect the value of the resources being used and encourage their efficient use.  (d) ensure an adequate revenue base by reducing tax evasion and avoidance and by broadening the tax base.  42. Labour will encourage public agencies to play an expanded and more constructive role. Labour will end the 'sinking lid' policy in the public sector. Labour has no plans to sell off any publicly owned concerns.  EDUCATION POLICY  The Labour Plan  1. Human beings are our most valuable resource. Labour will ensure that funds are available to increase and improve New Zealand's commitment to education, particularly to children and young people.  2. All people have a right to an education which allows them to be themselves and to grow to their full potential. Therefore Labour's policies will be designed to overcome inequalities arising from gender, race, income or environment.  Decision-making in Education  3. Labour is firmly committed to people involvement in decision-making at all levels. Therefore, the education policies of the next Labour Government will be finally determined after extensive discussions with interested and concerned groups.  Early Childhood Education / Pre School  4. Early childhood education has the highest priority in Labour's new education policies. To promote stronger state and community support for early childhood, Labour will:  (a) ensure that all government policies are subject to a special audit for their effect on families, particularly those with young children.  (b) promote programmes which support and educate parents.  (c) develop a range and diversity of services to ensure that all young children have equal access to early childhood education.  (d) ensure that quality child-care is widely available.  (e) maintain the flexibility and independence of play centres.  (f) implement fully, within five years, the agreed staffing scheme for kindergartens.  (g) support the Te Kohanga Reo and Te Ataarangi programmes.  (h) improve and lengthen the training of all early childhood educators.  (i) include kindergarten teachers and child-care workers in negotiations for a unified salary scale for all teachers.  Schools  5. Labour will reopen discussion on the curriculum changes made this year.  6. Labour will ensure greater participation from people in local communities in the life and programmes of their schools.  7. Labour will oppose the continuation of corporal punishment and provide assistance to schools and teachers in developing alternative disciplinary strategies.  8. Labour will enable the acceptance in school programmes that knowledge concerning human development and relationships is part of the growing and learning and sharing process.  9. Labour will ensure adequate ancillary staffing and support services for schools.  Integration  10. Labour remains committed to the 1975 legislation. Labour will invite all parties involved to a conference to report on progress made and on problems and anomalies encountered. It is expected that the evaluation process will mark the beginning of closer co-operation and integration.  Primary Education  11. Labour sets a high priority on a strong, confident and creative primary education system. To strengthen New Zealand's primary schools, Labour will:  (a) implement, as quickly as possible, a ratio of 1:20 in junior classes (the first three years) beginning with the full staffing and resources necessary for the nationwide coverage of the Reading Recovery Programme.  (b) develop, with full consultation, a new formula for the staffing of primary schools, based on established needs rather than on numbers.  (c) develop, after full consultation, a new comprehensive basis for school grants based on identified needs rather than on roll numbers.  (d) develop a programme for the provision of computer awareness education in primary schools.  Secondary Education  12. In order to develop a secondary education system which more accurately and adequately meets the learning needs of all our teenagers, Labour will take the following steps:  •(a) Labour will abolish the present University Entrance system and initiate, in 1985, a dialogue with all interested parties, locally and nationally, on secondary school education. Particular emphasis will be given to 5th, 6th and 7th form curricula and assessment to determine guidelines for senior school curricula, and what assessments need to be made, at what stages, by whom and for what purpose.  (b) Labour will speed up the implementation of the recommendations of the Secondary Schools Staffing Working Party Report.  (c) the next Labour Government will ensure that every state secondary school is provided with adequate computer facilities, and support, with increasing provision for experience with other technological developments.  (d) Labour will maintain and expand existing alternative education schemes.  (e) Labour will make possible the establishment of urban Form 1 to 7 schools.  (f) Labour will encourage the further development of secondary schools as community learning centres for adults.  Special Needs Education  13. Labour is committed to the integration of disabled people, as far as it is possible, into ordinary living,  * working and learning conditions. Labour will:  (a) alter the 1964 Education Act to guarantee free access for all children to the education or training they need.  (b) expand training courses for teachers working with children with special needs.  * (c) make provision for appropriate support as children with special needs take their place within the school system.  (d) guarantee that the need to extend and motivate gifted children can be met within the existing system.  Rural Education  14. As part of Labour's concern to maintain and strengthen services to rural areas and communities,  Labour will:  (a) strengthen support services for rural schools.  (b) provide more flexible rural school transport arrangements.  (c) provide greater support to REAP programmes.  (d) reduce the minimum number of students necessary before five-day hostels can be established.  (e) provide financial support for parents assisting children with correspondence school courses.  (f) explore the provision of appropriate technology to enable rural people to have greater access to continuing education.  Multi Cultural Education  15. To meet the needs of the diverse cultural communities in New Zealand, Labour will:  (a) improve recruitment of teachers from minority cultures, and improve staffing in multi-cultural schools.  (b) make greater use of the cultural resources of the community.  (c) provide financial support for schemes which develop outside the traditional educational system.  (d) ensure that teachers, particularly junior class teachers, have training in Maori language and culture.  (e) make Maori language an available option in each community at all levels of the education system.  (f) encourage the further development of bilingual and multilingual schooling.  (g) provide for the representation of minority cultural groups on Boards, Committees and other educational bodies.  Resources for Learning  16. It is essential that adequate resource support be provided for pupils, teachers and community groups in order to achieve Labour's stated educational aims. Therefore, Labour will:  (a) remedy the effects of cuts in educational spending, especially in school support services and for women in education.  (b) set up a Working Party to establish an overall plan for the development of library services throughout New Zealand, with particular reference to the recommendations of the Foley Report, especially those relating to the provision of teacher-librarians.  (c) ensure higher priority for the development of educational television and radio programmes.  (d) expand the role of the National Film Library to strengthen its capability to service the needs of the education community.  (e) promote more extensive availability of distance education.  Teachers and Teacher Education  17. The profession of teaching must be more highly valued and supported by Government and community. Labour will:  (a) seek to recruit and retain the best-suited people for teaching, particularly more men for preschool and primary teaching, more Maori and Pacific Islands teachers, and more people who have worked in other occupations.  (b) give emphasis to the appointment of more women to positions of authority.  (c) review the present level of teacher trainee allowances.  18. Labour will broaden the functions of existing teachers' colleges to include greater provision for in-service training, and for teacher induction; more specialised training for teachers of children with special needs and the training of teachers from the Pacific Islands and from the countries of South East Asia.  19. Labour will encourage the establishment of more teachers' resources centres.  20. Labour will reaffirm and promote the importance of in-service and continuing education at all levels.  21. The next Labour Government will confirm by enactment the provisions of the 1979 Education Amendment (no. 2) Bill.  22. Labour will commence consultation with teacher unions on long-service and refresher leave provisions, on permanent part-time employment including job-sharing schemes, and on a unified salary scale.  Transition from School to Work  23. The educational and training needs of older teenagers are primarily educational and should be met in an environment primarily designed for learning. Therefore, Labour will:  (a) expand the upper secondary school programme to ensure that appropriate education is provided for all young people.  (b) ensure that all school leavers who fail to find employment in their first year after leaving school will have access to further education and vocational training.  (c) ensure that schools and continuing education facilities cater adequately for life skills education.  Technical Institutes and Community Colleges  24. As New Zealand moves out of recession we need to ensure high levels of education, and of job related skills, together with access to living, recreation and life fulfilment programmes. Accordingly, Labour will:  (a) allow technical institutes and community colleges to respond more flexibly to the continuing education needs of their communities.  (b) provide greater autonomy in buildings, finance and staffing through a Technical Institutes Grants Committee.  (c) evolve a new staffing formula which acknowledges the diversity of contemporary learning practices.  25. Labour will also upgrade staff training provisions through the establishment of teaching resource centres, courses of educational management, and improvements in technical refresher leave provisions.  26. Labour will improve access to computer education by upgrading computer facilities in all institutes, and by providing staff training in the use of computers.  27. The next Labour Government will assist with provision of child care facilities and ensure adequate health, welfare and counselling services are available at each continuing education institution.  28. Labour will safeguard and expand funding for 'non-vocational' courses.  Continuing and Community Education  29. Learning is lifelong, and access to a broad range of life-enriching programmes benefits the whole community. Labour will:  (a) initiate a review of all aspects of continuing and tertiary education, to ensure that the total network is effective in meeting the learning needs of the country.  (b) restore priority to adult education and promte a greater variety of adult learning options.  (c) review and rewrite the 1963 Adult Education Act.  (d) consult with groups such as the Workers' Education Association, to find ways of promoting greater access to adult education.  (e) allow for the designation of more schools as community schools.  (f) make available urban equivalents of the Rural Education Action Programme (REAP).  (g) fund the position of and resources for a national adult literacy co-ordinators.  Universities  30. Labour is concerned to ensure that university courses meet the real needs of the communities which its graduates serve. Labour will:  (a) conduct a comprehensive assessment of university education in New Zealand with particular emphasis on future trends.  (b) develop with the universities courses for the remainder of this century consistent with agreed social and development objectives.  (c) provide sufficient staffing to reverse the present adverse stafl~students ratio trends.  (d) expand access to extra-mural study, especially in the South Island.  (e) re-affirm the importance of university research.  (f) recognise the Association of University Teachers as the official negotiating body for university teachers.  Financial Assistance for Tertiary Students  31. Labour believes that access to universities, community colleges and technical institutes, teachers colleges and other forms of continuing education, should not be governed by the ability of the student to pay. Therefore, Labour will:  (a) review the present Tertiary Assistance Grant scheme.  (b) provide open and bursary supported entry for adult students who have reached the age of 21 years.  (c) ensure there is open entry to university for all who wish to study at that level.  (d) establish and maintain adequate health, welfare counselling and career advice services.  (e) adjust Tertiary Assistance Grants to take account of inflation.  (f) investigate the provision of bursary assistance to technical institute students taking full-time courses of less than a year's duration.  (g) restore the student community work scheme.  (h) abolish the $1,500 fee for private overseas students.  Trade Union Education  32. Labour considers it important that New Zealanders are well informed about industrial relations matters and that there is informed and active participation by trade unionists, both in their unions and in their employment. Accordingly, Labour will:  (a) legislate for paid educational leave for authorised union representatives to attend approved trade union training courses - including courses on occupational health and safety.  (b) establish an Institute of Labour Studies, to co-ordinate all trade union education activities.  * (c) provide more effective education about industrial relations within the State education system.  (d) develop, within the Broadcasting Council, programmes to inform and educate the public about  trade union matters.  (e) establish immediately a task force to prepare for the organisation and administration of Labour's  trade union education policy. (Also refer Industrial Relatio~ns Policy.)  Educational Administration  33. The role of central government will include co-ordination of policies, the provision of professional support, the establishment of national priorities, research, the direction of appropriate national specialised programmes, the monitoring of standards and the ultimate financial responsibility. As far as possible decision-making will be developed to regions and communities. Parties affected will be part of local decision-making. To these ends, Labour will:  (a) ensure that all education administrative authorities are closely representative of their communities.  (b) revive and strengthen moves to establish regional education authorities with increased responsibilities and greater financial autonomy.  (c) enable local school communities to be more actively involved in decisions concerning their schools and children.  (d) consult widely and publicly in 1985 on the possibilities of a four-term year, with the intention, if a consensus is reached, of conducting a national trial in 1986.  Educational Research  34. Labour supports the need for continuing educational research, as an essential tool in ensuring that policies meet the desired goals of Labour's education programme. Therefore, Labour will:  (a) ensure that information about research, as it affects education, is co-ordinated and made readily available.  (b) monitor such research to ensure that no important policy areas warranting research are left untouched.  (c) explore possibilities for wider dissemination of research information.  EMPLOYMENT POLICY  1. Labour recognises that unemployment is a long term problem which will not be eliminated even within the term of two parliaments.  2. An Economic Policy for Jobs  Labour's economic policy is aimed at ensuring that the growth of jobs is faster than the growth of people seeking employment. Labour will ensure that investment funds move into job rich areas such as tourism, the further processing of our primary production to add value, and horticulture. Tax incentives will move away from capital investment to labour usage.  3 Help for the Unemployed  Labour will expand job creation and training programmes to help bridge the job gap in the shorter term. Priority for job creation positions will be given to school leavers and the long term unemployed with an aim of reducing the average period of unemployment for the individual. These projects will emphasise the development of community facilities while passing on employment related skills.  4. Labour will grant prompt approval for job creation schemes and use staff to monitor progress and performance. Labour will also enable more community based organisations to sponsor job creation projects by providing overdraft facilities.  5. Clear New Zealand-wide priorities and guidelines will be set for schemes but local flexibility will be encouraged. Trade unions will be encouraged to become involved and in each district complaints officers will be appointed to investigate complaints about schemes. Increased training will be given to supervisory staff so that schemes are better organised than in the past.  6. Labour believes that many of the unemployed would rather be partially unemployed rather than totally without jobs, while recognising that part-time jobs are no substitute for those seeking full-time employment. Part-time jobs creation will be introduced on an experimental basis. Labour will also review the earnings allowance for those receiving unemployment benefits.  7. Flexible work oriented training programmes will be expanded using resources of local schools, technical institutes and community colleges. Co-operation will be sought from local employers, unions, voluntary agencies, and educational representatives.  8. Job subsidy programmes will continue to operate in the private sector. Higher levels of subsidy will be available for those who have been jobless for six months or more. Employers will be encouraged to provide time for young people to be trained within the enterprise or in established institutions.  9. Labour's Employment Plan  Labour's aim is to create an active labour market policy that will anticipate employment trends and implement policies to prevent the growth of unemployment. Labour's active labour market policy will:  (a) monitor the employment situation.  (b) identifies skills needed by the economy.  10. Each year a rolling Employment Plan will be published by the Minister responsible for employment after consultation with the Minister of Finance outlining the economic and employment policies to be  * implemented and the targets to be achieved. A small task force will be charged with carrying out the plan with the back-up of an advisory group consisting of representatives of unions, employers, the unemployed, young people, local authorities, the education system, and Government. To aid in its task, Labour will institute a quarterly household labour force survey.  11. Employment Promotion Conference  An Employment Promotion Conference along the lines of the successful Educational Development Conference will be initiated in the first year of the Fourth Labour Government.  12. Department of Labour  Labour will review the operations of the employment service within the Department of Labour. The relationship between the Social Welfare and Labour Departments will be examined to see whether the functions can be more effectively allocated.  13. Labour aims to have the employment service operating out of store front locations and the number of employment staff increased so that:  * the particular needs of job seekers are identified at the early part of registration.  * up-to-date registers of job seekers are maintained.  * employers' vacancies are filled quickly and well.  * promotional work is undertaken to collect more vacancies.  14. Regional Employment Policy  Labour will establish Regional Employment Priority Areas, with the amount of assistance available directly related to the seriousness of the local unemployment problem. Irs these areas people unable to find unsubsidised employment after being on a public sector job creation programme for six months will be able to be employed on the programme for a further six months. Further extensions will be available in exceptional circumstances up to another 12 months.  15. Projects that last several years will be approved provided that a high proportion of the work is suitable for the long-term unemployed. These projects will:  (a) be locally based and use local resources.  (b) increase the real wealth of the nation.  (c) increase the work skills of the participants.  (d) include as low an import content as possible.  (e) be labour intensive while producing assets for the community.  16. Consideration will be given to introducing tax rebates for increases in employment depending on the priority of the region.  This will be available as an alternative to suspensory loans or weekly employment.subsidies.  17. Women and the Minorities,  Labour will establish affirmative action programmes for women and ethnic and other minorities to overcome the effects of past and current discrimination. In particular campaigns will be launched to widen job opportunities away from the traditional stereotyped roles.  18. Married women in the workforce who lose their employment will receive the same employment training and re-training rights and allowances as other displaced workers.  19. Labour will promote flexible working hours and adequate child care facilities. No women shall be discriminated against because of family responsibilities. Labour will continue to enforce and promote public awareness of the Equal Pay Act. Labour will introduce affirmative action legislation within the Public Service including the recognition of part-time workers for permanent status where this is appropriate.  20. Vocational Training  Labour aims, after full consultation, to establish a single, sensible system of vocational training and retraining under one act which will replace the existing apprenticeship system.  21. Trade Training  Labour will undertake a major review of the importance and suitability of trade training within the context of overall education and employment programmes. This will be carried out in conjunction with employers, unions, training centres, community representatives, and local and central planning authorities. The long-term goal is to establish trade training under a single independent body.  22. The review will be concerned with:  (a) a greater emphasis on groups of skills developed in block courses, but also with flexible training periods.  (b) an examination of the present emphasis on academic selection standards with a view to adopting more relevant criteria and making special provisions for minority ethnic groups.  (c) the provision for tutors and technical institutes and community colleges to keep up with new trade developments, improve methods of assessing trainee skills and strengthen links between the institutions and industry, commerce and the community.  (d) a streamlining of the present structure of apprenticeship committees, industry training boards and group training schemes.  23. There will be moves within the first term of the Fourth Labour Government towards conducting a substantial proportion of all trade training through technical institutes and community colleges, so that all trainees can gain and equal standard of theoretical and on-the-job training.  24. Labour is committed to condensing as many training periods as possible to a maximum of 2-3 years, while ensuring that there is no loss of skills content. S  25. Labour will ensure payment of the revised tertiary bursaries to trainees while they are at technical institutes. During the period of on-the-job training a fair wage will be negotiated with employers, organisations and trade unions. After the training period students will be paid at least the minimum adult award rate.  26. Labour will set minimum target levels of training places in each industry in consultation with Industry Training Boards.  27. Labour will review all training examinations and entry qualifications to trade training and amend the Trade Training Act to ensure that examinations meet the needs of the new system.  28. Industry Training Boards will, in co-operation with the Department of Education, set and revise curricula for trade training courses and ensure a balance of on-the-job training for trainees. Each Board will include representation from trade unions, employers, and education organisations, students and Government departments.  29. Trade Training Financing will, under Labour, be equitably contributed by all sections of industry, with an increased contribution from the State.  30. Until the new system is fully established, Labour will provide incentives for firms which take on additional trainees.  31. Spedal Provhiona  Labour recognises that there are disproportionately fewer women, Maoris, Pacific Islanders and disabled people currently undergoing trade training. The new system, already outlined, should remove many of the current barriers. Labour will also:  (a) actively encourage, through vocational guidance services, women and disabled people and those from minority ethnic groups to enter trade training courses.  (b) support creches at all tertiary institutions.  (c) support the further development of after-care facilities, training and workshop facilities for disabled people and provide community based residential facilities, in association with relevant organisations, for those who are not independent and cannot live at home.  32. Labour will instigate through reappraisal of the role of schools from examination systems to counselling services - and the continuing education system to ensure equality of vocational opportunity for all school leavers.  33. Labour will support the development of vocational work experience and other vocational awareness and programmes to give all students a better idea of employment alternatives.  34. Labour will give priority to the continuing education of young people who have left school with inadequate qualifications and skills and are not receiving further educational training in their present jobs.  35. Labour will ensure that schools and continuing education facilities cater adequately for social education. This would cover the increasingly complex demands of adult life, including the likelihood of greater leisure time.  36. Labour will extend the range of facilities of community colleges so that they can act as advisory and training centres to meet local youth employment needs.  37. Labour will provide a job programme for tertiary students unable to find work over long vacations.  38. Work Co-operatives and Trusts  Labour will encourage and support Work Co-operatives and Trusts in recognition that they provide fulfilling and rewarding alternatives to traditional work patterns.  39. Labour will decentralise funding for these ventures under the various Internal Affairs Department schemes. More finance will be available in the form of subsidies, grants and loans for capital and operating costs.  ENERGY POLICY  Labour's Principles  L The fundamental requirement of an energy policy is a coherent programme to supply appropriate energy fbrms at the lowest possible cost. Energy planning and pricing must be consistent with sustainable management of our energy resources. This involves shifting energy consumption, over a period of time, from non-renewable resources to renewable resources.  2. Labour believes that developments employing energy resources should be soundly based. The financial returns to New Zealand should be consistent with the true value of the resources used. Labour will achieve this by subjecting energy policies to the guidelines developed by the Ministry of Energy in the Energy Plans from 1979 and 1981.  The Labour Plan  Conservation  3. The Labour Party's first objective will be to conserve energy. In this way the claims of other sectors for finance will be advanced and at the same time the goal of increasing reliance on replaceable energy sources pursued. The reduction of the total demand for energy, or the redirection of demand for specific forms of energy, will generate significant economies in the short term. The first saving will be in the postponement of the proposed third Waikato thermal station and also in avoiding hasty expenditure on coalfield developments in the area, in advance of proper research into environmental, agricultural and cultural factors.  4. Labour will reinstate previous policies for loans at low rates of interest to insulate existing homes. Changes in building codes and design regulations for new housing will be backed by extra loan funds to cover the insulation costs,  5. Efficient energy use will be an important target, particularly where reticulated gas can replace less efficient electricity uses such as water and space heating. Where Regional Energy Authorities are established this programme will be vigorously promoted.  Oil Exploration  6. Labour will maintain active participation, through Petrocorp, in the exploration for new oil and gas fields both onshore and offshore. Government expenditure on further deep water exploration in the South Basin will be subject to restraint on grounds of economy because early prospects of utilisation of any finds are minimal. Emphasis will be given to closer underwater work and to onshore searches.  7. Parallel with exploration there will be renegotiation of existing contracts to utilise gas. As the reticulation scheme now in place has a life that goes far beyond 2008 AD, when the Maui take or pay contracts expire, the aim of the exploration and purchase policies will be to ensure a gas supply for the lifetime of the reticulation system. A period of about 50 years will be the objective for this programme.  8. Government financial participation will be concentrated through Petrocorp. Private organisations involved in exploration will continue to participate in any resulting finds. The Labour Government will not sell off the assets of Petrocorp but will guarantee the taxpayer a return from its continued operation of profitable schemes. Only those who take the risks in the initial stages will share the profits.  Gas, CNG and LPG  9. In the North Island, emphasis will be on the completion of the reticulation system and on the further development of urban supply systems. Motor refuellers and industry will be the first targets of the expansion but domestic supply will be extended. on a systematic basis, particularly through the establishment of Regional Energy Authorities. There will be an organised programme to encourage electricity users to shift to gas where it is more efficient and this will be backed up with a trade-in system for partly used appliances.  