Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Contents
ACCIDENT COMPENSATION ............................................................................................. 4
HEALTH OF THE OLDER PERSON .................................................................................... 9
AGRICULTURE .................................................................................................................. 13
ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE ................................................................................... 21
AUCKLAND ISSUES .......................................................................................................... 35
BROADCASTING ............................................................................................................... 44
CANTERBURY EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY PLAN .......................................................... 49
CHILDREN‟S POLICY ........................................................................................................ 58
CIVIL DEFENCE ................................................................................................................. 76
CLIMATE CHANGE............................................................................................................ 79
COMMERCE AND SMALL BUSINESS .............................................................................. 87
COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR....................................................................... 93
CONSERVATION ............................................................................................................. 101
CONSUMER AFFAIRS ..................................................................................................... 121
DEFENCE ......................................................................................................................... 127
DISABILITY ISSUES ........................................................................................................ 131
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT .......................................................................................... 138
EDUCATION .................................................................................................................... 151
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS – WORK AND WAGES ..................................................... 171
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS – HEALTH AND SAFETY ................................................. 185
ENERGY ........................................................................................................................... 188
ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................... 201
REFORMING THE EARTHQUAKE COMMISSION .......................................................... 210
ETHNIC AFFAIRS ............................................................................................................ 215
FINANCE .......................................................................................................................... 220
FISHERIES ....................................................................................................................... 237
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE ........................ 242
FORESTRY ...................................................................................................................... 249
HEALTH POLICY ............................................................................................................. 256
HOUSING ......................................................................................................................... 287
IMMIGRATION ................................................................................................................. 313
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INTERFAITH DIALOGUE ................................................................................................. 318
JOBS AND SKILLS .......................................................................................................... 321
JUSTICE ........................................................................................................................... 327
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ................................................................................................... 333
KAUPAPAA MĀORI O TE ROOPU REIPA 2011 Māori Policy ....................................... 336
MAKING MONETARY POLICY WORK FOR EXPORTERS ............................................. 343
OPEN GOVERNMENT ..................................................................................................... 346
PACIFIC ISLAND AFFAIRS ............................................................................................. 351
MAKING GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT WORK FOR OUR ECONOMY .................... 368
RACING............................................................................................................................ 371
RAINBOW ISSUES .......................................................................................................... 374
RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY .................................................................. 376
RURAL AFFAIRS ............................................................................................................. 383
CREATING A SAFER AND FAIRER SOCIETY ............................................................... 389
Police ............................................................................................................................ 389
Corrections .................................................................................................................... 393
SAVINGS POLICY ........................................................................................................... 395
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................ 411
SPORT AND RECREATION ............................................................................................ 422
STATE SERVICES ........................................................................................................... 427
TERTIARY EDUCATION .................................................................................................. 433
TOURISM ......................................................................................................................... 443
TRADE ............................................................................................................................. 448
TRANSPORT POLICY ..................................................................................................... 453
TREATY OF WAITANGI ................................................................................................... 462
VETERANS AFFAIRS ...................................................................................................... 463
WATER............................................................................................................................. 465
WOMEN‟S POLICY .......................................................................................................... 472
YOUTH AFFAIRS ............................................................................................................. 482
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PACKAGE ................................................................................. 486
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ACCIDENT COMPENSATION
Our vision: a comprehensive, universal and public ACC
Since 1974, the ACC scheme has served New Zealand well. It is truly unique. It is the only
system in the world providing universal 24–hour no-fault coverage for all physical injuries.
The scheme was considered ground-breaking at its inception and remains highly regarded
by experts in the field of accident compensation.
Labour is committed to an ACC that is owned by New Zealanders and that has the best
interests of Kiwis at heart, not profits for multinationals. Labour is strongly opposed to
privatisation of ACC. It has been publicly owned and operated for three decades, it is
financially sound, and independent studies show its levies are already substantially lower
than in Australia and other countries.
Labour believes ACC is fundamentally a good scheme and we will work to enhance it and
protect it for the future.
Owning our ACC
In Government, the National Party has deliberately talked up a crisis in ACC and done its
very best to erode public confidence in what should be a world-leading scheme. Its agenda
all along has been to soften Kiwis up to privatising ACC.
Retired Justice Ted Thomas wrote in late 2008 in an article entitled “The beginning of the
end for ACC”:
It appears that, yet again, this country‟s ACC scheme is in jeopardy. The National
Party is disposed to privatise the work account covering employees and the selfemployed
at work by allowing private insurers to provide work-related accident
insurance. Any such proposal would, if implemented, undermine the scheme and
almost certainly lead to the ultimate demise of ACC.
This is despite both Treasury and PricewaterhouseCoopers finding that there was little or no
benefit in opening up ACC to competition and that administration costs would rise as a result
of privatisation. In addition to this private insurers will need to deny cover and entitlements to
compete with ACC and to make a profit.
The only winners out of this will be the big Australian insurance companies and law firms
who will make hundreds of millions of dollars at the expense of hardworking New
Zealanders. Merrill Lynch predicts premiums of billions of dollars will go to Australian
companies and more than $200 million in profits will go offshore. The introduction of
“competition” will diminish the effectiveness of ACC as a purchaser of services and will not
necessarily result in lower costs for ACC or lower levies for levy payers.
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Labour supports maintaining ACC as a publicly administered and delivered social
insurance scheme which provides comprehensive and universal coverage for all New
Zealanders.
Labour believes that accident insurance is a social responsibility that should be guaranteed
and provided by the government.
Labour supports the principles of universal no-fault cover for all injuries as originally
outlined in the Woodhouse Report.
We want to ensure that the „five principles‟ of community responsibility, comprehensive
entitlement, complete rehabilitation, real compensation and administrative efficiency are
adhered to.
Labour will not privatise ACC and will reverse any privatisation of any part of ACC
that occurs before the election.
A fair and balanced ACC
ACC should be a fair and balanced system where compensation is distributed in a manner
which is speedy, consistent, and without contention. Cost containment, injury prevention,
improved rehabilitation outcomes and administrative efficiencies are all important elements
of the ACC scheme however they should not be pursued where injustice occurs as a result.
Labour believes the ACC operational culture is currently at odds with the scheme‟s original
intent. The Government has encouraged ACC to become ever tougher in its decisions. A
greater number of claims are being declined unnecessarily and cover is being cut back.
Often there is a pattern of ACC using chosen specialists to write medical reports to justify the
cessation of cover for ACC claimants. Claimants and their representatives believe that some
of these specialists are on occasions chosen because of their willingness to reach
conclusions desired by ACC to justify unfairly declining cover or entitlement.
The number of people challenging ACC‟s initial refusal of cover, through the review process,
has doubled and more of them are winning, illustrating the increasing trend for ACC to be
more litigious than it ought to be. As a result the number of review hearings has increased
and we are now spending more on lawyers than has ever been the case under ACC
previously.
Labour will return to fairer administration of the scheme. Those who are entitled to
cover will get it, with a special focus on those with serious long-term injuries.
Labour will improve the Accredited Employers' Scheme to ensure it is fairer for
injured workers.
Over the last couple of years the Government implemented a raft of changes to the ACC
scheme which has severely impacted the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. For
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instance, changes have impacted on those with moderate hearing loss, counselling and
support services for sensitive claims and seasonal and part-time workers.
Labour will improve the medical assessment and vocational independence processes
so there is a fair, balanced and consistent approach to assessing claims.
Labour will review National‟s changes to the ACC scheme.
Focus on injury prevention
Injury prevention is one of the fundamental aspects of our comprehensive accident
compensation scheme. If we can reduce injuries, then we will not only save New Zealanders
the traumatic experience of being injured and off work but save all New Zealanders money.
In particular Labour is concerned about the safety of New Zealand‟s workplaces. New
Zealand has around 470,000 workplaces and two million workers. The sectors with
consistently high work tolls are construction, agriculture, forestry, fishing and manufacturing.
Annually, the work toll costs billions in suffering and premature death, but the majority of this
cost is absorbed by society. ACC pays about half a billion dollars a year for work-related
claims.
National has cut the level of funding for injury prevention programmes to reduce short term
costs at the expense of long term accident prevention. These funding cuts have led to a
reduction in workforce capability for injury prevention. These programmes benefit all New
Zealanders as they contribute to savings in both litigation and the costs of injury.
Labour will increase, as resources allow, funding for health and safety programmes
and long term injury prevention strategies.
Labour will strengthen workplace injury prevention initiatives through industry
taskforces to increase the skill levels and number of trained Health and Safety
Representatives.
Labour will ensure that there are systems put in place to ensure better coordination
between ACC and other agencies responsible for injury prevention, such as the
Department of Labour, the Police and the NZ Transport Agency.
Focus on rehabilitation to full-time work
The ACC scheme provides better rehabilitation and return to work rates than any other
scheme. We support the principle that an injured person's health, independence, and
participation is restored to the maximum extent practicable.
To achieve complete rehabilitation the scheme must be deliberately organised to urge
forward the physical and vocational recovery of these citizens, while at the same time
providing a real measure of monetary compensation for their losses.
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We are concerned with the National Party‟s moves towards a more insurance-based
approach as this will leave a great deal of room for insurers to provide less than the required
resources to fully rehabilitate a worker while technically and legally satisfying their written
contracts.
Labour will move away from the insurance-based approach for ACC and focus more
on rehabilitation.
Labour will ensure that workers will return to full-time work when they are fully
rehabilitated.
We believe that an injured person should be deemed vocationally independent when they
are physically able to work 35 hours per week and will make sure that their pre-injury
earnings are taken into account.
Levies
The ACC scheme is cost effective and relatively cheap. The New Zealand ACC scheme is
unique; it is a state monopoly underwritten by the Government. It has efficiency of scale and
power in the market. It can and does negotiate nationally with treatment providers, hospitals
and ambulance services.
Labour will review the level of funding of ACC to ensure that the ACC scheme will
meet the real costs of claimant‟s entitlements to treatment, and rehabilitation, and the
costs of injury prevention.
The National Party introduced “experience rating”, providing discounts for employers who
have little or no workplace injury claims. Evidence demonstrates that experience rating
creates an incentive for employers to reduce claims and claims costs by not offering
employees cover and all the entitlements that they should legally be able to access.
Labour will reverse the introduction of experience rating into the ACC scheme to
ensure that claimants are provided with entitlement and rehabilitation to the
maximum extent practicable, and will consider alternative means of incentivising and
encouraging good health and safety measures.
Labour will ensure that the Department of Labour is effectively funded to carry out its
role to “Promote and Support Safe and Healthy People and Workplaces” through “the
provision of information, education, and support for workplaces regarding effective
workplace health and safety practice, and enforcement action to promote compliance
with the HSE Act”.
Over the last couple of years the ACC levies for the Motor Vehicle Account have increased
substantially. At present the bulk of vehicle registration costs relates to ACC levies.
Motorcyclists have been particularly penalised by ACC levy increases.
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Labour is concerned that increased vehicle registration costs are penalising those who own
more than one vehicle, are placing undue financial pressure on those who only travel short
distances, such as the elderly, and may be leading to an increase in the number of
unregistered vehicles on the road.
Labour will investigate transferring a greater portion of the ACC motor vehicle annual
licensing fee onto the petrol levy so that everyone pays a fairer share of the Motor
Vehicle Account and no one group is heavily burdened.
ACC is in sound financial shape, and Labour does not see a need for ACC levy increases.
Recent deficits were the result of lower investment returns due to global economic conditions
and one-off changes to the way historical claims liability is calculated. ACC is now back in
surplus and we do not believe that any of the improvements we are suggesting will require
levy increases.
Occupational Disease
Occupational disease claims have distinct characteristics; there is a long latency period
between exposure and the onset of symptoms. Workers may not be able to identify the
employer where they were injured. Moreover, an occupational disease may be sustained
incrementally from repeated exposures in different industries from different employers.
Labour will investigate the introduction of a flat rate levy on all employers to fund
occupational disease claims. The levy would be a flat rate levy due to the difficulties
in attributing occupational disease to a particular employer.
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HEALTH OF THE OLDER PERSON
Our vision
The best model of care for New Zealanders as they get older is to “age in place”. Where
possible people should be supported to live in their own homes and familiar environments as
this is demonstrably better for their health outcomes. However, it is vital that for those who
do go into residential care there is an environment which provides the highest quality
services that keep people healthy and supported.
The funding and delivery of aged care in New Zealand is coming under increasing strain.
Our population is ageing and costs are rising. At the same time the public is increasingly
concerned that the current model of delivery of aged care services is putting money and
profits ahead of patients and their care.
With our older population set to increase dramatically, rates of dementia and chronic
conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic respiratory disease are also set to
rise which will lead to increasing aged care costs and require strategic planning for the
future.
Change should be concerted, with an emphasis on guaranteeing older people‟s rights to
dignity, respect and health. A new, less institutionalised approach to older persons care
would allow for better social outcomes.
The future for aged care in New Zealand needs to be one built on the values of accessibility,
dignity and respect for all older New Zealanders underpinned by transparency and
accountability in the way the services are provided.
Our Inquiry into Aged Care
Labour, with Grey Power, undertook a comprehensive inquiry into aged care and produced a
report entitled What the Future Holds for Older New Zealanders. The overwhelming
impression was of a sector struggling to deliver the standard of care that older New
Zealanders and their families would expect. There were too many stories of neglect, lack of
appropriate care and lack of respect for our older New Zealanders.
The inquiry outlined many challenges we face. According to Grant Thornton‟s Aged
Residential Care Service Review (The Thornton Review), New Zealand has a higher
proportion of people in residential care than most other countries. More than 42,000 people
receive care in around 700 aged residential care facilities every year in New Zealand.
Unfortunately many older people who want to stay in their homes are being forced out by a
lack of home-based care options as a result of funding cuts.
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Challenges are also being faced in the quality of residential care. Workers are often very
dedicated to providing excellent care to older people. However, they are severely restricted
by staff shortages, low wages, lack of training, and the strict time management requirements
of many providers driven by cost cutting and profit margins.
As one nurse said to the inquiry “registered nurse workloads are so high, and the number of
care givers so low that they do not allow consistently good care to be given.”
The problems for staff have led to issues with care across facilities being utterly inconsistent,
which has led to high rates of neglect and abuse and made it extremely difficult for the public
to judge the quality of care within any facility.
According to recent statistics from the Ministry of Health, around 75,000 people receive
home support at some time each year. But while institutional care is decreasing in most
OECD countries, it remains the norm in New Zealand, and there is a serious shortage of
supported housing for low income older New Zealanders.
The Thornton Review notes that older people have “a growing preference for alternative care
arrangements such as informal care by family or friends, and for support provided in certain
retirement villages.”
Labour wants to encourage older people to stay in their homes longer by providing quality
home-based care. To do so, home support provision needs to be more integrated across
health and care providers, as well as across the divide between the community, private
sector and public sector. It is a high priority to investigate alternative community based
models – especially for older people on low incomes.
Many people have compared the aged care sector today with the preschool sector 20 years
ago. At that time, a largely unregulated, untrained workforce was the norm. We deemed the
situation unacceptable for our children, and set about ensuring quality care for preschoolers.
Older people need the same protections.
Labour will establish a Technical Working Party to investigate all recommendations of
the report What the Future Holds for Older New Zealanders.
The Technical Working Party will provide advice prior to May 2012 on a time-lined
plan to implement the following priorities that will provide a higher quality service for
older people:
Establish a Government-funded national training pathway for all staff in
residential and home-based care that is linked to the National Qualification
Framework and recognised in pay negotiations.
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Establish regulations for minimum staffing levels for nurses and caregivers in
all residential facilities.
As Budgets allow, implement pay parity between staff working in residential
and home-based care with their equivalents in the public health system.
In July 2011, the Auditor General released a report entitled Home-based support services for
older people, which discusses how effectively the Ministry of Health and District Health
Boards are ensuring that older people get the care and support they need to remain living
independently at home.
The Technical Working Party set up by Labour will investigate the recommendations
from the Home-based support services for older people report, including:
Collecting meaningful and reliable information to ensure ongoing service
quality and value for money of home-based services.
Evaluating by 2013 whether the use of a standard approach to assessment
and reassessment is improving the way needs are assessed and homebased
services are allocated.
Considering the introduction of a mandatory standard for the provision of
home-based support services for older people.
Working collaboratively with others in the aged sector to develop a complaints
system.
Strengthening management contracts to ensure home-based support staff
provide high quality services and are well trained and supervised.
A new model of service delivery
Labour will develop an Integrated Health of the Older Person Service Delivery Model. This
would include input from local authorities, the NGO sector, district health boards, private
providers and unions. This would include consideration of models such as the Eden
Alternative and Abbeyfield.
We will develop a continuum of care model that puts the older person at the centre of an
individualised plan starting from ageing in place at home to hospital, respite and palliative
care. This model would include the assessment of health and support needs and take into
account social isolation, loneliness and elder abuse.
The inclusion of regional and local authorities would ensure that public transport
requirements, housing and access to health services occur.
This new model will include how the contracts will be provided and costed.
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Labour will review the Implementation of the Health of Older Persons Strategy, 2002,
and develop an Aged Care Strategy.
Labour will review the process of engagement ensuring real consultation with older
persons in health planning through a strengthened Community Public Health
Advisory Committee of district health boards.
Elder abuse is a universal problem. It is not limited to any one gender, religious, cultural,
ethnic or income group. Elder abuse may occur in many different settings, including private
homes, residential care and hospitals.
Aged Concern estimates that 20,000 New Zealanders will experience elder abuse and
neglect at some point in their lifetime, therefore it is important to educate those who work
with older people.
Labour is concerned that there are still eight areas in New Zealand where there is no
contract for Elder Abuse services.
Labour will work with the Ministry of Social Development to standardise a nation-wide
contracting model for Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services to ensure
consistency of access of service provision across the country.
Labour will be proactive about policies to ensure that New Zealanders cope well with the
challenges of ageing and caring in the coming decades. We will work in close partnership
with the not for profit sector to support carers across the aged care sector.
The New Zealand Carers Strategy, published in April 2008 is supported by a Five-year
Action Plan to address some of the issues that impact on the thousands of New Zealanders
who assist friends and family members that need help with everyday living because of ill
health, disability or old age.
The Carers Strategy was developed in a partnership between government agencies and the
New Zealand Carers Alliance, a network of over 40 non-governmental organisations.
Labour plans to build on the New Zealand Carers Strategy to ensure the five year
action plan is being implemented and achieved.
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AGRICULTURE
Our vision
Primary production is a vital component of New Zealand's economy. We are a nation built
on the success of our primary sector and as a developed country endowed with an
abundance of water, fertile soils and clean air, our future as a producer of food to an
expanding world market also looks bright.
The challenges of scale, distance and capital can be offset through quality infrastructure,
structured collaboration and innovative marketing of New Zealand‟s products to the high
value traditional and emerging markets of the world. Our position in relation to the
increasingly affluent consumers in Asian countries should also provide an advantage to New
Zealand exporters into the future.
The challenge for a Labour Government is to facilitate growth in this traditional area of
economic activity through innovation and increasing quality rather than an ever expanding
system of low cost production. Primary sectors that have been proud to prosper without
subsidies or protection still require the appropriate level of recognition and support from
central and local government.
Labour in government is prepared to intervene and make the necessary changes to policy
and regulation to encourage more research, greater innovation and higher export returns.
We will develop clear achievable environmental measures that show our production is at the
leading edge of efficiency and resource utilisation.
Focusing on reducing environmental impacts should not be seen as a burden, rather a
necessary part of the shift to making New Zealand the first choice supplier of high quality,
sustainable and ethical primary produce to the world.
An innovative primary sector
New Zealand must lift its productivity if it is to continue to enjoy first world levels of
infrastructure and social services. Generating higher export returns and retaining more of
that wealth in the hands of New Zealanders is the only way we can secure that future. The
advantage of low cost production has gone and we must now lift sales of our primary
production into higher value markets and better capture those returns through integration of
the value chain.
That process will require higher levels of capital investment, greater investment in Research
and Development, improved environmental standards and a skilled and motivated workforce
at every level.
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Labour will ensure the following goals underpin its support and investment in the primary
sector:
Every sector of primary production must be in a position to capture the growing
opportunities from an expanding global middle class while protecting and enhancing
New Zealand‟s reputation as a producer of the world‟s finest foods and produce.
Protection of the environment that supports New Zealand‟s biological production is a
non-negotiable and fundamental bottom line.
Research and Development will drive new ideas and products that push unit returns
higher while reducing costs and environmental impacts.
Capital investment by New Zealanders will increase and drive higher productivity and
retention of value.
A skilled workforce supported and retained through high wages and salaries will
promote innovation through experience and enthusiasm.
Labour will commit to working with different sectors of the agricultural community to
explore opportunities and remove restraints.
Overseas investment
Productive land is New Zealand‟s greatest asset after our people. Both the economic and
natural values of our land must be retained for New Zealand in order to preserve our
economic prosperity for future generations.
Liquidity constraints since the global financial crisis and the higher relative cost of funds in
New Zealand increasingly constrain the ability of New Zealanders to buy our own farmland if
our land assets are priced on an international rather than New Zealand market.
Since the global financial crisis a pattern has emerged internationally. Those with large trade
surpluses or concentrations of wealth are investing unprecedented amounts in primary
resources like land, water, and minerals, and their related supply chains.
Since 2005, 158,588 hectares of New Zealand farm land has been approved for sale to
overseas investors - that‟s more than 590ha a week. 1 Labour believes New Zealanders‟
widespread concerns about these farm sales to overseas interests are valid.
We need foreign investment through solid bank financing and greenfield investments, but we
need to take care not to lose ownership of our farmland, our farming enterprises and our
1 J. Hartevelt, 02/10/2010 „122 rugby fields sold overseas every day‟ Dominion Post.
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intellectual expertise by allowing New Zealanders to be outbid by foreign buyers. We cannot
lose control of our best income producing assets.
No overseas person has the right to buy our land - it's a privilege.
Labour will reverse the current approach to overseas sales of land. The onus will be
on potential foreign purchasers to prove they offer additional value to the country
from the land transfer. These rules will apply to sales of rural land over 5 hectares.
Sales will be declined unless the overseas purchaser of farm or forestry land will also invest
in significant further processing of related primary products and related jobs that would not
otherwise occur.
Labour will also introduce a general ministerial discretion covering all assets worth
more than $100 million that are not covered by our new farm land or monopoly
infrastructure rules, modelled on the Australian equivalent.
Labour was careful to ensure that New Zealand retained the right to control foreign land
acquisition under the Free-Trade Agreement we signed with China. While the agreement
covers management and sale of investments, it does not cover the purchase of investments.
This is an important distinction as it allows New Zealand flexibility to retain sovereignty over
its own resources. This should continue to be the model for future agreements.
Exchange rates
Agriculture has been a major export earner for New Zealand ever since the advent of
refrigerated shipping in 1882. Much has changed since then but agricultural exports remain
our economic lifeline with 95% of all our farm produce heading overseas to garner over $20
billion a year.
Agricultural exporters enjoyed good returns from 1999 till 2008, with the total value of
exports almost doubling. However, since the 2008 financial crisis, exporters have been
struggling with a New Zealand dollar that has both been high and unstable. Projections of
steadily rising commodity prices are undermined by the fluctuating and high value of the
traded NZ dollar.
Many farmers have seen much of all their forecast profits in the last year eaten up by a
strong NZ dollar exchange rate which increased from 56 cents to the US dollar in 2009 to 87
cents in 2011. Farmers already competing against low cost producers in developing regions
such as South America and China are undermined by New Zealand‟s current monetary
policy.
Labour will reform monetary policy to ensure our exporters are not undermined by
extreme exchange fluctuations, including by broadening the objectives of the
Reserve Bank Act. Currently its sole focus is on the maintenance of price stability –
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or inflation. We agree with the approach taken by Australia that recognises that along
with inflation control, employment, economic prosperity, and the health of the export
sector are at least as important.
For further information see Labour‟s Monetary policy.
Structure
The 1990s saw the deregulation of most agricultural sectors with the belief that it would
encourage more efficient production and marketing, which would make New Zealand
produce more competitive in the global market place. However for some sectors such as the
Meat, Wool and Pipfruit industries, a plethora of separate marketing companies has resulted
in lower returns to farmers and growers as the numerous marketers compete amongst
themselves to offer overseas supermarkets and distributers the lowest price for the export
produce.
The development of multiple sellers and marketers has created difficulty for each industry to
develop and control sector-wide strategies, invest in adequate research and development
and better leverage our clean, green brand.
There is growing frustration at the lack of coordination and marketing across many primary
sectors and the need for change. The 2010 KPMG Agri-Business Agenda report identified
the Zespri single desk system as a more efficient production and marketing system that
could be evolved for other sectors: “the single desk export model has introduced innovative
products to the market and created significant brand awareness for New Zealand Kiwifruit
around the world.”
KPMG also commented on structure and stated that the co-operative model is not an
impediment to the industry securing the capital it needs, leading the way to greater farmer
control and vertical integration in sectors where farmers seek change.
Labour will commission independent investigations of industry sector structures to
ensure New Zealand can maximise the value from New Zealand production systems.
Labour will assist and facilitate industry restructure where clear support for change
from a majority of sector producers can be demonstrated.
Labour is absolutely committed to the retention of ownership and control of Fonterra in the
hands of New Zealand farmers. While we acknowledge that cooperative structures must
occasionally be amended to meet the needs of a growing entity, the retention of this
structure in New Zealand hands is non-negotiable.
Labour will support the co-operative structure of Fonterra, owned and controlled by
New Zealand farmers.
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Research and Development
If New Zealand is to shift to a producer of high value, high quality, sustainable agriculture
exports, significant investment in research and development must take place. We must
encourage more efficient and environmentally sustainable farming practices as well as the
development of new higher value products.
It is important that this knowledge is shared with farmers and producers through a better
system of communication and advisory networks. The 2010 KPMG report identified that New
Zealand‟s agriculture sector was relying on old 1970s science and is at risk at being
surpassed by competitor countries.
Labour will review the Primary Growth Partnership grants scheme, while appreciating
the need to give the industry certainty around the structure of R&D funding. It is
important that funding supports scientific research and Labour‟s objectives to
improve primary sector sustainability and value.
Labour will commit $16 million to the Sustainable Farming Fund, to be funded by
reprioritisation from the Primary Growth Partnership, and maintain its wider funding
criteria.
Labour will reinstate a 12.5% R&D tax credit available to all businesses in the
agriculture sector to drive innovation, efficiency and growth in value.
Labour will continue to fund the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research
Centre.
Skills
Shifting the agricultural industry to a higher quality, more sustainable and innovative mode of
production will require an increase in the skills and knowledge of participants at every level
of the production and value chain. Attracting young, skilled people to the agricultural
workforce has become increasingly difficult and this is inhibiting the development of
innovation and the uptake of new on farm technology and techniques.
Labour will support research, training and skills development in every sector through
better coordination and cooperation across all tertiary and training providers.
Labour will continue the voluntary bonding scheme for rural veterinarians and
investigate bonding in other areas of rural expertise.
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Marketing
The value of New Zealand‟s agricultural exports is closely linked to consumers‟ perception of
both the product‟s quality and their perception of New Zealand as a whole. To increase the
value of our agricultural products New Zealand must market them as being high quality and
environmentally sustainable in order to attract wealthier customers who are willing to pay
more for quality, ethical food. New Zealand‟s branding as a clean, green and fresh place,
offers an ideal platform for marketing our agricultural products.
Providing a co-ordinated and effective marketing strategy across the sectors on a small
budget is the challenge that industry participants and the Government faces.
Labour will support the formation of more industry co-operatives and organisations
such as Zespri which have provided clear marketing strategies, been well resourced
by producers and effective in their outcomes.
Labour will encourage the evolution of the 100% Pure NZ marketing campaign to
include quality, environmentally sustainable New Zealand products and agricultural
exports.
Labour will better link our overseas tourist market to our gourmet food production
through smart cost effective programmes that expose international visitors to our
creative and innovative economy.
Labour will continue to work on opening up new markets for New Zealand exports
through free trade agreements and ensure that agriculture is a part of any trade
negotiations.
Infrastructure
Just 13.8% of New Zealand‟s population live in rural communities yet between them they
grow, process and export 66% of New Zealand‟s merchandise exports. 2 However rural
communities have been overlooked in terms of infrastructure investment and this is putting
pressure on the sustainability of those exports.
Broadband is a key issue for rural communities. The 2010 KPMG Agribusiness report stated
that slow communications platforms in rural areas are inhibiting the investment and uptake of
other technologies as well as deterring young people from taking employment in rural areas.
The Telecommunications Users Association also believes the balance of funding is skewed
too strongly to benefit urban areas to the detriment of the productive economy.
Labour will focus broadband funding more strongly on enhancing the capacity of our
productive economy.
2 KPMG 23/04/2010 „Agribusiness Agenda‟ pg.59.
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New Zealand needs high speed broadband across urban and rural areas. Our future
networks will rely primarily on fibre, but we accept there are parts of New Zealand that will
struggle to get access to fibre in the near future because of geographical isolation.
Labour will ensure such remote areas are given priority under the Rural Broadband
Initiative for access via satellite, wireless or other means.
See Labour‟s Information and Communications Technology Policy for further details.
Emissions Trading Scheme
Agriculture is New Zealand‟s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing over
47% of the total. As such its inclusion in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is vital if the
scheme is to be successful in lowering New Zealand‟s emissions. Agriculture‟s entry to the
scheme was deferred until 2015 by National. Agricultural emissions are projected to be 25%
above their 1990 levels by 2020 and this delay could impinge on New Zealand‟s ability to
meet our Kyoto commitments while incurring a significant cost to the taxpayer.
As consumers are becoming more concerned about climate change impacts and demanding
lower carbon intensity food, the adoption of the ETS and low carbon farming techniques will
become a competitive advantage for New Zealand‟s agricultural sector. The challenge is to
introduce agriculture into the ETS and support uptake of new low carbon farming systems
without severely impacting on farm profitability in the short to medium term.
Labour will support New Zealand‟s farmers and agricultural sector to significantly
reduce carbon emissions as part of shifting the industries focus to producing high
value, sustainable exports.
Labour will commit agriculture to the ETS at the original date of 2013, starting with
10% of liable emissions phasing up over 12 years. In this way taxpayers reduce their
liability while farmers are encouraged to adopt carbon reduction farming methods.
Labour will provide additional support for research and implementation of better
farming practices through increases to the Government‟s contribution to the
Sustainable Farming Fund.
Labour will support the growing knowledge and investment in Biochar and Soil
Carbon technologies that may allow farmers new methods of carbon sequestration in
their farming systems.
Labour will continue funding to the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas
Research Centre to support the development carbon neutral farming technology.
Water
Water is precious and the most vital component of New Zealand‟s biological production
systems. Systems of allocation and management vary throughout the country and often do
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not encourage its best use. Farmers who are allocated water sometimes tend to regard it as
something they now own and can sometimes trade.
There is growing awareness and concern over the declining quality of water and the along
with the growth in urban populations, agricultural intensification has been a key component
of this problem. Urgent changes are needed to reverse the trend and restore water to the
quality expected by all New Zealanders. See Labour‟s Water Policy for further information.
Environment
Almost 16.5 million hectares or 61% of New Zealand‟s total land area is farmed (including
forestry), meaning agriculture has a significant impact on New Zealand‟s natural
environment. 3 Conversion of native forest to land for farming and forestry coupled with more
intensive farming practices has led to significant biodiversity loss in New Zealand. Over 2700
native species are currently classified as „endangered‟ by the Department of Conservation
and Massey University. 4
In order to fulfil our obligation to protect our native flora and fauna as well as building a clean
green marketing image, steps must be taken to reduce the impact of our farming systems on
the environment.
Labour will double the Government‟s investment in the community led Sustainable
Farming Fund to total $16 million per year, to be funded by reprioritisation from the
Primary Growth Partnership.
Labour will discourage farming systems that have the potential to undermine our
reputation for the highest standards of environmental, animal welfare and food safety
in our food and fibre production.
Labour will work with High Country Lessees to ensure the best protection of the
multiple values of this iconic land – see Labour‟s South Island High Country policy.
Labour will support Biological and Organic Farming systems to provide alternative
economic solutions to the costs and environmental impacts of intensive production
systems.
3 Agribusiness Ltd, http://www.agribusinessltd.com/acatalog/About.html
4 B. Salmon 24/06/2010 „Threatened species list‟ Parliamentary Library.
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ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Our vision: “Home Grown”
Labour believes arts, culture and heritage play an essential role in defining our nation‟s
unique identity. We value the energy, enterprise and confidence which result from cultural
and creative expression.
Support for our arts and cultural sector includes ensuring that there is adequate funding and
support for our cultural institutions so that the sector can continue to develop. It means
supporting initiatives which support artists and cultural practitioners making a living from
careers in the arts. It means investing in opportunities for Kiwi artists from all communities to
tell our nation‟s stories.
It also means working to protect the intellectual property rights of our artists in the digital
age.
New Zealand has an international reputation for being creative and innovative. Our creative
industries make a strong contribution to the growth of our economy, offering exciting
employment for New Zealanders and developing high-tech creative capability which attracts
world-wide attention.
Achieving growth in our cultural sector is assisted by broadening the audience for its output,
both at home and abroad. In the digital age there are new opportunities to reach ever wider
audiences, and to provide greater access to our cultural and heritage experiences. We are
committed to investment in a wide range of initiatives which encourage cultural growth,
innovation and opportunity.
The development of the regional arts, cultural and heritage infrastructure is important for the
many, not the few.
Strong artistic, cultural and heritage communities foster both local economic growth and
identity. Support for regional communities to create inspiring arts, culture and heritage
experiences enables New Zealanders, and overseas visitors, to enjoy the wealth of cultural
expression we have throughout our country.
Children have a vital role in the development of our cultural sector, not just for their own
wellbeing and sense of identity but because they are the emerging artists and cultural
practitioners of tomorrow. We support the development of clear pathways into careers in the
sector.
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Our unique natural, social, and built heritage helps us understand the forces which have
shaped us as a nation. We are committed to its protection. Labour supports on-going
research, documentation, and presentation of our heritage using the expertise we have and
taking advantage of developments in technology.
Growing and supporting the creative sector
A decade ago our cultural agencies were systemically under-funded, to the extent of only
just surviving financially.
Labour has shown its commitment to supporting the creative sector, with sustained
investment and leadership to enable our arts and cultural organisations to thrive.
We will continue to invest in the Toi Aotearoa Arts Council (Creative New Zealand), the
government‟s arts funding agency, and directly in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra;
the Royal New Zealand Ballet; Te Matatini, the national kapa haka organisation; Te Papa;
the New Zealand Film Commission; New Zealand Film Archive; and in other organisations
across the arts and Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) sector.
We will see continued growth and innovation in our creative industries which will mean Kiwi
arts and culture are recognised internationally for their excellence, contributing to our
national identity, economic growth and New Zealand‟s attractiveness as a premier
destination for cultural tourism.
Continued support for the screen industry has contributed to the success of New Zealand
film. Our screen industry now has a reported revenue of around $2.8 billion. The Film
Commission‟s funding was significantly boosted to support the efforts of Kiwi filmmakers.
This increased funding has brought us some of New Zealand‟s most successful films in
recent years, such as Whale Rider and Boy.
These films and many others have contributed to our sense of national identity and been a
major success in sharing our stories with the world.
Labour has promoted initiatives to support writers and widen the readership of New Zealand
literature, both here and overseas. We have worked to increase New Zealand book exports
overseas and supported the development of New Zealand Book Month.
Labour believes our cultural sector and creative industries have an important role to play in
contributing to New Zealand‟s economic growth and enriching our communities.
Labour will, over time and as resources allow, continue to grow the level of funding
and support for arts, culture and heritage.
Labour will continue to prioritise the arts, culture and heritage sectors because of
their contribution to defining New Zealand‟s unique identity.
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Growing poetry and literature
We believe the arts, culture and heritage are central to defining who and what we are as a
nation, and deserve promotion at the highest level. We will continue to support cultural
awards, such as the annual Prime Minister‟s award for literary achievement which
acknowledges the accomplishments of our leading literary figures and promotes artistic
excellence.
Labour will work with the Book Industry Alliance (Book Council), the Authors Society
and Publishers to re-establish a „Pan-Literary Group‟ to discuss and advise on policy
and legislation that impacts on writers.
Labour will work constructively with other parties to achieve agreement to lobby to
reach an international agreement on protection of Copyright, with respect to the
Berne Convention.
Labour will review and amend criteria for writers‟ scholarships. Recipients of Writer‟s
Scholarships should have the option of staying and working at home.
Labour will change the Statement of Intent of Toi Aotearoa (Creative New Zealand)
to include funding and support roles for non-fiction literature.
Labour will review the Public Lending Right for New Zealand Author‟s Act five yearly
(or CPI adjusted).
Labour will, over time and as resources allow, introduce a contestable funding model
for history writers.
Growing fine arts, galleries and museums
Labour will continue to focus on measures which will lift the incomes of artists and those who
work in the cultural sector.
Labour believes it is essential that our artists and creative people are able to make a living
and build exciting careers from their work. We increased funding for the annual royalty
payment that New Zealand authors get to compensate them for use of their books in public
libraries and included this initiative in legislation. The Public Lending Right for New Zealand
Authors Act was introduced and passed by Labour.
With cultural trends and technology changing fast, our laws need to keep pace. Our artists
stand to lose significant revenue where their work is exploited and copied. With pirating and
counterfeiting rife internationally, Labour has focused on ensuring that the creative rights of
our artists are adequately protected across all art forms.
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We have regularly reviewed and updated the legislation covering arts, culture and heritage
agencies and sectors, including intellectual property laws. We have developed stricter
measures against those who attempt to profit from pirated and counterfeit works.
Labour has recognised the need to explore how creative rights for traditional knowledge,
including Māori, Pacific and other cultural designs, images, songs and dances, can be
protected where these cultural taonga are not owned individually, yet are increasingly
subject to commercial exploitation in New Zealand and overseas.
We have initiated work to protect and promote respect for traditional knowledge in New
Zealand, across the Pacific and beyond.
Labour will develop outreach delivery systems of collections from Te Papa “Our
Place” through the National Services Unit to sites to be identified by the Auckland
and Christchurch Councils respectively and the regional interest groups.
Labour will consult across the creative and communication sectors to develop and
implement intellectual property policies that encourage innovation and rewards for
creativity, recognising that intellectual property laws will need to evolve into the future
with changes in digital technology.
Labour will continue the work to establish a Collections Council for the identification
of collections of national significance and objects of significance, and ensure that
regions that meet air and temperature standards and safety guidelines will have
access to those materials for display to the public to increase the community
knowledge, enjoyment and appreciation of our kiwi heritage. We will further develop
partnerships with local authorities, businesses and NGOs.
Over time and as resources allow, Labour will:
Develop a Centre for Arts Conservation at Te Papa and agree on a nationwide
approach for taonga and art restoration including the establishment of a
national funding mechanism for conservation of taonga and art held
regionally.
Establish a New Zealand-wide distributed national collection to increase
community knowledge, enjoyment and appreciation of New Zealand‟s
heritage through collection holdings.
Growing the film sector
Labour knows that competition between countries to attract film productions is intense.
Labour introduced a grant scheme in 2003 to attract big-budget film and television
production to New Zealand, which ensured that blockbuster movies like The Lion, the Witch
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and the Wardrobe, King Kong and The Hobbit were all made in New Zealand, bringing with
them significant positive flow-on effects for our country.
We have also ensured that we make New Zealand a more attractive place for New Zealand
films to be made. In 2008 Labour established a Screen Production Incentive Fund to support
increased production of medium and larger-scale movies with significant New Zealand
cultural content.
Labour will explore a more transparent funding mechanism to encourage film
production in New Zealand rather than reward „one off‟ incentives as was developed
for The Hobbit. We would include all parties in this review.
The New Zealand Screen Production Incentive Fund (SPIF) provides a government grant of
40 percent of qualifying New Zealand production expenditure for eligible New Zealand
feature films, and 20 percent of qualifying New Zealand production expenditure for eligible
television and other screen production expenditure.
The New Zealand film industry‟s achievements highlight talent and opportunities for growth
in areas of specialist technical ability, post-production and digital animation.
For example, a number of high tech Kiwi companies were established to develop digital and
software solutions for the Lord of the Rings movies. Labour recognises that investment in
industry training and skills development is vital to ensure the success of New Zealand film
into the future.
Labour will continue to support the development of the New Zealand film industry.
Labour will review the implementation of recommendations made in the Review of the
New Zealand Film Commission by Sir Peter Jackson to ensure that our own stories are
told, supported by the Screen Production Incentive Fund and other programmes of the
New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand on Air, Te Māngai Pāho and Toi Aotearoa
Council (Creative New Zealand)
Labour will ensure that New Zealand is promoted as a premier location for international
film production.
Labour will foster links between film and tourism opportunities.
Labour will, as resources allow, extend the criteria for applications to the Large Budget
Screen Production Fund (LBSPF) to include video game makers.
Growing New Zealand music
Labour believes there are clear cultural and economic gains from a strong domestic music
industry. Our commitment to significant investment in the New Zealand music industry has
brought steady growth.
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In 2001, only 6 percent of monthly album sales were by New Zealand musicians. But
through initiatives like the highly successful New Zealand Music Month and support for the
New Zealand Music Commission, our home-grown artists now make up around 20 percent
of album sales.
Support for implementation of a voluntary quota of New Zealand music on radio has also
meant radio play of New Zealand content has risen by a similar amount and now averages
at about 20 percent of airplay.
Under Labour, a major focus has been supporting our musicians to expand into overseas
markets. The international market development programme undertaken through the New
Zealand Music Commission has been successful in getting kiwi music repertoire and artists
into global markets.
Labour will broaden the range of export markets which receive support for New
Zealand musicians via New Zealand on Air, beyond the Australian market.
Labour will work alongside the industry, ISPs and musicians to ensure an appropriate
digital platform is available domestically for New Zealand music.
Labour will undertake a full review of the Copyright Act, with the aim of introducing a
new Copyright Bill within 18 months that updates and extends the framework for
digital copyright in New Zealand.
Labour will review and strengthen the relevance of the New Zealand Music
Commission to ensure that their role is clearly defined and they are supported as one
of the agents in the export of New Zealand music. Any review should take into
account the range of ways New Zealand music is now being taken to international
markets.
Labour will continue to support the successful Outward Sound programme to assist
New Zealand artists to become export-ready so we:
- Increase earnings from overseas music markets
- Foster the growth of the domestic music industry, and
- Promote New Zealand‟s reputation internationally as a home of innovative
talent.
With music formats increasingly shifting to digital media, Labour will support our musicians to
access digital markets and maximise the opportunities provided by new technology. We will
also support the development and export of digital initiatives, in recognition of changing
international markets.
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New Zealand to the rest of the world – Growing cultural diplomacy
Government and its agencies can partner with cultural practitioners and artists to promote
innovative business models which exploit the full range of funding possibilities and the
opportunities advances in technology bring. This will assist them both to reach new
audiences and to provide broader access to cultural and heritage experiences.
Labour will investigate the potential for government to develop an online platform to
assist and promote charitable giving towards arts, culture and heritage activities and
organisations.
We are aware that many cultural organisations rely on strong support from corporate
sponsorship and philanthropy. Labour has supported this through removing the cap on tax
rebates for gifts to registered charitable organisations. We will now explore what more can
be done to promote the benefits of cultural sponsorship across arts and heritage through
online technology.
Labour will review the recommendations of the Cultural Philanthropy Report to grow
cultural philanthropy for the Arts and Cultural sector.
An international cultural diplomacy programme has been established to build a New Zealand
cultural presence in key regions overseas and to foster increased economic, trade, tourism,
diplomatic, and cultural interests with these countries.
Labour will work with the creative, cultural, and tourism sectors and New Zealand
Trade and Enterprise to expand export opportunities for music, the screen production
industries, performing arts and the visual arts, and continue to support cultural
diplomacy initiatives to raise New Zealand‟s profile internationally.
Labour will continue to work with arts, culture, and heritage agencies as well as with
New Zealand artists and businesses at all levels to ensure that the sector continues
to flourish.
We will work with leaders in the creative sectors to ensure that a strategic approach is taken
to their development, barriers to development are addressed, and the potential benefits to
the economy are realised.
We see strong opportunities for leveraging growth for our cultural sector from significant
events, as was the case for example with the Rugby World Cup 2011.
Growing cultural talent
Labour has been a strong supporter of Māori and Pacific traditional and contemporary art.
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We believe Māori arts, culture and heritage make a vital contribution to our national identity.
Māori creativity and heritage help in defining us to the world as a unique nation with our own
distinctive images, perspectives, culture and heritage. On screen or on stage, both here and
abroad, Māori culture and Māori artists capture the attention of the world.
We know that Māori culture is a key part of being a New Zealander and that by supporting
our performers and artists both domestically and internationally, New Zealand‟s culture and
arts can be showcased globally.
Labour will continue to support Māori artists including through the high quality Toi Iho
branding and will work to develop further opportunities for young artists to promote
their talent and product through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
On a local level, Labour remains committed to supporting and nurturing Māori culture.
Labour will provide continued support for Māori performing arts through Te Matatini
and consider further opportunities to support national competitions in schools to
actively uphold the cultural expression of Māori.
We are committed to promoting the richness and diversity of our Pacific cultures through the
arts. We will also promote career pathways available in the creative sector, and support our
Pacific peoples in their artistic and economic development.
Labour supports continued investment in the arts within Pacific communities, and will
promote the career pathways available in the creative sector.
Labour will retain Te Waka Toi and the Pacific Arts Committee as part of the
governance structure of Toi Aotearoa Creative New Zealand.
We believe artistic and cultural participation from all ethnic communities in New Zealand is a
vital component of building our national identity, and will take further steps to increase
support for artists from diverse cultural traditions.
Labour will provide funding to enable a focus on increasing the contribution from New
Zealand‟s diverse ethnic communities.
Labour values the contribution, and has encouraged the participation, of artists with
disabilities and those with mental health concerns through funding for organisations such as
Arts Access Aotearoa and support for a number of ‟outsider art‟ programmes. We believe it
is important to promote pathways for people with disabilities to assist in developing their
creative talents and cultural enterprise.
Labour will work across Toi Aotearoa (Creative New Zealand), local community
services, Ministry of Social Development and local government bodies to develop
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further opportunities for people with disabilities and mental health conditions to
undertake creative initiatives.
Labour will again invest in training and skills by introducing a revised and modern
Creative Industries Apprenticeship, as part of the Modern Apprenticeships Scheme.
This will build on current initiatives around sector clusters being developed by the
sector ITOs and have links to other tertiary providers.
Regional and community arts and culture
Supporting innovative local communities and sustainable arts infrastructure in our regional
centres is important in promoting local identity and economic growth.
The Regional Museums Fund we established has supported major redevelopments across
the country. These redevelopments can be seen at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Te
Puke Ariki in New Plymouth, Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore, Aratoi in Masterton, the
New Zealand Film Archive, Nelson Provincial Museum, the Dowse Art Museum in Lower
Hutt, the Auckland Art Gallery, the Otago Settlers Museum, Rotorua Museum and currently
in Hawke‟s Bay.
Labour will continue its highly successful policy of providing funding for construction and
refurbishment of regional museums and galleries with collections of national significance.
Labour will restructure the Regional Museums Fund criteria once it is fully
subscribed, to a Regional Museums and Arts Infrastructure Fund. This will include
applications for theatre, orchestras, film platforms and performing arts infrastructure
at a regional level.
Growing community appreciation
We believe it is the role of central government to promote a partnership and collaborative
approach with local authorities, businesses and other funders and donors to support the
cultural wellbeing of local communities.
Labour will, over time and as resources allow:
Establish a „Collections Council‟ for the identification of works of national
significance and how they are made accessible to all New Zealanders.
Develop out-reach delivery programmes from Te Papa to Te Papa North and
South sites
Support increased funding for the Creative Communities Scheme
administered by Toi Aotearoa Arts Council (Creative New Zealand) in
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partnership with local and regional councils, and increase funding for local
festivals and competitions.
Review the criteria for access to CNZ funding to ensure that grassroots
creators of talent are not marginalised by an overly complex fund application
system.
Labour will work to promote growth in culture and heritage regionally and provide
sustainable funding to regional cultural organisations.
Education, industry training and research
It is essential for the development of our cultural sector, and for our young people‟s
wellbeing, that young New Zealanders‟ talents are fostered and they are inspired by the
contribution the arts make to New Zealand‟s national identity and economy.
Labour has continued to develop and resource the arts, music and creative curriculum in
New Zealand schools so that young people have the opportunity to participate in the arts
and establish creative skills at an early stage.
The Artists in Schools Programme was implemented in 2007 to give Kiwi primary and
secondary school students the opportunity to learn from professional New Zealand artists in
the fields of dance, drama, music, and visual arts and was disestablished in 2008.
We believe it is important to ensure the long-term sustainability of the cultural sector through
investment in tertiary education and professional development for artists, and a strategic
focus on areas of anticipated future growth.
Labour will establish a network of Children‟s Art Houses.
Labour will boost the skills capacity of the Kiwi creative sector – the first step being to
conduct a thorough survey of the technical and operational skills we have to identify
areas in which we need to foster new talent.
Labour will work with the ITO sector to develop a Creative Industries Apprenticeship,
as part of the Modern Apprenticeships Scheme.
Labour will agree on the priorities for implementation of the A.T.T.T.O New Zealand
Strategic Training Plan of the Sector 2010-2015. This will be taken into consideration
alongside a consolidation of all current academic and character-based programmes.
Over time and as resources allow, Labour will:
Reinstate the Artists in Schools programme.
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Consolidate career development pathways for management of museums.
Implement the New Zealand Strategic Training Plan Museums Sector 2010-
2015 and develop programmes for the development of specialised skills for
character-based programmes nationwide.
We believe it is important that films, television programmes and music that have been
funded by public organisations are freely available to New Zealanders for the purpose of
study or historical research. We have reviewed accessibility of this archived material and
begun a programme to streamline the way audio-visual content is archived.
Labour is committed to looking ahead and planning for a vibrant cultural sector for the future.
We will increase the range of educational, skills development and research opportunities to
ensure arts, culture and heritage is accessible to the next generation of creative Kiwis.
Honouring our unique history and heritage
Labour believes that knowing and understanding our past and conserving our historic
heritage is a critical part of establishing a strong sense of national identity. It is important we
tell the stories of our nation‟s history, and that places of significance are preserved for future
generations.
A national heritage preservation incentive fund was set up to encourage the preservation of
privately-owned and nationally-significant heritage properties that would otherwise be in
danger of neglect or demolition.
Special objects and taonga also play an important role in our heritage, so we have protected
these items by updating the antiquities legislation.
We have recognised that investment in protection of our historic heritage also has important
economic spin-offs. Iconic sites support heritage tourism, bringing visitors to regions
throughout New Zealand and encouraging them to stay and explore our unique history. It
has been important to support the Historic Places Trust to link sites to create heritage trails.
We have developed an initial list of New Zealand sites for consideration by international
authorities as World Heritage sites.
Labour will continue to support the New Zealand Historic Places Trust in its essential
work on behalf of all New Zealanders.
Labour will review the effectiveness of the Historic Places Act legislation to ensure
there is a voice for community advocacy.
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Labour will work with local government, heritage organisations and across central
government to develop a National Policy Statement on Heritage Protections under
the Resource Management Act.
Labour will require the Historic Places Trust to provide strong advocacy and
leadership so more of Canterbury‟s heritage can be retained.
Labour acknowledges that Canterbury has lost much of its heritage fabric in the 2010 and
2011 earthquakes. While Government funding for restoration is limited, there is a leadership
role that the Historic Places Trust can play. To date, few heritage buildings have been
retained, particularly in Christchurch‟s inner city. The Historic Places Trust needs to be a
forceful advocate for retaining heritage buildings while working with building owners,
councils and others to alert them to funding sources, partial demolition options and other
measures which ensure that Canterbury keeps as much of its heritage past as possible.
In recent years there has been an encouraging resurgence of interest in our nation‟s history,
including the personal histories of individuals.
There is a growing demand by New Zealanders young and old to express their national
identity on occasions like Anzac Day and Waitangi Day. There is increasing interest in New
Zealand‟s involvement in the conflicts of the twentieth century, and a recognition that
significant aspects of our heritage and identity depend on the sacrifice made by others
during times of war.
Labour has commemorated the special relationship between the United Kingdom and
New Zealand with the establishment of a memorial in Hyde Park, London, and dedicated a
New Zealand memorial in the United Nations War Cemetery in Pusan, Korea recognising the
service of 6,000 New Zealanders who fought in the Korean War. The New Zealand Memorial
in Canberra and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Wellington have also been major
heritage projects.
The 2008 tribute to Viet Nam Veterans was a significant acknowledgement of those who lost
their lives in Viet Nam and an opportunity show our appreciation to those who served.
As a focus for Kiwi families‟ remembrance of the sacrifice made by former generations of
New Zealand servicemen and women, preparations have begun for a New Zealand
Memorial Park adjacent to the National War Memorial in Buckle St, Wellington.
Labour will, over time and as resources allow:
Complete the New Zealand Memorial Park project.
Dedicate a memorial to New Zealand seamen who have given their lives in
both war and peace.
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Over the last decade, growth in technology has offered us much greater opportunities to
record, preserve and protect our records and heritage material. We have been committed to
embracing these new technologies to create opportunities for Kiwi families and young people
to better access our unique history. We have developed significant online projects such as
the award-winning digital encyclopaedia of New Zealand, www.teara.govt.nz.
The challenge for the next decade is to harness the opportunities offered by digitisation to
make our heritage available and accessible to more New Zealand families, and to ensure the
technology we use is compatible with future developments.
Growing New Zealand Archives
We see exciting opportunities for New Zealand families to learn about their own history and
whakapapa and develop a rich appreciation of the contribution their families and
communities have made to this country.
Labour will explore how to give New Zealand families better access to the wealth of
cultural and heritage material relating to them that is held by public institutions, so
that New Zealanders young and old can learn about the stories of their past.
Labour will, over time and as resources allow:
Build the National Library up to be a virtual and actual hub where all New
Zealanders have good access to New Zealand‟s documentary heritage, and
can use that information across their work, leisure and community lives.
Increase funding to speed up critical digitisation of heritage collections across
New Zealand so existing collections are available online as quickly as
possible.
We have seen the importance of recording New Zealand‟s oral histories so that the rich
history of our stories can be preserved for future generations. A large-scale programme of
recording oral history has been established and content made available online to all New
Zealanders through the oral history website 'From Memory' on www.NZhistory.net.nz.
Labour will continue the extensive work programme within the Ministry for Culture
and Heritage on New Zealand history projects, with a focus on further collection of
oral histories, particularly from more isolated regions.
Labour will, over time and as resources allow, fund the further collection of the 17
World War Two New Zealand Division histories.
We are aware that we need to ensure that consistent archive systems are in place for
archiving our historical material, both nationally and internationally. It is important, too, that
these are systems all communities can access and contribute to.
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Labour will continue to support Archives NZ, the NZ Film Archive, as well as public and
private galleries, libraries, archive organisations and museums to work collaboratively to
develop a smart and consistent approach to archiving cultural materials nationally and in the
community.
Labour will legislate to create the New Zealand Film Archives as a Crown Entity and
ensure on-going direct funding.
Labour will ensure that publicly-funded films, television programmes and music can
be accessed by other New Zealanders for the purpose of study and research, and
further develop mechanisms for archiving audio-visual programmes.
Labour will support the development of a Memorandum of Understanding with Te
Papa to improve relations.
Labour will ensure our New Zealand heritage is protected and cherished for the benefit of all
New Zealanders.
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AUCKLAND ISSUES
Our vision
Labour recognises that Auckland is a national asset. It is our largest city, it is home to 31
per cent of New Zealanders, it is our international gateway, and it is our largest commercial
centre and wealth creator.
The next Labour government will build on Auckland‟s strengths and create meaningful
partnerships with local government, business and the community. We will restore proper
democracy so that local people feel confident that their voice is being heard. We will
empower the Auckland Council to effectively represent those local people, to act in their best
interests, and to make Auckland the most successful city it can be.
A Super City that works
Labour has promoted the concept of a larger, combined Auckland Council to improve
governance, representation, efficiency and affordability in Auckland local government.
However the „Super City‟ council that has been set up by National does not achieve those
aims.
National set up an over-centralised and corporatised super city. Super city laws do not
guarantee local communities a strong voice. Too much power has been handed to handpicked
corporate boards.
Labour recognises that it will take strong backing from central government to make Auckland
a success. Rather than undermining local government decisions, as National is doing with
Mayor Len Brown‟s plans for a modern rail system, Labour believes central government
should listen to what the local people want and support the council in implementing its
decisions.
Labour will fix the super city‟s democracy: enshrine powers of local boards, transition
from the appointed Māori Statutory Board to elected Māori seats, repeal the law that
imposes a corporatised transport agency, and review the governance and democracy
laws and structures after two years.
Labour believes the only way to successfully tackle Auckland‟s big problems and
opportunities, is by central government working hand in hand with Auckland Council:
Labour will set up a Common Accountability Platform for Auckland – Ministers,
representatives and officials of central government will agree common priorities with
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Auckland Mayor & Council, and ensure better, fairer alignment between Aucklanders‟
voices and needs, council capabilities, national policy, and budget commitments.
A modern transport system for a modern Auckland
Transport is the number one thing Aucklanders want the super city to fix: ease traffic
congestion, and build a world class transport system that is convenient and affordable.
The Council has prepared a business case for a City Rail Link proposal and the Auckland
public are overwhelmingly in favour of it. This is a sensible transport solution and will act as
a catalyst for business and residential growth.
Labour will support the Auckland Council and back the clear preference for Auckland,
which is the Rail Link proposal. We will provide funding, through the Land Transport
Fund, for up to $1.2 billion, which equates to half of the cost of the Rail Link, on the
understanding that the Auckland Council is responsible for financing the other half.
We will finance this by cancelling National‟s plans to fund a Wellsford-Puhoi Highway (“the
Holiday Highway”). While Labour agrees that there are safety issues and choke points that
need to be addressed here, we believe these can be resolved without the need for an
expensive new highway. This money would be better spent on the Auckland Rail Link.
Auckland simply cannot go on building motorways. The more you build them, the more they
fill up with cars. Vast resources have been invested in motorways over the past 60 years.
Now we must invest similar resources into building a modern public transport system that
allows Aucklanders to move around the city in fast, convenient and affordable way.
Labour will work in partnership with Auckland Council to deliver a 15 year transport
infrastructure plan for Auckland, starting with the city rail link, and including new
rolling stock, station upgrades & integrated ticketing.
Funding will be a mix of central government, Auckland Council debt, and other sources. New
transport infrastructure and urban renewal will also emphasise cycling and walking.
Growing Auckland‟s economy
Auckland is our one international city of significant size. It is a key gateway to the world for
ideas, trade, investment, skilled migrants, and tourists. But according to economists its share
of GDP is lower than it should be for a city of its size in a country the size of New Zealand.
Auckland must do well if the rest of the country is to do well. We must make Auckland the
most efficient gateway for New Zealand and, because of its size and research base, we
must recognise Auckland as the natural base for high-value export firms.
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Auckland must shift from being an importer and consumer to being a centre for production.
We need to capitalise on the city‟s concentration of skilled workers, knowledge and research
to provide a home for Kiwi firms taking our best ideas and selling them to the world in the
form of goods, services and technology.
Labour will facilitate and support an Auckland Inc approach to growing and nurturing
high value clean-tech NZ export firms. We will also make sure that government and
the Council support local SME and community economic development.
Building a strong community
Auckland is divided by extremes of poverty and wealth and this inequality is bad for the city.
Poverty is concentrated in the very communities who are becoming a bigger and more
important share of the city‟s population - Māori, Pacific and other new migrant communities.
Inequality leads to crime, violence and all manner of social problems. It also means that the
talents and resources of our whole community are being wasted.
Labour will work with Auckland Council to tackle poverty and inequality in Auckland,
and build strong communities.
A range of steps will be taken, including the following:
● Aligning central government social development spending with Auckland Council via
the Common Accountability Platform, with focus on building opportunity for
disadvantaged communities
● Tackling the housing crisis
● Investing in quality public transport & urban renewal
● Generating high quality jobs
Auckland urban development
Unplanned suburban growth has led to vast sprawling suburbs often far from jobs and with
poor services including public transport. Poor physical environment makes for unhappy
people, e.g. unhealthy homes make children sick.
The waterfronts and CBD are important parts of the city that have been neglected, much of
our heritage has been lost and low quality buildings put up in their place.
Aucklanders want and deserve a better built environment: healthy durable housing, a
vibrant people-friendly CBD, and waterfronts opened up to the public.
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Labour will legislate for Urban Development Authorities to master-plan for ambitious
urban renewal projects around rail, medium density economically-sustainable town
centres, public space, healthy and sustainable homes, and strong communities,
ensuring that communities which have the most to gain from public transport are best
served.
This will require investment and partnership between central government, local government
and private sector – with strong community engagement. We want to see the CBD
revitalised and the waterfront developed with high quality buildings and public space so that
it is economically vibrant.
Housing is a huge issue in Auckland; affecting cost of living, assets and savings,
neighbourhood development, poverty, children, and their health outcomes.
Labour will work closely with Auckland Council to ensure the best possible housing
outcomes for all Aucklanders: affordability, quality, urban design, impact on the wider
environment.
An environmentally sustainable Auckland
As the city‟s population grows to two million by 2040, the natural environment will be under
great stress. We must build an environmentally sustainable Auckland for future generations.
We should protect and extend our precious natural wild areas so that bush, beaches and
volcanoes are an integral part of our city.
To make Auckland a sustainable city we need to cut carbon emissions, clean up our
waterways, and reduce our ecological footprint.
Labour will support the Auckland Council to achieve this through actions such as:
● Protecting and expanding the regional parks network, Hauraki Gulf National
Park, volcanic cones, Waitakere Ranges, urban parks network.
● Stopping sprawl, facilitating high-quality density through investment in public
transport & walking/cycling, and urban renewal; protecting & retaining urban
limits
● Championing Auckland as an Eco-City: a carbon neutral Auckland Council,
conservation and demand management of electricity, water and solid waste
for householders and businesses.
● Protecting and cleaning up waterways and the green fingers alongside them,
reviewing provisions for cutting trees, and developing green areas where they
will enhance lives and property values.
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BIOSECURITY
Our vision
New Zealand must have a first-class biosecurity system. Keeping pests and diseases out of
our island nation is essential for our primary producers, our livelihoods, and the protection of
our unique native flora and fauna. And for our primary producers to compete in global
markets, they need to be able to give biosecurity assurance to customers.
With trade and travel increasing in a globalising world, pressure on our borders is becoming
more acute and pest incursions are increasing. Over the past five years over 400 pests a
year have been caught at the border – and in the last quarter of 2010 alone, three new pests
became established in New Zealand.
We need biosecurity vigilance to protect our country from environmental and economic
damage from pest invaders, and from severe health threats like avian influenza. We must
plan for the future challenges that increased trade and travel, and climate change, will bring.
We may not be able to stop every biological threat from entering New Zealand. However,
when they do, we must be prepared to manage them effectively. Labour believes that
affected industries and local communities have a big part to play in responding to such
threats. We need to maximise our total response, and ensure we get new threats under
active management and control as soon as possible.
Prevention
Labour substantially boosted New Zealand‟s border security capacity. Scientific and
operational systems were changed to more effectively investigate, eradicate or manage
biological threats.
Labour set up Biosecurity New Zealand to co-ordinate the agencies that manage and protect
our country against these threats. We developed a comprehensive biosecurity strategy
applying to all of New Zealand‟s environments (land, freshwater and marine), and to both
indigenous and introduced flora and fauna.
Primary industries are feeling increasingly vulnerable to pest incursions. The spread of
tomato/potato psyllid since 2006, and the Psa outbreak in kiwifruit in late 2010, show the
devastating impact such incursions can have. Unless primary industries can be assured that
robust biosecurity protection is in place, they are unlikely to risk making large new
investments.
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National has relaxed the continuous vigilance needed against new disease or pest threats.
In 2009 it cut 54 biosecurity officers working in ports and airports around the country. Many
industry groups felt the cuts left the borders more vulnerable. Rising volumes of trade and
international passenger arrivals now present serious challenges for our border protection
services and a higher workload for frontline biosecurity staff.
Labour will restore the $2 million of cuts to frontline Biosecurity services made by
National in 2009.
Labour will ensure that New Zealand‟s border protection capability, especially at the
frontline, can deal with increasing biosecurity pressures and rising trade and travel
volumes.
National has taken resources from the biosecurity frontline and placed them into a Joint
Border Management System (JBMS) aimed at coordinating border agencies in their multiple
objectives at the border. While better coordination and sharing of information and systems is
desirable, this must not undermine the ability to provide frontline border protection. Nor must
biosecurity standards be compromised to facilitate easier border passage for tourists and
imported goods.
Labour will review the JBMS to ensure that biosecurity standards are not being
compromised for convenience or cost-saving.
Planning
No border control system can ever be 100 percent effective. A „zero risk‟ border is not
possible even if all travel and trade stopped, because organisms can still be introduced by
migratory wild species. The biosecurity task is made even more challenging by the potential
of climate change and associated ecological changes to expose us to new pests and
diseases.
Risks include human pandemics from disease, severe animal risks such as foot and mouth
disease, and horticultural pests. We must plan for the future so we can readily identify and
prevent threats or, if they arrive, get them under active management and control (or
eradication) as soon as possible.
This will require analysis of trade patterns, the way products are transported into New
Zealand, and items brought in with travellers. Predictive research into ecological change as
a result of climate change will also be required.
Labour will ensure analysis of the economic, biological and physical environment
focuses on predicting and identifying new and emerging biosecurity threats.
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Labour will continue to improve systems for dealing with severe biological threats
such as an avian influenza pandemic.
Labour will develop additional expertise in marine traffic and identification of waterborne
pests and organisms.
Government-Industry Agreements
Government-Industry agreements (GIAs) on incursion responses were proposed under
Labour. The concept is widely supported by industries who want some say in how pest
incursions are responded to. Legislation is currently before Parliament.
However, the sharing of costs has become controversial because National is shifting the
burden onto exporting industries, rather than onto the taxpayer or those responsible for
importing pest-carrying products. More debate is needed on this, including the extent to
which incursion responses are a public good that should be funded by the Government as a
core function.
Particular consideration needs to be the potential cost burden on smaller or more vulnerable
industries.
Labour will retain the GIA concept but will revisit cost-sharing arrangements to
ensure that smaller industries are not being burdened with unrealistic biosecurity
costs.
Labour will review the share of biosecurity costs paid by importers to ensure that they
are carrying a fair and reasonable share of the burden of incursion response costs.
In the legislation currently before Parliament, government compensation is not stipulated for
stock or plant destruction as part of an incursion response. It is possible that farmers and
other primary producers will refrain from reporting pest and disease incursions for fear of
financial loss. Further discussion is needed on this.
Partnership with the community
The Government and the community need to work in partnership to respond to serious
biosecurity threats. For instance, a 2006 red ant invasion in Napier was successfully
eradicated by Biosecurity New Zealand working closely with the local community.
Large-scale biosecurity management – particularly aerial spraying – requires public cooperation
and support. Affected local communities must be well-informed and consulted
about the need for action. Any health concerns must be addressed.
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Balancing the demands of swift and effective response times with local community
consultation is challenging, but community buy-in is critical if biosecurity responses are to be
maximised and have the greatest chance of success.
Labour will respond swiftly to biosecurity threats while ensuring that local
communities are well-informed and consulted.
Labour will develop systems for representative community advisory groups to ensure
clear communications with the public and provide a means for getting feedback from
public sector agencies on issues of concern.
Bees
Bee pollination is integral to our horticultural industries – without it they would be crippled.
MAF has estimated the value of bees to our economy to be about $4 billion annually. Bee
populations are collapsing elsewhere in the world, and declines are becoming evident in
New Zealand. The exact cause is not clear – but disease, pesticides and climate change
stress are among the suspected factors.
Diseases deadly to bees have entered New Zealand in recent years, despite biosecurity
measures. Varroa mite was detected in 2000 and only well-managed bees can survive it.
The parasite nosema ceranae was discovered in 2010.
These diseases, in combination with worldwide bee colony collapse disorder and any further
disease incursions, will put New Zealand‟s bee populations at risk. They are clearly
vulnerable but no strategy for their protection exists.
