Ministers typically get a warm glow from announcing spending decisions, grants or the establishment of new troughs within the authority of their portfolios.
Here’s what our check of their press statements shows they announced in the past week…
3 SEPTEMBER 2018
Minister announces additional $13.7 million to rebuild Redcliffs School
Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced a further $13.7 million will be invested to relocate and rebuild Redcliffs School in Christchurch. This is a part of the $332m announced in Budget 2018 to support school infrastructure.
$58m for research supporting environmental, economic, social outcomes
Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods released the revised 2019-2021 Endeavour Fund Investment Plan, with new investment signals to support the Government’s aim of transitioning to a more sustainable economy. The fund will invest $58m of new annual funding between 2019 and 2021.
4 SEPTEMBER 2018
New Zealand announces $10m Pacific broadcasting expansion, support for Pacific journalism
Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced plans for an enhanced free-to-air Pasifika TV service. The expanded Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Ltd service, valued at $10m over three years, will include a dedicated Pasifika TV channel with New Zealand content, improving both quality and access for free-to-air broadcasters across the region.
5 SEPTEMBER 2018
NZ to provide $9m support for Pacific education
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a $9m package to make it easier for Pacific students to access education through high-speed internet connectivity. The package includes a $5m project to support teachers to deliver an interactive e-learning science curriculum for year 10 students in Samoa, Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Solomon Islands.
Health and safety scholarships will help make Kiwi workplaces safer
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Iain Lees-Galloway announced the establishment of an annual Scholarship Programme by the Health and Safety Association of New Zealand to build the capability and capacity of New Zealand’s professional health and safety workforce. Scholars can enter full or part-time tertiary study and receive up to $5000 a year for up to two years, gaining practical experience and mentoring.
7 SEPTEMBER 2018
Developing jobs, transport and business together in Tairawhiti
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the Government is partnering with the Tairāwhiti region on opportunities to develop jobs, transport and businesses with $152.7m through the Provincial Growth Fund. Projects announced so far include investments of:
- $137m to unlock Tairāwhiti’s economic potential through stronger, safer and more resilient transport connections
- $13.3m for tourism projects to attract more visitors to the region
- $1.3m for forestry projects, including skills training for young people
- over $1m for projects in the food and beverage sector.
Here’s the full list of projects included in the announcement –
| Project | Description | PGF Funding |
| Tairāwhiti Roading Package | Package of upgrades to the roading network across the Gisborne region | Up to $137m |
| Mt Titirangi – Puhi Kai Iti Connection | To build ‘Titirangi – Puhi Kai iti’ landscape and facilities, including a new wananga, and a bridge other facilities at the Cooks Landing Site | Up to $6.1m |
| Gisborne Airport | Redevelopment of the Gisborne Airport terminal building and supporting infrastructure | $5.5m |
| Cooks Landing Restoration | Restoration of the Cook Landing Site (CLS) National Historic Reserve | $1.6m |
| New Zealand Macadamia Industry Development Project | Growing macadamia on Maori land for export | $995,000 |
| Tairāwhiti Rail Feasibility Study | Feasibility study for a rail tourism venture, including an extended Gisborne-Napier rail cycleway, and use of the Wairoa to Gisborne line for freight purposes (joint study) | Up to $600,000 |
| Far East Sawmill | To recommission and improve a Gisborne mill site | $500,000 |
| Manaia Forestry Skills Training (Priority) | Feasibility study to establish a ManaiaSAFE Forestry School | $301,000 |
| Regional Action Plan Programme Manager | The Programme Manager role has been both valuable and crucial to coordination and reporting on project progress, and coordinating effort in order to accelerate the region’s growth. | $90,000 |
| Tairāwhiti Honey Strategy | Development of a Tairāwhiti Manuka Honey strategy | $40,000 |
| Water and Waste Management | Application for a feasibility study on a water recycling plant and waste management initiative | $30,000 |
Suffrage125 community fund announced
Acting Minister for Women Eugenie Sage announced 42 successful applicants for the Suffrage 125 Community Fund. The fund’s projects commemorate the 125th anniversary of universal suffrage in New Zealand from $300,000 funding in Budget 2018. The Canterbury University’s Feminist Society received $1500 from the fund. Priorities for the fund were to celebrate the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage, encourage participation, support diversity and empower young people.
Bob Edlin is a veteran journalist and editor for the Point of Order blog HERE.
Bob Edlin is a veteran journalist and editor for the Point of Order blog HERE.
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