10. Labour believes that once only subsidies are better than the ongoing kind. Therefore the next Labour Government will normally offer assistance by removing sales tax and customs duties on equipment rather than through fuel subsidies. However, there will be a continued undertaking that the prices of Gas, CNG and LPG will broadly maintain their present price relativity with petrol.  11. In the South Island LPG will receive greatest encouragement. The same kind of assistance provided for trading used electrical equipment in the North Island will apply to the purchase of LPG equipment for the South Island. Labour will ensure that once the initial costs of installation of the distribution system have been met, the price to the consumer will be returned to the lowest possible level.  12. Labour will insist at all times on the maintenance of-the highest environmental and safety standards in the construction and operation of bulk fuel depots. -  13. Labour will introduce a new incentive programme for conversion to CNG and LPG. Up to 10 per cent of the sales tax originally paid on the vehicle (but in no case more than the cost of conversion) will be remitted.  Coal  14. In the North Island, the supply of coal has now assumed critical status. The rapid build up in demand must be avoided to ensure that present commitments can be met. Construction of a third thermal station in the Waikato will be postponed. This will enable both a more carefully staged development of the Huntly West underground mine and permit full planning procedures before development of Ohinewai opencast deposits. Investigation into the Mokai field will continue with a guarantee to the Maori owners that their interests will be kept to the forefront when developments are considered.  15. Environmental issues will be given full consideration and mining's effect on existing land uses will be fully investigated before any commercial developments take place.  16. In the South Island, Southland and Otago deposits will continue to be used for local needs. Exports from the Buller and Grey fields will proceed where there is a profit above all costs of extraction and transport. Investigation into loading and port facilities will be continued and the possible use of South Island coal for the mothballed Marsden station will be studied.  Hydro Electricity  17. Hydro electricity development will continue predominantly in the South Island. The Clyde Dam will be completed with the present work force. The surveys of the lower Waitaki and Clutha will continue. Future construction will be the responsibility of the Minister of Works and Development.  18. Labour's primary objectives will be to support regional development in the South Island. Therefore, Labour will offer concessions to South Island power users through a pricing system based on the lower cost of generation in the South Island. Labour will develop this system in preference to a duplication of the Cook Strait cable that would supply industrial developments in the North Island.  Geothermal  19. Labour will co-ordinate the management of New Zealand's geothermal resources in a more formal way. The recommendation of the Energy Advisory Council will be followed up to put in place an overall policy on the use of New Zealand's geothermal resources. This will address non-energy as well as the energy uses and public participation will be an important part of the process. The monitoring of the use of presently exploited fields will be extended and the possible interrelation of fields will be more closely studied.  20. Developments will continue at Ohaaki as will exploration of the Ngawha field, where multiple development of the energy source is planned. Electricity generation will be only one of the assessments made.  Nuclear Power  21. Labour rejects completely nuclear power as an energy option for New Zealand.  Appropriate Technologies  22. Labour's policy does not centre on a few major developments to serve the whole country in every respect. Investigations will have regional development as a prime consideration. In geothermal work, uses for low pressure steam, spent steam and hot water in horticulture and manufacturing will have a prominent place.  23. In the Central Plateau, Northland and East Coast regions, processing of wood wastes for methanol will be investigated. The possibility of ethanol production from whey and crops such as fodder beet or maize will be further investigated. The primary aim will be to stretch imported fuel supplies by blending locally produced additives with them. Studies of lignite deposits in Otago and Southland will be extended first to determine potential uses and then to investigate priorities in development. Any regional energy developments will proceed within the context of long-term, balanced resource use in the regions and planning will be in co-operation with local communities.  Energy Distribution  24. The Labour Government will examine the re-organisation of electricity supply authorities to ensure a regional basis of distribution.  ENVIRONMENT POLICY  Basic Principles  Labour recognises that the fundamental purpose of a sound environment policy is to ensure the management of the human use of the biosphere to yield the greatest sustainable benefits to present generations while maintaining potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.  2. Labour will therefore implement a strategy to integrate conservation and development so that:  (a) we move to a sustainable economic base by shifting from the use of non-renewable to renewable resources.  (b) those resources are used to achieve the ends of social justice.  (c) our trusteeship responsibilities for future generations are recognised.  (d) our remaining endangered species and ecosystems and representative examples of our full range of plants, animals and landscapes are protected.  Native Forests  3. New Zealand's native forests are a valuable and distinctive national resource which has been drastically reduced by past exploitation. The role of the native forests which remain today is mainly to protect soil and water resources and the distinctive scenic and natural forest values which provide opportunities for recreation and tourist development. A limited area of forest should also be managed on a sustained yield basis to supplement specialised exotic species to meet New Zealand's long term needs for decorative and specialty timbers.  4. These goals can only be achieved if the cutting rate in native forests is further reduced. Rural communities depending on sawmilling must, however, be protected. If the forests are to be saved in the New Zealand interest, then all New Zealanders must be prepared to protect the employees and investors involved.  5. Labour notes the fundamental difference between native and exotic forests. Exotic plantations are managed primarily for commercial timber production. In native forests, timber production will play an increasingly minor role.  6. Labour recognises the difference between North and South Island situations. In the North Island it is critical that we move quickly to protect the remnants of virgin indigenous State forests. In the South Island, the logging of native forests should be reduced by a careful programme tailored to replacement levels while recognising the need to create alternative employment opportunities.  7. In the North Island, timber extraction from all virgin indigenous State forests will cease within twelve months of Labour's taking office. Permanent legal protection will be extended to all remaining areas of virgin indigenous State forest within Labour's first three year term. In many instances partially logged native forests should also be considered for legal protection as being of high or outstanding value for protected wildlife. Four publicly owned native forest areas are of particular importance for protection. These are the Whirinaki, Pureora-Waihaha, Puketi.Omahuta, and Maimai-Mamaku forests. Labour will give these native forest areas protection in their entirety, except that provisions will be made for a small area for the felling and replanting of totara for traditional Maori cultural purposes.  8. The situation at Whirinaki requires urgent action. Logging will cease as soon as practicable. Sawmill employment at Minginui will be safeguarded using the State's available exotic timber resources, and Labour will guarantee the future of the forest work force.  9. On the West Coast of the South Island, the sawmilling industry must be sustained at a level which contributes significantly to the regional economy. Consistent with this, Labour will:  (a) support a small-scale, long term scheme for sustained management of beech forests  (b) plant sufficient fast-growing trees and speciality timber producing trees to sustain, expand, and diversif~r the timber industry in the future.  (c) introduce a policy of sustained yield management in the Buller within its first term. Alternative employment will be ensured with particular attention being paid to the development of already cleared land for agnculture and horticulture and the establishment of plantations of high value, special purpose timber species.  10. Labour will ensure that where any environmental proposal threatens regional employment it will be subject to widespread local consultation and involvement. If such a proposal is to proceed specific additional regional development assistance will be made available to ensure that adequate alternative employment opportunities are created.  11. The moratorium on timber extractions south of the Cook River will be maintained until 1990 to give time for new management techniques to be assessed in the forests to the north.  12. Labour believes that, without infringing on private property rights, much more could be done to discourage the destruction of native forests on private lands. Labour will implement a package of policies to that end. This will include the recognition of the protection of native forests as a matter of national importance under the Town and Country Planning Act and provision for a zoning system of permanent private open space under the Act. Land so protected would remain in private tenure and would, with the agreement of the local authority, qualif~' for rates remission and fencing finance assistance.  13. Labour respects the right of the Waitutu Incorporation to decide for itself the future of the Waitutu coastal native forest. Labour will, if the Incorporation so desires, make State resources available in an effort to achieve a negotiated settlement that could protect Maori land on the Waitutu coast from logging.  14. It is Labour's policy not to lift the current general restrictions on the export of native timbers.  National Parks and Reserves  15. Labour will invite the National Parks and Reserves Authority to investigate and make recommendations for a representative system of protected natural areas.  Where the National Parks and Reserves Authority recommends the establishment or expansion of a national park or reserve Labour will:  (a) require a study to be made to identify the social and economic impact on the community and the total potential resource in the proposed areas; and  (b) call for submissions from organizations, local and appropriate authorities, and from the public on the proposed recommendation.  16. If the studies and evidence from the submissions uphold the recommendation of the National Parks arid Reserves Authority, Labour will create a new National Park or extend the existing park or create the reserves recommended.  17. The National Parks and Reserves Authority will be asked to give particular attention to the provision of environmentally sound access and public amenities in the planning of new or extended National Parks.  Part U  Adn,Jnlstratlon and Planning  General Statement  I - Labour recognises the need for environmental considerations to be taken into account at the earliest possible opportunity in the planning of development proposals.  Labour also recognises that present planning processes are too complex and present environmental administration too weak to achieve this end.  Administration  2. Labour will therefore:  (a) establish a Ministry for the Environment which will operate through two divisions: (i) Planning and (ii) Nature Conservation.  (b) give the Commission for the Environment statutory independence. The Commission will report to Parliament and be responsible for producing environmental impact audits.  (c) ensure the Minister does not hold incompatible portfolios.  3. The present diverse and overlapping advisory bodies will be rationalised and a single strong Environment and Conservation Council created. This will be drawn from a wide range of organisations with a proven record in environmental matters. The Council will be serviced by-the Commission for the Environment. Departmental representation on the Council will be limited in number and will not have voting powers.  4. Labour will investigate the practicability of introducing a Conservation Corps to direct the talents and enthusiasm of our young people in particular towards sound environmental management.  5. Labour will ensure that all environmental and planning legislation binds the Crown.  6. Labour rejects National's response, in the form of the National Development Act, to the inadequacy of present planning procedures. The Act will be repealed. A comprehensive review of all planning and environmental legislation will be initiated.  7. Labour will make it easier for applications under the Town and Country Planning Act, the Water and Soil Conservation Act, and the Clean Air Act to be considered at one hearing. If all parties agree, the initial hearing before the local authority will be dispensed with, leaving all matters to be considered by the Planning Tribunal.  8. The Town and Country Planning Act will be amended so that, in cases of national importance, the Minister of National Development my advise the Planning Tribunal that a particular issue is of national importance and that the Tribunal shall accordingly deal with it as a matter of priority. Iflere will, however, be no provision allowing the Government to override the Tribunal's decision or limiting appeal to the Court as at present.  9. The Planning Tribunal will be reviewed to ensure a better balance between environmental and developmental interests. The Tribunal will be able to summon expert advice at its own discretion.  10. Labour will ensure that whether or not a planned development represents the best use of New Zealand's resources will be a matter to be considered by the Planning Tribunal.  11. Conservation organisations will be entitled to apply for legal aid.  PART III  NATURAL WATERS  1. Labour will revise and consolidate the Water and Soil Conservation Act 1967 and the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941, the provisions of which are outdated and overlapping.  2. The 1981 Wild and Scenic Rivers amendment will be repealed. Labour will legislate separately for a listed schedule or wild and scenic rivers. Examples of the rivers to be protected are the Kawarau, Wanganui, and Ahuriri rivers. All rivers in National Parks will automatically be included in the list. Any conservation orders already granted under the 1981 legislation will be confirmed.  3. The preparation of regional water management plans will be made mandatory. Such plans will be taken into account when water right applications are heard.  4. Labour will legislate to ensure that any person or group representing a relevant aspect of the public interest has the status to object to and appeal against applications by the Crown under the Water and Soil Conservation Act.  5. Labour recognises that wetlands are a scarce resource of nationwide importance. Accordingly,  (a) wetlands already identified as of national importance will be protected with permanent reserve status  (b) wetland drainage will only be allowed where a catchment-wide evaluation shows it can occur without unacceptably adverse effects on scenic, habitat, or hydrological values.  (c) more generally, Labour will implement the wetlands policy prepared by the Land Settlement Board.  6. Labour will develop an ecologically sound set of criteria for assessing irrigation schemes. Heavy  penalties will be instituted for illegal abstraction and an effective system of monitoring and inspection  will be implemented.  7. The Kzwerau plant will progressively be made subject to the Water and Soil Conservation Act.  8. The Ministry for the Environment will initiate action to protect New Zealand's coastline, coastal  waters, and seabed. -  9. In all matters affecting natural waters particular attention will be paid to ensuring full consultation  with the Maori people.  PART IV  MINING/HERITAGE PROTECTION/NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION!  CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING  MINING  1. Labour will regularly review all legislation relating to prospecting and mining. As mining is of New  Zealand wide importance Labour will ensure that legislation guarantees effective public participation on both a local and national basis.  2. All mining proposals will be carefully scrutinized to ensure that they are in New Zealand's best interests and represent the best use of land resources. Labour rejects large-scale open cast or open pit mining on the Coromandel and Otago Peninsula.  3. Labour will treat as a matter of extreme urgency the investigation of the full environmental consequences of the proposal to mine Ohinewai.  4. In considering mining applications Labour will pay particular attention to a company's proposals for land rehabilitation and its record in such work. Failure to implement rehabilitation plans will be subject to heavy penalties.  HERITAGE PROTECTION  5. Labour supports the protection of New Zealand's urban and rural heritage. The work of bodies such as the Historic Places Trust, the Walkways Commission, and the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust has proved vital. Labour will -  (a) encourage urban renewal programmes  (b) support the preservation and upgrading of existing houses and buildings  (c) encourage town belt planning  (d) support the work of those involved in heritage protection and enhancement  (e) discuss with the above named bodies the possibility of the creation of a combined organisation to work for heritage protection.  NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION  6. Labour will:  (a) review the existing legislation on neighbourhood noise control and introduce those changes required to make it effective  (b) work to bring into effect the recommendations of the 1980 OECD Conference on Noise Abatement policies  (c) progressively introduce requirements for the manufacture of transport, construction, and similar equipment that meets noise standards.  7. Labour is committed to combatting the problem of air pollution from open fires. Where a clean air zone has been declared, Labour will:  (a) provide interest-free loans for home owners who wish to convert to approved heating appliances  (b) encourage local authorities to carry out conversions to approved heating appliances, and to waive payment until the property is sold  (c) give cash grants for conversion to approved heating appliances to Social Welfare beneficiaries and others for whom even payment on sale would be hardship.  8. To combat motor vehicle pollution, Labour will work towards the introduction of a motor vehicle exhaust emission standard as part of the Warrant of Fitness.  9. The Environmental Council will be asked to report on the usage in New Zealand of 245T. Any recommendations for action will be given tugtl priority.  CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING  10. Labour recognises the need to establish clear and positive conservation and recycling programmes. A Resource Managements and Recovery Unit will be established within the Ministry for the Environment. The Unit will call for public submissions on appropriate resource management, recovery, and conservation programmes so as to achieve a broadly acceptable strategy for reuse, recycling and resource conservation.  11. The Unit will liaise with the Development Finance Corporation, the Small Business Agency, other government financial institutions, and the Labour Department, to ensure that priority is given to helping achieve sustainability and self-sufficiency. Labour will ensure reusage, recycling, and resource conservation is made attractive to industry and commerce.  FISHERIES POLICY  The Labour Plan  1. Labour's fisheries policies are based on sound management of the fishing industry, the conservation of marine and freshwater resources and the protection of the environment to benefit both commercial and recreational fishing now and in the future. Our fisheries are currently under extreme pressure and the future of both commercial and recreational fishing is not bright unless decisions to ensure a healthy, sustainable resource are taken quickly.  Inshore Fishery  2. The fishing effort in those areas identified as endangered in the Draft Inshore Fishing Policy will be cut to ensure the future of these fisheries. Labour will provide adequate funding to assist fishermen who are affected to leave these fisheries, and training will be available for those wishing to transfer to deepwater or alternative fisheries.  3. Regional Fishing Management Plans will be rapidly developed in full consultation with all those affected in each region. Back-up services will be provided through the Ministry of Fisheries. The emphasis will be on quality production.  4. Labour will ensure adequate fisheries protection and surveillance.  Deepwater Surveillance  5. Labour is concerned that these resources have been allocated to specific companies for 10 years. Therefore Labour will review the allocations to ensure that New Zealand interests are paramount. Adequate means of governing the allocated quotas will be instituted. Qualified and trained observers will also conduct much needed research and scientific work.  Squid  6. Greater incentives and assistance will be given New Zealand-owned and operated ventures to both catch and process the squid resource and provide jobs onshore and offshore.  Fuel  7. Fuel costs form a large part of total fishing costs. Extra effort will be extended to developing more fuel-efficient fishing techniques and equipment.  Training  8. As access to education arid training must be available to those in the industry who wish to develop, fishing training will be an important part of Labour's policy. Labour will make further resources available for training in seamanship, fisheries management and laws, fish handling and quality control, fuel efficiency, financial and business management, gear and methods, the biology of fish species, and new developments. Top priority will be given to the retraining of those displaced from the in. shore fisheries who wish to transfer to the deepwater or alternative fisheries.  Research  9. Sound decision cannot be based on inadequate information. Under Labour, there will be additional research into the resources themselves, fishing techniques, product, quality and market research.  Employment of New Zealanders  10. Labour will initiate a programme to enable New Zealand fishermen and vessels to utilise an increasingly greater share of the resources. There will be wide consultation with the industry at all levels and at all stages of the programme's development.  Marketing  11. Efficient and effective marketing of our fish and fish product is an important aspect of Labour's policy.  '12. Labour will ensure that the Fishing Industry Board's fimds will be on a secure and adequate basis and that it can efficiently fulfil its functions and responsibilities.  Recreational Fishing  13. Labour believes that recreational fishing is a New Zealand tradition which must be carefully preserved. Labour will protect the interests of those who enjoy fishing, both freshwater and salt water. Labour believes that the best protection of recreational fishing will come from the careful management of the total fishing resource. Labour will review the Fisheries Regulations, 1984.  Environmental Protection and Enhancement  14. The main threat to the future viability of fishing grounds is from over-fishing. Protection must be afforded by wise, enlightened management of the resources.  15. Pollution threats to fishing grounds must be controlled and monitored constantly. Potential disasters, threatened by major developments and the oil search, will be carefully monitored. Any proposals for mining the sea bed will be required to provide environmental protection for the fishery resource and the natural life within the area. Any mining in Coromandel will be required to ensure no run-off into  the sea or waterways. -  Aquaculture  16. Labour will actively promote the expansion of the salmon farming industry but will not permit trout farming. The establishment of an experimental freshwater crayfish industry is envisaged. Labour will investigate the enhancement of natural stock by breeding or hatchery programmes.  * .' Shellfish Farming  17. Labour will actively encourage the farming of shellfish while insisting on stringent environmental and recreational safeguards. Marketing of shellfish will be promoted and assisted in line with Labour's intention to promote New Zealand as delicatessen-to-the-world.  FORESTRY POLICY  Introduction  1. Labour will manage New Zealand's forests for the widest benefit of New Zealanders. Forestry will increase in importance as an employer of labour, an earner of foreign exchange and in the tourism, recreational and environmental fields.  Exotic Forestry  2. Labour is confident that the world market for timber and timber products will be sufficient to allow for considerable expansion in New Zealand's exotic forest estate.  3. The planting of exotic forests will create considerable employment, as will their tending, pruning and processing. Forestry will become a critical factor in national and regional development.  4. Planting will be expanded where forestry is the most appropriate land use.  5. Labour will consult and co-operate with the forest industry, particularly in the development of strategies, to exploit the huge increase in log supplies from the 1990's.  6. State logs will be sold at prices which reflect both the value of the resource and encourage its efficient use and supply.  Farm Forestry  7. Labour will assist landowners to establish and develop high quality timber production in conjunction with farming operations.  Native Forests  8. Labour recognises the importance of continuing the process of conservation of native forests.  9. In the South Island there is a need to maintain some native forest production on a sustained yield basis. This will require careful forest management as well as replanting native trees. Labour will encourage the use of timber produced from these forests for high quality purposes. Labour will actively support small-scale sustained yield utilisation of beech forests on the West Coast.  10. In the North Island timber extraction from virgin indigenous state forests will be phased out within Labour's first year of office.  11. Local communities which may be affected will be consulted on the implementation of this policy and specific state assistance will be made available to provide alternative employment.  Reserves and National Parks  12. Where the National Park and Reserves Authority recommends the establishment or expansion of a national part of reserve Labour will:  (a) require a study to be made to identify the social and economic impact on the community and the total potential resources in the proposed areas; and  (b) call for submissions from organisations, local and appropriate authorities, and from the public on the proposed recommendation.  Maorl Forestry  13. Labour will encourage forest projects by Maori landowners by providing expertise, advice and finance.  Recreation  14. The recreational use of New Zealand's forests will be encouraged and Labour will liberalise, with.due precautions, access to these forests to cater for a wide range of community needs.  Energy  15. Labour will continue research into the production of methanol and ethanol from wood, and will encourage and support such production where appropriate.  16. Labour will investigate the possibility of the Forest Research Institute contracting research work for private companies. This will make full use of~esearch facilities and make the findings more widely available.  Local Government  17. Labour will ensure that regional authorities are fully involved in economic and social decisions concerned with land use.  HEALTH POLICY  INTRODUCTION  1. Labour's three principal objectives for New Zealand's health services are:  i. the maintenance and improvement of the health of all New Zealanders, thus contributing to an improvement in their quality of life.  ii. the provision of health services when and where they are needed, and at a minimum cost to the patient.  iii. continuation of reforms in planning, organisation and administration of health services with special emphasis on greater community involvement in decision-making.  MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH  2. The next Labour Government is pledged to:  i. promote better child health care through courses in preparation for parenthood and the implementation of recommendations of the 1982 Board of Health Report on Child Health, and to  ii. ensure that a basic immunisation programme reaches every pre-school child.  3. Labour will extend the range of pre-school and early school checks on children's health with adequate follow-ups where problems are identified.  4. Labour will boost health education programmes aimed at alerting people to the advantages of good diets, the dangers of smoking and alcohol, proper care of children and the need for good care of our bodies.  5. Labour will examine the feasibility of extending free dental care, as funds permit, to people after they leave school.  6. Labour will place emphasis on health in the work place through enforcement of adequate safety measures and the development of industrial health clinics.  HEALTH CARE WHERE AND WHEN NEEDED AND AT MINIMUM COST  7. The next Labour Government will introduce a system of low charge consultations with GP's for children under the age of 16, and for other groups within the community on a basis that ensures that they all receive treatment which they can afford when they need it.  8. Labour will review the General Medical Services Benefit payable for all categories of patients. Alternative forms of service and payment for health practitioners in the community will be made available in areas where there is a demand for them.  9. Labour will tackle public hospital waiting lists first by ensuring adequate assessment of the urgency of patients on such lists, and by taking the necessary action to reduce waiting times for admission and treatment. A high priority will be given to ensuring an adequate supply of specialist staff in areas of need.  10. Labour will boost out-patient clinics where these are the best way to provide services in areas of need.  11. Labour will establish community health centres in consultation with local people in areas where the need can be clearly identified.  