Labour will hold a Beehive summit to bring together all the stakeholders and
knowledge in the New Zealand beekeeping industry to develop a plan to protect this
vital component of our biological systems.
The Beehive summit would include international expertise from those countries already
dealing with bee population issues.
Bovine TB
The control and possible eradication of bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a vital objective if New
Zealand is to continue exporting meat to countries where consumers demand the highest
standards of food safety.
Labour will continue to support the Animal Health Board‟s TB Strategy and will work
with all stakeholders to fund and implement agreed targets including eradication if
considered possible.
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New Zealand is highly reliant on the use of 1080 to keep possum numbers under control but
public opinion is divided on its suitability. Labour agrees with the Parliamentary
Commissioner for the Environment that the use of aerial 1080 is necessary – at least until
new and alternative tools are developed. The Animal Health Board, the Department of
Conservation and other pest control agencies need to better explain to the public why this is
currently our best alternative.
Labour will support the use of aerial 1080 as an effective tool for landscape-scale
pest control (especially of possums, rats and stoats), while new and improved
alternative tools are developed.
Regional strategies
Unwanted organisms already in New Zealand often come under regional pest management
strategies. These deal with pests and weeds like rabbits and wilding pines.
Labour will support regional (and unitary) councils to ensure that their strategies and
programmes to control pests and weeds are up-to-date and effective.
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BROADCASTING
Our Vision - Public interest broadcasting in the digital environment
The power of sound and images together is incredible: film and television are core elements
of culture in the twenty-first century. Broadcasting is a vital component of the fabric of any
nation, and New Zealand is no exception.
New Zealand will fully realise its potential as an innovative nation when our population is
digitally literate and has clear pathways to education for life and skilled and high-wage jobs.
A key marker of success will be wide access to creative content, developed by and for this
country and its people.
Content describes the creative material available to New Zealanders. This includes films and
drama, documentaries, science, special interests, news and current affairs and sport, and
music of all genres. It must be diverse, challenging, and provide access to the full range of
cultures and ideas in our society. Above all, this content must be accessible at no cost to
the viewer via television, radio, and the Internet.
A competitive and thriving media and content creation sector is needed to deliver
diversity. Labour considers that the current commercial market framework does not deliver
diversity because it lacks a public service broadcaster aside from Radio New Zealand. It is
time for this to change.
This Broadcasting policy has been developed in conjunction with Labour‟s Information and
Communications Technology policy. Readers are invited to refer to that for more detailed
coverage of the regulatory and policy framework summarised in this policy.
Public broadcasting renewed
A strong, independent free public broadcasting media service not driven by commercial
interests is essential to an informed democracy. This is a function of true citizenship that
includes reflecting our own culture and stories, and provides the forum for insightful, relevant
and fact-based debates on issues of public interest.
It also means that important New Zealand content is made freely available to all Kiwis in real
time. This is a fundamental principle behind public broadcasting. All New Zealanders should
be represented by and be able to receive public broadcasting content, including news and
current affairs across radio, TV and the Internet.
There is a significant gap in our market and there remains a need for a local and publicly
funded television broadcaster. Government must continue to invest in public broadcasting in
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order to meet the needs of a diverse society and ensure that local, quality content is both
produced and delivered.
Labour does not believe that a combination of broadband, Sky, and access to international
product via the Internet remove the need for public broadcasting. Convergence does not
end the content market failure; it does not always mean those with minority and special
interests can use their devices to find the sorts of content they want and view it when they
want.
TVNZ in its current form is not able to deliver public television broadcasting that New
Zealanders want and need. Its corporate values and commercial focus and culture cannot
be changed by tinkering. New Zealanders need better in terms of public broadcasting than
what can be delivered by what is now effectively a state owned commercial broadcaster.
Labour believes a new approach is required; a new model, to bring together elements of
public broadcasting that already exist, to strengthen and broaden them in the digital
environment.
Labour will establish a new model for non-commercial public broadcasting. It will be
based on the outcomes of a nationwide public debate to be held within one year of
taking office.
The core elements of the model Labour will present for consultation are:
the core output of the new public broadcaster would be commercial-free, statutorily
independent radio and television services, including:
o the functions of Radio New Zealand and TVNZ 7
o consideration of a new nationwide news service, and
o possibly some other non-commercial programming.
greater independence for public broadcasting, through a more „arm‟s-length‟
governance model: the creation of a New Zealand Broadcasting Trust, which would sit
above the public broadcaster‟s board and independently appoint the members of that
board.
o
o
Members of the Trust would have long terms and be appointed in consultation
with the Opposition.
The model could retain separate boards for existing institutions, as there is no
“problem” to be solved with, for instance, Radio New Zealand‟s operating
model or corporate structure.
long term, sustainable funding arrangements to ensure independence, develop strong
relationships with the production industry, and allow for the training and professional
development of staff.
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improved cooperation and sharing of material between national-level public
broadcasters and regional television and non-commercial radio, including access
radio.
a commitment to making New Zealand content readily available, including through
digital means.
The public debate will allow New Zealanders to have their say on the shape of future public
broadcasting. It will include a discussion of the institutional form, legislative framework and
range of funding options, including the use of existing assets and dividend streams, and
other international models, such as those used in Europe and the United States.
After full public discussion, Labour will have a clear view of how to proceed and will
implement the new model.
This commitment to restoring public broadcasting in New Zealand marks an important
change towards a contemporary Kiwi approach to protecting and promoting New Zealand‟s
culture in the twenty first century. It is not made lightly, and it is a commitment Labour will
see through.
Other content industry issues
Labour will encourage a competitive environment in digital commercial media, and
investigate the merits of providing special tax status to low-profit limited-liability
content development companies which are New Zealand owned and who commit to
a defined programme of re-investment in their business.
Labour will continue to fund Māori Television and iwi radio and review the strategic
contribution these mediums make to raising proficiency levels of Te Reo Māori.
Labour will establish a review of free-to-air Pasifika content and look at ethnic
broadcasting content with a view to supporting better programming outcomes for the
diverse cultures of New Zealand.
Labour will encourage a stronger representative voice in the broadcasting and New
Zealand content sector, particularly with reference to the impact of new media.
Labour will pay particular attention to the Law Commission‟s review of regulatory
gaps and the new media with regard to the consumer voice.
Labour will continue to encourage the screen production industry. Funding through
NZ On Air will continue at present levels, but with a review of the organisation, its
goals and objectives, and its models for allocating its funding to local content to
ensure that its objectives and funding models are appropriate in the current
environment and the digital age.
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The role of NZ On Air relative to the new public broadcaster will be carefully
considered and will form part of the wider public debate.
An audio standard for New Zealand television
There has been an ongoing debate in New Zealand for some time around volume and
consistency between featured programmes and commercials on TV, where there are
concerns that the audio of television commercials are broadcast at louder sound volumes
than the television programme material they accompany. The issue is not straightforward,
but the solutions are.
Labour believes broadcasting networks have been slow to adapt and revise their Technical
Delivery Requirements to reflect digital technology.
Labour will bring the TV broadcasting industry together to establish a consensus for
new Technical Delivery Requirements and a unified national standard for all
broadcasters that reflects international best practice.
Convergence between broadcasting and telecommunications
The convergence of technology across the telecommunications, ICT and broadcasting
sectors require a converged policy framework to deal with them effectively and efficiently.
Convergence means that content types that used to be available only on separate networks
are seeping across into each other. Audio-visual material can be carried over the Internet as
it can over broadcast TV; voice works over the copper phone network, over the Internet and
over cellular mobile networks. This trend is accelerating, and isn‟t going to reverse.
That is why Labour wants to see a shared policy, regulatory and legislative framework for the
broadcasting, telecommunications and Internet realms. Many other countries including the
United Kingdom and Australia have already taken this approach. As the technologies
converge a number of issues arise around the networks that will be needed to carry content
produced inside New Zealand and that which comes from outside the country.
Labour believes a single network regulator for Telecommunications and Broadcasting has
merit.
Labour will prepare a proposal for public consultation within six months of taking
office setting out the path towards a single powerful regulator for telecommunications
and broadcasting.
It is our expectation that the converged regulator will be located within the Commerce
Commission and would obtain any additional resources required by means of an industry
levy system. The legislation would be modelled on the way the Telecommunications Act
currently works.
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Labour would have particular regard to addressing the impact of monopolies in both the
telecommunications and broadcasting marketplaces.
The consultation will also consider the regulatory mechanisms for content carried on
broadcasting and telecommunications networks. It may be that the functions of the
Broadcasting Standards Authority, the Press Council and the Advertising Standards
Authority could be brought together.
In parallel with these regulatory changes, the policy arm of government dealing with these
issues may be able to be done more efficiently brought together. Current policy is spread
across a range of agencies including the Ministry of Economic Development, Department of
Internal Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Heritage, State Services Commission and others.
Labour will investigate creating a Ministry of Communications and IT, based in the
Ministry of Economic Development, to bring together all policy involving
broadcasting, communications and information technology issues.
Among the tasks for the new Ministry would be to ensure that both broadcasting and
telecommunications policy considered the wider cultural context in which they operate, by
liaising closely with the Ministry of Culture and Heritage in the work that they do.
Compared with other countries, the consumer voice is largely missing in both the
telecommunications and broadcasting markets. The Australian Consumer Communications
Action Network provides a model.
Labour will investigate ways to ensure there is a strong mechanism for New
Zealanders to voice their issues, concerns and vision with regards to
telecommunications, broadcasting content and the digital environment.
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CANTERBURY EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY PLAN
Our vision
Labour will intervene with innovative and necessary measures to give Cantabrians
affordable choices as they rebuild their homes, businesses and lives after the devastating
earthquakes. These measures will improve the quality and speed of the recovery.
Intervene to give homeowners choice
Labour will purchase land sufficient for an initial tranche of 1,500 affordable
properties to be made available for on-selling, at cost, to red zone homeowners.
Access to affordable land is critical if Cantabrians from the red zone are to rebuild their lives.
National‟s RV deal only addresses one side of the problem. They have put an extra 6,000
new home buyers into the market but done nothing to ensure there are affordable options
available. The resulting increases in property prices are leaving many homeowners unable
to afford to re-purchase property. In effect, the Government‟s offer has left many people with
no place to go.
Case Study – Cass Street Residents Out of Pocket
A couple who have lived in their now-red zoned Cass Street home for 15 years have
said the Government‟s deal will leave them significantly out of pocket.
They pointed out that most sections in Cass Street are around the $140,000 mark,
while the cheapest they could find was worth $169,000.
The couple, who want to stay in Kaiapoi and are willing to pay more than they expect to
receive from the Government offer, aren‟t able to find affordable sections. Their
$270,000 2008 valuation, less the EQC pay-out they have already received, will leave
them out of pocket in trying to find a new section and build a new home.
Source: Kaiapoi Advocate, 2 September 2011
Labour will make an initial purchase of land sufficient for a first tranche of 1,500 properties.
The Crown will then develop the land to make it ready for sale. These properties will then be
on-sold, at cost, to affected residents. Homeowners from the red zone will have the first right
of refusal. If there is excess demand, Labour will look to ballot the available land parcels.
There is no obligation on the current 6,000 red zone residents to take up this offer. However,
the offer will benefit all residents by taking excessive developers‟ margins out of the equation
and directly moderating property prices across the market.
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This deal may still leave some homeowners out of pocket, but not to the extent that they
would be if purchasing privately where developers are charging their own profit margins.
If there is evidence of price gouging by developers as the Government attempts to acquire
land then Labour will consider, as a last resort, using the land acquisition provisions in the
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act to ensure a fair price is sought and paid. Labour will
also undertake an immediate audit of Crown-owned land in the area to determine how much
could be suitable and made available for development.
The overall final cost to the Crown will be low. While we estimate the up-front cost to the
Crown to be approximately $230 million, this cost will be recovered through selling the
properties at cost to residents. This will leave the Crown to meet a small financing cost. The
up-front estimate of $230 million is based on an average land value across Waimakariri,
Christchurch and Selwyn of $155,000. 5 This is a conservative estimate as it is based on
most recent developed land prices.
Case Study - Grantham: Government Acts Quickly to Give Homeowners Options
The small town of Grantham in Queensland was devastated by January‟s floods. Rather
than sit back and leave residents to face the arduous task of rebuilding by themselves,
the Queensland Reconstruction Authority intervened to declare the Grantham township a
„reconstruction area‟ on 24 March 2011.
This enabled a „master planning process‟ to be fast-tracked and completed in just four
months. This process included the purchase of a 935-acre land parcel in order to carry
out an unprecedented land swap programme, where participants receive a „like-for-like‟
land parcel outside the flood zones.
As a result of this swift action, it‟s expected Grantham residents will begin moving into
their new houses by Christmas – less than a year after the devastating floods. This
illustrates that governments willing to intervene can expedite the recovery process,
helping residents rebuild their lives as soon as possible.
Labour will ring-fence a maximum of $100 million from the Canterbury Recovery
Fund as compensation for home improvements, made after the valuation date, not
currently covered by the Government‟s offer. Compensation will be set at a maximum
of $50,000 with a minimum of $5,000 and require proof of the amount spent on the
improvement.
Labour will honour the existing buyout package for homeowners with affected properties in
the “red zones” based on the rateable value (RV). This includes compensation for consented
changes that increase the foot-print of the home.
In addition to this, Labour will also compensate homeowners in the red zone for home
improvements (e.g. a new kitchen or bathroom) above $5,000, up to a maximum of $50,000
5 Quotable Value New Zealand, Urban Property Sales Statistics Half Year Ended December 2010. Table 13 & Table 15
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which are not currently covered by the Government‟s offer. Compensation will only apply to
improvements made since the established date of rateable value. Also, applicants for
compensation will be required to provide proof of the amount spent on the improvement.
These improvements add to the value of the property and would have been taken into
account in subsequent valuations if it were not for the earthquake. Officials have noted that
63 per cent of properties sold in Kaiapoi, for instance, in the 12 months before the first
earthquake were sold above the 2008 rating valuation, indicating that these improvements
make a material difference to the resale value.
Labour has capped the amount of compensation available at $50,000 to ensure this is not
an open ended commitment. While some residents may have made improvements above
this cap, the taxpayer cannot afford to meet every cost. Under this plan these residents
would not be left totally out of pocket. Providing a minimum level of $5,000 will also ensure
the process is not overloaded with a large number of small claims and also distinguish
between general maintenance and home improvements which add the value of the house.
We will ring-fence a maximum $100 million from the Canterbury Recovery Fund as
compensation for home improvements, made after the valuation date, not currently covered
by the Government‟s offer. This figure is based on an average of $10,000 per household. 6
Although, we do not expect every red-zone house to fall into this category.
Labour will immediately release all of the available geotechnical information together
with a plain English explanation for individual properties in the green and red zones.
Further information will be released progressively as the land analysis and colour
zoning is completed.
The Government is currently withholding all of the geological and geotechnical information
on individual properties that decisions on land zoning are being based upon. They have said
they will only release the information once the entire affected region is colour-zoned.
Releasing geotechnical information as the analysis is completed gives residents access to
vital information they need to be able to make the right decisions for their future.
Resolve the insurance gridlock
Labour will work with the private insurance sector to explore all options to kick-start
the industry and resolve the existing gridlock.
As a last resort, Labour reserves the right to intervene in the insurance market as a
short term measure where there is market failure to give the confidence required to
get the market functioning properly again.
6 Source: Statistics New Zealand, Household Economic Survey, June 2010. Note: In 2010, households spent an average
$5,000 a year on home improvements and property maintenance (including materials and services). Over 3 years this adds up
to $15,000. Once the $5,000 minimum is factored in – this equates to an average of $10,000.
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Private insurers are remaining highly cautious and conservative. The reluctance of large
insurance providers to issue new policies is delaying the ability of Cantabrians to rebuild and
businesses to reinvest and grow. Without new insurance residents are unable to access the
finance they need to build a new home or start a business. This uncertainty is stifling the
recovery. Labour will explore all options with the industry to break this deadlock and provide
certainty to residents.
As a last resort Labour reserves the right to intervene in the insurance market as a short
term measure. The Canterbury earthquakes are without precedent and force us to consider
all options. Labour is committed to ensuring that any specific option pursued will be subject
to the priority of careful management of the fiscal risks to the Crown.
Make community engagement a priority
Labour will ensure that international best practice principles of recovery strategy are
central to the plan.
Labour will make community engagement a priority to progress the recovery of Canterbury.
Community engagement, integrated planning and timely access to information are crucial in
disaster response and recovery. The fundamental principles that underpin our approach are
accountability and transparency.
Drawing on international best practice, Labour will ensure the recovery process:
Puts trust and faith in local people who know their communities and ensures there is
open communication with them
Involves local communities in joint learning and public decision-making
Capitalises on local culture and knowledge
Mobilises local capacity to rebuild
Enables local communities to make choices that build safer, more sustainable
communities
Secures the things that are good for the community, and discard the things that hold
them back
We‟ve listened to the Canterbury community who‟ve told us this approach has been lacking
in the Government‟s response. There have been confused messages, a lack of plain
language explanations of complex insurance and technical information, a refusal of agencies
to collaborate on information provision, a failure to tackle rumours, a failure to disclose
changes in policies, and setting of unrealistic expectations.
Labour will also take a bi-partisan approach to the recovery by offering the
Opposition a role in the rebuilding process.
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Labour believes that offering the Opposition a more substantive role in the rebuild process is
a more effective commitment to a bi-partisan approach that will ensure continuity for
residents and business than the current nominal role offered under National through the
“cross-party forum”.
We will establish an independent board between CERA and the Minister to depoliticise
the approach to the recovery and strengthen the performance of CERA.
There has been criticism of the bureaucracy set up in response to the Canterbury
earthquakes, with lines of accountability unclear, and CERA and the Government‟s handling
of the process being cited as inadequate. There is a lack of co-ordination between central,
local and regional government which must be addressed. CERA needs to be the single-entry
point so people can access clear pathways to recovery.
To strengthen the performance of CERA, we will insert a board between the CERA Chief
Executive and the Minister to improve governance and reduce political interference. This
change will allow CERA to effectively lead the recovery. It will require a minor legislative
amendment to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act.
Labour will audit the heritage stock of Canterbury to identify what remains and what
is most important to save. We will work with building owners and the Councils to
retain and strengthen viable heritage buildings where feasible.
Heritage is important to Canterbury‟s tourism industry and to the city‟s proud connection to
its past. Since the February quake, there has been little government-led effort to help
coordinate the retention and strengthening of heritage buildings and facades. International
experts and many Canterbury people despair at this lack of leadership, while demolition of
potentially viable heritage stock continues unabated. Preserving heritage does not simply
mean holding up the recovery.
Use youth unemployment to fill the skills gap
Labour will use youth unemployment to fill the critical shortage of skilled workers in
Canterbury, including investing $87 million towards getting 9000 young New
Zealanders off the dole and into apprenticeships.
The building and construction industry has warned there is a critical shortage of skilled
workers in Canterbury. It‟s also concerned that the training process is too slow and may
delay the rebuild even further. This is the perfect opportunity to address the crippling
problem of youth unemployment in this country. There are about 58,000 Kiwis aged under-
25 who are not learning or earning. This is a ticking time-bomb and must be fixed.
Under National, the number of building and construction industry trainees in Canterbury has
almost halved – down 45% since December 2008. However, we know 30,000 extra
tradesmen will be needed for the rebuild. Continued inaction is not an option. That‟s why
Labour released a comprehensive plan to get more young people into trades training.
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Labour will put $87 million towards getting 9000 young New Zealanders off the dole
and into apprenticeships.
We‟ll provide $80 million to create more 5000 fee-free training places for 16 and 17
year olds.
An extra $13 million will go towards 1000 new Group and Shared Apprenticeship
places.
We‟ve also been told that the process of training apprentices is too slow, so we‟ll work
with the industry and training providers to ensure regulations and funding decisions are
made to speed that up.
In each of these areas, Canterbury will be the top priority in terms of allocating training
positions. Labour‟s plan is an upfront investment in skills to ensure we have the workforce
we need to get the rebuild going.
Establish an independent Insurance Commissioner
Labour will establish an independent Insurance Commissioner with statutory
authority to put in place a disputes resolution mechanism, consistent with existing
mechanisms, to give Canterbury residents (and in the longer term, all New
Zealanders) an affordable avenue to resolve disputes.
The experience in Canterbury has revealed that consumer protection for private insurance
has not been successful when it comes to natural disasters. While the Reserve Bank
provides prudential regulation of the insurance sector, there is insufficient consumer
protection.
Labour will establish an independent Insurance Commissioner, with statutory authority,
tasked with protecting consumers of insurance and the public interest by ensuring that the
industry behaves responsibly, while also ensuring that there is a competitive insurance
environment.
The first job of the Commissioner would be to immediately put in place a consumer
protection and disputes resolution mechanism. In doing so, it will draw upon existing
agencies and mechanisms currently available to resolve disputes. The Commissioner would
be funded through a levy on insurance companies.
The Insurance Commissioner would review the operations of the private insurance
industry in light of the experience of Canterbury residents.
Once a consumer protection mechanism is established, the Commissioners would then
review the performance of the insurance industry in light of the Canterbury Earthquakes, and
provide any associated recommendations to the government coming out of the review.
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Design a plain English household insurance “template” which provides the minimum
provisions that a household policy should include that can be varied on the
agreement of both parties.
In addition to an Insurance Commissioner, Labour will work to establish a plain English
insurance “template” with minimum provisions required in a policy. The template will clarify
the definition of the terms used in the document. The minimum provisions may be added to,
or adjusted downwards, but only with the explicit agreement of the purchaser. This means
that people can be protected as they can trust that the template is the minimum that they
should be able to expect from an insurance policy. The drafting of the template will also be
done in a way that ensures that insurers cannot “re-litigate” coverage due to the omissions of
certain provisions, or the subtle inclusion of “get out” clauses.
This measure was recently endorsed by NZI Chief Executive, Karl Armstrong, “I believe the
time has come for us to look at creating consistent [contract] wordings across the industry.
It‟s not acceptable for us to ask our own legal departments or our customers to decipher
what our wordings mean, it‟s up to us to ensure we know this”. 7
Labour will fund test cases
Labour will commit $2 million to fund test cases, where Canterbury residents appear
to have been unfairly treated by their insurer, to establish precedent and certainty on
major issues.
We also consider that insurance companies need to be held to account for particular
instances of unfair treatment of residents in response to Canterbury. There are cases where
homeowners feel that insurance companies have misled them or in some way dishonoured
their policies. In these situations it might be appropriate for the Crown to fund test cases, up
to $2 million. This will involve taking selected cases through the court system to establish
precedent in law, which will speed up the recovery by delivering certainty on major issues.
Crown Law will be asked to advise which test cases merit consideration.
Education in Canterbury
Labour will work with the education sector to address the issues they face and speed
the recovery so that students and their families can have confidence in the future of
education services in Canterbury.
Educational institutions are vital in bringing together communities under immense
pressure. Schools, ECE services and tertiary institutions are facing falling rolls as a result of
families relocating and in other cases due to property damage. These institutions have lost
government funding and schools, ECE services, as well as Canterbury University, have
been forced to cut staff as a result. This issue needs the attention of government in order to
place education in Canterbury on a sustainable footing.
7 CN Cover Note Magazine, Propel 2011 Special Feature: CEO Panel Discussion, September to November 2011, p 29
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Many costly school property repairs are not covered by the Ministry of Education‟s insurance
policy. Repairing earthquake damage could run into the tens of thousands of dollars to
replace things like boiler rooms, pathways, courts, and storm water systems. Schools will
have to find money within their own budgets and decide what they can afford to
fix. Currently, some schools are barely fit for use. Canterbury‟s children need a habitable
learning environment.
Labour will work with tertiary institutions, schools and ECE services to address the issues
they face to give Cantabrians confidence in the future of education services in Canterbury.
Ensuring the return of activity to Christchurch CBD
Labour will encourage government departments which have moved outside the
Christchurch CBD to relocate back there as soon as possible, where it is appropriate
and economically feasible.
Christchurch City faces economic loss as a result of business relocation and capital flight.
Some of those departing enterprises include government departments which have taken
lengthy leases outside the CBD. Christchurch needs a city-centre heart which is alive with
workers and residents.
Review of the Earthquake Commission
Labour will review the structure and operation of EQC to ensure the lessons of the
Canterbury earthquake are used to secure the long-term reliability of EQC.
The Canterbury earthquakes have exposed a number of issues and problems with the
operation and structure of EQC. The review will be comprehensive and include an
assessment of the adequacy of the EQC cap on claims, the scope of EQC coverage, the
collection of EQC levies and recapitalisation of the EQC Natural Disaster Fund.
For further information on Labour‟s policy to strengthen New Zealand‟s response to natural
disasters, refer to our EQC policy.
Fiscal implications
The Government set aside $3.2 billion of the $5.5 billion Canterbury Recovery Fund as
contingency funding. This recognises the difficulty of predicting just how much will be
needed to rebuild Canterbury. Labour‟s plan is realistic and necessary. It recognises that
Cantabrians cannot afford to wait any longer to rebuild their lives. The issues they face are
immediate and real. Labour‟s plan has been put together in this context and has three
fiscally relevant components:
Acquiring and developing 1,500 sections: The overall final cost to the Crown will be
low. While we estimate the up-front cost to the Crown to be approximately $230
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million, this cost will be recovered through selling the properties at cost to residents.
This will leave the Crown to meet a small financing cost.
Home Improvements Compensation: This compensation will cost a maximum $100
million.
Resolving the Insurance Gridlock: Any specific option pursued will be subject to the
priority of careful management of the fiscal risks to the Crown.
Impact on business
This plan will lead to a better environment that will allow businesses to get re-established
and grow. These measures are designed to improve the quality and speed of the recovery.
Most importantly, this plan also delivers the transparency and accountability that is needed.
The business community has told us that giving residents certainty and confidence will
create a better environment for business. This plan will ensure residents can access
affordable land, get insurance cover for new houses and business, and resolve insurance
disputes efficiently and fairly.
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CHILDREN‟S POLICY
Our vision
Labour is putting giving children the best start in life at the heart of our social policy
programme.
Our Agenda for Change will make a growing, far reaching investment in our children, their
families and carers, and, through them, in all of our futures.
Recent years have seen important advances in understanding how children get the best
start in life:
the significant impact of the early years for long term development;
the value of quality care and close parental bonding in the very early years,
the short- and long-term effects of poverty and low income levels,
the correlation between inadequate housing and poor health,
the relationship between education and well-being outcomes,
the need for a secure living environment and the effect of parents‟ stress on children,
the importance of educational achievement of parents,
the value of workplace engagement; and
which interventions make a positive difference.
There is also growing evidence about what happens if the stresses and strains are too
much: long term negative effects of children‟s development and family stability, sometimes
severe, and always a waste of potential.
Labour will place children‟s development and parents‟ ability to do what only they can
do at the centre of social policy.
Under Labour, social policy will focus on investing in the early years, giving children a good
start in a secure caring environment which will generate benefits through the rest of a child‟s
life. This will mean changes to the ways we resource early care, both in and outside the
family, as well as to income support, benefits and, over time, housing.
The ability to care and nurture is the heart and soul of parenting. Labour believes that care is
work, and that parenting is some of the most crucial work ever done. We don‟t believe the
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only good parent is a parent in paid work, or that raising children is just a handicap parents
need to escape from in order to be productive.
Labour also believes much of what needs to be done (and not done) in child policy area is
clear and incontrovertible, with a strong evidence base: We don‟t need another lengthy
green paper process: we need good policies, and we need them now.
The Agenda for Change for children has six main spending elements:
Poverty alleviation: putting another $70-80 a week into the pockets of the poorest
families by introducing a tax free zone and progressively extending full Working for
Families eligibility to those currently excluded from the „In Work Tax Credit‟ component.
Free 24/7 Access to Health Care for Under Sixes: extending free access for under
sixes to after-hours medical services.
Paid Parental Leave: extending the duration from 14 to 26 weeks, and the reviewing
the whole area with a view to establishing a more radical approach.
Early intervention: intensive support for the first 18 months for the most vulnerable 5%
of children, and universal enrolment of children with Well Child providers.
ECE-based support: free high-quality Early Childhood Education and parent support
from 18 months to three years for the most vulnerable 5% of children.
Early childhood education: restoring the funding cut from centres with high numbers of
qualified staff.
Better income from work and fairer tax arrangements
It does take a village to raise a child, but what happens in the family is at the heart of things.
Parenting has enormous challenges, but it needs to be a positive experience, where each
parent‟s strengths come through and are passed on to their children. All parents need time,
security and basic income to raise children well.
Labour has already outlined policies to raise family incomes especially for those families on
low incomes.
Labour will create a $5,000 tax free zone. This means the first $5,000 you make in
personal income a year – whether you are a worker, a beneficiary, or retired on New
Zealand superannuation – will be tax free.
Labour will take GST off all fresh fruit and vegetables. That gives the average
household an extra $160 a year to put back into groceries – and makes the healthiest
choices more affordable.
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Labour will increase the minimum wage from $13 to $15 an hour, raising earnings for
the quarter of a million workers who currently earn less than $15. For someone
currently on $13 an hour, this means an extra $66 a week in the pocket.
Making children our priority: The leadership framework Labour will
legislate for
Labour will make significant changes to the way government operates, to ensure children
are given the highest priority.
Children‟s needs do not slot into one convenient area of government. They encompass
health, education, social development, housing, sport, the environment and many other
areas. To be effective in advancing children‟s interests there needs to be a co-ordinated allof-government
approach.
This requires up to date, forward-looking legislation, new government structures and smart
processes so that the public and the Government itself are able to easily scrutinise whether
the expected standards are being met.
This will involve:
The establishment of a Children‟s Charter
The enactment of a Children‟s Act
The establishment of a Minister for Children (a senior role in Cabinet)
The formation of a Ministry for Children, overseen by the Minister
A strengthened position for the Commissioner for Children.
A requirement to undertake Child Impact Assessments
An annual Children‟s Summit, and
A review and rewrite of the Children, Young Person‟s and their Families Act 1989.
The Children‟s Charter and Children‟s Act
Labour‟s child policy framework will be established under a new Children‟s Charter
(which will set the goals) and a subsequent Children‟s Act (setting out how we will get
there).
The Children‟s Charter and Children‟s Act will provide the legislative mandate (including
performance monitoring) for the functions set out below.
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The Children‟s Charter will set the goals that will be expected to be met on a yearly basis to
improve the wellbeing and livelihood of children in New Zealand.
The Charter will address:
Attitudes towards treatment of children (reducing child abuse)
Affordable healthcare for children as a priority for the health system
Preventing and combating hunger
Emphasis on healthy homes
Adequate income levels for parents
Children‟s education with an emphasis on early childhood education, and
The importance of household stability.
The Charter will also allow government departments to measure their performance against
prescribed expectations to improve outcomes for children. The charter will be developed and
delivered by working closely with organisations that deliver services for children at the
frontline. They will have a formal advisory role, and their core roles in the delivery of services
to the community and families will be better established by the clearer focus in Government
on children‟s outcomes.
The Children‟s Act will be the legislative mandate for the functions of government
departments setting out what their responsibilities are with respect to the Charter. The
purpose of the Act will be to ensure that there will be accountability and the failure to comply
can be addressed within a statutory mandate.
This Act will also set out the functions of the Ministry for Children led by the Minister for
Children.
Minister for Children and Ministry for Children
Labour will dis-establish the Families Commission, and establish a Ministry for
Children and a Minister for Children.
The Minister for Children will be a senior minister at the Cabinet table.
A Ministry for Children can ensure that there is a whole of Government approach to dealing
with children‟s issues similar to the way the Ministry of Women‟s Affairs operates. The
Ministry‟s job will be to make sure children are a priority, not just in theory, but in practice. It
will be tightly focussed and will lead policy, research and monitoring the whole-ofgovernment
approach and integrated approach to service delivery.
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The funding for this Ministry will be sourced by dis-establishing the Families Commission. Its
current budget is $ 7.7 million a year, compared with the Ministry for Women‟s Affairs‟ budget
of $4.5 million. The Ministry for Children will have similar funding to the Ministry for Women‟s
Affairs and the remainder will be used to invest in other priorities in Children‟s policy.
Strengthening the position of the Commissioner for Children
The Commissioner for Children has and does play an important role in being the
independent but at times muted voice for children. It‟s time to see how that independence
could be strengthened.
Labour will review the roles, responsibilities and functions of the Commissioner for
Children to enhance the strong focus the government will place on achieving better
outcomes for children.
Coordination and accountability
Labour will, through the Children‟s Act, require government departments and
agencies to undertake Child Impact Assessments on new and changed policies so
the impact on children can be measured as changes are made.
We will make sure that investment is very well focussed on what evidence shows works and
on where and for which children it can make the biggest difference. We will ensure that
money isn‟t wasted on programmes that overlap or go nowhere. There will be strong
leadership across government and communities, strong accountability around results, and a
strong learning process and evaluation which focuses on how well we are doing, and where
we might do better.
The Ministry for Children will have a legislative mandate to work with other Ministries and
Government departments, community groups and community advisors.
It will develop a children‟s strategic plan set against the Children‟s Charter. This will lay out
priorities, goals, targets and performance indicators in child wellbeing and monitor the
performance of every sector against those standards. The children‟s strategic plan will also
outline how each sector will work together and within their own domains to enhance child
well-being.
Labour will require, through the Children‟s Act, that each ministry will have to
establish a children‟s leadership team which will work with the Ministry for Children to
incorporate the children‟s strategic plan into their portfolio and nominate their own
goals, targets and performance indicators.
Each team would be required to work with a representative sector advisory group involving
community and other groups to ensure that the goals and targets identified reflect the
priorities of that sector.
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Each portfolio‟s core activities will be funded from their own Votes but the Ministry for
Children will be required to develop projects with multiple sectors such as joint health and
housing initiatives to reduce hospital readmission rates for children. The Ministry will be able
to allocate earmarked contestable „innovation funding‟ for this purpose.
Children‟s Summit
Labour will hold an annual Children‟s Summit each year, to be attended by all
agencies working with children, where progress will be reviewed and the children‟s
charter goals will be revisited.
This will become a major policy event with policymakers, practitioners, community groups
and the media to assess the Government‟s performance. It will provide an opportunity to
assess existing policy against the outcomes it produces and offer new alternatives where the
outcomes are not met.
Children, Young Person‟s and their Families Act 1989
Currently, the Children, Young Person‟s and their Families Act 1989 determines how the
state intervenes to protect children from abuse and neglect, and to prevent and address
child and youth offending. Time and constant reinterpretation of this once ground-breaking
Act means it is no longer working as it should for many families today. The previous Labour
Government began the process of updating this Act, however, that bill which made minor
changes to clarify its intentions languished at the bottom of the Order Paper under the
National Government.
Labour will direct the Ministry of Social Development along with the Ministry of
Justice to conduct a review of the Children, Young Person‟s and their Families Act
1989 with the view rewriting the law to better reflect the needs of children and
families in the 21st Century.
This will allow Labour to examine the evidence of what methods and approaches work for
dealing with children and adopting those to have an efficient system.
Eradication of child poverty
Child poverty is a major issue facing New Zealand, but its effects are not always obvious at
the time it does most damage. Evidence is clear that poverty and the struggles that come
with it in the early years have lasting effects: prevention of poverty is paramount to ensuring
that the healthcare and education system are not unnecessarily burdened in the future as
children fail to achieve. Prevention of poverty means the Corrections system will not be not
the end result for children who never felt at home in education and other institutions.
Prevention of poverty will mean New Zealand‟s economic performance is not impeded by
lost capability and productivity.
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New Zealand has a significant child poverty problem:
Depending on the precise measure used, there are between 170,000 and 270,000
children living in poverty in this country. 8
Half of the children now living in poverty were from working families whose wages
were so low they could not adequately care for them. 9
55,000 kids go to school each day without breakfast. 10
The recession has made things worse: The number of children living in benefit
dependent households increased from 199,108 in Jun 2008 to 231,488 in Jun 2011, an
increase of 16% and 32,380 children. 11
This flows through into a whole range of negative social statistics:
More children going to hospital with poverty related diseases – up by 4,800 hospital
admissions per year between 2007 and 2010. 12
The rate of sudden unexpected death in infancy among Māori and Pasifika babies is
consistently higher than for Pakeha and Asian babies. 13
Child abuse notifications increased 37% from 110,000 in 2008/09 to 150,747 in
2010/11. 14
More than 30,000 students are truant from schools on any given day.
More than 7,300 school leavers left with no qualification in 2009
1,286 admissions for children were as a result of assault, neglect or maltreatment
More than 47,000 children 16 and under were present, or usually residing with the
victim, at an incident of family violence reported to police last year.
According to the OECD report, Doing Better for Children, New Zealand has one of the
highest rates of child poverty and one of the lowest levels of investment in the first 5 years of
life among the 34 countries. 15
In order to combat poverty the first step should be to lift the incomes of families across New
Zealand.
8 Perry, Household Incomes in New Zealand - Trends in indicators of inequality and hardship 1982 to 2010, published Jul 2011
9 Child Poverty Action Group
10 New Zealand Herald, 26 Jul 2011
11 New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services, Vulnerability Report, Sept 2009 and Sept 2011
12 Child Social Health Monitor 2011 Update, Released August 2011
13 Children’s Social Health Monitor 2011 Update
14 2008/09 Financial Review of the Ministry of Social Development; Ministry of Social Development Annual Report 2010/11
15 www.oecd.org/els/social/childwellbeing
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When last in government, Labour made a huge investment in tacking child poverty. The
Working for Families programme involved the biggest single redistribution of income to low
and middle income families and is credited with lifting some 130,000 children out of poverty.
The Household Income in New Zealand surveys published by the Ministry of Social
Development show that this programme helped avert a sharp rise in child poverty.
Under Labour there was also significant investment in primary healthcare, including cheaper
doctors‟ visits and prescriptions, and in early childhood education with programmes like 20
Hours Free. We reintroduced income-related rents, invested in rebuilding the state housing
stock, and the minimum wage was raised each year.
But our work is not finished. There is no doubt that there is much more to be done.
A particular focus of concern has been the lower rate of assistance that those with little or no
paid work (including beneficiary families) receive compared to families in paid work. This
differential was introduced by National through the Child Tax Credit in 1996 and preserved
as part of Working for Families, through the In Work Tax Credit which replaced the Child Tax
Credit.
The rationale for keeping this differential was to acknowledge the additional weekly costs
associated with going out to work.
This rationale was always contentious. Moreover, since the introduction of Working for
Families, Labour continued to lift the Minimum Wage significantly over time, helping to „make
work pay‟ and avoid a „poverty trap‟ that had previously existed where moving off a benefit
was scarcely worthwhile for some families, once work-associated costs were taken into
account. Labour is, as noted above, committed to lifting the Minimum Wage further to $15 an
hour when it becomes government.
Current tax and Labour‟s future wage arrangements mean families in paid work are better
off, and incentives to work are stronger. Benefits are already low and falling against average
wages, and depriving benefit families of tax credit support on top of that means there is
simply not enough money to go around – and both parents and children suffer.
In this context, we also consider that the ways the In Work Tax Credit stigmatises beneficiary
families, undervalues care, and keeps poor families‟ income unnecessarily low outweigh any
remaining issues about work incentives.
We therefore intend to move over time to phase out the In Work Tax Credit and extend this
funding to all of those eligible for Working for Families, including families caring for children
fulltime and receiving benefit support to do so.
We estimate that this policy will effectively eliminate child poverty in sole parent families
once fully implemented.
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The policy would be rolled out in three tranches based on the age of the youngest child in
the family. The timetable for implementation would be as follows:
April 2013: $6 a week tax free-zone introduced (applying to beneficiary families as well
as others), and Working for Families increased by $60 a week for a quarter of families,
which we estimate would cover those with a youngest child aged 0-2.
April 2014: Tax-free-zone increased to $10 a week per adult (which means $20 a week
for a beneficiary couple).
April 2015: Working for Families increased by $60 a week for another quarter of
families, which we estimate would extend coverage to those whose youngest child was
under 5.
April 2018: In Work Tax Credit abolished and all Working for Families recipients qualify
for the extra $60 a week, which will now be paid via the „first child‟ component.
The estimated costs for this initiative (in $M) are:
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
22 88 109 174 174 218 349
Based on the Ministry of Social Development‟s Household Income in New Zealand analysis,
there is good reason to believe that this would have a very significant impact on levels of
child poverty. The impact is likely to be particularly significant for children in sole parent
families who make up a disproportionate number of the children in poverty.
Taking into account the number of children reliant upon benefit income and estimates of
poverty rates for different groups as presented in the Household Income in New Zealand
reports, it seems reasonable to expect that this policy will effectively lift at least 100,000
children out of poverty once it‟s fully implemented.
This is based on a measure of 50% of the median wage before housing costs. There are
likely to be significant impacts based on the 60% line and taking into account housing costs
as well, but these impacts are more difficult to estimate as they would require information
about expenses and supplementary sources of income that is not readily available.
Labour will also review recent changes to support for older children aged 16-18
years, to ensure this support is adequate.
Making child health a priority
The health of our children reflects the complex nature of our society and the interactions they
have within it. The outcomes for today‟s children will determine the future success or failure
of our nation. The period of childhood shapes an individual more than any other time in life.
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We must ensure we do everything we can that children enter adulthood as healthy and
happy as they can be.
The true measure of a nation‟s standing is how well it attends to its children – their health
and safety, their material security, their education and socialization, and their sense of being
loved, valued and included in the families and societies into which they are born. 16
In order to give every child the best start in life it is essential that government focuses on
reducing inequities in the early development of physical and emotional health, and cognitive,
linguistic and social skills.
We need to ensure that there are high quality maternity services, parenting programmes,
childcare and early years education to meet need across all communities.
We need to build the resilience of young children and enable them to control their own lives
and health status. We need to ensure that schools, families and communities work together
to reduce inequities and promote well-being for all children.
We need to strengthen the leadership in the health sector to promote the needs of healthy
children, and ensure there is a whole of government approach for children. This must be
backed by the capture and dissemination of high quality data about the health status and
outcomes of children.
We have seen a number of reports in recent times that the cost of accessing primary
healthcare is meaning that some children are not getting the treatment that they need. This
is particularly so in terms of access to affordable after-hours care.
Labour will make child health a priority, and increase the proportion of health sector
spending on services for children aged up to six years.
Labour will extend free access for under sixes to after-hours medical services,
meaning 24 hour, 7 day a week free access for under six year olds.
Extended access will be in place across New Zealand and will be delivered through
mechanisms based on the best evidence from around the country.
The estimated costs for this initiative (in $M) are:
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Labour will also do everything we can to ensure children are free of or are receiving
quality care for debilitating health conditions when they enter school at 5 years old,
16 UNICEF, Child poverty in perspective: An overview of child well-being in rich countries. Innocenti Report Card
7. 2007, Florence
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y providing adequate funding of outreach services to reach vulnerable children,
supporting and enhancing B4 School Checks and providing a “mop-up” service at
school to capture those children who start school who have not accessed a B4
School Check.
Labour will require District Health Boards to adopt child health implementation plans
with nationally agreed measurable outcomes and targets that are monitored by the
Ministry of Health.
Labour will develop systems during pregnancy to identify children who are
vulnerable, and then ensure that the relevant levels of support are in place to support
and optimise parenting.
Labour will create a seamless transition from maternity services to health care
services for infants and young children.
Labour will strengthen the Health in Schools Programme, including social workers,
starting with low decile schools, with the aim of expanding the programme to higher
decile schools as resources allow.
What we will do for children 0-2 years: Enabling care and supporting
early development
Labour will recognise the care of young children as valuable work, and an important stage in
both parents‟ and children‟s lives.
We will invest as a priority in programmes and support in the first two years of life, when
some of the most important things in a child‟s life happen.
Time to care and nurture
Labour wants to enable parents who choose to stay at home and care for very young
children to do just that.
This will mean that carers in paid work who want to spend more time with their young
children are able to, while retaining their place in an employment situation.
Most other OECD countries recognise this, and offer longer periods of paid parental leave
than New Zealand, and many provide leave at a higher proportion of previous income.
Australia‟s new policy offers 18 weeks, paid at a higher rate than New Zealand‟s. Norway‟s
offers 56 weeks at 80% of income, and The Czech Republic and Slovakia each offer 3
years.
Other countries also offer more flexibility in terms of which parent takes the time out to care.
Whichever parent takes the leave, the child, the mother, the family are better placed in terms
of choices about work, career, income, and of course care.
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New Zealand values children and we too want them to have the best possible start. The first
phase would be to extend the duration of the current Paid Parental Leave.
Labour will extend the period of Paid Parental Leave to cover the first 6 months of a
child‟s development, in two steps:
In Budget 2013 Paid Parental Leave eligibility will increase from 14 weeks to
18 weeks (commencing from April 2014); and
In Budget 2014 Paid Parental Leave eligibility will increase from 18 weeks to
26 weeks (six months) (commencing from April 2015).
The estimated costs for this initiative (in $M) are:
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
- 11 68 143 150 158 166
Getting to 26 weeks is an important goal. But some would argue we need to go beyond that.
The Children‟s Commissioner recently recommended an even longer period of parental
leave. There is a strong case for this.
Labour will set up a Ministerial taskforce to explore ways for parents to be able to
take up to one year of parental leave and investigate how New Zealand can afford
this.
The review will cover the whole system of support for care, work, income and the early
years, using the best international evidence and experience. It will consider how to achieve
the optimal mix for children, mothers, parents, families, and the best long term outcomes for
our society and economy.
The intent will be to set up a broad-based approach to the first years of life that covers
everyone, from sole parents currently on the DPB to relatively well-off professional couples.
This would aim for wide support from all groups (families, communities, employers, care
providers, cross-party), enabling families to plan their futures with confidence. The review
will involve consideration how best to pay for care in the early years, and how costs and
benefits can best be shared.
Supporting positive parenting and other strong evidence-based interventions
Money spent on early years parenting programs is precious money, and we need to know it
is being spent in the best ways possible. We will enable better access to parenting and
family support programmes we know work, including positive parenting programming.
Over time, Labour will make parenting programmes available to all New Zealand
families.
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These programs will be delivered from conception onwards, in a range of ways and settings
(including media programming, Whanau Ora and centre-based early intervention settings).
Labour will review existing expenditures to ensure we can fund the interventions we
know work, while still fostering innovation which aims to establish a strong evidence
base.
Universal well child enrolment, stopping children falling through the gaps
At the same time, we need to make sure the most vulnerable children are not being missed,
or falling into the cracks between agencies who are guardians of child protection and
development.
Labour will ensure all parents register their baby before birth with a Well Child
provider of their choice, such as Plunket, Tipu Ora, the Pacific Health Service or the
Tongan Health Society.
Well Child services are free to all New Zealand kids from birth to five years. They include
health education and promotion, health protection and clinical assessment, and
family/whānau care and support. Quite simply, if children aren‟t enrolled at all, they‟ll miss all
their Well Child visits, and their parents will miss out on vital support.
This measure will require additional resourcing to Well Child providers; this will be funded
within baselines through a rationalisation of existing early intervention initiatives
At present, New Zealand does not have a comprehensive way of registering babies at birth
and sharing that information with services to monitor a child‟s health.
Labour will accelerate full implementation of the Child Health Information Strategy to
drive progress towards a Universal Child Health Record.
The better the information and the sharing of it with those working with a family the better the
care we can provide for our children.
Labour will ensure earlier and more formalised handover between Lead Maternity
Carers and Well Child Providers.
This will assist with the identification of families and children needing special support, and
will help Well Child Providers to begin support (e.g. home visiting) and, where needed, to
intervene earlier.
Labour will also make sure children‟s health information is available to the health and
child protection professionals who need it.
Core health and wellbeing information will be linked through health information systems to
ensure it follows the child, and that all services are responding to that child‟s situation.
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Labour will work to close the cracks between agencies protecting children.
While centre-based ECE is delivered by Education, the identification of vulnerable infants
and children usually occurs first in the health sector (in the context of antenatal or well child
care) or via CYF or the Police. CYF and Health often maintain on-going support (e.g. home
visiting, drug and alcohol counselling) for parents, while Education‟s focus centres on the
child.
Labour will deepen Child Protection and development partnerships between Health,
CYF and Education for the identification of at risk children.
Labour will develop a strong inter-agency agreement outlining roles and
responsibilities of each agency in early identification of vulnerable families, services
and supports for parents, and early interventions for children.
Such agreements will be two way (e.g. while health may identify vulnerable children
requiring centre-based early interventions, education may also identify children with health
problems, who require interventions from the heath sector).
Access for everyone to quality Early Childhood Education
After the child turns 3, Labour needs to make sure that the right combination of early care
and education is put in place: with qualified, professional people working towards the best
child development outcomes, ensuring the highest possible levels of school readiness.
The benefits for children of high-quality early childhood education are indisputable: research
shows that for every dollar invested in ECE, at least $11 is returned in long-term benefits to
the country. 17 Quality ECE lays the foundation for later learning, developing cognitive skills,
and developing resilience and self-esteem.
Protecting 20 Hours Free ECE
Because we understand the immense benefits of quality education for young kids, the
previous Labour Government invested heavily in ECE. We implemented the popular and
successful 20 Hours Free ECE.
The National Party sees ECE as a cost – something that‟s about babysitting rather than
education 18 – and they cut funding significantly in Budget 2010 for centres with high numbers
of qualified staff. This means that parents are now required to pay higher fees, while centres
are no longer incentivised to employ qualified staff. Essentially, parents are paying more for
17 “Age 26 Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Child-Parent Center Early Education Programme”, Child Development,
January/February 2011, Vol. 82, No. 1, pp 379-404, conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota
and Chicago Public Schools
18 Anne Tolley: "With early childhood, there is an element of looking after children while their mums go
out to work”. The Dominion Post, 14 February 2011.
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less.
The National Government has also removed the target set by Labour to have 100% fully
qualified staff in all teacher-led ECE centres, along with funding for services to have staff in
training and professional development.
Labour will restore over the course of two terms the $95 million p/a subsidy funding
cut, and we will work with the sector to reinstate the policy of 100% qualified staff in
all teacher-led services.
The estimated costs for this initiative (in $M) are:
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
16 31 47 62 78 94 94
Labour believes that quality education is a basic human right and it must be affordably
available to every child without regard to wealth, income, ethnicity or disability.
Labour will retain the 20 hours free ECE model that is universally available to all
children aged three and four, and those five-year-olds who aren‟t yet in school. This
means retaining fee controls and the current subsidies to ensure families don‟t face
increased costs. Labour‟s model will cover the cost of delivering the curriculum to
each child for 20 hours per week.
Increasing participation & early intervention for vulnerable groups
While 95% of all three and four-year-olds now access early childhood education,
participation rates are lower among Māori, Pasifika and children from low-income families.
The disadvantages faced by these children are accentuated if they miss out on quality ECE,
and the result for New Zealand is increased inequality.
At present, as long as services meet licensing requirements, they can be established and
funded by taxpayer subsidy – whether there is a need for the service or not. This has
resulted in a proliferation of services in high-income neighbourhoods and a shortage in lowincome
areas. It has also affected the viability of community-operated services when new
services are established.
Labour will develop a planned approach to taxpayer-funded ECE. New centres will
only receive taxpayer subsidies for providing ECE if there is a need for a new centre
in the proposed location.
Labour will enable more quality services to be available in communities with lower
participation. This includes investigating transport issues that are barriers to
participation and evaluating the success of supported play groups.
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What we will do for vulnerable children and families: Early targeted
intervention framework
Early intervention
Poverty, violence and exclusion do their damage early in children‟s lives. But some children
are born exceptionally vulnerable, experiencing a combination of innate disadvantage
(disability, developmental delay, behavioural difficulties) and a difficult living environment,
often inherited over several generations. This is a deadly combination, with awful long term
consequences, in employment, health, mental health, imprisonment. And research shows it
affects around 5% of all children.
For the most affected of these children, we need to intervene early and more substantially if
we are to make real impact. If we can make a difference, all of us will benefit as the child
grows into an adult. If we don‟t make the effort, we will all be the losers.
Labour will use the best international and local evidence and experience to build
more high quality early intervention programmes for socially / developmentally
vulnerable children.
Research suggests that socially / developmentally disadvantaged children benefit from high
quality centre based early childhood education at an earlier age, and from enhanced
programming involving a mix of home family and centre-based interventions. It also suggests
that a wider mix of children within an ECE environment may lead to better outcomes, than if
all are from homes with significant social disadvantage.
Labour will take a two pronged approach to early interventions for the most
vulnerable 5% of children, with intensive home based support provided during the
first 18 months, but moving towards a greater emphasis on centre-based early
intervention programs between 18 months and 3 years of age.
During the first 18 months, the emphasis will be on identifying vulnerable children early, and
providing additional supports to those that need them the most, predominantly in their own
homes. In the course of early handover, universal enrolment with a Well Child Provider at
birth, and routine Well Child visits, the most vulnerable 5% will be identified, using a set of
pre-determined criteria.
Labour will fund additional home visits, access to parenting programs, intensive
specialist support and other interventions where needed for the most vulnerable 5%
of children aged 0-18 months
The initiative will be progressively rolled out over the next six Budgets. The estimated costs
(in $M) are:
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
2 5 10 15 25 33 45
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For vulnerable children aged 18 months – 3 years, Labour is committed to providing high
quality early intervention programmes in ECE settings, so that at entry to school, the most
vulnerable 5% are able to enter the classroom as ready to learn as their peers.
Labour will provide free high-quality Early Childhood Education and parent support
from 18 months to 3 years for the most vulnerable 5% of children.
Funding to centres will be on similar basis to 20 Hours Free and will be progressively rolled
out over the next six Budgets.
Labour will, as part of its funding of ECE-based support for vulnerable children,
develop the provision of multi-disciplinary, evidence- and centre-based early
intervention programmes, with a view to expanding access to effective programs for
the most vulnerable 5% of children nationally over the longer-term.
This will be done in partnership with selected pre-existing ECE providers and/or in
community hubs or whanau ora locations (see below).
The estimated costs for this initiative (in $M) are:
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
2 8 15 20 30 40 50
The same services may also assist young parents making the transition into work and
training.
Building on local and cultural strengths
Communities working together and pooling resources can provide a strong basis for all the
programmes described above. Whanau Ora should be a very important development in this
area, with significant potential which Labour wants to see realised in these programmes.
Labour will strongly support programmes built upon (and building on) cultural
strengths, accountable to their communities and achieving strong outcomes.
Labour will also find the best ways to build on the strengths of Pacific providers in developing
early childhood services in their communities.
Overseas models suggest that there may be significant advantages for families if social
services can be co-located in the community, e.g. a one-stop shop providing early childhood
education, parenting programmes and other health and social services. Labour believes that
the range of early intervention and support services for children and families should be
conveniently grouped and located in areas of need. There are already successful hubs
operating in New Zealand that were trialled by the previous Labour Government, such as the
Papakura Family Service Centre.
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Labour‟s long term aim is to develop a network of high quality centre-based early
intervention programs addressing the needs of vulnerable children in the most
deprived areas.
For many families, early childhood education is the first education service they have contact
with. Families also have frequent contact with their local primary schools. This provides an
opportunity for parents to access the support they need through services co-located with
ECE centres and primary schools.
Labour will, over time as resources permit, develop and resource integrated
community hubs.
These additions will be adequately resourced to ensure that additional burdens are not
simply bolted onto current school structures and systems.
Investment we can afford
Labour believes investment in the early years of life is the best investment we can make.
We, like the experts, are convinced that money spent in the early years and on early
intervention unlocks the potential that lies in all kids, as well as leading to greater taxpayer
savings as they grow into adults.
If we fail to change the status quo we will not reach our full potential as a country. We will
face higher costs across the criminal justice system and the health system, have a lesseducated
workforce and never break the cycle of intergenerational deprivation.
We will no longer accept stop-gap measures. It‟s why we have developed a comprehensive
and fully-costed Agenda for Change for children over a six year timeframe. We think this is
an investment New Zealand must make.
Overall costs ($M) 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/9
Early Intervention 2 5 10 15 25 33 45
Free 24/7 Health Care
for Under Sixes
10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Paid Parental Leave - 11 68 143 150 158 166
Reverse ECE funding
cut
16 31 47 62 78 94 94
ECE-based support 2 8 15 20 30 40 50
Poverty Alleviation 22 88 109 174 174 218 349
TOTAL 51 152 259 424 467 552 713
Note – this table shows seven years rather than six because the full-year cost of some
Budget 2017 increases may not come through until the 2018/19 Budget year.
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CIVIL DEFENCE
Our vision
Nothing is more important than keeping our families and communities safe. Our Civil
Defence services must be ready to respond effectively to any emergency and, more
importantly, we must all be prepared for emergencies before they happen.
Events in Canterbury over the past year have heightened the public awareness of the types
of risks that are a reality in New Zealand. People are more mindful than ever that we will all
get through emergencies better if we get ready in advance. Labour will use this heightened
awareness to ensure all New Zealanders do become as prepared as they can be for
possible future events.
Civil defence and emergency management is substantially about resource and information
co-ordination and planning undertaken at a regional and local government level. Emergency
services, such as Police, Fire, Ambulance and other health services, play a critical role in our
response to emergency situations. It is essential those services are integrated into every
aspect of emergency management planning.
Preparation and coordination
New Zealand needs to be prepared for the next civil defence emergency before it happens –
how we plan for a major event will determine in large part its impact. Labour‟s approach will
be a more integrated and co-ordinated sector to work effectively before an emergency
happens.
It is vital that our civil defence and emergency services, such as Police, Fire, Ambulance and
other health services, work in a cohesive but complementary way. There is increasing
overlap in responsibilities between the agencies, but also the need for each agency to have
a clearly defined role in times of emergency.
This also applies to the roles of central and local government; the latter being particularly
vital in terms of the Civil Defence structure.
The planning process is based on the four Rs: Reduction, which is about identifying and
reducing or eliminating risks associated with disasters; Readiness, which is about being
prepared at every level from the community through to central government; Response, which
is about actions taken to save lives and protect property in the immediate aftermath of the
disaster; and Recovery, which is about the holistic regeneration of a community affected by
the disaster.
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After the initial response, the recovery process kicks in and runs in parallel to the response
effort until the emergency is over. There is a transition to the recovery process. What the
Christchurch experience tells us is that we prepare well for the response, but not for the
recovery. If we are to build resilience to such emergencies in the future, we must prepare for
the recovery as well. This requires strategic planning that identifies vulnerabilities to hazards
(both pre-existing and those exposed by the disaster) and which engages with the
community in a meaningful way.
Labour will ensure that recovery planning is embedded in our preparedness planning
and training.
Labour will use the Christchurch earthquake response as a case study to review the
performance of civil defence and emergency services. We will identify any gaps that
emerged and address them.
If necessary we will review the civil defence legislation. We will do this in consultation with all
agencies involved, to achieve a coordinated, effective and efficient emergency response
sector.
Volunteer training and professional development
The leadership and expertise of staff and volunteers are essential to an effective response to
a major event.
In the immediate aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes, various volunteer networks
emerged to help tackle the huge recovery task ahead. From the trained staff helping with
the emergency response to the university students offering to help shovel silt, every helping
hand was needed to make this a manageable task.
However there is a question that must be asked about the sustainability of the volunteer
networks that make up Civil Defence, which have struggled to find new recruits. Do the
emergent networks represent a new approach that could be built on?
Labour will work with Civil Defence to assess both the sustainability of the volunteer
base and also the capacity within communities to undertake the response and
recovery roles in a crisis.
People are the most valuable resource we have in event of a civil defence emergency and
we should support them to be as well-prepared as they can be.
Labour will instigate a nationwide Emergency Management Development
Programme to train staff, and a partnership with tertiary training providers to ensure
staff and volunteers have access to quality training and resources.
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International cooperation
Regarding Civil Defence, New Zealand needs to form greater links with other countries, to
ensure levels of preparedness in our Pacific region are enhanced, to contribute knowledge
internationally on crisis management and to learn from the experiences of others.
Labour will ensure there is more support for participation by Civil Defence staff (and
possibly volunteers) in international events on emergency management. There will
be higher levels of engagement with Pacific Countries on regional strategies for
improving preparedness.
Public awareness and empowering communities
Public awareness campaigns have been successful in the past at encouraging New
Zealanders to prepare for an emergency and what to do in case of an emergency. We need
to build on this progress and ensure that sound public education on preparedness and what
to do in case of an emergency, extends to visitors to New Zealand.
Great campaigns already exist; we need to keep evaluating them and building on their
success. New school resources need to be developed that are up to date and relevant.
Material readily available and accessible to tourists must provide clear Civil Defence &
Emergency Management advice on what steps need to be taken in case of an emergency.
We need to ensure everyone in New Zealand has access to Civil Defence information,
including visitors. Public education needs to be targeted to Māori, Pacific peoples, new
migrants and other non-English speaking groups, as well as people with special needs, the
elderly and children. Campaigns need to take into account the different needs of different
sectors of New Zealand society – e.g. people in rural areas as well as people in urban areas.
Labour will review existing public awareness campaigns to ensure they are working
effectively and reaching all necessary audiences. We will build on those campaigns
that are most successful and, if necessary, fill gaps where they exist.
Although public awareness is an important component of preparedness, there is
nothing that better prepares a community for a disaster than a well-resourced
community with strong community leadership, trusted relationships between that
leadership, the community and the local authority and good communication channels.
Labour will restore the focus on empowering communities so that they can not only
respond to a crisis, they can own their recovery.
For information on our specific response to the Canterbury Earthquakes, see Labour„s
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Plan.
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CLIMATE CHANGE
Our vision
Climate change poses an enormous global threat and severely threatens our way of life. It is
occurring more rapidly than previously predicted. Humankind is pouring carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere on a scale far greater than the ability of the
environment to absorb them.
Climate change poses significant hazards to New Zealand as a small island nation. These
include more intense weather events and more frequent serious droughts, as well as general
changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.
All New Zealanders have a stake in getting greenhouse gas emissions under control. An
effective Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is critical to achieving this, by discouraging
growth in emissions and rewarding emissions reductions.
Labour‟s Emissions Trading Scheme will be the cornerstone of our climate change policy,
and will put New Zealand on the path to a sustainable future.
Labour will also encourage energy efficiency and set clear goals for renewable energy
production, including geothermal, wind and solar power. We will support New Zealanders in
moving towards a low-polluting, low-carbon economy. We will also help communities to
adapt to the impact of extreme weather events and sea level rises before they occur.
Labour believes that the challenge of climate change offers great opportunities for a small
sustainable nation. New Zealand‟s research and development into sustainable agriculture,
and our expertise in renewable energy – such as geothermal, hydro and wind – presents us
with opportunities in a world that is seeking sustainable solutions.
Labour also believes New Zealand can play a leading role in international negotiations on
climate change issues, and in helping our Pacific neighbours and other developing nations
adapt to climate change.
Emissions Trading Scheme
The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme introduced by Labour in 2008 was, by
international standards, advanced. It included all six greenhouse gases covered by the
Kyoto Protocol and was to encompass every sector of the economy. The ETS charged
polluters for increases in emissions and rewarded those who cut emissions.
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Labour is committed to achieving a lasting consensus among New Zealand‟s main political
parties on an ETS. We have consistently tried to work with the National Party to reach
common ground. But we aren‟t prepared to compromise our fundamental principles to do so.
Labour will seek to link with trading partners, notably Australia, which are committing to
responsible long-term reductions in carbon emissions. And we will get advice from periodic
independent reviews provided for in the ETS legislation.
National amended Labour‟s 2008 ETS, increasing the taxpayers‟ bill for New Zealand‟s
greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated $50-110 billion (to 2050) and letting polluters off
the hook at the cost of taxpayers. These amendments included putting a price cap on
carbon, halving the amount of emissions units that must be bought or surrendered, and
deferring the inclusion of agriculture to 2015.
Most of the „free‟ allocation of emission units would go to agriculture, with its emissions being
subsidised by other sectors of the economy and by taxpayers. Even then, National is
equivocating on the essential inclusion of agriculture despite it being the country‟s largest
greenhouse gas emitter (47% of the total).
Labour is committed to bringing agriculture into the ETS on 1 January 2013. The initial „free‟
allocation to agriculture will be 90% of the sector‟s 2005 emissions.
Labour will ensure the effective implementation of the ETS, and strengthen it by
bringing agriculture in on 1 January 2013.
Labour will base the amount of „free‟ emissions units allocated to agriculture on 90
per cent of its 2005 emissions.
A recently-released review panel report recommended a number of changes for sectors
already in the ETS (i.e. energy, forestry, industry, transport). Labour is considering this
report.
Importance of agriculture
Labour's originally legislated date for inclusion of agriculture under the ETS was 1 January
2013. National pushed that date out to 1 January 2015 with a much longer phase-in period
(and further deferral looking very likely). This leaves every New Zealand household having to
pay for transport and electricity emissions, but leaves farming exempt from paying for its
agricultural emissions.
Having agriculture in the ETS, and paying its fair share, is essential for the integrity of the
scheme. The agriculture exemption (and extended phase-in) is unfair, a disincentive to
reduce emissions, and economically distorting. It also discourages productivity
improvements and innovation.
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New Zealand‟s export base depends on our clean, green, sustainable and responsible
reputation. We put that at risk if we fail to address the cause of nearly half our emissions.
Farmers would be those most vulnerable to our reputation slipping, if we fail to include our
key contributor to climate change in the ETS.
Restoring the 2013 entry date for agriculture to come into the ETS means farmers will
initially pay for just 10% of their 2005 agricultural emissions, plus any growth since then.
That is not asking too much.
From 2019 Labour proposes to begin phasing out free allocation to agriculture. However,
this will be subject to periodic reviews before then. If the interests of our rural sector were
being undermined, the rate of phase-out could be moderated.
Promoting research and development
National‟s decision to delay agriculture's entry into the ETS, and then phase it in much more
slowly, will cost $800 million over five years. Including agriculture in 2013 will free up that
money, and enable it to be put towards a research and development (R&D) tax credit rate of
12.5%. This will be focused on clean technology.
Labour will put into R&D the extra revenue raised from the 2013 ETS entry date for
agriculture.
Both the R&D investment and bringing agriculture into the ETS in 2013 will enhance New
Zealand‟s clean green brand. The R&D investment will include Labour working
collaboratively with the farming sector to help it be at the leading edge of work to reduce
agricultural emissions.
New Zealand‟s greenhouse gas emissions profile is unique among developed countries in
that nearly half our emissions come from the agricultural sector (compared with typically less
than 10% in most other developed countries).
Labour will work with farmers to reduce this contribution, especially methane from livestock.
Research was initiated by the last Labour government. Under Labour, New Zealand will
continue to be a world leader in research to mitigate ruminant emissions, through research
consortia and international collaboration.
Labour will continue to support world leading research into new solutions for
agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
If farming systems intensify, greater amounts of nutrients are used, which in turn can mean
more pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Nitrate based fertiliser in particular adds to
emissions, and Labour will encourage reduced dependence on it.
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Research into reducing the environmental effects of greenhouse gases must include soil
sequestration of carbon. Soil sequestration is a biological process that provides a huge
potential opportunity for carbon storage, as well as improving the resilience and productivity
of our soils.
Labour will encourage research on, and experimentation with, a range of alternative
technologies and farming practices, including low intensity farming.
Labour will encourage farmers to move towards the latest technology and environmental
practice as they become available. Growth in agricultural production is vital to New
Zealand‟s future economic prosperity, but not at any cost.
Complementary measures to the ETS
Labour‟s policies to tackle climate change do not rest solely with the ETS. A combination of
targets and sector-specific policies across the economy will put New Zealand on a long-term
sustainable footing.
Labour‟s economy-wide targets include:
● 90% of our electricity coming from renewable sources by 2025
●
halving our per capita domestic transport emissions by 2040 (taking 2007 as the
base year)
● carbon neutrality in the total energy sector by 2040.
If this last target was adopted globally, the planet would be well on the way to overcoming
human-induced global warming by 2040.
Our Energy policy describes how Labour will promote renewable energy and energy
efficiency. As part of our economic transition, we will also promote sustainable transport,
electric vehicles, and forests as carbon sinks.
Economic transition
All New Zealanders need to be engaged and supported in moving towards a new
sustainable low-carbon economy. Labour will develop practical policies to underpin this
move. These will include R&D, the provision of incentives, and negotiations in international
forums.
We will also work with businesses, farmers, scientists, unions and workers to develop
environmental plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to promote energy and
transport efficiencies including telecommuting.
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Sustainable transport
New Zealand needs to become much less heavily dependent on fossil-fuelled cars and
trucks for transport of people and products. Transport emissions make up 19% of New
Zealand‟s overall greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport accounting for 90% of
these. We must greatly reduce these emissions.
The foundations for a sustainable transport network were laid by the last Labour government
with a 15-fold increase in public transport spending, electrifying Auckland rail, buying back
KiwiRail, and legislating for sustainable biofuels.
Labour will continue to promote public transport, cycling, walking, rail and biofuels, as well as
coastal shipping and electric vehicles. This will ultimately lead to decreased greenhouse gas
emissions.
Labour will continue to support funding for public transport and energy-efficient
freight transport modes such as rail.
Labour aims to halve per capita transport emissions by 2040. This will also make transport
more affordable and reduce oil imports (and in turn our international trade deficit).
Labour will halve New Zealand‟s per capita transport emissions by 2040.
Lifting the use of indigenous energy resources for transport will have positive spin-offs for
the economy and the environment. For example, locally made sustainable biofuel can be
produced using tallow and, as the technology becomes available, wood. Biofuel will both
reduce our dependence on oil and cut our greenhouse gas emissions.
Labour will promote locally produced biofuel, especially using wood as the
technology becomes available.
Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles could make a significant difference to emissions production, if they are
made from predominantly recyclable materials and powered from renewable sources.
Building on our clean green electricity generation, Labour will work with the electric vehicle
industry to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.
There is a role for government in establishing an environment that facilitates the large-scale
roll-out of electric vehicles. Numbers will grow slowly at first, but volumes will increase as the
production of electric vehicles ramps up internationally and prices come down.
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Electric vehicles used for local travel can be recharged from an owner‟s home. Vehicles
used for longer distances, however, will need a supporting infrastructure of recharging
stations.
Labour will promote the introduction of a nationwide infrastructure to recharge electric
vehicles.
New Zealand should be one of the first countries to set up a nationwide infrastructure for
charging electric vehicles. We will need to work through a variety of issues, including the
cost and funding of recharging technology, and relevant health and safety issues. We will be
able to learn from experience elsewhere in the world.
Forestry
As trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it as wood (with
forests therefore sometimes being referred to as „carbon sinks‟). When forests are felled,
they release carbon.
Forestry is rewarded under the ETS. That is because forests, as carbon sinks, have a big
role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and in helping New Zealand meet its
international climate change obligations.
Labour will therefore encourage increased forest cover, and particularly the planting of native
forest that will not be harvested.
Labour will encourage landowners to plant forests to act as carbon sinks, and provide
incentives and information on suitable trees to plant.
Several schemes are already in place to encourage the planting of forests. However, trees
vary in their ability to capture and store carbon. There are also biodiversity issues to
consider when determining the optimal mix of planting.
Lignite
New Zealand‟s lignite resources are immense but the environmental case against largescale
lignite use is overwhelming.
Labour does not support the mining of lignite, and its conversion to liquid fuels using current
technologies, because of the high volume of greenhouse gases produced.
Solid Energy, an SOE, wants to mine lignite deposits in Southland for this purpose. This
would increase our national greenhouse gas emissions bill by at least 20%.
Labour does not support government capital, through an SOE, being invested into lignite
development unless and until the resulting carbon emissions can be captured and stored
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economically and permanently. This technology is currently experimental, and unlikely to be
practical in the foreseeable future.
Labour will therefore direct Solid Energy not to proceed with its liquid fuels lignite
mining proposal.
Even if offsets were available by way of tree planting (which would require huge plantings),
Labour would not approve this or other Solid Energy lignite mining proposals that are
greenhouse gas intensive. Only emission capture at source and effective permanent storage
would be acceptable to Labour.
Any other new lignite processing would face the full cost of its greenhouse gas emissions
under the ETS. Otherwise, this cost would unfairly fall on other sectors of the community or
on taxpayers.
International obligations and opportunities
UN climate change negotiations have so far failed to achieve agreement on emissions
beyond 2012, either within the existing Kyoto Protocol or a new agreement.
Labour believes New Zealand has a leading role to play in international negotiations to
address climate change issues. New Zealand must do more than procure favourable microrule
changes that are beneficial to us. We must contribute to an overall effective global
climate treaty.
Labour will seek to play a leading role in international negotiations that seek binding
reductions in greenhouse gases in a comprehensive and effective climate change
treaty.
We must also support our Pacific neighbours and other developing nations in their efforts to
adapt to climate change.
Labour will support our Pacific neighbours and other developing countries in their
efforts to adapt to climate change.
Moving from a high-emission to a low-emission economy is not only about meeting this
country‟s international climate change obligations. It is also about positioning New Zealand
for sustainable long-term economic growth.
The climate change challenge offers great opportunities for a small sustainable nation. New
Zealand‟s sustainable agriculture R&D and our renewable energy expertise present us with
commercial opportunities in a world seeking sustainable solutions.
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New Zealand is already a world leader in geothermal, wind, and hydro technologies. We can
also develop expertise in marine generation and deep geothermal (also known as „hot rock‟).
We can use our expertise to help other countries build a renewable energy sector.
Labour will help New Zealand companies export their clean technology expertise and
products to other countries. There are, for example, major opportunities in China that should
be promoted for New Zealand business.
Labour will work to ensure that New Zealand can export our expertise in renewable
energy and other clean technologies.
To support tourism and agriculture, New Zealand already markets itself internationally as
clean and green. Progressive policies on climate change extend this brand and bolster our
environmental credentials.
Labour will work with the private sector to maximise the brand value of our
environmental credentials in both tourism and agricultural exports.
Assisting local communities
We need to prepare for the risks a changing climate will bring, such as sea level rise.
Because precise projections cannot yet be provided, we must consider the risks of a range
of sea level rises.
The impacts of climate change can be lessened with forethought, good information, and
careful planning. Effective adaptation to a changing climate will require close cooperation
between central and local government, the agriculture and forestry sector, Māori and other
stakeholders.
We will work with representatives from these groups to develop an adaptation programme.
Labour will work in partnership with land management sectors, Māori, and local
government to develop an adaptation programme for climate change.
Labour is committed to providing guidance for local communities to deal with climate change
hazards such as storm surge, high waves, and rising sea levels.
Labour will ensure that local authorities are provided with reliable and up-to-date
information so they can properly take into account climate change risks in their
infrastructure and planning decisions.
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COMMERCE AND SMALL BUSINESS
Our vision
Effective policy and regulatory frameworks are important in order to promote confidence in
our capital markets, promote competition, support efficient business transactions (with a
focus on minimising compliance costs), improve the environment for doing business in New
Zealand and develop international linkages. They help to create dynamic and trusted
markets; establish effective international linkages and set standards so that firms have
access to markets in other jurisdictions and can grow global businesses.
Labour‟s approach to Commerce policy will build on the platform we began to establish when
last in office in order to provide the regulatory environment that supports businesses and our
wider economic agenda.
We see regulation as an element of our core infrastructure as it affects all aspects of
business and our relationship with international markets.
Recent events, both nationally and internationally, have highlighted the price that is paid
when regulation is seen as a barrier in itself and deregulation becomes an end in itself. The
Australian Productivity Commission made this point clearly in its Rethinking Regulation
report where it said:
“[that] does not mean that [we] should engage in a „race to the bottom‟ and abandon
worthwhile regulations. There are important economic, social and environmental
goals that warrant regulation, and should not be traded off simply to improve
business competitiveness."
National has promoted the „race to the bottom‟, and we must turn this around, with
appropriately framed regulation that supports business growth, promotes confidence and
meets international best practice.
We have decided to merge our Small Business policy with our Commerce policy as they
both fit within the same overall framework. We will still have a Minister for Small Business
but this will be extended to cover a more realistic definition of the small to medium enterprise
(SME) sector to align with international approaches.
This will enable the policy to provide a platform for what we have described in our Economic
Development policy as the “Pipeline for Business Growth”.
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Capital Markets Development
The Capital Market Development Taskforce (CMDT) developed a blueprint around New
Zealand‟s capital markets as a system as opposed to focussing on its component parts. Our
policy needs to reflect this systemic approach to reform.
Principles
The UK‟s Financial Services Authority has a set of 11 principles which provide a mechanism
to hold participants and their advisers to account even when there has been strict
compliance with the rules that might apply.
Labour will introduce a set of principles to underpin all legislation that relates to the
capital markets and financial advice, recognising in particular the obligations of
fiduciaries.
We recognise that compliance with the letter of the law does not necessarily mean
compliance with the spirit of the law and we will ensure that a set of enforceable principles
underpin all aspects of the financial sector‟s regulatory framework. These principles require
firms to conduct business with integrity, due skill, care and diligence.
One of the lessons arising from the finance company failures suggests that the level of risk
was hidden by many finance companies. They made their returns look just slightly better
than the bank rate of return in order to encourage investors, while at the same time implying
that the risk wasn‟t much greater than that of the bank. This in itself is unethical and would
have been a breach of the principles had they been in place at the time.
Financial advisers worth their salt should have been able to identify that the rate of return
was too low and been able to warn their clients off such an investment. The registering of
financial advisers and requirements around qualifications and accountability has been
addressed. However there remains the question around commissions and whether they can
be justified in a fiduciary relationship.
This is an issue we will address in our first year of office, along with a review of the
Authorised Financial Advisors/ Qualified Financial Entity structure.
Labour will review the Authorised Financial Advisors/ Qualified Financial Entity
structure, together with the qualification regime, to ensure that it is fit for purpose.
Labour in government made considerable inroads in relation to an appropriate regulatory
framework for Credit Unions. Given the nature of the relationship between credit unions and
their members, we will review the work programme and establish a priority for updating the
framework and passing the necessary amendments into law. Concerns were raised about
the impact of the No Asset Procedure on credit unions prior to the 2008 election. The
present government has not addressed those concerns and we will review the rules with
specific reference to credit unions.
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Labour will prioritise the Credit Union legislative timetable.
Labour will review the application of the No Asset Procedure rules as they relate to
loans made by credit unions within a certain period prior to the NAP being applied
for.
Reduce Compliance Costs for Capital Raising
As a consequence of a need for increased regulation of finance companies that were
masquerading at low risk when they were higher risk, New Zealand has increased the
regulation of offers of security to the public. This has led to increase costs for all capital
raising, not just for finance companies.
Raising share capital for small companies has been too difficult, with compliance costs now
including on-going issuer audits and various hurdles to registration of prospectus and
heightened risks to directors.
Labour has said all along that while additional regulation of debt security was necessary,
equity offerings have been over-regulated in the process. This increases the cost of capital
and is a serious barrier to small to medium sized businesses expanding in export markets.
Labour will reduce compliance costs for equity offerings, which openly describe the
risk of loss of investment, by simplifying prospectus and audit requirements.
Having been in the process of strengthening regulation around the finance companies as
they collapsed, it is interesting to note that our one registered exchange, NZX, was not a
factor in this massive destruction of wealth that affected thousands of New Zealanders. The
NZX is not a target for major reform, as our early years in government were used to provide
a solid regulatory framework for registered exchanges.
There is a weakness however in the application of this framework to NZX‟s secondary board.
Their status as a registered exchange makes it difficult for NZX to use their Alternative
Exchange (NZAX) as a springboard to the main board.
Having looked at the operation of secondary boards internationally, particularly the AIM
(Alternative Investment Market) board attached to the London Stock Exchange, we propose
to loosen the regulatory framework around the NZAX so that it can play a pivotal role in
preparing companies for the main board. The reporting requirements will not be as strict, but
that will be offset against improved support for the individual companies.
There are two features of the AIM Board that assist: the first is a tax incentive around
investors leaving their investment in a company on the AIM Board for three years (this
relates to Capital Gains Tax only).
The second relates to the use of highly experienced advisers – called Nomads (nominated
advisers) - who prepare these smaller companies for listing on the AIM board. Nomads are
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the sole conduit for listing, which means that these companies can face a much lower level
of regulatory compliance than their LSE listed counterparts as they are very well-prepared.
Labour will work with NZX to ensure that its Alternative Exchange (NZAX) can be a
springboard to listing on NZX.
Quality regulatory design
The current government has squandered its term in office by focussing on the form as
opposed to the substance of regulatory reform.
As already stated, regulatory frameworks are part of our core infrastructure and it is
important that they are „right-sized‟ and proportionate in terms of their design and their
implementation/enforcement. During the Quality Regulation Review in 2006-07 we identified
a range of issues that we will continue to address.
Labour will progress the large number of small “fixes” to a range of regulatory
frameworks identified in the Quality Regulation Review.
We will do this through the Regulatory Improvements Bill process, which is an omnibus bill
that we designed to deal with items that were not significant enough for departments to
prioritise.
The Minister for Regulatory Reform will be able to oversee the policy work in the first
instance, which will speed up the process.
Large Enterprises vs Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
There is often a difference between large enterprises and SMEs in terms of both the nature
and the impact of regulation. Large enterprises often prefer principles-based regulation so
they can design their own fit and smaller enterprises tend to prefer clear rules that they can
follow.
The approach many of the SMEs are seeking is one which tells them that they are complying
with the law, which in turn offers some protection against being sued for breaching the law.
This is described as a „safe harbour‟.
Various inspectors used to provide this reassurance in practice, although not technically in
law, however the governments of the 1980s & 90s pulled away from this kind of regime,
preferring that business paid for its own advisers and auditors, while the role of government
simply became one of enforcement.
We have recognised the weakness in this model and will develop a range of safe harbour
mechanisms to promote compliance.
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Labour will work with relevant stakeholders to develop a consensus-based
mechanism for designing „safe harbours‟ for a range of compliance requirements.
Standard Business Reporting
The question “why can‟t the many arms of government extend a single hand to business?”
became the expression of business frustration at their experience of dealing with the
government.
The solution lies in the implementation of a form of Standard Business Reporting (eg
eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL)). This would enable businesses to
electronically submit their financial data to many government agencies in one transaction
and thereby reduce the time and effort spent preparing and filing reports for government.
This was approved under the last Labour government and placed on the backburner by the
present administration. We will reinstate this work, as it is vital to meeting our commitment to
removing regulatory barriers to business growth.
Labour will reinstate work on standard business reporting, which has been proven
internationally to significantly reduce compliance costs for business.
Standards & Accreditation
Labour will review the provisions of the Standards & Accreditation Bill that has been
languishing on the Order Paper since the last election and substitute a Bill that meets the
needs of industry. Our best advice is that it only requires minor adjustments to achieve its
original purpose.
We have seen the results of the failure to provide for standards – e.g. this was a contributing
factor in the leaky building debacle – and it is vital that the standard-setting processes are
effective and up-to-date.
Labour will review the provisions of the Standards and Accreditation Bill.
NZ standards should also guide the minimum requirements for government procurement
contracts as part of the value for money requirements over the lifetime of the product (as
discussed in Labour‟s Procurement policy).
Competition policy
When the Commerce Commission is constantly rebuffed by the courts when it is trying to
promote and protect the interests of consumers, we need to investigate the cause and be
prepared to respond.
Ten years on from the changes we made to Part 2 of the Commerce Act, which deals with
restrictive trade practices (significantly section 36), it is time to review the section that
requires:
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A substantial degree of market power (a lesser threshold than a “dominant
position”, which was previously the standard)
Taking advantage of that market power, and
Motivated by a prohibited purpose.
The substance of the question that a court considers is what is known as the “counterfactual
test” - namely whether the firm with substantial market power would have engaged in the
type of conduct under scrutiny if it did not possess market power.
The Telecom 0867 case put the test in front of the Court of Appeal, which, bound to follow a
Privy Council precedent, decided in Telecom‟s favour. Hammond J said:
“This case exposes the realities of the difficulty of counterfactual analysis and
that it is not always of utility in the context of a case such as the present. The
reality of the case is that it is about terminating charges which are markedly
above cost and the willingness of Telecom, under threat of regulation, to share
its monopoly rents with Clear.
Any realistic counterfactual must take monopoly rents as a given. It is difficult
to see how there can be any plausible counterfactual about the distribution of
monopoly rents where non-dominance has to be assumed: in the absence of
dominance there can be no monopoly rents.” (Commerce Commission v
Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Ltd [2009] NZCA 338).
The Supreme Court upheld the Court of Appeal and dismissed the Commerce Commission‟s
appeal. This outcome was not intended in the last review of s36 and therefore we will make
this an urgent priority for review.
Labour will urgently review the provisions of Part 2 of the Commerce Act with
emphasis on s36.
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COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR
Our vision
New Zealand is a great place to bring up children and a place where communities have a
strong role to play. Labour believes that a connected community is a caring one. Our people
thrive when they are able to share their skills, lend a helping hand in tough times and pull
together to make a difference.
Labour encourages that Kiwi spirit of finding local solutions to local problems and using that
„No. 8 wire‟ mentality. That same spirit will be required in tough times and Labour recognises
the vital role played by the community and voluntary sector to create a strong, resilient and
cohesive sense of belonging to a community.
Treaty of Waitangi settlements and Māori development aspirations have shifted the lens of
service delivery to engage Māori directly to tackle some of the most challenging problems in
our communities. Whereas the former view in society used to be „By Māori for Māori‟, there
is an emerging view that these models from Māori providers are suited to a broader
spectrum of society.
The community and voluntary sector plays an increasing role in supporting communities and
delivering social services. Labour understands that an investment approach to the capacity
of the sector is essential as service delivery becomes more decentralised. This focus will
enable the sector to address social issues of long-standing concern in innovative and
creative ways. Labour believes that workforce development of the sector is essential and will
contribute to this need.
Labour is mindful that the private sector has skills and expertise that could be engaged to
help build the capacity and contribution of the community and voluntary sector. We will put
significant effort into this task.
Community-based child and whānau service providers play an important role to make sure
that children get the best start in life. They are the people who know what their community
needs, where the gaps are, and what can be done to make sure the best models of care are
available. They are also the people who are the first point of contact for the most vulnerable
whānau in our communities.
Labour is committed to working alongside the community and voluntary sector, towards a
long-term investment in the relationship, and towards supporting resilient communities
looking for locally responsive solutions. It‟s about all of us working together.
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Engaging with the community: A social inclusion approach
The Fifth Labour Government made a commitment to a new way of working with
communities based in partnership in social development. New relationships and a deeper
understanding of government and community roles did emerge from the partnership
approach; but overall the partnerships didn‟t achieve the kinds of potential and produce the
results they might have.
Community sector and government relationships remain quite fragmented. Labour is not
convinced New Zealanders are getting all the benefits of cooperation, prevention, smart
community knowledge on where the problems are, who is involved, and how to fix them.
While we have seen some real innovation in areas including Māori social services (which
Whānau Ora has built upon), there are many other areas where we still haven‟t got the
machinery in place for bringing that knowledge and expertise into the heart of policy and
programming processes.
Where this really matters is in areas where no single agency, government or community can
fix the problem on its own. These are areas where people are experiencing multiple
challenges, or making transitions in their lives that can see them falling between the cracks
because no one agency has the job of looking after them. Homelessness and rough sleeping
for example, often involve people with challenges in housing, work and income, mental
health, substance abuse and more, and need input from health, housing, local government,
and social development agencies. Without well led, strongly coordinated efforts, these
people end up being dealt with by the police. Young people considering leaving school early
face different hurdles: but can easily end up neither in work, nor school, nor training.
A social inclusion approach puts coordination around complex issues and needs at the top of
the agenda. It appoints a „social inclusion commissioner‟ (or equivalent) with the power to
identify issues, see what works and require coordination between government agencies, with
identified counterparts in the leader and ministers‟ offices. It monitors outcomes, and refocuses
efforts which are not working. It finds international experience, investigates how it
has been evaluated, and what evidence there is for its success. It cements the best
approaches into place with public service agreements at central level, complemented with
better coordination at local level. Under Labour in New Zealand, it will also need to forge the
best possible working relationships with community groups and agencies, and, where
appropriate, local government.
Labour‟s Social Inclusion approach will be a new way of working together with
communities in the areas where that way of working can make the most difference. It
is an approach we have seen working well elsewhere: but that we want to develop
here in our own, can-do Kiwi version.
Internationally there have been a number of areas where this approach has yielded real
benefits, both in terms of problems and opportunities. The problems have included:
Homelessness and rough sleeping
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School retention and the transition to work
Young offenders, and mental health in the prison system
Disability
Domestic violence, and wider violence against women
Child abuse
The opportunities have been in areas such as supporting to older workers and workers with
disabilities volunteering or otherwise making a contribution.
Labour‟s Social Inclusion approach will be based in a shared community/government
commitment to shared high level goals, and on identifying and tackling difficult
problems and development opportunities, and learning how to work together to the
point where accountability for local outcomes can be genuinely shared.
Labour‟s Social Inclusion approach is not about more meetings or „consultation‟: it is an
invitation to a working partnership, not just a contracting relationship. It will involve enabling
the community to work with government on problem and opportunity identification. In other
words, taking time to identify where there is a need or a better way of working together.
Local information and long practical experience needs to be able to be brought to the table,
alongside the best international evidence, and enter into a wider and deeper policy dialogue.
The complexity of some tough issues will have to get framed and debated from the outset,
and obstacles to real working together discussed up front.
Labour will respect and seek to build existing community capacity to act as real partners for
government, not just sites for short term pilot projects or rapid rollout of programmes to
national scale. An important aim will be identifying and supporting community and local
government partners who can bring effective coordination, in-depth knowledge of local
situations, practical experience and active policy capability to the table.
On this basis, respectful and equal partnership between government and community
becomes a real possibility, not just a „cover‟ for a top down contracting relationship, or a
rationale for more meetings which don‟t produce durable programming and budget
commitments. On this basis, accountabilities for local outcomes can be shared, rather than
dumped on communities or retained by risk-averse central government agencies. Local
capabilities, funding for particular functions, and responsibilities for outcomes can be durably
aligned. Genuine commitments to strengthening communities can be forged.
Labour will take a rigorous approach to identifying and calculating the benefits of
working together under a social inclusion framework.
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The Social Inclusion approach:
How it works in South Australia
The Social Inclusion Board is a Board of independent social policy thinkers reporting
directly to and working with a mandate from the Head of Government.
The independent Commissioner for Social Inclusion, also Chair of the Board, is in charge
of monitoring the government‟s progress on social reform and making sure it stays on track.
The Social Inclusion Unit is a unit of social policy experts embedded in the Department of
Premier and Cabinet that provides support to the Board and the Commissioner. It conducts
research of world-wide best practice and consults with local communities.
A Social Inclusion Committee of Cabinet Ministers, chaired by the Premier and with the
Social Inclusion Commissioner always in attendance, meets to provide the highest level of
accountability.
Labour will take into account the South Australian model, along with other international
examples, in designing a Social Inclusion approach for New Zealand.
The social inclusion approach creates new efficiencies by making existing resources and
programmes more effective. It is not a substitute for wider social development policy and
approaches to jobs, income or care; and isn‟t the approach that will work best in every area.
It will take time and commitment to develop, sector by sector, issue by issue. Not all
opportunities will be able to be developed or funded: but those that are will have a real
possibility of moving ahead. Where devolved funding can create greater efficiencies and
effectiveness, Labour will explore this possibility. Where the social inclusion approach can
make a real difference, we need to let it do its work.
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Tools to engage with the sector
Labour has a long history of engaging with the community and voluntary sector and is
committed to building this strong relationship into the future.
In Government, Labour signed the Statement of Government Intentions for an Improved
Community-Government Relationship in 2001. The current Government has signed the Kia
Tutahi Standing Together Relationship Accord which builds on Labour‟s previous work of
building stronger community-government relationships.
Labour will review the effectiveness of the Kia Tutahi Standing Together Relationship
Accord in facilitating whole of government engagement with the community and
voluntary sector.
The Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector, which was established under Labour,
has been charged with leading the engagement between the government and the sector.
The Office which was previously been split between Department of Internal Affairs and the
Ministry of Social Development has recently been moved into the Department of Internal
Affairs.
Labour will evaluate, in consultation with the community and voluntary sector,
whether the recent move has enhanced the relationship and improved inter-agency
responsiveness to the sector.
Labour is committed to better service delivery to children and their families. This involves
connecting thinking and action across agencies, services, communities and organisations.
Barriers put up by agencies, a lack of communication and information sharing, and separate
assessment processes mean people often fall through the gaps.
In our last year in Government we announced a significant investment in contracting
community and voluntary sector groups to deliver essential services. The Pathway to
Partnership was a multi-year plan to build strong, sustainable and more effective communitybased
services for families, children and young people.
Labour will work with the community and voluntary sector to establish long-term
funding cycles so that the sector has more certainty around planning and delivering
its programmes.
Integrated service delivery is not a new idea, however over the years we have seen many
different projects being started and funded only to be taken over by the next good idea. The
latest is Whānau Ora, which is about integrating services for the most vulnerable whānau,
however it is at a fledgling stage.
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The success of Whānau Ora will partly depend on political commitment, its ability to deliver
greater outcomes to vulnerable whānau and evaluate the model of service delivery
alongside other models. This will help us to cement our close working relationship with the
whole sector and give us a framework to further expand on.
Labour is committed to building on Whānau Ora focusing on four key components:
leadership; flexibility of funding to get results; workforce development; and better
information sharing. This will enable the delivery of measurable benefits to the
community.
Under Labour the Charities Commission was established by the Charities Act which was
passed in 2005. It was established after over a decade of discussion with the sector and a
detailed Select Committee process.
The Commission has done a commendable job registering over 25,000 organisations. It has
also promoted public trust and confidence in the charitable sector by providing educational
material and by encouraging good governance and management practices.
Labour is concerned with the current plans by the National Government to absorb the
Charities Commission into the Department of Internal Affairs. We believe the Commission
has a place to play in the long term and therefore believe it should remain autonomous.
There are some very practical suggestions for amendments that can be made to improve the
Act and Labour will engage with the sector to achieve these improvements. Labour believes
that the Charities Commission is best prepared to become the regulator of charities.
Labour is committed to engaging the community and voluntary sector in any review
of the Charities Act and the role of the Charities Commission.
Labour will continue to improve the functions of the Charities Act and as a priority
begin a first principles review of the Act.
Labour will act swiftly to restore the charitable status to the community housing
sector under the Charities Act.
Labour will ensure that community organisations are able to engage in advocacy without
becoming disqualified from charitable status, or from government funding and support.
Labour will continue to support the independence of community sector advocacy.
Building capacity
Labour appreciates the efforts of the community and voluntary sector and the essential
services they provide to New Zealanders. Labour recognises that the sector can do things
that governments cannot.
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The community and voluntary sector needs a comprehensive commitment towards investing
in the sector‟s infrastructure and human resources. This responsibility requires partnership
with the philanthropic community and Labour will work with third party funding communities
to bring great focus towards those investment decisions.
We understand that the sector is starting to really feel the pressure of a constrained funding
environment.
Labour will look at ways to encourage individuals and businesses to participate in
their communities by giving time, money, or in-kind donations.
Through supporting volunteers we grow stronger communities. The community and
voluntary sector plays a vital role in our community with its dedication, work and generosity
of spirit, which brings huge social, cultural and economic benefits to New Zealand society.
Labour recognises the role of volunteers and will promote greater private sector
engagement of employees in the voluntary sector so we can create engaged, safe
and strong communities.
Labour also believes that the government has a strong role to play to co-ordinate
government investment and funding decisions that maintain the important role of the
community and voluntary sector.
Labour will provide and co-ordinate infrastructure supports and resources across the
sector.
This will include advice, capacity and infrastructure in human resources, legal, financial
systems, audit and information technology. We will ensure the community and voluntary
sector has access to easily-understood information about central government services and
resources.
The community and voluntary sector also has a role to play in the training of volunteers so
that we encourage young people to be involved in the sector and provide them with skills
that they may be able to use in paid employment.
Labour will examine ways of setting up community cadetships which will expose a
trainee to a range of workplaces across the sector.
Eliminating family violence
New Zealand has a serious and worrying problem with family violence and the
consequences of this violence are huge. There are costs to individuals, families and the
community. These include depression, the loss of confidence and other consequences that
remain long after the physical injuries have healed. Children are also hurt by this violence in
many ways, including fear and trauma from seeing their mother hurt.
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A comprehensive approach is required to deal with the consequences of violence against
women and to change the culture that leads to such violence. Labour believes this will
require a long term unified commitment by politicians, women‟s and community
organisations, government agencies and New Zealanders.
Labour will evaluate the effectiveness of the Whānau Ora funding model on services
dealing with violence against women and girls and respond to any problems and
unmet needs.
Labour will support organisations like Women‟s Refuge, Rape Crisis and Girls‟ Self
Defence who play both an advocacy and service delivery role focussed on the needs
of women and children.
Labour wishes to see restoration of the $700,000 cut in funding that Women‟s
Refuge was using to support crisis refuges. We will commit additional funding
accordingly and work with MSD and Women‟s Refuge to ensure a fair and
transparent process for the allocation of funding for this purpose.
In the medium term, Labour will work to build a consensus on a long term unified and
adequately resourced plan which has cross party support to eliminate violence
against women. In doing so, we will consider the 12 year, multi-million dollar crossparty
approach announced in Australia in 2011.
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CONSERVATION
Our vision
Conservation is the preservation of New Zealand‟s unique environment, as a good thing in
and of itself. It is also essential to New Zealand‟s identity, the basis of our clean green
image, and the foundation of the economy. From the establishment of the very first national
park at Tongariro in 1887 to the network of parks and marine reserves that exist today, New
Zealanders have placed high value on the wild landscapes and beautiful mountains and
lakes that define our country.
Labour led the world in 1987 by establishing the Department of Conservation (DOC) as an
agency dedicated to the protection of our natural environment, as well as to providing
opportunities for Kiwis to enjoy the great outdoors. Labour holds the values and aspirations
supporting conservation and biodiversity protection it always has.
We not only value investing in DOC as our frontline conservation agency, but also value the
contribution communities make to the conservation effort. And we value investing in facilities
that support Kiwis to get out and enjoy the natural world.
Our natural environment is central to New Zealand‟s sense of identity, and our conservation
estate 19 is a major contributor to the economy. Public conservation land provides essential
and valuable ecosystem services such as clean water, flood and erosion control, and carbon
sequestration – as well as opportunities for healthy recreation.
The health of our economy depends on New Zealand preserving and enhancing our land,
air, water and indigenous wildlife. Major export earners (tourism, dairy, horticulture, forestry,
meat, wool, fisheries, and film) now leverage an internationally competitive premium from the
country‟s „clean green/100% pure‟ sustainable branding. Conservation needs to be
integrated into our economic future as „Brand New Zealand, clean, green and clever‟.
New Zealand‟s public conservation estate and our unique plants, animals and landscapes
therefore not only have very significant intrinsic, cultural and social value, but they are also a
key part of the country‟s economic infrastructure that must be actively maintained and
enhanced.
Labour will continue to encourage private sector investment into conservation projects.
Businesses are increasingly switching on to the commercial benefits of conservation
19 Conservation estate, public conservation estate, and public conservation land are interchangeable
terms.
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initiatives. The government needs to work with such businesses to deliver greater
conservation gains than we could achieve alone. However, our focus will always lie with
achieving conservation outcomes rather than financial gain.
Biodiversity
Protecting and Enhancing our Natural Heritage
Most of our native plants, animals, birds and insects are found only in New Zealand, i.e. they
are „endemic‟ and unique. However, humans, along with introduced animals, have
eliminated many of New Zealand‟s indigenous species. At least 2000 more indigenous
species continue to be threatened with extinction.
The maintenance and enhancement of our remaining indigenous biodiversity is crucial not
only to the health of New Zealand‟s environment but to our economic future.
New Zealand has expertise in species protection and recovery. More species are on a path
to recovery because of better pest control techniques and the creation of predator-free
offshore island sanctuaries. Kiwi sanctuaries have also been created on the mainland.
Biodiversity on public and private land
Labour aims that in 10 years‟ time New Zealand‟s wildlife population will be stabilised and
increasing, with species coming off the endangered list regularly.
The New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (NZBS) for halting the decline of our indigenous
biodiversity has been in place since 2001. But we must constantly refine our efforts to
ensure they are focused in the right places. This includes protecting and restoring
threatened habitats such as wetlands.
Labour will review the success or otherwise of the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy
in its first ten years and action the results of the review.
Labour will change the name of the NZBS to the New Zealand Nature Protection
Strategy so that its purpose is more immediately clear.
National has drafted a National Policy Statement (NPS) on Biodiversity under the Resource
Management Act 1991, but has not yet gazetted it. National‟s NPS is likely to be inadequate
in terms of biodiversity protection required on private land, especially in the face of
intensifying agriculture. This will put our clean, green brand at risk.
In our review of the NZBS, Labour will include the need for any changes to the biodiversity
NPS to align it with the New Zealand Nature Protection Strategy.
Labour will make any necessary changes to the NPS on Biodiversity to make it truly
effective and to align it with the New Zealand Nature Protection Strategy.
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Pest and weed control
Pests – whether already here, or still to arrive despite biosecurity measures – continue to
pose a significant challenge to our most critically-threatened species. Without active pest
control, making headway in the protection and enhancement of our native plant and animal
life is impossible.
Effective pest control not only protects biodiversity, but prevents the collapse of forest
canopy and the resulting erosion of hillsides. Carbon stores are also protected, and this
enhances New Zealand‟s ability to respond to global carbon accounting.
There are a range of tools available for controlling pests. DOC and other pest control
agencies need to better explain to the public why tools such as aerial 1080 are the best
available option in particular situations – at least until new and alternative tools are
developed.
Labour will continue to resource weed and integrated pest control on public
conservation land to protect threatened species, ecosystems and significant
landscapes.
Labour will support the use of aerial 1080 as an effective tool for landscape-scale
pest control (especially of possums, rats and stoats), while new and improved
alternative tools are developed.
Labour will explore enhanced opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with
private and community sector investment in pest and weed control on public and
private land.
Sanctuaries and mainland islands
Dedicated sanctuaries continue to prove the most effective incubators for rejuvenating
populations of threatened native birds and other wildlife.
Labour will promote predator-free island sanctuaries, and be vigilant in protecting
them from re-infestation. An island sanctuary could be as large as Rakiura/Stewart
Island.
The development of „mainland islands‟, possibly including large peninsula areas such as the
Coromandel, Mahia, Banks and Otago peninsulas, can assist with eradication or intensive
control of predators on a landscape scale.
Labour will promote „mainland islands‟ with a view to eradication or intensive control
of predators on a landscape-scale as technology and techniques allow.
Labour will examine the feasibility of turning large peninsula areas into mainland
islands.
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Creating sanctuaries supports the rejuvenation of our most precious wildlife. Sanctuaries can
also create educational and economic benefits for a region. Success stories – such as Kapiti
Island, Tiritiri Matangi Island and the Waitakeres “Ark in the Park” – are safe havens for
some of our rarest species and within reach of our two largest urban centres. They attract
thousands of tourists and visitors each year.
Labour will promote recreational and tourism opportunities alongside species
recovery work and predator free sanctuaries.
Additions to conservation estate
The public conservation estate includes about a third of New Zealand‟s land area. Much of
this is steep, mountainous terrain. The last Labour government focused on redressing this
imbalance. Valuable ecosystems – from lowland forests and wetlands, to tussock grasslands
and coastal areas – were given priority for protection.
Labour will continue to make additions to the conservation estate with priority for underrepresented
ecosystems and natural features, such as North Island lowland forests,
wetlands, and iconic areas needing protection from development pressures.
Labour will continue to make additions to land held for public conservation through
dedicated funds (e.g. the Nature Heritage Fund) and other means (e.g. any
remaining tenure review processes).
Labour will ensure that the management of any additions to public conservation land
is adequately funded.
There is concern that under National developers can swap degraded land with DOC in
exchange for access to pristine land, say for a skifield.
Labour will ensure that inappropriate swaps of public conservation land cannot take
place.
Reviewing status of stewardship land
When DOC was established in 1987, it inherited land from predecessor agencies. Some of
this land had not been adequately defined and classified in law, and so as a holding position
it was passed to DOC as „stewardship land‟.
There has still been no systematic classification of stewardship land into conservation land
categories (e.g. reserve, sanctuary, conservation area) – or a systematic identification of
land that does not warrant DOC administration. The „limbo‟ status of stewardship land can
cause practical problems, for example, as to whether hydro or mining development is
appropriate for an area of stewardship land.
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Labour will begin a systematic classification of stewardship land, or its removal from
DOC administration where appropriate.
Protecting wild rivers
Many of our wild rivers have been lost to hydro development. The landscape and biodiversity
values of wild rivers have become scarcer. And National has undermined the value of water
conservation orders, especially by overriding them in Canterbury. This is the opposite of
Labour‟s view – if anything, water conservation orders need to be strengthened and
expanded.
Labour does not believe we should keep damming our remaining wild and scenic rivers.
Alternative means of renewable electricity generation are now available. We need to take
stock of all the costs – including the environmental costs – of damming them. This can be
done in a number of ways.
Labour will strengthen the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity
Generation 2011 by encouraging renewable generation with low environmental
impacts, with a particular view to protecting rivers from being dammed.
Labour will restore the primacy of water conservation orders in Canterbury, i.e. to
where they were before National overrode them.
Labour will investigate the strengthening and expansion of the water conservation
order mechanism.
This protection of wild rivers is complemented by Labour‟s views on water management. See
our Water policy.
Making the Mokihinui into national park
The Mokihinui is an outstanding wild river and flows through stewardship land. This area is
of such conservation quality that it would justify being added to the adjacent Kahurangi
National Park. However, SOE Meridian Energy wants to dam the Mokihinui for hydro power.
Labour will save the Mokihinui River from being dammed. This will include moving to have
the area added to Kahurangi National Park.
Labour will ask the New Zealand Conservation Authority to formally investigate
adding the Mokihinui river area to Kahurangi National Park.
Labour will in the meantime direct Meridian Energy not to proceed with its hydro dam
proposal and/or decline to make the area available to Meridian Energy.
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New Chums beach
New Chums beach in the Coromandel is one of the finest beaches in the world but is
threatened by development. It can be protected by the public purchase of adjacent land, or
covenanting of it, to prevent development. This will require agreement among the various
parties involved.
Labour is determined that New Chums beach will be saved for the enjoyment of present and
future generations. We are also determined that its untouched beauty will continue to be part
of New Zealand‟s „clean green/100% pure‟ sustainable branding to the world.
Labour will explore means by which to save New Chums beach for the enjoyment of
present and future generations and as part of our sustainable branding to the world.
Promoting conservation by DOC and the whole community
DOC is our frontline conservation agency. It manages about a third of the country‟s land for
conservation purposes, as well as marine reserves and marine mammal sanctuaries, and
carries out pest control work. DOC is responsible for protecting our most critically
endangered species, and operates recovery programmes for our rarest species including
kiwi, kokako and takahe.
DOC also manages historic sites and buildings, and runs an extensive „outdoors
infrastructure‟ of huts, tracks and visitor facilities.
DOC should promote conservation nationally, and advocate strongly for it publicly and at all
levels of government. This role has been weakened under National.
DOC should also be ensuring that tourist operators, energy companies, farmers and other
users of public conservation land do so fairly, sustainably and in a way that protects our
heritage.
Labour is committed to DOC being able to carry out all these public service roles effectively.
Its work should be founded on the best ecological science and practical conservation
management experience.
Labour will ensure that DOC plays a leading role in maintaining New Zealand‟s
biodiversity and an independent statutory role in advocating for the conservation of
natural and historic resources.
Community-led conservation
Private, volunteer and community-led conservation initiatives are essential to the overall
drive to protect New Zealand‟s natural heritage and promote our clean, green image.
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Many ordinary New Zealanders have cared for forest and wetland biodiversity on private as
well as public land. We must support their enthusiasm and hard work, which has produced
some dramatic results.
Labour believes we can do even better, by exploring innovative new ways to engage the
community in conservation.
Labour will explore new ways of connecting and enabling in conservation, in order to
grow grassroots education and participation in conservation projects at a community
level.
Labour will retain contestable funds to support and encourage community-led
conservation work.
Enhancing stakeholder involvement
There are many conservation stakeholders – or potential conservation stakeholders –
including iwi, local government, community organisations, and private sector businesses.
Local conservation boards and the New Zealand Conservation Authority provide valuable
community input into conservation planning and management.
But we need to think even smarter on conservation – and that includes more collaboration
between conservation stakeholders and DOC.
Working closely with stakeholders will deliver greater conservation gains than the
government could ever achieve alone. There will be benefits to stakeholders as well.
Businesses, for example, are increasingly appreciating the commercial benefits of
conservation initiatives.
Labour will actively pursue iwi, local government, community and corporate
partnerships for conservation projects, including, for example, community education
and involvement in practical conservation projects such as the development of
„mainland island‟ sanctuaries.
DOC has an important role in the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process. DOC deals with the
mechanisms of the settlement process, but should also be focused on collaborative
conservation outcomes. Free and unfettered access for New Zealanders to conservation
areas will be protected.
Labour will review DOC‟s role in the Treaty settlement process, with a view to it being
more focused on collaborative conservation outcomes. The important role of iwi as
enduring stewards of the land will be recognised.
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Helping private landowners
DOC will continue to lend its expertise to identify and protect indigenous ecosystems on
private land. Alongside funding for restoration and recovery work, help is available for private
landowners who want to legally protect valuable conservation areas.
Hundreds of thousands of hectares have been protected with the support of targeted
funding.
Labour will encourage private landowners to protect conservation values on their
land, support them with specific funds and conservation trusts, and promote
exemption for legally-protected conservation areas from rating by local authorities.
These initiatives will be complementary to an effective National Policy Statement on
Biodiversity.
Environmental education and conservation skills
The future of our natural landscapes, native plants and animals and unique marine life lies in
our hands and the hands of those who will come after us. We benefit greatly from looking
after these natural assets.
Labour will seek to educate the public about the wider social and economic benefits
that result from keeping the public conservation estate unspoilt.
We must encourage future generations to value conservation, engage with nature, and
understand environmental sustainability by initiatives such as the last Labour government‟s
Enviro-Schools programme.
Labour will reinstate the Enviro-Schools programme.
Our young people are the skill base for frontline conservation work in the future.
Labour will build the available pool of conservation rangers, planners and biodiversity
specialists by developing a conservation apprenticeship programme.
This programme will be targeted at school-leavers who are contemplating working in the
conservation sector. Its aim will be to provide a strong grounding in practical conservation
management. On successfully completing the programme, some graduates may seek work
through DOC while others may go on to employment in local government or community-led
conservation work.
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Outdoor recreation – Helping Kiwis enjoy our heritage
Kiwis have a long and proud history of getting out into the great outdoors and exploring the
wonderful natural heritage our country has to offer. Access to this heritage is of great cultural
and social importance.
The network of huts and tracks across public conservation land was significantly upgraded
by the last Labour government, and forms the backbone of our „outdoors infrastructure‟.
There are new lodges in place of old huts, more places to go to, tracks repaired, and new
ones to explore either by foot or bike.
This network is a significant asset. Not only is it valued by Kiwis, but our tourism sector
depends on it. Kiwis expect their government to protect the quality of outdoor recreational
experiences – including walking, tramping, skiing, climbing, angling, swimming, rafting,
boating and mountain biking.
That does not mean only putting resources into „front country‟ facilities or huts on the Great
Walks, where many of the users are international visitors. The existing network of „back
country‟ huts and tracks is vital as well and should remain. A bivvy in the right place, for
example, can save lives.
Te Araroa
Labour will continue to upgrade the outdoors infrastructure of huts, tracks and other
visitor facilities, including those in the back country.
Labour will promote the development of new outdoor recreational opportunities, for
example, walking and cycling trails on former railways land.
New Zealand benefits from a national walkway, Te Araroa, „the long pathway‟ connecting
Cape Reinga to the Bluff through public walkways and tracks. The last Labour government
made a considerable contribution towards the walkway, especially by freeing up access
through former pastoral lease land in the South Island. Te Araroa is now close to completion,
but some gaps remain.
Labour will facilitate the filling of the final gaps in Te Araroa, „the long pathway‟ from
North Cape to Bluff, so that its final completion can be celebrated.
Walking Access Commission
Labour established the Walking Access Commission in 2008 to create „free, certain,
enduring and practical‟ public access for outdoor recreation, including around lakes, along
rivers, and to public resources (which include trout, salmon and game birds). This is not only
for the benefit of Kiwis but for overseas visitors as well.
Initiatives the Walking Access Commission has taken include a public access mapping
system to clearly identify publicly-owned land across New Zealand that people can legally
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access. The Commission also promotes an Outdoor Access Code to encourage responsible
behaviour in the outdoors, and provides contestable funding to support access-enhancing
projects.
Labour will strongly support the work of the Walking Access Commission.
Labour will support the Walking Access Commission having a dispute arbitration role
on access issues.
Commercial use of public outdoor resources
Labour supports tourism businesses based on public conservation land and public
resources. However, conservation values must not be compromised by commercial use.
Reasonable public recreational access to the land and resources must continue.
Fish and Game New Zealand manages recreational access to sports fish (including trout and
salmon) and game birds. These public resources can be found both inside and outside the
public conservation estate. They attract commercial interest for professional fishing and
hunting guiding. Inside the conservation estate, such commercial arrangements are
managed by DOC.
Labour would make Fish and Game (through its regional councils) the approval authority for
any such commercial arrangements outside the conservation estate. This would be similar to
DOC management of tourism activity on public conservation land (where public access
continues to be protected).
Labour will make Fish and Game New Zealand the approval authority for any
commercial concessions to take sports fish and game birds outside the public
conservation estate.
Any disputes about a public right to access sports fish and game birds over private land
could be dealt with by the Walking Access Commission.
Camping grounds
With land development around our coastline, opportunities available for the traditional Kiwi
summer camping holiday have decreased. Public camping grounds operate on DOC land.
New camping grounds were opened by the last Labour government, and others were
upgraded.
Labour will continue to develop new camping grounds as opportunities arise.
Management of game animals
Many Kiwis share in a long-held tradition of recreational hunting for deer, pigs and other
introduced game mammals. Hunters help keep these animal numbers down on public
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conservation land. Labour recognises this valuable contribution to the protection of our
indigenous biodiversity.
DOC currently manages game mammals. National proposes to establish a Game Animal
Council and to split the management of these animals (chamois, deer, thar and wild pigs)
between DOC and the Game Animal Council. The Council would manage „herds of special
interest‟ within defined areas of conservation land.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment points out that the proposed Game
Animal Council could effectively halt 1080 operations for possums, rats and stoats, if it
thought game animals may be at risk. Labour takes the Commissioner‟s advice seriously.
It is problematic having a management system with two organisations in charge. DOC
should be responsible for the management of the conservation estate. Hunters have
conservation values and support our wilderness areas, which they know well. Greater coordination
with hunting interests is desirable.
Labour will establish the proposed Game Animal Council as an advisory body that
encourages hunters to work collaboratively with DOC in supporting both conservation
and hunting interests.
Marine conservation – Protecting our sea life
New Zealanders have always shared a special connection with the sea. Our rich marine and
coastal ecosystems provide food and recreation. However, these ecosystems have a history
of being impacted by over-fishing, soil erosion, over-development, urban and pastoral runoff,
careless waste disposal and sewage pollution.
Fish stocks are now managed within a framework of sustainability. Marine reserves are now
recognised not just for their scientific benefits but for their public use and enjoyment.
Threatened species, such as the Maui and Hector‟s dolphins, are also being protected within
designated marine sanctuaries, and other strong measures have been put in place to halt
their decline.
Ten years from now, Labour wants New Zealand to be known for its world-leading approach
to marine conservation. We want a network of marine protected areas to support the
rejuvenation of our marine life. We want a reputation for being excellent guardians of the
40% of the world‟s albatross species endemic to New Zealand. We want our trading partners
to continue buying our seafood because they know they are buying a sustainable, quality
product.
Marine protected areas
Many different groups have a high level of interest in our marine areas. These include
commercial fishers, recreational fishers, other recreational users, iwi, conservationists, and
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scientists investigating marine species and habitats. With so many stakeholders, forging
agreement on which areas should be protected remains a challenge.
In the past, protection has been fragmented and ad hoc. Now a range of protective options
are available such as marine reserves (which are no take areas), mataitai reserves and
taiapure, and trawling and dredging bans. Communities deserve a say in where and what
marine protection is proposed.
The last Labour government began a new collaborative process for marine protection right
around New Zealand through the marine protected areas (MPA) strategy. Protection around
the sub-Antarctic islands and on the West Coast of the South Island has been agreed, but
elsewhere National has under-resourced the process and let it languish. The MPA process
needs to be revitalised, with a single lead government agency.
Labour will revitalise the MPA process, especially the regional stakeholder forums
that are central to it, and promote DOC as the lead government agency for MPA
planning.
Labour will ensure that DOC has the necessary technical capability to facilitate and
implement increased marine protection.
Labour will continue to establish a network of marine reserves and other protected
areas for the protection of marine biodiversity.
Labour aims to have 30 percent of our marine area in some form of protection by 2020 –
both in the territorial sea (out to 12 nautical miles) and the exclusive economic zone or EEZ
(out to 200 nautical miles).
Protection will include: an ecologically representative network of marine reserves; mataitai
reserves and taiapure which are protected according to the wishes of local iwi and
communities; other (often large) areas in which there are specific constraints on fishing
methods; and the Kermadec world sanctuary area.
Labour wants New Zealand to be a world leader in protecting threatened species, and this
extends to the sea. We will be vigilant over species that are under threat and take specific
action as necessary.
Labour will monitor the effectiveness of existing marine mammal sanctuaries and
support the development of further protective measures or sanctuaries as necessary.
Kermadec world sanctuary area
The Kermadec Islands are a part of New Zealand 1000 km to the northeast, and straddle
tropical and temperate climates. The Kermadec marine region is one of the most diverse and
stunning in the world. It contains underwater volcanoes and the second-deepest ocean
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trench on the planet (over 10 km deep in places). It has remarkable marine biodiversity,
including giant squid, the deep diving sperm whale, and millions of seabirds.
There is already a marine reserve around the Kermadec Islands, with complementary world
heritage status proposed for the Islands themselves. The marine reserve protects some of
the marine habitats of the area (out to the territorial sea boundary). But a much higher level
of protection in the EEZ around the Kermadecs is justified.
The Kermadecs provides the opportunity for a marine reserve of ecosystem-scale, which
would be one of the few on the planet. New Zealand could become a world leader in creating
such an EEZ marine reserve. While this is not yet possible under our marine reserve
legislation, we could do it by a special Act of Parliament (as Labour did in 2005 to create
eight marine reserves in Fiordland).
Labour will create a world sanctuary area in the EEZ around the Kermadec Islands
by way of giving this area marine reserve status.
Unsustainable marine activities
New Zealand is a special place for seabirds. Nearly a quarter of the world‟s seabird species
breed here, and 40% of albatross species are endemic to New Zealand. Species such as
albatross, petrel and shearwaters, as well as the unique New Zealand sea lion, remain at
risk from commercial fishing methods.
Labour will work collaboratively with the fishing industry to achieve reductions in
fisheries by-catch of seabirds and marine mammals, including by the use of
mandatory targets and mitigation measures.
Other unsustainable fishing practices must be addressed. Means of doing so will include the
use of spatial tools.
Labour will implement a phase-out of destructive and unsustainable fishing methods
(such as bottom trawling, dredging and set netting).
Labour will prohibit the practice of shark finning, requiring that all sharks caught in
New Zealand and on New Zealand flagged vessels be landed whole with fins intact.
See „Oceans‟ in Labour‟s Environment policy for protecting the marine environment against
risks such as oil spills.
Whales
Labour strongly backs international efforts to ensure the world‟s whale populations continue
to be protected from commercial exploitation. Some populations are beginning to recover,
but more needs to be done.
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Labour will work through international organisations to achieve stronger protection for
whales, to end „scientific‟ whaling and to advance the South Pacific Whale Sanctuary.
Marine legislation reform
Most of New Zealand‟s marine protection legislation has been on the statute books for many
years and is in need of updating. This includes the Wildlife Act 1953, Marine Reserves Act
1971, Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, and the Fisheries Act 1996. We need a
genuinely sustainable approach to the management of our seas and sea life. That will
include a stronger precautionary approach in the Fisheries Act.
Labour will revise our marine protection legislation to ensure consistency, optimal
delivery of protection objectives, and genuine sustainability.
A Bill to modernise the Marine Reserves Act has been before Parliament since 2002. The
Bill would broaden the purpose of marine reserves from scientific study to the conservation
of marine biodiversity, and enable them to be created in the EEZ. The Bill would also change
the concurrence procedure for creating marine reserves (from both the Ministers of
Conservation and Fisheries to only the former).
In the past, there have been concerns that DOC has been both the promoter of marine
reserves and (through the Minister of Conservation) the ultimate decision maker. A
revitalised MPA process will see communities themselves – through regional stakeholder
forums – promoting the creation of marine reserves. They will do that together with other
types of MPAs (such as mataitai reserves, which are approved by the Minister of Fisheries).
DOC‟s role in marine reserve creation will become that of a facilitator, and the tension of its
dual role will be resolved. Marine reserves, and other types of MPA, will be created on the
recommendation of regional stakeholder forums.
Labour will amend the Marine Reserves Bill to reflect the collaborative way of
achieving marine protection through the MPA strategy.
Antarctica
New Zealand has a special relationship with Antarctica. Labour has long advocated for its
preservation in a pristine state, and for it to be administered for peaceful scientific purposes
through the Antarctic Treaty system.
Labour will recommit to the Antarctic Treaty system, and act as an international
advocate for the protection of the Antarctic ecosystem from mineral or other
inappropriate exploitation.
Labour will advocate for appropriate marine protection around Antarctica, including in
the Ross Sea.
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Mining
Mining on high value conservation land
Mining on high value conservation land had long been controversial before Parliament (in
1997) enacted Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (CMA). This prohibits mining
activity for Crown owned minerals on land described in Schedule 4. Areas can be added to,
or taken out of, Schedule 4 by order in council.
The high conservation value of Schedule 4 land prevails over potential mining value.
However, certain low impact activities are allowed. These include prospecting and
exploration to determine what minerals are present, mining of petroleum or gas by drilling
from outside the area.
By order in council in 2008, the Labour government added 745,381 hectares of conservation
land (including two national parks) and 24 marine reserves (521,713 hectares) to Schedule
4.
In 2010 Labour opposed National‟s plan to take some areas out of Schedule 4. So did the
public. National backed down.
Labour believes that Schedule 4 should be simplified and strengthened. This would provide
greater certainty for all interests.
Labour will make automatic the closure of areas coming within the generic protected
categories listed in Schedule 4 (e.g. national parks and marine reserves).
This means an order in council (and the processes leading up to it) would no longer be
required to include newly created protected areas in Schedule 4. For example, under
automatic closure, Rakiura National Park would not have waited from 2002 to 2008 to be
included in Schedule 4.
Labour will make it clear that land may be added to Schedule 4 by Order in Council,
but may not be taken out of the Schedule by that means.
Automatic closure would substantially remove the need for orders in council to add areas to
Schedule 4. Areas would be included as a direct result of the will of Parliament. It would be
wrong to allow Ministers of the day to reverse that without going back to Parliament.
Labour will consider asking Parliament to amend Schedule 4 to add ecological areas, world
heritage areas, and marine mammal sanctuaries to the generic protected categories, and to
extend southwards the described area of the Coromandel. This would further lessen the
need for orders in council to be used.
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Mining on other conservation land
Mining on Schedule 4 land would be in the wrong place. But mining can be accommodated
elsewhere on the conservation estate. For public conservation land not in Schedule 4, it is
for the Minister of Conservation to approve such mining access or not. National proposes to
amend the CMA to provide for the Ministers of Energy and Conservation to jointly make
access decisions.
It is inappropriate for the Minister of Energy to participate in access decisions because he or
she represents a different set of interests. Also, decision-making by the Minister of
Conservation alone has worked well in practice, with mining access often being granted.
Labour will not amend the CMA to provide for joint Ministerial approval (rather than
only the Minister of Conservation, or other land-holding Minister) for mining access to
Crown land.
At present the legal tests for access to public conservation land are different for mining
activities (section 61(2) of the CMA) from other concessions for activities on public
conservation land (section 17U of the Conservation Act 1987). There is no good reason for
this other than the provisions being enacted at different times. The tests should be aligned
on the basis of the later enacted and more comprehensive section 17U. This will provide for
public input into mining access decision-making.
Labour will align the access arrangement legal tests for mining activities with the
legal tests for other concessions on public conservation land.
South Island high country
Kiwis value clean air, clean water, open spaces and our remarkable natural landscapes. The
South Island high country has all of these values.
The Crown currently owns about 1.5 million hectares of pastoral lease land in the high
country, on behalf of all New Zealanders. Pastoral leases are perpetual and cover some of
our most treasured and iconic landscapes. This land comprises mountainous terrain, high
country lakes, tussock grassland, and large water catchments.
Historically, farmers have run sheep and other stock on pastoral leases. In more recent
years, there has been some diversification into economic activity that may be more profitable
(e.g. tourism, game parks), or into lifestyle purposes. The tenure review process has allowed
farmers to give up land with high conservation values, in exchange for freeholding land more
suited to farming (including more intensive than pastoralism) or other activities.
Large areas of former pastoral lease land have been added to the public conservation estate
through tenure review. This has preserved natural values and made this land accessible to
ordinary Kiwis. There have also been direct Crown purchases. These include the largest
pastoral lease – the magnificent 78,000 hectare St James station – purchased in 2008.
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There are now 11 conservation parks in the South Island high country. These were all
created through the actions of the last Labour government. Economic benefits result from
these parks and other new conservation land. Local communities see increased visitor
numbers. Protected tussock grasslands provide valuable water retention for urban water
supply, irrigation and power generation.
Labour believes the benefits of tenure review have now been substantially achieved, and
that the process has run its course. Inappropriate intensification of land use in the high
country can be directly protected by Crown pastoral leases. These should be retained, while
high country farming that is environmentally sustainable and economically viable should be
encouraged.
Labour will therefore stop the tenure review process. Additional pastoral lease land required
for the conservation estate will be acquired by direct purchase instead.
The „drylands‟ nature of the Mackenzie basin is changing due to increasing dairying pressure
and irrigation. Labour is committed to protecting low-altitude habitats and landscapes in the
basin. Labour proposes a 50% expansion of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, and will also
explore the creation of a low-altitude „drylands‟ conservation park.
Labour believes that high country pastoral rents should be fair and reasonable for lessees
while the Crown, on behalf of the public, obtains a fair financial return on this land. Labour
will address affordability in cases where farmers cannot afford the rent.
Future of tenure review
About 30% of the original 2.1 million hectares of Crown pastoral lease land has now been
freeholded or added to the conservation estate. Of the original 303 pastoral leases, 212
remain. Just over half of these are in tenure review, and the remainder not.
Tenure review has been running for over a decade. Labour strengthened and improved the
process so that highly desirable landscape, such as lakefront, was protected against
inappropriate development. National has removed these protections and is freeholding land
that should have become public conservation land. This could forever change the face of
this land.
In any case, Labour believes that the benefits of tenure review have now been substantially
achieved. The core of a network of high country parks is in place. Tenure review has been
completed for properties that would more obviously benefit from it. The cost of the tenure
review process is no longer justified. The process has run its course.
There are rising concerns about inappropriate intensification of land use in the high country.
While land is in pastoral lease, the uses to which it can be put are basically limited to low
intensity pastoralism. The Crown as owner can directly protect landscape values and limit
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environmental impacts. Relying on the Resource Management Act to do so once land has
been freeholded is, in practice, problematic.
Labour believes that pastoral leases should be retained. High country farming that is
environmentally sustainable and economically viable should be encouraged.
Labour believes that most of the 212 remaining pastoral leases should remain as such
indefinitely. The focus will shift to how best to manage them. High country farming that is
environmentally sustainable and economically viable will be encouraged.
Labour will therefore stop the tenure review process. Additional pastoral lease land required
for the conservation estate (for example, completing high country parks) will be acquired by
direct purchase instead.
Labour will stop tenure review; and will acquire land required to complete the high
country parks network by direct purchase.
Mackenzie basin
“Greening” of lower altitude tussock landscapes is occurring in parts of the Mackenzie basin,
and increasing dairying pressure and irrigation is raising water extraction and quality issues.
The drylands character of the basin is changing. Labour is committed to protecting lowaltitude
habitats and landscapes in the Mackenzie basin.
Labour‟s policy of stopping tenure review will provide an opportunity for forward thinking on
the future of the basin.
Labour wants to see the current collaborative community and stakeholder process continue
in the Mackenzie basin. However, we will make clear that this is a unique part of New
Zealand – and that there are some fundamental conservation principles to be included in any
plan for protection, management and development of the Mackenzie basin.
Labour will promote a collaborative process to agree a plan for protection,
management and development of the Mackenzie basin.
Labour will protect the Mackenzie basin from inappropriate water use and irrigation.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park overlooks the Mackenzie basin. The Park is a world heritage
area in recognition of its outstanding natural values. Land to the southeast is also of national
park quality, and adding this to the Park would expand its size by 50%. The addition would
come from existing conservation land, including lower altitude land provided by finalised
tenure reviews.
Labour will ask the New Zealand Conservation Authority to formally investigate
making an addition to the southeast of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
Further south – and to the east of Lake Pukaki – there is scope also for the creation of a lowaltitude
„drylands‟ conservation park.
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Labour will explore the creation of a drylands conservation park in the Mackenzie
basin.
Enhancing public access
Public access between privately-held blocks of land in the high country and existing or new
public conservation land is often unclear. This can prevent people enjoying the full range of
walking experiences our natural landscape has to offer.
Labour will identify public rights of access through high country land by identifying
unformed legal roads and marginal strips alongside waterways.
High country rents
Labour believes that high country rents should be fair and reasonable for lessees while the
Crown, on behalf of the public, obtains a fair financial return on these land assets. However,
National is legislating on high country rents in a way that will undermine these objectives, to
the detriment of Kiwi taxpayers.
National wants to introduces a complex rent setting system to charge rent on the productive
capacity of the land, while ignoring the right to exclusive possession that lessees enjoy and
which (in association with location) contributes to the land value. Under National, high
country rents would be disconnected from the market value of the land, and in many cases
taxpayers will effectively be required to subsidise high country farmers.
No other land in New Zealand (farm, commercial, or residential) is leased on that basis (with
the exception of income-related state house rents). Labour believes that the Crown should
retain its current right to a fair return on the full value of the land. Labour will therefore stay
with the existing system of charging annual rent based on 2% of the land value exclusive of
improvements (LEI).
It is clearly unfair for the Crown (and public) to receive no financial benefit from the exclusive
possession/location aspect of pastoral leases, given that this aspect contributes significantly
to the market prices paid for pastoral leases.
Nor should lessees who are essentially high country lifestylers or investors for capital gain
be subsidised, given that location and lifestyle values are now making up much of the market
value of pastoral leases.
The existing rent setting system may give rise to issues of affordability for genuine pastoral
farmers. Labour will address affordability in cases where such farmers cannot afford the rent.
The best way of dealing with affordability is to explore ways of providing for reduced rents in
return for lessees providing benefits to the Crown. These could include better public access
(e.g. accessways to lakes and rivers on public conservation land) or improved protection for
conservation values.
Labour will retain the existing system of charging pastoral lease rents, i.e. 2% of the
land value exclusive of improvements (LEI) annually.
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Labour will offer lower rent to lessees in exchange for public access or improved
protection for conservation values, for example for enhanced land husbandry (such
as pest and weed control) beyond what they are currently obliged to do.
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CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Our vision
Consumer protection laws should give all New Zealanders the confidence to make
purchases in the knowledge that the products and services they consume are safe.
Consumers need access to quality information about the products they consume. New
Zealanders need to know their rights and have access to redress in order to exercise those
rights. New Zealanders should be well-equipped to get the best possible deal. There is a
duty on the government to step in where vulnerable consumers are at risk from unethical or
predatory practices.
Predatory lending
Predatory lending is a major problem and one which continues to grow as families feel the
pressure of increases to the cost of living. Consumer finance becomes predatory when it‟s
carried out unethically by „loan sharks‟, pay day lenders, mobile shops, and used car
dealers. Predatory lenders charge exorbitant interest rates, along with hidden costs in the
form of charges or fees. Such lending is irresponsible and exploitative – often targeting
vulnerable consumers who can ill-afford debt.
Not enough is being done to combat predatory lending. Progress on the Review of the
Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act has stalled and there is insufficient legislative
protection for vulnerable consumers at risk from predatory lenders.
Labour will conclude the review of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act
and introduce legislation to implement the review‟s findings.
Labour will pass legislation within twelve months that deals with the following:
Exorbitant interest rates
Responsible lending provisions
Advertising and promotion, and in particular, celebrity endorsements and
other incentives
Disclosure by lenders of the component costs of loans (e.g. fees, charges,
interests, etc.)
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Prohibiting use of certain items as security (e.g. basic household chattels
such as beds, or other items, the loss of which would negatively affect
children), and
Repossession.
The previous Labour Government began the process (continued by the current government)
of regulating financial service providers. While this regime covers consumer finance
providers, there is some evidence that a significant number of consumer finance providers
have not registered under the Financial Service Providers Act and are therefore not
members of a dispute resolution scheme.
Labour is not convinced that consumer finance providers, especially those operating in the
fringe lending market, are properly regulated.
Labour will review the financial service providers regime to determine its
effectiveness in regulating the fringe lending market.
Labour will investigate the possibility of providing the Financial Markets Authority
(FMA) with an overview and monitoring role in the fringe lending area.
New Zealand‟s consumer protection framework relies on good enforcement as well as sound
laws.
Labour will make sure that the Commerce Commission has sufficient resources to
enforce consumer protection laws and determine whether there are currently any
barriers to enforcement that need to be removed.
Social lending
Many low income people face significant barriers to accessing affordable credit when it is
needed for important purchases. Some families seek to circumvent these barriers by using
„loan sharks‟ or other predatory lenders.
Social lending is a broad term, covering loans to not-for-profit organisations and small
business development, but it can also be used for affordable housing or anti-loan shark
programmes. Social lending is still small scale in New Zealand, but there is an opportunity
to use it as a means of minimising opportunities for predatory lenders to target vulnerable
people who need a loan and are unable to get one from mainstream lenders.
Labour will investigate what role the government can play in the development of
social lending schemes.
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Credit Unions
Labour in government made considerable inroads in relation to an appropriate regulatory
framework for Credit Unions. Given the nature of the relationship between credit unions and
their members, we will review the work programme and establish a priority for updating the
framework and passing the necessary amendments into law. Concerns were raised about
the impact of the No Asset Procedure on credit unions prior to the 2008 election. The
present government has not addressed those concerns and we will review the rules with
specific reference to credit unions.
Labour will prioritise the Credit Union legislative timetable.
Labour will review the application of the No Asset Procedure rules as they relate to
loans made by credit unions within a certain period prior to the NAP being applied
for.
Tackling excessive prices
As a result of New Zealand‟s small size and small population, some consumer markets lack
competition. Some industries (e.g. supermarkets, telecommunications) are dominated by a
small number of firms. Higher prices are an inevitable result of insufficient competition.
Sometimes the circulation of information about prices (allowing comparisons) can push
prices down and Labour‟s consumer protection policy will encourage this. But more needs
to be done.
Labour will investigate the development of a Code of Practice in the supermarket
industry to increase transparency and better protect consumers.
When the Commerce Commission is constantly rebuffed by the courts when it is trying to
promote and protect the interests of consumers, we need to investigate the cause and be
prepared to respond.
Ten years on from the changes we made to Part 2 of the Commerce Act, which deals with
restrictive trade practices (significantly section 36), it is time to review the section that
requires:
A substantial degree of market power
Taking advantage of that market power, and
Motivated by a prohibited purpose.
This section, known as the „counterfactual test‟, has been found to be inadequate, most
notably in the Court of Appeal case relating to Telecom‟s introduction of a 0867 dial-code for
free calls to internet service providers in 1999 to encourage residential customers to move to
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the Telecom network. (Commerce Commission v Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Ltd
[2009] NZCA 338).
Labour will urgently review the provisions of Part 3 of the Commerce Act, with
emphasis on s36 that establishes the counterfactual test.
Vulnerable consumers
Consumers may be vulnerable due to a number of factors, including poverty, low literacy or
language difficulties, age, and disability. Vulnerable consumers are at risk from rip-offs or
poor decision making.
Labour will recognise the special needs of vulnerable consumers by requiring useful
information be provided in alternative languages to such groups.