12. Labour will undertake a careful review of all community health services with a view to proper coordination of services and the provisions of adequate community health care for those that need it.  13. Labour will make a special effort to improve the rehabilitation and assessment services for the elderly. The adequacy of current financial assistance and personnel available to public authorities charged with providing institutional care will be reviewed.  14. Labour will ensure that the disabled have the home help and other forms of assistance necessary to continue living in the community.  15. Labour will provide the institutional care and community back-up necessary to help ui the assessment and treatment of the mentally ill.  16. Labour will ensure that essential pharmaceuticals are available in time of need and free of charge.  38  REFORMS IN PLANNING, ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION  17. In order to establish a fully integrated health service involving hospital boards, Health Department, private and voluntary agencies, Labour will -  i. initiate a review of the legislation establishing area health boards with a view to widening the scope of the legislation where desirable.  ii. encourage the establishment of area health boards on a progressive basis throughout the country.  iii. foster and encourage community participation in the planning and provision of health services within the community.  iv. establish a medical ombudsman to investigate patient complaints about institutional treatment; v. assess staff needs within the health professions with a view to providing target numbers fbr training that are adequate to meet anticipated needs.  vi. Reassess the present system of equitable funding of hospital boards, taking into account the different regional characteristics that have produced a number of anomalies in the application of the present formula.  MAORI HEALTH  18. Because of the serious health problems facing many Maoris, Labour will introduce a Maori Health Education programme using the marae, schools and Maori radio and television programme as a medium of contact. Maori health professionals and members of the Maori community with expertise will be encouraged to take part in such programmes.  19. Labour will re-establish the Maori Health Committee and require a unit within the Department of Health to monitor and report to the Minister on all aspects of Maori health.  20. Labour will support further research into key aspects of Maori health.  HOUSING POLICY  THE LABOUR PLAN  1. Labour's objective is the creation of the best possible social and cultural environment. Labour believes that a home is the fundamental right of all New Zealanders. It is a place for private living in security and peace, surrounded by opportunities for social contact and community activity.  2. This applies to both existing and new communities. Labour's policy will be implemented step by step within the constraints of the resources available. Labour acknowledges that the housing crisis will not be solved in a three-year Parliamentary term.  3. COMMUNITy DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN RENEWAL  Existing communities must be improved, older homes renovated, older suburbs rejuvenated and centred around community focal points. Planning for new housing areas will cater for all social needs, including employment opportunities. Local communities will be involved in planning. The emphasis will be on smaller estates, especially those based on a "village" concept.  4. Labour will continue to recognise the special housing needs of the Maori people. For example, we will ensure that opportunities for marae housing are encouraged and will insist that town planning laws and loan opportunities do not discriminate against traditional Maori principles.  5. The next Labour Government will consult frilly with local authorities to ensure a co-operative approach to the problems of urban renewal and the provision of low cost rental accommodation. Schemes will be tailored to fit local conditions and needs.  HOME FINANCE  6. Labour will embark on a ten-year programme to restore and revitalise home ownership and the building industry with a broad package of policies designed to make better use of existing housing stock, encourage urban renewal, recognise the differences in regional pricing and to reorder the provision of finance on a fairer basis.  7. THE ROLE OF THE STATE  Assistance to bridge the deposit gap will be a priority for the incoming Labour Government. Labour will urgently investigate all viable options, with the aim of assisting many home seekers to become eligible for private sector loans and thus need no further state assistance.  8. Labour is committed to restoring the State's role in housing finance through the Housing Corporation and other relevant institutions such as the Post Office.  9. Access to mortgage finance will be recorded on a fairer basis. Interest rates and length of mortgages will be reviewed and adjusted annually. Labour supports the general principle that the outgoings to repay Housing Corporation mortgages should not exceed more than one-fifth of the income of the household.  10. Lending for home ownership by the Housing Corporation and associated departmental agencies will be periodically adjusted, with the ultimate objective of bringing the average loan up to 80 percent of house and section.  11. Housing Corporation mortgages will, in circumstances of special need, be made portable, but measures will be taken to ensure such transfers are not used for speculative purposes. Negotiations will be held with other financial institutions with a view to achieving portability in their housing policies.  12. While emphasis will continue to be on loans to families for first homes, the Housing Corporation will adopt a more flexible policy towards assisting applicants with second-chance loans. This will aim to help people who have lost their first home through circumstances such as death of a spouse or marriage breakdown, or older people currently in their own home wanting to move into smaller accommodation.  13. Provision will be made for re-financing mortgages, where merited, through the Housing Corporation and Post Office. Such cases will be dealt with in strict priority according to need, and as finance permits.  14. Labour will introduce a scheme whereby young couples or people in substandard housing in both urban renewal and depressed rural areas with the ability to renovate a home may be granted a mortgage on this basis, with provision for the waiving of a normal deposit.  15. Labour will continue to review regularly limits for home savings accounts.  16. Income limits for capitalization of the Family Benefit will be regularly reviewed. The re-introduction  of a supplementary loan to low income families seeking to capitalize their Family Benefit will also be considered.  17. Loans will be more readily available to handicapped people. Homes will be purchased in appropriate localities and altered to suit the needs of the individual.  18. Greater emphasis will be given to home improvement loans for upgrading or enlarging the family home. This will include a system whereby the elderly can maintain their properties with payment for such maintenance being taken at a later time from the estate.  19. BUILDING SOCIETIES  Labour supports the co-operative principles behind Building Societies, and will encourage them to channel their finances into home lending.  20. BETTER UTILISATION OF EXISTING HOUSING  The New Zealand Housing Commission will be required to complete a survey of existing housing stock as a basis for projecting new housing needs.  21. Labour will extend the Housing Corporation's policy of purchasing existing homes, particularly in established localities, for modernisation and re-sale. Encouragement will be given to local authorities to involve themselves in this activity.  22. The existing asset limitation for qualification for subsidised flats will be raised and will be reviewed at regular intervals.  23. For those largely dependent on National Superannuation, Labour will provide the difference between the amount realised from an old family home and the cost of providing a new town-house or flat. The Government contribution wiil later be a charge on the estate.  24. Labour will build or buy smaller units suitable for the elderly in settled localities, and offer these on a reciprocal sale basis with bridging finance in suitable circumstances.  25. The Housing Corporation will be responsible for assisting with pensioner and hostel accommodation.  RENTAL HOUSING  26. RENTAL IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR  The Labour Government will take measures to ease pressure on rental accommodation by encouraging construction of rental units, supporting the involvement of local authorities and co-operatives in  rental accommodation and by improving landlord-tenant relationships by reform of tenancy laws.  27. Labour will introduce legislation which will establish firm, fair and readily enforceable rules for tenants and landlords.  i. Specific machinery will be set up separate from the judicial system, to provide a low cost and quick way of settling day to day tenancy disputes.  ii. Bond money will be held not by landlords but by an independent authority and invested in authorised institutions. Interest on this money will be used to cover the costs of the tenancy tribunal.  iii A standard Tenancy Agreement setting mandatory minimum conditions arid rights and obligations of both landlords and tenax~ts will be formulated.  iv. Eviction at short notice will be restricted to specific circumstances such as a significant breach of the Tenancy Agreement.  28. Labour will negotiate with Students' Associations the provision of student accommodation in areas of need. Labour believes that Student Associations should be involved in the administration of student  accommodation.  29. CORPORATION RENTAL HOUSING  A Labour Government will end the policy of running down the stock of state rental units and will ensure that an adeqnate pool of rental homes is maintained on a regional basis.  30. Suitable Corporation rental homes will be available for sale. For those who receive homes on low deposit plan, the right to sell during the first five years of occupation will be negotiated through the Housing Corporation.  31. Labour will remove the compulsory purchase or eviction threat to occupants. However high income tenants will be required to pay an unsubsidized rent appropriate to their level of income.  32. An ongoing purchase policy will assist those whose circumstances are better suited to living in inner city areas and will provide for better spread of age, income and family groupings.  33. Labour will build, on request and in accordance with resources, carports and garages on existing Corporation rental homes and charge rent accordingly.  34. The present system whereby the taking in of boarders by state house tenants is discouraged by penal rent increases will be modified on an experimental basis with a view to freeing up more rental accommodation.  In order to ensure a better utilisation of existing housing stock, Labour will also institute a more flexible policy with regard to shared tenancies, particularly between beneficiaries.  35. RENTAL REVIEW  The Labour Government will undertake a complete review of the Corporation Housing rental formula.  36. Tenants who fail to maintain their properties adequately will have their rents increased to pay for the work that needs to be done on their behalf and those who infringe on the rights of neighbours will face eviction.  37. Labour will introduce a "leasehold" option for State house tenants.  38. HOUSING CORPORATION SERVICES  The construction division of the Housing Corporation will be retained and expanded.  39. Labour will encourage a more "adventurous" type of housing policy to cater for new concepts in design and a wider range of community needs including co-operative housing. The Housing Corporation will be given an opportunity to undertake housing design, utilizing the diverse talents of New Zealand architects.  40. The Housing Corporation Allocation Committee system responsible for determining priority for home allocation will be reformed and will have responsibility for transfers as well as allocations. Appointmentsto the Committee will be more representative.  41. The concept of Home Advisory Bureaux will be extended inside the Corporation. Before any eviction or mortgage is called in, Labour will insist that family budgeting advice be first offered.  42. The Housing Corporation will provide a service to handle transfers, conveyancing and mortgage documentation.  43. BUILDING INDUSTRY  In recognition of the damage done to the building industry and to people's housing needs, a Labour Government will introduce a policy aimed at steady growth and stability.  44. Apprenticeship training and contracts will be reviewed and adult re-training schemes will be extended. Continuity of contracts for rental housing, including the design and building scheme, will be assured.  45. The objective of creating a Land Bank to produce reasonably priced sections will be restored. These sections will be released on to the market in increasing numbers as part of Labour's land price stabilisation policy.  46. Joint ventures between the Government, local authorities and private enterprise for the development of sections will be initiated to encourage a wider variety of housing styles and types to meet the varied needs of the community.  47. To facilitate development, a New Zealand-wide code of engineering and local by-laws and standards will be introduced, with close regard to different regional needs. Regulations governing standards will be revised to eliminate unnecessary, time-consuming and costly red tape.  IMMIGRATION POLICY  1. The primary objective of the next Labour Government will be to improve the economic, social and political conditions which have forced New Zealanders to seek a better life overseas. The Labour Party recognises that today labour is an international commodity and that New Zealand must compete with other countries for skilled workers. Labour will, therefore, create conditions to encourage New Zealanders to remain at home and contribute to the country's economic growth and social well-being.  2. A Labour Government will enter into discussions with the Australian Government with a view to easing the Australian entry requirements for New Zealand travellers.  3. Labour recognises a particular relationship with our Pacific neighbours so that existing immigration agreements will be honoured. In particular we see advantage in assisting in providing higher education in New Zealand for the youth of our Pacific neighbours where they request it. The bonds of friendship and goodwill established in this way are seen to be invaluable to New Zealand.  4. A more humane interpretation of the family reunification policies practised for a considerable number of years will be followed.  5. Labour will accept New Zealand's responsibility as a member of the world corumunity to assist international agencies, in particular the United Nations, responsible for resettling refugees. In this regard we accept that because of our size the numbers involved cannot be great.  6. Labour will see that the necessary assistance is given to immigrants to understand and adjust to New Zealand conditions. We see this as part of our overall programme for promoting social harmony.  7. The next Labour Government will negotiate and introduce immigration quotas for Fiji and Toriga, as well as Samoa.  8. Labour will review the Immigration Act to ensure that immigration procedures are fair and that the civil liberties of the people are properly protected. In particular Labour will endeavour to see that the criteria upon which Ministerial discretions are to be exercised are spelt out, and to ensure that the Courts retain the right to judicial review of the decisions of Ministers.  INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY 1984  OBJECTIVES  The overall objective of Labour's Industrial Development Policy is to promote the growth of New Zealand industry. A strong partnership between industry and government is needed to ensure sustained and balanced economic development. Labour wants to develop new job opportunities in industry, and to achieve earnings and savings of foreign exchange from increased exports and import substitution.  2. STRATEGY  Labour's industry strategy will be to pursue opportunities for generating industrial growth, and thereby increase employment, from:  (a) fiscal and monetary policies which promote growth along with a prices and incomes programme which will moderate inflation.  (b) recognition of New Zealand's advantages including:  * our natural advantages in raw materials, particularly in agricultural products and the goods we can process from agriculture.  * New Zealand's proximity to the Pacific Basin - the most rapidly growing area of the world economy.  * our well-educated, and highly skilled workforce.  * the existence of an already substantial industrial base.  (c) recognition that although a reduction in protection is an important long-term objective, such a reduction must take into account the problems of unemployment, and the significant level of under-utilisation of other resources in the economy. Any change in the form or level of protection needs to be gradual, anticipated and flexible.  (d) an overall political and economic environment which provides greater certainty and confidence to New Zealand industry. Wherever possible there will be consultation with industry and the trade union movement before changes in industrial policy are made.  3. The Department of Trade and Industry will be charged with the responsibility for promoting the development of New Zealand industry, including the specific administration of this policy. It will work closely with the Government Departments involved in overseas trade and marketing, New Zealand industry, the trade union movement, and the private commercial sector generally.  4. The development of New Zealand industry will be achieved through assistance and encouragement given by the Department of Industrial Development. Programmes for each industry will be drawn up in consultation with the industry concerned. The main areas in each case will include:  (a) finance.  (b) taxation assistance.  (c) research and development assistance; (d) training.  (e) government purchases.  5. ENCOURAGEMENT TO NEW INDUSTRIES  To encourage the establishment of new industries, including competitive import substitution industries, Labour will offer, where appropriate:  (a) preferential interest rates through the Development Finance Corporation.  (b) management assistance through the Development Finance Corporation (including the Small Business Agency).  (c) investment, training and employment incentives, including regional development and export allowances where these are appropriate.  (d) housing assistance through the Housing Corporation.  (e) freight assistance.  (I) assistance during an establishment period for new industries, through appropriate tariffs, subsidies, or if necessary appropriate licensing measures.  (g) assistance and encouragement to local authorities for the provision of industrial estates, and other local incentives to industry.  6. These measures will enable the next Labour Government to give worthwhile and co-ordinated assistance to new enterprises in New Zealand. Depending on the product and the factory location, an  enterprise could be helped to set up a factory, to train the workforce required, to obtain protection during an establishment period, to house the workforce, and/or to improve its management.  7. FINANCE FOR INDUSTRY  Labour will revitalise the Development Finance Corporation, and encourage it to offer a full range of banking services.  8. Consideration will be given to reconstituting the Development Finance Corporation as a true "Development Bank". Where appropriate the Corporation will make finance available at concessional interest rates. The Corporation will give special assistance to those sectors of commerce and industry which offer the best returns in exports or import substitution, and job creation.  9. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT BONDS  Labour will implement a system of regional development bonds.  These will raise finance specifically for industry in each regional development area.  10. EXPORT/IMPORT CORPORATION  Labour will continue to support the Export/import Corporation and encourage it to offer greater assistance to small businesses. It will ensure that the Corporation is adequately funded and that it has wider powers to raise loan finance.  11. TAXATION  Labour will undertake a comprehensive review of company taxation including:  * the double taxation of company income and dividends.  * the impact of inflation on the present system of company taxation.  * appropriate levels of depreciation and investment allowances.  12. Labour will move progressively to a more uniform level of sales tax. Current discriminatory levels of sales tax on items such as boats, caravans, records and computer equipment will be removed.  13. INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION  Labour will ensure that the operations of the Industries Developments Commission are directed towards the development and expansion of industry. The Commission will be directed to come up with alternatives for industries that need to re-build. It will be required to work with both management and unions.  14. Labour will ensure that future industry plans include:  * investment and other measures required to promote new industry.  * alternative employment opportunities.  * re-training programmes.  * adequate redundancy and re-location provisions.  15. OVERSEAS COMPETITION  Labour will review New Zealand's anti-dumping procedures and country of origin rules to ensure that foreign goods are not dumped in New Zealand.  16. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT  Labour will work to double research and development investment over the next 10 years. Our aim is to see that industry, aided by suitable incentives, is able to contribute to the bulk of the increase.  17. Close liaison will be encouraged between government and industrial research bodies. Priorities for industrial research conducted by government agencies will be determined after consultation with industry.  18. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING POLICY  Labour will assist the workforce to adapt to the requirements of a changing industrial structure. It will integrate employment and training policy with policies applicable to particular industries, so as to ensure that workers can fully benefit from needed industrial changes.  19. At the same time, we will seek to remove the burden of redundancy from individual employers. The next Labour Government will establish a national scheme to fund redundancy payments drawn from contributions from employers and the Government.  20. GOVERNMENT PURCHASING  Labour will ensure that government departments and agencies give due preference to New Zealand manufactured goods and services in their purchasing. Specifications will be regularly reviewed to ensure that they facilitate tendering by New Zealand suppliers. Wherever possible New Zealand industry will be consulted in the preparation of tender specifications.  21. COMPETITION POLICY  Labour is committed to a strong and effective competitive business environment. To that end, Labour will revise the Commerce Act 1975. Special attention will be paid to the removal of restrictive trade practices, in particular those which raise or maintain prices, or discourage the initiative of new entrants into a particular market. Labour will ensure that the Commerce Commission has sufficient resources to clear the backlog in this area, and Labour will implement workable law to prevent the growth of monopolies.  27. COMMERC~ LAW  Labour is anxious to ensure that the law allows the commercial community to operate fairly and efficiently. It is clear that many of our basic commercial statutes are now well out of date. Early attention will be given to revising:  * the Sale of Goods Act 1908.  * the Chattels Transfer Act 1924.  * the Wages Protection and Contractors' Liens Act 1939.  * the Mercantile Law Act 1908.  23. OVERSEAS INVESTMENT  Overseas investment will continue to play an important part in New Zealand's development. But it must meet Labour's development criteria. These include:  * job creation.  * commercial viability without high levels of protection or Government subsidy.  * the use of new technology, suitable for the New Zealand environment.  * Labour will ensure that transfer pricing of multi-national companies to reduce tax payments to New Zealand does not occur.  Wherever possible the maximum degree of New Zealand participation will be sought.  24. IMPORT LICENCING  Labour is committed to the task of creating an efficient manufacturing sector, less dependent on all forms of protection. However, the present level of unemployment means that the current import licencing system cannot be abandoned overnight.  Labour will review the adequacy of the present government's import licencing liberalisation programme to ensure that its direction and speed are in accordance with Labour's overall objectives. In the meantime the flexibility of the import licencing system will be improved, for example by allowing the transfer of import licences. Wherever appropriate, additional licences required from time to time will be issued through the licence tendering system.  INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS POLICY 1984  The Labour Plan  1. Labour recognises the need to build an environment in which industrial conflict can be resolved through effective consultation and co-operation. Labour will therefore encourage the parties themselves to devise procedures for the settlement of disputes and greater consultation; update and improve industrial legislation; improve the mediation and arbitration system; and promote industrial democracy. Labour will also recognise that all workers are entitled to security and fair treatment in their jobs.  2. INDUSTRIAL LEGISLATION (PRIVATE SECTOR)  There is a need for relevant law which can be respected. To this end, Labour will repeal all repressive and provocative legislation, remove unnecessary and unjust penal provisions and lift restrictions on the functioning of trade unions.  3. Labour believes that the issues of industrial relations and disputes should be~ covered exclusively within the Industrial Relations Act and the institutions provided by it.  4. The present legislation is deficient in that it does not identify the rights of trade unions and amendments will be made to the Industrial Relations Act that will set out such rights, as well as providing for an industrial code which will embody the principles of the UK Trades Disputes Act.  * fr; 5. UNION MEMBERSHIP  Labour believes that it is important to a workable and efficient industrial relations system to have stable union structures. Accordingly, Labour will provide for a system of union membership based on the principle of "unqualified preference" which recognises that those who gain should contribute to the cost of that gain.  Wage Bargaining  6. Labour will review, in consultation with all affected parties, the legislative and administrative procedures used in wage bargaining, in order to ensure that the bargaining process:  (a) strengthens the protection given to vulnerable groups itt the workforce via the National Award system.  (b) enables a regular re-negotiation of minimum wages as determined under the Minimum Wages Act.  (c) ensures that the structure of wages, when related to the system of taxation and the availability of various public facilities, such as housing, health, education and welfare services, allows all workers to obtain a minimum living wage.  (d) allows consideration of national economic conditions to be taken into account when the general dimension of wage adjustments are under discussion in any year.  (e) permits greater flexibility in the outcome of the bargaining process in particular areas, industries, occupations or enterprises.  Effective Trade Unions  7. Labour will provide assistance for Unions seeking to amalgamate in industrial groupings.  8. Labour will provide public education programmes which aim at increasing public understanding of the role of trade unions in society.  9. Labour will ensure that legal impediments to effective trade unions will be removed.  Industrial Democracy  10. Labour affirms the right of all workers to participate in the decisions that affect their investment in the workplace.  Labour will set up a working party to investigate:  (a) the strengthening and widening of the matters that are subject to bargaining.  (b) co-operative ownership and production.  (c) financial participation of workers in companies through profit sharing and shareholding.  (d) union representation on the boards of companies and public corporations.  47  11. Labour recognises that conflict is inevitable in employer/worker relationships, and that it is in the interests of all parties to consult with each other to attempt to resolve this conflict. If such consultation is unsuccessful then Labour will make provision for positive, effective third party intervention.  12. Labour will investigate the amalgamation of the mediation and conciliation services and strengthen provisions for the voluntary settlement of disputes.  Trade Union Education  13. New Zealand has lagged well behind many other developed countries in the provision of education for trade union members and about the trade union movement. Labour will ensure that New Zealanders are well informed about industrial relations matters and guarantee informed and active participation by trade unionists both in their unions and in their employment. Labour will:  (a) legislate as a matter of urgency for paid educational leave - the statutory right to release on full pay for authorised union representatives to attend approved trade union training courses. Labour will also ratify ILO Convention 140 with respect to paid education leave.  (b) provide for the inclusion of occupational health and safety training within the above arrangements.  (c) ensure that curricula for education within trade unions are determined from within the trade union movement.  (d) make facilities available within education institutions, principally technical institutes and community colleges, for trade union training at the local level.  (e) explore possibilities for residential trade union courses for advanced study and staff training.  (f) establish an Institute of Labour Studies and fund it adequately to co-ordinate all trade union education activities. The number of subsidised training positions at the national level will be increased steadily and fully funded regional co-ordinators will be appointed.  (g) provide more effective education about industrial relations within state schools with responsibility for material being shared by the trade union movement and the Department of Education.  (h) negotiate with the Broadcasting Council with a view to the development of radio and television programmes which inform and educate the public about trade union matters.  (i) establish immediately a task force to consult widely and recommend a programme for the organisation and administration of Labour's trade union education policy. The Task Force will report to the Ministers of Labour and Education by the beginning of May, 1985.  (j) legislate to provide for occupational health services; improve the quality of the work environment; enforce requirements for health and safety standards in the workplace; provide for health and safety delegates and committees at the workplace.  Redundancy  14. Labour will establish an Employment Protection Fund to guarantee, to workers displaced by redundancy, appropriate levels of redundancy payment and assistance with retraining, relocation and reemployment. Such a fund will be established in full consultation with the trade union movement and employer groups. These negotiations will cover equitable funding and just application of the Employment Protection Fund.  15. Labour will introduce provisions for employers to give workers, unions, the Departments of Social Welfare and Labour, Housing Corporation, and local authorities, sufficient notice of impending redundancies to minimise the effects of job losses on workers.  16. Where an employer is insolvent and there have been redundancies, the Employment Protection Fund will pay to the worker the appropriate levels of redundancy. The Employment Protection Fund will become the unsecured creditor of the insolvent company and seek to re-imburse from that employer the money so expended.  State Services  17. The next Labour Government will be absolutely committed to consultation and fair negotiation with its employees. Labour also believes the Government has a social responsibility as an employer to set an example to the private sector by leading the way in the improvement of working conditions.  18. Government-union consultation or negotiations on general incomes, prices or wage-barg~ will include representation from the State sector unions.  19. All repressive and provocative industrial penalties and provisions will be repealed, inc VIIA of the State Services Conditions of Ernployi~ent Act.  (Refer State Services Policy fbr more details.)  INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS POLICY  :luding Part  Labour's Principles  1. The Labour Party reaffirms its commitment to pursuing an independent foreign policy. Labour will work to promote world understanding, harmony and trust in order to facilitate arms control, disarmament and, ultimately, world peace.  2. Labour reaffirms its prohibition of visits by nuclear armed and/or powered warships and/or craft in New Zealand waters. As well, it will actively seek the establishment of a South Pacific Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone and the prohibition of dumping of nuclear wastes and testing of nuclear weapons in the Pacific.  3. Labour will seek to strengthen the authority of the United Nations and other co-operative international groups or bodies who seek to promote international peace and understanding.  4. Labour recognises the urgent need of developing countries to be given practical assistance through aid and, most particularly, the availability of New Zealand skills and expertise in agriculture and horticulture when these are required.  5. Labour reaffirms its support for moves made to remove racial discrimination everywhere and to aim for equal opportunities for all people.  The Labour Plan  The Search for Peace  6. Labour will continue to oppose the spread of nuclear weapons and will actively work for nuclear disarmament. The Fourth Labour Government will sponsor a regional conference under United Nations auspices to promote a Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone in the South Pacific and will urge further acceptance of the nuclear test-ban treaty and the non-proliferation treaty. As a first major step in the promotion of the nuclear-free concept, Labour will legislate to make New Zealand and its territorial waters nuclear free. The legislation will not prohibit bona fide research or medical use of small quantities of radioactive material in our hospitals and research institutions.  7. Labour will support the efforts of other nations to establish nuclear weapons-free zones and to keep the Antarctic nuclear free.  8. Labour opposes the use of the Pacific Ocean for the storage or disposal of nuclear waste and testing of weapons.  9. The next Labour Government, in accordance with its objective of a South Pacific Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone and its long-term desire for a nuclear free Pacific, will continue to oppose visits to New Zealand by nuclear powered and/or armed vessels and aircraft.  10. Labour will encourage the study of peaceful solutions to international conflict. Labour will make more resources available for disarmament education.  11. Labour will actively oppose the development of new forms of weaponry. The next Labour Government will promote:  (a) the development of adequate verification procedures for the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention.  (b) the strengthening of the Geneva Protocol to ban any use of chemical weapons.  (c) a treaty banning the development or use of all weapons in outer space.  Anzus  12. The next Labour Government will re-negotiate the terms of our association with Australia and the  United States for the purpose of ensuring the economic, social and political stability of the South East  Asian and Pacific regions. The basic requirements of such an updated agreement will be:  (a) New Zealand's unconditional anti-nuclear stance.  (b) the active promotion of a Nuclear Weapons-Free South Pacific.  (c) the acceptance of absolutely equal partnership on all issues handled within the terms of the agreement and unanimous agreement on all decisions taken under those terms.  (d) an absolute guarantee of the complete integrity ofNew Zealand's sovereignty.  The United Nations  13. The next Labour Government will continue to support the United Nations and will once again place New Zealand among those nations most concerned with international peace and justice.  14. The next Labour Government will, in concert with the governments of other small states, promote the concept of the United Nations itself accepting the role of guarantor of security for small states. Labour will ensure that New Zealand meets its fair share of the financial costs involved.  15. Labour will work to restore New Zealand's contributions to the United Nations Development Programme to the level they reached in Labour's last year in office.  World Economic Order  16. Labour will give strong backing to all international negotiations with the world's least developed nations which aim at eliminating poverty.  17. Labour acknowledges the need for continuing reform to the world's financial system to reflect changing global needs and conditions. This would include realistic approach to the needs of the least developed nations and chronic debtor nations, and greater flexibility on the part of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.  Law of Sea Convention  18. Labour believes that the Law of the Sea Treaty is essential for the orderly use of the sea and its resources. The next Labour Government will seek to persuade the USA, Britain and West Germany to ratif~' this important treaty.  Commonwealth  19. The Fourth Labour Government will play a full part in maintaining and strengthening the Commonwealth as an effective international forum, bringing together nations of different races, political systems and stages of development.  Australia  20. Labour believes that a broad regional approach is necessary to ensure the prosperity and security of the Pacific and will continue to develop closer relations with Australia.  The Pacific  21. Labour acknowledges that many South Pacific countries face grave economic difficulties and that New Zealand has a special obligation to help promote the economic and social advancement of the Pacific Island nations.  22. Labour will aid Pacific Island nations through special arrangements for the transfer of technology, joint research, job creation and job training schemes, promotion of further education, and arrangements for greater trade access for their products.  23. Labour will direct aid to projects promising to generate self help and self reliance in small island economies.  24. Labour will support those South Pacific colonies which desire independence and will, as appropriate, extend assistance to new states.  Antarctica  25. Labour supports the preservation of the Antarctic as an international resource, free from conflict, military activity, nuclear contamination and other environmental damage and recognises the value of the Antarctic Treaty system and its achievement in protecting the environment and demilitarised status of Antarctica.  26. Labour will continue to concentrate its efforts on the preservation of the fragile Antarctic environment and on the maintenance of Antarctica as an international zone of peace, co-operation, and scientific endeavour.  27. Labour will therefore:  (a) encourage other states to accede to the Treaty.  (b) support open international consultation and debate on any proposed minerals regime for Antarctica.  (c) support the continuation of New Zealand's scientific endeavours in the Antarctic region and facilitate joint scientific ventures with other states.  (d) ensure that no minerals exploration occurs in the Ross Dependency unless New Zealand is fully satisfied that the most stringent safeguards will be met, and will not in any way endanger the Antarctic environment.  (e) encourage other states to take a similarly responsible attitude in the rest of Antarctica.  (f) participate fully and actively in the Treaty system to these ends.  Overseas Aid  28. The Third Labour Government actively worked towards raising New Zealand development assistance to 1 per cent of G.N.P. as funds became available. The Fourth Labour Government will again pledge to do so. This aid will be directed specifically to carefully monitored projects that will enhance development among poor and rural dwellers in recipient countries.  29. Labour recognises the desirability of replacing loan aid with grant aid, and tied aid with untied aid. Labour will provide financial support for the Advisory Committee on External Aid and Development, and choose members with the appropriate knowledge and experience.  30. Labour will encourage, with a small initial grant, the establishment of a centre associated with a New Zealand University for the study of development in Asia and the South Pacific.  31. Labour will continue to involve the voluntary agencies in the decision making process.  32. Labour will continue to involve the voluntary agencies in the decision making process.  33. Labour will abolish the $1500 fee for private overseas students at New Zealand universities and consider increasing access to New Zealand's tertiary education programmes as a component of the overseas aid programme.  Discrimination and Justice  34. Labour will support the United Nations' and other international efforts to end discrimination on grounds of race and religion and protect basic human rights.  35. Labour will continue its vigorous opposition to apartheid. The next Labour Government will honour and uphold the principles of the Gleneagles Agreement, abide by its provisions, and not permit the entry into New Zealand of sports teams from the Republic of South Africa while that country practices apartheid.  36. Under the Passport Act New Zealanders are entitled to a passport to travel outside New Zealand. Labour will not interfere with that right. It will be made known by the Government in the clearest possible terms that sports contact with South Africa is contrary to the Gleneagles Agreement and damaging to the interests of New Zealand.  37. The Fourth Labour Government will abide by the United Nations General Assembly resolution of November 1976. Therefore, the South African Consulate in New Zealand will be closed. Under Labour there will also be no investment of Government funds in South Africa.  38. The next Labour Government will ratify the Optional Protocol to the Covenant of Civil and Political Rights.  New Zealand Representation Overseas  39. The Fourth Labour Government will build on the successful initiatives taken by the Third Labour Government and extend New Zealand's diplomatic outreach and trade links. Full diplomatic posts will be established in East and West Africa. New Zealand's High Commission in India will be reopened.  JUSTICE POLICY  Labour's Principles  Labour's Justice policy is based on a number of fundamental principles. The policy will:  (a) ensure that everyone enjoys equality before the law.  (b) provide equal access to the Courts of Justice and legal advice without regard to wealth or social position.  (c) promote and guarantee the rule of law, ensuring Government is conducted under the law and there is no political interference with the legal process.  (d) promote measures to ensure people are aware of their legal rights and responsibilities.  (e) protect liberties and freedoms.  (1) protect individual privacy, especially where threatened by invasions from computers.  (g) promote vigorous programmes of law reform to bring the law up.to-date and make it suitable for modern conditions by simplif~ring and codifying New Ze~1and's statute law and repealing Outmoded and inappropriate laws to reduce the restrictions on New Zealanders.  (h) develop rational and humane methods of penal administration.  (i) remove criminal penalties in areas of trivial conduct to avoid the overuse of the criminal sanction.  The Labour Plan  Courts and Tribunals  2. The next Labour Government will:  (a) continue the upgrading of Court facilities that has been taking place in recent years, giving special attention to the Children's and Young Persons' and Family Courts.  (b) establish Small Claims Courts in more centres as quickly as possible, review their jurisdiction and encourage them to sit partly outside normal working hours.  (c) review the structure, jurisdiction and procedure of the large variety of administrative and quasi-judicial tribunals and the rights of appeal from them with a view to establishing a comprehensive code governing the procedures of these tribunals and the rights of appeal from their decisions.  (d) retain the right of appeal to the Privy Council for the time being in order to provide a second step or tier of appellate jurisdiction whiie recognising the need for a practical and modern alternative.  Public Prosecution Office  3. Labour will investigate the establishment of a public prosecution office in New Zealand to reduce the volume of police resources devoted to prosecutions and to ensure detached and uniform treatment of the decisions involved in prosecutions.  Legal Aid  4. A comprehensive and effective system of Legal Aid is essential if there is to be equality before the law for all citizens. The current system falls far short of this. Labour will:  (a) merge the present criminal Legal Aid and civil Legal Aid schemes in one comprehensive system which will be extended to cover legal advice, all Court proceedings and certain proceedings before other Tribunals.  (b) ensure that no person is convicted of an offence without having had opportunity for adequate legal representation.  (c) support Neighbourhood Law Centres, which will be freed as far as possible from control or surveillance by the Law Society, except as to the disciplinary code applicable to practitioners.  (d) direct Government lending agencies to prepare, if borrowers wish, the necessary mortgage documentation - and thus considerably reduce borrowers' costs.  Law Making  5. Labour will take steps to simplify laws to make them as readily understandable as possible and to reduce the total number of statutes and regulations. Outdated laws will be eliminated.  6. Labour believes effective law reform machinery is essential if the law is to reflect modern needs. New Zealand's present part-time committee structure, with expertise and skill provided on a voluntary basis, is no longer suited to the rapid changes seen in society today. Labour will establish a full-time Law Reform Commission with responsibility for examining existing laws and reporting on reform needs. The Commission will be encouraged to circulate explanatory material to the public prior to reporting to Parliament so as to enable widespread public debate on important issues.  7. In addition to the work of the Law Reform Commission, Labour will revise several major areas of New Zealand law. These will include:  (a) repeal or review laws that are repressive or otherwise objectionable, for example the Public Safety Conservation Act 1932, the Economic Stabilisation Act 1948 and the National Development Act 1979.  (b) a comprehensive revision of the Crimes Act 1961 to bring the basic criminal law up-to-date, reserving to conscience vote issues of sexual morality.  (c) a revision of the Companies Act with particular emphasis on public accountability of both private and public companies.  8. Consumer protection legislation will be reviewed to make it adequate. Legislation will be introduced to ensure that consumers are adequately protected from dishonest, misleading, questionable, overbearing or deceptive commercial, legal or advertising practices.  9. Labour will revise the law of defamation in line with the report brought down in 1977 by the Law Reform Committee on Defamation.  10. The law related to Contempt of Court is archaic. It will be revised under Labour.  Privacy  11. Labour is concerned that public and private intrusions into privacy are increasing. Labour will examine the law relating to the collection, access, challenge, disclosure and storage of computerised personal information. There will also be an investigation of modern techniques of electronic surveillance to see whether legal safeguards against them are necessary in New Zealand.  Protection for Mental Health Patients  12. Labour will revise the law relating to mental patients in New Zealand to bring it into line with modern practices and requirements.  Adminictrative Law  13. Administrative law will be updated and revised along the lines recommended by the Public and Administrative Law Reform Committee. As a result the citizen will be given greater opportunity to challenge the administrative decision of Government and public servants and to obtain damages for wrongful and damaging Government actions.  14. CLASS ACTIONS  Labour will introduce a new form of proceedings known as "class actions" which will help groups of people who have similar legal claim to recover losses they have suffered.  The related question of provision of legal aid for such actions will be considered.  Right of Reply  15. Labour will investigate legislating to establish a right of reply where a newspaper or magazine has printed an accurate or distorted article about a person or organisation.  Penal and Prison Policy  16. Labour will:  (a) modernise the prison system as the opportunity offers, gradually replacing outdated prisons and ensuring prisons are made and kept humane and decent.  (b) ensure that proper accommodation is available for prisoners remanded without bail, especially women and young persons.  (c) encourage recruitment of prison officers with improved training, pay and conditions.  (d) pay greater attention to the rehabilitation of offenders and smooth their return into the community after release from prison.  (e) support alternatives to prison such as non-custodial sentences.  (f) examine whether long prison sentences should be imposed except for reasons of public safety.  (g) support measures to improve the restitution paid by offenders to those damaged by criminal activity and support victim assistance schemes.  (h) carefully examine overseas reforms and the proposals of the Penal Policy Review Committee for expunging old criminal records after a period of non-offending, and produce proposals for reform in New Zealand for public discussion and eventual enactment.  (i) work to reduce social and economic injustices which lead to an increase in crime and violence.  LANDS POLICY  1. Labour believes that our present social and economic wellbeing is, to a substantial extent, dependent on the land and the people. Labour will ensure that the land shall at all times remain in the ownership, management and control of New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.  2. The aims of Labour's land policies are:  (a) the development of a total land-use policy to ensure sustainable production, effective utilisation and management.  (b) to stop undue amalgamation and aggregation of land.  (c) to settle more young people on the land.  (d) to ensure that New Zealand farmland remains in the hands of New Zealand residents.  (e) to conserve and protect important lands (coastal foreshores, forested areas, historical sites, eroded land and open spaces) for enviromental, scientific, cultural or recreational reasons, while recognising owners' rights and the need for adequate compensation where necessary.  (f) to encourage New Zealanders to use their heritage both culturally and recreationally.  3. Labour will develop a comprehensive land use policy at the Central Government level for use by  Government departments, regional and local authorities and planners as a guide in land related decisions. Three steps will be taken:  (a) an organisational structure will co-ordinate all Government land use activities.  (b) The Land Use Inventory will be completed as quickly as possible.  (c) a land resources information service will be established to provide accurate and uniform information.  4. Reclassification of pastoral leases will be undertaken only after comprehensive protection of soil and water values, recreational and environmental factors and the interests of the community at large are ensured. Labour will not freehold any farmland reclassified from pastoral lease at less than current real market values.  5. The Land Settlement Board will be restructured to give adequate representation to recreational, conservation and scientific interests.  6. Lands retired from grazing under Government assisted schemes, should be surrendered from the pastoral lease, revert to direct Lands and Survey Department administration and be available for public recreational use.  7. All Land Settlement schemes will be reviewed to concentrate on intensifying production and settlement on existing cleared land arid the development land that does not involve the destruction of native forests, wetlands and high country areas which have natural values and recreational and tourism importance.  8. Labour will re-establish the land purchase for development and settlement of young farmers scheme whereby young, qualified but landless farmers can get onto the land.  9. Legislation will be enacted to stop undue aggregation and amalgamation of farm land and to ensure that New Zealand farm land remains in the hands of residents of this country.  LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICY  THE PRINCIPLES  1. Labour believes that a more equal partnership between central government and local government is necessary to best serve the interests of the people they both represent.  2. Labour believes that units of local government at regional, district, and community level:  (a) have more clearly defined roles.  (b) are subject to less interference  (c) can function more efficiently and with less red tape.  (d) are more directly accountable to their electors than at present.  3. Labour believes that the funding of local and regional government should be reviewed to ensure that it is appropriate to their functions and that the cost is fairly shared.  4. Labour believes that in the further rationalisation of local and regional government boundaries and functions community of interest should be the prime consideration.  5. Labour believes that our system of local government can and must be made more democratic and more responsive to community needs.  LABOURS PLAN  Functions of Local Government  6. A Labour government will review the range of functions presently carried out by local, regional and central government to ensure that services are delivered at the most appropriate level and by the body best able to assess and meet community needs at each level.  7. As part of this review Labour will encourage greater local body involvement in the provision of social services, including housing, appropriate to each district or region.  8. Adequate funding will be made available for additional functions undertaken by local government.  9. The Local Government Act will be revised to remove many of the restrictions placed on local government and to allow greater flexibility in assessing and meeting the needs of a community. Those sections of the Act which restrict the commercial activities of local bodies will be repealed.  Local Body Finance  10. Labour will review the law relating to differential rating, uniform annual charges and valuation of land to ensure that the incidence of rating is fair and equitable. Rating by instalments will be encouraged. All rating legislation will be consolidated into one Act of Parliament. Government property will be rateable.  11. The Rates Rebate Scheme will be restored to its original level and received annually in line with changes in National Superannuation.  12. A new system of revenue sharing will be introduced, initially by replacing some subsidies with annual grants. The pace at which revenue sharing is introduced will depend on resources available to the government and will be linked to the adoption of additional functions by local bodies.  13. Labour will establish a Local Authority Loans Corporation which will raise funds for on-lending to local bodies where this is appropriate. Current restrictions which place local bodies at a disadvantage on the loan market will be reviewed and a central market for discounted local body loans established.  Local Authority Amalgamation  14. Labour will continue to strengthen local government by encouraging the rationalisation of local authority boundaries. Incentives will be provided for the amalgamation of appropriate local bodies to form District Councils. The criteria to be applied will be community of interest and the ability to efficiently respond to local needs, rather than size alone.  Regional Government  15. Regional boundaries will be reviewed and a policy of moving towards directly elected regional councils adopted. Over a period of time appropriate ad hoc authorities will be amalgamated with regional councils to provide a more efficient administrative system.  16. Regional boundaries of government department will be realigned so that they correspond to regional authority boundaries. Labour ~1jjl move towards greater decentralisation of decision-making and appropriate functions will be developed upon regional government.  17. Regional councils will not be expected to finance from rates activities which have not previously been funded in this way. Instead revenue sharing will be introduced by progressively replacing subsidies with direct grants. The proportion of revenue derived from the Consolidated Fund will depend on the responsibilities accepted by each region. Regional Development funds will be administered by regional government.  Local Government Commission  18. The Local Government Commission will be strengthened and given the necessary resources to enable it to carry out the necessary reforms.  Improving Local Democracy  19. Labour will introduce a common parliamentary and local body electoral roll. Companies and corporate bodies will not be entitled to nominate electors. All enrolled electors will be entitled to vote in any poll relating to their district.  20. Labour will move towards making a ward or riding system mandatory in districts with a population over 70,000. Electors in smaller districts will vote on whether such a system should be introduced for the following election. The number of representatives elected in each ward will depend solely on its population.  21. Labour will review the system of remuneration of local authority members to ensure that prospective candidates are not prevented from standing by the likelihood of financial embarrassment if elected.  22. Labour will encourage the formation of community councils where appropriate.  MAORI POLICY  PRINCIPLES  LABOUR BELIEVES  1. That relative to other New Zealanders the economic and social position of the Maori people has deteriorated to a stage which is unacceptable. They do not enjoy economic equality or social justice.  2. That in the interest of all New Zealanders, special and urgent measures should now be taken to overcome this disparity. Bearing in mind the relative youth of the Maori population, Labour accepts that particular emphasis will be required for his age group.  3. That the Labour Government must assist Maori people using their own established organisations to improve their own position.  4. That while enjoying the same rights and privileges, and accepting the same responsibilities as all other New Zealanders, the Maori people are entitled to preserve and develop their own culture and customs.  The Labour Plan:  THE TREATY OF WAITANCI AND THE WAITANGI TRIBUNAL  5. The Labour Party will write into New Zealand law a Bill of Rights giving rights and freedoms to all New Zealanders. This historic constitutional document will be based on the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights. It will include the rights of Maori people based on the promises of the Treaty. The Bill of Rights will be adopted by a national referendum.  6. The Waitangi Tribunal will be expanded from three to seven members. It will be provided with sufficient staff and resources to operate as a primary investigator and arbiter of grievances. The Tribunal will be required to investigate all the circumstances of claims made to it, not just the evidence available to claimants.  7. The Tribunal will be given power to examine all claims back to 1840. Only in that way can real justice bectone.  8. Labour will revise the Waitangi Day ceremony after carefully considering submissions from Maoris and other people who have views on how the treaty should be commemorated.  PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION  9. Labour reaffirms the right of the Maori people, the Tangata Whenua, to separate representation in Parliament by their own people as long as they wish it. It is clear at present that the Maori people are seriously under-represented compared with their numbers in the total population. Furthermore, the Maori electorates cover such wide areas as to make them extraordinarily difficult to service.  