Labour will increase access to advice and advocacy (in taking up
complaints/disputes). Consideration will be given to whether this should be provided
by existing NGOs or the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Labour will extend the provision of accessible education about budgeting, financial
literacy and consumer rights.
Improving consumer rights and knowledge
Levels of financial literacy and awareness of consumer legal protections need to be
improved. Labour believes a better informed public will be less vulnerable to predatory
lenders and „rip-offs‟ and better able to solve any problems they experience as consumers.
The Retirement Commission performs a valuable service by improving the financial literacy
of New Zealanders. The material they produce is designed for schools, tertiary institutions,
workplaces and the community in general. There is also material for particular groups, such
as those aged over 60.
Labour will increase funding for resources produced by the Retirement Commission
about financial literacy.
Labour will finalise the review of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act,
and will focus on informing consumers and businesses of the changes.
Labour will complete the „One Door‟ work to provide a single point of access for
consumer disputes and ensure implementation is undertaken with a focus on
informing consumers and businesses of the changes.
Labour will work alongside educators, community groups and schools to encourage,
develop, and support financial literacy programmes that provide practical every-day
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usage for children through to adulthood, with the aim of incorporating financial
literacy programmes from primary school levels onwards.
Updating consumer law
Changing modes of selling and changing markets mean we need to constantly review and
update legislation. A current example is the implications of the growth in online selling
through sites like Trade Me.
Broadly speaking, we will address the recommendations of the Consumer Law Review and
use those to develop updated, principles-based legislation that enhances consumer
protection. As mentioned above, Labour will complete the review of the Credit Contracts
and Consumer Finance Act and introduce legislation to implement the review‟s findings.
Labour is also committed to sufficiently resourcing agencies that have responsibility for
monitoring compliance with consumer laws, so that breaches of the laws can be quickly
identified and enforcement action taken where necessary.
Labour will actively monitor matters raised through Citizen Advice Bureaux,
Budgeting Services and Disputes Tribunals to identify areas requiring change.
Labour will review and close the consumer protection loopholes in the law relating to
the sale of second-hand goods.
Supporting ethical consumers & improving product safety
There is a growing desire among New Zealand consumers to make purchases that
encourage ethical and environmentally-sustainable producers. This is a positive
development and needs to be supported by ensuring consumers have accurate and useful
information about products, e.g. their origin, contents, production process, and any relevant
health or safety issues.
Many of our major trading partners have mandatory „country of origin‟ labelling on imported
food, including Australia‟s Competition and Consumer Act. We note, too, that a number of
retailers are voluntarily providing such labelling on fresh foods.
Labour will consider how to improve consumer access to country of origin
information, especially in relation to food.
Labour will encourage increased availability of environmental sustainability ratings for
consumer products.
Labour will expand the range of information on consumer rights and campaigns
through a range of agencies and online.
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In New Zealand there is limited monitoring of product safety for consumer goods, and
consumers lack information about such safety issues. The processes and protections
involved are complicated and sometimes confused, and there are currently only six
mandatory standards in this area.
Labour will streamline the consumer safety standards and protections if required, and
increase the resources of the Commerce Commission and the Ministry of Consumer
Affairs in this area to do their job more effectively.
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DEFENCE
Our vision
New Zealand is rightly proud of its military and of our ability to contribute to international
efforts to bring stability to volatile regions around the world, to support our Pacific neighbours
and to defend our own territory.
Although New Zealand is not directly threatened by any other country and is not likely to be
involved in widespread armed conflict, non-conventional threats such as terrorism and
instability caused by failing states in our region pose new challenges for our defence force.
Maintaining a Defence Force that can be deployed overseas on peacekeeping,
reconstruction, disaster relief and, where necessary and UN mandated, full combat missions
is vital to our security.
Other functions such as protection of our borders against drug and people smuggling,
surveillance over and protection of resources such as fisheries in our exclusive economic
zone, search and rescue and civil defence, are further roles for our Defence Force.
New Zealand has shared alliance commitments with Australia, responsibilities to our
neighbours in the South Pacific and roles in promoting security and stability in the Asia-
Pacific region and beyond under mandates provided by, or with the agreement of, the United
Nations.
To carry out these functions, New Zealand needs an effective, efficient, focused and
sustainable defence force which has sufficient personnel and is equipped to undertake the
tasks required of it.
Personnel
In order to have an effective, deployable force, the NZDF must recruit, train and retain
personnel of the highest quality.
Recruitment must be sustained at a level that ensures a full complement of personnel is
available at all levels of the organisation. At times, recruitment rates have been drastically
reduced and this has later resulted in under-staffing amongst some cohorts. Those gaps
have been filled through costly recruitment drives for experienced personnel from foreign
forces. All efforts should be made to avoid this situation in the future.
Retention of NZDF personnel relies on both job satisfaction and proper remuneration. When
last in Government, Labour implemented changes to remuneration that increased wages by
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over 10 per cent on average and is committed to ensuring wages and conditions are of a
sufficient level to allow the NZDF to retain personnel regardless of the strength of the labour
market.
The current Government has undertaken a project to „civilianise‟ up to 1,500 uniformed
positions in an effort to cut costs. This has caused considerable anxiety for many NZDF
personnel not only because they may be moved into a civilian role on inferior terms of
employment but also because, if civilianised, they have been required re-apply for their jobs
with no certainty of being re-employed. Labour believes the civilianisation project must be
reviewed to ensure it does not undermine the ability to deploy our forces effectively
overseas. In the event that civilianisation continues, the processes must change to give
assurance and dignity to affected personnel.
Labour will ensure the NZDF has sufficient uniformed and civilian personnel to carry
out all the tasks expected of it including overseas deployment.
Labour will maintain recruitment at a level that is sustainable and provides the
personnel required for the NZDF to carry out its functions now and in the future.
Labour will ensure that all personnel, uniformed and civilian, have fair remuneration,
terms and conditions of employment.
Labour will place a moratorium on civilianisation while we review the project and
consider whether its continuation is warranted.
In the event that civilianisation continues, Labour will amend the Defence Act to
permit discharged uniformed personnel to be directly transferred into the Civil Staff of
the Defence Force.
Equipment
Any defence force is reliant on being provided with the equipment it needs to carry out the
tasks required of it effectively. Maximising the safety of personnel and giving them the tools
to defend themselves is of utmost importance.
When last in Government, Labour inherited a defence force that had been run down. The
NZDF‟s equipment was obsolete to the point they literally couldn‟t keep up with our allies.
That necessitated rapid procurement across all services.
Labour‟s approach was to focus on achieving excellence in priority areas rather than
spreading defence resources thinly across the board.
Labour invested to meet key re-equipment needs to ensure that the New Zealand Defence
Force had modern and, in many cases, state of the art equipment.
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The pace of this massive procurement exercise led to some issues with the delivery of
equipment. Such issues could easily have been avoided if the previous National
Government had taken a more sustainable approach to defence procurement.
Labour initiated the defence sustainability project to address this issue and will continue to
take a long term approach to defence procurement so that acquisitions can be properly
planned and funded over time.
Labour will ensure the NZDF has the equipment required to carry out all the tasks
expected of it including overseas deployment.
Labour will take a sustainable approach to procurement of equipment to avoid the
need for rapid updating of equipment in the future, requiring best practice
procurement processes to prevent cost overruns.
Labour will ensure that the weapons available to NZDF personnel are appropriate for
the operations they undertake.
Infrastructure
As a small country with limited defence resources, New Zealand must maximise the
efficiency of its defence infrastructure.
Creating a critical mass of personnel, equipment and resources in a central location from
which the NZDF can effectively deploy is an efficient use of that infrastructure.
Labour supports the Manawatu Defence Hub concept and anticipates it consisting of
developments at RNZAF Base Ohakea, continuation of the presence at the Linton Army
Camp and development of a defence college at Hokowhitu in Palmerston North where the
Massey University College of Education is currently situated.
The theft of ammunition in August 2011 from an ammunition depot at Kauri Point highlighted
the need to maintain NZDF bases and buildings to a standard that ensures the safety of the
New Zealand public.
Around the world, many nations‟ defence forces make significant contributions to both
military and civilian research and development capability. The ability of the NZDF to
contribute in this way warrants further investigation.
Labour will retain the Linton Army Camp.
Labour will continue to enhance NZDF capabilities at RNZAF Ohakea.
Labour will investigate the establishment of a Defence College in Palmerston North.
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Labour will ensure that NZDF bases and buildings are of sufficient quality to be safe
and secure.
Labour will explore the NZDF‟s role in carrying out research and development both in
the interests of enhancing its own capabilities and in contributing to innovations with
civilian applications.
Operations
New Zealand has a proud history of participating in UN mandated or supported operations in
locations around the world.
Labour supports our continued participation in operations where our presence is having a
demonstrable and positive effect, such as the ISF in Timor Leste and RAMSI in the Solomon
Islands. We will consult with our security partners about developing an exit strategy for the
PRT in Afghanistan by 2014.
We need to be mindful that we have a small and focussed defence force. We need to be
wary of stretching our personnel and equipment beyond their capacity.
Labour does not support the current deployment of SAS troops to Afghanistan. Labour would
see out our present commitments and bring the SAS home in March 2012 at the latest.
Labour will continue to deploy the NZDF on operations that are UN mandated or
supported, consistent with our foreign policy approach.
Labour will take an independent stance on which operations we choose to participate
in.
Labour will end the deployment of the SAS to Afghanistan in March 2012, at the
latest.
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DISABILITY ISSUES
Our vision
Labour‟s vision is of a country where disabled people have meaningful lives within their
communities based on respect and equality, where disabled people have their diversity
recognised and human rights protected. This is reflected in the motto “Nothing about us
without us”.
The New Zealand Disability Strategy, launched in 2001, set up this framework. The Strategy
was reviewed and the results published in August 2008. The shift in attitude towards a more
inclusive society was evidenced in this review. Our policy framework has been further
strengthened by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
New Zealand is a signatory to this Convention and is acknowledged for our work in leading
its development within the United Nations. The Convention is the first United Nations human
rights treaty of the 21 st Century. It makes it explicit that nations must ensure the full
realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all disabled people on an equal
basis with others and without discrimination of any kind.
Labour will ensure implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities.
Labour will consult with disabled people around areas of policy shortfall and
inadequacy.
New Zealand has been recognised for our leadership on Disability Issues internationally,
culminating with the receipt in 2007 of the Franklin D Roosevelt award for this role.
However, there is still a long way to go before all disabled people are living in a fully
inclusive society that values them and enhances their participation. This policy platform
aims to progress those goals.
A central part of achieving this will be listening to and respecting the voices and choices of
disabled people themselves.
Labour commits to the philosophy inherent in the motto “nothing about us without
us”. Labour will involve and resource people with disabilities and impairments to
participate in decision-making and will enable their voices to be heard and their
needs to be considered and met. The next Labour government will work in
partnership with disabled people, to ensure they are supported to participate in an
inclusive society.
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At the same time, disability is a core area where wider public opinion often needs to be
brought along.
Labour commits to public education and information sharing, both for nondisabled
people, and for people with impairments, about access and rights. Such information
should include signs and information material in different formats so that people with
disabilities can find their way and participate with more independence.
Ensuring all people have the same choices, opportunities and
responsibilities
The New Zealand Disability Strategy sets out the goal of creating long-term support systems
centred on the individual. Specific areas of undertakings towards that goal have been
increasing the level and flexibility of support for disabled people and improving equity
between ACC and non ACC disabled people in the support services they receive.
Health
Labour will ensure the nationwide rollout of Independent Living arrangements.
Labour will study the outcomes of the trial of the local area coordination model and
implement it as appropriate nationwide.
Labour will implement the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on
Health and Disability research document, To Have an Ordinary Life.
Labour will ensure that health services accommodate the needs of deaf and blind
people.
Labour will review the criteria for disability support with a view to ensuring that those
on the Autistic Spectrum are supported through disability support services funding.
Labour will continue to reduce the disparities in funding support services between
ACC and non ACC disabled people.
Labour will work towards providing free annual health checks for people with an
intellectual disability.
Labour will review the funding mechanisms for disability services to achieve that
there is adequate provision of carer support and respite care, including investigating
changes to the funding of close relatives as respite carers.
Labour will transfer the funding of vocational services from Vote Health to Vote Social
Development.
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Justice
Labour will, as resources permit, invest in technology appropriate for Blind and Deaf
people, including captioning and audio visual and mobile phones, compatible with
voice software, to enhance participation in our democracy.
Labour will invest in public education and information sharing with regard to access
and human rights. This information will be in formats that ensure accessibility to all.
Supporting quality living in the community
Labour is determined to support quality living in the community for disabled people. This
includes increasing opportunities to access comfortable and accessible housing. New
Zealand spends a lot of taxpayer funds on housing modification whereas building more
accessible homes in the beginning would ensure that they would be accessible to all, with
little, if any additional cost and with significantly reduced costs in comparison to modifying
already built houses.
Urban Design, Housing and Access and Building issues
Transport
Labour will demonstrate leadership in building “Lifetime Design” homes by ensuring
that where possible new state houses are built in accordance with the disability
sector approved Lifemark standard for accessible, adaptable lifetime design.
Labour will encourage the design of residences to ensure that a higher proportion of
the housing stock is suitable to meet the needs of all people.
Labour will ensure that Housing New Zealand, as part of its acquisition and
maintenance programme, invests in the retrofitting of state houses so that they are
accessible.
Labour will ensure that local authorities are not able to opt out of their responsibilities
to comply with Building Standard 4121 so that people with disabilities have better
access to buildings and other public facilities.
Labour will ensure that all local authorities have disabled people working with them at
all stages of planning of urban design and that the needs of disabled people are key
considerations in urban design.
Labour will implement the recommendations of the Human Right Commission report
The Accessible Journey. This includes:
Participation of disabled people in all public land transport planning, funding
and implementation
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The establishment of a national advisory committee of disabled people to
advise the Minister of Transport
The development of national accessibility design performance standards
Industry wide training in disability awareness
Labour will investigate a passport for guide dogs, to enable blind international
travellers to have their papers easily recognised in a system accepted by other
countries.
Education, employment and training
The strongest contribution that a government can make to the potential and opportunities for
any young person is to ensure that they have access to high quality education, a successful
transition to employment, and appropriate support throughout this journey. A critical part of
that successful path is to ensure that all children are welcome, included and learning to their
full potential at their local regular school.
Ensuring that children with disabilities are able to receive quality education in an inclusive
environment is a priority for Labour. We believe that all children have the right to be
included in the general education system and to receive the individual support they require.
Schools and early childhood centres need to have the leadership, policies, structures and
skilled staff to be inclusive of all students and to ensure the best outcomes for children with
disabilities.
Individual Education Plans are developed with students with disabilities and their whānau.
They outline the student's goals and the timeframes, teaching strategies, resources,
monitoring and evaluation required to enable the student to meet those goals. Individual
Education Plans are an invaluable tool, but often they are written without being backed up by
the support and resourcing necessary to ensure the goals set by the IEPs are actually met.
Labour will increase support for the effective implementation of Individual Education
Plans for students with disabilities.
The physical presence of children with disabilities in schools does not ensure their
participation. For participation to be meaningful and lead to successful educational
outcomes, schools must value diversity and provide a supportive learning environment and
skilled teaching for all children. This means providing education for staff and sometimes
changing attitudes towards children with disabilities.
Labour will ensure that teachers and support staff receive pre-service and in-service
education on teaching children with disabilities to ensure the active participation and
learning of all children.
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Labour will review funding to physical and occupational therapy in schools.
Labour will work to ensure that all Deaf students have access to New Zealand Sign
Language at school.
Labour will, as resources become available, improve the ratio of teachers of vision
impaired to students.
Labour values the enormous contribution made by school support staff. School support staff
make up one-third of the education workforce. However, their employment is funded by
school operating grants used to fund a range of other school expenses. This means the
services they provide are vulnerable to cost and funding pressures from Government and
within communities.
Labour will work with the sector on the viability of centrally-funding the salaries of
school support staff from the current operational grant funding.
Labour believes that Adult and Community Education (ACE) provides important
opportunities for learning and training, including for disabled people.
The 2008 PricewaterhouseCoopers study into Adult Education revealed that the return on
investment of ACE courses exceeded $50 to every one dollar spent. Benefits were identified
not just in re-skilling, but community cohesion as well as health and social benefits.
Labour will immediately restore $13 million cut from ACE funding to improve access
to adult and community education.
The restoration of funding for NZ Sign Language classes will be a priority for this funding.
Labour will ensure the implementation of Kia Orite: Achieving Equality: the New
Zealand Code of Practice for an Inclusive Tertiary Education, including specific
targets and subsequent plans.
Labour recognises there are some New Zealanders who are unable to work, either in the
short or in the long term. Labour is committed to understanding and responding to people‟s
individual circumstances.
On the other hand, more people receiving sickness benefits and invalid‟s benefits are saying
they would like the opportunity to participate in paid work, training or other activities. We
want to engage with these individuals to help them plan for the future.
Labour will focus on increasing the proportion of disabled people who are supported
into paid work.
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We remain committed to offering those who are sick or disabled, or who have caring
responsibilities, the support and services they need to live active and fulfilling lives.
Labour will ensure that the Invalid‟s Benefit is named more appropriately and
continues to be paid at a higher level than short term benefits, and that that the
Disability Allowance is available to continue to meet direct additional costs.
Assistance such as the Training Incentive Allowance which was cut by National needs to be
restored to give those on the Domestic Purpose Benefit or the Invalid's Benefit more
resources to be able to join the workforce.
Labour will immediately restore $2 million to the Training Incentive Allowance and
commit to further increases over time so people on social welfare benefits can obtain
qualifications that give greater opportunity for themselves and their children.
Labour will expand access to PATHS (Providing Access to Health Solutions), as
resources permit, to help those on the sickness benefit and partnering with
employers to provide supported employment for people with disabilities.
Labour will work with employers, in particular the State Services Commission, to
provide increased employment opportunities for disabled people.
For some people, voluntary work is a pathway back to paid employment. For others, where
the prospect of paid work proves impossible, voluntary work is an important way to
participate in the community and make a contribution.
Labour will treat voluntary work with a recognised non-government organisation
(NGO) as providing a service to the community because without the voluntary sector,
much work would not be done in New Zealand.
Support for families and carers
The New Zealand Disability Strategy sets out as one of its objectives, valuing families who
provide ongoing support to disabled people. Labour believes in acknowledging and
supporting these families.
The Carers‟ Strategy was launched in April 2008, and provided the framework for this
support.
Labour will support and work to implement the Carers‟ Strategy.
The five objectives of the Strategy are to:
Provide information
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Protect the health and wellbeing of carers
Enable carers to take a break
Provide financial support for carers
Provide training and pathways to employment for carers
Labour also recognises that disabled parents face additional challenges in providing
parenting for their children.
Labour will support disabled parents to ensure that their children get the best start in
life.
The report The Best of Care looked at policy, legislation and operation practice related to
children and young disabled people and their families who are involved with Child, Youth
and Family Services. It highlighted some critical issues that are limiting effective support for
disabled children and their families.
Labour wants to provide all children with a safe and supportive home environment.
Additional resources in comparison to other families may be required for families with a
disabled child. Health and education needs are often not coordinated and support needs not
provided.
Labour will offer better support for parents through early intervention and family
support through the Well Child framework.
See also Labour‟s Children‟s policy.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Our vision - Higher incomes, better jobs & more exports
For decades New Zealand has spent more than we have earned as a country. Yet the
economic settings for the country have barely moved in response. It is time to acknowledge
that substantial change is needed to improve our fortunes.
Under current settings, using National‟s own projections, every year New Zealand gets
poorer. Because we import more than we export (including the money paid to overseas
lenders and overseas owners of our assets), each year that hole is plugged by borrowing
from overseas and selling more of New Zealand‟s assets.
What this shows is that substantial structural change is needed to improve our fortunes. We
should not simply borrow and hope, nor just sell more of our assets.
Long term, there is only one way out – the export of more goods and services to generate
more jobs and income for New Zealand.
To achieve this, our country needs to save more, invest in the export sector and export
more.
Growth in the breadth of our exports is pivotal for New Zealand. While our traditional export
industries remain important, New Zealand desperately needs more exports from new and
emerging sectors.
Change nothing and nothing changes.
We need to drive increases in our exports and jobs, and improve our productivity. Labour
has the policy mix to make these structural changes to our economy.
Labour‟s proposed changes to monetary policy, New Zealand‟s mix of taxes and improved
savings will all help our exporters. So too will our Research and Development tax credit.
With the right supports in place, New Zealand will become wealthier.
Labour‟s economic development policy will increase foreign exchange earnings, grow New
Zealand‟s GDP and jobs, reduce external liabilities and grow domestic capital.
Our plan is designed to address all three of the stages we need to succeed – repaying debt,
building equity and stimulating growth.
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These steps are needed if we are to own our own future rather than slide further into debt
and fall ever further behind Australia.
Why a capital gains tax will improve the economy
The world‟s financial authorities say we need a capital gains tax (“CGT”). In addition to the
New Zealand Treasury and our Reserve Bank, the IMF and the OECD recommend its
adoption.
There are 31 OECD counties with a capital gains tax – including Australia, the USA and the
UK.
New Zealand is the odd one out.
We need a CGT to bring about structural improvements to our economy. Our tax system
currently favours the speculative sector and penalises the productive export sector.
The OECD and the Treasury both say it is wrong for our tax system to have advantageous
tax rules for property investment.
This bias diverts precious investment capital into the speculative sector at the expense of the
export sector.
We need to fix this. And a CGT will.
Restructuring the tax system by introducing a capital gains tax (excluding the family home):
Will allow us to fund other tax cuts and reduce debt without resorting to the sale of our
assets.
Helps our economy grow.
It drives crucial investment capital into the productive export sector. This opens
opportunities for the development of the export sector which we so greatly need to improve
our economic well-being.
For further information, see Labour‟s Finance policy.
Savings
To reverse the trend of rising private debt and higher interest rates New Zealand needs to
increase private savings. Put simply, New Zealand needs more people saving more.
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Australia‟s higher rate of savings has resulted in higher levels of investment in Australian
businesses. Not only has Australian per capita GDP risen to far higher levels than in New
Zealand, but their net investment position as a percentage of GDP is markedly better.
Long term problems need long term solutions. Labour believes KiwiSaver should be
expanded to provide the basis for a significantly higher private saving rate and additional
security in retirement.
Labour‟s plan will make KiwiSaver compulsory for every employee aged 18 to 65
from 2014.
Labour will gradually increase employer contributions at a rate of 0.5 per cent a year,
from 3 per cent to 7 per cent, over 9 years.
Labour will retain the current minimum employee contribution of 2 per cent. The
$1,000 kick-start will be spread over 5 years. Labour will not make any more changes
to the member tax credit.
The rate of increase in savings needs to be moderate. The 0.5% per annum increase in
employer contributions that Labour is planning is how savings were improved in Australia.
This allows real incomes, after savings are deducted, to increase even while the savings
build. The gradual increase avoids cost of living pressures for savers, and also avoids the
wider recessionary effect a sudden increase to the rate of savings could cause.
The projected annual increases in private savings, once the universal KiwiSaver reaches
maturity, are very substantial. Using the approach adopted by the savings working group,
New Zealand‟s net international investment position improves by 17% of GDP after 20 years.
With more capital available for investment, productivity, profits and wages will increase.
NZIER have estimated wages will increase by an additional 7% over 15 years if private
savings substantially improve.
For more information, see Labour‟s Savings policy.
Monetary policy
Changing our monetary policy is one way we can help encourage investment in the
productive exporting businesses.
A volatile New Zealand dollar and persistently high interest rates are causing structural
problems for our economy.
Currently, the New Zealand dollar is one of the ten most traded currencies in the world. This
heavy trading is reflected in a highly volatile currency which makes doing business more
difficult for our exporters. Our exporters have to plan for the value of the dollar changing at
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great speed and little predictability. When our exchange rate surges, it undermines the
competitiveness of our prices in destination markets. When the exchange rate falls, the price
of inputs like fuel can soar unexpectedly.
Our current policy is not well designed to produce a stable and competitive exchange rate,
nor to keep interest rates as low as possible. In fact, it often operates the other way round.
Labour will reform monetary policy to ensure our exporters are not undermined by
extreme exchange fluctuations, including by:
Introducing a 15 per cent capital gains tax
Introducing universal KiwiSaver
Broadening the objectives of the Reserve Bank Act
Ensuring the interests of exporters are represented on the Reserve Bank
Board
Taking pressure off the official cash rate through complementary monetary
and prudential policy tools, and
Encouraging more selective Reserve Bank interventions to impose costs on
currency speculation.
Currently the sole focus of the objectives of the Reserve Bank Act is on the maintenance of
price stability – or inflation. We agree with the approach taken by Australia that recognises
that along with inflation control, employment, economic prosperity, and the health of the
export sector are at least as important.
For further information, see Labour‟s Monetary policy.
Research and development tax credit
Countries similar in size to New Zealand like Finland, Singapore, Denmark and Israel put
substantial emphasis on increasing R&D done by businesses. They receive significant
government support.
Although Kiwis are an inventive people, our low level of business expenditure is a drag on
New Zealand‟s ability to innovate and grow. Treasury had previously argued that the tax
credit was a more effective means of incentivising business R&D than discretionary grants,
as they are more driven by business and reach many more firms. Yet National axed the
policy and introduced a system of grants less than half the value of a tax credit.
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Labour will introduce a Research and Development (R&D) tax credit at the rate of
12.5%, to lift New Zealand‟s lagging R&D expenditure by encouraging businesses to
research and innovate.
This policy is estimated to stimulate approximately $1.5 billion p.a. of additional research and
development spending by industry. This will assist the growth of our export sector and bring
new jobs and export earnings for New Zealand.
Just as important, a tax credit policy, unlike a government handout, will promote a shift in
business culture to think and plan strategically to the R&D spend.
Funding will be provided through the savings through charging the agricultural sector 10% of
their agricultural emissions, a move that will also stimulate innovative changes in the wider
export economy as well as encourage innovation and productivity increases in the
agricultural sector.
We will also cancel any further grants through National‟s three programmes, although those
grants that have already been awarded will continue to be paid.
New Zealand firms that conduct eligible R&D activities in New Zealand will qualify for a tax
credit on all eligible R&D expenditure. To qualify for the R&D tax credit, a firm will need to
control the R&D project, bear the financial risk of it, and have effective ownership over the
project results.
Industry targeting for export growth
Many successful Asian economies use the power of the State and state owned
organisations to coordinate and encourage success in identified sectors.
Japan‟s Ministry of International Trade and Industry is perhaps the best known example of
industry targeting, having successfully supported the growth of the auto industry through a
range of initiatives.
New Zealand has successfully taken this approach in agriculture. Our research institutions,
and our Ministries of Agriculture, Economic Development and Foreign Affairs and Trade
have cooperated with private sector farmers, processors and marketers to improve
productivity, develop new products and processes, and access trade opportunities. These
steps have enabled New Zealand to ensure a good share of the value chain accrues to New
Zealand.
This approach should be extended to other sectors of the economy.
It is clear New Zealand cannot catch up with other wealthier countries and overcome our
long term current account deficit without increasing the breadth of our exports. We cannot
succeed from agriculture alone.
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Industry targeting proposes that the Government identifies industries which we have a
comparative advantage in and/or are seen as having high growth potential and then
supports growth and investment in these industries.
Industry targeting is favoured in many successful Asian economies.
Related to industry targeting is clustering. That is, enhancing competitiveness of an
industry by clustering competing businesses together to create economies of scale for
suppliers and for those businesses themselves as the sector strives to compete
internationally. The Government has a role in creating the right environment for industries to
cluster.
Government procurement also plays an important role in overseas economies by providing
support for new businesses seeking to build consumer and investor confidence. The
economic growth benefits of using government procurement to help New Zealand
companies have for too long been ignored in New Zealand. Cost is, of course, highly
relevant, but should not be the only consideration. Labour‟s policy on improved government
procurement is set out in our Procurement Policy.
In some cases, local infrastructure developments are needed to unlock regional
development opportunities as a means to build prosperity. For example, the upgrade of a
wharf at Opotiki is a prerequisite to the development of the aquaculture industry in that area,
including processing to provide local employment in an area with high unemployment and
deprivation.
In the case of New Zealand‟s iron sands, government to government relationships should
be used to broker relationships between China and New Zealand under our free trade
agreement to match the required capital and demand for steel with our iron sand and energy
resources.
In the case of our fishing industry, co-operation between government and Iwi is needed to
increase the New Zealand content in the value chain.
The table overleaf provides examples of industries for targeting.
Labour will make greater use of industry targeting and clustering sectors in economic
development policy.
Labour will work with industries, including local industries, and councils to identify
regional infrastructure blockages which if overcome will provide economic growth in
exported related fields.
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Sector Current Position Prescription
Niche Manufacturing and
services
Material, with high value
jobs, and growing
Lift performance and grow
aggressively to grow the
depth and breadth of our
exports.
Energy Current SOE structure
increases administrative
costs and largely ignores
the potential to grow export
revenues from renewables
expertise.
Minerals Potential opportunities but
economic attractiveness
depends on margin
available to New
Zealanders.
ICT ICT infrastructure underpins
growth of innovation sector.
Give the three SOEs the
mandate to increase their focus
on overseas earnings by selling
expertise in renewable energy
technologies. Joint Ventures
and subsidiaries to be
encouraged within limits to
protect the parent company
from undue levels of risk.
Grow selectively.
Joint Ventures for largest
projects (eg. iron sands) using
our energy resources for
smelting.
Convergence of the
telecommunications, ICT and
broadcasting sector in order to
build innovative export sector.
Fishing/aquaculture Increasingly fishing and
processing is contracted to
overseas firms.
Agriculture/forestry A large part of New
Zealand‟s export revenue
Little available land for
expansion
Potential for intensification
but environmental issues
must be managed well.
Potential for increased
value-add but requires
successful innovation.
Tourism Useful to provide jobs for
low skilled people
Tourism labour productivity
is much lower than
Australia‟s overall average.
Increase New Zealand
participation in all parts of the
value chain.
Increase value per hectare and
per worker.
Focus on associating
manufacturing, milling machines
& farming systems.
Develop environmental services
and technologies (clean tech)
Increase value and quality and
improve productivity.
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For more information on Labour‟s approach to energy, ICT, fisheries, agriculture, forestry
and tourism, see our policies in those areas.
Unleashing the growth potential of New Zealand‟s energy sector
National is proposing sale of half New Zealand‟s energy SOEs. This would transfer wealth
and public assets from the population as a whole to a minority and, ultimately, the
international investment community.
Labour does not accept the justification used, which is that the sale of these assets is
needed to create investment opportunities for private investors. This justification represents
a negative view of the capability of NZ‟s private enterprise to grow businesses suitable to
invest in. Labour does not accept that for the investment community to thrive it has to trade
what the government has created.
We believe that the way to grow our businesses, jobs and investment opportunities is to
make structural changes to the economy through the changes to tax policy, savings,
monetary policy and R&D we have described above.
Selling the SOEs is wrong. New Zealanders lose both the future dividends and the potential
that lies in these companies to assist in the growth of our economy.
Labour believes that rather than selling our SOEs, we should utilise these companies to
drive growth.
The world needs clean energy technologies. International demand is burgeoning for both
environmental and energy security reasons.
We have world leading expertise in many existing renewable electricity technologies –
geothermal, wind and hydro. We also have expertise in energy efficiency, planning,
engineering and project management. We have niche capabilities in biofuels, and other new
energy technologies. Much of this capability lies in our energy SOEs, CRIs and universities
which are owned collectively by New Zealanders.
The current focus of SOEs is almost exclusively on producing domestic electricity. This
largely ignores the potential export earnings which can be generated through better utilising
this skill and capital base.
Under Labour the energy SOEs will not be sold but will be encouraged to grow new
subsidiaries to develop products and services for export. New subsidiaries will be
able to raise private sector capital, including from KiwiSaver institutions.
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New subsidiary boards will be formed to ensure the experienced and hard-nosed private
sector entrepreneurial skills of those risking their own money are brought to bear. Products
will include high value componentry for mature technologies used by those SOEs as well as
new technologies.
The parent SOEs will be protected from sale and from unaffordable failures by limits on their
exposure to increased risks at the subsidiary level. Given that the energy SOEs are multibillion
dollar enterprises, these limits will still allow the considerable muscle of these
enterprises to power progress in this sector.
The alternative proposed by National – the sale of SOEs - is a backward looking vision that
will see these New Zealand owned jewels privatised to overseas owners over time, with their
export potential ignored.
Overcoming capital constraints to build more export firms
We need to remove impediments blocking the growth of innovative companies with export
potential.
We also need to do all we can to help them remain in New Zealand, so New Zealand can
share the future financial benefits of their success and keep some of the employment which
flows from these successes in New Zealand.
While there are capital constraints on small enterprises in their earliest stages of
development, these are less of an impediment than the capital constraints at the point of
expansion into overseas markets. There is a relatively vibrant „angel‟ or very early investors
sector willing to put in the region of $250,000 – $2 million into businesses with exciting ideas.
Often a significant share of this comes from friends and family.
However, once businesses need around $2 million or more of capital in order to take their
business to the next level and develop offshore markets, this level of investment is difficult to
attract. The NZ Venture Investment Fund helps, in partnership with private venture capital
funds, but insufficient private capital is attracted to the venture capital sector to meet the
demands of promising companies. Companies of this size often also find international
capital difficult to obtain, and frequently end up selling to a foreign investor that recognises
the value in the idea.
The New Zealand Institute estimates that around $1.8 billion per annum of investment
funding would be required to fund the internationalising of businesses of this kind, and that
investment of this kind has in recent years averaged less than 10% of this. 20
20 Rick Boven, Catherine Harland and Lillian Grace, Plugging the gap: An internationalisation
strategy, New Zealand Institute Discussion Paper 2010/2, December 2010.
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Canada
Denmark
Israel
Netherlands
Singapore
United Kingdom
United States
The New Zealand Institute proposes a number of options for leveraging greater overseas
and New Zealand investment capital for businesses wanting to internationalise.
They suggest that as part of eligibility for NZVIF, support from an international venture
capital partner should be secured, perhaps at a minimum investment level of 20%. They
note that there may need to be inducements for participation by such partners.
The Institute also recommends steps to increase funding from domestic investors. They
propose entitling venture or angel investors to a deduction of 20% of their investment against
other income at the time of investment. Further, if the capital in a business invested in by
the fund is lost, investors would then be entitled to an additional 50% deduction.
Eligibility for deductions would only be available for businesses that are pre-classified as
„innovation-based and internationally focused‟ via an official approval process. A time limit, a
maximum deductible amount and change of control protections would be required.
The New Zealand Institute points out the provision of tax and other fiscal incentives for startup
businesses is not uncommon internationally, as shown in the table below:
Tax and other fiscal policies incentivizing investment in start-up and growing international business
Incentive policies identified as present
Capital loss deductibility ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Capital gains – annual exemptions, tax free
provision of 100% or for a portion of gain
✔ ✔ ✔
Other investor, angel or entrepreneur
incentives e.g. grants, reduced tax rates,
tax deductions, tax credits ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Source: New Zealand Institute, Plugging the gap
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Labour believes further stimulation of this sector is in New Zealand‟s economic interest. The
NZVIF already provides some support, which we believe ought to continue. In our view
serious consideration should be given to some of the solutions proposed by the New
Zealand Institute.
In our view capital loss deductibility, which shares risk by sharing losses following failure, is
more important than exemption from capital gains taxes, which investors in successful
entities are able to pay.
Review of Tax on Overseas Royalties
Some intellectual property (IP) based ventures are incentivised by New Zealand‟s current tax
laws to leave New Zealand and locate themselves in lower tax jurisdictions. IP can and does
easily move with the domicile of the IP owning company (unlike real assets like land and
other hard assets like plant). Reducing tax rates on overseas income from IP may in practice
increase New Zealand tax revenue as well as encourage these companies to remain
domiciled in New Zealand.
Labour will explore the following ideas for leveraging future capital as part of its
economic development strategy, including:
Requiring support from an international venture capital as part of eligibility for
NZVIF.
Entitling domestic venture or angel investors to a deduction of 20% of their
investment against other income at the time of investment, and an additional
50% deduction be allowed if capital is lost.
Whether a concessional tax rate should be introduced for overseas royalty
income of companies based in New Zealand.
Labour will investigate the potential costs of these options and any difficulties that
might result as part of the requirement for an overseas investor to access VIF
funding, and report back by the end of 2012.
NZ Venture Investment Fund (NZVIF)
The government should continue to support the NZVIF programme through further
underwriting. This will enable NZVIF to reinvest returns as the funds it has invested exit their
investment companies and distribute returns to investors.
In August 2010, the government provided a $40 million underwrite for the Venture Capital
programme to leverage more private investment. This underwrite enables NZVIF to make
new investment commitments up to a total of $200m. Officials have advised that it is unlikely
that the $40m will be drawn upon.
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Labour will continue to support NZVIF with a view to providing additional underwriting
as the pool of ventures expands, and broadening access to VIF through a variety of
means.
Reducing Compliance Costs for Capital Raising
As a consequence of a need for increased regulation of finance companies that were
masquerading at low risk when they were higher risk, New Zealand has increased the
regulation of offers of security to the public. This has led to increase costs for all capital
raising, not just for finance companies.
Labour has said all along that while additional regulation of debt security was necessary,
equity offerings have been over-regulated in the process. This increases the cost of capital
and is a serious barrier to small to medium sized businesses expanding in export markets.
Labour will reduce compliance costs for equity offerings, which openly describe the
risk of loss of investment, by simplifying prospectus and audit requirements. (See
Labour‟s Commerce and Small Business policy for more information.)
Cooperation between Crown funded research and export industries
Supporting the policy initiatives outlined above, Labour also wants to see greater
cooperation between publicly funded bodies and targeted export industries.
Tax funded bodies which have applied science relevance, such as CRIs and Centres of
Research Excellence, could have a greater expectation placed on them to collaborate more
closely and more often with industry. See Labour‟s Research, Science & Technology policy
for more information.
Pipelines for business growth
The discussion above talks about opportunities to grow the innovative sector, through
opening up opportunities to access to capital, and to targeting industries and sectors to grow
export orientated business.
However there is an intermediate step required to help small and medium sized enterprises
(SMEs) and entrepreneurs to tap into both the R&D and infrastructure being progressed as
part of the government‟s sector/industry targeting, and the capital required to expand.
Small businesses have identified that in addition to access to capital and R&D facilities,
governance arrangements and market intelligence are some of the biggest barriers to
business growth.
Providing start-up companies with access to an appropriate range of mentoring/training is an
important step in identifying those companies that have high growth potential. Those that
wish to take up the opportunity will be referred to incubator support programmes like the
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Escalator programme (abandoned by the current government) and/or be able to access
specific or generic market development assistance.
These will be access points to angel investor networks, venture capital funding and the staircasing
opportunity provided by the NZX.
In addition there will be succession planning support for business owners, who wish to
consider the range of options for their own retirement from active business life, while
potentially retaining an interest in the business. Early support could have a significant
impact on the “hollowing out” effect that has become prevalent.
If we are to own our own future, we need a mechanism for ensuring that all options are
explored before final decisions are taken.
Labour will establish a “Pipeline for Business Growth Taskforce”, modelled on the
Capital Markets Development Taskforce, with a requirement to report in 6 months
with recommendations for the pipeline framework, which will connect the training, the
R&D, the capital and the market development opportunities so that we can facilitate
the advancement of high growth potential businesses.
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EDUCATION
Our vision
Children and young people are our future: their skills and confidence in engaging the world
will determine our quality of life in years to come. Investment in education is vital if we are
going to own our future.
Access to quality education is the cornerstone of a happy and prosperous society. It has the
capacity to improve lives, open up opportunity and improve the well-being and living
standards of all New Zealanders.
This education policy, for both the early childhood and compulsory sectors, reflects Labour‟s
core commitments to a better future for all New Zealanders. New Zealand has a world-class
education system – with Kiwi students near the top of OECD rankings for achievement – but
we can do even better.
Early childhood is a precious opportunity and it is imperative that every child is given the
opportunity to get the best possible start in life. In government Labour built a world-leading
early childhood education system with increased participation and increased quality. There
is much more to be done here, in both access and quality. Labour will work to ensure the
ECE workforce is the best it can be, able to properly prepare each child for school.
Some children are missing out on a quality education. A good education is a human right
and we will work to make sure the most vulnerable students don‟t miss out: Māori, Pasifika,
children from low-income families, children with special needs, victims of bullying and
violence, and those who struggle to achieve academically and don‟t have a clear post-school
pathway to work or higher education.
We will also ensure that our most promising and gifted students are supported to reach their
full potential. We must have an education system that caters for children at each end of the
spectrum and everywhere in between.
We will do this by supporting students, educators and parents to get the best outcomes.
We want to rebuild trusting relationships between teachers and parents; schools and the
Ministry of Education; Government and the sector; and schools and their communities.
When these relationships are strong, the education of our children will flourish.
Our education policy has cross-over with other key policy platforms, including Labour‟s
Agenda for Children, Social Development, and the Youth Skills Package. Our work in these
areas will help deal with the causes of under-achievement.
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Labour‟s Principles
UNIVERSAL ACCESS: Quality education is a basic human right and our aim is to
make it accessible to every child without regard to wealth, income, ethnicity or
disability.
LIFE-LONG LEARNING: Our learning needs grow and change as our society grows
and changes. Our education system must reflect this by providing life-long
opportunities for education.
EARLY INVESTMENT: We regard investment in quality early childhood education to
be a priority for Government. Our society reaps the rewards when our children develop
a love of learning and a sense of belonging from the beginning.
HIGH ACHIEVEMENT: The Government should give schools the support and
resources to allow them to focus on implementing the New Zealand Curriculum and
lifting achievement.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Every New Zealand school student and teacher should be
able to attend school feeling safe and secure.
VALUING OUR PEOPLE: Our children‟s education is most successful when
relationships are strong between students, parents and teachers. Teachers are
immensely valuable and should be encouraged to work in partnership with parents and
whānau to lift the achievement of our students.
Early Childhood Education
Access for everyone to quality Early Childhood Education
To give New Zealand children the best possible start to life, Labour is putting children at the
centre of our policy programme. We want to make New Zealand the best country in the
world to raise children. The benefits for children of high-quality early childhood education are
indisputable: research shows that for every dollar invested in ECE, at least $11 is returned in
long-term benefits to the country. 21 Quality ECE lays the foundation for later learning,
developing cognitive skills, and developing resilience and self-esteem.
Protecting 20 Hours Free ECE
Because we understand the immense benefits of quality education for young kids, the
previous Labour Government invested heavily in ECE. We implemented the popular and
successful 20 Hours Free ECE.
21 “Age 26 Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Child-Parent Center Early Education Programme”, Child Development, January/February 2011, Vol.
82, No. 1, pp 379-404, conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota and Chicago Public Schools
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The National Party sees ECE as a cost – something that‟s about babysitting rather than
education 22 – and they cut funding significantly in Budget 2010 for centres with high numbers
of qualified staff. This means that parents are now required to pay higher fees, while centres
are no longer incentivised to employ qualified staff. Essentially, parents are paying more for
less.
The National Government has also removed the target set by Labour to have 100% fully
qualified staff in all teacher-led ECE centres, along with funding for services to have staff in
training and professional development.
Labour will restore over the course of two terms the $95 million p/a subsidy funding
cut, and we will work with the sector to reinstate the policy of 100% qualified staff in
all teacher-led services.
The estimated costs for this initiative (in $M) are:
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
16 31 47 62 78 94 94
Labour believes that quality education is a basic human right and it must be affordably
available to every child without regard to wealth, income, ethnicity or disability.
Labour will retain the 20 hours free ECE model that is universally available to all
children aged three and four, and those five-year-olds who aren‟t yet in school. This
means retaining fee controls and the current subsidies to ensure families don‟t face
increased costs. Labour‟s model will cover the cost of delivering the curriculum to
each child for 20 hours per week.
Increasing participation & early intervention for vulnerable groups
While 95% of all three and four-year-olds now access early childhood education,
participation rates are lower among Māori, Pasifika and children from low-income families.
The disadvantages faced by these children are accentuated if they miss out on quality ECE,
and the result for New Zealand is increased inequality.
At present, as long as services meet licensing requirements, they can be established and
funded by taxpayer subsidy – whether there is a need for the service or not. This has
resulted in a proliferation of services in high-income neighbourhoods and a shortage in lowincome
areas. It has also affected the viability of community-operated services when new
services are established.
22 Anne Tolley: "With early childhood, there is an element of looking after children while their mums go out to work”. The
Dominion Post, 14 February 2011.
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Labour will develop a planned approach to taxpayer-funded ECE. New centres will
only receive taxpayer subsidies for providing ECE if there is a need for a new centre
in the proposed location.
Labour will enable more quality services to be available in communities with lower
participation. This includes investigating transport issues that are barriers to
participation and evaluating the success of supported play groups.
For vulnerable children aged 18 months to 3 years, Labour is committed to providing high
quality early intervention programmes in ECE settings, so that at entry to school, the most
vulnerable 5% are able to enter the classroom as ready to learn as their peers.
Labour will provide free high-quality Early Childhood Education and parent support
from 18 months to 3 years for the most vulnerable 5% of children.
Funding to centres will be on a similar basis to 20 Hours Free and will be progressively rolled
out over the next six Budgets.
Labour will, as part of its funding of ECE-based support for vulnerable children,
develop the provision of multi-disciplinary, evidence- and centre-based early
intervention programmes, with a view to expanding access to effective programs for
the most vulnerable 5% of children nationally over the longer-term.
This will be done in partnership with selected pre-existing ECE providers and/or in
community hubs or whanau ora locations (see below).
The estimated costs for this initiative (in $M) are:
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
2 8 15 20 30 40 50
The same services may also assist young parents making the transition into work and
training.
Developing Community Hubs
Overseas models suggest that there may be significant advantages for families if social
services can be co-located in the community, e.g. a one-stop shop providing early childhood
education, parenting programmes and other health and social services. Labour believes that
the range of early intervention and support services for children and families should be
conveniently grouped and located in areas of need. There are already successful hubs
operating in New Zealand that were trialled by the previous Labour Government, such as the
Papakura Family Service Centre.
Labour‟s long term aim is to develop a network of high quality centre-based early
intervention programs addressing the needs of vulnerable children in the most
deprived areas.
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For many families, early childhood education is the first education service they have contact
with. Families also have frequent contact with their local primary schools. This provides an
opportunity for parents to access the support they need through services co-located with
ECE centres and primary schools.
Labour will, over time as resources permit, develop and resource integrated
community hubs.
These additions will be adequately resourced to ensure that additional burdens are not
simply bolted onto current school structures and systems.
Protecting Diversity in the ECE Sector
Labour recognises that individual children have individual educational needs. One of the
great benefits of our diverse ECE sector is the range of options it provides parents and
children. Teacher-led centre-based services are popular and important – and funded
accordingly. However, Playcentre, Kōhanga Reo, and home-based ECE services all provide
something different and unique for children. These widely-respected institutions will not
become marginalised in our ECE sector.
Labour will not cut funding for Playcentres, Te Kōhanga Reo, and home-based ECE
services. We will ensure that these services continue to play an important part in
innovating and enhancing our ECE sector.
Transition from ECE to Primary Schools
Research evidence demonstrates the value of early intervention, but often education policy
solely focuses on implementation or application in the school years. Policy development and
implementation is fragmented: it lacks cohesion for children and families as they move from
an early childhood service to school; creates inequities between early childhood education
and schooling while impacting the same children; and creates a false distinction within a
single teaching profession. We need to ease transitions, enhance curriculum understanding,
and create learning communities around education leadership.
Labour will develop a policy framework that focuses on children aged 3 to 8 to
provide a more cohesive and efficient approach to the transition between ECE and
primary school, and focus on supporting the progression of the children in their early
years regardless of the educational setting.
Reaching for the stars: Whakamaua Ngā Whetu
Labour‟s plan for lifting children‟s achievement in primary schools
Labour believes every child should have the opportunity to achieve to their full potential,
supported by a strong partnership between parents, schools, neighbours and the wider
community.
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The division created by the Government with school communities by imposing unworkable
“National Standards” is detrimental to our children‟s education.
National‟s standards are not moderated 23 . They differ from school to school, and are
therefore neither national nor standard.
A solution must be found to restore relationships in school communities and get the focus on
delivering excellent education and lifting achievement. Labour offers that way forward.
Under Labour, schools will not be required to implement National‟s standards.
Labour will lift achievement by setting high expectations for each student according to their
individual ability and providing parents with information they want in plain language about
their child‟s learning.
We know that children learn at different rates and in different ways. The “one size fits all”
approach to education fails children.
Labour will require primary schools to use recognised assessment tools 24 and
teacher judgement to:
1. Determine the NZ Curriculum level a child is achieving;
2. Show a child‟s rate of progress between reports over the course of a year.
3. Identify children not achieving within the curriculum level appropriate to their year
at school.
4. Decide and report the next learning steps.
5. Report this information in plain language to parents at least twice a year.
Resources spent forcing “National Standards” on schools will be re-directed to assist
students who are under-achieving and to create the conditions where all teachers
can excel.
New Zealand has a world-class education system with Kiwi students ranking near the top of
the OECD for achievement and with Labour we can do even better.
This can be achieved by students, parents, educators and government leaving ideology
aside and working together to continually lift student achievement.
23 Moderation is the process of teachers sharing their understanding of standards with other schools to maintain
consistency.
24 5 year school entry assessment, 6 year Observation Survey, Year 3-11 PAT, STAR, AsTTle & the Mathematics diagnostic tool are
recognised assessment tools developed for New Zealand children.
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New Zealand curriculum
The revised New Zealand Curriculum was launched by the Labour Government in November
2007 following an appropriate period of trialling and consultation, which included the
publication of a draft version in 2006. Consultation on this important document included
input from 15,000 New Zealanders, 10,000 submissions on the final draft, and
comprehensive peer reviews from both the UK and Australia.
The New Zealand Curriculum has been lauded the world over. New Zealand was at the
international forefront on curriculum change.
The new curriculum replaced seven documents with one. It was designed to give schools
the flexibility to involve communities, whānau and families in formulating a curriculum to
meet the needs of students. As well as knowing facts and figures, the curriculum also
focuses on how to use knowledge effectively and apply it outside the classroom.
Schools were required to give full effect to the curriculum by February 2010, but this has
been hampered by the introduction of National Standards.
National Standards have taken the focus away from implementation of the breadth of our
Curriculum and narrowed it down to reading, writing and maths. Professional development
has also been restricted to the implementation of the National Standards.
Labour will support and resource schools to use the New Zealand Curriculum so that
students have the competencies and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st century.
Labour will refocus professional development in the sector on the successful
implementation of the breadth and depth of the New Zealand Curriculum.
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy means having the ability to make informed judgements and make effective
decisions regarding the use and management of money. Labour wants to increase the
financial literacy of New Zealanders.
Organisations like the Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income and the
Enterprise New Zealand Trust operate a range of financial education programmes in
schools, but these programmes only reach a small percentage of students each year. As a
result, many people start their adult lives with limited personal financial understanding.
Labour will work alongside educators, community groups and schools to encourage,
develop, and support financial literacy programmes that provide practical every-day
usage for children through to adulthood, with the aim of incorporating financial
literacy programmes from primary school levels onwards.
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Māori Education
Māori Participation and Achievement
Raising Māori achievement will be a key goal of the next Labour Government. It is essential
to provide Māori with educational opportunities across all sectors of learning: early childhood
education, kura and tertiary, and right through to trades training. As already discussed,
Labour will devote resources to increasing participation by Māori in early childhood
education.
Labour will encourage whānau to participate fully in education and life-long learning –
from early childhood and compulsory education to tertiary, wānanga or training.
It is important that our education system is configured so Māori can benefit and succeed in
education as Māori. The Māori Education Strategy 2008 – 2012 (Ka Hikitia – Managing for
Success) will help ensure this outcome.
Labour will continue to ensure the successful implementation of Ka Hikitia in order to
lift Māori achievement.
Labour firmly believes that teachers are our most important educational resource. This is
especially true of our Kaiako in Māori education.
Labour will continue to roll out Te Kotahitanga, a programme designed in 2001 to
address the problem of underachievement among Māori students in mainstream
schools.
Māori Language and Culture
Te Kōhanga Reo is a total immersion Te Reo Māori whānau programme for mokopuna from
birth to six years of age, where the language of communication will be Māori. It is a valuable
institution and after thirty years of existence, it‟s time to review Kōhanga Reo with the aim of
supporting and strengthening it.
Labour will work alongside Te Kohanga Reo Trust, Māori Language and education
experts to ensure we are well-equipped to meet the needs of Māori children.
Māori arts, culture and heritage make a vital contribution to our national identity and help to
define New Zealand as a unique nation with our own distinctive images and perspective.
Our schools – both mainstream and Māori-medium – are the places where this unique
culture is nurtured. But Māori culture is not only important for our national identity, it is also a
vital component of the education of young Māori people. Labour believes that Māori culture
and identity has a part to play in raising achievement. Much progress has been made on
reflecting and supporting Māori culture in our schools and these matters are currently
considered by the Education Review Office (ERO), but more can be done.
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Labour will make sure that schools are meeting the needs of their Māori students by
enhancing ERO‟s reviews to make the requirements concerning Māori culture more
rigorous.
Te Reo Māori‟s status as taonga is well-established. Labour recognises the importance of
Māori language and its centrality to the Kiwi identity. The last Labour Government was
undoubtedly committed to Māori language, with the advent of Māori Television and the Māori
Language Strategy.
Labour will advance the Māori Language Strategy and encourage the learning and
use of the language.
To ensure optimal outcomes for Māori in our education system, parents need to be
connected and involved in their children‟s education.
Labour will establish parent advocates, a role to assist parents in engaging with
teachers, principals and boards of trustees and to ensure that parents receive the
information and support that they want from the school.
Pasifika Education
Education is a key factor in achieving improved economic and social outcomes for our
Pasifika communities. Pasifika people see education as the key to successful futures for
their children. Labour is committed to supporting Pasifika peoples‟ dreams and aspirations
for a successful future through growing an educated, skilled, qualified, and more prosperous
community from early childhood through to tertiary levels.
The last Labour Government saw improved levels of education for Pasifika people across
the education system: more children participating in quality ECE; more students leaving
school with a qualification; and participation in tertiary education growing faster for Pasifika
people than any other group.
Pasifika Participation & Achievement
Pasifika children are concentrated in schools in low-decile areas and have achievement
rates that are substantially below average. Many of Labour‟s general initiatives will have a
positive impact on Pasifika education, and in particular, Labour is determined to boost
Pasifika children‟s rate of participation in ECE.
Labour will work to:
Increase Pasifika participation rates, particularly in ECE; and
Lift Pasifika achievement.
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Pasifika Languages
We must remember that New Zealand is a Pacific Island with our Pasifika cultures and
languages increasingly important in the way New Zealanders see themselves. We want the
number of New Zealanders able to speak an additional language, particularly their native
tongue, to increase.
The National Government last year halted the provision of Pacific language publications that
were designed to aid the learning of Pasifika students. The Tupu and Folauga series of
reading books and journals were popular with parents, teachers and students. It has been
argued that withdrawing these publications breaches Pasifika children‟s rights to learn in in
their own language. This decision undermines the value of bilingual education and further
imperils the future of Pasifika languages.
Labour will resume the publication of the Tupu and Folauga series of reading books
and journals.
The National Government has removed Pacific bilingual education from the Pacific
Education Plan.
Labour will reinstate the goals for Pacific literacy, research, and bilingualism in the
Pacific Education Plan (PEP) which were removed by the National Government in
2009.
Given the large and growing population of Pasifika people in New Zealand, governments
have a special responsibility for the future of the languages of the Pacific Islands. Ensuring
that the next generation of Pasifika people have a strong command of their languages is
essential. To achieve this, we need to make sure our teachers are well-equipped to pass on
their languages to Pasifika children.
Labour will investigate teacher exchanges with Pacific countries.
Through these exchanges, teachers based in New Zealand could travel to countries in the
Pacific to enhance their language skills. At the same time, New Zealand would play host to
teachers from the Pacific Islands, who could improve their English, while enhancing their
teaching skills.
Pasifika Culture in Our Schools
The number of Pasifika children in our schools has increased by 33% over the last decade
according to Ministry of Education statistics. The government must meet the needs of this
population within our school system. In order to lift the performance of Pasifika students, it is
important that schools meet their cultural needs, creating an environment supportive of and
conducive to learning.
Labour will require the Education Review Office to ensure that schools and teachers
are taking into consideration the cultural needs of Pasifika students.
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Education for all
Labour believes that all children and young people, including those with disabilities, should
have access to high quality education that allows them to succeed at school. Ensuring that
children with disabilities are able to receive quality education in an inclusive environment is a
priority for Labour. We believe that all children have the right to be included in the general
education system and to receive the individual support they require.
Schools and early childhood centres need to have the leadership, policies, structures and
skilled staff to be inclusive of all students and to ensure the best outcomes for children with
disabilities.
Individual Education Plans are developed with students with disabilities and their whānau.
They outline the student's goals and the timeframes, teaching strategies, resources,
monitoring and evaluation required to enable the student to meet those goals. Individual
Education Plans are an invaluable tool, but often they are written without being backed up by
the support and resourcing necessary to ensure the goals set by the IEPs are actually met.
Labour will increase support for the effective implementation of Individual Education
Plans for students with disabilities.
The physical presence of children with disabilities in schools does not ensure their
participation. For participation to be meaningful and lead to successful educational
outcomes, schools must value diversity and provide a supportive learning environment and
skilled teaching for all children. This means providing education for staff and sometimes
changing attitudes towards children with disabilities.
Labour will ensure that teachers and support staff receive pre-service and in-service
education on teaching children with disabilities to ensure the active participation and
learning of all children.
Giftedness may be unrecognised in children with an adverse impact on their education.
Under Labour, a plan was developed for gifted children, however it has not subsequently
been implemented.
Labour will support better identification and programme adaptation for individuals
who are gifted to meet their individual needs by implementing the plan for gifted
children.
Dealing with challenging behaviour
Challenging behaviour is dealt with most effectively when intervention is early and targeted.
Labour‟s agenda for children – and our focus on ECE, in particular – will mean that each
New Zealand child is given the best possible start to life, and more behavioural problems will
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e prevented or addressed early. The 2003 Church Report, funded by the Ministry of
Education, found that challenging behaviour becomes entrenched if it is not dealt with early,
and intervention programmes have lower rates of success if applied to older students.
There is growing concern that our schools are not as safe as they should be. Our students
need to feel safe and secure in their learning environment if we‟re going to raise
achievement.
The Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) programme being rolled out may beneficially
address challenging behaviour among school students and we will monitor its effectiveness.
Additionally, Secondary Schools need more support and guidance in dealing with the serious
behavioural issues they face with students.
Some schools require more guidance to prevent and manage incidents of bullying and
criminal acts such as assault. These are situations where schools can be supported by the
youth justice system and other government agencies.
Labour will provide targeted early intervention programmes to increased numbers of
parents and children. Teachers of young children will have access to programmes
that teach social skills and reduce problem behaviours.
Labour will determine what further support and resources schools require in dealing
with behavioural issues, including increasing the number of social workers available
to all levels of the compulsory education sector.
Labour will amend National Administration Guideline 5 to make it compulsory for all
primary and secondary schools to have an effective anti-bullying programme.
Labour will enhance Ministry of Education guidelines to give more certainty to
schools in dealing with the perpetrators of bullying, and provide external multi-agency
support for schools in cases of criminal activity, such as assault.
Healthy food and exercise in schools
The National Government‟s dumping of schools‟ nutritional guidelines flew in the face of
evidence that rates of childhood obesity are rising in New Zealand. Research shows eating
habits are cemented in childhood and adolescence, and overweight children are more likely
to grow up to be obese adults. Most parents and teachers, and all health professionals,
know that high-fat, high-sugar diets can wreak havoc with kids‟ energy and attention spans,
and can badly affect their abilities to stay focused in the classroom.
Labour will re-instate National Administrative Guidelines for schools on the sale of
healthy food.
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Labour will support increased participation in sport and recreation activities, including
through an investigation into school sport participation, including the feasibility of
reintroducing mid-week early finishing nationwide to facilitate mid-week sport.
Enviro-Schools
We must encourage future generations to value conservation, engage with nature, and
understand environmental sustainability by initiatives such as the Labour‟s Enviro-Schools
programme.
Labour will reinstate the Enviro-Schools programme.
ICT – Connected schools
Digital Kiwis
Through smart use of ICT, we can further enhance our world-class education system. This
means that schools must be at the front of the queue for ultra-fast broadband. Labour is
committed to ensuring that no child leaves school disadvantaged in life by not being able to
understand how to use and create with technology.
Labour will continue to fund and prioritise free or low-cost internet access through
programmes such as Aotearoa People‟s Network, School-based ICT, Computers in
Homes, and KAREN.
Labour is committed to providing a clearer separation between using technology (for
everyone) and building technology as a discipline.
Labour will implement proper NCEA achievement standards in ICT in schools and
notes the progress that has been made following the recommendations made by the
Digital Technology Experts Panel.
„E-learning‟ and Engaged Young People
Technology (and high-speed broadband in particular) has the potential to transform our
education system. All students will benefit from this technological transformation and we
believe that „e-learning‟ can also be used to foster a sense of learning in those most likely to
disengage from the education system.
Many New Zealand students are achieving at high levels, but there are still too many young
people failing to achieve and disengaging from education. This is particularly so for Māori,
Pasifika, and children from low-income families. Over one-third of 15-year-olds are bored in
school, and Māori and Pasifika are disproportionately represented among bored and
disengaged students. Research shows that engagement reduces each year from year
seven to 10, with the largest drop between years eight and nine when students transition
from primary to secondary school.
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E-learning means learning and teaching that is facilitated by or supported through the smart
use of Information and Communications Technologies, and it has been shown to improve
engagement and academic outcomes at New Zealand schools where it has been
implemented.
Labour will invest $75 million over four years in „e-learning‟ for low-decile schools,
with priority going to schools with year 7 -13 students and the capability to deliver an
effective programme . This includes Government funding for students to have
individual use of a mobile device.
$19 million per year is sufficient funding to ensure 31,000 year 7 to 13 students have
individual use of a mobile device. When Labour takes office we will determine which schools
are best placed to benefit from e-learning based on a number of factors. Priority will be
given to low-decile schools with high levels of disengagement and/or low levels of academic
achievement, as well as those schools that have staff prepared to lead an effective e-
learning programme.
The estimated costs for this initiative (in $M) are:
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Total
5.0 15.0 25.0 30.0 75.0
This will be part-funded by savings of $14.1 million a year, through reductions to the
following programmes:
Private School Scholarships ($4.1 million)
Sport for Young Kiwis ($6 million) 25
Ineffective Truancy Programmes ($4 million)
Over time Labour would like to roll out a comprehensive e-learning policy to all year 7-13
students, but that isn‟t affordable in the short-term given our current financial circumstances.
Targeting the lowest decile schools will mean reaching those students most vulnerable to
disengagement, and most unlikely to have access to a computer at home. This will reduce
the “digital divide.”
The digital divide refers to the ability to access information and education available via the
internet. While many New Zealand families now own computers and have access to the
internet, this is less-likely for children in low-income families. Therefore a digital divide is
created.
25 National introduced the Kiwisport programme in 2009. A large proportion of the money goes to high-decile schools that don’t really
need it (decile 10 gets more than any other decile). Private schools also get a significant portion of the Kiwisport money.
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Labour will continue with the planned roll-out of ultra-fast broadband to schools , but
will review the priorities to ensure that the “digital divide” does not continue to widen.
Labour will combine the government‟s spending on broadband for schools under the
Ultra-Fast Broadband initiative to provide unconstrained access for schools at
affordable rates.
For more information, see Labour‟s ICT policy.
Youth skills package: „At School‟ component
Putting Young New Zealanders on the Right Track
The best chance we have of assisting young New Zealanders is before they leave school.
Labour‟s Youth Skills package (see http://www.ownourfuture.co.nz/youth-skills) brings
together a set of policies that ensures young New Zealanders are given the right support and
training opportunities before they leave school.
Our approach ensures that young people make better choices about what they study while
they are at school, and leave school with a better idea of what they want to do next.
Enhanced Gateway
Gateway was established under Labour in 2001 and provides workplace learning for
students interested in a vocational career while keeping them in school.
In 2008 the OECD recommended that additional funding be provided for Gateway
preparation classes for the least work-ready students. Labour will provide pre-work
placement support and training to make sure the most at-risk students are work-ready and
able to participate in Gateway.
Labour will provide 1,000 placements for enhanced Gateway. This will include:
Boosting Gateway by providing 500 new places which are targeted towards
students at high-risk of falling through the cracks
Re-targeting 500 current places towards high-risk students.
Total Cost: $13 million
Vocational Pathways
Labour will build on work already underway with the Industry Training Federation to develop
clear vocational pathways for secondary school students. This will help address skills
shortages and also improve the engagement in school as subjects will have a clearer
purpose to students.
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ITOs within key industries will create a recommended set of subjects, specific unit standards
or credits and other skills including gateway participation, for five broadly grouped industries,
such as building and construction or hospitality.
Labour will address the maze young people face when interested in a trade by
working with the Industry Training Federation to build coherent vocational pathways.
Total Cost: $3 million
Early Leaving Exemptions
There are currently 1,900 15 year olds who are not in education, employment or training.
This is unacceptable given that schooling is compulsory for 15 year olds unless they have an
early leaving exemption from the Ministry of Education, which should only be granted if the
young person has a job or training programme to go to.
When previously in government Labour tightened up the granting of early leaving
exemptions. We will maintain and reinforce this approach, while also ensuring that nonexempt
15 year olds are properly enrolled at a school and engaged in learning.
Labour will further tighten up on Early Leaving Exemptions from the Ministry of
Education.
Careers Advice
Careers advice plays a crucial role in ensuring young New Zealanders develop the right
skills in school, and leave school for the right training, or with a plan of how to get a job.
Currently this does not happen.
Labour made progress in this area beginning with „Designing Careers‟ and moving towards
an integrated school-wide approach to career education. This programme was abandoned
by National. In fact Labour introduced legislation to ensure schools provided quality careers
advice, however National did away with this change.
Labour will review the current state of career information and guidance within the
schools with a view to a significant overhaul.
Labour will include in the review how to achieve greater involvement from people
outside the school system, including employers.
Total Cost: $4 million
Tertiary High Schools and Trade Academies
Since Labour introduced tertiary high schools, students have been able to undertake parttime
or full-time tertiary study while staying enrolled at school. They allow students to access
a wider range of subjects at the same time as retaining the extra-curricular benefits and
support networks that schools offer. However, a strategic approach is needed to ensure the
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oll out of these initiatives is driven by the needs of communities and industry, not private
interests.
Labour will take a strategic approach that ensures the mix of tertiary high schools
and trade academies across the country are right for the community.
Labour will continue to fund the existing services that are expected to benefit 12,500 16 and
17 year olds by 2014.
For more information, see Labour‟s Youth Skills policy.
Professional development and learning
Research suggests that the skill of teachers is one of the most critical factors in achieving
successful educational outcomes for our children.
Labour will support teachers to deliver education that‟s up-to-date, relevant and engaging for
our children. To achieve this, teachers must have access to on-going professional
development.
Since National took office almost $50 million has been cut from professional development
funding from early childhood through to secondary schools. The use of professional
development has also been narrowed down to the implementation of National Standards.
Labour will prioritise investment in professional development and learning, bearing in
mind financial constraints. We will not cut funding for professional development and
learning. As our economic situation improves, Labour will restore funding for
professional development and learning.
Labour will maintain the high standards required of New Zealand‟s early education
professionals and work towards the goal of 100% fully qualified staff in all ECE
centres.
Labour will support the New Zealand Teachers‟ Council to enhance the quality of
initial teacher education and on-going professional development. This includes
evaluating the findings of the Teachers‟ Council‟s Review of Initial Teacher
Education.
Labour will redirect the professional development funding provided to primary
schools to implement National Standards. We will allow schools to use this money
for professional development and learning that is focused on implementing the NZ
Curriculum.
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School funding
Supporting our Schools‟ Support Staff
Labour values the enormous contribution made by school support staff. School support staff
make up one-third of the education workforce. However, their employment is funded by
school operating grants used to fund a range of other school expenses. This means the
services they provide are vulnerable to cost and funding pressures from Government and
within communities.