10. It is Labour Party policy to increase the total number of seats in Parliament to 121. The number of Maori seats will be fixed by a method as close as possible to the way general seats are determined.  How many extra Maori seats there will be will depend upon how many people with Maori ancestry wish to be represented in Parliament through one of the Maori seats.  11. Provision will be made for Maori electors to cast ordinary votes in any polling place within the Maori electorate in which they are enrolled.  12. To preserve and enhance tribal identity, Maoris who wish to do so will be able to note tribal affiliation on the Maori electoral roll and on birth certificates.  THE DEPARTMENT OF MAORI AFFAIRS, THE MAORI TRUSTEE, AND THE MAORI LAND COURT  13. Labour will guarantee the existence of the Department of Maori Affairs, 'so long as that is the wish of the Maori people.  14. Labour will investigate the feasibility of creating a Maori Development Bank based on the lines of the Rural Development Bank and using funds presently held by the Maori Trustee and augmented by government.  15. Labour will provide extra funding and require the Maori Affairs Department to play a greater role ii all areas where present disparity persists, but especially with housing, health, education, and the train ing of young people. A Research Division will be established within the Department.  16. Labour will improve the servicing of the Maori Land Court and upgrade and computerise all Maor Land Records to the stage where they can be registered in the Land Transfer office.  ~IAORI LAND AND THE ROLE OF MAORI AUTHORITIES  17. The Labour Government will investigate the return of all Maori land no longer used by the Crown tc the present-day descendants of the original owners.  18. Labour will assist Maori land authorities to survey, develop, and bring into production Maori land, and to accept a greater responsibility for improving the social and economic wellbeing of theii beneficiaries.  19. Labour will provide funding and encourage Maori authorities (particularly Trust Boards) to take ove some of the functions of the Department of Maori Affairs in order to improve the social and economi wellbeing of their own tribal members.  20. Labour will modify the Town and Country Planning Act, making it easier for Maoris to build home on their ancestral Maori land.  21. Labour will take steps to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Maor Reserved Lands.  22. Labour will provide continuing support for Marae complexes and encourage them to take a greate role in the promotion of Maori social, econmic and cultural life.  Maori Language and Culture  23. Believing that language is the basis of culture, and that Maori people have a right to foster and pro mote their own culture, Labour will -  (a) legislate to make Maori an official language of New Zealand so that a person can speak Maori ir court, Parliament, or on any official occasion as of right.  (b) continue support for the Kohanga Reo programmes.  (c) require the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation to set up a special Maori unit, and tc develop a broad range of programmes to be broadcast in the Maori language.  (d) give recognition to fluency in Maori in all appropriate positions in the State sector.  (e) set up a Maori cultural board, funded directly from government, and with particular responsibility for developing traditional, contemporary, and performing Maori arts.  24. Labour will reconstruct the Maori Education Foundation as a co-ordinating body in the area of both Maori language and Maori education. It will take responsibility for:  (a) ensuring that teaching in the Maori language is available at all levels of the education system.  (b) approval of Maori language courses and production of suitable resource material.  (c) liaison with all other departments and organisations with responsibility for any aspect of thc Maori language and Maori education.  Housing  25. Labour will strengthen the Maori housing programme with funding and resources. In order to en courage home ownership Labour will:  (a) consider extension of loan repayment periods.  (b) investigate the possibility of passing mortgage repayment obligations on to another member o~ the family.  (c) establish closer links between the Maori Affairs Department and the Maori Land Court to assis~ applicants for a Maori housing loan to obtain the appropriate land entitlement.  (d) ensure that all mortgagors take out adequate mortgage repayment and other insurance.  (e) initiate and encourage innovations in the design of houses to cope with the needs of extendec families and concepts such as Mania Whangi i and Kaumatua fiats.  Labour will build houses which will be made available on long-term lease.  26. Labour will ensure Maori representation on Housing Allocation Committees.  27. Labour will assist and encourage Tribal Trust Boards to assume a role in providing temporary renta accommodation, and to develop and foster programmes in home and garden maintenance.  Health  28. Labour will introduce a Maori health education programme, using the marae, schools and Maori radio and television programmes as a means for spreading information. Maori health professionals and members of the Maori community with expertise will be encouraged to take part in the programmes.  29. Labour will remove the obstruction to obtaining the bodies of persons subject to coroner's postmortems.  30. Labour will re-establish the Maori Health Committee and require a unit within the Department of Health to monitor and report to the Minister on all aspects of Maori health.  31. Labour will support further research into key aspects of Maori health.  Employment  32. MAORI INITIATIVE AND JOINT VENTURES  Labour will assist with the establishment of programmes which arise from Maori initiatives and use Maori resources, and will encourage joint ventures between the people and government. This will include the provision of expertise in legal, scientific and marketing areas.  33. Assistance will be given to qualified Maori tradespeople who wish to establish small businesses.  Youth Employment  34. Labour will introduce affirmative action programmes designed to provide training or jobs for young Maori people, especially young women. These programmes will be especially linked to occupations where there is potential for new jobs.  35. Labour will introduce among the youth programmes administered by the Department of Internal Al:  fairs a programme known as Tu Wairua which will include pre-employtnent courses, training in life skills, and job training. These will be based on family and community groups. Continuing support will be made available for the scheme through the Department of Maori Affairs.  Education  36. Labour will encourage parental and community participation at all levels of the school system.  37. As part of its primary emphasis on early childhood education Labour will:  (a) strengthen and give continuous support to Kohanga Reo programmes.  (b) extend the provision of the Four Minute Reading and Reading Recovery Programmes.  (c) ensure early identification of children with learning disabilities.  38. Labour will recruit more Maori teachers, especially those who are fluent in the Maori language.  39. Labour will increase the number of Maori speaking itinerant teachers of Maori.  40. Labour will expand the provision of the bi-lingual schooling.  41. In the secondary schools Labour will:  (a) assist with the establishment of more homework centres.  (b) establish more five-day hostels.  (c) explore ways of assisting Maori church schools further.  (d) reintroduce Maori education counsellors.  (e) support alternative education schemes where they are shown to be effective in providing for the educational needs of Maori children.  Transition from School to Employment  42. Labour will:  (a) ensure that all school-leavers who fail to find employment after leaving school have access to education and/or vocational training for a further year  (b) expand the Maori Trade Training scheme.  Continuing Education  43. Labour sees particular benefits coming from marae-based continuing education and training programmes, especially for school leavers and other young people. A variety of such programmes will be promoted, with particular emphasis on Maori art, craft and culture, and oral history, but also giving attention to home budgeting, consumer and trade union education. The development of programmes for Maoritanga will not however be confined to the marae. More Maori Art and Craft advisers will be appointed.  44. Labour will designate as cultural reserves areas where indigenous timber and plant resources will be set aside for use in Macri art and craft.  OPEN GOVERNMENT POLICY  THE LABOUR PLAN FOR DEMOCRACY IN GOVERNMENT  1. Labour's Open Government policies aim at improving the accountability of Government and the quality of democracy in New Zealand for all New Zealanders.  REFORM OF PARLIAMENT  Select Committees  2. The Select Committee system will be re-organised from first principles. The new structure will be based on the subject areas within the responsibility of individual Government Departments. Select Committees will travel around the country to hear submissions and visit the places affected by proposed legislation. The places and times of hearings will be widely advertised. Help will be provided to people to get their points of view across to Select Committees.  3. Other reforms to Select Committees will:  (a) give them power to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of Government Departments and associated Qangos.  (b) permit Opposition members to chair some of the committees while the Government maintains the majority of members on them.  (c) empower committees to conduct their own investigations into topics within their area of responsibility.  (d) undertake continuous monitoring and scrutiny of Government borrowing.  (e) enable Select Committees to require public servants to appear before them in public and request any Minister to do so.  (f) provide for Select Committees to have advice, independent of Government, available to them.  (g) provide for all Select Committees to be open to the public while evidence is being heard. (Evidence will only be received in confidence where such information would not be disclosed under the Official Information Act).  4. Proceedings of the Committees will be recorded by Hansard. The Committees will be provided with adequate research staff, on secondment from the Public Service. Staff will be answerable to, and controlled by, the Committee.  Standing Orders  5. Labour will implement essential Parliamentary reform, with the urgent review and revision of Parliament's Standing Orders to ensure that a determined Executive cannot dominate Parliament.  6. Under Labour, the dates of the sittings of Parliament will be fixed and a regular schedule established. Greater use will be made of limited time debates to prevent tedious repetition.  7. Standing Orders will prohibit Parliament sitting beyond midnight.  8. When Parliament is sitting all proceedings will be broadcast.  9. Under Labour, television transmission of Parliamentary proceedings will be permitted on an experimental basis. This will be carried out in a similar way as has been done in Canada and material made available for use in news and current affairs programmes.  10. The Standing Orders of the House of Representatives will be changed to allow three months to pass between the introduction and final passage of any bill - except a money bill, or bill necessitated by an emergency, or with the agreement of Parliament.  Government Administration  11. Labour will strengthen and expand the role of tice Public Expenditure Committee in order to ensure that the financial accountability of Government to Parliament is adequate. To facilitate accountability and planning, forward estimates of expenditure will be published. -  12. Labour will ensure that public servants have increased managerial independence but also increased public accountability for their actions. A serious effort will be made to ensure more decisions can be made by public servants in local areas without having to refer to Wellington.  63  Legislative Department  13. The next Labour Government will:  (a) abolish the Legislative Department.  (b) give the Speaker more power and responsibility in the running of Parliament.  (c) establish a Committee comprising Mr Speaker, the Leader of the House, an MP nominated by the Leader of the Opposition and three other MPs to supervise the services of Parliament.  (d) revise and update the Legislature Act 1908 to provide for the administration of Parliament free from Executive control, arid to provide for special procedures to settle the appropriation for the running of Parliament.  (e) provide each Member of Parliament with paid secretarial assistance in his or her electorate to assist with constituency work, arrange appointments, help with research and answer inquiries.  14. (a) Labour will establish a Select Committee to review the rules of Parliamentary Privilege to ensure that civil liberties are protected.  (b) Labour will ensure that a register of the pecuniary interests of Members of Parliament is established and updated annually.  Each Member of Parliament will be required to disclose:  * shareholding in companies  * interests in real property.  * payments or material benefits received from organisations, individuals, or foreign governments.  * remuneration received in addition to a Parliamentary salary.  (c) Labour will revise the rules in the Ministerial Handbook relating to conflict of interest situations, with particular reference to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the Marginal Lands Board Loan Affair~  BILL OF RIGHTS  15. It is the policy of the Labour Party to introduce a Bill of Rights for New Zealand. It will be based on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which New Zealand has ratified. It will provide:  (a) guaranteed protection for fundamental values and freedoms.  (b) restraint on the abuse of power by the Executive and Parliament.  (c) restraint on the abuse of power by other organisations;  (d) an authoritative source of education about the importance of fundamental freedoms in a democratic society.  (e) a judicial remedy to individuals who have suffered under a law or conduct which breaches fundamental rights.  (f) a set of minimum standards to which public decision-making must conform.  16. The Bill of Rights will incorporate the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi, following full discussion with the Maori people about the best way in which this can be brought about.  17. To ensure that a thorough public debate occurs before the contents are settled the next Labour Government will refer a Bill of Rights to a Parliamentary Select Committee, representative of all political parties in Parliament, to hold hearings.  18. The Select Committee will sit throughout New Zealand and will conduct its proceedings on an informal basis.  19. When a Bill of Rights has been agreed to by Parliament it will be adopted by referendum.  CIVIL LIBERTIES  20. Labour will repeal unnecessarily repressive legislation including the National Development Act, the Public Safety Conservation Act and the Economic Stabilisation Act.  21. Labour will repeal those portions of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Act which authorise the Prime Minister - rather than a High Court Judge - to issue an interception warrant.  22. Labour will conduct a review of the New Zealand law on search and seizure and arrest under a wide range of statutes.  23. The law relating to freedom of expression will be overhauled. Labour will revise the law of defamation having regard to the report brought down in 1977 by the Law Reform Committee on Defamation. Contempt of Court legislation will be revised, as will laws on criminal libel and sedition.  24. The law relating to the collection, access, challenge, disclosure and storage of computerised personal information will be examined. There will also be an investigation of modern techniques of electronic surveillance to determine whether the enactment of legal safeguards against them is necessary in New Zealand.  25. The law relating to mental patients in New Zealand will be revised. (Full details are included in the Justice Policy.)  26. Labour will conduct a comprehensive revision of the Crimes Act 1961 to bring the basic criminal law up-to-date.  RULE OF LAW  27. Under Labour, there will be no attempts to subject the courts to Ministerial influence or control. Labour will recognise and accept the well established principle that government must be conducted within the law.  28. If the law as interpreted in ±e courts requires alteration this will be done in the context of a general review, unless there is an emergency situation created by a court decision.  29. Labour will not introduce retrospective legislation unless, in the circumstances of the case, justice requires it.  REGULATIONS AND RED TAPE  30. Labour believes New Zealand should find ways to avoid regulations and use other methods of social control, such as codes of practice, wherever possible.  31. Labour will repeal those Acts of Parliament which allow regulations to be made on matters which should be contained in primary legislation, including the National Development Act, the Public Safety Conservation Act and the Economic Stabilisation Act.  32. Labour will not pass Acts of Parliament which give the Government excessive powers to make regulations. Labour will not pass laws which enable Cabinet Ministers to make regulations which over-ride Acts of Parliament.  33. Before regulations are made there will be, except in exceptional circumstances, mandatory and widespread consultation with parties likely to be affected.  34. All regulations will be passed with the inclusion of specific expiry dates.  35. Acts of Parliament which provide for the making of regulations will be drafted to preserve the power of the Courts to review those regulations.  36. All regulations will be automatically referred to a special new parliamentary committee. Public hearings may be held. The committee will be given power to recommend to Parliament that regulations be disallowed.  37. The Regulations Act will be amended to increase the protections against regulations.  38. All Qangos will be reviewed to see if they serve useful purposes. Those which do not will be abolished. Steps will be taken to ensure that all public bodies are publicly accountable.  39. There will be reform of the law which at present restricts people complaining to the Courts about decisions of Government.  40. Labour will make a concerted effort to simplify the procedures of Government to eliminate unnecessary form filling and to provide speedy, courteous, informed services to the public.  (a) Departments will be required to provide relevant publicity material about what the Government can do to assist the citizen.  (b) Steps will be taken to decentralise Government departments to allow as many decisions as possible to be made at the local level.  (c) A "red tape audit" will require that, when new programmes are considered by Cabinet, a clear and detailed rundown on the administrative procedures involved is included and all unnecessary red tape is eliminated.  FREEDOM OF INFORMATION  41. Labour will undertake a comprehensive review of the Official Information Act immediately upon taking office with a view to:  (a) eliminating the power of Ministerial veto over and release of information.  (b) freeing up the release of some categories of information which have been unnecessarily restricted, in particular information relating to the economy.  (c) narrowing the range of exceptions to the principle of disclosure contained in the Act.  (d) eliminating secrecy provisions in other legislation which is not dealt with by the Official Information Act.  (e) imposing a time limit on a response to requests.  (f) applying the provisions of the Official Information Act to Local Government.  LAW MAKING  42. Labour will appoint a full time Law Reform Commission. The first priority will be to recommend how New Zealand's law can be made more understandable and accessible to the general public.  43. Under Labour, new legislation will be passed with the inclusion of specific expiry dates. No law or regulation should remain on the books without periodic review.  44. Labour will ask "Is this law really necessary?" of each Act of Parliament and each regulation.  45. Labour will repeal old laws no longer needed.  46. Labour will ensure that every effort is made to write laws concisely and in language people can understand.  47. Labour will develop systematic digests and indexes so that laws will become easier to locate. All Acts of Parliament passed in one year will not come into force until 1 April of the next year unless there are exceptional circumstances.  48. Labour will take steps to codify and reprint all Regulations in force in New Zealand.  ELECTORAL LAW  49. The next Labour Government will establish a Royal Commission of three persons to inquire into and report upon:  (a) defects which exist in the New Zealand procedures for electing Members of Parliament.  (b) the system of voting used and improvements which should be made.  (c) whether proportional representation or some other variant from the existing, first-past-the-post system should be introduced.  (d) the method of fixing the boundaries of Parliamentary seats.  (e) whether the life of Parliament should be increased from three to four years.  (0 whether increased use of referenda should be made in New Zealand to determine controversial issues.  (g) whether State funding of political parties should be introduced.  (h) any other questions relating to the electoral system which the Royal Commission may see fit to discuss.  50. Labour will increase the number of MPs to 121, continuing to use as a base for electorates, the number of seats in the South Island.  PACIFIC ISLAND POLICY  The Labour Plan  1. The people of the Pacific Islands who live in New Zealand are concerned with maintaining their cultural identities. They feel they should be represented by their own Minister, since their needs, as an important community, are different from the needs of the Maori people. Labour will, therefore, appoint a separate Minister of Pacific Island Affairs who will be concerned with the employment, education, health and social services, housing, cultural, and immigration problems of Pacific Islanders.  Employment  2. Labour will continue to encourage government departments, local bodies, and community service organisations to employ people in relevant areas, who can communicate with minority cultural groups. This should be done through affirmative action programmes especially in shops and offices, and in the service sector where there is contact with the general public.  Education  3. Labour will recruit more Pacific Island Teachers, especially mature people who need retraining.  Labour's improved bursary system will ensure that they are not financially inconvenienced during  this training.  4. Labour will ensure that schools and tertiary institutions with significant numbers of Pacific Island students provide courses of Pacific Island language and culture.  5. (i) Labour recognises that Pacific Island cultures include values that are often different from those of competition and self-expression that are taught in New Zealand schools. In order to facilitate understanding of the different Pacific Island cultures a Pacific Island component must be in troduced in the future programme of all teacher trainees.  (ii) Labour will ensure that schools include education which teaches respect for the values of all cultural groups.  6. Labour will ensure that Pacific Island people have expanded opportunities for second chance education and that trade training and pre-training schemes for school-leavers include places for Pacific Islanders.  7. Retraining courses will include provisions for nurses, teachers, and other professional people whose training may require adaptation to New Zealand conditions.  8. Labour will encourage student exchanges with South Pacific Schools.  9. Labour will ensure that overseas students have the same opportunities for holiday employment as New Zealand students.  10. Labour will ensure that in Polytechnics throughout the country Pacific Islanders are appointed to be liaison officers. Special attention will be given to the training of interpreters.  Health Services  12. Labour will recruit paid social workers on the basis of their ability to serve particular groups in their communities. Suitable Pacific Islanders, who may not necessarily be academically trained, will be ac  * tively sought in areas where there is a significant number of their own people. They will be provided with additional training where necessary.  13. Labour will provide community and appropriate health care facilities after consultation with the local community to determine the most appropriate location. In some areas Pacific Island church centres may be adapted to supply this need.  14. All persons eligible for national superannuation who wish to retire to the Cook Islands, Tokelaus, Niue, Tonga, Western Samoa, or Fiji, may continue to receive their superannuation in the country of choice at a rate approximating 80 per cent of the local average public service wage in the case of a mar ned couple, or 60 per cent of the local average public service wage for the single superannuitant.  67  Housing  15. The Housing Corporation will ensure that there is adequate flexibility in types of housing and loan finance to suit the needs of different lifestyles, such as the extended family.  Culture  16. Labour will, in co-operation with Island community groups and local bodies, work toward the creation of a Pacific Islands Centre in Auckland. Labour will promote the development of the Pacific Island performing arts and cultural activities throughout New Zealand.  Immigration  17. The present government policy of discriminating against visitors from the Pacific Islands will cease. Labour will ensure that the issue of visitors' permits shall be on the same basis irrespective of the visitor's country of origin.  18. Labour will ensure that resettlement assistance programmes are made available to all new immigrants who need them. This will provide opportunities for new immigrants to learn English. There will also be the opportunity for women in particular to get information on budgetting, homemaking, health care, and the education and political systems in New Zealand.  19. The next Labour Government will urgently re-examine the issue of immigration from the Pacific Islands, particularly Samoa, Fiji and Tonga with a view to implementing an immigration policy which is fair and which also takes into account our responsibility as a South Pacific nation. A Labour Government will invite discussions with the Western Samoan Government for the purpose of examining the Protocol to the Treaty of Friendship and agreeing to a citizenship policy which satisfies both sovereign states.  Pacific Island Resource Centres  20. Labour will continue to support and encourage the work of the Pacific Islands Resource Centres and provide the setting up of new centres where a need is established for their services, including the funding of salaries for workers in the Centres.  POLICE AND CRIME PREVENTION POLICY  THE PROBLEM  1. Labour recognises that obedience to the law cannot be secured by force nor by threat of force alone. In a democratic country the law is obeyed because it is acceptable to the great majority who wish to obey it. The Police are respected because the majority of our citizens acknowledge the Police as its protectors against crime and those who disturb the existence of peace in the country.  THE SOLUTION  2. Labour's realistic economic and social policies will improve community environments, enhance lifestyles, and encourage self-discipline through programmes for full employment, comprehensive housing developments, involvement in appropriate community organisations, and encouragement for greater active participation in sport, adult education, and in physical, cultural. and leisure activities generally.  3. Labour will provide sufficient funds for the Police to educate the public to play a wider role in helping the Police.  4. Labour will strengthen the Crime Prevention and Youth Aid Sections.  Community Policing  5. Community constables, established in suburbs by the Third Labour Government, have been a success. There is an urgent need for more.  6. Labour will expand Community Police Stations as quickly as experienced officers and suitable premises permit. The advantages of operating these suburban stations at night-time as well as during the day will be assessed.  The Police  7. Labour believes that the likelihood of detection is a major deterrent to crime. Therefore Labour will:  (a) ensure police strength is established at a level adequate for community needs and protection.  (b) increase community police to ensure the neighbourhood presence of a police officers.  (c) put more police on the beat.  (d) place greater emphasis on the prevention of crime.  (e) provide resources necessary in association with Customs and D.S.I.R. to detect and stamp out the growth, importation and distribution of illegal drugs.  (f) create a special police task group to attend to criminal activities resulting in the misappropriation of goods, money and other property through malpractices in the use of computers and other sophisticated technical equipment, and through wrongful, deceptive and illegal commercial operations and manipulations.  8. Labour will establish a three-year programme of staffing. This will assist forward planning and ensure that present and future staffing needs are promptly met. This policy will apply equally to sworn members and civilian support staff  9. Labour believes that conditions of service and career prospects must encourage suitable applicants to join the Police and stay. Labour appreciates the stress and demands of Police work. Under Labour, outstanding pay and allowances claims will be the subject of prompt negotiation.  10. Labour believes that there are a large number of mature experienced police who are no longer fit enough for front-line duty but would be excellent community police for local neighbourhoods. Labour wants neighbourhoods to have their own community police.  11. Labour will promote further recruitment of Maoris, Pacific Islanders and women into the Police in order to make the police force more representative of the community.  Examiner of Police Practices  12. (a) Labour is concerned to improve the accountability of the Police to the public. This is a particular problem where the Police are required to investigate complaints against Police personnel.  Therefore Labour will appoint an Examiner of Police Practices to monitor investigations by the  Police into complaints.  (3) The Examiner of Police Practices will have power:  * to overview police practices and procedures.  * to monitor investigations into complaints while they are being undertaken and not wait until completed.  * to see any or all of the evidence collected.  * to interview witnesses.  * to make public statements about investigations into complaints.  (c) The Examiner will be required to report annually through the Speaker to Parliament.  (d) The Examiner will be independent of the Executive arm of Government, and will be a person of judicial status.  Police Tribunal Membership  13. (a) Labour will provide for a District Court Judge or Senior Barrister to Sit Ofl all Police Tribunals hearing charges involving alleged misconduct against members of the public by a police officer and in other areas if the accused officer so requests.  Housing  14. Labour will negotiate to ensure an appropriate housing programme for Police.  Transport and Communications  15. Labour will maintain the Police motor vehicle fleet at high efficiency.  16. Radio and telecommunications will be modernised and expanded as quickly as possible.  Training and Qualifications  17. Police Officers will be encouraged to qualify for a Diploma of Police Studies.  Training programmes will include a course or courses sensitive to cultural factors in the developing multi-cultural society in this country, to the needs of minority ethnic groups and to the victims of sex related crimes.  Police training will include tuition in methods of assessing and promoting work effectiveness.  18. The Labour Party is opposed to police carrying arms and long batons as standard equipment. Such equipment should be issued only to meet a real immediate need.  @@@ missing 71, 72  leases will be undertaken only after comprehensive protection of soil and water values, recreational and environmental factors and the interests oC the community at large are ensured.  Labour will ensure that there is full provision for access to unoccupied Crown and other public lands. The Trespass Act 1980 will be reviewed.  Labour will ensure that there is more family priced accommodation in New Z~land National Parks. Labour will also restore the rights of local bodies to run camping and holiday accommodation. Labour will seek a consensus of all interested groups aimed at improved recreational hunting and the avoidance of conflict with commercial venison recovery. Labour will ensure proper controls on helicopter activities, and to give more teeth to the Recreational Hunting Advisory Committee and provide for more democratic representation on that committee by sporting groups themselves. Labour recognises the unique recreation and aesthetic value of the Fiordland wapiti herd. Labour believes the herd should remain in Fiordland with proper game management controls. Special consideration will be given to the Takahe area to avoid any incomparability between Takahe and other wildlife/game species.  Labour recognises the need for protection of the marine and freshwater environment to benefit both recreational and commercial fishing. To this end Labour will:  (a) continue to support fully the work of the Acclimatisation Society movement.  (b) continue the ban on trout farming.  (c) fully consider the value of recreational fishing in fisheries management plans.  (d) adopt realistic management techniques to rectify the over-exploitation of sea fisheries after full consultation with the commercial and recreational sectors.  REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY  Labour's Plan  1. Labour's objectives in regional development are:  * to provide jobs.  * to generate social and economic progress of the regions.  * to obtain balanced development real growth throughout New Zealand by making the best use of each region's potential.  2. Labour recognises that regional disparities create inequalities among New Zealanders, particularly in terms of education, social and employment opportunities. These disparities represent a waste of our natural and human resources, and should not be allowed to continue.  3. Efforts to relieve the impact of disparities must be based on the sound economic development of regional resources.  New Regional Structure  4. Labour will introduce a new basic system for regional development funding. The regions will be classified in categories according to their need, each category attracting a different rate of assistance. The highest rate of investment expenditure and assistance will be granted to the areas of highest priority.  5. The criteria used to classify the regions will include:  * outward migration, past and present.  * unemployment level in relation to the workforce.  * changes in workforce opportunities.  * market size, and distance from markets.  * the need for frill utilization of social amenities in the area (school, hospitals, etc.)  AdmhiI~trat1ve Arrangements  6. Regional development will be linked to regional government. The present Regional Development Councils will be transformed into committees and placed under the administration of United or Regional Councils. This will ensure a proper and effective co-ordination of national regional policies in each area.  7. The new Regional Development Committees will include among their members men and women who reflect the needs, aspirations and expertise of the region as well as representatives of the United or Regional Councils, employer and employee interests, appropriate Government Departments and others with particular expertise which is relevant.  8. The Councils will be granted an annual block vote according to their regions' priority ratings and population, and will determine the outcome of requests for regional development assistance in their respective areas. The Council may also recommend that applicants be assisted by other agencies, e.g. the Development Finance Corporation. All activities which generate employment will be eligible for regional development finance.  9. Districts within a region may be established as having special needs according to the above criteria; such districts would be eligible for a higher rate of assistance out of the Council's block vote.  Regional Employment  10. Labour will establish Regional Employment Priority Areas, with the amount of assistance available directly related to the seriousness of the local unemployment problem. In these areas individuals unable to find unsubsidised employment after being on a public sector job creation programme for six months will be able to be employed on the programme for a further six months. Further extensions will be available in exceptional circumstances up to another 12 months.  11. ~n these areas projects that last several years will be approved provided that a high proportion of the work is suitable for the long-term unemployed. Labour has developed an inventory of projects  targeted for the highest unemployment rate areas for commencement on Labour becoming the  government. These projects will:  (a) be locally based and use local resources.  (b) increase the real wealth of the nation.  (c) increase the work skills of the participants.  (d) include as low an import content as possible.  (e) be labour intensive while producing assets for the community.  12. Tax rebates will be available for increases in employment depending on the priority of the region.  Regional Development Bonds  13. Regional Development Bonds guaranteed by the Government will be introduced to encourage regions to help themselves. These funds will be targetted for loans by the Government at the lowest market rate for the establishment or expansion of small businesses approved by the Regional Development Committees. The extent of government assistance will be determined by regional priority. The Bonds will be available for investment in the region nominated by the investor.  Development Finance Corporation and Small Business Agency  14. These will be major sources of fmance and assistance. The D.F.C. will return to its original role with special emphasis on stimulating employment and export-creating ventures. It will provide finance at lowest market rates for suitable industrial investment. Both the D.F.C. and the Small Business Agency will open offices outside the main centres.  Private Investment  15. Labour will encourage private investment companies to invest capital in priority regions.  Development Companies  16. Regional development fmance will be made available for the establishment of trading companies in each region which will provide advisory and marketing services to businesses within the region.  Major Projects  17. Assistance for major projects in regional development areas will be assessed on the merits of each case, taking into account regional priorities, employment opportunities and export-growth potential.  Superannuation Funds  18. Labour will discuss with those involved the allocation of superannuation funds for investment in the regions. Where investment is tied to job creation it will qualify for assistance, according to regional priorities.  Rural Communities  19. Agricultural production and processing, which is critical for New Zealand's economic future, must come from prosperous and growing rural communities and regional service towns. Labour will add value to our products and create new job opportunities in the regions by encouraging greater processing of primary produce.  20. The Department of Lands and Survey will be instructed to purchase and develop suitable blocks of land for intensive farming.  21. Labour will encourage the use of a region's entire resources, including the establishment of small-scale craft industries in rural districts.  Government agencies, such as the Small Business Agency and the~ Export/Import Corporation, together with the regional development trading companies will assist in the marketing of products.  22. Labour will ensure that where any environmental proposal threatens regional employment it will be subject to widespread local consultation and involvement. If such a proposal is to proceed, specific additional regional development assistance will be made available to ensure that adequate alternative employment opportunities are created.  South Island  23. Labour will establish a South Island office in the Government. It will be responsible for co-ordinating government policies for the South Island.  24. In the first year of government Labour will hold a conference involving all responsible South Island authorities and interest groups with a view to developing particular goals for South Island development and methods of achieving them.  Local Government  25. Labour believes in strong adequately financed regional government. A number of central government functions will be devolved to regional government, together with the necessary finance. These functions will include regional development. Labour will move to decentralise the activities of government departments in association with the State Service Unions and other appropriate organisations and persons. The long term goal is the maximum amount of regional decision-making possible.  Transport  26. Labour recognises that an efficient rail network is essential to Regional Development growth. Consequently Railways will continue to receive social service payments to maintain branch lines and passenger trains.  27. SOUTH ISLAND ASSISTANCE  Labour recognises that South Island manufacturers are disadvantages by distance to sell to the principal New Zealand market, and will incorporate the 'Iron Bridge' concept into inter-island rail freight charges for approved categories of northbound goods. This assistance will be met by a special South Island Freight Assistance grant from the Consolidated Fund to the Corporation.  28. Labour believes that, with many railway wagons returning empty from the South Island, existing freight users should be offered a specially reduced rate for all freight over and above the quantity they paid full rates on in the year prior to the introduction of the scheme.  29. AVIATION  Labour re-affirms that New Zealand's internal air services must be maintained. Labour's regional development policies demand the maintenance of such services to provide for the expansion of freight and passenger loadings that will result from a restoration of economic activity through New Zealand.  SCIENCE AND RESEARCH POLICY  * 1. Labour recognises the importance of scientific research to the nation's economic and social development. Research in New Zealand is of a high standard, but suffers from inadequate resources and a lack  of direction.  FUNDING  2. Labour will ensure that scientific endeavour is kept up to the level necessary to provide support to our growth industries and to provide essential evidence on the changing nature of our society. Resources will be made available for both basic and applied research.  ADMINISTRATION  3. Under Labour the National Research Advisory Council will be responsible for consultation with research interests for oversight of science expenditure and the promotion and planning of scientific  j  research in New Zealand.  4. The NB-AC will consist of representatives from universities, government research institutions and the private sector. Responsibility for the National Research Advisory Council will be included within the portfolio of the Minister of Science.  5. The NB-AC will receive specific funding for the promotion of research in areas identified as potentially productive or of social or economic benefit.  6. Discussion will be held with the semi-autonomous research organisations, such as the NZCER, NZIER, the New Zealand Energy Research Development Committee and the Medical Research Council, and the NB-AC to facilitate closer co-ordination of effort where this is appropriate.  7. Labour will aim to double investment in research and development over the next 10 years. Private industry will be assisted by suitable incentives to contribute the bulk of this increase.  8. Close liaison will be encouraged between government and industrial research bodies. Priorities for industrial research conducted by government agencies will be determined after consultation with in. dustry.  Technology  9. Labour believes that new technology can have profoundly beneficial economic and social consequences including the creation of new jobs and skills, increased productivity, improved services and better working conditions. Negative consequences of new technology can include job losses and reduction in levels of skill.  10. The major concern about the introduction of new technology is its effect on employment. Labour regards the introduction of new technology resulting in signficant productivity improvements or job losses as a matter for negotiation between employers and unions. The Industrial Relations Policy contains other relevant points.  11. Labour will establish a new technology monitoring unit to obtain and analyse information on new technology developments and their social impact in New Zealand and overseas.  12. Labour will facilitate improved public understanding of new technology by encouraging unions, employers and technical experts to take part in public discussions on the likely effects of new technology introduction in particular industries.  13. Labour will ensure that specific vocational training courses are provided to encourage the creative and productive uses ofnew technology.  SOCIAL SERVICES POLICY  Principles -  1. Labour sees the social services playing an important part in social development and the maintenance of individual, family and community well-being. Labour will require services to be reformed so that they are comprehensive, integrated and equitably distributed. They will:  (a) contribute to social development by offering support to ordinary people:  (b) support mutual aid, self help and activities which will prevent problems in community living.  (c) provide information about services and entitlements.  (d) assure groups with special dependency needs of a basic level of care and aid necessary to support them in the community or if necessary in substitute living arrangements (e.g. frail aged, handicapped, incapacitated).  2. Labour's urgent priorities are:  (a) the strengthening of support services for families.  (b) the efficient resource use and delivery of social services in the community.  (c) a comprehensive review of Social Security Beneits.  LABOUR'S PLAN  Strengthening of support services for families  3. Most New Zealand families at some stage go through a period of difficulty. Stress factors may include unemployment, illness, accident, financial difficulties, or death. Labour believes families in difficulties should be able to seek supportor advice, easily and without difficulty or embarrassment.  4. Labour will therefore:  (a) ensure that sound helpful information is available from well-publicised sources, including the Social Welfare Department and voluntary support services.  (b) ensure that state and voluntary support services are strengthened in terms of training, staffing, -and/or funding, where this is deemed urgent, and within resources available.  (c) ensure that other community assistance and support to families (such as quality child care for emergencies, home aid services, budget advice, etc.) is as widely available as possible.  (d) boost support services for those caring for dependents such as the handicapped and the elderly. This will include the provision of home help where a need is shown and of relief carers to provide a break for those who care for dependents.  (e) low income families will derive benefit from other Labour policies (e.g. free visits to GP's for children and proposed tax reform).  Strengthening of support for children  5. Children are the future of New Zealand, and many state and voluntary agencies are offering high standard quality care for children. However, areas of reform are still much needed.  6. The Children and Young Persons Act will be reviewed, and if necessary amended, to ensure a sensitive legislative framework for the paramount interests of children, for example the recognition of foster parents as a legitimate party to legal proceedings, involving children in long term care is in the child's interests.  7. Voluntary foster caring of children will be encouraged, by providing, as far as possible, all essential and reasonable costs of caring for foster children (regularly adjusted), by the recruitment of foster parents from all sections of New Zealand society, including from amongst the Maori and Pacific Island communities, and by ensuring that training and support services are freely available to all foster parents.  Matua Whangai will continue to be supported.  8. The intensive foster care schemes will be maintained and expanded.  9. There will be a prompt review of the status and conditions of Social Welfare Family Home parents; and staffing levels and conditions at Social Welfare institutions.  10. Labour will establish, on a pilot basis, a flexible scheme of fostering with a view to adoption, particularly for older children, or those with special needs, with appropriate support services.  11. Labour supports the Salvation Army's campaign for the appointment of Testamentary Guardians for children.  Efficient resource use and delivery  12. Labour believes that efficient use of resources includes adequate research, planning, monitoring and review procedures, as well as overall co-ordination of state and voluntary activity within the resources available.  13. Labour will therefore:  (a) ensure that within the Department of Social Welfare, proper emphasis is given to staff support, research and planning techniques.  (b) aim to foster administration which is flexible and decentralized.  (c) ensure that training of all Departmental staff who are approached by consumers of social services is adequate to ensure prompt, courteous service, and disclosure of appropriate entitlement.  (d) affirm fully the valuable contribution made by voluntary organisations, and the need to ensure that essential services are not diminished by inadequate state support, nor duplicated by inadequate consultation or planning.  (e) ensure that sound helpful information is available from well-publicised sources, including the Social Welfare Department and voluntary support services.  (f) recognise that good social workers are vital to effective social services and that social workers cannot perform at their best with overwhelming workloads or inadequate back-up services and without proper provision for training and refresher courses.  14. A high priority in Labour's social services programme will be the provision of opportunities for local initiative and problem solving to assist in the development of strong communities. Labour believes that both central and local government have a responsibility to facilitate community development.  15. Labour will:  * encourage new locally based initiatives for community projects. Proposals will be received and evaluated with support provided where they meet the established criteria.  * set up a system of social auditing to assess the social impact of any future major development and legislation.  Income Support  16. Labour's Income Support policy aims to provide, particularly through a mixture of taxation reform and social services, both support and security for those who are unable, in whole or in part, to provide or sustain adequate living standards for themselves or their families, whether they are in the workforce or not.  17. Labour believes that there is an urgent need for reform in both the current social welfare benefit structure, which is riddled with unfair anomalies and mechanisms which discourage independence, and also in the taxation system which has in recent years been altered to advantage particularly those on higher incomes.  18. The Labour Government will set up an urgent and comprehensive review of all SOcial Security benefits to be undertaken by a Royal Commission of Inquiry, which shall be directed to travel widely throughout New Zealand, to allow maximum participation by all those interested or concerned.  19. The Commission's terms of reference will include an examination of the present structure and current anomalies, and changes considered desirable in the structure, coverage and administration of current monetary benefits and supplementary assistance, costing of reforms recommended, and the relationship of social security benefits to other mechanisms of income support such as taxation. The Commission will be informed as an instruction that the basic National Superannuation structure is to remain.  20. Labour will ensure that competent and adequate support staff will be made available, to both assist the Commission, and to assist and encourage individuals or groups who wish to make submissions.  21. Labour accepts that it is unlikely that the work of such a Commission could be completed in less than 12 months.  Therefore because of the urgent need to sustain individuals and families currently dependent on social security benefits and supplementary assistance, Labour will take a number of interim steps.  (a) the current level of all basic benefits will be urgently reviewed.  (b) the current benefit abatement levels which actively penalise many beneficiaries, will be urgently reviewed.  (c) the rates rebate scheme will be urgently reviewed.  Any other interim measures will be considered in the light of resources currently available.  War Pensions  22. Labour believes that war pensions and other war entitlements are a recognition by the community of service to the nation by servicemen and women.  23. The next Labour government in consultation with the NZ RSA and other concerned organisation as such as the Prisoner of War Association will arrange for a review of all war pension legislation and procedures, including entitlement.  24. All former servicemen and women who have served overseas as a member of the New Zealand Forces or in any war, emergency, or similar service will be eligible as of right for a War Service Pension as an alternative to National Superannuation when they reach the age of 60.  25. Labour will amend the War Pensions Act to provide subsidised medical services for all New Zealand and Allied Prisoners of War now resident in New Zealand.  26. Labour will ensure that a Commission of Inquiry will be set up to fully investigate the health problems experienced by Vietnam veterans attributable to exposure to the toxic defoliant Agent Orange.  27. All War Service Pensioners and War Veterans will continue to be eligible for the age supplement at the age of65 and on their death their widows will be entitled to the appropriate gratuity.  28. Levels of War Service, War Veteran's, War Widow's and related economic pensions will be maintained equivalent to the net rate of National Superannuation. The current concessions and the eligibility for additional benefit will be continued. Disabled pensioners and war widows will continue as of right to draw their tax-free pensions.  SMALL BUSINESS POLICY  Principles -  1. Labour strongly believes that a cornerstone of New Zealand's survival as a free democratic society is the economic strength of the small business sector. Small businesses constitute 90% of the New Zealand commercial community. They provide 70% of the jobs. Small businesses are the principal source of the enterprise, marketing flexibility and - most important - employment opportunities the country desperately needs during the 1980s.  2. Labour recognises the need for specific support and assistance to small business by:  (a) working to correct the inequities created by past policies and actions, and  (b) introducing an integrated economic policy and investment programme to ensure that small businesses reach their economic potential.  Labour's Plan  3. Labour will enquire into the role, needs and development of small business. A data base will be established for small business, including adequate statistics and regular updating.  4. Labour will co-ordinate research activity, contract out specific research projects and encourage existing institutions to conduct more extensive research for small business. Small business will be encouraged to participate in or establish joint research and development departments. Labour will also increase the value of the Applied Technology Grant, covering industrial research and development.  5. Labour will introduce taxation reform to ensure a more equitable incidence and the removal of many present anomalies in the areas of provisional taxation. Much tougher action will be taken on tax avoidance and evasion.  6. Labour will review the entire sales tax field, especially the tax on machinery and small parts, in order to remove the distortions and extra costs which particularly affect the small business.  7. Labour will provide greater access to finance for all business purposes at fair rates of interest especially through the DFC, by encouraging it to borrow on the open market for on lending to small business on an equity or debt basis.  8. Labour will encourage consolidated export freight services for small businesses at improved FCL loadings rather than LCLs.  9. Labour will improve services from EXGO and the Export/Import Corporation for small business.  10. Labour will encourage small businesses to form consortiums to enable them to undertake both domestic and export contracts that their individual size would normally preclude them from tackling.  11. Labour will encourage the development of industrial estates in which businesses, including small businesses, can share a wide range of services and facilities.  * 12. Labour is committed to protecting small and medium businesses from anti-competitive practices.  13. Labour will give smaller companies fair opportunity to tender for government contracts.  14. Small businesses contributing to the New Zealand Superannuation Scheme will be given appropriate priority for access to investment capital.  15. The cost of freight over Cook Strait for small South Island manufacturing businesses will be reduced. (See Transport Policy.)  16. The Labour Government will, through its own purchasing, provide stimulation to smaller businesses.  Management Assistance  17. Many small businesses suffer because they cannot afford more sophisticated training in business and marketing skills. The next Labour Government will ensure access to those services.  18. Labour will ensure that the Small Business Agency is expanded and its resources developed. The agency's operations will be extended into the provincial centres.  19. Labour will develop a new concept to utilise the experience of business people in the community. A government supported network of "small business consultants" will work on contract to give practical management guidance and advice to young and small business ventures.  20. Labour is determined to cut down on unnecessary red tape. A special "one stop shop" will be created at the relevant government departments for small businesses so they can collect all relevant information, forms and guides relating to government assistance or requirements.  21. Labour will conduct "red tape" audits to ensure small and medium businesses are not weighed down by unnecessary or time consuming procedures or delays. Forms will be co-ordinated and standardised wherever possible. Returns for customs, excise and sales tax, will be required less frequently than at present.  PRINCIPLES  STATE SERVICES POLICY  Labour recognises the importance of the state sector in the economic and social development of New Zealand.  Labour sees several key roles for state initiatives:  (a) providing services in cases where the price mechanism cannot function or is inappropriate.  (b) intervening to alleviate the decline or collapse of pivotal industries.  (c) countering the influence of multi-national corporations.  (d) creating employment.  (e) providing research, development and advisory services, particularly in areas of new initiative which could substantially benefit the community either socially or economically in the future.  LABOUR'S PLAN  3-  4.  The Labour Government will support and encourage a strong, efficient and creative state sector. Labour will initiate and implement through consultation with employees directly affected and through public discussion, new ideas for improving services, increasing efficiency and, where appropriate, lifting profitability.  Labour has no plans to sell off any publicly owned concerns.  Whenever a competent state workforce is available, Labour will use it in preference to letting out contracts to private operators.  Labour will abolish the "sinking lid" policy.  Labour will ensure that state employees have appropriate managerial flexibility and that increased public accountability for the actions of government departments are promoted within the framework  of the doctrine of ministerial responsibility.  Industrial Relations, Wages and Conditions of Employment  9. The Labour Government will be absolutely committed to consultation and fair negotiation with its employees. Labour also believes the Government as an employer has a social responsibility to set an example to the private sector by leading the way in the improvement of working conditions.  10. Government-union consultation or negotiations on general incomes, prices or wage-bargaining policy will include representation from the state sector unions.  11. All repressive and provocative industrial penalties and provisions will be repealed, including Part V11A of the State Services Conditions of Employment Act.  