Labour will work with the sector on the viability of centrally-funding the salaries of
school support staff from the current operational grant funding.
Supporting Quality Education
Research shows that the most direct driver of quality education is the interaction between
teacher and student. It is clear that this is the best way to improve educational outcomes
from our world-class education system.
Labour will work with the education sector to identify affordable ways to improve the
quality of teacher/student interactions. These discussions will include professional
development, workload and class size.
Quarterly Funding
From 2011, operational funding for students in years 9 to 13, in all state and state-integrated
schools, was allocated using quarterly roll counts. Schools affected by this policy will no
longer be funded for secondary students on an annual entitlement based on a peak roll.
Instead, these schools will receive four funding entitlements for the year based on four
separate rolls.
This change is hurting secondary schools as all their costs are fixed at the start of the year.
If funding is cut later in the year because some students leave school, then the remaining
students suffer. Labour is concerned that these changes will place greater pressure on
parents to make up the difference, at a time when the cost of living is already skyrocketing.
Labour will review the impact of quarterly funding combined with other recent funding
changes for schools such as Trades Academies.
School buildings
The quality of our teachers, along with access to technology and classroom materials, are
the essential factors in providing our children with a world-class education. But we must also
make sure that school buildings meet the needs of our teachers and students.
Despite the financially difficult times, it is essential that schools are well-maintained and that
there are sufficient schools to meet population growth. School rolls are expected to increase
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in years to come, with the primary school population in particular expected to surpass
500,000 by 2015 according to Education Counts.
Labour will work alongside communities in making decisions about the use of scarce
resources in building, developing and maintaining schools.
Prior to the 2008 election, the National Party signalled their intention to make use of „publicprivate
partnerships‟ in building schools. PPPs are unproven and untested in New Zealand,
and such agreements have run into trouble overseas, with cost blow-outs and poor quality
building and maintenance.
The National Government has announced contracts to build two schools in Hobsonville by
PPP.
Labour will cancel existing PPP contracts where the Government can do so without
incurring legal liability.
Labour will not pursue PPPs in the education sector.
Supporting Canterbury‟s recovery
While they attempt to recover from the devastating earthquakes, Cantabrians need stability
and certainty in as many aspects of their lives as possible. In order to return to some kind of
normality, it is important for both students and parents that schools are open for business.
Schools and ECE services will have an important role in bringing together communities
under immense pressure.
ECE services in particular have suffered a decline in their rolls and, as a result, a decline in
their funding. There are a number of community-operated ECE centres, particularly in the
poorer parts of Canterbury, that are struggling as a result of the earthquakes.
Labour will provide transitional support to earthquake-affected schools and
community-operated early childhood centres in Canterbury until the end of 2012,
funded out of the $5.5 billion earthquake recovery fund.
After the election, Labour will meet with the affected schools in Canterbury to determine the
support they need.
Many costly school property repairs are not covered by the Ministry of Education‟s insurance
policy. Repairing earthquake damage could run into the tens of thousands of dollars to
replace things like boiler rooms, pathways, courts, and storm water systems. Schools will
have to find money within their own budgets and decide what they can afford to fix.
Currently, some schools are barely fit for use and Canterbury‟s children need a habitable
learning environment.
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Labour will make sure that schools in Canterbury receive adequate funding to repair
damaged uninsured government-owned school property.
School transport
School buses must operate in a manner that guarantees the safety of children who use the
service. Contracts between the Ministry of Education and private bus operators require the
operator to provide a safe and reliable service. If a bus is fitted with seatbelts, those
seatbelts must be worn by children using the service, however there is no requirement for all
school buses to be fitted with seatbelts. There is also no requirement for students to be
seated on a bus. Labour believes the safety of our school children is of paramount
importance.
Labour will require the Ministry of Education to specify in its contracts with bus
operators that all buses must be fitted with seatbelts, starting with those buses that
use the open road. Further, we will require the Ministry to ensure enough buses are
provided that all students can be seated if they are travelling on the open road.
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EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS – WORK AND WAGES
Our vision
A founding value of the Labour Party is the protection of New Zealanders at work, including
the right to a fair day„s pay for a fair day‟s work, the right to join unions and bargain
collectively, the right to have a voice at work and the right to be protected from unfair or
unsafe treatment at work.
Labour believes that all New Zealand workers are entitled to a living wage and fair and safe
working conditions, and our workers should not be forced to leave for Australia to achieve
them. Fairness at work does not mean business is harder to do – in fact good work and
decent wages support New Zealand business to lift productivity, to perform well and to grow.
While Labour in government made important changes to the employment relations
framework, we believe that the current bargaining and minimum code laws need to be
further strengthened to keep up with the realities of the 21 st century and to deliver better
results for New Zealanders.
The reforms to the wider New Zealand economy over the last 25 years have seen income at
the top end grow by more than 40% in real terms, but workers on low and middle incomes
have struggled.
In particular, since the National Party abolished industry collective agreements in 1991
average wage rates have lagged well behind the increases in productivity and low income
workers have fared the worst. More of the same policy will deliver more of the same results:
wages lagging, productivity falling behind, and people leaving for opportunities overseas. It is
time for a change of approach.
Labour is committed to building a modern, fair and flexible employment relations system
based on a skilled workforce, secure employment, decent wages and increased productivity
as part of increased prosperity for all New Zealanders.
Part 1: Better wages and higher productivity
Labour‟s wages policy will help lift wages in New Zealand across the board, to help stem the
drift to Australia of our workforce.
We will work with employers, unions and sector groups to fundamentally change New
Zealand‟s economy from a reliance on low wages and longer hours to an investment in more
productive workplaces where high trust, high skill and high wages are the success indicators
of New Zealand business and jobs.
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A critical first step, and one which will help the lowest-paid workers directly, is an increase to
the minimum wage, which Labour has long-signalled.
Labour will increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour in our first year in
government.
Decent pay will not be delivered for all workers through improvements to the minimum wage.
The experience of the past twenty years shows that the labour market arrangements New
Zealand has led to lower pay for New Zealand workers. That lower pay means New Zealand
business faces fewer incentives to lift productivity and lift investment in workplace, or in
workers‟ skills and education.
It is a vicious cycle: low wages and low productivity, with New Zealand families bearing the
consequences. A critical advantage that Australian families – and Australian businesses -
have over their New Zealand cousins is a fairer labour market. Stronger rights at work mean
decent pay for Australian workers and higher productivity for Australia. The gap continues
to widen.
Labour is committed to closing the income gap and improving our productivity track
record. Our plan will tackle this long-standing problem with a new labour law
framework for New Zealand.
Industry Standard Agreements: driving better wages
Since New Zealand‟s employment relations system was deregulated in the 1980s and early
1990s, wages have grown at a far slower rate than that of the economy as a whole. The
share of the economic pie going to workers has decreased over the past three decades.
The weakening of workers‟ bargaining power following the Employment Contracts Act 1991
has been a major factor, along with the growing capital intensity of the economy, according
to CTU economist Bill Rosenberg.
From 1992 to 2009 the average real output per worker rose on average by 2% a year, but
real wages rose at less than half that amount. 26 Australia, which has retained a stronger
collective bargaining environment, has seen a far smaller decline in workers‟ share of the
economic pie as shown by the graph overleaf.
26 S Guthrie and A Gawrith, ‘Subsidising incomes stunts growth’, NZ Herald, 26/04/2011
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.
Source: Bill Rosenberg, CTU Monthly Economic Bulletin No. 125, June 2011
Economic growth will not be successful in closing the wage gap with Australia unless we
also have an employment relations environment that allows workers to gain a greater share
of the benefits of that growth.
Slow wage growth has been most evident in a number of low-skills and largely nonunionised
industries. These industries not only have wage rates that are well below the rest
of the workforce, but their wages are also rising at a lower rate. This has led to increasing
„wage growth dispersal‟, so that those with the highest wages are „pulling away‟ from the rest
at the top end, with higher rates of wage growth, while those with lowest wages are falling
ever further behind the median.
This growing gap between wage earners and employers and investors (the main
beneficiaries of the drop in labour‟s share of income), and in particular the growing wage gap
between different industries, not only makes life a struggle for low wage workers but also
destabilises the wider economy.
As the wage gap grows, those in the lower and middle parts of the income distribution are
encouraged to borrow more to keep up with society‟s standard of living expectations. This
excessive borrowing is unsustainable and eventually results in defaults which mean
investors lose money, lending constricts and the economy shrinks.
„Third way‟ social democratic governments sought to deal with this issue of „wage growth
dispersal‟, not through wages policy, but in part through redistributive government policies
(e.g. „Working for Families‟). Such policies delivered real income gains to families who were
eligible for them, but there is now a growing recognition that there are political and practical
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limits to what can be achieved through after-the-fact rebalancing of market incomes in this
way. It risks becoming a never-ending treadmill, which fails to deal with the underlying
causes of inequality.
Efforts to increase union density and bargaining power under the Employment Relations Act
2000 have had a limited impact. Union density is very low with just 9% of the private sector
workforce in a collective agreement and several industries with no union representation.
There are only three multi-employer collective agreements (MECAs) in the private sector
and it has proved almost impossible for unions, particularly in lower paid industries such as
Aged Care and Retail, to set standards across industries in this way.
Labour‟s new employment relations framework based around „Industry Standard
Agreements‟ takes a different approach to improving worker bargaining power and pay.
Rather than solely focusing on increasing union power, it seeks to spread the benefits of
collective bargaining across the larger workforce, sharing the gains with those who are not
union members.
At present, workers in large sectors of our economy have very little say in their terms and
conditions, which are in most cases set unilaterally by their employer. One option to address
this would have been to further regulate minimum pay and conditions through the Minimum
Wage Act and to introduce other minimum code legislation.
While Labour will continue to set minimum standards by law to protect the most vulnerable,
we believe that employers and employees, through their unions, are best suited to sitting
down and negotiating the wages and conditions in their workplaces and industries.
An Industry Standard Agreement will be a collective agreement representing the
employment „standards‟ in the particular industry, agreed in the first instance between unions
and employer organisations in the defined industry. Through the Industry Standard
Agreement, these standards would be „extended‟ to all workers in the industry, providing a
set of minimum pay and conditions, based on genuine negotiations in other parts of the
industry.
Labour will amend the Employment Relations Act 2000 to implement the Industry
Standard Agreements framework set out in this policy.
We will aim to do so within one year of taking office.
Labour‟s plan will facilitate industry engagement, providing an incentive to work together on
skills, health and safety, productivity and industry strategy as well as the establishment of
minimum employment conditions.
There are already many successful industries in the NZ productive sector, which have
actively engaged with workers through their unions and as a result, share a lot in common in
working toward the best outcome for the business and its shareholders. The Plastics and
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Metal industries are just one example. Labour wants to see the potential of New Zealand
workers and employers unleashed. Past strategies, such as that of the Employment
Contracts Act, have seen New Zealand fall well behind other comparable countries not only
in wages, but also productivity, skills development, job creation and innovation.
What is an Industry Standard Agreement?
An Industry Standard Agreement would be a new and different form of agreement under the
Employment Relations Act. It would join the existing individual, collective and multiemployer
collective agreements that the Act already provides for.
Industry Standard Agreements will be built from the norms already developed in an industry
negotiated or determined by a Workplace Commission, as set out in detail below. They will
set out standards that the industry must at least meet.
The provisions of the Agreements will extend to all workers covered by them (i.e. within the
industry the Agreement covers). The norms they embody will become minimum standards.
Employers and workers will be free to negotiate terms and conditions that exceed those set
out in Industry Standard Agreements, but they will not be able to agree to terms that are less
than those in the applicable Industry Standard Agreement.
With the Industry Standard Agreement framework in place, the norms in an industry will
become a floor through which nobody‟s terms and conditions can fall. The gains that
workers make through collective bargaining will be shared with all those covered by these
new Agreements.
How Industry Standard Agreements work
This section sets out at a high level the process by which an Industry Standard Agreement
will be developed and maintained. It is worth noting that at various stages it is possible that
unions and employers may be able to proceed by voluntary agreement without the need for
any involvement of the Workplace Commission. This section focuses on what happens if
voluntary agreement is not reached.
Beginning the Process
The process of developing an Industry Standard Agreement will usually be initiated by a
union or group of unions who have collective agreements in an industry (employers could
also initiate it). This will be done by application to a Workplace Commission, which will be
established for the purpose of dealing with Industry Standard Agreements.
Labour will establish the Workplace Commission as part of the Employment Relations
Authority.
This application would be in respect of an „industry‟ as defined by the applicants, giving
evidence of similar functions, processes and products/services, as appropriate. This
approach is similar to that taken with Industry Training, where the scope of an Industry
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Training Organisation (ITO) is proposed by the organisation applying for ITO status rather
than using some pre-existing definition developed for a different purpose.
The Workplace Commission will consider whether or not this „industry‟ meets the threshold
for having an Industry Standard Agreement.
This threshold will relate to the level of collective bargaining already in the industry. This is
because the purpose of the policy is to extend prevailing collectively-bargained norms to the
entirety of the industry. It is not intended to create or impose norms on industries where
none currently exist. The threshold will in effect be set in practice through the on-going
deliberations of the Workplace Commission (guided by the legislative criteria set for them).
Another dimension of the Workplace Commission‟s decision at this stage will be whether to
accept the scope of the „industry‟ as proposed by the applicants.
Employers covered by this „industry‟ description will have the opportunity to make a case as
to why the threshold has not been met and/or whether the scope of the „industry‟ should be
defined differently.
How the standards would be determined
If the Workplace Commission agrees that the industry met the threshold for having an
Industry Standard Agreement, then negotiation will commence. Unions and employer
bodies could agree to a set of standards for implementation, but in cases where agreement
is not reached, the Workplace Commission will determine what the standards are that will be
put in place by the Industry Standard Agreement.
Where there is no voluntary agreement, the Workplace Commission will make decisions on
which standards to include by looking at the collective agreements already in force within the
industry, and at which ones are most widely shared and could properly be seen to constitute
an industry norm. Depending on the level of collective bargaining in the industry, these
standards may largely consist of the more basic standards of existing collective agreements.
Examples of matters that might become standards include rates of pay, holiday entitlements,
overtime payments, or union rights.
The Workplace Commission will hear submissions from unions and employers, arguing their
cases as to whether or not particular standards could be reasonably included in the Industry
Standard Agreement, and if so, at what level.
Where unions are the applicants, they will be expected to demonstrate to the Workplace
Commission support for the standards not only among those currently on collective
agreements (and therefore unlikely to be directly affected), but also among the (largely ununionised)
workforce in the industry not currently on collective agreements. Visits to highlight
the advantages of the proposed standards and to collect evidence of support would be a
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legitimate reason for unions‟ access to non-unionised worksites as provided for in the
Employment Relations Act.
The consideration of an Industry Standard Agreement proposal is essentially a quasi-judicial
process, rather than an industrial negotiation. As such, it will not be permissible for
employees to strike in support of an Industry Standard Agreement.
The standards in an Industry Standard Agreement may relate to wage rates as well as
minimum conditions. These might provide that for particular occupations or roles the rate of
pay could be no less than a particular amount.
In most cases, it is likely that Industry Standard Agreements would be relatively short with
less than a dozen standards in them. They would not be anywhere near as detailed or
complex as many collective agreements need to be.
For an industry with a number of quite diverse occupations working within it, an Industry
Standard Agreement could set out a number of standards for some occupations, but few if
any for others, depending on their particular circumstances.
What happens when an Industry Standard Agreement is determined by the Workplace
Commission
Once determined, the Industry Standard Agreement will set minimum standards for any
Individual Agreements in any workplace within the defined industry and they will be
“extended” to all employers and employees in that industry.
For the first 60 days after the Industry Standard Agreement has been put in place, all
employees in all workplaces will be provided with easy access to information and advice
about the relevant unions so they are able to choose to join a union. They have the right to
join the union at any time.
The Industry Standard Agreement forms the basis of the terms and conditions of workers in
an industry, but workers may have additional terms and conditions in an Individual
Agreement, provided they are not less than the standards in the Industry Standard
Agreement.
However, an employer or group of workers may elect to negotiate a collective agreement
instead which has alternative standards. Workers covered by a Collective Agreement could
in principle have different conditions than the Industry Standard Agreement provides for (the
amendments to the Employment Relations Act will not prohibit this). A collective agreement
may include a package of conditions some of which may be much better than some
standards and some less than other standards in the Industry Standard Agreement.
This acknowledges the diverse workplace circumstances across each industry and allows
flexibility for employers and unions to meet particular needs in collective agreements. Having
improved industry standards provides unions with a better position from which to undertake
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collective agreement negotiations and it would be unlikely that any union would agree to
worse terms and conditions overall.
Revising the Industry Standard Agreement
The Industry Standard Agreement will stay in force until either employers or union(s) seek to
initiate a change.
The main reason that unions would wish to initiate a change would be once a new round of
collective agreements had been negotiated that lifted the prevailing wages, and perhaps
other conditions, in the industry.
This would, if some employers disagreed with this amendment, set off a new round of
consideration by, and testimony to, the Workplace Commission.
Unions would seek to show that the changes had been broadly implemented within
Collective Agreements and should be extended to the industry as a whole via a revision to
the Industry Standard Agreement.
Employers could challenge unions‟ evidence and/or seek to show that the conditions in the
Collective Agreement parts of the industry that gave rise to those changes did not apply to
the non-Collective Agreement parts of the industry.
It is likely that the process for revising an Industry Standard Agreement will take less time
and be less resource-intensive than that of establishing one in the first place.
Transition to the Industry Standard Agreement framework
The implementation of this new framework presents the most far-reaching change to New
Zealand‟s employment laws since the Employment Relations Act was passed in 2000. It is
important that the transition to the new system is managed properly. To achieve this, Labour
will implement a supported transition period that gives both unions and employers time to
understand the process and prepare resources.
Employers will need to re-think their current industry representation organisations and where
no such organisations exist they will need to consider establishing them in order to have
appropriate bodies to represent employers in Industry Standard Agreement negotiations.
Unions will need to assess collective agreements across a range of industries to determine
likely standards, consider threshold requirements, determine which unions should be part of
the process in each industry where Industry Standard Agreements are to be sought, and to
identify likely employer parties to negotiations.
In order to allow this pre-negotiation ground work to take place:
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Labour will provide for a six month transition period to occur after the Employment
Relations Act amendments gain Royal Assent in which no Industry Standard
Agreement applications may be made.
During this period the government will provide resources to assist employers and unions in
understanding the new law and building capability for negotiations.
This support will most likely be provided through additional resourcing to the Partnership
Resource Centre, which provides advice and financial support to employers and unions on
matters of employment relations.
During the transition period employer and union organisations will be encouraged to discuss
potential standards, build up understanding of key issues and agree on the scope of the
industry, so where possible common ground can be reached before negotiations begin.
Legislation is likely to take up to a year to pass through all stages and further time will be
needed to establish the Workplace Commission, so the preparation period for employers
and unions will run to around 18 months.
What does Labour expect the policy to achieve?
Wages and standards improved for a broader share of the workforce
Wages and working standards of a far larger share of the workforce will be improved by
union bargaining being extended across industries.
Collective agreements negotiated by unions typically have higher wages and better work
standards than individual agreements in equivalent industry occupations. For example the
average minimum wage in collective agreements is $1.40 higher than the legal minimum
wage. 27 The exact nature of the gains workers will receive from Industry Standard
Agreements will vary from industry to industry due to differences in current negotiated
norms, strength of union bargaining and capacity for improvement within the industry.
Other countries such as Germany which have pursued a similar style of wage and standard
setting have seen far higher rates of wage growth and far more even wage growth across
industries over the last two decades than New Zealand. The fairer rewards for workers have
come with increased productivity, benefiting business as well.
Union membership
This policy offers unions the opportunity to raise their profile and to illustrate their relevance
to a portion of the population unfamiliar with the potential benefits of union bargaining.
27 Department of Labour, ‘Minimum Wage Review 2010’, September 2010.
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In the period leading up to the development of an industry standard agreement case, and
after its implementation across industry, people covered who are not union members will be
provided with information and advice about joining the relevant unions.
The simplicity of joining a union and a collective agreement coupled with the high likelihood
that collective agreements will still contain higher wages and standards than Industry
Standard Agreements means the advantages of joining a union are likely to become more
prominent.
Negotiation of collective agreements improved
Spreading some of the norms negotiated in collective agreements across all employers in
the industry will reduce barriers to the negotiation of collective agreements at the enterprise
and multi-employer levels.
The fear of being under-cut by competitors with non-unionised workforces is a significant
factor in employers being unwilling to agree to the sort of remuneration increases that unions
are seeking for their members. Industry Standard Agreements which spread some of the
norms negotiated in collective agreements across all employers in the industry remove this
barrier and could lead to higher remuneration increases being agreed than would otherwise
be the case.
Ultimately this helps prevent wages and labour costs becoming a point of difference between
equally competing businesses and creating pressure to drive down the cost of labour.
Better collaboration at industry level
Labour‟s plan will facilitate industry engagement, providing an incentive to work together on
skills, health and safety, productivity and industry strategy as well as the establishment of
minimum employment conditions.
Part 2: Decent work
Labour supports international labour standards and their effective implementation in New
Zealand including the promotion by the International Labour Organization (ILO) of decent
work for all and raising labour and social standards.
The outcome of good labour law should be that any worker, who wants to be represented at
work, to have a voice through a union and to be able to influence the wages and conditions
applying in their industry and at their workplace, should be supported to do so.
While Labour is committed to extending collective bargaining to more workers as the
preferred means of setting wages and conditions, we will also continue to build on a floor of
safety net rights for all workers.
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Labour will repeal the National Government‟s unfair laws where workers can be fired
without cause in their first 90 days of employment, and the restrictions on the access
for workers to their unions in the workplace.
Labour will restore reinstatement as the primary remedy when an employee has
been unjustifiably dismissed, along with the test of justification.
Labour will amend the Holidays Act to 2008 settings to protect the rights of workers
to time off for rest and recreation and ensure that all NZ workers have access to 11
days off on pay for recognised public holidays, including Anzac and Waitangi Day.
This year New Zealanders only got nine of the eleven public holidays they are entitled to
under the Holidays Act, because Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day fell on the weekend. Labour
doesn‟t think that is fair.
ANZAC Day and Waitangi Day are of great importance. It is important that we continue to
commemorate the days on the 6th of February and 25th of April. Labour will not change that,
but we will restore to New Zealanders the holidays they deserve by legislating for the
holidays for Waitangi Day and ANZAC to be taken on a Monday if they fall on a weekend.
Given that this situation only arises two out of every seven years we believe that it will be
relatively easy for businesses to absorb the costs and in doing so ensure that workers get a
fair go.
Labour will also amend existing provisions in the Employment Relations Act to provide for
greater ease of collective bargaining at an enterprise or multi –employer level.
Labour will strengthen collective bargaining by amending the Employment Relations
Act to provide greater legislative support, including multi-employer collective
bargaining.
Labour will enable unions and employers to set up systems in which all workers
contribute to the benefits of enterprise and multi-enterprise bargaining.
Changing working environments
One of the consequences of the global financial crisis and the changes to work over the past
twenty years is that good jobs have been too easily discarded in the quest for greater
business efficiency, cost containment and profit.
Labour believes that no worker should be deprived of their economic livelihood without
proper consideration of the consequences and good jobs should not be simply handed over
to the whims of the market and “flexibility”.
Labour will defend decent jobs against outsourcing and reduced terms and
conditions by providing for the right to strike when a collective agreement is in force
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where the employer makes a significant proposal for restructuring or outsourcing that
in effect renders the collective agreement ineffective.
Labour will provide certainty for employers and employees in situations of
redundancy by implementing the recommendations of the 2008 Ministerial Advisory
Group report on redundancy and restructuring.
Non-standard work
Labour believes that all workers should be protected against harms and risks that are
broadly seen as being unacceptable and below a necessary floor where people should not
be required to provide their labour. We are concerned at the growth in non-standard work,
where large numbers of contractors, casual and temporary workers effectively have no
rights.
Labour will ensure that workers employed in precarious forms of employment (such
as labour hire, casual employment and contracting) are given similar rights to those
in more traditional forms of employment.
Labour will also investigate and implement best practice statutory support and legal
rights for dependent contractors, including minimum wage protection and other
rights.
As a minimum, Labour will extend the right to organise and collectively bargain to
contractors who are primarily selling their labour, as well as ensuring an effective and
cheap disputes resolution procedure.
Labour will repeal the National Government‟s changes to the Employment Relations
Act in regard to workers in the film and video production industries.
Government must step up
The government has a key role to play as leader in requiring wages and work standards and
the fair treatment of staff that all New Zealanders expect.
Responsible contracting
State agencies have a role in setting the example of good practice, not just with their own
employees, but also with those organisations they contract for services.
Labour will require that all state agencies ensure that all organisations bidding for
service contracts comply with good employer practices, including a history of
adhering to employment legislation, paying fair wages and respecting the right of
their employees to join a union and bargain collectively.
State agencies will also be required to consider other benefits such as health and safety
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systems and training opportunities when comparing tenders.
Formal Social Partnership
Labour believes genuine social partnership process is a better route for developing our
economy. The National government has failed to recognise the role of the social partners as
key players in the future of our country. Our goal is to build a sustainable, long term
consensus around economic and social policy through the practice of engagement and
negotiation with the important players in our economy.
Labour will set up a formal process for the social partners (government, employers,
unions) to discuss and negotiate the use of economic and social instruments for the
development of a high wage high skill economy.
Flexible working hours
For many New Zealanders, particularly women, there is a conflict between work, family and
caring responsibilities. Resolution of this conflict will require reducing the inequalities
between men and women in paid and unpaid work, giving individuals more choice about how
to combine paid employment with family, education, leisure and community activities and
promoting greater flexibility while maintaining security at work to enable the productive use
of the whole workforce.
Caring for children and family members at home along with voluntary work throughout the
community is vital work that benefits us all. Increasingly carers are finding it difficult to
balance paid work and caring responsibilities. As the need for greater paid workforce
participation of women and older workers continues this pressure will increase.
Labour will consider and as appropriate use the findings of the Review of the
Employment Relations (Flexible Working Arrangements) Act to promote and
strengthen flexible working arrangements.
Pay and employment equity
Labour has a strong commitment to addressing gender pay inequality and recognises that a
comprehensive approach is necessary to address this systemic and enduring inequality.
Labour proposes using the work of the Human Rights Commission and the Pay &
Employment Equity Unit‟s detailed audits of the state sector gender pay gap to investigate
legislative and policy changes required to close the gap. Solutions will need to be available
to align with our human rights and employment relations frameworks.
Labour will develop legislative and policy responses that:
Recognise the right to equal pay.
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Require a positive duty to advance equality.
Provide the mechanism to determine work of equal value.
Labour will identify what we can learn from the work of the Pay and Employment
Equity Unit to advance pay equity. We will seek solutions for all sectors of the
economy (public and private).
Labour will ensure that information about pay rates is made available so that
comparisons can be made and unfair inequalities in pay rates between men and
women are revealed.
Labour will consider the introduction of a requirement that job vacancies have a
minimum start rate advertised.
Paid Parental Leave
In order to give all children the best start possible and to reduce stress on parents, paid
parental leave needs to be extended in coverage and longevity.
Labour will have children at the centre of its social policy which will include a detailed
strategy for parental leave.
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EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS – HEALTH AND SAFETY
Our vision
The tragic loss of life in the Pike River Mine disaster and Onehunga gas explosion is a wakeup
call to improve our workplace health and safety standards. The loss of 85 New
Zealanders in workplace accidents in the last year and tens of thousands of work related
injury claims is not getting the attention it needs.
For every person who is killed or injured at work, the loss and impact on families, workmates
and friends is enormous. Not only does it cost families, but it costs all New Zealanders in
health, ACC, and productivity.
Despite improvements in workplace technologies, including safer machinery and equipment
and greater employee involvement in workplace health and safety following Labour‟s
amendments to the Health and Safety Employment Act, New Zealand‟s workplace accident
rate remains far too high.
Self-regulation has too often led to a lack of standards and recent funding cuts to key health
and safety inspectorate positions means even less oversight of the limited regulations that
we do have.
New Zealand needs to ensure that workers and employers are encouraged to be open and
honest about workplace safety. The introduction of workplace experience ratings in ACC is a
step backwards which will discourage accident reporting.
There needs to be a fundamental change in how we approach workplace health and safety.
It has to be more than just a „tick-box‟ exercise for employers. It must become part of our
everyday thinking and planning. It should be part of the national conversation in the same
way the road toll is talked about and campaigned on.
Labour is committed to creating safer workplaces, preventing accidents by raising standards
and ensuring that injured workers are entitled to compensation and assistance.
Labour will elevate public awareness and responses around workplace deaths and
injuries to where they are taken as seriously as the road toll.
Labour will establish a Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand Workplace Health
and Safety, which would be tasked with examining why New Zealand‟s record of
workplace accidents and injuries is not improving, what measures are needed to
reduce them, how other comparable countries are able to have a lower per worker
rate of injury and death and how changes should be implemented.
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This could mean moving to a regulatory framework where legislated standards are required,
but as a minimum, worker participation, involvement of recognised health and safety
representatives and effective enforcement in the workplace will be fundamental to any
change.
Labour will also ensure that any regulatory framework provides for a properly
resourced occupational health and safety inspectorate that has the technical
expertise to enforce the legislative requirements.
High risk industries
Special attention needs to be paid to the high-risk industries, such as construction, farming
and road transport. This may require more than health and safety regulation, and specific
standards need to be considered.
Vehicles are the single largest cause of work-related injury and death in New Zealand and
several accidents in the past year have shed light on poor safety standards in the trucking
industry in particular.
Truck drivers are under increasing pressure, working longer hours without breaks and
scrimping on truck maintenance, all in order to earn a living. Safety is being sacrificed as a
result. The industry needs better standards and better pay to help avoid more tragic
accidents.
Labour will investigate a Safe Rates system in the road transport industry where
remuneration and methods of contracting are considered as part of the overall
safety requirements in the industry.
Labour will investigate whether labour standards are a factor in other high risk
injuries and consider linking these to safety requirements, especially where workers
are contracted.
Safety in the mining industry
The tragedy at Pike River has highlighted the dangers faced by workers in the mining
industry. Labour awaits the findings of the Royal Commission into the Pike River disaster
with interest but does not believe that New Zealand should wait until those findings are
released in 2013 to begin taking action.
A priority for Labour in government will be to legislate for mining health and safety standards,
which will be developed in consultation with employers, unions and workers in the industry.
Labour has identified Queensland‟s mining safety regulations as the model to emulate. In
Queensland, an underground mine is required to have a principal hazard management plan
providing for at least the following: emergency response, gas management, methane
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drainage, mine ventilation, spontaneous combustion and strata control.
The regulations are very comprehensive, and the underground section contains provisions
for emergencies, rescue and communication, electrical equipment and installations,
explosives and explosive power tools, gas monitoring, mechanical, mine design, mining
operations, ventilation and working environment.
Labour will seek to align the current mining safety legislation with the Queensland
State legislation within a New Zealand context.
We will examine how New Zealand and Australia can share mines safety standard setting
oversight and enforcement for more effective safety regulation.
Until they were removed by the National government in 1992, check inspectors were
democratically-elected officials responsible solely for the safety of workers with the power,
amongst others, to order the immediate withdrawal of miners from a mine or part of a mine
that the check inspector deems dangerous.
Check inspectors were (and are in Australia) experienced senior miners who have the trust
of their fellow workers. Unlike company employed health and safety staff, check inspectors
are responsible to the miners, not the company.
Labour will re-instate check inspectors in New Zealand mines.
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ENERGY
Our vision
New Zealand‟s renewable energy resources are the envy of the world. Our hydro, wind, and
geothermal resources mean we are ideally placed to build an energy system that is
affordable, sustainable, and reliable.
Labour‟s energy and climate change policies overlap in the dual need to improve energy use
and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge is to transition toward a fully
sustainable energy system that weans us off greenhouse gas emitting energy sources such
as imported oil. To that end, Labour has set these goals:
● 90% of our electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2025
● halving our per capita domestic transport emissions by 2040 (taking 2007 as the base
year)
● carbon neutrality in the whole energy sector by 2040.
Demand for oil is increasing. The time of peak conventional oil has already occurred or is
imminent. We need to be transitioning to renewable energy.
This does not mean that New Zealand should stop developing its own petroleum resources,
in a world still heavily dependent on oil. However, Labour will insist on high environmental
standards and stringent safeguards for petroleum exploration and development. This will
particularly be so in our Exclusive Economic Zone.
Renewable energy and energy efficiency make sense economically and will reduce our
greenhouse gas emissions. Initiatives Labour took when last in government included energy
and energy efficiency strategies, an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and an obligation to
sell biofuels.
Labour boosted wind and geothermal electricity generation. We also laid the foundations for
a sustainable transport network, especially public transport. But much more remains to be
done.
No electricity SOEs to be sold
Apart from Contact Energy (privatised by a National government), the country‟s major
electricity generators are 100% owned by the people of New Zealand as State Owned
Enterprises (SOEs). They are Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy, and Mighty River Power.
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National intends to sell 49% of the shares in these assets. Foreign interests would inevitably
end up owning many of these shares. The sell-off would be a forerunner to full privatisation
in the future. Our major power generators would end up being controlled and largely owned
overseas, and profits would go offshore.
The electricity SOEs are our oilfields of the future. They must remain as 100% New Zealand
owned. That means the government of the day can see they are run in the interests of all the
people of New Zealand, including a commitment to security of supply, affordable power
prices, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.
Labour will retain our three electricity generating SOEs in 100 per cent public (i.e.
Crown) ownership.
The electricity market
The New Zealand market for electricity is not sufficiently competitive to protect consumers
from excessive prices.
National created a pretend market, with monopoly profits reaped at the expense of
consumers.
Absent effective competition, there is no moral justification for allowing the fiction that the
market acts as a proper control on prices. Absent effective competition, a hands-off
approach to pricing enables the interests of consumers to be ignored and abused while
those who hold market power gouge.
Subsequent attempts to rein in monopoly powers in wholesale and retail electricity markets
have resulted in a series of complex rules that make resource management plans seem
straightforward, and still have not achieved adequate competition.
Our pretend market produces some bizarre results. Someone who lives in Alexandra, next to
the Clutha River which produces an abundance of renewable electricity, pays more than
someone at distant load centres. How can that be anything other than a failure of the
market?
The lines part of the system is an absolute monopoly. There is only one set of lines coming
to your house or business. After overcharging and underinvestment by some lines
companies, the last Labour government regulated prices for lines.
While there is some competitive pressure on prices in other parts of the electricity system,
there is no doubt that the wholesale and retail electricity markets are not - and will never be -
perfectly competitive. That is why we have regulatory oversight and complex rules governing
the electricity industry which are not necessary in competitive markets.
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After many attempts to improve competition in these markets, many consumers and industry
participants believe that in the absence of adequate competition consumers have and are
being overcharged.
The recent submission to the Electricity Authority by the Waitaki Power Trust provides a
good description of the evidence. 28 In addition to questions about overall prices, the gap
between residential and industrial tariffs is inexplicably large.
Earlier, under Labour, the Commerce Commission conducted an inquiry, appointing
Professor Frank Wolak, a world leading expert to investigate the New Zealand market.
Sadly the result of that inquiry wasn‟t finalised and released until May 2009, after Labour left
office.
The findings were alarming. Prof Wolak found that over the period under review the four
main generators – Contact, Genesis, Meridian and Mighty River Power –exercised their
substantial market power to earn market rents estimated to be $4.3 billion. This averaged 18
per cent of the total wholesale market revenues received by all generators over the entire
period.
The report also found that the excess profits which resulted from the exercise of market
power were passed through entirely in the form of higher retail prices. Since then, prices
have increased further.
Another measure of the ineffectiveness of the market is the failure of our hedge market.
Even after recent attempts by the Electricity Authority to reform this it remains a mere
fraction of the size targeted.
The sale of parts of the electricity SOEs will drive prices even higher. Our experience in New
Zealand has clearly shown that sale of publicly owned infrastructure assets reinforces the
incentive to maximise price, rather than tempers it. The willingness to invest in additional
capacity is reduced, in part because tighter supply margins put upward pressure on prices
and improve profitability.
This should surprise no-one and will no doubt occur if shares in the SOE companies are
sold. It is undeniable that the business motive to maximise shareholder returns is reinforced
and political accountability for power prices is reduced.
Market participants should be on notice that Labour believes there is ample evidence
to conclude that there is insufficient competition in the retail and wholesale electricity
markets. We are not convinced that the recent changes to market rules will cure the
28 http://www.med.govt.nz/upload/70156/Electricity-Market-Review-Submission-127-Waitaki-Power-
Trust.PDF.
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problem. After more than 10 years at attempts to create adequate competition, we
are losing patience.
Security of electricity supply
It is essential that New Zealand‟s homes and businesses have a secure supply of electricity.
A large part of our existing electricity generation has come from renewable hydro stations –
but the limitations of lake storage mean that supply can be put under strain during dry years.
Labour will work to ensure a secure energy supply that provides for the country‟s
energy needs now and into the future, while reducing the impact on the environment
through increased use of renewable sources of energy.
Diversity of supply is an important means of ensuring cheap, reliable electricity is always
available. This means complementing our existing hydro, wind and geothermal electricity
generation capacity with new technologies – including utilising New Zealand‟s abundant and
renewable marine (tidal and wave) and biomass resources.
Environmental costs
An assessment of the costs of any new generation plant or energy infrastructure should
include all environmental costs. That may, for example, be the landscape or biodiversity
values of undammed rivers or sections of rivers, given that so many have already been
dammed.
For renewable energy generation, the relative degree of reversibility of the adverse
environmental effects of proposed generation technologies will be taken into account.
Labour will strengthen the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity
Generation 2011 by encouraging renewable generation with low environmental
impacts, with a particular view to protecting rivers from being dammed.
An assessment will also include the greenhouse gas produced, or avoided, by the project.
These will be measured and priced through the ETS.
Labour will ensure that an assessment of the costs of any new generation plant or
energy infrastructure includes all the environmental costs involved.
This is consistent with Labour‟s goal for the whole energy sector to be carbon neutral by
2040, and with the intermediate target for 90% of our electricity to be generated from
renewable sources by 2025. Labour is determined to achieve the 90% target.
Labour will ensure that 90 per cent of New Zealand‟s electricity is generated from
renewable sources by 2025.
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The previous Labour government banned until 2018 the building of new fossil-fuelled power
stations to provide baseload electricity. This closed off the option of burning more fossil fuels
to generate electricity, and gave further impetus to the development of renewable resources.
We will re-impose such a ban.
Labour will ban the building of new baseload fossil-fuelled power stations until at
least 2018.
An obvious alternative for new baseload electricity generation is geothermal generation,
which is expanding rapidly. Geothermal generation increased 21% between 2009 and 2010.
This reflected both the economics of geothermal and the measures taken to facilitate its
expansion by the previous Labour government.
Emissions Trading Scheme
The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme introduced by Labour in 2008 was, by
international standards, advanced. It included all six greenhouse gases covered by the
Kyoto Protocol and was to encompass every sector of the economy. The ETS charged
polluters for increases in emissions and rewarded those who cut emissions.
Labour is committed to achieving a lasting consensus among New Zealand‟s main political
parties on an ETS. We have consistently tried to work with the National Party to reach
common ground. But we aren‟t prepared to compromise our fundamental principles to do so.
Labour will seek to link with trading partners, notably Australia, which are committing to
responsible long-term reductions in carbon emissions. And we will get advice from periodic
independent reviews provided for in the ETS legislation.
National amended Labour‟s 2008 ETS, increasing the taxpayers‟ bill for New Zealand‟s
greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated $50-110 billion (to 2050) and letting polluters off
the hook at the cost of taxpayers. These amendments included putting a price cap on
carbon, halving the amount of emissions units that must be bought or surrendered, and
deferring the inclusion of agriculture to 2015.
Most of the „free‟ allocation of emission units would go to agriculture, with its emissions being
subsidised by other sectors of the economy and by taxpayers. Even then, National is
equivocating on the essential inclusion of agriculture despite it being the country‟s largest
greenhouse gas emitter (47% of the total).
Labour is committed to bringing agriculture into the ETS on 1 January 2013. The initial „free‟
allocation to agriculture will be 90% of the sector‟s 2005 emissions.
Labour will ensure the effective implementation of the ETS, and strengthen it by
bringing agriculture in on 1 January 2013.
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Labour will base the amount of „free‟ emissions units allocated to agriculture on 90
per cent of its 2005 emissions.
A recently-released review panel report recommended a number of changes for sectors
already in the ETS (i.e. energy, forestry, industry, transport). Labour is considering this
report.
See Labour‟s Climate Change policy for further detail on the ETS – namely the importance
of agriculture, promoting research and development, and complementary measures to the
ETS.
Promoting renewable energy
The volumes of electricity produced by hydro and fossil fuel thermal power stations are
highly controllable. This assists our electricity system in matching supply with demand.
Moving to renewable sources of energy may require new infrastructure that can manage the
variability of solar and wind power.
For example, homeowners might in future generate more electricity through their own wind
turbines or solar panels than they can use. But there is currently no system in place to allow
smaller energy producers to sell this electricity back into the national grid.
Labour will investigate and develop new electricity system structures that can deal
with higher proportions of variable renewable energy sources such as wind and solar
power, including homeowners selling surplus electricity back into the national grid.
Marine (tidal and wave) energy presents a prospective future energy source, provided that
the environmental impacts of any generating capacity are acceptable.
Labour will explore options for marine power.
Small-scale renewable electricity generation
Electricity is vital to the functioning of any house, workplace or community. Labour
understands that rural communities face specific difficulties in terms of electricity prices due
to their isolation and the cost to distributors of maintaining infrastructure.
We recognise that for some customers and communities it may make little sense to remain
on the grid, and that local sources of generation are more appropriate. In some situations, it
is becoming cheaper to build these sources than to maintain existing electricity lines.
Labour will promote small scale renewable electricity generation for rural and isolated
locations.
Labour will work in partnership with rural communities, distributors and generators to identify
and promote opportunities for localised alternative sources of generation. We will also
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investigate other opportunities to support investment in renewable generation that is not
connected to the main distribution network.
Solar hot water heating
New Zealand has abundant solar energy resources. Heating water can account for up to
40% of a household‟s electricity bill, and three-quarters of water heating costs can be saved
by installing a solar water heating system.
Labour will continue to provide support for the installation of solar water heating
systems in homes, and promote its installation in new houses.
Labour will investigate the feasibility of installing solar water heating in public
buildings (e.g. hospitals, schools and marae), and will encourage the commercial
building sector to do so as well.
Labour will work with Canterbury local authorities to ensure that solar water heating
is widely used in the post-earthquake rebuilding of homes and commercial buildings.
Energy efficiency
New Zealand must transition to a fully sustainable energy system. The growth in energy use
has been a significant factor in New Zealand‟s increased greenhouse gas emissions since
1990. By increasing the amount of electricity generated from renewable resources, we can
decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector.
By improving energy efficiency, we can decrease electricity demand. Labour is committed to
energy efficiency and conservation so that less electricity is wasted. In particular, we must
invest in improved energy efficiency where this is cheaper than the cost of generating extra
energy or building extra energy infrastructure.
The Electricity Authority regulates the electricity industry, in place of the former Electricity
Commission. However, National removed the previous energy efficiency objective. Labour
will reinstate it.
Labour will ensure that New Zealand invests in improved energy efficiency where this
is cheaper than the cost of generating extra energy or building extra energy
infrastructure.
Labour will entrench the energy efficiency principle in all sectors, and in the
objectives of the Electricity Authority.
Energy efficiency at home
Labour will promote home insulation measures, such as retrofitting existing homes with
ceiling and underfloor insulation. This both improves household energy efficiency and
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ensures that New Zealanders have warm, dry homes. Our record in introducing energy
efficiency standards for new homes shows an ongoing concern for improving efficiency –
and delivering the savings in energy costs greater efficiency brings.
We aim for every home in New Zealand to be properly insulated, and will support this
happening progressively (e.g. with the assistance of government grants or power company
loans).
Labour will support every New Zealand home being properly insulated, and will
provide or encourage appropriate assistance to achieve this.
A programme to retrofit state houses began 10 years ago. A retrofit includes insulation of
floors and ceilings, hot water cylinder wraps, lagging around hot water pipes, and efficient
heater installation where appropriate.
Labour will prioritise the insulation of the remaining state houses without proper
insulation.
Home insulation and efficient heating are great examples of how actions to tackle climate
change can benefit us in other ways, including saving us money. Other examples are
energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and the use of smart meters to lower peak electricity
demand.
Labour will require the Electricity Authority to implement the 2009 recommendations
on smart meters from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
Subsidies for landlords to upgrade rental housing to a reasonable insulation and heating
standard have been available for a number of years. Many landlords have not availed
themselves of this. That means substandard houses are too often let – frequently to low
income families who cannot afford to heat them.
Labour will require all rental properties to be insulated to meet the New Zealand
standard for insulation by 2016.
Labour believes rental houses should be upgraded to a reasonable minimum energy
performance standard.
Labour will instruct the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) to
develop and implement a minimum energy performance standard for residential
rental housing.
Improving the energy efficiency of our housing stock contributes to the sustainability of our
nation overall. Not only is energy demand reduced, but health outcomes are improved.
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Labour will begin work on developing a building 'warrant of fitness' for energy
efficiency in residential properties.
Energy efficiency in businesses
Labour believes that businesses can be competitive and more productive by adopting
energy efficiency and conservation measures and increasing their uptake of renewable
energy. In doing so, they can better manage energy and emissions prices and become more
profitable.
EECA will take the lead in helping businesses become more energy efficient.
Labour will, through EECA, help businesses to save energy, and money, by
increasing their uptake of cost effective energy management practices and
technologies.
Sustainable transport
New Zealand needs to become much less heavily dependent on fossil-fuelled cars and
trucks for transport of people and products. Transport emissions make up 19% of New
Zealand‟s overall greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport accounting for 90% of
these. We must greatly reduce these emissions.
The foundations for a sustainable transport network were laid by the last Labour government
with a 15-fold increase in public transport spending, electrifying Auckland rail, buying back
KiwiRail, and legislating for sustainable biofuels.
Labour will continue to promote public transport, cycling, walking, rail and biofuels, as well as
coastal shipping and electric vehicles. This will ultimately lead to decreased greenhouse gas
emissions.
Labour will continue to support funding for public transport and energy-efficient
freight transport modes such as rail.
Labour aims to halve per capita transport emissions by 2040. This will also make transport
more affordable and reduce oil imports (and in turn our international trade deficit).
Labour will halve New Zealand‟s per capita transport emissions by 2040.
Lifting the use of indigenous energy resources for transport will have positive spin-offs for
the economy and the environment. For example, locally made sustainable biofuel can be
produced using tallow and, as the technology becomes available, wood. Biofuel will both
reduce our dependence on oil and cut our greenhouse gas emissions.
Labour will promote locally produced biofuel, especially using wood as the
technology becomes available.
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Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles could make a significant difference to emissions production, if they are
made from predominantly recyclable materials and powered from renewable sources.
Building on our clean green electricity generation, Labour will work with the electric vehicle
industry to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.
There is a role for government in establishing an environment that facilitates the large-scale
roll-out of electric vehicles. Numbers will grow slowly at first, but volumes will increase as the
production of electric vehicles ramps up internationally and prices come down.
Electric vehicles used for local travel can be recharged from an owner‟s home. Vehicles
used for longer distances, however, will need a supporting infrastructure of recharging
stations.
Labour will promote the introduction of a nationwide infrastructure to recharge electric
vehicles.
New Zealand should be one of the first countries to set up a nationwide infrastructure for
charging electric vehicles. We will need to work through a variety of issues, including the
cost and funding of recharging technology, and relevant health and safety issues.
Petroleum resources
Demand for oil is increasing. The time of peak conventional oil – when oil supplies reach a
peak and are expected to dwindle thereafter – has already occurred or is imminent.
Measures set out in this policy will lessen our dependence on petroleum imports, make New
Zealand more resilient to international oil price shocks, and transition us to a renewable
energy future. Meantime, however, oil remains the dominant source of energy in the
transport sector.
New Zealand has extensive petroleum resources and these cannot be ignored in a world still
heavily dependent on oil. Petroleum exploration in New Zealand has increased and new oil
and gas fields developed, with potential for more.
The world is in transition to a post-oil future. Developing our petroleum resources should not
slow our internal transition, but oil will continue to have an important role for some time to
come. New Zealand has valuable resources that can be developed to our economic
advantage.
Labour will ensure that New Zealand benefits from development of our petroleum
resources.
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The grounding of MV Rena off Tauranga has graphically illustrated the destructiveness of
even a relatively small oil spill. The environmental risks of any deep sea drilling for petroleum
resources – in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – must be minimised.
Labour will urgently review New Zealand‟s preparedness for marine oil spills,
especially the capability of Maritime New Zealand.
Labour will ensure that liability for clean-up of oil spills and financial losses lies with
the polluters rather than with taxpayers.
Labour will accede to the international treaties which define and simplify the
compensation regime that applies in the event of future oil spills.
Labour will review the minimum technical requirements for navigation systems of
large vessels operating in New Zealand waters.
Labour will insist on high environmental standards and stringent safeguards for
exploration and development of petroleum resources in the EEZ.
Labour will not allow deep sea drilling to occur unless such standards and
safeguards are in place, as well as robust contingency plans and an effective rapid
response capability if an incident occurs.
Environmental controls in our EEZ are inadequate. We need to properly manage the
environmental effects of currently unregulated activities in the EEZ.
Labour will put a comprehensive oceans policy in place, including legislating to
safeguard New Zealand‟s ocean ecosystems and to minimise the environmental risks
of activities in our EEZ.
The legislation will set out new rules and a new consents regime for the EEZ, and will be
administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. These controls will manage the
effects of petroleum and other activities in the EEZ.
In setting up the new system, Labour will learn from international experience (e.g. the 2010
Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster) and best international practice. Labour is attracted by the
Norwegian model for environmental protection in petroleum exploration and development.
That has provided independent and effective regulatory oversight, high environmental
standards, consultation and coordinated information sharing, and a successful industry.
Fracking
Hydraulic fracturing, or „fracking‟ in the petroleum industry has been carried out in different
ways for several decades, and occurs in New Zealand. It is, however, a controversial
practice, especially in combination with the use of chemicals.
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Fracking has been banned or suspended in some places elsewhere in the world. We need to
know about the implications of fracking for New Zealand. Either a strengthened EPA or the
PCE would be well placed to inquire into it.
Labour will initiate an inquiry into fracking as a matter of priority.
Lignite
New Zealand‟s lignite resources are immense but the environmental case against largescale
lignite use is overwhelming.
Labour does not support the mining of lignite, and its conversion to liquid fuels using current
technologies, because of the high volume of greenhouse gases produced.
Solid Energy, an SOE, wants to mine lignite deposits in Southland for this purpose. This
would increase our national greenhouse gas emissions bill by at least 20%.
Labour does not support government capital, through an SOE, being invested into lignite
development unless and until the resulting carbon emissions can be captured and stored
economically and permanently. This technology is currently experimental, and unlikely to be
practical in the foreseeable future.
Labour will therefore direct Solid Energy not to proceed with its liquid fuels lignite
mining proposal.
Even if offsets were available by way of tree planting (which would require huge plantings),
Labour would not approve this or other Solid Energy lignite mining proposals that are
greenhouse gas intensive. Only emission capture at source and effective permanent storage
would be acceptable to Labour.
Any other new lignite processing would face the full cost of its greenhouse gas emissions
under the ETS. Otherwise, this cost would unfairly fall on other sectors of the community or
on taxpayers.
Mining of other minerals
Many products of mining are central to our way of life – in the vehicles we drive, the houses
we live in, and the communications and other technologies we all rely upon.
Labour will not allow mining on high value conservation land, nor allow Solid Energy to mine
lignite for liquid fuels. However, it is in New Zealand‟s economic interest that we mine our
own valuable minerals, in appropriate areas, rather than importing them. That is provided
environmental impacts can be, and are, appropriately mitigated under the Resource
Management Act 1991 and the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (CMA).
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Labour will insist on high environmental safeguards in the development of New
Zealand‟s mineral resources.
Mining on high value conservation land
Mining on high value conservation land had long been controversial before Parliament (in
1997) enacted Schedule 4 of the CMA. Mining activity is prohibited on land described in
Schedule 4. Areas can be added to, or taken out of, Schedule 4 by Order in Council.
The high conservation value of Schedule 4 land prevails over potential mining value, except
for certain low impact activities. Labour believes that Schedule 4 should be simplified and
strengthened. This would provide greater certainty for all interests.
Labour will make automatic the closure of areas coming within the generic protected
categories listed in Schedule 4 (e.g. national parks and marine reserves).
Labour will also make it clear that land may be added to Schedule 4 by Order in
Council, but may not be taken out of the Schedule by that means.
Mining on other conservation land
Mining on Schedule 4 land would be in the wrong place. But mining can be accommodated
elsewhere on the conservation estate. Mining access to this other land requires approval
from the Minister of Conservation, who in practice has often granted it. The process for
approval should be similar to that for other concessions on public conservation land,
including provision for public input.
Labour will not amend the CMA to provide for joint Ministerial approval (rather than
only the Minister of Conservation, or other land-holding Minister) for mining access to
Crown land.
Labour will align the access arrangement legal tests for mining activities with the
legal tests for other concessions on public conservation land.
For further detail on mining on conservation land, see Labour‟s Conservation policy. For
undersea mining, see „Oceans‟ in Labour‟s Environment policy.
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ENVIRONMENT
Our vision
New Zealand‟s prosperity depends on long-term sustainability. This is not just for the benefit
of the environment. Sustainability is integral to our economy, society, culture and way of life.
Kiwis value clean air, clean water, open spaces and our remarkable natural landscapes.
High environmental standards are central to our identity, social development and
international competitiveness, and a vibrant and healthy future for all New Zealanders.
Labour is committed to achieving these high standards.
The economy and the environment are indivisible – they are the same thing, not separate
questions. The health of New Zealand‟s economy depends on preserving and enhancing our
environmental assets. This will enable us to trade efficiently with overseas markets that are
becoming increasingly concerned about environmental integrity.
Major export earners (tourism, dairy, horticulture, forestry, meat, wool, fisheries, and film)
now leverage an internationally competitive premium from the country‟s „clean green/100%
pure‟ sustainable branding. To that we need to add „clever‟ in how we simultaneously
achieve environmental, social and economic sustainability.
This requires well-considered and robust initiatives developed in consultation and
partnership with all those who have a stake in our sustainable branding being credible. We
must work to find bold and innovative solutions to the challenges we face in enhancing our
environment, our economy and our society. If we make New Zealand a great place to live,
we can keep and attract the talent that we need to prosper.
Labour‟s approach to the environment is therefore all-embracing. It includes our policies in
such key areas as Agriculture, Biosecurity, Climate Change, Conservation, Economic
Development and Innovation, Energy, Fisheries, Forestry, and Water. This Environment
policy covers subjects not dealt with in those separate policies.
Sustainability
Labour recognises that all things are interconnected, and that we are kaitiaki, or stewards, of
the land, sea and air for future generations. Labour's policies are aimed at guarding,
protecting and restoring the resilience of the Earth's natural systems through community
action, public ownership, appropriate regulation and pricing.
Labour rejects National's approach of 'balancing‟ environmental and economic
considerations. We recognise that the two are simply different sides of the same coin – of
securing New Zealand's long-term sustainable prosperity.
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The goods and services that make up our economy are dependent on our planet's ecological
systems. Yet natural capital is grossly undervalued in economic and cost-benefit
calculations, which have a short-term focus. Natural systems are in bad shape. A disastrous
3-4 degree warming of the Earth is looking increasingly likely, biodiversity is being lost at an
alarming rate, and acidification is pushing the oceans close to their ecological limits.
Like all economically developed nations, New Zealand is contributing to global climate
change. Labour wants New Zealand to become a carbon neutral nation that takes full
responsibility for its greenhouse gas emissions. We also need to address issues around
water supply and quality, deal more effectively and efficiently with our waste, and ensure
New Zealanders are breathing clean air.
Leading by example
Labour believes government must set the standard and take a leadership role on
sustainability. We will focus on the development of better public sector business practice
with clear criteria around how to operate sustainably. This includes a whole of government
approach for energy efficiency and procurement of low-emission vehicles.
Labour will establish measurable standards and will encourage leadership of
sustainable practice across the public sector.
The development of sustainable business practice across the public sector will make it
possible to establish benchmarks and standards for private businesses wishing to work with
government agencies to provide goods and services.
Labour will implement a programme within government that:
Establishes benchmarks and standards for what sustainable businesses look
like
Modifies the government contract tendering system to identify green
businesses that comply with those benchmarks and standards and which
want to tender for government contracts.
Environment centres and environmental education
Labour values the role Environment Centres play in providing advice and guidance to their
local communities and in bringing people together to take action to protect and enhance the
environment. Environment Centres also provide valuable assistance to local authorities in
the implementation of local and regional plans. However, many areas of the country do not
yet have Environment Centres.
Labour will encourage the development of a network of Environment Centres around
the country, and support them in delivering guidance and leadership on sustainable
business practice within their communities.
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We must encourage future generations to value conservation, engage with nature, and
understand environmental sustainability by initiatives such as the Labour‟s Enviro-Schools
programme.
Labour will reinstate the Enviro-Schools programme.
Resource Management Act
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is the cornerstone of New Zealand‟s
environmental management. It provides a robust process for managing the environmental
impacts of activities. This is to ensure that natural resources are managed sustainably, and
our environment protected for future generations.
The RMA allows for all environmental impacts to be considered together in an integrated
way. It also encourages community input to find local solutions to local issues. Most
resource consents are processed quickly and at reasonable cost. Less than 1% of consents
are declined.
Labour made reforms to the RMA to reduce delays and costs, and we supported local
government, RMA practitioners and stakeholders to developing best practice in the use of
the Act. Further improvements can be made.
Labour will provide further guidance to local government, RMA practitioners and
stakeholders tools in the effective use of the RMA.
Labour will promulgate national environmental standards where appropriate (e.g.
water or waste standards).
Labour believes the way the RMA and other legislation interacts could be improved with
enhancements to cross-over between different pieces of legislation.
Labour will investigate opportunities for improving processes between the RMA and
other legislation that will help reduce the time and cost of consent applications,
without compromising opportunities for public input.
Labour is mindful that treaty settlements are responding to a greater aspiration of iwi to
strengthen their contribution to decisions affecting resource management, e.g. mineral
exploration, infrastructure development, heritage protection, and water issues.
Labour will ensure that local government engages effectively under the RMA with iwi,
in planning, policy-making, and decision-making.
National policy statements
Significant improvements can be made to RMA implementation by having more guidance
from central government to regional and local government on issues where consistency is
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desirable. That can be achieved through national environmental standards, or by issuing
national policy statements (NPSs) under the RMA.
Some NPSs have already been issued, including on coastal matters, electricity transmission,
renewable electricity generation, and freshwater management. An NPS is also proposed on
indigenous biodiversity.
National‟s NPS on freshwater management gutted the draft NPS commissioned by Labour,
by only requiring regional councils to adopt water quality standards by 2030, without the
requirement for overall national environmental standards.
Labour will urgently strengthen the NPS on Freshwater Management 2011 in line
with the draft proposed by a board of inquiry.
An example where strengthening may be required is the NPS on renewable electricity, which
fails to promote many supply-side efficiencies, such as smart metering. Also, the proposed
NPS on indigenous biodiversity merely restates existing conditions, rather than seeking to
extend the precautionary approach.
Labour will strengthen other existing or proposed NPSs where they are clearly
inadequate.
Labour will be robust in issuing NPSs on a range of matters where they would be desirable.
These could include biofuels (taking as a starting point the Parliamentary Commissioner for
the Environment‟s recent report) and sustainability education.
Labour will issue NPS on a range of matters where central government guidance to
regional and local government is desirable.
Urban design
Urban design is critical to the quality of our lives, our economic productivity, and our
determination to achieve sustainability. Urban development and rural intensification in highlyvalued
natural areas must be avoided. The rebuild of Christchurch provides an opportunity
for world-class sustainable urban design.
Labour will pay great attention to urban design, with particular focus also on Auckland. We
want to see the Auckland Plan strengthened by making it more specific on issues like
coastal protection, nationally and regionally significant recreational areas, open-space areas,
ecological areas, landscapes, and areas of historical significance.
Labour will pay great attention to urban design, with a particular focus on the rebuild
of Christchurch and strengthening the Auckland Plan.
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Trees are a vital part of our urban environment. They provide beauty, character and shelter.
But National has amended the RMA to prohibit local councils from providing general
protection for trees (e.g. by requiring a consent for cutting down any tree over a certain size).
Trees can be now be protected only if they are individually identified in the district plan or
located within a reserve. Labour believes that councils, on behalf of their communities,
should be able to choose how they protect their local trees, especially against development
pressures.
Labour will review section 76 of the RMA to ensure that urban trees have a proper
level of protection.
Institutional changes
It is critical that the various elements of New Zealand‟s institutional arrangements for
managing and protecting the environment work well. We should improve their effectiveness
where we can. Two such elements are the recently established Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), and the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE).
Labour will strengthen the EPA so that it is a comprehensive, transparent and strong
environmental regulator with clear powers and purposes, including above all to
protect the environment (a function that it currently lacks).
Labour will support comprehensive, independent authoritative environmental
reporting by the PCE, and will ensure that her office has the powers and resources
required to carry this function out without compromising her other duties.
Fracking
Hydraulic fracturing, or „fracking‟ in the petroleum industry has been carried out in different
ways for several decades, and occurs in New Zealand. It is, however, a controversial
practice, especially in combination with the use of chemicals.
Fracking has been banned or suspended in some places elsewhere in the world. We need to
know about the implications of fracking for New Zealand. Either a strengthened EPA or the
PCE would be well placed to inquire into it.
Labour will initiate an inquiry into fracking as a matter of priority.
Oceans
Labour recognises the important physical relationship New Zealanders have with the marine
environment. Internationally oceans are under threat including from acidification, which is
pushing them close to their ecological limits.
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Labour‟s vision is for healthy oceans that are wisely managed. In exercising economic
opportunities, we must ensure the marine environment is protected for generations to come.
A comprehensive oceans policy is needed.
The grounding of MV Rena off Tauranga has graphically illustrated the destructiveness of
even a relatively small oil spill. The environmental risks of any deep sea drilling for petroleum
resources – in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – must be minimised.
Labour will urgently review New Zealand‟s preparedness for marine oil spills,
especially the capability of Maritime New Zealand.
Labour will ensure that liability for clean-up of oil spills and financial losses lies with
the polluters rather than with taxpayers.
Labour will accede to the international treaties which define and simplify the
compensation regime that applies in the event of future oil spills.
Labour will review the minimum technical requirements for navigation systems of
large vessels operating in New Zealand waters.
Labour will insist on high environmental standards and stringent safeguards for
exploration and development of petroleum resources in the EEZ.
Labour will not allow deep sea drilling to occur unless such standards and
safeguards are in place, as well as robust contingency plans and an effective rapid
response capability if an incident occurs.
Environmental controls in our EEZ are inadequate. We need to properly manage the
environmental effects of currently unregulated activities in the EEZ.
Labour will put a comprehensive oceans policy in place, including legislating to
safeguard New Zealand‟s ocean ecosystems and to minimise the environmental risks
of activities in our EEZ.
The legislation will set out new rules and a new consents regime for the EEZ, and will be
administered by the EPA. These controls will manage the effects of activities and their
disturbance of the sea floor. Such activities include (or could in future) petroleum exploration,
mining, marine farming, energy generation, and carbon capture and storage.
In setting up the new system, Labour will learn from international experience (e.g. the 2010
Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster) and best international practice. Labour is attracted by the
Norwegian model for environmental protection in petroleum exploration and development.
That has provided independent and effective regulatory oversight, high environmental
standards, consultation and coordinated information sharing, and a successful industry.
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Waste
The Waste Minimisation Act 2008 was passed by Labour. Labour wants to encourage New
Zealanders to deal with waste in a smarter, more co-ordinated way so that we use our
resources sustainably. We want to reduce our impact on the environment, while maximising
commercial opportunity and new business opportunities.
Central government needs to provide clearer direction on how to minimise waste and on the
balance between waste and recyclables. We believe more emphasis could be applied to
„front-of-pipe‟ solutions by focusing on how we can reduce the potential for waste at the very
beginning of production and design.
Product stewardship schemes under the Waste Minimisation Act need to be widely
deployed. Implementation of the Act has languished under National, and few schemes have
been established. The first scheme Labour will set up will be for e-waste, including analogue
TV sets, so that these are not dumped wholesale into landfills when the digital switchover
begins in September 2013.
Labour will ensure that product stewardship schemes are widely deployed, and will
urgently set up a scheme for e-waste.
Labour will use product stewardship schemes to reduce waste and to encourage
ways of commercialising waste where there is a potential market.
A key part of waste minimisation is to make producers, importers, retailers and consumers
take responsibility for the environmental effects of their products in a „cradle-to-grave‟
approach. This has the potential to greatly improve how we deal with some of the more
difficult waste such as electronic goods.
There needs to be an effective system for managing the disposal of hazardous waste.
Labour will ensure that policy and practice for the management and disposal of
hazardous waste is monitored and reported on and, where appropriate,
enhancements implemented.
Air quality
Air quality, along with the quality of our whole environment, is important to the health of
Kiwis. New Zealand has relatively good air quality due to our low population density, close
proximity to the sea, and remoteness from other continents and sources of pollution.
However, there are areas (mostly urban) around New Zealand where concentrations of air
pollution are high, especially during low wind conditions where there is high traffic density
and where home heating is mainly by open fires or wood burners. This pollution has
significant health effects.
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Labour introduced National Environmental Standards for Air Quality in 2004. National is
allowing extra years for implementation. Labour will not allow any further slippage.
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of car ownership in the world and a relatively old
vehicle fleet. Labour set standards requiring upgrade of the fleet and a reduction in vehicle
emissions.
Labour will assist regional councils to implement the National Environmental
Standards for Air Quality by:
● Encouraging homeowners to adopt energy-efficiency measures and install
cleaner sources of home heating
● Further reducing the amount and toxicity of vehicle emissions.
Labour believes there is opportunity for local authorities to take leadership in reducing
emissions in their areas. Emissions reduction programmes with a local focus are one step
towards reducing our total impact on the environment, particularly on the air we breathe.
Labour will develop tools for local authorities that will assist in the development and
implementation of emissions reduction programmes.
For more on energy efficiency at home and in businesses, see Labour‟s Energy policy.
Genetic modification
The Royal Commission on genetic modification (GM) reported in 2001. The Commission
recommended a precautionary approach whereby New Zealand‟s unique environment would
be protected but future options to take advantage of this new science would not be closed
off. Labour endorsed that approach.
Labour will insist on zero tolerance of unapproved GM organisms.
Labour strengthened New Zealand‟s system of managing GM organisms (GMOs) to being
one of the most robust and stringent in the world. We believe accountability and traceability
of GMOs is necessary to protect New Zealand‟s unique environment.
Labour will redirect government research funding toward supporting non-GM means
of raising agricultural productivity, such that GM science in the lab remains supported
but research targeting the outdoor use of GMOs gives way to non-GM projects.
Labour will protect farmers who do not wish to adopt GM technology by ensuring the
liability regime for use of GMOs that cause harm is strengthened.
Labour will ensure that the EPA is obliged to set conditions for the use of GMOs that
align with any relevant policies put in place by regional councils.
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Non-GM producers must be able to maintain GM-free production and identify their products
as such. We must ensure New Zealand‟s credibility as a market supplier of high quality, GMfree
products in a world that is increasingly demanding such products.
Labour will ensure:
● A robust segregation and traceability regime for genetically modified crops
● An enhanced public register of non-compliance with genetic modification
controls
● Mandatory labelling of genetically modified propagation material at the point
of sale.
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REFORMING THE EARTHQUAKE COMMISSION
Our vision
The Earthquake Commission (EQC) largely worked as intended after the devastating
Canterbury earthquakes, despite being severely tested by the scale of the disasters. But with
the Natural Disaster Fund now depleted and many lessons learned from the events in
question, Labour believes it is necessary to review and reform several aspects of the EQC to
ensure it is effective in responding to future disasters.
In summary, Labour will:
Ensure Widespread EQC Coverage
Increase the Cap on EQC Cover
Make the Levy Proportionate
Cover Temporary Accommodation Expenses
Review the Operations of Earthquake Commission
Ensure widespread EQC coverage
Labour will make EQC coverage universal by collecting levies through the local
authority rates system and update the rules on land cover.
If a homeowner has private home insurance, then they also have EQC cover. Private
insurance companies collect the levy for the government via its premiums. As such, EQC
coverage is not universal. When uninsured properties are damaged in an earthquake or
other natural disaster they are not eligible for an EQC payout and, in the case of Canterbury,
uninsured homeowners were excluded from the Government‟s offer to buy red zone
properties.
Making the EQC levy compulsory for homeowners via the rates system would eliminate the
„moral hazard‟ faced by the government when there are a substantial number of under- or
uninsured homeowners with large repair bills after a natural disaster.
In Canterbury there was a backlash to suggestions that the government might provide
assistance to those not covered by EQC after failing to take out private insurance. Such
assistance for the uninsured is viewed as unfair by those homeowners who have prudently
paid their insurance premiums to ensure they are covered.
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Neither the Insurance Council nor the Earthquake Commission hold robust figures on the
proportion of households without home insurance, but in Canterbury there were an estimate
10,000 houses under- or uninsured prior to last September‟s earthquake. 29
Collecting the levy through local authority rates would also provide the EQC with revenue for
repairing land. Currently EQC receives no premium for its coverage of land (as opposed to
buildings), but the escalating value of residential land in recent years has resulted in much
higher payouts. Collecting the levy through rates would allow the EQC to meet the rising cost
of repairing damaged land.
Some elements of the EQC‟s land insurance are unfair. The size of a claim can be
influenced by a house‟s proximity to the section boundary, or whether it is a bungalow or
multi-storey (i.e. the latter occupies less ground area). Variations in district plans can also
affect entitlements. The coverage of damage to access ways is limited to 60 metres and this
discriminates against rural homeowners. These aspects of the EQC insurance scheme will
receive attention from Labour‟s review.
A compulsory EQC levy can be added easily to quarterly rates bills without burdensome
compliance costs given the system is already established. Labour will work with councils to
make sure that this change does not result in additional administrative costs.
The benefits of a compulsory, universal levy are clear: when New Zealand faces large-scale
disasters, all of those affected will have guaranteed EQC cover. A rates-based system is fair
and simple, clearing the way for swift and efficient recoveries in the future.
Increase the cap on EQC cover
Labour will increase the $100,000 cap on the EQC‟s liability – the new cap will be
determined in consultation with the EQC and the insurance sector.
The EQC derives its income from a levy paid through insurance companies. The levy is
based on the value of a home and its contents: 5 cents per $100 for the first $100,000 value
of a home plus $20,000 of contents up to a maximum of $69 per year including GST. The
EQC will cover up to $100,000 worth of damage to an insured home in an earthquake, as
well as $20,000 of damage to contents.
National has announced that it intends to increase the levy to 15 cents per $100 of insurance
cover, meaning the maximum annual payment will be $207. The increased levy is designed
to speed the recapitalisation of the EQC‟s Natural Disaster Fund. The caps of $100,000 and
$20,000 for coverage of damage to home and contents respectively would be retained by
National.
29 ‘Quake-hit uninsured may get govt bailout’, 3 News website, 7 September 2010:
http://www.3news.co.nz/Quake-hit-uninsured-may-get-govt-bailout/tabid/423/articleID/174692/Default.aspx
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The $100,000 cap on home damage was set in 1993 based on construction costs from that
time. The EQC advised the incoming National Government in 2008 that the cap should be
doubled to $200,000 in order to meet the cost of construction, which has greatly increased
since 1993. A claim of $30,000 in 1993 amounts to $60,000 in today‟s money.
Further, EQC‟s exposure to payments for land damage has greatly increased in recent
years: in 2003 the estimated value of all land under the EQC was $65.6 billion; this trebled to
$207.6 billion in 2007. Yet over this period the EQC‟s premium income rose by just 9.25%.
We are aware that raising the EQC‟s cap will commensurately reduce the level of risk to
which private insurance companies are exposed. Given some of the disaster risk will be
transferred from the private market to EQC, we would expect insurance companies to lower
their premiums accordingly.
Labour will, in setting the new cap, require that the newly created Insurance
Commissioner negotiates with insurance companies to make sure that private
premiums are reasonable and reflect the Crown‟s taking on of more risk from natural
disasters.
Make the levy proportionate
Labour will investigate altering the EQC levy to make it progressive, rather than a flat
rate.
More valuable properties are likely to incur more expensive damage in an earthquake than
less valuable properties. Owners of more expensive homes, therefore, are likely to receive
greater payouts than owners of less expensive homes, despite all homeowners paying the
same flat-rate EQC levy.
Making the levy proportionate to the value of the property would be more progressive.
Homeowners with more expensive properties would pay a greater proportion of the levy.
Cover temporary accommodation expenses
Labour will expand the insurance coverage of the Earthquake Commission to include
temporary accommodation assistance.
Standard home insurance policies generally cover much of the cost incurred by claimants
when they are forced from their damaged homes as a result of an insured disaster. A range
of expenses are covered including hotel bills.
However, insurance policies for temporary accommodation expenses are usually finite – as
many Cantabrians discovered to their detriment. As we saw in Canterbury, large-scale
disasters can leave people homeless for many weeks or months.
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Undoubtedly, the Government has a responsibility to assist displaced people who are not
covered by temporary accommodation assistance. The National Government was slow to
respond when Cantabrians‟ private temporary accommodation expired, creating uncertainty
at a difficult time.
Expanding EQC cover to include temporary accommodation expenses won‟t mean that
private insurers stop being required to provide cover. Rather, the EQC cover would kick in
once any private cover has expired.
Labour has previously announced that it would establish an independent Insurance
Commissioner, who will design a plain-English household insurance “template” which
includes certain minimum provisions such as temporary accommodation assistance.
Review the operations of Earthquake Commission
Labour will review the structure and operation of EQC to ensure the lessons of the
Canterbury earthquake are used to secure the Commission‟s long-term reliability.
The Canterbury earthquakes have exposed a number of issues and problems with the
operation and structure of EQC, including:
Complicated claims processes
Confusion arising from claimants dealing with more than one agent (EQC and a private
insurer)
Delayed payouts to contractors from EQC, as well as confusion among claimants
about the conditions attached to payouts
Unreasonableness of the three-month time limit for the notification of EQC claims, and
Complicated „excess‟ policy that hasn‟t been updated since 1993.
As a result of the issues outlined above, Labour will initiate an extensive review of the
Earthquake Commission‟s operations. The review will look at the EQC‟s assessment and
triage process, considering whether there is alignment with the processes of private insurers.
Looking forward, we will attempt to minimise the number of assessments required after a
disaster to ensure quick pay-outs for victims, as well as ensuring the EQC can promptly
access trained assessors.
The EQC‟s internal processes will also be subject to review, including the billing and
payments process. Labour is committed to ensuring households and contractors undertaking
repair work have prompt access to funds in order to speed the recovery process after a
disaster has occurred.
As part of the review, Labour would also consider the existing EQC excess policy in light of
the Canterbury earthquakes and assess whether changes need to be made.
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The EQC cannot accept claims more than three months after the insured event – and this is
another aspect that Labour will review. The EQC has said there is “no good reason” for the
limit, and it could be extended to one or two years. 30
For more information about Labour‟s package of measures designed to kick-start
Canterbury‟s recovery, see our Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Plan.
30 Briefing to the Incoming Minister, Earthquake Commission, 2008
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ETHNIC AFFAIRS
Our vision
New Zealand‟s ethnic population will reach 500,000 by the 2011 general election and by
2026 it is projected to be as large as the current Māori population. This growing diversity
influences many aspects of our lives and shapes our economic and social institutions. No
one is immune from the impact of our growing ethnic pluralism.
This is also a reflection of our globalised world. How all New Zealanders adjust to and reap
the benefits of these changes will impact on our social and economic development.
Labour will ensure that our ethnic policy complements our commitment to the Treaty of
Waitangi and the place of Māori as tangata whenua in New Zealand.
Labour accepts that the growth in the number of ethnic communities and people from
different cultures does not automatically guarantee their full and productive participation in all
aspects of New Zealand life. However, Labour believes that the desire to be integrated as
productive members of New Zealand society exists among ethnic communities.
Ethnic communities want to live in a New Zealand where they can preserve their family life,
where their children can participate fully and on equal terms and where their elderly are able
to play their traditional roles in the family. Our ethnic communities aspire to be in
employment that is consistent with their qualifications and experience. They wish to see
their children receive the best education possible. Many members of ethnic communities
wish to take up opportunities to be successful in business and the professions and to
contribute to New Zealand‟s overall success and development.
While making a full contribution to New Zealand society our ethnic communities expect to
access the full range of goods and services on the same basis as all other citizens.
Labour believes that New Zealand society is enriched by our ethnic diversification, and that
realising the full potential of our growing diversity cannot be left to chance. It will depend on
the state adopting a deliberate and constructive process to creatively capitalise on this new
pluralism and create an inclusive contemporary New Zealand identity that recognises our
shared histories as citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand. Labour‟s ethnic and related policies
are designed to move New Zealand‟s ethnic relations beyond symbolism to joint nation
building.
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Integration of ethnic communities at every level of New Zealand society
Labour will establish a Ministry of Ethnic Affairs (MEA). The MEA will play a far more
significant role in articulating and advancing Labour‟s new ethnic policy, from
symbolism to joint nation building.
The MEA will maintain comprehensive intelligence on New Zealand‟s growing pluralism and
international best practice for integrating ethnic communities at every level of national life. It
will have responsibilities for positioning New Zealand as a leader in integrating ethnic
communities with indigenous and other New Zealanders.
The MEA will have responsibilities for undertaking and commissioning research on factors
that enhance the integration of ethnic communities and those that represent risks to
successful integration.
The MEA will be empowered to investigate, report, and advise on the provision of services,
especially state services, to ethnic communities.
The MEA will monitor and advise on representation and participation by ethnic community
members in governance, leadership and advisory roles. It will play a more significant role in
preparing members of ethnic communities for such roles.
The MEA will monitor outcomes for ethnic communities in the major areas affecting them
including: health, employment, education, housing, and settlement. The MEA will provide
advice on the actions to be taken if performance is below what might be expected.
Deepening awareness of our growing pluralism
Labour believes that we should embrace our growing pluralism and the benefits of a being
part of a globalised world. We will have a focus on developing a deeper awareness and
understanding of ethnic communities and their place in New Zealand.
The opportunities provided through existing organisations, the education system, the work
environment, and in the community through festivals and celebrations will be evaluated for
their potential to inform a common, accurate and potentially powerful understanding of our
pluralism.
Labour will begin an honest and constructive conversation with ethnic communities
on their transition to New Zealand, their aspirations and on the factors that will
enhance their transition to citizenship.
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Developing a process for consultation
Labour believes that constructive participation by ethnic communities requires a mechanism
for regular consultation with government.
Labour will require the new Ministry of Ethnic Affairs to develop such a mechanism in
partnership with leaders of ethnic communities.
Some of the issues that this entity will be asked to consider at an early stage are: the
adequacy of current radio and television channels providing dedicated content for significant
ethnic communities; and needs of elderly members of ethnic communities.
Strengthening New Zealand‟s international trade, social and cultural
relations
New Zealand has either established or is in the process of establishing free trade
agreements (FTA) with a number of countries. New Zealand is also on the hunt for new
markets for its exports and joint ventures. Many of our new ethnic groups are the diasporas
of these countries. They provide New Zealand with much needed intelligence and goodwill
in its search for new market opportunities.
Labour will develop explicit policies and establish new mechanisms to reach our
potential markets through the expertise of these diasporas. This will be especially
beneficial with countries that have particular ways of doing business that are not
readily understood by others.
The diasporas will also be particularly helpful in social and cultural exchanges and in
strengthening New Zealand‟s relationships with new international partners.
Constructively working on eliminating „everyday racism‟
The Human Rights protections available to every New Zealander also apply to all ethnic
groups. However many members of ethnic communities have everyday experiences that
impact on their confidence, sense of self-worth and inclusion. In subtle ways these
experiences shape the behaviours of many members of our ethnic communities and the true
potential of our pluralism is put at risk.
Labour will focus on this aspect of race relations and develop, in partnership with all
communities, actions that over time will render everyday racism obsolete.
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Ensuring mainstream policies and services are responsive to ethnic
communities
Ethnic communities sometimes report treatment by mainstream agencies that are dismissive
of them, which demean them and make them appear foolish. This happens when they are
accessing health, education and welfare services, in employment and when accessing
goods and services.
From time to time highly-qualified and experienced non-European migrants have been
subjected to heavy scrutiny regarding their qualifications and experiences. Many are
underemployed in fields that do not use their professional qualifications. They usually
experience humiliation when they are turned away from jobs for which they are highly
qualified because they do not have New Zealand experience.
Labour will develop a process, in partnership with ethnic communities, service
providers, educational institutions and employers, to ensure that services are
responsive to the needs of ethnic communities, are provided in an appropriate
manner and where their skills are appropriately acknowledged and utilised.
Participation in leadership roles
Currently ethnic groups are under-represented in governance and advisory roles. We would
like to hasten the pace of participation by ethnic communities in governance, leadership and
advisory roles.
Labour will ensure that appropriate members of ethnic communities are selected,
mentored and appointed to governance and advisory roles in organisations that
make decisions affecting communities, institutions and businesses.
Ensuring immigration policies are responsive to family and communal
aspects of settlement
The ethnic community relies on responsive immigration policies to facilitate their aspirations
for family reunification and family visitation. There is a balance to be achieved between
these and New Zealand‟s need for an appropriately qualified and competent work force.
Labour will, in consultation with ethnic communities and their representatives, ensure
that immigration policies are responsive to the family and communal aspects of
settlement (for example the need for priests, language teachers).
Labour will ensure that policies and practices do not place undue restrictions and
impose demands that effectively bar families from being together periodically for the
celebration of particular religious and cultural events.
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Strengthening settlement and adjustment services for refugees and
asylum seekers
Labour believes that refugees bring particular skills, knowledge and experiences and should
be productively engaged in their own settlement in New Zealand.
Labour will develop an integrated national plan for refugee resettlement in
collaboration with leaders in the refugee community and from refugee-led agencies.
Labour will strengthen mental health services for refugees. It will review refugee
entitlements for consistency. Labour will also review refugee family reunification
policies to ensure families are reunited wherever possible and desirable.
We must also support refugees and new migrants to develop skills that will help them
integrate into New Zealand, find work and contribute to New Zealand society to their full
potential.
Labour will therefore reinstate the Refugee and Migrant Study Grants, both worth $1
million per annum.
Labour will also allocate additional funding for English for Speakers of Other
Languages (ESOL) provision to enable all refugees and migrants to achieve a good
level of English literacy.
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FINANCE
Our vision - Owning Our Future
To build a better New Zealand we need an economy that works for all of our people and not
just a privileged few.
Labour has a positive vision for a New Zealand that offers everyone a secure home, a
decent job, a land to love, and a future to look forward to.
Our values put people before profit. We stand for:
A stronger, more dynamic and innovative economy that pays its way in the world
through export led growth
An economy where the rewards of effort are fairly shared so that all our families are
able to achieve their dreams and goals
Caring, connected and safe communities where everyone gets a fair go, and everyone
contributes their fair share
A sustainable economy that works in harmony with our environment for the long term.
Labour has always believed in equality of opportunity: that every Kiwi, regardless of their
family background or circumstances, deserves the chance to succeed through their own
talent and hard work. The community, working together through the state, has provided
those opportunities to everyone.
Labour has also always argued that “equality of opportunity” on its own is not enough. Kiwis
have found over the last three decades that the very structures and forces of our economy
have generated such wide inequality that for most people, getting ahead has become
harder, regardless of how hard people work.
New Zealanders have a gnawing sense that our country is being hollowed out and that our
future is slipping away from us. They want more from their government in difficult times than
preoccupation with public relations; or a weakened state unable to respond properly to
disasters when they strike. Nor are New Zealanders willing to see their precious land and
assets sold off as a short-sighted response to problems that need effective, equitable and
enduring solutions.
Labour‟s economic vision is anchored in those enduring values. It has been re-shaped by
the challenges that New Zealanders now face in the aftermath of the global financial crisis:
the rising cost of living, the inability to get ahead, rising inequality and cuts to public services.
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The crisis has laid bare the challenges of re-building national savings and reducing the
mountain of private debt that is crushing the life out of our economy and eroding our
sovereignty.
Owning our future means reducing debt and paying our way in the world through higher
value and more diversified exports, and a stronger New Zealand financial system and capital
markets.
The need for change
The economic foundations we based our economy on over the last three decades have
turned out to be too narrow and too shaky. They were based on unlimited flows of credit, and
too much consumer debt. New Zealanders did not and often could not save and invest for
better futures.
The outcomes were plain: the NZ economy has had its middle hollowed out. As Kiwis spent
more than we earned, and borrowed more from foreigners to bridge the gap, more and more
of the ownership of our economy has gone offshore.
At the same time, massive tax cuts for the rich have created two New Zealands: one for
those stuck on low and middle incomes facing rising costs and no way out; and another for
those few reaping an increasing share of the benefits and paying little or no tax. The basic
fairness Kiwis believe in has been undermined.
All around us we see growing signs of despair. Despite high commodity prices, recovery
has stalled. Confidence is low and manufacturing is declining. Unemployment is too high
and there is a general sense of despondency and disillusionment across New Zealand.
Progress was made in repairing the widening gap inherited from the neo-liberal 1990‟s by
the last Labour government. Kiwis know that more equal societies do better. But this
progress was gradual despite the expansion of our economy and a record of fiscal surpluses
that reduced net Crown debt to zero.
The capacity of the state to lead growth and change, and to restore equity, has been
massively undermined since 2008. Instead New Zealanders have been fed a diet of
gimmicks, from cycle-ways to summits. The current Government‟s failure to address the real
issues has been called by the ratings agencies and a rare rating double-downgrade has now
occurred.
Labour is now called upon to rise to a new set of economic and social challenges. To get
better jobs, have a greater stake in our country, and own more of our own future, we have to
rebuild the economic foundations in another way. We still need to work within a credible set
of fiscal targets that the Labour government sticks with, and we need to lessen our
vulnerability with lower net public debt.
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New Zealand needs to ensure that our access to international capital benefits us over time,
and we don‟t lose our souls and sons and daughters to it. And we need to lift our
international performance in sectors that will bring better jobs and higher wages.
Exporters are currently disabled by extreme volatility in exchange rates: in NZ more than
anywhere else in the OECD, and by the high real interest rates that add costs to business.
We will ensure monetary and savings policy supports exporters and helps to build the
productive economy.
We need to take strong steps to own our own futures. This means building ownership in
banking, finance and insurance, so all the profits don‟t just go offshore. Not picking Kiwi
winners, but backing both today‟s winning firms and the pipeline of small and medium
enterprises that will produce the leaders of tomorrow. Making sure there is a growing pool of
local capital available for local business investment is essential for Kiwi firms to grow and
innovate.
Government can also assist through fair procurement policies that give local producers a
chance; and open and transparent processes that support the growing sense of shared
responsibility for our economic future.
Our approach
Labour has a credible plan to turn this country around, so New Zealanders can own their
future. We will be bold to resolve tough problems that the current government has not
addressed. We will have the courage to fix what is holding our country back.
We can begin to own our future with a fairer tax system that will ensure everyone pays their
fair share. Through fair tax reform based on a simple capital gains tax and careful fiscal
management we can cut public debt to zero, keep our precious SOE assets in the hands of
all New Zealanders, and give nearly all New Zealanders an income tax reduction.
Helping all New Zealanders to afford a better future is essential when rising prices and
higher GST have put the basics out of reach for too many. That is why Labour will provide
immediate relief to the rising cost of living by making the first $5000 of income tax free,
taking the GST off fresh fruit and vegetables, raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
But to build a better future for all our kids we also need to invest for the longer term. That
means investing in jobs and training for our young people, in innovation and skills for our
businesses, and in giving every Kiwi kid the best possible start in life so they can make their
best possible contribution.
Owning our future also means saving for that future. We need to reduce the mountain of
private debt owed to foreign lenders and to build up the deep pools of local capital needed to
fuel business growth in New Zealand. Labour will build KiwiSaver in an accord-based
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savings scheme that gives every New Zealander a bigger and better stake in their futures.
Labour will also make our superannuation system stronger and more sustainable.
A future we can own
Under Labour‟s economic plan we will reach fiscal surplus by 2014/15 and pay down net
crown debt to zero by 2021/22, while keeping our precious assets and giving every New
Zealander a tax cut.
Getting the fiscal fundamentals right is essential as it is the foundation upon which all other
policies rest. Our fiscal and revenue strategy is fully budgeted using the best information
available to us, including the revised fiscal baselines in the 2011 Pre-Election Economic and
Fiscal Update (PREFU).
Under Labour, balancing the country‟s books does not require selling out our future or
slashing the services Kiwi families need. Our priorities are different to those of the current
government. Under Labour‟s fair tax plan everyone will get a fair go and everyone will pay
their fair share. Labour will not allow extremes of wealth and poverty to create two New
Zealands. We will work to restore equality of opportunity so that all New Zealanders can
make the best of their lives.
Labour will not allow our economy to be hollowed out by selling out control of our land, state
assets or monopoly infrastructure.
Labour‟s Fiscal Strategy will:
Return the Operating Balance Before Gains and Losses (OBEGAL) to surplus
by 2014/15
Pay off net debt faster than National from 2017/18 without selling our assets
Reduce net debt (including NZSF assets) to zero by 2022, a year ahead of
National
Control spending through a disciplined programme which will be phased in
over time.
Secure our long-term fiscal sustainability through the combined returns of
retaining the assets, revenue from a fairer tax system, and making
superannuation sustainable.
Labour will seek value for money for the taxpayer‟s investments and will ensure the
efficient and effective use of public funds.
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Labour will retain New Zealand‟s state-owned enterprise (SOE) assets for the good
of future generations, and will not sell them in a fire sale.
Labour will implement a fair tax plan with the following components:
A $5,000 tax free zone: this means the first $5,000 you make in personal
income a year – whether you are a worker, a beneficiary, or retired on New
Zealand superannuation – will be tax free.
Taking GST off all fresh fruit and vegetables: that gives the average
household an extra $160 a year to put back into groceries – and makes the
healthiest choices more affordable.
A Research & Development (R&D) tax credit: at the rate of 12.5%, to lift New
Zealand‟s lagging R&D expenditure by encouraging businesses to research
and innovate. Funding will be provided through the savings through charging
the agricultural sector 10% of their agricultural emissions.
A 15% Capital Gains Tax: to bring New Zealand in line with the rest of the
OECD. The capital gains tax will never apply to the family home. It will apply
only to the gains made on the sale of shares, investment properties,
companies etc., and only to gains made after the law is passed.
Putting the top tax rate for high-earners (over $150,000, indexed) back to
39%: This change is estimated to affect less than 2% of income earners.
A crackdown on tax avoidance: including the abuse of trusts and company
structures, including ending the ring-fencing investment property losses.
Labour will ensure that New Zealand owns its own future through a careful and
balanced approach to foreign direct investment.
Labour will reverse the current approach to overseas sales of land. Instead of
the overwhelming majority of farm sales being approved, the overwhelming
majority will be declined unless the overseas purchaser of farm or forestry
land will also invest in significant further processing of related primary
products and related jobs.
Labour will prevent overseas purchases of more than 25% of monopoly
infrastructure, where that interest is worth $10 million or more.
A more affordable future
Labour recognises that hard working New Zealand families have faced a nightmare of rising
prices and static incomes. GST has gone up on everything we buy. Too many families now
can‟t even afford the basics of healthy food for their kids. Utility costs like power, phones
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and water have gone through the roof. Wages have not kept up and workplace practices
like firing at will have made life even tougher for many.
Labour has the interest of working Kiwis at heart and will immediately take action to make
life more affordable.
Labour will take GST off all fresh fruit and vegetables. That gives the average
household an extra $160 a year to put back into groceries – and makes the healthiest
choices more affordable.
Labour will create a $5,000 tax free zone. This means the first $5,000 you make in
personal income a year – whether you are a worker, a beneficiary, or retired on New
Zealand superannuation – will be tax free.
Labour will increase the minimum wage from $13 to $15 an hour, raising earnings for
the quarter of a million workers who currently earn less than $15. For someone
currently on $13 an hour, this means an extra $66 a week in the pocket.
We will continue to focus on improving the working lives of the most vulnerable members of
the labour force and to strengthen protections available to workers.
Our comprehensive Work and Wages policy sets out the ways we will commit to building a
modern, fair and flexible employment relations system based on a skilled workforce, secure
employment, decent wages and increased productivity as part of increased prosperity for all
New Zealanders. Along with raising the minimum wage to ensure a decent living wage,
Labour will also ensure that working people have adequate support.
Labour will amend the Employment Relations Act 2000 to implement the Industry
Standard Agreements framework, as set out in our Work and Wages policy.
Labour will repeal the National Government‟s unfair laws where workers can be fired
without cause in their first 90 days of employment, and the restrictions on the access
for workers to their unions in the workplace.
Labour will amend the Holidays Act to 2008 settings to protect the rights of workers
to time off for rest and recreation, and ensure that all NZ workers have access to 11
days off on pay for recognised public holidays, including Anzac and Waitangi Day.
For further information, see Labour‟s Work and Wages policy.
Investing in our future
New Zealand cannot prosper while inadequate exports and savings drive us deeper into
debt, making us more vulnerable and dependent on unstable foreign capital markets. Labour
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will implement an integrated package of economic development policies that will help New
Zealand firms innovate, grow, export and win in global markets.
Labour understands the difficulty faced by exporters and the tradable sector arising from
New Zealand‟s highly volatile exchange rate. Labour‟s Monetary Policy ends the previous
consensus on the „single goal, single tool‟ approach to inflation targeting via the official cash
rate (OCR). Labour considers its approach to modern monetary policy to be in keeping with
the direction of the Basel III reforms and is consistent with prudent management of price and
financial stability alongside important objectives of growth, employment and external
balance.
Introducing a Capital Gains Tax
The Reserve Bank favours the introduction of a capital gains tax as an aid to monetary
policy because it reduces the bank‟s reliance on higher interest rates to control asset
bubbles and the related consumption driven inflationary pressures. A capital gains tax will
moderate interest rates and this in turn will reduce demand for the New Zealand dollar. Both
of these are advantageous for our exporters and will lead to more exports and a wealthier
New Zealand.
Strong Savings Policy
Introducing a compulsory Universal KiwiSaver scheme will increase New Zealand‟s savings
rate at approximately four times the rate of National‟s plan. This will create a deep pool of
capital available for productive investment. Labour‟s plan, which is set out in more detail
below, will reduce New Zealand‟s international debt (net international investment position) by
approximately 17% over 20 years.
Broadening the Reserve Bank Objectives
We believe the objectives of the Reserve Bank should be broadened. Currently its sole focus
is on the maintenance of price stability – or inflation. We agree with the approach taken by
Australia that recognises that along with inflation control, employment, economic prosperity,
and the health of the export sector are at least as important.
Exporters Representation on the Reserve Bank Board
We will ensure the interests of exporters are represented on the Reserve Bank Board. How
the Reserve Bank implements its policies is determined by the Board and the Governor of
the Reserve Bank. Labour believes better outcomes will be achieved if a number of board
members with exporting backgrounds are on the board.
Monetary Policy Needs Friends: Complementary tools
Labour welcomes the changes, flowing from Basel II and III, that have seen the Reserve
Bank make greater use of prudential supervision tools to support monetary policy. However,
the positive effect of Basel II on monetary policy is almost accidental. The role of prudential
ratios is important and needs clearer legislative authority. Labour will clarify the Reserve
Bank Act to ensure the Bank is able to use such tools primarily for the purpose of supporting
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Monetary Policy. Allowing the Reserve Bank to use prudential tools such capital ratios will
control liquidity growth and therefore inflation.
Labour will also change the Policy Targets Agreement to include a requirement to explicitly
consider the effects of monetary policy on exports. In practice we believe that, faced with
rapid credit expansion, this change would allow the bank to use prudential ratios rather than
rely solely on interest rates.
More Selective Reserve Bank Currency Interventions
We think the currency interventions by the Reserve Bank which started in 2004 can and
should be pushed harder. While this does carry some extra risk for the Crown, we believe
this will be modest. By increasing the risk for speculators that the Bank will catch them out,
volatility will be reduced. Labour is not advocating a fixed or managed Kiwi dollar, but rather
selective interventions by the Reserve Bank when our currency is “spiking” at the extremes
of its range.
Labour is committed to controlling inflation. The importance of controlling inflation is a lesson
of history well understood. We are committed to retaining the Reserve Banks‟s current 1-3%
inflation target. We will also maintain the Bank‟s operational independence and ensure it
continues to manage financial stability and price stability.
Labour will improve capital conditions for exporters and work to reduce the disruption
caused by extreme exchange fluctuations, including by:
Introducing a 15 per cent capital gains tax, which will help free up local capital
from unproductive property investment to fund real business growth
Introducing universal KiwiSaver, growing the rate of savings by four times
National‟s plan, leading to lower interest and exchange rates and higher GDP
growth.
Broadening the objectives of the Reserve Bank Act
Ensuring the interests of exporters are represented on the Reserve Bank
Board
Taking pressure off the official cash rate through complementary monetary
and prudential policy tools, and
Encouraging more selective Reserve Bank interventions to impose costs on
currency speculation.
For further information, see Labour‟s Monetary policy.
Adding value to our exports means applying more smart Kiwi thinking and having policies
that will grow our real economy, not someone else‟s. Labour‟s approach to economic
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development will help Kiwi companies grow and will maximise the potential of high-growth
sectors and regions. Labour will boost growth in high potential sectors and strengthen
regional partnerships to remove roadblocks and promote jobs.
Labour will make greater use of industry targeting and clustering sectors in economic
development policy.
Labour will work with industries, including local industries, and councils to identify
regional infrastructure blockages which if overcome will provide economic growth in
exported related fields.
Labour will promote sustainable growth in key sectors as set out on our relevant
sector-based economic policies, such as in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The high-tech sector – which is largely green or low carbon manufacturing – is currently
worth $6.5 billion to New Zealand‟s economy and growing at close to 5% a year. With further
stimulus and the right environment for growth that could increase further. Price Waterhouse
Coopers estimates, for example, that clean-tech industries represent a $9 - 22 billion
opportunity for New Zealand.
Labour believes that enhancing New Zealand‟s natural environment in order to improve our
competitive positioning in the global shift to green growth represents a huge opportunity for
all Kiwis to prosper.
Labour will promote the clean and green technology sector as a source of
environmental-economic advantage for New Zealand.
Labour will establish the environment in which science, innovation and great design will
flourish. It means acting quickly and collaboratively as a country, across our businesses and
public institutions, to seize opportunities and eliminate obstacles to innovation and growth. A
healthy science sector relies on a solid foundation of primary research. Labour recognises
that fundamental science and public good science is essential to New Zealand‟s well-being
and an underlying driver of innovation.
Labour will, as resources become available, prioritise an increase in our public
science spend to link New Zealand to the OECD average.
Labour will create an Innovation Council that will advise on policy at the highest level
of government and business. It will be chaired by the Prime Minister and bring
together the Ministers for Science, Finance, Economic Development as well as key
industry players and research institutions. It will ensure that opportunities and
priorities are recognised and resources allocated to act on them.
Labour will establish a scheme for better funding „brilliant‟ scientists. Funding would
be portable to allow scientists to take it to the most appropriate institution, purchase
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equipment, recruit staff and attract other world leaders in the field to New Zealand to
create nodes of international expertise.
Labour will strengthen business growth through better access to investment finance and
more supportive enterprise financing policies.
Labour will continue to support NZVIF with a view to providing additional underwriting
as the pool of ventures expands.
Labour will explore the following ideas for leveraging future capital as part of its
economic development strategy, including:
Requiring support from an international venture capital as part of eligibility for
NZVIF.
Entitling domestic venture or angel investors to a deduction of 20% of their
investment against other income at the time of investment, and an additional
50% deduction be allowed if capital is lost.
Whether a concessional tax rate should be introduced for overseas royalty
income of companies based in New Zealand.
Labour will investigate the potential costs of these options and any difficulties that
might result as part of the requirement for an overseas investor to access VIF
funding, and report back by the end of 2012.
Labour recognises the need to invest in the future of small and medium businesses, which
are part of the pipeline for future business growth and are major employers in our economy.
Access to capital and to R&D facilities, governance arrangements and market intelligence
have been identified as some of the biggest barriers to business growth.
Providing start-up companies with access to an appropriate range of mentoring/training will
include incubator support programmes, market development assistance, and access to
angel investor networks, venture capital funding and the stair-casing opportunity provided by
the NZX. More detail can be found in Labour‟s Economic Development and Commerce and
Small Business policies.
Labour will establish a “Pipeline for Business Growth Taskforce”, modelled on the
Capital Markets Development Taskforce, with a requirement to report in 6 months
with recommendations for the pipeline framework, which will connect the training, the
R&D, the capital and the market development opportunities so that we can facilitate
the advancement of high growth potential businesses.
Labour will introduce a set of principles to underpin all legislation that relates to the
capital markets and financial advice, recognising in particular the obligations of
fiduciaries.
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Labour will reduce compliance costs for equity offerings, which openly describe the
risk of loss of investment, by simplifying prospectus and audit requirements.
Labour will maintain investment in infrastructure, including transport and broadband, so we
can move products and ideas seamlessly and efficiently.
Labour will support the Auckland Council and back the clear preference for Auckland,
which is the Rail Link proposal. We will provide funding, through the Land Transport
Fund, for up to $1.2 billion, which equates to half of the cost of the Rail Link, on the
understanding that the Auckland Council is responsible for financing the other half.
Labour will continue to support funding for public transport and energy-efficient
freight transport modes such as rail.
Labour will invest in maintaining and modernising KiwiRail to ensure it remains a
viable and sustainable transport solution.
Labour will consider how much of the $2.9 billion annual National Land Transport
Fund might be available for reallocation, and what projects make sense. We will not
waste money on unnecessary highways that lock us into a high-carbon future.
For further information, see Labour‟s Transport policy.
Labour is committed to an ultrafast broadband scheme across New Zealand and to closing
the digital divide.
Labour will as an underlying principle do as much as it can, within the limit of the
$1.35bn of funds available for investment by Crown Fibre Holdings, to bring forward
the time at which consumers, schools and businesses can experience unconstrained
Ultra-Fast Broadband, in order to get the economic benefits of the fibre we have
helped pay for.
Labour will, within the limit of the $1.35bn of funds available for investment by Crown
Fibre Holdings, extend the Ultra-Fast Broadband to other areas of New Zealand
where it can be deployed at similar costs to the existing planned rollout, and remove
any legislative impediments to doing so.
For further information, see Labour‟s ICT policy.
Labour recognises that one of the keys to future economic growth is the productivity of our
workforce. Labour therefore recognises the economic importance of giving all New Zealand
children the best possible start in life through appropriate early years health care and
education policies that help each young New Zealander to reach their full potential.
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Labour‟s policy for children is at the heart of our social policy which sets out a 6 year
Agenda for Change. Labour believes the long-term investment in our children is key
to achieving real social development.
For further information, see Labour‟s Children‟s policy.
Labour will invest $75 million over four years in „e-learning‟ for low-decile schools,
with priority going to schools with year 7 -13 students and the capability to deliver an
effective programme . This includes Government funding for students to have
individual use of a mobile device.
Investing in our future also means investing in our people: improved skills training so all
young Kiwis are earning or learning, and that education is available for lifelong learning, to
assist New Zealanders to retrain and redeploy between jobs during their working lives.
Labour will create a New Zealand Employment and Skills Strategy in tandem with
employer groups and unions to ensure that we have a plan to meet the changing
demands on skills and employment in the 21st century.
Labour will match the ambitious target set by the state of Queensland, and aim to
have three out of four adult New Zealanders (i.e. aged between 25 and 64) holding
trade, training or tertiary qualifications at Level 3 or above, by 2020.
Labour will encourage the training of managers and supervisors by removing limits
on Industry Training above level 4.
Labour is committed to ensuring that every at-risk 15-19 year old will be either learning or
earning by the end of our first term, through our comprehensive youth employment package.
Labour will get young New Zealanders off the unemployment benefit and into
apprenticeships with an $8,727 (the equivalent of the dole payment) subsidy to
employers willing to offer a permanent full-time job.
There will also be 5,000 new training places for 16 and 17 year olds and 1,000 extra group
and shared apprenticeships. See our Youth Employment Package for further details.
Labour will use major government contracts to back New Zealand firms instead of exporting
jobs offshore like we are seeing under National. Cost and quality will continue to be
paramount considerations under Labour. But the new procurement policy will in future
require companies like KiwiRail to consider wider economic benefits rather than just taking a
narrow accounting approach.
Labour is committed to implementing a modern, sustainable, WTO-compliant,
procurement regime.
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Labour will review the existing components of government procurement to ensure
they are fit for purpose, accessible and practicable. We will ensure they operate
equitably with respect to access for Kiwi firms, in line with Australian Federal and
State contracts.
Labour will require government departments and agencies to undertake a wider
(economic) analysis of the impact of its preferred provider on the domestic economy,
rather than a narrower (financial) analysis when making procurement decisions.
Labour will require companies providing goods and services to the government to
have an apprenticeship/internship programme in place for New Zealand workers.
For more information, see our Procurement policy.
Saving for our future
New Zealand cannot continue borrowing more and more from foreigners and getting deeper
and deeper into debt. The world around us is fragile and international credit markets are
volatile. If we go too far into debt we will lose control of our future. The government‟s Budget
shows it has no plan to turn this debt spiral around.
Nearly nine tenths of New Zealand‟s net international investment deficit is private debt. Most
of this is from household mortgages and farm debt. For too long Kiwis believed real estate
was the way to get rich. Over $200 billion in capital is locked up in property that pays no net
tax and may do little to grow exports or jobs. Over-reliance in property investment can also
make it harder for the next generation to afford their own homes, businesses and farms.
Labour will reduce or remove the inappropriate tax bias in favour of speculative investment
in real estate.
Labour‟s capital gains tax will help shift the incentives from property speculation to
investing in real growth, jobs and exports.
Labour will ring fence losses on residential rental property investment.
New Zealand needs to save more. Our household savings rate is very low by OECD
standards. In fact, only since the global recession of 2008-9 has a long term trend of
negative household saving been slowed down as Kiwis reduce their mortgage exposure.
For 1.7 million New Zealanders, KiwiSaver has provided a lifetime opportunity to build real
financial assets to provide comfort in retirement, a deposit on a first home, or a buffer
against extreme hardship. Unfortunately changes to KiwiSaver in the 2010 and 2011
Budgets have reduced the incentives for New Zealanders to invest in the scheme and have
undermined public confidence in it.
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Labour believes KiwiSaver should be expanded to provide the basis for a significantly higher
private saving rate and additional security in retirement.
Labour‟s plan will make KiwiSaver compulsory for every employee aged 18 to 65
from 2014.
Labour will gradually increase employer contributions at a rate of 0.5 per cent a year,
from 3 per cent to 7 per cent, over 9 years.
Labour will retain the current minimum employee contribution of 2 per cent. The
$1,000 kick-start will be spread over 5 years. Labour will not make any more changes
to the member tax credit.
While there will be no general ability to opt-out under this scheme, Labour will retain
the withdrawal and hardship provisions as set out below:
Labour will retain the current 65 years eligibility age to access KiwiSaver
savings.
New Zealanders will continue to be able to access their KiwiSaver funds on
the grounds of hardship. Hardship grounds will also be applied to allow the
suspension of contributions.
First home buyers will still be able to access their KiwiSaver savings to put
towards their first home.
Labour will review the provisions around migration as part of the tripartite
consultation.
Labour will examine the details and implications for relationship property and
bankruptcy as part of the tripartite consultation process.
New Zealand superannuation also makes a significant contribution to New Zealand‟s
savings and investment profile and is widely recognised as a world-leading scheme. Despite
volatility in international investment markets, the overall returns of the NZ Superannuation
Fund have exceeded the Crown‟s cost of capital. NZSF also provides a mechanism to
balance the Crown‟s financial assets against future superannuation liabilities arising from our
ageing population.
Unfortunately the current government has undermined the financial strength of the scheme
and public confidence in it by deferring for at least a decade the government‟s contributions
into the Fund. As pointed out by the Retirement Commissioner, current levels of entitlement
place a markedly increasing burden on New Zealand‟s public finances in the absence of a
resumption of prefunding or other measures.
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Labour will restart contributions starting with $750 million in 2012/13 rising by $750
million a year until we reach the legislated contribution rate in 2015/16.
Labour will gradually lift the age of NZ Super eligibility from 65 to 67 starting in 1 April
2020 and taking 12 years to phase in. There will be no change for the next 9 years.
The age will be lifted 2 months each year starting in 2020. This means:
No change for anyone born before 1955. This includes everyone currently
receiving NZ Super or those close to retirement.
Those 45 years or younger will have at least 22 years to plan for this change
in the eligibility age.
For those aged 46 to 56, the eligibility age will increase at 2 months a year
starting in 2020. Those currently aged 51 will become eligible for NZ Super at
66, giving them 15 years to plan for the extra year.
Labour is committed to ensuring the transition to a NZ Super eligibility age of 67 is
done fairly. Labour will ensure there is transitional assistance for those who can‟t
keep working.
There will be no change to the rate of NZ Super. Labour is committed to retaining the
current rate for a couple of 66 per cent of the average wage.
For more information, see Labour‟s Savings policy.
New Zealanders cannot own our own future or fix our bleeding external accounts if we do
not own a substantial share of our own financial system. Currently over 90% of our banking,
finance and insurance industries are foreign owned and we bleed those profits offshore. It is
essential that New Zealanders own a bigger slice of our financial system and capital
markets.
Labour cannot let this slide to nowhere continue. We must take the bold decisions that will
turn our country around and help all Kiwis to save for a better future. In doing so, we will all
be better off as the capital raised makes it easier for kiwi businesses to thrive and to provide
jobs and exports.
Labour will build Kiwibank into a strong local financial institution that will be a strong
local competitor in the New Zealand banking and finance markets.
Labour will review the Crown‟s commercial banking contracts to ensure compatibility
with our government procurement policy and to ensure a broad perspective is taken
on meeting the Crown‟s banking needs.
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Labour will retain a full service Reserve Bank with prudential supervision and
regulatory oversight over the New Zealand financial markets, and will review the
Reserve Bank Act as set out in Labour‟s Monetary Policy statement.
Labour will work to strengthen the New Zealand capital markets to provide liquidity
and capacity for strong local business growth, as set out in our Commerce and Small
Business policy.
Labour will reverse the current approach to overseas sales of land. Instead of the
overwhelming majority of farm sales being approved, the overwhelming majority will
be declined unless the overseas purchaser of farm or forestry land will also invest in
significant further processing of related primary products and related jobs.
Labour will prevent overseas purchases of more than 25% of monopoly
infrastructure, where that interest is worth $10 million or more.
Caring for our kids and their long term future also means caring for our environment, and
ensuring that our economy is a sustainable one. Labour will not run down our clean green
brand by mining iconic national parks or converting lignite into pollution. Saving for our
future means a long term plan for renewable energy independence and a smart, low-carbon
future.
Labour will ensure that growth is sustainable and will preserve New Zealand‟s clean,
green reputation.
Labour will ensure the effective implementation of the Emissions Trading Scheme,
and strengthen it by bringing agriculture in on 1 January 2013, with a free allocation
of units to farmers calculated on 90% of 2005 emissions.
Labour will not allow mining on Schedule 4 conservation land, and will direct Solid
Energy not to proceed with its liquid fuels lignite mining proposal.
Labour will not allow deep-sea drilling until high environmental standards and
stringent safeguards are first in place, and will urgently review NZ‟s preparedness for
marine oil spills, so that liability for all clean-up and losses lies with polluters rather
than taxpayers.
Labour will ensure that 90% of our electricity comes from renewables by 2025,
promote energy efficiency, grow wealth by exporting our expertise in renewables and
cleantech, and restore the credibility of our clean international branding in tourism
and primary production.
For more information, see Labour‟s Environment policy.
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Summary
We live in challenging times. Labour will rise to meet those challenges. We will build a better
future for our kids: a future that we can own and can afford; a future that we can invest in
and save for.
The choice facing New Zealanders in Election 2011 is stark: between Labour‟s approach
that means we can all own more of our own future, and our opponents who wish to sell down
New Zealand‟s most productive public assets, and who are failing to address the core
underlying economic issues that are holding New Zealand back.
New Zealand‟s credit rating has been downgraded twice this year already, with a sobering
warning that more downgrades can be expected unless changes are made. Labour has the
courage and the plan to do what is right for New Zealand, to build a strong and growing
economy and to ensure that the benefits are fairly shared.
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FISHERIES
Our vision
Labour understands our fisheries are very important to New Zealanders economically,
socially, culturally and environmentally. New Zealand has the fourth largest Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) in the world, and fishing is a major activity within it. The commercial
seafood industry, including aquaculture, is New Zealand‟s fifth largest export earner.
Labour‟s fisheries policy aims to balance the competing priorities of commercial,
recreational, and customary users, and to add sustainable value to our fisheries, while also
providing for improved environmental performance.
Labour will continue to encourage growth and innovation within our fishing industry, and to
ensure fair and sustainable access to our fisheries resources for all. We will encourage all
New Zealanders to work together to protect our fisheries for future generations.
During its last term in office Labour:
● Substantially completed the introduction of commercially important aquatic species to
the Quota Management System, and extended coverage of the Quota Management
System to highly migratory species such as tuna beyond New Zealand waters.
● Established a recreational fishing ministerial advisory panel to advise on strategic
issues affecting recreational fishers, and set up a network of regional recreational
fishing forums to provide recreational fishers with knowledge of and input into fisheries
management processes.
● Enacted the Māori Fisheries Act 2004 and settled Māori commercial aquaculture
interests, providing the platform for allocation to iwi of fisheries and aquaculture
assets.
● Focused on stopping the illegal harvest and trade (especially export) of high value
species such as paua and rock lobster, including the creation of a covert special
tactics team within fisheries compliance.
● Facilitated the development of the aquaculture industry strategy Our Blue Horizons,
and invested in innovation to develop value added seafood and marine products
through „New Zealand Fast Forward‟ and other initiatives.
● Stepped up initiatives to combat destructive fishing practices and illegal, unregulated
or unreported (IUU) fishing in high seas and shared fisheries.
● Began implementing the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Policy, which provides for
enhanced marine biodiversity protection.
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Promoting a successful, sustainable industry
We share with the industry the goal of further developing New Zealand's economy, with
sustainable management of fisheries catchments and growing investment in processing in
New Zealand bringing high value jobs. To achieve this vision, Labour will strike a fair
balance between industry cooperation and effective regulatory oversight.
In order to help promote a successful fishing industry, we will provide leadership in the areas
of fisheries management, enforcement and promoting relevant research.
Labour will provide that leadership by developing a more co-operative relationship
with commercial and recreational fishers, tangata whenua and other stakeholders.
We will facilitate self-management where appropriate and regulate where necessary.
Marine research is essential to better understand the marine environment and humaninduced
impacts on it and provide sound information to underpin the sustainable
management of fish stocks and the marine environment.
Marine research will also help to promote innovation and growth in the industry.
Labour will maintain and increase investment in marine research.
Labour will promote innovation in the seafood industry by working alongside industry
groups such as Aquaculture New Zealand.
Labour will champion sustainable fisheries by:
● Adopting a comprehensive and pro-active approach to managing the
environmental effects of fishing, and do so on an ecosystem basis
● Ensuring that the Fisheries Act makes it clear that sustaining non-harvest
uses and values of fish must be part of fisheries management
● Supporting the honorary fisheries officer network
● Supporting the Ministry of Fisheries‟ advocacy under the Resource
Management Act 1991 to protect inshore fisheries threatened by
sedimentation and pollution from the land.
Recreational fishing
Enjoying the great outdoors is a quintessential Kiwi pastime, and fishing has long been one
of our most popular outdoor recreation pursuits. It is important that we continue to facilitate
recreational fishing, and one way of doing that is by improving information on the nature and
extent of recreational fishers‟ engagement in significant recreational fisheries.
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Labour will work to enhance the quality of recreational fishing including, where
appropriate, managing some recreational species above or significantly above
Maximum Sustainable Yield (the level of fish stock which will allow maximum catch
without compromising sustainability) to ensure better catch rates and larger fish.
Labour will work with the regional forums, the recreational fishing ministerial advisory
panel, and all stakeholders in advancing recreational aims.
Commercial fishing
We must work with the fisheries industry to ensure continued growth and innovation in the
seafood sector. There is work to be done in improving the sustainable economic
performance of the sector, with emphasis on value-added processing for the benefit of New
Zealanders.
Labour will review investment and depreciation provisions for fishing and aquaculture
activities to ensure that they are in line with the useful life of assets.
Labour will encourage maximum participation by New Zealanders in our fisheries and
seafood processing, at New Zealand rates of pay and conditions of work, moving
towards:
A minimum of 50% New Zealand crew on any vessel fishing within New
Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
A minimum of 50% of all species harvested in the EEZ to be value-added
processed on shore in New Zealand.
Labour will take prompt action to end any exploitation and endangerment of foreign
fishing crews in New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone and to ensure New
Zealand fishing crew are not disadvantaged by cheap foreign labour. This will
include consideration of the findings of the Ministerial Inquiry into the use and
operation of foreign charter vessels fishing in New Zealand waters.
Labour will continue to work with industry, local government, industry unions and
other stakeholders to implement the aquaculture reforms and help the aquaculture
industry reach its potential in an environmentally sustainable way consistent with
ecosystem-based management.
Sustainable fishing
Our fisheries sector is going nowhere if it is not sustainable. We must put measures in place
to ensure the ongoing viability of commercial fishing and to protect Kiwis‟ recreational fishing
rights.
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Labour will continue to establish a network of marine reserves and other protected
areas for the protection of marine biodiversity.
Labour will put measures in place to achieve further reductions in fisheries bycatch of
marine mammals and seabirds, including by mandatory targets and mitigation
measures.
Labour will increase protection for spawning fish and other critical life cycle stages
(including in freshwater) in order to sustain fish populations.
Given that oceans are essentially a shared worldwide resource, protection of our oceans
must also be a shared international responsibility. Labour will take a firm stance on
advocating international protection of marine natural resources.
Labour will promote the development of effective regional fisheries management
organisations (RFMOs) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS), including RFMOs for the Tasman Sea and South Pacific, to achieve
sustainable ecosystem-based management of oceans and fisheries and protection of
the marine environment.
Labour will work to reduce the environmental pressures caused by subsidies that
promote over-capacity and over-exploitation, and to remove trade barriers to
sustainably produced seafood products.
Labour will advocate the development of a network of marine reserves and other
marine protected areas around Antarctica, especially in the Ross Sea, and the
restriction of fishing activity to levels appropriate for the sensitive nature of the
Antarctic environment and its important intrinsic and wilderness values.
Māori customary rights
Fishing is part of the cultural heritage of Māori. Both recreational and commercial fishing are
important to Māori because they have always fished to feed their whanau, and traditionally
kai moana was traded among iwi, hapū and European settlers.
New Zealand must uphold Māori fishing rights and customs.
Labour will continue to implement the Māori customary fishing regulations.
Labour will facilitate the development of taiapure and mataitai reserves to enhance
the sustainability of kai moana and to complement marine reserves.
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Whaling
Labour remains committed to an end to whaling and strongly opposes the harvesting of
whales by Japanese vessels under the guise of so-called „scientific whaling‟. We believe prowhaling
countries should cease attempts to undermine the International Whaling
Commission.
Labour will not support any measures proposed that would see an end to the 1986
moratorium on commercial whaling.
Our stance against commercial whaling is backed by most countries, including Australia and
many of our Pacific neighbours, and a large proportion of the population in whaling
countries.
In 2009, Labour led a strong opposition to National‟s flawed proposal to allow a resumption
of commercial whaling that resulted in National backing down.
Labour supports the rights of indigenous peoples who have traditionally hunted whales for
subsistence to continue doing so.
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FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT
ASSISTANCE
Our vision
New Zealand prides itself as a country which thinks independently, has strong values and,
notwithstanding our small size, makes a significant contribution to the world community as a
good international citizen. Labour is concerned that those longstanding values and our
international reputation have been put at risk by a lack of commitment and a change in focus
from the current Government.
Our vision is of a world which is peaceful, stable and secure, prosperous, democratic and
socially just. We believe the path to achieve this must first and foremost be a multilateral
one, working through and seeking to improve organisations such as the United Nations and
World Trade Organisation.
Our aim is to create an international system which is rules-based rather than one where
countries impose their will on others by virtue of their size and power. We are committed to
acting collectively to deal with problems which increasingly transcend national boundaries.
New Zealand in the world
Foreign Affairs is more than trade. It involves complex diplomatic relationships and peopleto-people
interests across global issues such as climate change, environmental degradation,
human rights, security, conflict resolution, disarmament, and democratic representation as
well as trade and overseas development assistance. New Zealand has had a proud tradition
of independence in its foreign policy and Labour will continue that tradition. We will continue
to support international multilateral fora such as the United Nations as appropriate vehicles
for the resolution of global issues.
We have for a long time valued deeply those relationships with traditional friends such as
Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States of America. We share common
values with these countries and derive many of our democratic institutions from the United
Kingdom and Europe in particular. Our relationship with Australia will remain our closest of
all, given our shared political, economic and people to people interests.
We look forward to continuing to deepen and strengthen these traditional ties.
It is also true that geographic and political arrangements are changing. The great economies
and cultural centres of the past are being influenced by new, emerging powers such as
China, India and Brazil. New Zealand needs to be relating more deeply and broadly with a
wider range of trading partners and cultures than ever before.
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We have several points of difference on the international stage:
Labour has always maintained an independent foreign policy
New Zealand‟s structures and systems are respected for their transparency and lack of
corruption
We have recognised peace-making and peace-keeping skills which we have deployed
in many conflict zones
Labour is a great respecter of, and contributor to, multilateral systems and decisionmaking
We have a clean, green image which enhances both tourism and trade, our biggest
foreign exchange earners.
We need to protect and enhance these enduring qualities internationally while continuing to
develop close relationships with new trading partners and new alliances with regional
groupings.
Labour will modernise our strategic alliances in keeping with the evolving multipolar
world, strengthening our traditional ones and developing our newer ones.
Labour will engage with other nations on a broad basis, not limiting ourselves to trade
alone.
New Zealand in the Pacific
New Zealand has long-standing ties and a unique set of relationships with our Pacific
neighbours. We have large Pasifika populations in New Zealand and important historical
connections.
Our aim in the Pacific is to work collaboratively to maintain peace and democracy, eliminate
poverty and assist the development of sustainable industries for the benefit of Pasifika
peoples.
Pressing issues include trade relationships, immigration, the environment and climate
change, maternal mortality and child health, HIV/AIDS prevention, disaster prevention,
development of infrastructure, and support for civic education, civil society and proper
governance structures.
Labour will revisit trade relationships and development assistance with a view to
meeting Millennium Development Goals and creating sustainable industries in Pacific
nations.
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With respect to Fiji, our commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law
will remain undiluted. We will explore ways of working with the regime in Fiji to return
the country to democratic rule.
Labour will integrate our policies in the Pacific across immigration, climate change
and environment, and issues of governance. Each of these policy areas needs to
have a discrete capacity to address the Pacific.
Labour‟s approach to Overseas Development Assistance
Labour has long promoted effective overseas development assistance aimed at the
elimination of poverty, the provision of adequate and accessible education and health
services, and the progress of sustainable development in order to achieve those goals
permanently.
The National government‟s approach has been to place primary emphasis on economic
development, taking the focus off poverty elimination except where it can be achieved
through economic development, predominantly in conjunction with the private sector. This
risks undervaluing access to quality education and health services as legitimate, if not
paramount, aid goals. In their enthusiasm to promote economic growth through the aid
programme the National government has failed to ask who benefits from growth: the poor or
the elites.
Labour will take this opportunity to reformulate our approach, ensuring proper accountability
and international best practice in our ODA contribution.
Labour will refocus the mandate of the development programme on the elimination of
poverty, together with sustainable economic development, in order to build just,
prosperous and secure societies.
Economic development is an important means to the ultimate goal of poverty elimination.
Having one clear goal (poverty elimination) allows greater accountability.
It is also important that development assistance is seen as a pillar of our foreign policy,
alongside defence, security, trade and diplomacy.
Restoring NZAID
National shut down NZAID as an organisation and moved the aid programme back into
MFAT, with the explicit aim of aligning the aid programme with foreign policy goals. This has
undermined the credibility and legitimacy of the aid programme.
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The quality of development spending has been compromised by making the aid programme
subservient to diplomatic objectives, with bilateral programmes controlled by heads of
mission.
Labour will re-establish NZAID as New Zealand‟s international development agency,
committed to the elimination of poverty, implementing a high-impact development
programme, transparent and accountable, and contributing to New Zealand‟s broader
foreign policy goals.
NZAID will have its own Vote: ODA (budget allocation). It will be represented at Cabinet by
the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Overseas Development Assistance. The Minister
will receive a direct line of advice from the Executive Director of NZAID who will be
appointed by the State Services Commission.
Labour is concerned that New Zealand has moved away from international best practice in
aid. We need to recommit to impact-driven development with a whole-of-government
approach and a narrow enough geographic scope that we have the resources to actually
make a difference. The Pacific remains our priority.
Labour will recommit the NZ development programme to international best practice,
including the Aid Effectiveness principles of ownership, alignment, harmonisation,
results and mutual accountability.
Recent cuts in funding to the NGO community have effectively ended a 30 year history of the
aid programme and the NGOs working in partnership.
Labour will re-establish a strategic partnership framework for cooperation between
NZAID and New Zealand-based development NGOs with the goal of building the
capacity of the NGOs and working together to get the best development outcomes.
Conflict prevention and resolution
Preventing, resolving and recovering from conflict is one of the big challenges of our time.
New Zealand has developed useful experiences and skills that could be used to shape a
special new role as a promoter and builder of peace in the region. We are a small nonthreatening
honest broker with an independent foreign policy. Our reputation in this area is
second to none. We can develop our expertise and reputation further.
In Bougainville, Timor Leste, Afghanistan, Fiji and the Solomons we have built up experience
of conflict resolution, peace mediation, peace keeping, and rebuilding institutions postconflict.
Labour will build a specialist capability for New Zealand as a peace-builder in the
Asia-Pacific region. This will draw on New Zealanders‟ experience in mediation and
conflict resolution, peace-keeping, and post-conflict state building.
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Labour will explore the development of a rapid reaction disaster response capability
to be deployed at short notice in the Asia-Pacific region.
Millennium Development Goals
It is important that New Zealand keeps faith with our longstanding international commitment
to the target of 0.7% of GDP allocated to overseas development. It is a core part of our
global citizen commitments.
Labour will ensure that New Zealand's development assistance projects are
consistent with our objectives to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
Disarmament
The UN Conference on Disarmament is not making satisfactory progress. The five-yearly
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review earlier this year renewed the Treaty and
made some gains but it is clear that it is not going to generate any significant movement
towards prohibition of nuclear weapons any time soon.
Labour will join the emerging like-minded group of nations promoting negotiations to
prepare for an Ottawa/Oslo-style treaty to prohibit the threat or use of nuclear
weapons.
The initiative would follow the process used to achieve the successful conventions on
landmines and cluster munitions. The case would build on the International Court of Justice
opinion on the illegality of nuclear weapons, and the work being done by Switzerland on
international humanitarian law.
There are many different nuclear disarmament initiatives underway. In their own ways
success in each helps to build confidence in disarmament, and tie governments into
multilateral agreements limiting or controlling the use of nuclear weapons.
New Zealand can and should contribute to specific disarmament issues when our resources
permit.
Labour will revive the UN resolution on „Decreasing the operational readiness of
nuclear weapons systems‟ we so successfully promoted in 2008 but which National
shelved in 2009.
The operational readiness of nuclear weapons systems is one of the key steps that can be
taken as part of an incremental nuclear disarmament process. It reduces the risk of
authorised or unauthorised launch of nuclear weapons. The maintenance of nuclear
weapons on high levels of alert is a relic of the Cold War, is not consistent with the
contemporary security environment and does nothing to enhance our security.
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Labour will investigate the possibility of New Zealand offering to host and co-sponsor
a Southern Hemisphere Nuclear Weapons Free Zone conference emphasizing the
need for nuclear weapon states to sign protocols to the various treaties as a
confidence building measure.
There is now a real possibility that an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) may be concluded by the
end of 2012. Each year one-third of a million people are killed by conventional weapons.
Much of the human suffering is a result of irresponsible and inadequately regulated trade in
conventional arms and weapons.
Labour will be an active supporter and advocate for a global ATT, and will work with
South Pacific nations and civil society to maximise the treaty‟s impact in better
controlling the export and transfer of conventional arms in and around our region, in
particular seeking to prevent such trade into potentially volatile and vulnerable areas
thereof with a view to ensuring that any trade in conventional arms in our region does
not cause or contribute to any form of conflict or political instability.
When last in government, Labour together with a coalition of interested citizens, progressed
the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. In the same vein, Labour is keen to reignite the
international momentum for nuclear disarmament, given the UN Secretary-General‟s 5-point
plan and President Obama‟s leadership in this area.
New Zealand must continue to participate in multilateral fora where these issues are debated
with a view to making the world a more secure place.
Labour will participate with vigour in multilateral fora to advance nuclear nonproliferation
and disarmament.
Labour will consult with the NGO sector to determine priorities and efforts needed to
achieve our aims.
Human Rights/UN
Labour is concerned that the importance of human rights issues has been diminished over
the past three years.
Labour maintains a strong defence of human rights, both at home and abroad. We must
continue to accept and look after refugees and play our part in the rescue of people who are
fleeing oppressive regimes.
Labour also believes that strong multilateral bodies present the best possibility for the
advancement of human rights and the resolution of conflict around the world. Where such
organisations are faulty, they need strengthening and reform in our view, not abandoning.
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To this end, we wish to engage with the United Nations and other multilateral fora to
advance progressive policies with regard to human rights and conflict resolution.
Labour will reinvigorate our commitment to multilateralism. Global challenges require
global solutions. Our commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals,
especially in the Pacific, remains very strong. Poverty, climate change, water
management, HIV/AIDS, access to safe birthing practices and internationally
experienced gender issues all require multilateral agreements and actions.
Labour will participate fully in the reform of multilateral institutions, such as the United
Nations.
Labour will press to remove the veto power for the permanent members of the
Security Council.
Labour will support closer links between the UN and the G20 countries, and
encourage the UN to take a greater role in economic policies.
Labour will develop an international human rights strategy and provide additional
support to our participation in human rights fora, particularly at a regional level.
Labour will announce our intention to run for a position on the UN Human Rights
Council.
MFAT Reform
We will continue to have a distributed footprint for New Zealand‟s representation overseas
with posts throughout the world. Labour is also committed to maximising regional
arrangements such as the South Pacific Forum, ASEAN and the East Asia Forum. We need
to ensure that the structure of MFAT is appropriate to the shifts in regional relationships
which will occur in the foreseeable future.
Labour will reinstate NZAID as a semi-autonomous crown entity with a focus on
poverty elimination.
Labour will ensure that MFAT works closely with other agencies to use international
resources efficiently, including through co-location and improved use of technology.
Labour will continue to support a career foreign service, while encouraging midcareer
recruitment and the ability for staff to take sabbaticals to work in the private
sector and other parts of the public sector.
Labour will support a professional corporate services stream within MFAT, including
in offshore posts.
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FORESTRY
Our vision
Given the right mix of involvement, funding and vision, the government has the ability to
drive the transformation of forestry from an industry predominantly reliant on foreign
investment, overseas ownership and the export of commodities, to a world leading optimal
land use, carbon farming, high-end processing, employment-generating super star.
The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), New Zealand‟s global „clean green‟ brand, the ability
of trees to withstand a range of climatic conditions, growing global markets for sustainably
managed forest products, and the necessity to optimise the country‟s resources, all mean
that the time has come to redefine the role of the government in promoting economic growth
and development in this very important sector of the New Zealand economy.
The timing is right for forestry to come out of the shadow of agriculture and play a very
important part in the sustainable economic development of the nation, as well as contribute
to the „clean green‟ image that is a large part of the country‟s competitive advantage and
which New Zealand uses to promote itself globally.
Increasing the forest estate
Forestry and forest products possess the potential to become one of this country‟s largest
export earners as well as being a possible saviour for many parts of rural New Zealand hit by
the downturn in traditional sheep farming.
Labour will commission a review of the nation‟s land stock with the aim of
understanding the total area of „marginal land‟. We will then evaluate the possibility
of purchasing and/or joint venturing large tracts of marginal land in key strategic
areas with the medium-to-long term intention of (re)planting in order to:
Create employment in key rural areas
Plant to mitigate NZ‟s carbon liabilities
Create a resource base large enough to encourage the investment in worldclass
manufacturing facilities in key regions.
The stock take of New Zealand‟s land resource will consider what is potentially suitable for:
The growing of commercial forestry; including:
- land use change from current marginal production to planting
- planting of land currently not in commercial production
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Replanting for conservation purposes with a carbon farming bias, and
Replanting for a mixture of commercial, cultural and / or conservation purposes.
Once this information has been collated, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(„the Ministry‟) will form „land clusters‟. This will allow the development of separate strategic
plans for each regional cluster.
The aim is to better understand regional impacts (positive and negative) of the development
of a significant forest resource, and the likely economic impact on the region in terms of
employment; significant downstream investment potential; industry and roading
infrastructure requirements; impact on current community; social and economic costs and
benefits; and the ability to quickly scale up to implement plans.
It is acknowledged that forestry is only one of a number of land use options that constitute
the optimal sustainable use of productive land. Most farms, for example, contain tracts of
uneconomic pasture from a stock use perspective but not from a forestry use option.
The Ministry will work closely with all interested organisations to ensure that landowners are
well informed about their sustainable land use options. The Ministry will also help guide land
owners towards schemes and grants that assist with the planting of appropriate land.
Labour will work in partnership with the relevant organisations (such as the Farm
Forestry Association, Federated Farmers, Institute of Forestry, Forest Owners
Association, Iwi Associations etc) to ensure that opportunities for optimal sustainable
land use options are maximised.
Biosecurity risks
The New Zealand forest industry is taking an enormous biosecurity (and therefore
commercial) risk by concentrating the majority of its research and development on a single
species. For example, from 2000 to 2009, Canada, the world‟s third-most-forested country,
lost over 16,000,000 hectares of pine forest due to a plague of bark-beetles in its temperate
and boreal zones, a record number of which have been surviving the recent mild winters.
However, in the past extensive research was undertaken into various alternative species
suitable for planation forestry. For example, the old Forest Service undertook various
studies into alternatives to radiata pine. This body of work needs to be reviewed, and if
necessary updated with a view to mitigating some of the risks associated with 21 st century
mono-culture forestry.
Other important sources of information and knowledge include, for example, organisations
like the Farm Forestry Association, whose members have carried out extensive trials and
research into alternative species over the years.
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Labour recognises that New Zealand does have an extensive history and vast competencies
in managing and growing radiata pine, and this species will form the backbone of the New
Zealand forest industry for many years to come. Therefore, further research needs to be
encouraged and supported into improving the physical properties of the wood as well as
refining the resistance of radiata pine to the new range of pests and pathogens.
Labour will review all past research into the feasibility of alternative tree species. We
will also instigate further research into different variations of radiata pine that are
resistant to many of today‟s pathogens and pests.
Carbon credits
Roughly half the dry weight of a tree is made up of stored carbon, most of which is released
when the tree rots or is burned.
Until the 1960s, changes in land use accounted for most historic man-made greenhouse gas
emissions. And its contribution to emissions is still large, at around 15% of the total (more
than the share of all the world‟s ships, cars, trains and planes). However, forests and the soil
beneath them absorb about a quarter of all carbon emissions.
This is all positive for New Zealand because we grow trees better than most. Trees
generate carbon credits, which allow the country to meet its Kyoto obligations. If we grow
enough trees, then we generate surplus carbon credits, which have the potential to be a
large export earner for the country over the coming years.
The reality is that there is significant work already being undertaken in this area and a lot
more work would need to go into the development of sophisticated models for determining
the sequestration of a range of species on a number of sites. However, the point is that
there is huge potential for the development of an export market in carbon credits if we get it
right.