Pay Fixing  12. The Labour Government will negotiate with state sector unions to revise the legislation concerned with State pay fixing so that it once more provides a pay fixing mechanism which is based on the results of the Royal Commission and is fair to both panics.  Conditions of Employment  13. The next Labour Government will remove anomalies in the conditions of employment within the state services.  14. Labour will implement a system of permanent part-time employment in the state services. Wherever possible, temporary staff employees will be placed on the permanent staff.  15. Provision will be made for temporary and casual employees to have .appeal rights or grievance procedures in respect of any penalties imposed for disciplinary purposes.  16. Labour will recognise the right of employees to paid leave for trade union education and training courses.  17. Labour will ensure that improvements to the Government Superannuation Scheme are implemented consistent with the resources of the Fund and after negotiation with the state sector unions.  18. Labour will explore ways of facilitating the transfer of personnel between various branches of the State Services.  19. Consistent with the merit provisions of the State Services Act Labour will encourage and facilitate the recruitment of members of minority groups into the Public Service.  TOURISM AND VISITOR POLICY  THE LABOUR PLAN  1. Labour will develop a global marketing strategy that links tourism with trade. New Zealand will be marketed as a land which has a clean environment, is peaceful and nuclear-free, has good wholesome foods and is a multi-cultural society. Labour recognises that tourism can quickly and effectively create new jobs and conserve overseas funds.  2. A marketing plan will be developed for the tourist industry based on research targeted at the areas of greatest potential for growth - North America, Japan, Australia, Europe and the ASEAN nations. The plan will establish the needs of potential tourists, the means by which these needs can be met in New Zealand and how visitors will be attracted sector by sector. The plan will be developed in consultation with the tourist industry, the trade unions, and the Tourist and Publicity Department. It will take into account the need to plan a labour market programme of job training.  Tourist Promotion  3. The Labour Government will develop a more active and innovative system of promotion of New Zealand overseas by New Zealand travel commissioners, in conjunction with the Minister of Trade and Marketing. Promotion will be undertaken where market research shows potential. A programme of affirmative action will be developed to ensure that there is a better balance of people representing New Zealand abroad, including some Maori and Pacific Island travel commissioners.  4. Tourist interests will be represented on Labour's New Zealand Market Development Board.  5. Producer boards will be encouraged to participate in this global marketing strategy through, for example, the sponsorship of New Zealand sporting teams and individuals.  6. New Zealanders who travel overseas will be encouraged to be "travel ambassadors". Sports teams and individual sportspeople, manufacturers, scientists, trade union representatives and delegates to overseas conferences will be offered resources to take with them so that they can encourage their overseas counterparts to visit New Zealand.  7. Labour will encourage marae committees and Maori land incorporations to take a lead in the develop. ment of tourism.  The Tourist and Publicity Department  8. Labour will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of re-organising the Tourist and Publicity Department as a Tourist Commission to better promote the industry.  Labour will also investigate, in consultation with the industry, ways of developing an independent and permanent source of funds to assist the promotion of tourism.  Tourist Advisory Council  9. Labour will ensure that trade unionists, women, Maori and Pacific Island people are represented on the Tourist Advisory Council.  Tourist Hotel Corporation  10. Labour will permit the Tourist Hotel Corporation to expand into urban areas and develop a balance of urban and rural properties.  The Corporation will be encouraged to continue intra-industry co-operation~both in New Zealand and in the South Pacific.  11. Companies that seek to operate barter deals for travel and accommodation will be encouraged where these activities benefit New Zealand.  Transport  12. Airport authorities will be required to ensure that international air facilities achieve improved passenger clearance times.  13. In order to attract more visitors to the South Island, Labour will investigate a fare structure which encourages an overseas visitor to arrive in Auckland and leave from Christchurch.  Holidays for New Zealanders  14. Labour will encourage Government departments, agencies and private operators to target holiday packages, especially during off~peak periods to New Zealanders and their families.  15. Labour will initiate a "See New Zealand first" campaign, which will include support foc  (a) family-priced accommodation in tourist areas.  (b) moves by trade unions and other associations to provide accommodation for their members.  (c) expansion of Youth Hostel Association scheme.  (d) expansion of the walkway system.  (e) the concept of staggered holidays.  Tourlsn In the Regions  16. Labour will help local and regional authorities and private operators to develop tourist attractions ir the regions.  * The present restrictions on local Government involvement in holiday and tourist facilities will be removed.  * Tourist projects in regional development areas will qualify for regional development assistance.  17. Labour will also encourage, through private or public sponsorship, the further development of ski-ing resources.  18. Labour will promote the concept of "home visits", especially in the rural communities.  19. Labour will encourage maximum recruitment from local communities in the staffmg of tourist facilities.  Festivals and Entertainment  20. Labour will vigorously promote New Zealand as:  * a site for festivals and international sports events.  * a centre for world conferences.  * a venue for world class artists and performers.  21. Labour recognises that New Zealand films and records played overseas are valuable advertisements for this country. Therefore the next Labour government will actively promote local film-making and the New Zealand record industry.  22. Labour will work with Maori and Pacific Island people to foster the promotion and appreciation of Maori and Pacific Island culture. After consultation with the Maori people and women, Labour will seek to prevent the sale of souvenirs which are considered either racist or sexist.  New Zealand Foods  23. Labour will promote the use of New Zealand foods through industry training programmes and publicity. The producer boards will be encouraged to take the lead in this matter.  Air New Zealand will be instructed to promote New Zealand foods and wines.  Licensing Laws  24. The Labour Minister of Tourism will present to Parliament the views of the tourist industry on licensing laws, so that any free vote will be taken in full knowledge of these views.  Shopping  25. If a case for Sunday trading is made by the tourist industry, Labour undertakes to consult fully with the trade unions and business interests involved before any change to the current law on Sunday trading is considered, even on a very restricted basis.  Overseas Involvement In Tourism  26. Labour welcomes worthwhile overseas investment which brings skills and visitors that New Zealand's tourist industry cannot generate or provide on its own. However overseas interests will not have access to funds or assets that are denied to local investors.  27. Labour will ensure that the Department of Trad&and Industry carries out regular price surveillance of air fares to assist the international competitiveness of New Zealand as a tourist destination.  Environment  28. Labour will ensure that communities considering tourism a potential environmental threat will have the right to request environmental impact reports when major tourist developments are proposed.  29. New Zealand's many unique and endangered natural assets must be preserved and protected. Labour opposes the alienating of public resources and lands to private enterprise and will insist that local interests, particularly Maori interests, are fully consulted.  30. Labour will support the protection of historic places and, where suitable, their promotion as tourist attractions.  31. Labour will support the better and more descriptive sign-posting of scenic locations. This should include the interpretation of Maori place-names.  TRADE AND MARKETING POLICY  The Problem  1. New Zealand's life-blood is its export trade - and a very high percentage of New Zealand's overseas income still comes from a largely production-orientated farming sector. Changes in our overseas markets and related marketing problems have outpaced the essential shift from an approach based on increasing production to one meeting the needs of consumers. There is also slow progress in maximising the profitability of our produce and little attempt to successfully co-ordinate, to the country's advantage, the diverse ways in which New Zealand and its products are sold overseas.  The Solution  2. Labour will establish a global marketing strategy which will cover the long-term needs of both the consumer and the market place. We will seek greater access for our products as part of a vigorous marketing campaign.  THE LABOUR PLAN  The Minister of Overseas Trade and Marketing  3. Labour will re-organise and strengthen government structures which have a responsibility for overseas trade and marketing.  As part of this re-organisation the next Labour Government will appoint a Minister of Overseas Trade and Marketing who will be responsible for co-ordinating New Zealand's marketing effort. The Minister will work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the producer boards, the marketing sections of universities and the private sector. The Minister will head a restructured department.  4. The Minister will consult with other Ministers on the means of strengthening the marketing divisions of those government departments concerned with export production to ensure that they are "market" not "production" oriented.  New Zealand Market Development Board  5. The Minister of Overseas Trade and Marketing will establish the NZ Market Development Board which will comprise representatives of producer boards, manufacturing exporters, the Manufacturers' Federation, the Export Institute, tourist interests, and the Federation of Labour. This important Board will, for the first time, bring together all New Zealand groups representing exporting interests. The purpose of the Board will be to assist the Government to develop a global marketing strategy.  6. Labour will ensure that new and existing overseas trade posts are staffed by experienced marketing people, some of whom will be drawn from the private sector. Where suitable, "Display Shops" of New Zealand produce and manufactured tourist goods will be established.  7. Labour will open new trade posts, strengthen existing posts and open branch offices to reflect changing market opportunities. Decisions will be based on market research that identifies the greatest opportunities for growth in New Zealand exports.  Additional posts will be established in some secondary centres. Labour will negotiate with the Export Institute, Manufacturers' Federation, producer boards and tourist interests to help fund, establish and staff a new form of New Zealand representation. For example, exporters will be given the opportunity to open trade posts in their own right, assisted by Government.  8. Labour sees great value for New Zealand in using our sports people and international personalities to promote New Zealand as a place of healthy wholesome foods and as an attractive, enviromentally clean tourist destination. Accordingly, we will enlist the support of these New Zealanders to promote our country and its products.  9. Labour will extend its export thrust into the world by taking better advantage of trade fairs and missions. We will ensure that tourist interests and trade unions are represented at appropriate missions and fairs.  "Added Value"  10. Labour will develop, in consultation with the private sector, industry plans for export sectors such as horticulture, forestry and fishing. The plans will include means of "adding value" by further processing before export, details of necessary investment, and future markets.  Concepts that add value will receive high priority.  The Producer Boards  11. Labour will enter into negotiation with the producer boards to ensure that:  * they introduce modern, innovative and creative management systems.  * marketing is given greater emphasis.  * representatives of appropriate trade unions are appointed  Adequate servicing will be provided for the producer boards. -  Labour Market Policy  12. Labour believes that there should be a carefully planned programme of education and training based on our projected marketing needs. There should also be full use made of all people with marketing experience.  Therefore Labour will:  (a) consult the University Grants Committee, technical institutes, trade training and marketing personnel, with a view to the establishment and expansion of appropriate programmes, such as student exchanges with major trading partners such as Japan  (b) ensure regular exchange of personnel between producer boards, the Department of Trade and Marketing, departments of marketing at universities and private enterprise.  13. In conjunction with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and the University Grants Committee, scholarships will be established to enable Maoris and New Zealand Pacific Islanders to attend university in order to obtain relevant qualifications. They will be called "Kupe Scholarships". Labour believes that Maoris and New Zealand Pacific Islanders can make a valuable contribution with great commercial benefit to New Zealand in trade and tourism development.  There are no Maori or New Zealand Pacific Islanders in senior trade or travel posts. This affirmative action will assist New Zealand over the long term.  New Zealand Foods  14. Labour will encourage the development of New Zealand cuisine. For example, Air New Zealand will be encouraged to give priority to New Zealand food.  Labour will co-operate with the producer boards to encourage the overseas marketing of New Zealand food. The fast food chains in the United States will be a particular target.  Investment Strategy  15. Labour will develop a strategy to promote investment in production, exports, tourism, the added value economy and sunrise industries.  Labour's economic policies will encourage exporting and import replacements. Efficient producers will be able to boost their earnings and benefit from increasingly competitive costs.  The investment strategy will make finance availabri to sectors and industries with comprehensive development and investment plans offering substantial natio~ia1 benefits. Industries with growth potential tourism, primary product processing, horticu1ture~rocessing and marketing - will be prime candidates for assistance.  Export Import Corporation  16. Labour believes that the Export-Import Corporation must be adequately funded and should be given  wider powers to raise loan finance, enter into the "counter purchase" trade and work more closely with the centrally planned economies.  Food Mountains and the Trade War  17. Labour will seek a conference, through international forums, to discuss ways to redress the balance between food surpluses in some parts of the world and starving people in some third-world countries.  EEC  18. Labour will continue New Zealand's struggle to keep our European markets, through a diplomatic offensive against the Common Agricultural Policy. The political strategy will be developed in consultation with the trade unions, the heavy industry groups and consumer representatives.  CER  19. The Labour Government will reserve the right to re-negotiate those parts of the CER agreement that may cause material damage to New Zealand employment and investment.  GATT  20. Labour will use every international forum to fight against agricultural protectionism. We will also make every effort to protect New Zealand enterprise if our trading partners break the GATT rules or fail to adhere to its principles.  21. The Labour Government will set up a Select Committee on Trade and Marketing, in recognition of the importance of trade and marketing as a key element in our international relations.  TRANSPORT POLICY  The Problem  1. Our 3.2 million people are spread unevenly through almost 2,000 kilornetres of latitude on islands of rugged and difficult terrain. Moreover, New Zealand's exports are largely bulky and often perishable seasonal commodities and our principal markets remain at the other end of the world.  2. It follows that an efficient transport system for both passengers and freight within New Zealand and abroad is important to quality of life essential to economic viability.  3. Yet the present transport system is un-coordinated, often outmoded, inefficient and prohibitively expensive to operate and maintain.  4. The National Government's policies have caused chaos in transport. The National Government has applied simplistic slogans such as 'let the market decide' to complex transport issues. The market place cannot meet the legitimate needs of the country. The whole community needs access to transport, the elderly, the young, those who live in remote areas, in growth areas, the exporter and the manufacturer. The Government has a vital role to play.  s. The Solution  Labour's solution to the current transport mess is based on the belief that transport is a single entity, with all modes of transport carrying out essential and often complimentary functions; that the cost to the user of transport services should be the real cost of resources involved; that uneconomic duplication of transport modes should be avoided; and that Government involvement should be limited to ensuring that social, environmental and regional development objectives are met within a framework of rigorous cost restraints.  6. The Labour Plan  Labour, accepting that Government has a major role in laying down guidelines within which different transport modes will operate has positive, practical plans to restructure the New Zealand transport system.  7. Labour is convinced of the urgent and continuing need to utilise the advantages of the various modes in the interests of regional and the nation's development to ensure items of export from primary to secondary industries are placed on world markets at competitive prices, and to balance internal costs and prices. Labour has specific policies to improve the co-ordination of transport, to revitalise New Zealand Railways, to improve regional air services, and to restructure New Zealand's ports system.  The Coordination of Transport  8. The next Labour Government will abolish the Transport Advisory Council. Its replacement, the New Zealand Transport Council, will be charged with co-ordinating the use of transport modes most effectively in the interests of regional and the nation's development. The Council will ensure a smooth transition to the use of indigenous fuels, in line with Labour's policy of achieving self-sufficiency in liquid fuels.  RAILWAYS  9. The next Labour Government will ensure the revitalisation of Railways and its services - the backbone of the nation's transport system - by providing adequate financial resources and facilities.  9A The Labour Government will hold an enquiry into the Booz-Allen report seeking the views of unions, management, users and government. The enquiry ~'ill be empowered to examine all relevant issues.  10. The next Labour Government will vigorously examine the impact of deregulation and will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that rail remains the number one long distance freight hauler.  11. The Railways Corporation will be given every encouragement to provide the most efficient and economic service possible. Labour will proceed with the electrification of the main North Island trunk line. Further electrification of the railway network will be investigated, along with a study of the use of alternative fuels for railway locomotives.  12. The next Labour Government will appoint workers' representatives to the Railways Board and all other transport boards.  13. Labour believes that it is not in the public interest to sell to private investors taxpayer owned public transport.  14. Labour endorses the concept of re-organising freight acceptance and delivery points into strategically located freight centres so that Railways will be better placed to increase service frequencies, improve wagon utiisation and hold rates.  15. Labour will authorise the Corporation to proceed, as a matter of priority, with a programme of workshop redevelopment to expand the local production of rolling stock and locomotives.  In circumstances where rail would be the most economic transport mode but in which private siding facilities are absent or inadequate, Labour will consider making grants to provide up to 50 per cent of the capital cost of providing loading or unloading facilities.  South Island Freight Assistance  17. The next Labour Government, recognising that South Island manufacturers have been seriously disadvantaged in their efforts to sell to the whole New Zealand market, will investigate incorporating the Iron Bridge concept into inter-island rail freight charges for approved category of northward bound manufactured goods. Any specific cost difference will be the subject of a special South Island Freight Assistance Grant from the Consolidated Fund to the Railways Corporation.  18. Labour believes that, with many railway wagons returning empty from the South Island, existing freight users should be offered a specially reduced rate. The Corporation will be requested to investigate such a scheme.  19. Labour undertakes to upgrade and extend both Wellington and Auckland rail commuter services. The objective will be to minimise roading expenditure and the cost of travel by private transport while maximising the patronage of public transport services.  20. The next Labour Government will fund New Zealand Railways with sufficient capital grants and loans for modern plant, railway stock and facilities to ensure that the Corporation is equal to the demands made upon it.  Rail Passenger Services  21. Labour believes that rail passenger transport provides a much needed service. The present rail passenger services are run-down, inadequately financed and not vigorously managed or marketed.  22. Labour will create a separate Railways Passenger Division. The new Passenger Division will administer commuter services, long distance passenger rail services and Railway buses. The new Passenger Division will bring greater co-ordination and efficiency to Railways passenger services. Railway passenger service will be the subject of an intense marketing effort.  The financial procedures of the New Zealand Railway Passenger Division must be brought into line with modern financial and budgetry control techniques to ensure that efficiencies in both commuter and long distance rail passenger transport are maximised.  24. The Railways Corporation will be authorised to restore the "Silver Star" as a prestige Main Trunk passenger service, and to recondition obsolete passenger stock. The possibility of restoring railcar services and introducing a computerised reservation system for NZR rail, road and ferry passenger services will be investigated.  25. Labour will act on its conviction that the New Zealand Railways has the expertise in freight handling to compete with freight forwarding organisations. Railways management will re-organise certain goods establishments as freight terminals, incorporated into a Railways ownedloperated freight forwarding organisation.  26. Labour will extend and improve existing training courses for Railways personnel.  27. Labour recognises that an efficient rail network is essential to Regional Development growth. Consequently Railways will continue to receive payments from the Consolidated Fund to maintain branch line and passenger trains.  28. Labour will embark on a long term curve and grade easement programme which will improve transit lines fbr goods and passengers, and reduce operating costs.  ROAD TRANSPORT  29. Labour believes the primary role of road transport is as a feeder service to established rail routes and  the regional rail freight centres to be established. While endorsing the short haul role of road transport, Labour recognises some exceptions.  30. Labour acknowledges the inequities, enforcement difficulties and high administrative costs of the road user charges system. Labour will evaluate and implement any viable proposal to tax fuel at source as an alternative system to road user charges. Labour believes that all road users must meet their full costs of using the roads.  31. The Labour Government will review the effects of the National Government's licensing changes in road transport to ensure, firstly, that there is no lowering of safety standards, secondly that there is no undermining of conditions of work in the industry, and thirdly that the regions continue to receive a good road service.  Labour is concerned that the law regarding the carriage of hazardous goods by road is not adequate, that the law regarding overloading is not enforced and the law regarding road user charges is widely evaded.  Labour will, if appropriate, amend the law to ensure that conditions of work are maintained, safety standards are not compromised and operators do not evade road user tax or weight restrictions.  Urban Transport Services  32. Labour believes that particular priority should be given to the maintenance and upgrading of public transport services where a social contract to do so effectively exists. Priority should be given to regions where Government originally undertook a principal responsibility for housing developments and sought to attract people to them through provision of cheap transport services.  33. Labour will repeal those provisions of the Urban Transport Act which provide for the staged withdrawal from previously accepted Government responsibilities in urban transport. Labour will review the work and responsibilities of the National Roads Board and the Railways Corporation with a view to co-ordinating planning, funding, and decision-making between local authorities and transport authorities and ensuring that in all cases the best mix of transport modes for a region is selected.  34. Labour believes that an extensive and vigorous campaign involving market research should be undertaken to promote the use of urban public passenger services as a matter of priority.  35. Labour will introduce specific measures to encourage and promote urban transport services which will be referred to the Transport Council for consideration. The provision of a system of grants for specific urban transport services where an established regional development or social needs exists, will be integrated with Labour's Railway policy.  36. Labour is prepared to explore and to experiment with any viable alternatives to encourage the increased patronage of urban transport services. Labour will evaluate, for example, dial-a-ride systems, the reduction of fares on selected routes, tax deductibility of fares for travel to and from the workplace on public transport, new railway loop systems, further car pooling experiments, special school holiday concessions, the provision of creche facilities for shoppers at central railway stations, and the upgrading of existing transport concessions for senior citizens.  SHIPPING AND MARITIME  37. Labour, which set up the New Zealand Shipping Corporation, believes that Government must actively encourage the development of a New Zealand shipping industry. Labour will, therefore, work with the New Zealand Shipping Corporation and New Zealand controlled shipping companies to further extend New Zealand owned shipping services. In light of the United Nations' Treaty which states that "Every nation should be allowed to carry up to 40% of its own trade in its own vessels" this country as a maritime trading nation must develop its own commercial competitive merchant fleet.  38. In the interests of regional development, Labour will encourage the shipping lines serving New Zealand's import and export trade to use, for conventional ships, existing facilities to secondary ports. Labour will relume negotiations initiated by the Third Labour Government in 1975.  39. The next Labour Government will give positive support to the full participation of Shipping Cor  poration and/or New Zealand owned shipping companies' representatives in freight rate negotiations where appropriate.  40. Labour will investigate the need for a regular roll-on/roll-off shipping service around the New Zealand coast.  41. The next Labour Government will review coastal and inter-island shipping services. In particular Labour will investigate to see if retention of a fourth Picton-Wellington rail ferry is needed, and further, whether an additional car/passenger ferry is feasible between Wellington and Lyttelton.  42. Labour will restructure the New Zealand Ports Authority as a Maritime Commission. The Commission will be charged with:  (a) fostering an efficient and integrated ports system, including amalgamation of harbour boards where desirable.  (b) recommending to harbour authorities common services and the joint purchase of specialised items of plant and equipment where applicable.  43. Labour acknowledges that shipping lines such as ABC, which have, unlike the Shipping Corporation, remained outside the Conference, have a role to play in keeping export shipping rates down. Labour believes this matter should be kept under constant review.  AVIATION  General  44. The Labour Government will review the effects of the National Government's delicensing of aviation to ensure, firstly, that there is no lowering of safety standards and, secondly, that New Zealand's provincial towns continue to receive good aviation service. Labour will, if appropriate, amend the law to ensure that pilot and passenger safety standards are not compromised.  Third Level Services  45. Labour endorses, in line with the principle of minimising resource costs, the concept of third level operators providing regional services unsuited to Air New Zealand domestic fleet aircraft types.  46. Labour will investigate the feasibility of a joint Air New Zealand/third level operator holding company.  47. Labour favours Air New Zealand's domestic operations maintaining regular and convenient air services at the lowest possible cost to users on those routes most suited to the airline's aircraft types.  