Labour will develop New Zealand‟s forestry estate to the level where the international
trading of carbon credits becomes a significant export earner.
Off-set planting
Labour recognises that forestry needs to be considered as part of a whole suite of land-use
options. There are areas of productive land that are better suited to other forms of land use
due to the ability to gain greater economic returns in a sustainable manner.
Labour recognises that under the current Kyoto protocol, pre-1990 forests must be replanted
in the exact location from which they were harvested. This is part of the Kyoto obligations
that Labour accepts and recognises.
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Labour will, post Kyoto (2012), instigate a policy of off-set planting in recognition
that, due to technology, market demand or other variables, optimal use of land may
change over the course of a forestry rotation (23-35 years).
While we will still require that harvested pre-1990 forests are replanted, the location to be
replanted may be off-set by replanting land deemed more suitable to forestry. The result is
that more marginal land may be planted in forestry as productive land, once under forest
cover, is converted to a more productive land use.
Biofuels
In September, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright,
released a report entitled Some biofuels are better than others. This report addressed the
pros and cons of various biofuels, and the biofuels policy, at a time when climate change is
focusing attention on renewable energy.
Dr Wright concluded that if biofuels are to play a significant role in our energy future then
drop-in biodiesel made from wood looks to be the most practical form. That is because wood
is plentiful and can be made into fuel that can be dropped straight into fuel tanks without
blending.
Labour will commit to working in partnership with key stakeholders to further
investigate the potential for a domestic biofuel industry based on forest products.
The potential is huge and the technology exists, however, the commercialisation implications
re species, processes etc do need to be fully understood.
Employment in forestry
Forestry has the potential to play a significant role in New Zealand‟s economic development.
The Ministry, therefore, has an important role to play in working closely with all industry
training organisations to ensure that educational programmes reflect the diverse roles that
will be needed to ensure the industry reaches its potential.
The Ministry also has a responsibility to ensure that the educational establishments
understand the government‟s vision for forestry, and therefore develop educational
programmes that are relevant.
Labour will work closely with all forestry educational institutions in order to maximise
employment opportunities.
With the settlement of Waitangi claims returning land to Māori, there is huge potential to
work in partnership with Māori to optimise the potential arising from forestry investment.
This includes joint venture / partnership investment in employment (both in the forest and,
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eventually, manufacturing, management and marketing etc roles), infrastructure, carbon
trading opportunities and forests.
The Crown and Māori already work very closely together in forestry management and
Ministry initiatives will further cement the relationship between the two largest land owners in
the country.
Labour will work in partnership with Māori landowners in order to create sustainable
and appropriate forestry ventures.
Forestry incentive schemes
The Primary Growth Partnership and the Emissions Trading Scheme aside, there are three
major schemes that provide incentives to plant forests. These are the Permanent Forest
Sinks Initiative (PFSI), the Afforestation Grant Scheme and the East Coast Forestry Project.
Labour will undertake a comprehensive review of these schemes through wide
ranging consultation with industry, territorial and local authorities as well as interested
stakeholders, evaluating the schemes‟ success against both their own key objectives
and the government‟s wider goals.
Funding to the three schemes will be assessed based on a series of key performance
indicators and, if necessary, support will either be withdrawn and reprioritised, remain the
same, or increased.
Marketing the New Zealand forestry industry
Generally, the forest industry has been particularly poor at marketing itself and its products
to the wider community. It has failed to successfully communicate the value it adds to the
country and the huge benefit it brings to our communities. Worse still are the marketing and
PR activities and strategies undertaken by the manufacturing, engineering, innovation and
science and technology side of the industry.
Labour will develop marketing strategies, and create and optimise promotional
opportunities, to educate and inform domestic and international stakeholders about
the significant value and benefits of forestry and its associated industries and
products.
We will ensure that the Ministry has a focus on the following activities:
● Development of strategies that promote the benefits of forestry and wood and wood
products to potential industries both domestically and internationally (building,
architectural, manufacturing etc) as well as a very strong focus on the
commercialisation of any IP that is developed in-house. The Ministry will work very
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closely with the industry and key stakeholders to ensure that the opportunities for the
use of wood are not only optimised, but created.
● Community engagement, including a much more proactive schools and educational
strategy.
● Stakeholder engagement, ensuring that all potential participants are kept very well
informed and up to date with everything that is going on in all sectors of the forest and
forest products industry.
One of New Zealand‟s competitive advantages is as a grower of sustainably managed
forests. This is one aspect of the branding that will be used to differentiate New Zealand‟s
forest products in overseas markets.
There are a number of international organisations providing certification to sustainably
managed forests and forest products, and it is important to ensure that all Crown and Crownpartnered
forests are certified under the appropriate programme.
Labour will work closely with international standards to ensure that all New Zealand
logs, lumber and wood products are certified as coming from sustainably managed
forests.
New Zealand must continue to lead the debate and champion the cause of forestry in carbon
sequestration. We were instrumental in getting post 1990 plantation forests included into a
country‟s carbon calculation. Further research must continue on the level of carbon storage
by timber products used in the construction process, and then this data can be used to
further market the benefits of using wood products in the building industry.
Labour will proactively lead New Zealand‟s forestry advocacy team at any future
carbon negotiation summits / conferences.
We must also be willing to take the lead in promoting the use of sustainable wood products
here at home.
Labour will promote the use of timber in the construction of government buildings. All
government building projects four stories or under will be required to consider the use
of timber as the primary building material. All significant building tenders for
government buildings will be required to include a section that quantifies the carbon
used all along the supply chain during the proposed construction process (and
associated costs and benefits).
The reasons for this are threefold:
● International studies have proven that timber products continue to retain carbon
throughout their life, and only release their full carbon content upon burning. New
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Zealand should be aggressive in promoting and delivering on its „clean green‟ image
whenever the opportunity arises.
● Certain timber products have the structural and engineering integrity of steel. There is
no reason why timber cannot be used as a clean, green innovative replacement for
traditional construction materials as and when appropriate.
● The government must seek to influence consumer behaviour in this area by „walkingthe-talk‟
in its use of innovative building materials and design techniques. The
government must also take the initiative in promoting New Zealand processing and
design innovation.
New Zealand timber (and more specifically radiata pine) has been used in some amazing
architecturally designed buildings around the world. The rebuilding of Christchurch and
surrounding districts after the Canterbury earthquake is an example of where timber‟s unique
structural, architectural and design qualities can be showcased for current and future
generations.
There is no doubt that there must be a very clear market focus in all activities undertaken in
relation to research, forest management, investment and education. No longer is the
attitude „build it and they will come‟ good enough in this industry.
There are many different ways to analyse domestic and international market demand, trends
and future, and unless the industry embraces a market-driven approach it will continue to
under-perform to the detriment of the nation‟s economy.
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HEALTH POLICY
Our vision – Healthy Kiwis
Labour is committed to enhancing the well-being of all New Zealanders, so they can live
longer, healthier lives. To do this we need to shift thinking away from seeing health policy in
isolation, and from seeing healthcare as something that begins in a hospital or doctor‟s
surgery, and ensure that all our policies enhance the well-being and health status of New
Zealanders.
Good health is something that begins in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
If a house is overcrowded, cold and damp, then it is hard to stay healthy. If parents lose
their jobs they find it hard to put healthy food on the table or afford a visit to the doctor. If
people do not have adequate income, then they find it hard to afford the basic necessities of
life.
These are examples of what are sometimes called the social determinants of health. We
must address the inequities that are contributing to poor health outcomes. This will require
particular attention to policies in terms of education, income equality, housing, taxation and
social development and how they impact on health.
A focus on addressing the social determinants of health and access to healthcare will not
only improve health outcomes, but will also prove cost-effective and good for economic
growth over time as the need for expensive interventions and treatments reduces. There is
not a bottomless pit for expenditure, but investments now in proven early interventions
should reduce the need for expenditure not only in the health system but in other areas of
government including social development and corrections.
Labour‟s Principles
Prevention and Early Intervention: Labour believes in a health system that is as
effective at preventing ill health as it is at treating those in need of care. Prevention
and early intervention lies in the hands of families and communities who must no
longer be seen as the passive recipients of care.
Health in all Policies: We need to ensure that the health impacts of all policies are
considered, and policies that are developed support addressing the social
determinants of poor health and health inequities. This also means addressing a
range of environmental factors that determine health status, for instance, sending
people back into the environments that made them sick in the first place means they
will often get sick again and again.
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Collaboration across government, non-government agencies and the health sector is
needed to deliver this system. No Government department/Ministry acting alone is as
effective as they could be with real collaboration with each other and other key
stakeholders.
Evidence base: We need a Health system that is based on evidence about what
works – not fixated on manufactured targets or political slogans.
Universal access: Labour has a passionate belief in universal access to quality health
care, while meeting the specific needs of vulnerable populations.
Long term approach: We know that inequity will not be erased overnight, but by
making investments now that target well-being and keeping people healthy we will give
all New Zealanders the opportunity for the same life-chances.
Our core commitments
A commitment to funding the sector so it can manage changing demographics and
health status of New Zealanders.
Ensuring that innovations and efficiencies within the health system are encouraged by
launching the Health Innovation Project to drive nationwide application of models of
good practice in the delivery of health services.
A re-invigorated Primary Health Care strategy that emphasises accessibility,
affordability and coordinated services.
Agenda for Children - It‟s About Our Kids, including extending free access for under
sixes to after-hours medical services, meaning 24 hour, 7 day a week free access for
under 6 year olds.
Develop nationwide tools for elective surgery prioritisation based around timeliness,
equity and quality.
A 10 year plan to increase access to primary oral health care services, beginning with
young people and pregnant mothers.
The development, retention and recruitment of a high quality health workforce that
sees the right skills used in the right place at the right time, with gives enhanced roles
for nurses and community health workers.
Adequate and sustainable funding for aged care that allows “ageing in place” but also
provides safe, properly staffed residential care.
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A co-ordinated approach to address the obesity epidemic that is costing New Zealand
millions of dollars a year.
Ensuring mental health is restored as a priority for District Health Boards with
appropriate targets to restore and improve mental health services.
Healthy Kiwis, living healthy lives
There is an increasing understanding that more equal societies do better economically and
socially, through research such as Wilkinson and Pickett‟s The Spirit Level. Allowing
inequities to develop in our society drives social exclusion, fuels poverty and crime and leads
to poor health outcomes and life expectancy for vulnerable populations. Conversely,
addressing these issues will improve economic productivity, lower costs associated with
prisons, benefits and improve mental health and well-being.
International research shows that a society‟s health status is closely linked to factors that are
not traditionally seen as being part of health policy, eg income inequality, employment,
housing and transport. Males in the least deprived areas in New Zealand can expect to live
8.8 years longer than males in the most deprived areas (82.1 versus 73.3 years). For
females, the difference is smaller, but still substantial, at 5.9 years (84.6 versus 78.7
years). 31
In New Zealand we also have to acknowledge the importance of ethnicity in health
outcomes. The New Zealand Medical Association have noted that Māori have poorer health
outcomes and therefore have greater health needs than non-Māori as measured in heart
diseases, cancer and mortality. This persists even when other factors such as socioeconomic
status and smoking have been accounted for. Pacific groups and other immigrant
populations as also found to have a low health status. 32
It is through addressing these issues that we will see a more healthy population in New
Zealand. In addition addressing these issues will also start to arrest the ever-increasing cost
of healthcare.
Labour will adopt a whole-of-government approach to reduce and eliminate inequities
in health, including through coordinated policy approaches covering issues such as
fairer taxation, education, housing, employment, poverty eradication and income
inequality.
Labour has already made commitments which include:
Creating a $5,000 tax free zone.
Taking GST off all fresh fruit and vegetables.
31 Social Report 2010, Ministry of Social Development.
32 Health Equity Position Statement, New Zealand Medical Association, April 2011
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Increasing the minimum wage from $13 to $15 an hour, raising earnings for
the quarter of a million workers who currently earn less than $15.
Committed to increasing and upgrading Housing New Zealand's state
housing stock. Labour also remains committed to the policy of income related
rents for state house tenants.
Labour will set a range of nationwide health targets for priority areas such as
immunisation, oral health, elective services, cancer waiting list times, avoidable
hospital admissions, diabetes and mental health, healthier lifestyles, smoking
cessation and efficiency in services.
Labour will ensure that Health Impact Assessments are undertaken of core policy
initiatives across government, with a particular focus on equity issues.
Labour will adopt a life-course approach to ensure that the causes of poor health
outcomes are addressed, with a particular focus on ensuring children receive the
best start in life.
Labour will address the inequities in health status experienced by Māori, Pasifika
peoples, refugees, migrants and other vulnerable groups.
Population health
The core of a health system that is dedicated to creating healthy populations is good public
health services. Public health focuses on preventing illness and supporting wellness by
providing people with information and support to make healthy decisions about their own
lives.
Under the current government public health funding has been reduced, and there is a plan to
merge together public health services into a stand-alone agency, effectively removing public
health from the Ministry of Health. District Health Boards often do not regard public health as
core business and the last 2 years has seen a significant reduction in staff levels of all public
health units.
Labour will promote and adequately fund population health at a nationwide and
community level to target core issues including:
Obesity
On-time immunisations
Health conditions related to smoking
The impact of over-crowded and poor quality housing on health
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Problem gambling and drug and alcohol addiction
Chronic and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, respiratory and
heart disease
Rheumatic Fever eradication
Serious skin infections
Labour will pass the Public Health Bill into law.
Labour will work with District Health Boards and other stakeholders to ensure there is
integrated planning and service delivery for preventive healthcare. Such an approach
will have the structure to best deliver public health programmes rather than a
structure driven by a desire to reduce the number of government agencies.
Labour will support long-term research to deal with the underlying causes of illness
and strategies for the promotion of good health and well-being.
Labour will re-instate National Administrative Guidelines for schools on the sale of
healthy food.
Labour will re-establish a new Healthy Eating, Healthy Action programme.
Labour will support increased participation in sport and recreation activities, including
through an investigation into school sport participation, including the feasibility of
reintroducing mid-week early finishing nationwide to facilitate mid-week sport.
Sector organisation: Integration and innovation
Information Technology
A major challenge in the health system is to make that there is consistent, accurate data and
information that is easily and readily available to all parts of the health system.
Labour will invest in information technology so that the flow of health information
between primary, secondary and tertiary health sectors is achieved in a timely and
seamless manner that also safeguards patient privacy.
Labour will support collaboration across the health sector to take maximum
advantage of new technology and the potential of high speed broadband to deliver
more effective health services for all New Zealanders.
Health Innovation Project
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In a number of District Health Boards there have been significant productivity and service
delivery improvements over recent years. In many cases these have delivered better and
more timely services, resulting in improved health outcomes for patients, more efficient use
of resources and cost savings. Often these innovative practices are based on process and
system improvements rather than around clinical practice, although both will be the focus of
the project.
The Canterbury Initiative
The Canterbury Initiative encourages health professionals to understand that they function
as one health system, have limited resources to deliver the best possible care, and work
together to make things better. The process aims to agree on consistent evidence based
ways of treating the majority of patients. This reduces waste and duplication and frees up
resources to focus on the most difficult cases.
Urology was one of the first areas to use this approach. They established their own
governance committee to oversee their budget. They have hired a specialist manager to
oversee opportunities for innovation and improvement. They hired a specialist nurse to lead
the pre-admission process. This has reduced no-shows, and increased readiness for
surgery. The nurse position saved 15 hours per week of doctor time and increased
consistency of pre-admission checks. Simple changes such as introducing digital dictation
also saves time and resources. 33
Labour will launch the Health Innovation Project to be led by the National Health
Board to drive nationwide application of models of good practice in the delivery of
health services.
The project will identify innovative practice in the delivery of healthcare, particularly at the
secondary and tertiary level and support the further development and application of these
practices across District Health Boards. The NHB will work with DHBs to implement the
models of practice as appropriate to the needs of those DHBs.
The project will require some additional investment up front to support the NHB to undertake
the project. Those DHBs who have innovative practice that is considered to have the
potential to be applicable to nationwide application will be given incentives to work with the
NHB to further develop and refine the ideas.
In the medium to long term the project is expected to generate significant savings within the
Health Budget.
District Health Boards
33 Adapted from A Prescription for Change, Gareth Morgan and Geoff Simmons
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District Health Boards should provide an important channel for community input into decision
making. At the moment there is a limited transparency in the way that many District Health
Boards operate.
Labour will require District Health Boards to adopt more democratic and transparent
processes, including greater inclusion of the public and community in the decision
making process and a requirement that the budget development process be
undertaken in public session.
Primary health care
“US evidence points to a 4:1 return (in terms of quality adjusted life years gained)from investment in
prevention and primary healthcare, as compared to hospital treatment”- A Prescription for Change. 34
Primary healthcare encompasses the services that Kiwis receive from frontline health
workers in their community. Early and effective access, wellness support, diagnosis and
intervention lead to healthier people and families. In turn this results in less pressure on our
hospitals. It is bad for individuals‟ health and for the society and economy as a whole to wait
and get seriously ill before treatment.
Labour is proud of the Primary Healthcare strategy that we put in place in the first decade of
this century. It made significant progress in ensuring that receiving primary healthcare is
more affordable and accessible. Changes by the current government have seen a reduction
in the number of Primary Healthcare Organisations, and a growing role for the private sector
in the delivery of primary healthcare.
The cost of accessing primary healthcare remains a problem for many New Zealanders.
Increasing the cost of seeking care makes health care more expensive for everyone. Sick
people deterred from seeking treatment become sicker and require even more costly
interventions later. Consistent under-funding of the healthcare system by the current
government over the last two years is seeing fees go up, which is reducing accessibility
especially for the most vulnerable populations.
Labour will re-invigorate the primary healthcare strategy to ensure all New
Zealanders have access to affordable primary healthcare, including after-hours care.
Labour will review the funding formula for primary healthcare to ensure affordable
access for all New Zealanders and that the needs of vulnerable populations are
being met, including a review of rural health funding to ensure access to affordable
and quality services.
Labour will encourage the development of further genuine collaboration in the
delivery of primary healthcare, refining the PHO model and drawing together GP
services and other allied health professionals.
34 A Prescription for Change, Gareth Morgan and Geoff Simmons
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Labour will facilitate clear communication between primary and secondary care
providers to prevent unnecessary admissions and hospitalisations.
Labour will develop multi-disciplinary primary health teams that work in the
community (including in schools) with families, including through home based visits to
ensure access to primary healthcare services for individuals and families who are not
currently accessing services.
Labour will support the training and greater use of nurse practitioners, community
outreach nurses and dental hygienists to deliver primary care services.
Labour will further investigate the DHB salaried General Practitioner option as a way
of ensuring accessible and better integrated primary care, where GP services are not
being provided or are not sufficient to meet the needs of the community.
Labour will fully implement the New Zealand Ambulance strategy to ensure
ambulance services continue to be a strong first line of intervention within the health
system.
Agenda for children - It‟s about our kids
“Children matter. Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. Good health and
developmental outcomes for children depend on how well families‟ basic needs are met, the strength
of families‟ social and cultural connections, families‟ access to quality services and facilities, and
families‟ economic security. Young children‟s family environments are so influential that they predict
children‟s cognitive, social and emotional abilities and their subsequent success at school.” – The
Public Health Advisory Committee. 35
The health of our children reflects the complex nature of our society and the interactions they
have within it. The outcomes for today‟s children will determine the future success or failure
of our nation. The period of childhood shapes an individual more than any other time in life.
We must ensure we do everything we can that children enter adulthood as healthy and
happy as they can be.
The true measure of a nation‟s standing is how well it attends to its children – their health
and safety, their material security, their education and socialization, and their sense of being
loved, valued and included in the families and societies into which they are born. 36
35 The Best Start in Life; Achieving Effective Action on Child Health and Wellbeing, Public Health Advisory
Committee, June 2010
36 UNICEF, Child poverty in perspective: An overview of child well-being in rich countries. Innocenti Report Card
7. 2007, Florence
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In order to give every child the best start in life it is essential that government focuses on
reducing inequities in the early development of physical and emotional health, and cognitive,
linguistic and social skills.
We need to ensure that there are high quality maternity services, parenting programmes,
childcare and early years education to meet need across all communities.
We need to build the resilience of young children and enable them to control their own lives
and health status. We need to ensure that schools, families and communities work together
to reduce inequities and promote well-being for all children.
We need to strengthen the leadership in the health sector to promote the needs of healthy
children, and ensure there is a whole of government approach for children. This must be
backed by the capture and dissemination of high quality data about the health status and
outcomes of children.
We have seen a number of reports in recent times that the cost of accessing primary
healthcare is meaning that some children are not getting the treatment that they need. This
is particularly so in terms of access to affordable after-hours care.
Labour will make child health a priority, and increase the proportion of health sector
spending on services for children aged up to six years.
Labour will extend free access for under sixes to after-hours medical services,
meaning 24 hour, 7 day a week free access for under six year olds.
Extended access will be in place across New Zealand and will be delivered through
mechanisms based on the best evidence from around the country.
The estimated costs for this initiative (in $M) are:
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Labour will also do everything we can to ensure children are free of or are receiving
quality care for debilitating health conditions when they enter school at 5 years old,
by providing adequate funding of outreach services to reach vulnerable children,
supporting and enhancing B4 School Checks and providing a “mop-up” service at
school to capture those children who start school who have not accessed a B4
School Check.
Labour will require District Health Boards to adopt child health implementation plans
with nationally agreed measurable outcomes and targets that are monitored by the
Ministry of Health.
Labour will develop systems during pregnancy to identify children who are
vulnerable, and then ensure that the relevant levels of support are in place to support
and optimise parenting.
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Labour will create a seamless transition from maternity services to health care
services for infants and young children.
Labour will strengthen the Health in Schools Programme, including social workers,
starting with low decile schools, with the aim of expanding the programme to higher
decile schools as resources allow.
Maternity policy
Labour believes that there is a compelling case to ensure that New Zealand is the best place
in the world to raise our children. It is important that all women and babies have equal
opportunity to have optimal maternity outcomes. 63,000 live births were registered in the
year ending December, 2010.
A high quality Maternity Service is necessary to ensure a positive influence on the health
status and social wellbeing of the mother, baby and the community. New Zealand is 6 th of
the top ten countries in the world to be a mother a Save the Children study found in May,
2010 (12 th Annual State of the World‟s Mothers report).
It is understood that implementation of the Maternity Action Plan over the last two years has
focussed on workforce development, quality assurance and maternity new-born information
system development. We support those initiatives as they were identified as being a high
priority in 2008.
Labour will review the implementation of the 8 principles and 11 goals of the
Maternity Action Plan developed by Labour in 2008.
Labour will continue further alignment of Maternity Service provision with primary
health services and Primary Health Organisations.
Labour will give consideration to service access issues for rural women, young
parents and women with mental health disorders.
Primary Family Centres
Increasingly, women are transferred home on average within two days of delivery or take
early discharge from birthing facilities with Lead Maternity Carer support. The percentage of
women having home births has not increased. Services need to be accessible, coordinated
and integrated into the family care services support environment. In some areas Family
Health Units should be available when women need respite care or Lactation Consultant
intervention to maintain breastfeeding.
Labour will ensure community based facilities are developed by the District Health
Boards in conjunction with Midwives, GPs, Plunket, La Leche League and Social
Workers.
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Breastfeeding Support
Labour introduced the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and Baby Friendly Community
Initiative (BFHI and BFCI) in the last term in government. Currently 92% of birthing facilities
have achieved accreditation and this initiative needs even more support to help mothers on
discharge home and in the community.
The National Breastfeeding Committee was dis-established by the current government in
2009. NZ is not currently compliant with the Innocenti Declaration promoted by the World
Health Organisation or UNCROC commitments.
Labour will re-establish the National Breastfeeding Advisory Committee. This
committee will provide leadership on implementation of the Breastfeeding Strategic
Plan launched by Labour in 2008. This committee would review the most appropriate
funding mechanism to enable Lactation Consultants to provide both facility and
community based lactation support and education services in the community.
Universal registration with Well Child providers
Well Child services are free to all New Zealand kids from birth to five years. They include
health education and promotion, health protection and clinical assessment, and
family/whānau care and support. Quite simply, if children aren‟t enrolled at all, they‟ll miss all
their Well Child visits, and their parents will miss out on vital support.
Labour will ensure all parents register their baby before birth with a Well Child
provider of their choice, such as Plunket, Tipu Ora, the Pacific Health Service or the
Tongan Health Society.
This measure will require additional resourcing to Well Child providers; this will be funded
within baselines through a rationalisation of existing early intervention initiatives.
At present, New Zealand does not have a comprehensive way of registering babies at birth
and sharing that information with services to monitor a child‟s health.
Labour will accelerate full implementation of the Child Health Information Strategy to
drive progress towards a Universal Child Health Record.
Well Child Handover
As noted above, under Labour‟s policy all children will be enrolled with a Well Child provider
before birth. The Midwife or Lead Maternity Carer is contracted to provide visits in the first
six weeks postpartum. Flexibility around transfer will ensure that no gaps in service provision
occur, therefore minimising the risk of family violence, child abuse and neglect.
Labour will enable flexibility around the commencement of a needs based Well Child
programme in the first six weeks of life. This must only occur at the agreement of the
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mother and the Lead Maternity Carer who should remain central to the Post Natal
module of care.
The better the information and the sharing of it with those working with a family the better the
care we can provide for our children.
Labour will ensure earlier and more formalised handover between Lead Maternity
Carers and Well Child Providers.
This will assist with the identification of families and children needing special support, and
will help Well Child Providers to begin support (e.g. home visiting) and, where needed, to
intervene earlier.
Labour will also make sure children‟s health information is available to the health and
child protection professionals who need it.
Core health and wellbeing information will be linked through health information systems to
ensure it follows the child, and that all services are responding to that child‟s situation.
Labour will work to close the cracks between agencies protecting children.
Youth Pregnancy and Parenting
New Zealand has the second highest teenage pregnancy rate in the developed world.
Although these parents and their babies have increased health and social risks, many do
well and they are a vital part of the future of our country.
Labour developed a „Youth Pregnancy and Parenting Programme of Action‟, which was
approved by Cabinet in 2008. This plan has not been implemented by this government.
A multi-agency wrap around approach is aimed to grow awareness of body safety and
awareness and encourage young women to improve their knowledge of the impact on their
lives of an unintended pregnancy.
The plan also helps young parents to make informed decisions on how to parent and
manage a more complex lifestyle while continuing to access ongoing learning.
Labour will implement the Youth Pregnancy and Parenting Programme of Action.
This will be a cross-agency/sector initiative lead by the Ministry of Health and involve
the Ministry of Education, Social Development and Youth Affairs.
Hospital services
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All New Zealanders have the right to accessible, quality public health services. While there
is an increasing focus on primary care and preventive health approaches, hospitals must be
supported to provide secondary and tertiary services and to work in an integrated manner
with other health sectors. This will enable the health sector to work efficiently and effectively
by maximising the utilisation of health resources. New Zealanders should have safe,
sustainable, quality driven clinical services provided as close to home as practicable.
Central to this is the collaboration of DHBs at both regional and national levels. Clinical and
administrative collaboration will remove the variability that can occur as a result of where
someone lives rather than specific needs. This will not impact on a DHBs‟ ability to ensure
services meet the specific health needs of their communities.
Acute Service
Ensuring access to the appropriate level of acute care remains a challenge for the health
sector. DHBs struggle to ensure that hospital emergency department services are available
in a timely manner for those who require hospital level care. Accessing primary care
services from emergency departments is not an effective use of health resource. New
Zealanders need to receive clear messaging about where to go to access the health
services they require, and what these services will cost.
Elective services
Research undertaken by the Auditor-General shows that access to surgery is often a product
of where you live rather than your needs. So-called “post code” access to elective services
is not acceptable for New Zealanders. National guidelines regarding prioritisation, waiting
times and condition treatment pathways will result in consistency and clarity in the delivery of
elective services.
Labour will support the development of strong regional and/or national networks to
make the most efficient use of health resources.
Labour will support the development of national services, where appropriate, to
deliver specialised care and encourage innovative practice.
Labour will review the capital charging regime as it applies to public hospitals.
Labour will ensure a coordinated hospital and specialist care system with consistent
access criteria, quality and timeliness across New Zealand.
Labour will develop nationwide tools for elective surgery prioritisation based around
timeliness, equity and quality.
Labour will develop a model of care for acute services that encompasses the needs
of patients, primary care and hospital emergency departments.
Labour will develop sustainable and high quality palliative care services.
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Labour will build and upgrade facilities across New Zealand to support the network of
care across New Zealand.
Labour will strengthen the provision of ambulance services by instituting a staged
plan to deal with funding, workforce, crewing and training issues.
Oral health
The 2009 New Zealand Oral Health Survey shows that 44% of New Zealanders are not
receiving any form of dental care. Under the last Labour government significant progress
was made in improving the oral health for children, particularly for those up to Year 8 through
the School Dental Service. There are still major issues in accessible treatment, particularly
for teenagers and those aged over 18. A recent Christchurch study found 1/3 rd of the high
school students needed urgent dental treatment. 37
The case for increased attention to oral health is strengthened by the increase in diabetes
and obesity, both of which are linked to an increase in dental health problems. Also the
“baby boomer” generation are the first generation entering their older years with their own
teeth, which will require interventions for a longer period.
As with other areas of health policy, prevention needs to be a major focus in oral health
policy.
Labour will develop, in consultation with the sector, a 10 year plan to improve the oral
health of New Zealanders.
The key elements of the plan will be:
Continuation of free dental health care from birth to the age of 18 years, with
an increased focus on ensuring that teenagers are enrolled with a dentist and
are supported to attend check-ups and receive treatment.
Review the framework that funds oral health services for teenagers to ensure
that young people are enrolled, that services are delivered in an accessible
manner and that dentists are appropriately incentivised to undertake the work.
Extend incrementally, as resources allow, the provision of affordable dental
care beginning with pregnant women receiving a package of free dental
services.
Undertake a social marketing campaign around the importance of dental
hygiene, including to new parents to encourage them to enrol children with
school dental service (available from age 2 ½).
37 LANE project, Linwood High School, April 2011
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Ensure DHBs set targets for access to oral health services and oral health
outcomes in their communities.
Extend the Voluntary Bonding Scheme to dentists and dental hygienists who
agree to work in rural areas and provincial centres which have a shortage of
dentists and dental hygienists.
Hold an independent inquiry into the fluoridation of drinking water, with a view
to developing a national policy on fluoridation as a national dental health
measure.
Setting a target for District Health Boards on oral health care access and
outcomes.
Workforce
A strong and well -resourced health workforce is necessary for a strong public health
system. New Zealanders are rightly concerned that we train and recruit sufficient qualified
staff to ensure that we maintain a high standard of care in our health system. There have
been a large number of stories emerging that indicate many of our health professionals are
being attracted overseas after being trained in New Zealand.
As a country New Zealand also has specific challenges to meet the health needs of isolated
populations, specific populations groups and other vulnerable groups. A focus on developing
the workforce to meet these needs for the long term is essential.
The nature of the medical workforce is changing in the same way that patterns of working life
are changing in other areas. Professional people are more mobile, and less likely to stay in
one place or indeed one line of work for their lifetime. The approach to managing the health
workforce needs to take this into account.
As we move to a more integrated approach to the delivery of healthcare the roles and
responsibilities of those within the health workforce will change. As we drive for healthcare
to be delivered as close to communities as possible, and to deliver a range of services to
meet changing health needs, a more flexible and generalist capability is required to support
the specialist workforce that will continue to operate.
Labour will continue to develop the role of Health Workforce New Zealand to provide
a coordinated approach to ensuring New Zealand has a sustainable, flexible and
appropriate health workforce.
Labour will ensure that the focus of Health Workforce New Zealand encompasses a
wider health focus beyond the medical workforce to a whole-of-health-system
approach that includes nursing and allied healthcare professionals.
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Labour will support enhanced clinical leadership programme to give clinicians voice
in overall health system development.
Labour will develop career planning and monitoring schemes for health workforce
streams, including supporting bonding and advanced fellowship schemes.
Labour will further develop the capability of the nursing workforce to provide
leadership and innovation in the health sector, by removing barriers to enhanced
roles for nurses, including through the nurse practitioner role, enrolled nurses,
prescribing by nurses and other nurse led services.
Labour will support further increase in the number of medical student places as
resources allow.
Labour will review the outcomes of the GP Training Review, with a view to
implementing recommendations to provide for a future employment model that is
more flexible and is tailored to meet the specific needs of providing primary
healthcare in 21st century New Zealand context.
Labour will implement the recommendations of the Locum Review Project with a view
to finding cost savings and efficiencies in the provision of locums.
Labour will review the levels of service support for Lead Maternity Carers to ease the
pressure of current small business reporting and charging and quality requirements.
Labour will develop training programmes for community care and support workers,
including in the aged care sector.
Palliative care
End of life care is a sensitive subject for many people and health professionals. Ensuring
that there is good information and choices available to people is a vital part of a humane
health system.
Palliative care services have been given more focus in the health system in the last decade,
but there is more to be done to ensure that a holistic approach is taken to the final years,
months and days of life. This includes respecting patient autonomy, including family and
whānau and open and sensitive communication.
In particular in New Zealand there needs to be advanced care planning that recognises
diversity in beliefs and practices.
Labour will revise and update the Palliative Care Strategy to ensure that palliative
care is a core component of healthcare provision. This will include a review of
funding of hospices.
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Labour will support an integrated approach to palliative and end of life care that
includes palliative care specialists working alongside other health professionals to
ensure the needs of patients and their families are met, and clear choices are
provided that respect the dying person‟s wishes.
Health of the older person
The best model of care for New Zealanders as they get older is to “age in place”. Where
possible people should be supported to live in their own homes and familiar environments as
this is demonstrably better for their health outcomes. However, it is vital that for those who
do go into residential care there is an environment which provides the highest quality
services that keep people healthy and supported.
The funding and delivery of aged care in New Zealand is coming under increasing strain.
Our population is ageing and costs are rising. At the same time the public is increasingly
concerned that the current model of delivery of aged care services is putting money and
profits ahead of patients and their care.
With our older population set to increase dramatically, rates of dementia and chronic
conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic respiratory disease are also set to
rise which will lead to increasing aged care costs and require strategic planning for the
future.
Change should be concerted, with an emphasis on guaranteeing older people‟s rights to
dignity, respect and health. A new, less institutionalised approach to older persons care
would allow for better social outcomes.
The future for aged care in New Zealand needs to be one built on the values of accessibility,
dignity and respect for all older New Zealanders underpinned by transparency and
accountability in the way the services are provided.
Our Inquiry into Aged Care
Labour, with Grey Power, undertook a comprehensive inquiry into aged care and produced a
report entitled What the Future Holds for Older New Zealanders. The overwhelming
impression was of a sector struggling to deliver the standard of care that older New
Zealanders and their families would expect. There were too many stories of neglect, lack of
appropriate care and lack of respect for our older New Zealanders.
The inquiry outlined many challenges we face. According to Grant Thornton‟s Aged
Residential Care Service Review (The Thornton Review), New Zealand has a higher
proportion of people in residential care than most other countries. More than 42,000 people
receive care in around 700 aged residential care facilities every year in New Zealand.
Unfortunately many older people who want to stay in their homes are being forced out by a
lack of home-based care options as a result of funding cuts.
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Challenges are also being faced in the quality of residential care. Workers are often very
dedicated to providing excellent care to older people. However, they are severely restricted
by staff shortages, low wages, lack of training, and the strict time management requirements
of many providers driven by cost cutting and profit margins.
As one nurse said to the inquiry “registered nurse workloads are so high, and the number of
care givers so low that they do not allow consistently good care to be given.”
The problems for staff have led to issues with care across facilities being utterly inconsistent,
which has led to high rates of neglect and abuse and made it extremely difficult for the public
to judge the quality of care within any facility.
According to recent statistics from the Ministry of Health, around 75,000 people receive
home support at some time each year. But while institutional care is decreasing in most
OECD countries, it remains the norm in New Zealand, and there is a serious shortage of
supported housing for low income older New Zealanders.
The Thornton Review notes that older people have “a growing preference for alternative care
arrangements such as informal care by family or friends, and for support provided in certain
retirement villages.”
Labour wants to encourage older people to stay in their homes longer by providing quality
home-based care. To do so, home support provision needs to be more integrated across
health and care providers, as well as across the divide between the community, private
sector and public sector. It is a high priority to investigate alternative community based
models – especially for older people on low incomes.
Many people have compared the aged care sector today with the preschool sector 20 years
ago. At that time, a largely unregulated, untrained workforce was the norm. We deemed the
situation unacceptable for our children, and set about ensuring quality care for preschoolers.
Older people need the same protections.
Labour will establish a Technical Working Party to investigate all recommendations of
the report What the Future Holds for Older New Zealanders.
The Technical Working Party will provide advice prior to May 2012 on a time-lined
plan to implement the following priorities that will provide a higher quality service for
older people:
Establish a Government-funded national training pathway for all staff in
residential and home-based care that is linked to the National Qualification
Framework and recognised in pay negotiations.
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Establish regulations for minimum staffing levels for nurses and caregivers in
all residential facilities.
As Budgets allow, implement pay parity between staff working in residential
and home-based care with their equivalents in the public health system.
In July 2011, the Auditor General released a report entitled Home-based support services for
older people, which discusses how effectively the Ministry of Health and District Health
Boards are ensuring that older people get the care and support they need to remain living
independently at home.
The Technical Working Party set up by Labour will investigate the recommendations
from the Home-based support services for older people report, including:
Collecting meaningful and reliable information to ensure ongoing service
quality and value for money of home-based services.
Evaluating by 2013 whether the use of a standard approach to assessment
and reassessment is improving the way needs are assessed and homebased
services are allocated.
Considering the introduction of a mandatory standard for the provision of
home-based support services for older people.
Working collaboratively with others in the aged sector to develop a complaints
system.
Strengthening management contracts to ensure home-based support staff
provide high quality services and are well trained and supervised.
A New Model of Service Delivery
Labour will develop an Integrated Health of the Older Person Service Delivery Model. This
would include input from local authorities, the NGO sector, district health boards, private
providers and unions. This would include consideration of models such as the Eden
Alternative and Abbeyfield.
We will develop a continuum of care model that puts the older person at the centre of an
individualised plan starting from ageing in place at home to hospital, respite and palliative
care. This model would include the assessment of health and support needs and take into
account social isolation, loneliness and elder abuse.
The inclusion of regional and local authorities would ensure that public transport
requirements, housing and access to health services occur.
This new model will include how the contracts will be provided and costed.
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Labour will review the Implementation of the Health of Older Persons Strategy, 2002,
and develop an Aged Care Strategy.
Labour will review the process of engagement ensuring real consultation with older
persons in health planning through a strengthened Community Public Health
Advisory Committee of district health boards.
Elder abuse is a universal problem. It is not limited to any one gender, religious, cultural,
ethnic or income group. Elder abuse may occur in many different settings, including private
homes, residential care and hospitals.
Aged Concern estimates that 20,000 New Zealanders will experience elder abuse and
neglect at some point in their lifetime, therefore it is important to educate those who work
with older people.
Labour is concerned that there are still eight areas in New Zealand where there is no
contract for Elder Abuse services.
Labour will work with the Ministry of Social Development to standardise a nation-wide
contracting model for Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services to ensure
consistency of access of service provision across the country.
Labour will be proactive about policies to ensure that New Zealanders cope well with the
challenges of ageing and caring in the coming decades. We will work in close partnership
with the not for profit sector to support carers across the aged care sector.
The New Zealand Carers Strategy, published in April 2008 is supported by a Five-year
Action Plan to address some of the issues that impact on the thousands of New Zealanders
who assist friends and family members that need help with everyday living because of ill
health, disability or old age.
The Carers Strategy was developed in a partnership between government agencies and the
New Zealand Carers Alliance, a network of over 40 non-governmental organisations.
Labour plans to build on the New Zealand Carers Strategy to ensure the five year
action plan is being implemented and achieved.
Mental health
Providing services for New Zealanders experiencing poor mental health and working to
maintain mental wellbeing throughout the population are both of heightened significance at
this time. During a period of economic instability coupled with a series of disasters, demand
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on mental health services inevitably increases. Globally, the incidence of depression and
anxiety is increasing.
Those who experience poor mental health are more likely to experience inequality of access
to health care and are more likely to experience social exclusion in general. This presents
multiple challenges for the individual, their community and often the state.
Like other parts of the health system, there is limited funding and a limited and ageing
workforce. Therefore it is important that we not only focus on delivering services to those
most in need, but also on preventing future demand through early intervention, support for
those with lower acuity illness to be able to self-manage, and a public health approach to
maintaining mental wellbeing.
Putting children at the centre of all policy will have a substantial impact on maintaining good
mental health. There is strong evidence that reducing income inequalities, supporting the
children of those suffering poor mental health and actively working to enhance the social and
emotional development of infants assists and improves overall mental wellbeing.
In general, the social determinants of health also apply to mental health.
It is possible for many people who experience mental illness to recover or self-manage their
illness successfully enough to comprehensively engage with society. Resources should be
directed to achieving this.
Labour will acknowledge the importance of mental health by restoring it as a health
priority for District Health Boards
Labour will require District Health Boards to set appropriate targets for the restoration
and enhancement of mental health services
Labour will re-instate the ring-fence for mental health funding.
Labour will enhance the provision of acute services to those most in need.
Labour will work to ensure equity of access to health care for those experiencing
mental illness.
Labour will support early intervention programmes for those with mild to moderate
mental health issues as a method of providing low cost access to services and
reducing costs in the provision of secondary services.
Labour will include good mental wellbeing as an objective of putting children at the
centre of policy making.
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Labour will support those experiencing lower acuity mental illness through to
recovery and/or self-management.
Labour will review the contracting arrangements for mental health providers with a
view to creating a more consistent and efficient approach to contracting.
Cancer control
Cancer is the number one killer in New Zealand. 8,000 lives a year are lost to cancer, and it
has impacts on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
Labour will re-invigorate the Cancer Control Strategy to focus on:
Prevention: Over one-third of cancers are preventable. To deal with them we
need quality public health measures that help reduce tobacco use, deal with
alcohol abuse and poor diet.
Addressing Inequalities: Māori and Pacific peoples have higher rates of
cancer and die more frequently from cancer than Pākehā New Zealanders.
Research: We need more research into treatment for cancer to build on
innovative programmes across New Zealand.
Accessibility of Services: We run the risk that access to cancer services will
be determined by where you live, rather than your level of need. We must
work to stop so-called “postcode access” by ensuring service are accessible
and affordable for all New Zealanders.
Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel Cancer Screening is an example of an area where there is the opportunity to make a
massive dent in the mortality rates through early intervention. A pilot screening programme
is currently being run through the Waitemata DHB. Labour believes that a nationwide
programme should be rolled out on successful completion of that pilot programme.
Disability issues
The New Zealand Disability Strategy sets out the goal of creating long term support systems
centred on the individual. In Health Labour will continue to increase the level of flexibility of
support for disabled people in the support services they receive.
Labour will ensure the nationwide rollout of Independent Living arrangements.
Labour will study the outcomes of the trial of the local area coordination model and
implement it as appropriate nationwide.
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Labour will implement the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on
Health and Disability research document, „To Have an Ordinary Life”
Labour will ensure that health services accommodate the needs of deaf and blind
people.
Labour will review the criteria for disability support with a view to ensuring that those
on the Autistic Spectrum are supported through disability support services funding.
Labour will continue to reduce the disparities in funding support services between
ACC and non ACC disabled people.
Labour will work towards providing free annual health checks for people with an
intellectual disability.
Labour will review the funding mechanisms for disability services to achieve that
there is adequate provision of carer support and respite care, including investigating
changes to the funding of close relatives as respite carers.
Labour will transfer the funding of vocational services from Vote Health to Vote Social
Development.
PHARMAC and access to medicines
Labour believes that the PHARMAC model has delivered to New Zealanders low cost
medicines and have saved the country hundreds of millions of dollars overall through its
negotiations with drug companies. While individual decisions of PHARMAC may cause
concerns to groups of people, the overall model must be protected.
Labour will protect and enhance PHARMAC‟s role, including through making
protection of PHARMAC a bottom line that will not be traded away in trade
negotiations.
Labour will not intervene in PHARMAC‟s decisions but will review the criteria for
funding highly specialised medicines to ensure that those with rare diseases are
treaty equitably and fairly in decisions about the availability of drugs.
Labour will continue to ensure that access to HIV retroviral drugs keeps pace with
international developments.
Alcohol and drugs
Availability, marketing and low cost of alcohol
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Excessive commercialisation and liberalisation has encouraged harmful misuse of alcohol
and sends inappropriate messages about what constitutes safe use.
The availability, marketing and low cost of alcohol means it remains the drug of choice for
most New Zealanders. Alcohol is virtually a necessity in most social settings and the
commercial environment reinforces this belief.
The treatment of Alcohol as a normal commodity with limited restrictions on its supply sets it
apart from all other recreational drugs and gives the impression that it is a safer than other
substances.
Labour will seek to implement those recommendations contained in the Law
Commission report Alcohol: Curbing the Harm that have not been included in the
Government‟s legislation. These include:
Minimum pricing for alcohol
Restricting alcohol advertising
Lowering the drink-driving tolerance.
Māori and Pacific people are disproportionately affected by alcohol and drug related
problems
Māori are approximately twice as likely to experience problems with alcohol and other drugs.
There is a lack of services specifically designed to support Māori, Pacific or Asian
communities.
Labour will support alcohol and drug interventions that engage local Māori
communities, staffed by people from those communities who have an understanding
of Tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
Labour will support greater development of services that cater to the needs of Pacific
and Asian communities. Such services would demonstrate an understanding of
cultural practices and an ability to communicate in patients‟ first languages.
Legal intervention
Legal intervention often reduces the chance of rehabilitation rather than enhancing it.
The legal response to illicit drug possession and use often fails to address the problem itself.
The majority of prison inmates have alcohol and drug problems but programmes to deal with
these are extremely limited.
The fact that possession of illicit drugs is a crime may deter users from making contact with
treatment facilities out of fear of coming to the attention of the police.
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Labour will work towards greater opportunities for diversion from the criminal justice
system into treatment for those found in possession of illicit drugs.
Labour will investigate the appropriate use of diversion for those committing a minor
offence under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Labour will ensure treatment is provided as an alternative to prosecution or
conviction, integrated with community sentences or imprisonment or as a condition of
parole.
Access to treatment is limited
Serious alcohol and drug misuse and addiction affects around 3.5% of the population yet
there is only enough resource available to treat around 0.5% of the population.
Long waiting times for treatment pose a barrier to addicts taking up treatment as they may
no longer be willing to participate once treatment becomes available.
Labour will increase treatment capacity – this will require additional treatment
facilities, significant workforce development and improved efficiency of delivery.
Labour will work towards reducing waiting times for assessment and treatment.
Labour will increase opportunities for early intervention in primary and emergency
care as well as in the justice system.
Funding for alcohol and other drug treatment is channelled through various
Government agencies
Treatment providers find government funding sources are often disjointed, causing inefficient
service delivery.
Labour will, in order to improve the efficiency of service delivery, review funding of
alcohol and drug treatment services and work towards greater integration of different
funding streams into one coordinated funding structure.
The Misuse of Drugs Act is out-dated and the regulation of drugs is poor
The MoDA is a response to the drug environment of the 1970s. Classification of drugs is
often inconsistent and lacks scientific rigour. The current approach to new substances is
slow and cumbersome and may be causing preventable harm.
Labour will give serious consideration to the Law Commission‟s review of the MoDA,
which is taking an evidence-based, and Labour will seek to implement the
recommendations of that report.
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Māori health
Infant Mortality
Infant mortality is regarded internationally as a barometer of social well-being. Rates of
Māori infant mortality are far higher than for non-Māori in New Zealand. This applies to both
neo-natal (0-28 days) and post neo-natal (29-364 days). The total of 330 babies dying is
intolerable, and in addition the rates of Māori death are disproportionate.
Labour will develop a plan of action to address infant mortality, with a particular focus
on improving life expectancy for Māori who are disproportionately represented in both
neo-natal and post neo-natal mortality.
Inequities
A range of studies in New Zealand have shown that Māori deaths from treatable illness are
far higher than non- Māori. We also know that Māori are less likely to receive medical
treatment, and when they do, less likely fill prescriptions and complete treatments.
While some of this relates to socio-economic status, that does not explain all of the
inequities in health outcomes and well-being experienced by Māori.
Labour will re-invigorate He Korowai Oranga to provide a framework for addressing
health inequities affecting Māori. This will include adopting whānau ora approach to
delivery of services that take into account the range of Māori community expressions.
Whānau Ora
Labour supports the philosophy and principles behind Whānau Ora. We believe that it is
essential to take into account the wider situation, needs and abilities of families when
providing support. This approach fits with the overall policy of seeing the promotion of good
health and well-being as the bedrock of the health system.
Early feedback from the Whānau Ora pilot programmes being run by the government is
mixed, with concern that administrative costs are high for some projects, and that provision
is not always reaching those most in need.
Labour will support the continuation of a Whānau Ora approach to health service
provision.
Labour will review the Whānau Ora pilot projects to ensure that they are providing
effective and efficient services to those most in need.
Pasifika health
The major problem areas for Pacific Health are well known and include, child health issues
such as asthma and rheumatic fever, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, drug and alcohol
issues, dental problems and youth mental health, including suicide.
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Under National the access and affordability of quality healthcare for Pacific people has gone
backwards.
The unemployment rate at nearly double the national average means it is financial challenge
for Pacific people to get the healthcare they require. It is difficult for many Pacific families to
meet the day to day cost of living. As a result their day to day health is suffering.
National is not working in the interests of the day to day and long term health care of Pacific
families.
Labour will ensure all Pacific people have fair access to quality, affordable health
care.
Labour will develop and support, in consultation with Pacific health and community
leaders, Pacific models for delivery of services that have an integrated approach to
working with Pacific families.
Labour will as part of the wider Pacific policy focus on developing a healthy, strong
and vibrant community now and into the future by:
Reducing inequalities
Target the reduction obesity, diabetes, heart diseases
Smoking cessation amongst Pacific Youth
Mental Health
Halt alcohol abuse
Growing the Pacific health workforce
Ensuring safe and healthy homes
Target the reduction in obesity, diabetes and heart disease
Pacific peoples have by far the largest prevalence of obesity by ethnic group and the pattern
over the last decade or so has shown it is a growing problem 38 .
A real focus on changing the mind-set of eating and lifestyle choices must be made to
address this major and developing issue for Pacific people. Initiatives must be prepared to
challenge norms or sensitivities. The primary focus must be on improving the health of the
community.
38 http://www.socialreport.msd.govt.nz/health/obesity.html
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Labour will continue to support initiatives working within Pacific communities to
reduce obesity rates and to promote the importance of nutrition while understanding
that food is central to Pacific cultures.
Smoking cessation amongst Pacific Youth
Evidence shows that rates of smoking amongst Pacific youth are significantly higher than
European youth. 39 The consequences of which can be earlier deaths for Pacific people
compared to Māori and Non-Māori. A number of targeted cessation programmes for Pacific
communities are already operating but given the disproportionate negative effects of
smoking and second hand smoke on the Pacific community, more needs to be done.
Labour will develop and implement a strong and well-resourced Pacific Tobacco
strategy
The benefits from the success of such a strategy will be the reduction in conditions such as
SIDS, cancer, diabetes and asthma. This policy must be a partnership with Non-Government
Organisations that are already taking measures to lessen the harm of tobacco amongst the
wider community. The input of medical experts, the media, social media and high profile
Pacific people must also be sought. Particular attention must be given to targeting the
reduction of smoking rates with Pacific women.
Growing the Pacific health workforce
A strong Pacific health workforce is vital to ensure New Zealand has a healthy Pacific
community. The projected increase in the Pacific population and the increase in the number
of elderly Pacific peoples demands a real focus in this area.
Many Pacific islanders will utilise mainstream services but the ability to have resources,
qualified staff and systems in place to deal with a growing Pacific population will enable the
health system to be more effective and efficient.
Labour will recommence a commitment to the Pacific health workforce to maximise
the health system‟s ability to respond to the needs of the Pacific community.
Labour will commit to training and investing in a skilled Pacific health workforce that
understands the challenges and opportunities in the Pacific community.
Ensuring safe and healthy homes
Pacific Islanders, like all New Zealanders, have the right to a good home to provide families
with the basics to live the Kiwi dream.
39 www.nzma.org.nz/journal/122-1303/3795/content.pdf
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The last Labour Government kick-started work to give all Kiwis the opportunity to live in a
healthy home with the $1 billion home insulation programme.
Housing New Zealand also committed to improving tenant health and delivering energy cost
savings for state house tenants through “retrofitting” state homes so they are warmer, drier
and therefore healthier. Insulation also helps significantly reduce the cost of electricity.
Pacific people make up 25% of state house tenants and directly benefited from that
commitment.
Labour will commit to addressing the safety and healthiness of Pacific people in their
homes whether they are owners or private or state tenants.
Labour will implement a pro-active and preventative community based approach to
wider health issues addressed especially given issues around overcrowding in
Pacific homes.
Youth health
New Zealand has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the world and ranks poorly in
terms of sexual health statistics. Equally, more and more young people are dealing with
anxiety and depression at a younger age which is also linked with increases in drug and
alcohol abuse. Many young people are affected by bullying in schools which is a leading
cause of anxiety and depression.
Mental health provisions for young people are lacking, a point highlighted in Sir Peter
Gluckman‟s recent report Improving the Transition. There is a sporadic approach to the
provision of youth health services in New Zealand.
With Labour, this will change.
Labour will adopt a mixed model of supporting youth health centres and nurses in
schools to accommodate for various population bases, ensuring nationwide coverage
of youth health services with a focus also on boosting youth mental health services.
Labour will restore Mental Health as a Government health priority, with appropriate
targets, to ensure DHBs prioritise funding for mental health services.
As resources become available, Labour will increase the availability of mental health
services and broaden access criteria so that more young people are able to get help when
they need it.
Labour will restore the anti-bullying initiatives it introduced in July 2008 including the
requirement for Education Review Office monitoring that school policies for
programmes to deal with bullying are in place.
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Labour will review the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2008-2012 and
ensure the five year action plan is being implemented and achieved. We will build on
this plan and work together with Ministries of Education, Health, Social Development
and Youth Affairs to create a new action plan.
Women‟s health
Labour‟s emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention is of critical importance for
women. Most women in the course of their lives have significant contact with the health
system, not only for their own health needs and when they are sick but also when they are
healthy and having children and caring for others. Labour will focus on the social
determinants of health and access to healthcare services. (See also “Maternity Policy”
above.)
Dental Policy for Women
International evidence, including the work of the Sir Peter Gluckman, has shown a direct
linkage between the health and diet of expectant mothers and the health status of their
children. This is particularly the case for oral health. A range of national and international
studies have found a mother‟s oral health was related to that of their children. This includes
a 27-year-long study suggests that mothers with poor oral health are likely to have children
who also have poor oral health when they are adults. (Journal of Dental Research Jan. 19,
2011).
Oral health is also a factor in overall health. A 2007 Californian study showed that among
other things that:
18% of premature births are attributable to poor oral health in mothers.
Pregnant women with poor oral health are seven times more likely to have a
premature and/or low birth-weight delivery.
Children of mothers with poor oral health are five times more likely to have oral
health problems.
Labour will introduce, by the end of our first term in government, a package of free
dental care for pregnant women.
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Labour will ensure that all women have access to an affordable and comprehensive
range of sexual and reproductive health services.
Young Women and Migrant Women
Labour will ensure access to women friendly youth and migrant health services.
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Labour will over time develop nationwide networks of services for women with eating
and associated disorders and develop programmes to address binge drinking by
young women.
Labour will review the effectiveness of the health and physical wellbeing curriculum
strand in schools to assess the adequacy of resource and training needs to deliver
the curriculum.
Men‟s health
Labour in government initiated a number of programmes to promote and assist men‟s
access to healthcare. The development of a colorectal cancer initiative has seen the training
of technicians and the extension of targeted screening for men which will lead to earlier
intervention and better outcomes.
Through the programmes run by PHOs and Public Health units in workplaces and social
gatherings, growing numbers of men are now actively engaged in greater awareness of
preventative health programmes and earlier intervention.
Labour investigated the best ways of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer and boosted
resources to ensure the most effective procedures and knowledge are being used by DHBs
and medical professionals to reduce mortality from this cancer. The long running select
committee inquiry initiated by National is unlikely to identify major changes to prostate
diagnosis or treatment that currently uses best international evidence and advice.
Labour will follow up on any recommendations from the prostate cancer report and
continue to promote new initiatives and programmes in the area of men‟s health.
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HOUSING
Our vision – A healthy, stable home for every child
Access to appropriate and affordable housing is central to achieving wellbeing and security
for all New Zealanders. A stable and healthy home environment underpins the health and
well-being of our families and children. Without it we will not be able to make the necessary
interventions to ensure that every child is able to reach their full potential.
Housing costs are the largest budget item for many low and middle income families. Housing
policy is absolutely critical when considering how to raise take home incomes and combat
the rising cost of living.
Labour also recognises the need to act urgently to address the critical shortage of housing
supply and housing affordability. There is no single way back to affordability and owning our
own future in housing. But turning current trends around and starting down the right track is
essential.
Supporting social housing to support families
Housing is one area where Labour knows we need to intervene to guarantee health and
secure outcomes.
Labour is committed to increasing and upgrading Housing New Zealand's state housing
stock. Labour also remains committed to the policy of income related rents for state house
tenants.
We need to invest in housing. The last Labour Government spent nine years repairing the
damage caused by a National Government that oversaw a fire-sale of nearly 13,000 state
houses, carried out no modernisation whatsoever, and introduced market rents plunging
tens of thousands of families into poverty overnight.
Despite the gains made by the last Labour Government, we are still playing catch-up.
The Housing New Zealand waiting list remains under pressure. Yet the government's
approach has been to make it harder for applicants to get on the waiting list, or to remove
them from the waiting list altogether.
Reforms in social housing and restructuring of Housing New Zealand have been hastily
pushed through with little or no consultation. The changes are already causing enormous
distress for tenants, and increased uncertainty for families. Restructuring will see local
Housing New Zealand offices closed, frontline staff fired, and existing staff made to work out
of their cars. Housing New Zealand is also pulling back from providing any pastoral care for
tenants, many of whom have high and complex needs.
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Labour will reaffirm Housing New Zealand's role as a social housing provider
providing security and support for those most in need. Housing New Zealand will
provide assistance for tenants with high and complex needs, ensuring that they are
connected with the necessary support to help them sustain their tenancies.
Labour will continue to invest in the acquisition and maintenance of state houses and
is committed to income-related rents for state house tenants.
Labour will abolish the bureaucratic 'one size fits all' policy of reviewable tenancies,
and instead allow tenancy managers to work on a case by case basis with tenants to
move them on if their situation improves.
Labour will ensure that every client who comes into Housing New Zealand has a
needs assessment before being offered the 'options and advice' service. Category C
and D clients will not be denied access to the state house waiting list but will continue
to be offered advice on alternative accommodation options.
Labour will ensure there is a tenants advocate representing their interests on the
board of Housing New Zealand.
Labour will empower Housing New Zealand to be more proactive at a regional level,
both in asset and tenancy management, allowing them to operate in a way which
more efficiently and effectively meets the specific needs of their local community.
Labour will cease the selling down of the state housing stock in order to keep up the
stock of state housing and to enable the quality integrated renewal of state housing
communities.
Labour will ensure that where Housing New Zealand tenants are displaced because
of urban renewal projects, or major rebuilds such as in Christchurch, that they are
given the option of moving back to their communities when they are rebuilt.
Labour will focus on new builds for any state house acquisitions, rather than
purchasing existing properties, to increase the overall housing stock. Where possible
new state houses will be built in accordance with the disability sector approved
Lifemark standard for accessible, adaptable lifetime design.
Security for those who rent
A stable healthy home is crucial for the wellbeing of all children, whether a family rents or
owns their own home. However the New Zealand rental property market is not set up to
deliver long term rental arrangements, despite such arrangements often benefitting both
tenant and landlord. Labour will work with landlord and tenant representative groups to
investigate options for increasing security of tenure in the private sector.
While most landlords maintain their properties to appropriate healthy standards,
unfortunately some do not. An EECA survey of landlords reported that 40% of landlords
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surveyed said they would only insulate their properties if they were forced to do so. Cold
unhealthy rental properties result in high power costs and poor health outcomes for families.
The recently updated residential tenancy legislation which was developed under the last
Labour Government appears to be working well, and Labour will continue to monitor its
progress. However we disagree with some elements of the new legislation which have
disadvantaged tenants, and will amend the Act accordingly. These include the charging of
letting fees to tenants, representation for tenants in the tenancy tribunal, and the issue of
joint and several liability.
The accommodation supplement is a large housing cost to Government that has not
improved affordability. Labour will review the effectiveness of this subsidy, and it's synergy
with the income-related rent subsidy.
Labour will require all rental properties to be insulated to meet the NZ standard for
insulation by 2016.
Labour will begin work on developing a building 'warrant of fitness' for energy
efficiency in residential properties.
Labour will work with landlord and tenant representative groups to investigate option
for providing greater security of tenure for those who rent, and to promote
professionalisation of the landlord sector by supporting groups such as the Property
Investors Federation to increase their membership and activity in the sector.
Labour will amend the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act to better balance the
rights of tenants and landlords.
Labour will review the Accommodation Supplement and its effectiveness in improving
affordability and housing outcomes.
Building community housing sector capability and partnership
Re-establishing a solid base of state housing was an important achievement of the Fifth
Labour Government. From that base, we can consider how to move on, into solutions which
will impact further on the enormous need for social housing.
Currently, New Zealand continues to manage its social rental stock primarily from a central
government organisation and secondarily, to a much smaller extent, from local authorities.
Housing need has changed dramatically over the decades. While Housing New Zealand
continues to house our lowest income families, housing need has begun to spread well into
the middle classes with home ownership and affordable private rentals out of reach for many
families who now need assistance. One area we see potential in is a greater involvement for
the 'third' or community sector.
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In New Zealand the community housing sector, although fledgling, has already proved its
strength in building communities with a mix of tenure arrangements and partners including
government-owned state housing.
Labour believes the community housing sector has a pivotal role to play in the provision of
social and affordable housing in New Zealand. We see this role as complementing continued
Government investment in social housing, not replacing it.
Labour will work with the community housing sector to develop it in ways that will see
it complementing an increase in HNZC social housing stock through access to capital
or land. See our „Housing affordability‟ policy for more details.
Labour will work with third sector organisations who can assist tenants to sustain
tenancies in both the public and private sector. Housing New Zealand will be directed
to develop relationships with NGOs that can better support tenants with special
needs eg disabled, elderly, mental health clients, homeless, youth etc.
Labour will, as finances allow, devolve the income related rent subsidy to not for
profit community housing organisations which provide social housing.
Labour will act swiftly to restore charitable status to the community housing sector
under the Charities Act.
Housing affordability
New Zealand is facing a national housing crisis. The Housing Shareholders Advisory Report
released in 2010 highlighted an existing shortage of 70,000 dwellings across the country
with the situation predicted to worsen significantly, particularly in Auckland. The Department
of Building and Housing has also produced a report warning the Government of an expected
further shortage of 25,000 dwellings over the next decade.
Home ownership has been declining in New Zealand with increasing numbers of households
forced to rent as the housing market became increasingly unaffordable.
For Māori and Pacific Island households the level of home ownership is much lower than for
other households. When considering the broader issue of housing affordability specific
regard needs to be given to increasing home ownership rates in these communities.
For these reasons there is an urgent need to develop effective social housing solutions that
enable both home ownership and rental housing that are affordable for low and middle
income households.
Planning for our future: a New Zealand Housing Strategy
Part of the reason that we face the current challenges in housing is because historically New
Zealand has not planned well for changing housing needs.
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Labour will partner with local government in planning for current and future housing needs.
Housing is essential core infrastructure and we must work together to ensure a consistent
focus and strategy across New Zealand. The National Government‟s decision to omit
housing from the list of core functions of local government is another step in the wrong
direction.
Labour will work with local government, iwi and key stakeholders to develop a New
Zealand Housing Strategy.
Labour will recognise housing as core infrastructure which provides an economic as
well as a social benefit.
Labour will investigate a National Policy statement for Housing under the RMA.
Labour will require government departments to consider the impact on housing need
in any decisions they make.
A Māori housing strategy is also needed as part of this, drafted in close consultation with iwi
and key stakeholders, so that Māori can inform central and local government of their own
housing needs and aspirations.
Labour will work with iwi to develop a Māori housing strategy and investigate bringing
back programmes which were successful in assisting families into home ownership
such as the Low Deposit Rural Lending scheme.
In doing so Labour will give consideration to the recommendations of the recently released
Controller and Auditor-General's report into Government planning and support for housing
on Māori land.
Urgent action on housing
National has sat back while our residential building sector has slipped into deeper and
deeper recession. The numbers of consents issued are at historic lows and skilled
tradespeople are leaving New Zealand in droves. Labour will act with urgency to stem the
loss of much needed tradespeople and start to add to the stock of social and affordable
housing.
Labour will carry out an urgent review of Crown land which could be made available
for affordable and social housing in areas of extreme shortage.
Labour will review the Crown‟s capital allocation in order to prioritise funding for
building social and affordable houses, with a focus on Auckland, within the existing
funding envelope.
Labour will hold an emergency summit on housing bringing together key
stakeholders to develop a plan to get New Zealand back on the road to housing
affordability.
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The road back to housing affordability
Getting the New Zealand housing market back on the path to affordability will take time and
structural change in our economy. Only a Labour government has the plan to do this.
Construction costs
A 2008 DPMC report on house price increases showed that from 2001 to 2007 the cost of
construction increased more than 83%, including a 52% jump in the cost of materials, 88%
increase in the cost of labour and a 115% increase in the cost of land. Local Government
fees and levies also add to the overall build cost. Any reductions in the cost of housing
construction improve affordability.
Cost of building materials
One relatively unexplored area of housing affordability is the relatively high cost of building
materials in New Zealand. Increasingly developers are finding it cheaper, sometimes
significantly so, to source product from overseas. Concerns have also been raised about the
difficulty of getting new/cheaper/more innovative products approved for use in New Zealand,
even where these products have been used for decades in similar conditions overseas. This
restriction on available products may also drive up prices.
Labour will ask the Commerce Commission to carry out an inquiry into the relatively
high cost of building materials in New Zealand.
Council Infrastructure/Development levies
Under the Local Government Act and Resource Management Act, territorial authorities are
able to charge developers infrastructure levies during the development process. The ability
to require a contribution rests on territorial authorities being able to reasonably link the
infrastructure contribution to increases in infrastructure requirements flowing directly from a
development attracting the charges. Developers have expressed concerns that the:
Contributions are not applied consistently between territorial authorities
Cost of infrastructure contributions is increasing the cost of sections and new
dwellings, and
Contributions are levied on new housing when benefits also accrue to the rest of the
community.
Labour will review council infrastructure levies to ensure they appropriately price
infrastructure provided in housing developments.
In particular, the review will establish practical means to ensure that these charges are set
appropriately to reflect the costs of development and necessary steps are put in place to
improve the transparency of charging.
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Labour will work with local authorities to ensure that new housing developments are
closely connected with other core infrastructure to reduce the costs of the
development.
Inclusionary Zoning
Regulatory policies are often neglected as potential tools for an affordable housing policy
because they do not directly subsidise either housing units or households.
There are several ways to encourage housing affordability through zoning. One of these is
inclusionary zoning which allows local authorities to require a proportion of land or housing in
a development to be set-aside for social or affordable housing, or an equivalent payment
made that can then be used for affordable housing initiatives.
This provides an effective and low-cost way for local authorities to encourage affordable
housing production.
Labour will work with local government to develop legislation which gives them the
ability to increase the amount of social and affordable housing in new housing
developments.
Labour will ensure that all developments on Crown land such as Hobsonville include
a percentage of social and affordable housing.
Improving access to home ownership
Part of the affordability problem is assisting those into first home ownership who struggle to
meet lending criteria, whether it be because they cannot save the required deposit or more
complex issues such as building on Māori multiply owned land. If housing affordability was a
cyclical problem then such initiatives would be all that was needed. However as we will
discuss later, the problem is structural, so while these initiatives to improve access are
important, they are not the whole solution.