Airports  48. ~Labour recognises that capital expenditure funds are limited and endorses the principles that airport facilities should not be duplicated where additions have low priority in relation to other capital expenditure demands, and also add to the total cost of transport services in New Zealand.  49. Labour is opposed to selling off Air New Zealand to private interests.  50. Labour will investigate re-organising Air New Zealand into a Public Corporation to operate under its own Act of Parliament with specific provision being included for:  (a) the audit of Air New Zealand accounts by the Auditor-General.  (b) power of ministerial direction to ensure the new Corporation establishes and operates, or continues to maintain any air service or section of an air service specified by the Minister.  (c) prevention of the sale of shares in Air New Zealand to private interests.  (d) the funding of any services thought to be necessary for reasons of regional development or social need, which do not meet usual commercial criteria to be met through grants for specific services.  Regional Development  51. Labour re-affirms that New Zealand's internal air services must be maintained. Labour's regional development policies demand the maintenance of such services to provide for the expansion of freight and passenger loadings that will result from a restoration of economic activity through New Zealand.  TRANSPORT TO REMOTE AREAS/OUTLYING ISLANDS  52. Labour recognises that continued uncertainties about the provision of future transport services have  inhibited development in New Zealand's more remote districts and on outlying islands, including Stewart, Great Barrier, and the Chatham Islands. Therefore, Labour will ensure that adequate air and sea services, as appropriate, are provided at the most economic cost.  THE TAXI INDUSTRY  53. New Zealand taxi services are an integral and important part of our public transport system. The energy situation demands the most efficient use of various modes of travel and taxis provide an essential link in this chain.  54. Labour affirms that the existing taxi licensing system will be maintained and the Licensing Authorities will remain independent.  55. The next Labour Government will consult with the taxi industry to:  (a) provide Sales Tax relief on vehicles that are equipped to make them distinct from private motor cars.  (b) provide access to capital for vehicle replacement, on a similar basis to other forms of urban transport.  (c) ensure safety standards for drivers.  (d) encourage conversion to LPG and/or CNG by existing taxi fleets.  (e) review the system of fare fixing; the advantages and disadvantages of moving from centralised control towards a regional concept; and a possible code of service and conduct for the taxi industry, including disciplinary provisions for drivers and licences.  ROAD SAFETY  56. Labour will extend and improve practical measures to combat a road accident rate which remains at unacceptable high levels. Labour is particularly concerned at the large part alcohol impairment plays in road accidents and the high accident involvement of young drivers. Accordingly, particular emphasis will be given to the strengthening of existing alcohol impairment education and awareness campaigns.  57. As a matter of priority, Labour will:  (a) provide an adequate and consistent level of support for the Alcohol Liquor Advisory Council that has been poorly funded by the National Government.  (b) extend and strengthen Ministry of Transport road safety education programmes in primary schools.  (c) strongly promote adult defensive driving courses on a regular refresher course basis.  (d) review and upgrade existing driver training and licensing procedures for new drivers with a view to ensuring that all prospective vehicle licence holders are fully aware of the dangers of driving and alcohol impairment as part of an improved licence testing procedure.  (e) extend and strengthen the deployment of 'alcohol impaired driver' squads.  (f) strongly promote a continued advertising campaign against drinking and driving in association with a strengthening of Ministry of Transport alcohol blitzes.  (g) increase the numbers of traffic officers deployed during 'at risk' periods, and in high accident rate areas.  58. Labour will, in addition to specific measures designed to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of the campaign against drinking and driving:  (a) promote and encourage the fitting of vehicle child restraints which comply with standards set by the New Zealand Standard Association.  (b) consider changes to the motor insurance system with the aim of reducing premiums and eliminating costly litigation.  WOMEN'S POLICY  Labour recognises that there is still active and implicit discrimination in all areas of New Zealand women's lives. Labour will play a leading role in achieving equality for women; economic equality; soecial and cultural equality; and legal and political equality.  Economic Equality  2. Women already make a considerable contribution to the economic growth and development of New Zealand. However, a women's opportunities for full and equal participation are too often limited; employment and child care policies are particularly important in recognising the needs of women.  3. Labour will promote quality childcare by supporting:  (a) a range and diversity of early childhood care and education facilities, including playcentres, kindergartens, Te Kohanga Reo, community child care, family daycare, and industrial and educationally-based child care. Centres will be encouraged to provide flexible care patterns, including full day care and part day care, including care covering shift or night work and short term care and care of occasional or emergency use.  (b) after school care and holiday care for older children, particularly in existing school facilities.  4. Quality childcare will be adequately and flexibly funded. The range of assistance will include s~ .-y subsidies, equipment grants, establishment grants, staff training assistance, and direct support fr ~ow income families.  5. In order to promote quality childcare, Labour will ensure that those responsible for the care and education of children hay9 the right of access to training; fair remuneration and conditions of employment; and that community early childhood advisors are required to ensure the highest standards of care and education are maintained.  Training and Employment  6. Labour believes that women who wish to have access to the paid workforce and training, retraining and career opportunities, should have that right. Labour will therefore:  (a) promote more job sharing, flexible working hours, and part-time work opportunities, in both the public and private sectors.  (b) vigorously enforce and promote public awareness of the Equal Pay Act 1972.  (c) introduce affirmative action programmes within the public sector which will aim at active recruitment and promotion of women at all levels, and which will include:  1) provision of permanent part-time work and job sharing.  2) encouragement of women to attend management courses.  3) public sector apprenticeship and retraining schemes for women.  4) recognition of community and domestic experience, as well as other qualifications of job seekers.  5) women on every public sector appointment board.  (d) in consultation with the private sector, Labour will investigate affirmative action programmes which would ensure more equitable employment and promotion patterns for women in the private sector, and which would attract more women into the full range of apprenticeship, technician training, and other non-traditional careers.  (e) Labour will provide legislative protection for outworkers.  (f) Labour's training and retraining programmes will help women enter or re-enter all areas of the paid workforce. Women who have been in paid employment will receive the same employment, training and retraining rights and allowances as other displaced workers.  g) Labour will amend the Maternity Leave and Employment Protection Act.  1) to provide paid family leave for either parent for caring for dependents during sickness and emergencies.  2) to ensure that a woman hi a right to return to her job, and has speedy access to dispute procedures.  (h) Labour will:  1) investigate legislation to provide paid paternal leave for either parent at the time of childbirth or adoption.  2) support unpaid parental leave being available to either parent for a period of up to five years to care for each pre-schooler with the right of re-entry into the workforce with any necessary retraining.  (i) Labour will introduce legislation concerned with new technology developments:  1) Labour will monitor the introduction of computer terminals into homes as places of work, to protect wage rates and conditions. These controls, combined with the increased provision of child care centres, will ensure that the acceptance of home work by a person has been made from real choice, and that she will be free from exploitation by her employer.  2) Labour will provide for automatic eligibility for paid retraining of employees whose skills are displaced or downgraded by new technology.  Social and Cultural Equality  Home and Community  7. Women working in their homes, particularly those caring for children, the elderly or the disabled,  have been particularly hard hit by the present Government's economic mismanagement.  This is especially so for low income families. Labour will therefore:  (a) through tax and income support policies, ensure a fairer distribution of resources.  (b) through Social Welfare policy, boost support services for families in need, particularly for those caring for dependents such as the handicapped and the elderly.  (c) ensure that quality childcare is accessible at a reasonable price, for both occasional use and for times of family emergency.  (d) through Housing policy:  1) give priority to the housing needs of low income families, whether headed by one parent or two.  2) remove the Housing Corporation rule which inhibits a custodial parent from buying out the other partner's share of the family home.  3) encourage more sharing of houses, for example by beneficiaries.  4) Housing Allocation Committees will include women.  8. Labour recognises the present crucial role and contribution of women in many voluntary organisations, and will consider measures to reimburse expenses related to voluntary work, in particular for those voluntary organisations which assist in providing essential social services and employment.  9. Labour recognises the importance of communities, and local community initiative and will therefore ensure access for community groups to all suitable public buildings; the encouragement of "community centres" or "community houses" which can reflect the economic, cultural and recreational needs of women as well as other community demands, and the need for local and regional authorities to plan for community development which is more sensitive to the needs of women. Assistance will be given to local authorities to fund community development and recreation officers with special responsibility for women.  Education  10. In order to ensure educational equality of opportunity for women of all ages and the full development of human potential on a non-sexist basis, Labour will:  (a) take positive steps to free the education system from sexist language and attitudes.  (I,) ensure information is widely available on changing roles, life options and job opportunities for both women and men.  (c) reinstate the women's advisory position and the National Advisory Committee on Women and Education within the Education Department with expanded functions'and powers.  (d) enable the acceptance in school programmes that knowledge concerning human development and relationships is part of the growing, learning and sharing process.  (e) ensure that positions of responsibility are held by women commensurate with their representation in the relevant sector of the teaching professions and ensure that there will be at least one  (f) increase opportunities for life-long education.  (g) ensure that more childcare facilities are available at educational institutions.  Health  11. Women have the right to be involved in the provision and quality of health care services, particularly those which affect them individually.  12. Labour believes that every woman has the right to control all aspects of her life, including her fertility.  (a) Labour will support the adequate funding of the Family Planning Association and the addition of family planning input in all ante-natal clinics.  (b) Labour will provide prescribed contraceptives at no charge to the consumer.  (c) Labour will provide freely available contraceptive advice.  (d) Labour will continue to provide publicly-funded facilities for counselling and abortions but on an equitable basis throughout the country.  (e) Labour will review the grounds for abortion and the certif~ring consultants system.  (f) Labour will make sterilisation available on an equitable basis throughout the country.  (g) Labour will initiate a review of legislative needs in the area of infertility programmes.  13. Labour will ensure that all statutory boards covering the health and welfare of women will, where possible, comprise a majority of women.  14. Labour will urgently assess the present provisions of maternity services in New Zealand, to ensure the interests of the women and her child are paramount. Labour supports the option of planned home births, and therefore the need for an expanded domiciliary midwife service. Current gynaecological and other health services for women will also be reassessed. Women will be encouraged to participate fully in both reviews.  15. Labour will encourage the establishment of mobile health units, particularly in providing services such as family planning, Plunket, and family health care.  16. Labour will encourage and strengthen community based health programmes, particularly in the areas of women's general and mental health. Particular attention will be given to encouraging participation and involvement by women from minority ethnic groups and the promotion of research into women's health issues.  17. Multi-lingual material on health consumers-rights will be publicly available.  18. Labour will take initiatives to promote the enforcement of the World Health Organisation's Code on infant milk formulae, including the introduction of legislation to enact the Code and the application of the Code in trading regulations.  Doubly Disadvantaged Women  19. Labour recognises that some groups of women face special difficulties, particularly minority ethnic groups, disabled women and rural women. Labour believes that the recognition of different cultures is legitimate and inherently worthwhile and adds a positive and rich aspect to New Zealand. Labour's Maori and Pacific Island policies are based on that conviction. Those policies also recognise and address specific problems including areas of particular concern to women. (See Maori Policy and Pacific Island Policy.)  To assist women in rural areas, Labour will:  20. (a) extend the Rural Education Activities Programmes.  (b) provide more mobile pre-school units.  (c) use school buses more flexibly for community development.  (d) provide financial support for parents who assist children with correspondence lessons.  (e) ensure that regional development and other employment policies take account of the special needs of women in rural areas.  (f) retain vital services such as maternity hospitals, local primary schools and school dental services, where there is a community need for their services.  To help disabled women, Labour will:  21. (a) ensure that groups working with the disabled receive support for public education programmes; (b) recognise as a priority, support for disabled women in entering job training and the workforce.  Legal and Political Equality  Ministry of Women's Affairs  22. Labour will create a Ministry of Women's Affairs. The present Advisory Committee on Women's Af. fairs will be disbanded. The new Ministry will be headed by a woman and will be provided with sufficient resources to act as an initiator, co-ordinator and monitor of activities affecting women. Its functions will include:  (a) the promotion and monitoring of affirmative action programmes, in both the public and private sectors.  (b) liaison with women's organisations.  (c) funding women's projects.  (d) a programme of affirmative action, using the Women's Appointment File, to ensure the appoint ment of suitably qualified women to statutory boards, with an overall target of 50% representa tion.  (e) promotion of research, education and publications on matters affecting women.  (f) the scrutiny of legislation as it affects women, including new legislation, and monitoring for non-sexist language; -  (g) the monitoring of education and communication systems to ensure that positive images of women are portrayed.  23. The Human Rights Commission Act 1977 will be reviewed to include prohibition of discrimination in employment on the grounds of family responsibility and an examination of the effectiveness of the current administration of the Act.  24. Labour will ratify the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, with "reservations" if necessary.  25. Labour will appoint more women as judges and JPs.  26. Labour will review current rape legislation, will provide financial support for women-staffed rape crisis centres, and will encourage educational programmes promoting attitudinal change in respect of sexual crimes, in particular programmes for men and boys on the horror of rape.  27. Labour will investigate the conditions at women's prisons, particularly the provision of educational and recreational facilities and appropriate clothing.  28. Labour will:  (a) review the current domestic violence legislation.  (b) support the establishment and independent administration of women's refuges (with one refuge per 10,000 population and geographical spread).  (c) ensure refuges are adequately funded.  (d) encourage educational programmes on the subject of domestic violence and the availability of refuges.  (e) ensure that the police and other Government agencies who are involved in this area, receive appropriate training.  29. Provision will be made to encourage Courts when imposing sentences to consider where appropriate Community Service or Periodic Detention as alternatives to sentencing women to prison.  Communal Property  30. Labour will introduce legislation to recognise the concept of communal property and to establish procedures for claims. The Family Protection Act will also be extended to allow for the provision of claims for parties outside the immediate legal relationships.  WORKS POLICY  New Zealand must make continued provision for programmes for roading, irrigation, water and s~. management and electricity generation. The Ministry of Works and Development will continue to an important element in Labour's Development programme, both in the provision of the necessar~ frastructure for Added Value industries and in the provision of Labour intensive activities fo:  creation programmes. Carefui workforce planning and scheduling will be a primary objective of development of projects.  2. In recognition of the constraints imposed by a large fiscal deficit however there will be a strict o:.~' ing of priorities with permanent job creation being the overriding consideration.  3. POLICY OBJECTIVES  (a) To plan for economic development in conjunction with the private sector, trade unions and ~ government.  (b) To increase our expertise in the construction field.  (c) To manage a programme of regionally oriented labour intensive job creation projects.  (d) To assist in the planning and construction of the necessary infrastructure for Labour's gramme of encouragement to Added Value industries.  4. LABOUR'S PLAN  Admlnctration  Labour recognises the Ministry of Works and Development as a vehicle to foster the development:.  the nation's resources, and to alleviate unemployment.  Labour will:  (a) review the management structure and functions of the Ministry of Works and Development:  (b) move to adapt the Ministry of Works and Development district structure to the regional government structure.  (c) promote in consultation with local authorities, the private sector and trade unions, comprehensive regional and district planning and development.  5. Labour will:  (a) review existing works programmes.  (b) reappraise and reactivate needed works programmes which have been deferred.  (c) subject all works projects to cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness studies.  (d) survey underutilised labour resources, plant and equipment.  (e) assess needed skills and launch appropriate training programmes.  Cooperation with Local Authorities and the Private Sector  6. Labour will, jointly with local authorities, examine ways of promoting economic and social deveiz~ ment, in particular through provision of employment, work for contractors, heavy engineering their suppliers; and through the promotions of faster and more efficient transport systems.  7. Labour will, in association with the relevant private sector industry groups and the trade union ri~"~ ment.  (a) assess the growth potential of the building, construction, contracting, light and heavy engine~ ing industries and their associated service and SUPI ly industries.  (b) determine the managerial and technological resources needed to realise this potential.  (c) establish scientific, managerial, marketing, financial and advisory services whose role will ic: modernise technology, adapt existing and develop new techniques, promote efficiency and productivity, give advice on specific small scale and large scale projects, provide information promote linkages between manufacturing and service organisations.  (d) set up a project to survey potential for the export of building, construction and development vices.  8. Labour will make available experienced Ministry of Works and Development personnel as bak-. for private sector interests tendering for projects overseas. Examples of such support could be:  (a) participation in joint ventures.  (b) general financial assistance.  (c) assistance with bonding; -  (d) assistance in negotiation.  Roading  9. Labour will:  (a) ensure that more of the revenue contributed by motorists and the road transport industry is allocated to the National Roads Board for roading and bridge maintenance.  (b) To the extent that resources permit, construct new roads and bridges and open up land and promote development.  10. (a) Labour will develop electricity resources on a steady and continuing basis at a rate determined by established need for further generating capacity. The Clyde Dam will be completed with the present workforce and surveys of the Lower Waitaki and Clutha will be continued.  (b) Major projects will be put to tender only where there is already assured continuity of work for  the Ministry of Works and Development workforce and necessary subcontractors, or where  critical factors such as time or expertise intervene. -  (c) Wherever practical, fabrication and construction work will not be allocated to overseas tenderers.  Investment  11. Labour will, in association with relevant interests, prepare short and longer-term investment forecasts, matching up investment flows with employment needs. Viable and productive labour-intensive or new employment projects will be given priority for additional funding.  Water and Soil  12. Labour will revise and consolidate the Water and Soil Conservation Act 1967 and the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941, the provisions of which are outdated and overlapping.  Irrigation  13. Labour will support an ongoing irrigation programme for agriculture, with emphasis on horticultural requirements. Where the benefits are clearly indicated, Labour will allocate resources for the purpose of increasing production, export earnings, and employment.  Labour will investigate the application of the existing irrigation policy to ensure the most efficient use of the water resource.  Legislation  14. Labour will repeal the National Development Act. A comprehensive review and consolidation of all planning and environmental legislation will be initiated.  15. Labour will make it easier for applications under the Town and Country Planning Act, the Water and Soil Conservation Act, and the Clean Air Act to be considered at one hearing. If all parties agree, the initial hearing before the local authority will be dispensed with, leaving all matters to be considered by the Planning Tribunal.  16. The Town and Country Planning Act will be amended so that, in cases of national importance, the Minister of National Development may advise the planning tribunal that a particular issue is of national importance and that the Tribunal shall accordingly deal with it as a matter of priority. There will, however, be no provision allowing the Government to override the Tribunal's decision or limiting appeal to the Courts as at present.  17. EARTHQUAKE AND WAR DAMAGES -  Although the principal act was modified last year, many questions remain unanswered by the regulations issued in 1984. Labour will re-examine the regulations to ensure maximum benefit for all householders.  YOUTH POLICY  GENERAL  1. Labour will appoint a Minister of Youth Affairs responsible for initiating and developing a wide range ofpro~rammes to assist young people.  2. In considering programmes for young people the Minister of Youth will work closely with a more widely representative consultative committee on youth affairs and the National Youth Council. They will seek the views of young people who do not belong to organised groups.  3. Labour will ensure adequate youth representation on all statutory boards which directly affect young people. This will be facilitated through the establishment of a Youth Appointments File.  4. Labour will assist appropriate organisations and agencies to employ youth workers. An appropriate training and career structure for youth workers will be developed.  5. Labour will establish a Youth Development Fund to be administered by the Minister of Youth Affairs.  YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE LATER SCHOOL YEARS  6. Labour will encourage the establishment of student councils in all secondary schools and ensure student representation on all Boards of Governors.  7. Labour will ensure that schools cater adequately for the needs of all pupils, for those whose skills are practical and technical as well as for the academically-oriented.  To this end, Labour will invite submissions in 1985 with a view to a complete re-organisation of assessment at 5th, 6th, and 7th form levels.  8. Labour will remove the present barriers to the implementation of the Human Development and Relations section of the Johnson Report.  9. Labour will ensure that students are better prepared for wide participation in the community after leaving school -  (a) with emphasis on legal rights and social responsibilities  (b) with wider encouragement in recreation and sport  (c) with greater knowledge of trade union activity  (d) with greater knowledge of participation in the democratic system.  10. Corporal Punishment - Labour is opposed to the continuation of corporal punishment in schools. Where sought, assistance will be given to schools to enable them to develop alternative procedures, in order that the practice of corporal punishment be abolished from New Zealand schools.  YOUNG PEOPLE AND TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL INTO WORKING  LIFE  1. There will be greater emphasis on vocational guidance and assisting senior students to choose and prepare for a satisf~'ing lifetime occupation.  12. Labour will introduce schemes aimed at allowing young men and women to explore a wide range of occupations, and the basic training will ensure that it is easier for young people to change occupations in later life.  13. Labour will introduce a system of trade training which encompasses:  (i) The streamlining of the present administration of trade training  (ii) Greater flexibility within apprenticeship to include a set of block courses supplemented by on-the-job training.  iii) A levy system to finance trade training (iv) A review of periods of training  (v) Affirmative action programmes for the recruitment of women and members of minority ethnic groups.  14. Labour will ensure that a wider range of young people are given the opportunity to attend tertiary institutions -  (a) by upgrading and indexing tertiary assistance grants  (b) by re-introduction of a student community service programme  (c) by providing adequate social and welfare facilities for students at tertiary institutions  15. Labour will assist the administration, establishment, and staffing of youth centres with a special loan and grant scheme under the N.Z. Youth Development Fund. Private industry will be encouraged to contribute toward these centres. Special assistance will be given to "pubs without beer" from taxation derived from alcoholic beverages.  16. MUSIC  In the interests of stimulating the New Zealand music and recording industry, the next Labour Government will institute quotas on the output of local content on radio and television and will remove the discriminatory element on the sales tax on recorded music.  YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK  17. Labour will develop a vigorous educational program aimed at making young people aware of the advantages of physical fitness and health, and the dangers of abuse of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.  18. Labour will require the Departments of Social Welfare, and Maori Affairs in conjunction with local community organisations to develop a broad range of preventive programmes aimed at assisting young people who are potentially at risk.  19. The special accommodation, recreational and other needs of groups such as "homeless youth" will be met, in association with voluntary agencies and local authorities.  20. In order to encourage greater community assistance for young offenders, the present system of closed children's courts will be modified to provide access for all social and community workers, families and friends.  21. In order to ensure that young Maoris and Polynesians are not disadvantaged by the Court system, all staff including Judges in Children's courts, will be encouraged to undertake some training to better understand the various cultural differences.  1:22. Labour will encourage Children's Courts to sit in non working hours and will encourage parents to be present when any young offender comes before the courts.  23. Labour will upgrade the present system of legal aid for young people, and will ensure that every young offender coming before the courts has legal representation.  24. The probation service will be expanded and probation officers will be given particular training aimed at assisting the system of community care sentence and assisting young people to return to their trial life.  25. Labour will take every step which would ensure that a previous conviction does not prevent that young person returning to participation in ordinary life.