Welcome Home Loan Package
The Welcome Home loan package introduced by Labour in 2003 and allows moderateincome
families the ability to apply for publicly-funded mortgage insurance with a Welcome
Home loan.
This reduces the deposit a first-home buyer needs. It means eligible Kiwis can borrow up to
$200,000 without needing a deposit and if they do have one, up to either $280,000 or
$350,000 depending on where you will be buying.
Welcome Home loans have already helped over 5,402 families into their first home. In the
2011/12 financial year the Welcome Home loan is expected to cost $9.1 million, with 1,900
loans being accessed.
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Labour will continue with the Welcome Home Loan scheme and will investigate other
tools to assist first home buyers into home ownership both through Housing New
Zealand and in partnership with Community Housing Sector providers.
KiwiSaver Housing Deposit Subsidy
The KiwiSaver scheme aims at making home ownership more achievable. After three years
of saving, first-home buyers may be entitled to a first-home deposit subsidy of $1,000 for
each year they have saved, up to a maximum of $5,000 (or $10,000 for a couple). There are
also provisions for KiwiSaver first-home buyers to withdraw their savings for use as a deposit
or divert up to half of their KiwiSaver contributions towards mortgage repayments.
The original funding for the KiwiSaver Housing Deposit Subsidy in the 2010/11 financial year
was reduced from $4.2 million to $2.1 million due to lower than expected demand for the
subsidy. However a substantial increase in demand due to more people becoming eligible
and greater public awareness from April 2011 has resulted in current expectations of full
year funding requirements of around $3 million for 2010/11 with 1,000 applications being
approved.
The appropriation for 2011/12 is $5.2 million, reflecting anticipated demand for the deposit
subsidy. HNZC forecasts that approximately 2,300 are expected to be approved for the
KiwiSaver Deposit Subsidy this financial year.
Labour will review the eligibility criteria of the KiwiSaver deposit subsidy and consider
whether more first-home buyers should be eligible to access the scheme.
Shared-equity scheme
Labour set up a two year shared-equity pilot scheme in July 2008 which allowed Housing
New Zealand to provide an interest free loan on a home to eligible households. The loan
acted as a second mortgage over the home. It attracted no interest costs, and required no
repayments until either the house is sold or until the loan term ended after 30 years. At that
point, the household would need to repay the loan to Housing New Zealand.
The scheme aimed to provide 700 loans with $35 million budgeted and was available in
Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Queenstown. Despite the initial optimism
the uptake on the scheme was not very high. This was because only a few months into the
24 month pilot Housing New Zealand (under the directions of Phil Heatley) stopped
promoting the scheme. The National Government did not renew the pilot scheme when it
expired in July 2010.
Labour will look at reintroducing a shared equity pilot, once resources permit; it will
then be reviewed after two years (as originally intended) and expanded if successful.
Addressing ongoing affordability
Home ownership rates have been declining in New Zealand over the last 10 to 15 years,
bucking international trends. While some of this is due to New Zealand starting with a
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elatively high level of home ownership compared to other countries, what has become clear
is that the issue of housing affordability in New Zealand is structural not cyclical.
While products that improve access such as those discussed earlier are important, they will
not address the ongoing issue of affordability.
Housing affordability is often measured by comparing household income to house prices.
This is the measurement used by the Demographia annual index which has in recent years
consistently described New Zealand as “severely unaffordable”. While this gives a snapshot
of affordability at the time of purchase, it is not an accurate measure of ongoing ability to
meet mortgage repayments.
For this reason the better measurement of housing affordability is the Debt Service Ratio
(DSR). Internationally a DSR of 30% is deemed to be the upper limit for affordability. Yet
most households go into home ownership with DSR's between 40 and 50%.
Those moving into home ownership should have the security of knowing that the largest
mortgage payment they will ever have to make will be their first. Home ownership used to
bring certainty to household budgets, and an incentive for people to move from renting to
home ownership, but it is now one of the most unpredictable elements of a household
budget.
New Zealand's 2 and 5 year mortgage rates are almost double those in other comparable
countries.
What this means is that if you take a family on $70,000 household income with a $350,000
mortgage, in the UK this would mean annual repayments of $23,112 and a DSR of 33%. In
New Zealand the same family would face annual repayments of $31,860 and a DSR of 46%.
With two year rates the disparity is even worse with New Zealand being at least 77% more
expensive than the UK, USA and Canada.
This is despite the OCR being at historically low levels due to the global financial crisis. As
the OCR is only likely to rise from here, it is clear that current fixed term interest rates are not
going to drop any further if we carry on with business as usual.
If interest rates could be reduced and stabilised a large part of the affordability problem
would be addressed.
Addressing housing affordability sustainably will require a structural change in the way our
economy operates. High fixed mortgage interest rates are driven by our current account
deficit and our need to borrow significantly offshore due to a lack of investment capital
available in New Zealand. Labour's savings and taxation plans are designed to address
these issues and are therefore pivotal in getting us on the path back to housing affordability.
Labour will expand KiwiSaver to provide the basis for a significantly higher private
saving rate and additional security in retirement:
KiwiSaver will be compulsory for every employee aged 18 to 65 from 2014
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Employer contributions will gradually increase at a rate of 0.5 per cent a year,
from 3 per cent to 7 per cent, over 9 years
The current minimum employee contribution of 2 per cent will be retained; the
$1,000 kick-start will be spread over 5 years; and Labour will not make any more
changes to the member tax credit.
For more information, see Labour‟s Savings policy.
Labour will introduce a 15% Capital Gains Tax to bring New Zealand in line with the
rest of the OECD:
The capital gains tax will never apply to the family home.
It will apply only to the gains made on the sale of shares, investment properties,
companies etc., and only to gains made after the law is passed.
Fewer than 10% of New Zealanders in any one year will be affected by this tax.
For further information, see Labour‟s Finance policy.
Lack of long term mortgage products
New Zealand offers no long-term mortgage products beyond 5 years. This contrasts with
many other countries where fixed rates of 4-6.5% for periods of 10-20 years are common.
Such mortgage products provide certainty for households while the reduced rates improve
ongoing affordability.
Labour will investigate ways of introducing long-term fixed interest mortgage products
into the New Zealand market.
Building community housing sector capability and partnership
Currently, New Zealand continues to manage its social rental stock primarily from a central
government organisation and, to a much smaller extent, from local authorities.
Housing New Zealand continues to house our lowest income families, but in recent years
housing need has spread well into the middle classes. Home ownership and affordable
private rentals are now out of reach for many families who now look to Government for
assistance. We see potential for meeting this need in a greater involvement for the 'third' or
community sector.
We see this role as complementing continued Government investment in social housing, not
replacing it. We see particular potential for the sector in the area of affordable home
ownership for first time buyers and mixed tenure developments.
Labour will work with the community housing sector to develop it in ways that will see
it complementing an increase in HNZC social housing stock through access to capital
or land.
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Labour will work with third sector organisations who can assist tenants to sustain
tenancies in both the public and private sector. Housing New Zealand will be directed
to develop relationships with NGOs that can better support tenants with special
needs e.g. disabled, elderly, mental health clients, homeless, youth etc.
Labour will, as finances allow, devolve the income related rent subsidy to not for
profit community housing organisations which provide social housing.
Labour will act swiftly to restore charitable status to the community housing sector
under the Charities Act.
Improved Urban Planning
Cities are where many of us spend most of our lives. At best, they can be exciting,
accessible places, with high amenity, quality public spaces, and affordable, quality living
environments. At worst, they are the places where shonky developers build nasty
apartments and poorer neighbourhoods become ghettoes where landlords alone prosper:
while public spaces and amenities are run down, ugly, deserted, and ordinary people are
squeezed out of homeownership and quality rental accommodation.
Labour will champion high quality urban design. We will give local government the
tools to drive better design of our built environment, not only downtown but in every
suburb and neighbourhood.
Labour will find new ways to work together with housing sector actors, and leadership
to improve urban planning and regulating. Labour will provide that leadership,
listening to stakeholders, making their Kiwi dream more possible.
Labour is committed to the Tamaki Transformation programme and Housing New
Zealand's community renewal programmes.
Canterbury housing
Following the devastating Canterbury earthquakes, housing has become one of the major
issues for residents.
Access to affordable land is critical if Cantabrians from the red zone are to rebuild their lives.
National‟s buyout deal has put an extra 6,000 new home buyers into the market but done
nothing to ensure there are affordable options available. The resulting increases in property
prices are leaving many homeowners unable to afford to re-purchase property.
Labour will purchase land sufficient for an initial tranche of 1,500 affordable
properties to be made available for on-selling, at cost, to red zone homeowners. If
there is excess demand, Labour will look to ballot the available land parcels.
There is no obligation on the current 6,000 red zone residents to take up this offer. However,
the offer will benefit all residents by taking excessive developers‟ margins out of the equation
and directly moderating property prices across the market.
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This deal may still leave some homeowners out of pocket, but not to the extent that they
would be if purchasing privately where developers are charging their own profit margins.
Labour will honour the existing buyout package for homeowners with affected properties in
the “red zones” based on the rateable value (RV). This includes compensation for consented
changes that increase the foot-print of the home.
In addition to this, Labour will also compensate homeowners in the red zone for home
improvements (e.g. a new kitchen or bathroom) above $5,000, up to a maximum of $50,000
which are not currently covered by the Government‟s offer.
Labour will ring-fence a maximum of $100 million from the Canterbury Recovery
Fund as compensation for home improvements, made after the valuation date, not
currently covered by the Government‟s offer. Compensation will be set at a maximum
of $50,000 with a minimum of $5,000 and require proof of the amount spent on the
improvement.
The Government is currently withholding all of the geological and geotechnical information
on individual properties that decisions on land zoning are being based upon. They have said
they will only release the information once the entire affected region is colour-zoned.
Labour will immediately release all of the available geotechnical information together
with a plain English explanation for individual properties in the green and red zones.
Further information will be released progressively as the land analysis and colour
zoning is completed.
The reluctance of large insurance providers to issue new policies is delaying the ability of
Cantabrians to rebuild. Without new insurance residents are unable to access the finance
they need to build a new home.
Labour will work with the private insurance sector to explore all options to kick-start
the industry and resolve the existing gridlock. As a last resort, Labour reserves the
right to intervene in the insurance market as a short term measure where there is
market failure to give the confidence required to get the market functioning properly
again.
For more information refer to Labour‟s Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Plan.
Eradicating and preventing homelessness in New Zealand
Homelessness in New Zealand ranges from the visible homeless who sleep rough to those
who couch surf or are living in temporary or insecure accommodation such as boarding
houses or hostels, and people in unfit or overcrowded housing. If someone is living in these
circumstances, and has no other options available to them, they are considered homeless.
Homelessness is not a lifestyle choice. It is a complex problem involving significant social
detachment. It is likely to cost taxpayers millions of dollars a year. A case study estimated
that a single homeless man cost taxpayers a conservative $200,000 a year in emergency
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department visits alone. 40 Therefore there is an economic imperative, as well as a moral
imperative, to address homelessness.
Homelessness remains largely misunderstood. The stereotype is that it is a choice, and that
mental illness and drug or alcohol addiction are the main causes. Yet international evidence
shows that one of the most common pathways into homelessness is as a young person, and
that unless early intervention is provided, they risk remaining homeless their entire lives.
Homelessness is traditionally seen as being a problem for single men. However
homelessness affects women, young people, victims of domestic violence, mental health
consumers, people released from prison and families experiencing financial crisis. Māori are
over-represented among the homeless.
Despite this growing problem the Government has largely ignored the issue. There is no
single agency responsible for dealing with homelessness policy and this shows in the
disjointed and inadequate response so far.
The current restructuring at Housing New Zealand which has seen the corporation withdraw
from supporting a tenant‟s wider social needs is only exacerbating the problem and resulting
in more evictions and more homelessness.
Labour will initiate a Ministerial inquiry to ascertain the extent and nature of
homelessness in New Zealand. Terms of reference for the inquiry will be developed
in consultation with key stakeholders including iwi, local government and NGOs
working to prevent and eradicate homelessness. The outcome of this inquiry will form
the basis of an inter-departmental New Zealand Homelessness Strategy with a focus
on prevention and early intervention.
Labour will reaffirm Housing New Zealand's role as a social housing provider.
Tenancy managers will once again be empowered to assist with their tenant's
broader social needs and connect them with the appropriate assistance from
government or community organisations which support tenants with high and
complex needs to sustain tenancies.
Labour will ensure that one single agency has responsibility for leading policy to deal
with homelessness and emergency and transitional accommodation.
Labour will review the provision of emergency and transitional accommodation
around New Zealand and identify gaps and areas of need.
Labour will investigate what legislative or regulatory measures can be implemented
to ensure minimum standards are enforced for boarding houses and hostels,
including a mandatory register for boarding houses in New Zealand.
40 http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/the-wellingtonian/3528960/One-man-state-ofemergency.
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DIGITAL NATION: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Our vision
Labour would like to see New Zealand become a leader in the use of digital technology, to
help transform New Zealand economically and socially.
A strong and vibrant information and communications technology (ICT) sector is a platform
which will help improve New Zealand‟s economy and society. It is core infrastructure for New
Zealand. Our ability to develop world class new technology and creative content capacities
will be enhanced through a converged approach to both the ICT and broadcasting (content
creating) industries.
The convergence of technology across the telecommunications, ICT and broadcasting
sectors require a converged policy framework to deal with them effectively and efficiently.
This policy sets out Labour‟s approach to the ICT sector. It should be read in conjunction
with Labour‟s Broadcasting policy.
Convergence between broadcasting and telecommunications
Convergence means that content types that used to be available only on separate networks
are seeping across into each other. Audio-visual material can be carried over the Internet as
it can over broadcast TV; voice works over the copper phone network, over the Internet and
over cellular mobile networks. This trend is accelerating, and isn‟t going to reverse.
That is why Labour wants to see a shared policy, regulatory and legislative framework for the
broadcasting, telecommunications and Internet realms. Many other countries including the
United Kingdom and Australia have already taken this approach. As the technologies
converge a number of issues arise around the networks that will be needed to carry both
content produced inside New Zealand and that which comes from outside the country.
Labour believes a single network regulator for Telecommunications and Broadcasting has
merit.
Labour will prepare a proposal for public consultation within six months of taking
office setting out the path towards a single powerful regulator for telecommunications
and broadcasting.
It is our expectation that the converged regulator will be located within the Commerce
Commission and would obtain any additional resources required by means of an industry
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levy system. The legislation would be modelled on the way the Telecommunications Act
currently works.
Labour would have particular regard to addressing the impact of monopolies in both the
telecommunications and broadcasting marketplaces.
The consultation will also consider the regulatory mechanisms for content that is carried on
broadcasting and telecommunications networks. It may be that the functions of the
Broadcasting Standards Authority, the Press Council and the Advertising Standards
Authority could be brought together.
Labour will take note of the outcomes of the Commerce Commission study into demand-side
barriers to uptake of Ultra-Fast Broadband including content, which may have implications
for regulatory change.
In parallel with these regulatory changes, the policy arm of government dealing with these
issues may be able to be done more efficiently if brought together. Current policy is spread
across a range of agencies including Ministry of Economic Development, Department of
Internal Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Heritage, State Services Commission and others.
Labour will investigate creating a Ministry of Communications and IT, based in the
Ministry of Economic Development, to bring together all policy involving
broadcasting, communications and information technology issues.
Among the tasks for the new Ministry would be to create and oversee a digital strategy for
New Zealand (with specific focus on improving the government‟s use of ICT), to fund
research, to ensure that regulatory frameworks were consistent, to focus on open access,
open interconnection and network efficiencies, to support innovation and to consider
expanding the Nga Pu Waea model for more user governance.
Information technology issues often get left to ICT departments, which means that the
transformations that ICT can allow for public and private sector growth happen slowly or not
at all. Increasing the visibility of ICT issues across the government is an important step that
can help drive change faster.
Labour would appoint a Chief Technical Advisor, who would have responsibility for
producing technology roadmaps for New Zealand, for overseeing NZ‟s national digital
architecture driving the uptake of ICT across society.
This would be a strategic, not operational position, much like the Chief Science Advisor, but
would provide strategic and operational advice on technology policy issues. The position
would sit within the new Ministry, but would report directly to the Prime Minister. Labour
would consider modelling the position along the lines of The Chief Technology Officer of the
United States (CTO).
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One final concern is that, compared with other countries, the consumer voice is largely
missing in both the telecommunications and broadcasting markets. The Australian
Consumer Communications Action Network provides a model.
Labour will investigate ways to ensure there is a strong mechanism for New
Zealanders to voice their issues, concerns and vision with regards to
telecommunications, broadcasting content and the digital environment.
Faster broadband everywhere: networks and infrastructure
New Zealand needs high speed broadband across urban and rural areas. Our future
networks will rely on fibre, either straight to the home or by using wireless backhaul where
the normal route is unavailable, but we also need to ensure that the whole population has
access to high speed Internet access through wireless or satellite, where fibre is not able to
be laid.
Broadband: sorting out the mess
Labour is committed to an ultrafast broadband scheme across New Zealand and to closing
the digital divide. Labour‟s broadband plan is technology neutral (i.e. the provision of Internet
without government oversight of its use or content) , with fibre access the priority in urban
areas. In all networks, open access and fair regulation will support a pro-competitive
environment that brings significant benefits to users.
Plans are already under way to invest in new infrastructure in urban and rural areas. Labour
would have approached the fibre rollout in urban areas differently. We would have had a
concern with closing the digital divide as a key component in developing both rural and
urban broadband rollout plans. We would have run a transparent process that honestly
accounted for the true costs of the plans.
The consequence of the Government‟s failures in this area is that Labour will require
significant changes to be made.
Competition between the new fibre network and the old copper network has been limited
through relaxing the regulations around Telecom, and allowing the new Chorus infrastructure
company to do deals with other Local Fibre Companies (LFCs) that will not be good for
competition.
Labour will conduct an independent review of the rollout by an international expert,
including a full assessment of the true costs of the choices that have been made. The
review will be completed by 30 June 2012, and will be published to allow for full and
transparent scrutiny.
Labour anticipates that this review will lead to significant changes for Ultra-Fast Broadband
partners and for Chorus in tackling the digital divide concerns set out elsewhere in this
policy. We recognise that the Ultra-Fast Broadband partners have invested in good faith.
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The same principle will apply to any changes to the roll-out. We do however remain
committed to delivering on the vision of fibre to the home for most Kiwis:
Labour will complete the fibre rollout in urban areas within the limit of the $1.35bn of
funds available for investment by Crown Fibre Holdings.
Labour has concerns with the broader policy framework that applies to urban and rural
broadband, and with the amendments to the Telecommunications Act passed in 2011. It is
good for the industry that the idea of giving a regulatory holiday to fibre investors was
dropped, however other problems remain.
Labour will conduct a quick review of the policy framework, and expects to propose changes
to tackle at least the following matters:
restore to the Commerce Commission the ability to set prices for the copper local
loop, instead of dictating a single New Zealand-wide price (i.e. end forced national
averaging).
establish whether mass market urban fibre can be unbundled as it is rolled out, and
whether the fibre network can operate on the principle of the “equivalence of inputs”
(EOI) standard from build, rather than from 2020. This would mean Telecom and the
other service providers have to provide access to the network on the same terms to
all retailers, preventing Telecom Retail from gaining an advantage.
ensure that the Commerce Commission has full power to examine the contractual
arrangements between the Crown and private investors.
review the role of Crown Fibre Holdings in the urban rollout and MED in the rural
rollout – it may be possible to run both programmes in one agency.
consider the role of state owned enterprise Kordia in broadband.
assess the implications for the Kiwishare Obligations 41 in the legislation and
contractual arrangements. Labour will make sure that the recent changes do not
impede New Zealanders‟ ability to access the telecommunications services they
need to participate fully in the information society.
Broadband: next steps
The changes set out above will give the industry and consumers confidence that a level
playing field is in place for the future. It is a priority for Labour to make sure that broadband
is available to all Kiwis; this hasn‟t been a feature of the rollout so far. That will change.
41 The National Government’s Telecommunications Amendment Act 2011 amended the Kiwi Share Obligations
(KSOs). The KSOs form part of Telecom’s constitution and require them to act in a socially responsible manner.
The obligations include, among other matters, duties regarding the supply of the local residential telephone
service.
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Labour will as an underlying principle do as much as it can, within the limit of the
$1.35bn of funds available for investment by Crown Fibre Holdings, to bring forward
the time at which consumers, schools and businesses can experience unconstrained
Ultra-Fast Broadband, in order to get the economic benefits of the fibre we have
helped pay for.
There is no reason in principle that rollout of fibre to urban areas should be limited to 75% of
New Zealanders. Any extension to the Ultra-Fast Broadband programme to broaden fibre
access will be paid for by extending the timeline for return of the money to Crown Fibre
Holdings by the Local Fibre Companies (LFCs), or extending the repayment of funds loaned
to or invested in Chorus.
Labour will, within the limit of the $1.35bn of funds available for investment by Crown
Fibre Holdings, extend the Ultra-Fast Broadband to other areas of New Zealand
where it can be deployed at similar costs to the existing planned rollout, and remove
any legislative impediments to doing so.
We accept there are parts of New Zealand that will struggle to get access to fibre in the near
future because of geographical isolation.
Labour will ensure such remote areas are given priority under the Rural Broadband
Initiative for access via satellite, wireless or other means.
Labour remains concerned that the Ultra Fast Broadband and Rural Broadband initiatives
will not result in government-funded fibre roll out competing with existing fibre provision,
particularly in built up urban centres.
Labour is concerned with ensuring that fibre is laid as a priority to the parts of New Zealand
where the market is not drawn by demand. This includes Maraes, training institutions,
hospitals and medical centres, as well as schools.
Labour will closely monitor the roll-out of ultrafast broadband and the Rural
Broadband Initiative, to ensure that the infrastructure being built with public funding is
deployed promptly to parts of urban and rural New Zealand in a way that will
significantly lessen the digital divide.
Labour will work with local authorities to identify and remove barriers to the fastest
possible fibre roll-out and to support local digital strategies.
Making the most of access to the global Internet requires better connectivity between New
Zealand and the rest of the world. Several market initiatives are underway to build new
undersea cables to Asia and the Americas. Labour wishes these initiatives every success,
as they would increase the security and capacity of New Zealand‟s links to the world.
Labour in Government would be supportive of these initiatives and would consider other
options to deliver new cables if required.
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Finally, more can be done to improve school access to the new infrastructure being rolled
out in urban areas. Giving schools unconstrained broadband opens up huge opportunities
for them to collaborate, and to giving students access to specialist teaching and expertise
from anywhere they choose to get it. While the government is currently providing assistance
to physically connect schools to ultrafast broadband, schools are expected to absorb most of
the costs of upgrading internal infrastructure from their existing operations budgets. There is
no assistance provided for increased usage costs within schools which will grow significantly
with increased data consumption.
Labour believes that in order for schools to benefit from ultrafast broadband these issues
need closer scrutiny and that wherever possible bulk rates for schools should be made
available structured in a way that schools do not lose their choice of supplier.
Labour will combine the government‟s spending on broadband for schools under the
Ultra Fast Broadband initiative to provide unconstrained access for schools at
affordable rates.
Radio Spectrum
Prime radio spectrum rights are expected to be auctioned in 2012 to support fourthgeneration
(4G) super-fast mobile networks freed up by the closure of analogue television in
2013. This spectrum is best used for the provision of new mobile communications and
broadband technologies, and can be used to reduce the digital divide between rural and
urban New Zealanders. Labour is concerned with reducing this divide and so would aim to
see the spectrum used to close it.
Labour will conduct a public discussion about the objectives and the process for the
spectrum auction, and how the proceeds from the auction should be spent in New
Zealand, before the auction occurs.
Attention will particularly be paid to Māori involvement in information and communications
technology. Labour will also conduct a review of interests who currently own spectrum rights
but do not use them with a view to setting a deadline for a “use it or lose it” approach.
Closing the digital divide
Understanding the digital divide
New Zealand‟s economic future lies in weightless exports. The future of the nation relies on
Kiwi children becoming digital Kiwis.
The country must not have a digital divide. Labour believes some of our greatest innovation
can come out of our most deprived areas. The new broadband network must not be a tool to
entrench the divide between the haves and the have nots.
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Around 20% of New Zealand households currently do not have a computer. These
unconnected homes are predominantly in lower socio-economic areas and are often home
to Pasifika and Māori families. While programs such as Computers in Homes, Computer
Clubhouse and Aotearoa People‟s Network do great work in increasing digital literacy, their
success is sporadic because of limited funding.
A key way to increase the connectedness and literacy for many New Zealand households is
to leverage the education system by ensuring every child has access to a device.
Computers in Homes (2020 Communications Trust) has estimated that there are 100,000
families with dependent children who do not have access to a computer at home. They are
more likely to be one-parent households and from Māori and Pasifika backgrounds where
children are unable to participate equitably in digital learning and using technology.
The effects of this absence, given the growing importance of Internet access, needs to be
understood. Clear evidence of harm could justify further interventions to ensure all families
have a path towards access that is fair.
Labour will fund systematic research, monitoring and public reporting into impacts of
the digital age on New Zealanders and how investment can make a difference
socially and economically.
Digital Kiwis: Improving access to technology
Labour is committed to ensuring that all New Zealanders, regardless of income and
background are able to access, afford and get the best use from technology. Labour will
continue to fund and prioritise free or low-cost Internet access through programmes such as
Aotearoa People‟s Network, School-based ICT, Network of Aotearoa Clubhouses (NOAC),
Computers in Homes, and the Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network (KAREN).
Computer Clubhouses provide a free, out-of-school learning programme for young people
aged 10-18 years of age. Members have access to high-end technology and industrystandard
software, allowing them to develop advanced information and technology skills.
The Clubhouse is proactively creating a socially and digitally connected community of
learners of over 40,000 young people and their families who are digitally fluent and have
advanced high tech skills to mobilise new ideas, actions, careers, entrepreneurial and higher
learning opportunities. Research shows Clubhouse members remain engaged in school.
Clubhouses are located in low socio-economic areas, meaning the young people from these
areas might not otherwise have access to technology.
The 2020 Communications Trust connects families with school-aged children to the internet
in their homes and provides parents with basic digital literacy skills. Statistics NZ estimates
there are 100,000 homes with school-aged children without access to the internet.
Computers in Homes are currently funded to support 1,500 families each year.
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Labour will increase funding to Computer Clubhouses for the most vulnerable
communities in NZ. Labour will also increase funding to Computers in Homes in
order to make more rapid progress in bridging the digital gap. (We have allocated up
to $2.7 million a year for the expansion of these two initiatives.)
Labour is committed to progressing and implementing proper achievement standards in ICT
in schools and notes the progress that has been made subsequent to the recommendations
made by the Digital Technology Experts Panel, which include a range of new achievement
standards that are built on a new body of knowledge.
Digital Kiwis: Skills training for the digital economy
Labour will support a range of actions designed to address the current skills shortage in the
ICT sector and wider community by promoting digital careers, matching tertiary courses to
industry needs and attracting more skilled ICT practitioners to New Zealand.
Internships are highly successful at driving R&D within primarily small, innovative tech
companies which often can't afford to run those types of R&D projects otherwise, and they
also provide excellent and much needed experience and engagement for participating
students.
There are 200 places available for interns working on strictly R&D projects within companies
at the undergraduate level per year across the country in all science, technology and
engineering fields, plus postgraduate. This is not enough.
Labour will lift the number of interns to 1000 nationwide, which is the basis for a solid
programme of innovative R&D across the country. This will be paid for by reallocating
$5.1 million from Technology Development Grants funding.
It is important to accelerate skills development in every sector, and ICT is central to a
transition to a highly-skilled country.
Labour will encourage the broad based coverage of the ICT industry by an ITO, and
include ICT training in the Modern Apprenticeships Scheme.
Digital copyright for the 21st century
Digital technology offers many new opportunities. The creators of content should be
compensated for their work and consumers should have freedom for personal use of digital
content they rightfully possess. A vibrant, creative market for digital productions where
consumers can easily find and buy the material they want is something Labour wants to see
develop in New Zealand.
In the past it was not easy to copy and share video cassettes, but the Internet has made
copying cheap and easy. In this new world, people still want and are willing to pay for
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creative content. They simply want to be able to get what they want, when they want it, and
easily.
Labour does not stand for the protection of industrial or business models whose time has
passed, and it welcomes the radical innovation the Internet has given rise to. Labour does
support a vibrant New Zealand content industry, and the role of intellectual property law in
helping to achieve that.
Internet access is not just a utility or essential service. It enables the provision of social and
family connections across distances and time zones, education and work opportunities.
Therefore all New Zealanders should have the ability to access the Internet and Labour will
work to ensure they do. People rightfully expect that such access won‟t be removed in
arbitrary ways or for no reason.
Labour affirms that the fundamental human right to impart and receive information
and opinion necessarily includes the ability to access the Internet in order to give
practical effect to the right in today‟s world.
Labour does not believe today‟s Copyright Act provides the right framework to see New
Zealand‟s information economy thrive. It does not handle convergence well. Its adaptations
to the Internet are half-hearted. The Act needs to be fundamentally reviewed and made fit
for the Internet era.
As is recently referred to in a UK independent report Digital Opportunities, the businesses
that create content for the public need to change, in the form of more open, contestable and
effective global markets in digital content and a setting in which enforcement of copyright
becomes effective once more.
Labour will undertake a full review of the Copyright Act, with the aim of introducing a
new Copyright Bill within 18 months that updates and extends the framework for
digital copyright in New Zealand.
The first phase of the review will be to commission an independent analysis of the problems
with the status quo from an eminent expert, such as the review Professor Hargreaves has
recently conducted for the UK Prime Minister, and then further consult on a draft Bill before it
is introduced.
Labour has carefully paid attention to the community‟s concerns with the recent
amendments to the Act, as well as the earlier debate in 2009 which led to the most recent
set of changes. We have heard the community‟s concerns.
Labour will introduce a bill within 90 days of taking office to remove from the
Copyright Act the ability to introduce account suspension for infringing file sharing as
a remedy the District Court can impose.
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Labour will consider expanding the role of NZ Onscreen as a broader online content storage
facility and will actively encourage new business models where NZ creative content can be
distributed online in an affordable and accessible way.
To be able to do these things requires protecting the ability of the New Zealand parliament to
make copyright law. Retaining sovereignty over our intellectual property is critical to the
development of our creative industries, as well as the protection of the public good in some
instances.
Labour will not compromise our ability to trade on our intellectual property,
recognising our international obligations under the Trade-Related Aspects of
Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. It is imperative that we find new
ways of negotiating trade agreements which recognise new industries and
opportunities arising from new technologies.
Labour will also investigate the viability of a small copyright levy on Internet access, which
would develop the digital platform for accessing Kiwi content mentioned above. Funds raised
could go to content creators through an arms length collecting and distribution arrangement.
Excluding software from patent law
The Patents Bill proposes excluding computer software from being patentable, on the basis
of it being, like books or movies or music, based on a concept and receiving protection under
copyright. For software, copyright is the appropriate form of intellectual property protection.
At present software can be patented so long as it produces a "commercially useful effect".
This means software developers don‟t need to show any inventive step in order to get a
patent; they merely need to show they can make money off their software.
Parliament‟s Commerce select committee, which examined this issue, said that it accepted
that software invariably built on existing software and that software patents were often
granted for "trivial or existing techniques." Labour supports the select committee stance that
using intellectual property in a fair and reasonable manner would promote innovation and
build advanced industries.
Labour will enact and implement the draft Patent Bill currently before Parliament that
excludes computer software.
Labour notes the select committee recommendation that the Intellectual Property Office
develop guidelines for inventions that involve „embedded software‟ - software that is built into
a physical device. Labour believes the Patents Bill deals with this issue adequately, but will
seek further advice on this as part of the review of digital copyright.
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Open Software: revolutionising government software purchasing
Open Software in government
There are many huge, costly IT projects inside government, and these often go badly and
lead to vast sums of money going offshore. Departments are secretive about their
technology projects, and don't share them, even with other departments.
Labour believes that smarter government means departments sharing their technology. This
will save money inside government, and provide a competitive advantage for New Zealand
businesses.
Labour will issue a binding instruction to government agencies to implement a whole
of government approach to open software.
The instruction will be made under the Public Finance Act 1989, and will include the
following components:
Prevent vendors double-dipping. Require that when the government pays for
software to be created, it will be owned by the government, and will be shared
within government and with the public using an open source license.
Stop the secrecy. Investigate obliging agencies to disclose on their websites the
cost and usage of each software product used (where doing so does not increase
costs).
Stop silo thinking. Require that agencies evaluate the costs at a whole-ofgovernment
level when deciding whether to develop and freely share software or
instead to license it.
Free the code. Require all software developed under Crown Copyright to be
made available to the public on an open source license.
Allow systems to join up. Require that new agencies only purchase new
computer applications that inter-operate using published, open standards.
Encourage smarter decisions. Require agencies considering new technology
purchases over $2 million to first evaluate whether existing publicly available
technology substantially meets their business requirements, and the cost of
changing their processes to adapt to the existing technology.
Other Open software initiatives
Labour will create a government „App store‟
A government-run „app store‟ could provide a short circuit for fledgling NZ software
developers to get to market. The „app store‟ would be open for any local developers to
submit their software where it could be purchased and used by government agencies. .
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Labour will ensure “Informed Neutrality” in software purchasing
Purchasers in government agencies and their suppliers must consider all types of available
software (open source, mixed and proprietary) during procurement procedures.
Aspire to wide use of open source software
Labour will set an aspirational target of 2/3 of government agencies using some form of open
source software for a reasonable proportion of their software needs by 2015.
Greater diversity in suppliers
Labour will engage in active government engagement with the local open source community
to devise ICT solutions rather than just talking to the large, dominant suppliers.
Open Source Software Centre of Excellence
Labour will work with New Zealand tertiary education institutions to establish a „Centre of
Excellence‟ for open source software development. Based upon the 2006 initiative of the
French Government, such a centre would be designed to help develop a strong exportcreating
software industry for New Zealand.
Cyber security: Protecting New Zealanders from attack
Labour supports New Zealand‟s Cyber Security Strategy and would ensure it is
implemented. We support the general thrust of the strategy but will ensure that it is
strengthened.
The strategy focuses on:
Increasing Awareness and Online Security – the Government is partnering with
industry and non-government organisations to improve access to cyber security
information, raise awareness and address other cyber security awareness issues.
Protecting Government Systems and Information – the Government is establishing a
National Cyber Security Centre and implementing steps to improve cyber security
practices across government.
Incident Response and Planning – the Government is reviewing how it responds to,
and plans for, cyber incidents.
Labour will ensure there is real engagement with industry on cyber security.
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Labour notes the strategy includes a commitment to work with industry to establish the need
for a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). There has been a clear need
articulated for a CERT for a long time.
Labour will establish a Computer Emergency Response Team for New Zealand.
Labour will ensure that cyber security expertise is developed within New Zealand education
at the tertiary level and via the certification of professionals.
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IMMIGRATION
Our vision
Labour is committed to a world-class immigration system designed to contribute to our
economic growth, recognise New Zealand‟s international commitments to resettle refugees,
acknowledge our special role in the Pacific, and commit to positive settlement and
resettlement outcomes for the benefit of all.
Labour in government introduced the New Zealand Immigration Programme, with its
emphasis on increasing New Zealand‟s talent and skill base through a separate stream for
skilled and business migrants making up 60% of the programme. Family reunion and the
International/humanitarian streams make up the balance. Ten years on, this approach has
stood the test of time. However as in any area of policy, it would be worth reviewing the
Programme to ensure that it is still meeting the needs of New Zealand and the migrants and
refugees, who make New Zealand home.
New Zealand has a strong and proud history of a special relationship with the other Pacific
nations and our immigration policy recognises that relationship. Migrants bring social as well
as economic benefits. They broaden and enrich our cultural diversity and understanding.
Family migration strengthens families and assists with positive settlement and resettlement
outcomes.
Temporary entry visas provide the opportunity to support the tourism industry, to meet
shortages in the labour market and to support reciprocal working holidays for young people.
Labour in government spearheaded the concept of work-to-residence through Talent Visas
and the Skilled Migrant category.
Immigration New Zealand has an extensive international network of offices and faces
significant demands as it seeks to facilitate entry to New Zealand of those qualified to do so,
while managing risks of irregular migration and non-compliance.
Strengthening our economy through immigration
Migrants enhance our economy. Not only does our migrant population contribute billions of
dollars to our economy each year, but it also reminds us to think and act globally, drives
innovation, gives our businesses international connections and provides a range of skills to
transform our economic landscape.
It is vital that New Zealand continues to attract the migrants it needs. We will conduct a
review of the Skilled and Business Migrant stream of the New Zealand Immigration
Programme.
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Labour will review the Skilled Migrant Category to ensure that it is still meeting our
needs and that it is not posing unnecessary barriers to skilled migrants that are
needed to grow our economy.
Labour will review the business migrant categories, with an emphasis on the investor
category providing an option for active investment and allowing flexibility in the
requirements for different levels of investor migrant.
Labour will also investigate changes to the Entrepreneur categories to increase
opportunities for young entrepreneurs to migrate to New Zealand or remain here at
the completion of their studies. We plan to enable joint ventures or taking equity in
an existing high growth potential company to support the application.
It is vital that immigration policies reflect current local labour market conditions. Labour
believes recent policy changes making it easier for overseas for actors and others in the
entertainment industry to work in New Zealand temporarily are out of touch and signal job
losses in our local industry.
Labour will reverse the policy changes to entry visas for temporary entertainment
industry workers that are due to come into operational effect in March 2012.
Addressing labour shortages and attracting skilled migrants
Given the dramatically changed labour market over the last three years, where New Zealand
has gone from record low unemployment rates to comparatively high unemployment rates,
we must have policies which have the flexibility to allow us to respond quickly to changes in
the labour market situation. We need to be aware of the needs of people caught in the workto-residence
timeframe and we will investigate temporary solutions to enable people to
remain and complete their residence in due course in such cases.
Labour will build on existing policies to ensure that we are continuing to attract the
skills and talent we need and helping to fill labour gaps, while maintaining a firm
focus on New Zealand‟s labour market, mindful of the needs of skilled migrants who
have entered the work-to-residence path.
We know that there is fierce competition amongst countries to attract and retain skilled
migrants. We need to ensure that our message is reflected in people‟s experience.
Labour will ensure that the Immigration Service, in conjunction with other relevant
agencies, continues to market New Zealand overseas as a great place to live, work
and raise a family, targeting people with the skills needed to grow our economy.
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Our special relationship with the Pacific
New Zealand has long-standing ties and a unique set of relationships with our Pacific
neighbours. We have large Pasifika populations in New Zealand and important historical
connections. Labour will ensure our immigration policies continue to recognise the special
relationship between New Zealand and the Pacific.
Too many of our Pacific new arrivals are forced to wait an unacceptably long time before a
final decision is made on a permanent residency. This waiting time must be reduced.
Labour is also concerned that there are young Pacific people who are, through no fault of
their own, missing out on education, medical and hospital care as a result of their parents‟
irregular status.
Labour will investigate the reasons why there are a continuing number of Pacific
people with irregular immigration status in order to curtail the increase in immigration
scams, and to encourage Pacific people living illegally in New Zealand to regularise
their status.
Labour will undertake a review of the Pacific Access and Samoan Quota systems
and criteria to better align job offer requirements with the current market.
The Recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme enables the horticulture and viticulture
industries to recruit workers, primarily from Pacific countries, to fill labour gaps. This
scheme is designed to fill labour gaps, not to displace New Zealand workers.
Labour will enhance the Recognised Seasonal Employment scheme through:
improved pre-departure information being provided to workers so that they
are better prepared upon arrival in New Zealand
further improvements to pastoral care so that workers are looked after while
they are here
more flexible working arrangements
ensuring workers are able to change between employers during the scheme,
recognising the need for flexibility for both employers and workers
requiring the wages for workers on this scheme to be paid at the rate of at
least the minimum wage and with accommodation provided in addition to the
wages.
Labour will maintain close relationships with the Pacific region in terms of immigration
policies.
Recognising migrants‟ needs
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If we expect migrants to New Zealand to fully contribute to our society, we must ensure that
we are meeting their essential needs. That means having robust family migration policies,
because that can strengthen families and assist with good settlement outcomes. It also
means ensuring that our policies protect the most vulnerable of our new migrants postarrival.
Labour will continue to extend the New Zealand settlement strategy into regions
throughout the country in partnership with local authorities.
Labour will review the domestic violence policy to ensure it is meeting the needs of
those it is designed to protect.
The ethnic community relies on responsive immigration policies to facilitate their aspirations
for family reunification and family visitation. There is a balance to be achieved between
these and New Zealand‟s need for an appropriately qualified and competent work force.
Labour will, in consultation with ethnic communities and their representatives, ensure
that immigration policies are responsive to the family and communal aspects of
settlement (for example the need for priests, language teachers).
Labour will ensure that policies and practices do not place undue restrictions and
impose demands that effectively bar families from being together periodically for the
celebration of particular religious and cultural events.
Refugees – meeting our international obligations
New Zealanders pride themselves on being a nation that is willing to make a stand on the
international stage on matters of humanitarian concern. Labour believes our attitude towards
refugees is an important aspect of that.
Labour‟s vision for New Zealand is a country that is committed to ensuring that refugees and
their families resettle well; a country which welcomes newcomers and provides a safe and
peaceful place to live, especially for those who have experienced difficult times in their own
countries; a country that is strong and inclusive.
Labour supports a National Refugee Resettlement Strategy to ensure consistency across
New Zealand and across all government departments and agencies, with the Strategy being
developed in partnership with the refugee community in New Zealand.
Labour will develop an integrated national plan for refugee resettlement in
collaboration with leaders in the refugee community and from refugee led agencies.
Labour will ensure that refugees continue to receive the support they need through
government agencies and by working closely with relevant community groups,
including through the expansion of our resettlement support programme.
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Labour will strengthen mental health services for refugees. It will review refugee
entitlements for consistency. Labour will also review refugee family reunification
policies to ensure families are reunited wherever possible and desirable.
Labour will investigate the options for better support for tertiary education for
refugees, to ensure that both New Zealand and the refugee themselves is able to
take the best opportunity for future contribution to our nation.
Advocacy, checks and balances
Labour believes in a „firm but fair‟ approach to immigration, and this means having adequate
protections for migrants as well as for New Zealanders.
Labour will introduce a specialist Immigration Ombudsman within the office of the
Ombudsman, with extensive powers of inquiry enabling him/her to investigate
systemic issues, individual complaints from onshore and family sponsored applicants
without other appeal rights, immigration detention issues and protected disclosures
from immigration staff.
Labour will establish a Residence Review Panel as an advisory board to make
recommendations on exceptions to policy to the Minister.
Managing Immigration Risks
New Zealanders need to have confidence that, while we are encouraging the people that we
need in New Zealand to come here, we are also minimising and managing risks.
The best way of protecting our borders is by stopping those who pose a risk to New Zealand
before they even reach our border. The Advanced Passenger Processing system,
introduced by Labour in 2003, was designed for this purpose and has shown success.
Labour will continue to improve information technology and processing capability at
Immigration New Zealand to help protect our borders and the integrity of the service.
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INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
Our vision
For the first time in New Zealand‟s political history the Labour Party has established the
portfolio of Interfaith Dialogue in recognition of the unprecedented plurality of faiths and
religious beliefs that exist today, and the significant role faith plays in the lives of many New
Zealanders. This paper manifests Labour„s commitment to building peace and the
promotion of harmonious relations amongst diverse groups and greater appreciation
between faith communities and all New Zealanders.
There have been a variety of faith groups that have been active in different parts of New
Zealand over the past 20 years. These regional groups hold regular meetings to promote
and foster appreciation, understanding and cooperation between all faiths in Aotearoa New
Zealand. Moreover, these groups have evolved to form the New Zealand Interfaith Group
which convenes as a national body at an annual National Interfaith Forum that encourages
people of all faiths to engage with one another and with all New Zealanders.
Background
From the Statement of Religious Diversity in New Zealand we find that, “At the signing of the
Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, Governor Hobson affirmed, in response to a question from
Catholic Bishop Pompallier, "the several faiths (beliefs) of England, of the Wesleyans, of
Rome, and also Māori custom shall alike be protected". This foundation creates the
opportunity to reaffirm an acknowledgement of the diversity of beliefs in New Zealand.
Today New Zealand has become a country of many faiths and its increasing religious
diversity (with a significant number who profess no practicing religion) has become a
common feature of public life.
According to the 2006 Census there are a total of more than 2 million Christians in New
Zealand or 53.6% of the total population, 204,000 non-Christians or 5.4%, and 1.3 million
people with no religion or 34.3%, with the remaining 7% of people either not stating, or
refusing to answer, or declare their status on religion.
Religion continues to play an important part in the lives of many New Zealanders today.
Christianity has played and continues to play a formative role in the development of New
Zealand in terms of the nation‟s identity, culture, beliefs, institutions and values.
Labour recognises the importance of preserving the heritage of Christianity in New Zealand
and acknowledges this as an important part of New Zealand‟s cultural identity.
New settlers have enhanced New Zealand‟s religious diversity, and only recently have the
numbers of some of their faith communities grown significantly as a result of migration from
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Asia, Africa, Central Europe, the Pacific and the Middle East. These communities have a
positive role to play in our society.
The Temples, Mosques, Chapels, and places of worship for many faiths have become the
focal point for a range of religious, educational and community events. These facilities also
serve as villages where cultural ceremonies and special celebrations take place, and where
information is disseminated and support provided to those in need amongst their
membership.
International treaties including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights uphold the right to freedom of religion
and belief - the right to hold a belief; the right to change one's religion or belief; the right to
express one's religion or belief; and the right not to hold a belief. 42
These rights are reflected in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and Human Rights Act. The
right to religion entails affording this right to others and not infringing their human rights.
It is in this context that Labour recognises the right to religion and the responsibilities of faith
communities.
Religion and the State
Labour recognises that Religion and the State are two separate and different structures that
serve the wider community.
The freedom of religion and belief requires allowing other people to think about God in ways
that you do not think are true and extending to all people the same privilege to worship how,
where, or what they may in accordance with the dictates of their own conscience.
The challenge the State has in New Zealand is to promote the rights and freedom of religion,
recognise the diversity of faiths, and commit to fostering understanding, maintaining peace,
respect, tolerance, and the promotion of harmonious human relations through open dialogue
between the faith communities and with the rest of New Zealand.
Labour respects and upholds the non-political nature of the faith communities and this
principle will serve as the basis for Labour‟s on-going community engagement with the
Interfaith community.
Labour will build strong relations with the Interfaith community and institutions by
celebrating the rich diversity and vitality of the multi-faith profile that make up New
Zealand today.
42 Most recently New Zealand has ratified the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples wherein Article
12 part 1 says, "Indigenous peoples have the right to manifest, practise, develop and teach their spiritual and
religious traditions, customs and ceremonies; the right to maintain, protect, and have access in privacy to their
religious and cultural sites; the right to the use and control of their ceremonial objects; and the right to the
repatriation of their human remains.
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Labour will commit to building harmonious relationships between communities of
different faiths as intrinsic to ensuring strong, healthy and safe communities of
understanding and tolerance in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Labour will establish on-going relationships with the Interfaith community through
regular and open dialogue and the sharing of expertise that can assist in the
development of policy that benefits all people in New Zealand.
Labour will contribute to the on-going discussion of the Religious Diversity in New
Zealand - Statement on Religious Diversity and support the work of the NZ Interfaith
Group in building understanding and appreciation between the faith communities and
the rest of New Zealand.
The pursuit of peace & conflict resolution
The maintenance of peace is fundamental to the building of a thriving and prosperous
society and country. Yet, the sudden riots and violence that spread through several cities
and towns in England from 6-10 August 2011, sparked by a peaceful march responding to
the Metropolitan Police Service attempt to arrest a 29 year old black man whom police shot
and killed in the process, shows just how quickly emotions can re-ignite tensions between
different communities and cultures and lead to widespread violence, deaths and destruction
of property.
This is only one example of how the pursuit of peace and the maintenance of harmonious
relationships amongst diverse groups don‟t just happen by themselves. Serious levels of
violence continue in our society and in the world today. Peace, respect, tolerance and the
maintenance of harmonious relationships must be pursued, fostered, nurtured, protected
and promoted. Many believe that the greatest challenge of our time is the non-violent
resolution of conflict. Yet, very little is being done to study peace and conflict resolution, and
very little is done to recognise the need for developing peace and conflict resolution courses
and programmes of study.
Despite New Zealand having a rich heritage of peace initiatives drawing from its indigenous
and other cultures, its continuing recourse to violence presents a challenge to the
development of a peaceful society.
Labour is committed to the pursuit and maintenance of peace, respect, tolerance and
maintaining harmonious relationships for all New Zealanders.
Labour will work collaboratively across all government sectors to ensure that New
Zealand‟s diverse cultures and communities of faiths will be protected from racism,
discrimination, prejudice and injustices.
Labour will work with the education sector to establish sustainable peace and conflict
resolution courses and programmes of study, and support the work of existing
Centres for Peace and Conflict Studies in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
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JOBS AND SKILLS
Our vision
We know that employment is vital to the health of people and our society, that‟s why, as we
recover from the recession, job growth must be one of our most important goals. The
government must actively support the private sector to boost jobs and employ New
Zealanders.
Providing our workforce with the right skills is essential in matching people with jobs, it‟s
absurd that we are facing skill shortages while unemployment is so high.
Job security no longer exists in the 21st century economy, but by providing people with
meaningful skills and qualifications we can give them wider employment security.
Labour is committed to supporting New Zealanders into work and providing everyone with
the opportunity to up-skill and realise their full potential. To do this we need a world class
skills training system that meets the needs of workers, employers and our economy.
Training pathways need to be made clearer and the quality of training must be improved.
Actively supporting job creation
Currently 157,000 kiwis who want a job can‟t find one; that‟s 50,000 more than three years
ago. While the recession may technically be over, unemployment continues to rise and is
predicted to remain high for the next few years. With little hope for jobs, record numbers of
New Zealanders have been heading across the Tasman for work, taking with them valuable
skills and earning potential.
Labour has an economic policy that will put in place the right elements to encourage growth
and job creation.
Labour will reform monetary policy to ensure our exporters are not undermined by
extreme exchange fluctuations, including by broadening the objectives of the
Reserve Bank Act. Currently its sole focus is on the maintenance of price stability –
or inflation. We agree with the approach taken by Australia that recognises that along
with inflation control, employment, economic prosperity, and the health of the export
sector are at least as important.
Along with Labour‟s 15% Capital Gains Tax (excluding the family home), this will help
encourage investment in the productive exporting businesses New Zealand needs to grow
the economy and create jobs.
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Labour will boost research and development with a 12.5% tax credit, encouraging
businesses to research and innovate.
This will grow the economy and create highly skilled, high income jobs for New Zealanders.
Labour will strengthen the role of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) as a
one-stop shop for business development support, with a particular focus on high
growth „green‟ industries.
We will maintain sound macroeconomic policy settings that provide a stable environment for
innovation, increased investment in training and modernised workplaces.
Labour will intervene where possible to support New Zealand jobs and businesses in an
increasingly competitive and unstable global economy.
Labour will use major government contracts to back New Zealand firms instead of
exporting jobs offshore like we are seeing under National.
Labour will develop an integrated programme to support workplace productivity
improvements, building on experience with the Partnership Resource Centre and the
High Performance Work Initiative.
These positive initiatives between government, unions and employers lift workplace
performance through improved work organisation, upskilling and worker engagement.
The successful PACE (Pathways to Arts and Cultural Employment) programme was
introduced by the last Labour government to assist job seekers interested in pursuing a
career in the arts and creative industries to move towards sustainable employment and selfsufficiency.
Labour will again invest in training and skills by introducing a revised and modern
Creative Industries Apprenticeship, as part of the Modern Apprenticeships Scheme.
This will build on current initiatives around sector clusters being developed by the
sector ITOs and will have links to other tertiary providers.
It is vital that immigration policies reflect current local labour market conditions. Labour
believes recent policy changes making it easier for overseas actors and others in the
entertainment industry to work in New Zealand temporarily are out of touch and signal job
losses in our local industry.
Labour will reverse the policy changes to entry visas for temporary entertainment
industry workers that are due to come into operational effect in March 2012.
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A highly skilled workforce driving a more productive economy
New Zealand‟s labour productivity is one of the lowest in the Western world – we work
longer for less than nearly every other advanced country. Substituting investment in
productivity growth, including innovation and skills, with low wages and longer hours is not
the way forward. It is not about working longer, it is about working smarter.
Shifting to a more productive workforce will require a comprehensive strategy to boost skills
where industry needs them as well as promoting the voice of workers in their workplaces.
Labour will create a New Zealand Employment and Skills Strategy in tandem with
employer groups and unions to ensure that we have a plan to meet the changing
demands on skills and employment in the 21st Century.
Labour will match the ambitious target set by the state of Queensland, and aim to
have three out of four adult New Zealanders (i.e. aged between 25 and 64) holding
trade, training or tertiary qualifications at Level 3 or above, by 2020.
Setting a target will help drive investment in skills and keep providers focused on improving
completion rates.
In order to successfully implement this strategy and achieve our skills target, it will be
necessary to ensure that our training system is „fit for purpose‟.
Labour will carry out a review of the entire range of vocational training (including both
industry training and provider-based programmes), to consider whether it remains
world-leading and adopt new best practises where appropriate. The review will cover:
the quality of training
the extent to which training is available across all sectors of the economy
barriers to participation and how these can be removed
whether the funding models (and the way they interact) are appropriate
the extent to which duplication is a problem
the quality and independence of ITO advice to businesses
accountability mechanisms
ITO governance arrangements, and
whether there needs to be some consolidation of ITOs and how this should
be achieved.
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Labour will encourage the training of managers and supervisors by removing limits
on Industry Training above level 4.
This will help drive better management practise and help employers to utilise the skills of
their workforce more productively.
Labour will ensure unions are represented on ITO boards so workers have a voice in
the development of industries skills strategies.
Under Labour, the government as employer will be committed to the training and up-skilling
of staff, in order to develop skilled workers for the economy and set an example of positive
training investment. As part of its own „good employer‟ requirements, the Government will
also provide comprehensive training opportunities throughout its own workforce.
Labour will require companies providing goods and services to the government to
have an apprenticeship/internship programme in place for New Zealand workers.
Skill shortages threaten growth
New Zealand currently faces skills shortages in a number of sectors, for instance the
building and construction industry will require 77,000 new workers over the next five years. A
lack of skilled staff will hold back businesses and our economy.
That this is occurring at the same time as high unemployment is absurd. We lack essential
knowledge about the challenges facing the New Zealand labour market and a coherent
strategy to provide for the skills we need across all industries now and in the future.
Not only do we need to invest upfront in skills training to avoid shortages but we need to
improve communication between employers, training organisations, unions and young
people to ensure that people are learning the right skills for the future needs of our economy.
Labour will, through the New Zealand Employment and Skills Strategy, capture new
areas of high employment/skills demand, and ensure we are prepared to meet these
needs.
Labour will increase the spread of apprentices across all relevant sectors of the
economy and increase the number of successful completions of apprenticeships.
This includes promoting the advantages of apprenticeships, assistance in finding
apprentices and apprenticeships, and mentoring and support (pastoral care) for apprentices.
Labour will encourage more women into apprenticeships in the traditional trades
sector and the development of more apprenticeships in non-trade sectors such as
aged care.
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Labour will investigate options for assisting apprentices made redundant during their
training into another job so they can continue their training and finish their
qualification.
One option for this is more group and shared apprentices (see the Youth Skills and
Employment package).
Life-long learning opportunities
Life-long learning opportunities are being eroded under the current government‟s policies.
This needs to change, as life-long learning opportunities are vital to keep pace with the
rapidly changing job scene and to provide individuals with opportunities to achieve better
jobs and higher incomes.
Nearly 80% of the workforce we‟ll have in 10 years‟ time is already working today, so in
order to ensure the future workforce has the skills we need we must provide current workers
with continued opportunities to train.
Labour will immediately restore $13 million cut from Adult and Community Education
(ACE) funding to improve access to adult and community education.
Training for the current workforce will have an important role to play in meeting our target of
having three out of four adult New Zealanders holding trade, training or tertiary qualifications
at Level 3 or above, by 2020.
Labour will encourage workers and employers to engage in full apprenticeship training (i.e.
multi-year programmes aimed at achieving a full Level 4 national certificate or a national
diploma), rather than just the odd industry training standard. Apprenticeships can be
undertaken by workers of all ages, not just young people.
Labour will support the roll-out of Learning Representatives in workplaces on a wider
scale.
Learning Representatives are nominated workers in major workplaces who receive training
and provide other workers with independent and easily accessible advice on training
opportunities.
Every young New Zealander should be earning or learning
Not enough has been done to ensure there are sufficient jobs and training opportunities
open to young New Zealanders. Almost 24,000 under 20 year olds are not in employment,
education or training and are in need of urgent attention.
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These young New Zealanders are most at risk. They have little to no experience or
qualifications, they are no longer in school or training and don‟t have a job. Action must be
taken now to ensure jobs, training and the right support are available to them.
Labour is committed to ensuring that every at-risk 15-19 year old will be either
learning or earning by the end of our first term. Labour‟s comprehensive youth
employment package of 12 initiatives develops a pathway from secondary school to
employment.
For details of this package refer to Labour‟s Youth Skills and Employment package.
Creating a quality skills training system with clear pathways
Currently a young person leaving school for university study has a straightforward choice –
which one, and what to study. A young person interested in the trades faces a confusing set
of options, and no clear pathway.
Too many of our young people are not succeeding in their apprenticeship schemes, or are
struggling to find placements because small businesses don‟t want the hassle or expense of
an apprentice. The quality of industry training and apprenticeships must be improved to
ensure more people complete their workplace training and gain the skills and qualifications
necessary to be productive and achieve employment security.
Labour will address the maze young people face when interested in a trade by
working with the Industry Training Federation to build coherent vocational pathways
in schools.
Labour will establish a nation-wide network of Youth Transition providers which will
provide school-leavers with information about training and employment opportunities
within their community so they don‟t fall through the cracks to unemployment.
This will provide a link between local industries and young people so that school-leavers can
choose a career path aligned to industries‟ skill demands, thus addressing skill shortages
and improving chances of employment.
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JUSTICE
Our vision
All New Zealanders deserve the opportunity to live in safe communities. A safe community is
one in which crime levels are low and people have access to an equitable and credible
justice system that is responsive to local need.
Our system of justice should be open, fair, swift, and accessible. It should enhance public
safety, protect liberty, and encourage participation and accountability.
Changes to it should be based on evidence and address the causes of injustice, not merely
their symptoms, and be enacted openly and only after consultation.
Labour is committed to reducing crime, helping victims, supporting those who genuinely
want to turn their lives around, and enhancing public safety.
Modernising the constitution
A review of constitutional questions is underway. Its work is neither well-known nor wellpublicised,
and its mandate and terms of reference are unsatisfactory. It is unclear how it is
to reach its recommendations, whether they will be made public, and how – if at all – they
are to be implemented.
Labour will continue the present constitutional review, but reconstitute it so that its
membership is representative, its terms of reference publicised, and its work
conducted openly and with wide public consultation. We will widen its terms of
reference to include questions associated with the identity of the head of state after
the reign of the present Sovereign.
The recommendations from the constitutional review will be subject to a referendum.
Making the electoral system fairer
The 2011 General Election will be accompanied by a referendum on the future of the
electoral system.
Labour will honour the outcome of the 2011 referendum. If New Zealanders vote to
change the electoral system, we will hold the 2014 referendum.
Regardless of the results of the 2011 referendum, the Electoral Commission will conduct an
independent review of the MMP system (including consideration of the voting age) and
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ecommend improvements. Labour believes that the provision that allows the party vote
threshold to be waived for a party that holds an electorate seat is inappropriate and
particularly requires review.
Improving the quality of the work of the House of Representatives
Under the Fourth Labour Government, both the Standing Orders of the House of
Representatives and the statutory and other provisions affecting the work of the House were
re-written and modernised. The House was required to sit within a specified time after a
general election; sitting hours were regularised, and a range of standing committees, to
which nearly every bill is now sent for public input, were established.
This is the essential framework under which the House operates today, but the system
needs better protection, especially when urgency is used to deprive the House of public
input into important legislation. It can function more effectively, in light of the experience of
the past 25 years, and given new technologies.
Labour will initiate a review of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives,
and of associated statutory and other provisions. Specifically, the Review will:
Strengthen the requirement for a robust, publicly-available regulatory impact
statement to be published by way of justification for a legislative intervention
Provide for better consideration by the House of reports from the Law
Commission that contain draft bills
Promote the use of plain language in legislative and other public documents
Consider ways in which the time of the House can be used more effectively
Examine the number, terms of reference, powers, and resourcing of
parliamentary committees, with a view to ensuring they work more effectively to
assist the House to scrutinise legislation and the performance of the Executive
End the practice of Ministers sitting on or chairing subject committees
Consider more effective means to obtain public input into the legislative process,
including through the use of new technologies; and
Restrict recourse to urgency.
Protecting liberty
In New Zealand, certain provisions of our electoral law may be changed only by a special
majority, or by referendum. This recognises the need to put them beyond amendment at the
whim of the Government of the day. Yet even at a time of great strain on our liberties,
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anging from the demands of the response to terrorism and organised crime through to the
potential of new technologies, few other fundamentals lie beyond the reach of an ordinary
parliamentary majority in our single-chamber legislature.
If changes to fundamental rights and freedoms are warranted, more than a bare majority of
MPs should agree.
Labour will entrench the Constitution Act 1986 and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act
1990.
Enhancing accountability
New Zealand is well-served by its independent parliamentary officers – the Ombudsman, the
Controller and Auditor-General and the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment –
in assisting the House and the public to hold the Executive to account. Other bodies have a
wider purpose, while also helping to serve this function.
It is important that these bodies continue to exercise their functions effectively, despite the
blurring of lines between government and private functions, and without undue resource
constraints.
Labour will review the resourcing, functions and powers of statutory bodies that exist
to hold the Government to account, and that facilitate or enforce the rights of
individuals, with a view to strengthening those bodies. Specifically:
The jurisdiction of the Ombudsman (including in respect of the Official Information
Act) and the Controller and Auditor-General will automatically extend to bodies in
which the Crown has a shareholding, and to public/private partnerships; and
The Privacy Commissioner will have a power of decision and remedy as to
complaints concerning privacy breaches.
Affirming equality
All New Zealanders are entitled to freedom from unjust discrimination. Reviews have been
conducted from time to time in the past of statutory provisions that offend this
principle. These reviews should continue and their results should be actioned.
Labour will review laws and practices that offend s19 New Zealand Bill of Rights Act
1990. Specifically, we will:
Modernise the law relating to the care of children to ensure that the widest pool of
suitable adults is lawfully available to provide care to children in need
Review and update relationship and relationship property law
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Implement the 2007 Report of the Human Rights Commission Report, To Be
Who I Am; and
Amend s3 Family Protection Act 1955 to end discrimination against children of an
earlier relationship raised as a child of the family but not formally adopted or still
of dependent age.
Requiring evidence-based law-making
Reforms to our laws should be based on the evidence, and address causes of injustice, not
their symptoms.
Labour will repeal the ill-considered and ineffective aspects of National‟s criminal
justice legislation passed during the term of the present Parliament.
Labour will identify weaknesses in existing legislation and policy. Those areas are the law
concerning the sale of second-hand goods, the law regulating loan-sharks, current alcohol
law reform proposals, and sentencing and parole law.
Labour will review and close the consumer protection loopholes in the law relating to
the sale of second-hand goods.
Labour will end the current benign regulatory environment enjoyed by loan-sharks.
See Labour‟s Consumer Affairs policy
Labour will seek to implement those recommendations contained in the Law
Commission report Alcohol: Curbing the Harm that have not been included in the
Government‟s legislation. These include:
Minimum pricing for alcohol
Restricting alcohol advertising
Lowering the drink-driving tolerance.
Labour will keep the appropriateness of rules concerning bail, parole and sentencing
under review.
Promoting access to justice
Access to justice is being eroded in New Zealand through contradictory and ill-thought-out
legislative half-measures; denying resources to those who cannot afford to take or defend a
court case; an antiquated and disjointed approach to the delivery of services; a slowness to
take up available technology; and the failure of the Executive to identify where the needs of
New Zealanders are not being met by the system, and to address these failures. A system
that is responsive to need; based on modern, workable statutory provisions; robust, wellresourced;
independent; and accountable, is needed.
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Labour will enact reforms to promote access to a rational system that delivers
uniform justice to all New Zealanders. Specifically, we will:
Place a 12 month moratorium on the implementation of National‟s cuts to
legal aid, the introduction of contestability in the funding of community legal
services, and related changes
During that moratorium, work to create a nationwide level of quality service to
support those who need to participate in the justice system, but who cannot
finance all or part of that participation
Update and implement the work undertaken by the Law Commission in its
2004 report, Delivering Justice for All: A Vision for New Zealand Courts and
Tribunals
As part of this implementation exercise, revise the jurisdiction thresholds for
civil courts to take proper account of contemporary circumstances; rationalise
the existing system of tribunals, with a view to providing swifter and more
cost-effective justice at this tier of the system; make available at first instance
a form of alternative dispute resolution in all civil litigation; and maximise the
efficiencies offered by new technologies
Implement evidence-based interventions, such as neighbourhood justice
centres, therapeutic courts, and restorative justice, where community support
exists for these interventions
Enhance the transparency and independence of the operation of New
Zealand‟s courts, ensuring that judicial officers have sufficient information
available to promote a consistent approach to the administration of justice to
be taken nationwide, including by reconstituting the Sentencing Council
abolished by National in 2009.
Rationalising the purchase of Government legal services
The State spends significant resource every year on its own legal services. Many hundreds
of millions of dollars every year fund the work of the Crown Law Office and the counsel it
briefs under the Cabinet Directions for the Conduct of Crown Legal Business, the work of
Police prosecutors, the work of warranted crown solicitors and their staff, and the spending
by departments and crown entities on legal services not covered by the Cabinet
Directions. Reviews are currently underway into procurement by departments generally, and
into the work of crown solicitors. But no general overview of the efficiency and effectiveness
of the overall spend by the state on legal services exists.
Labour will review total public expenditure on the procurement of legal services. We
will ascertain whether there are efficiencies and other public benefits that can be
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derived from rationalising this expenditure. Providers of any significant volume of
legal services to the state may fairly be expected to offer:
a discounted fee; and
pro bono services such as assistance with the operations of a community law
centre.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Our vision
Labour believes in local democracy and the right of communities to have a say on major
decisions affecting them. We believe local decisions are best made locally.
We are committed to a close and collaborative working relationship with local government to
ensure it is empowered and resourced to meet the needs of its communities.
Our vision is to ensure local government is responsive and accountable to local
communities, affordable for its residents and ratepayers and effective in dealing with local
issues.
Local decisions by local people
Local government has a vital role in our overall system of government and we believe that
role should be respected. We are concerned that the role of local government has been
undermined by decisions that the current Government has made, such as the forced
amalgamation imposed on Auckland without giving people a say, and the sacking of
Canterbury Regional Council and suspended elections.
Local governments need clearly mandated areas wherein they are responsible to local
people for the decisions they make about local services. They need access to adequate
resources to fulfil these mandates and deliver the outcomes they are responsible for.
Agreements on the scope of these mandates must be forged between central and local
government, but local voices must have a say as to what services and outcomes they want
delivered, and who they want to be delivering them.
Labour will carry out a parliamentary inquiry into the role of local authorities in our
system of government, with the aim of establishing a clearer schedule of mandates,
roles and responsibilities, and related funding flows for effective and responsive local
government. We will enshrine the key principles aligning mandates, functional
responsibilities, and adequate budget resourcing for these in a schedule to the Local
Government Act.
Labour will not impose any forced amalgamations (like Auckland) without giving
citizens final say in a referendum as set out in the Local Government Act.
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Restoring the democracy in Auckland and Christchurch
Local communities have lost their voice under the super city laws. Too much power is
centralised in the Auckland Council, and 75 per cent of local government activities have
been transferred to council-controlled organisations.
Labour will fix the undemocratic aspects of the Super City.
We will do a review two years after the establishment of the Auckland Council. We will
repeal the legislation that imposes a corporatised transport agency. We will guarantee in law
real powers for local boards.
Labour will work at the highest levels to ensure central government works hand in
hand with Auckland Council to make the new Auckland a success: on transport, high
quality jobs, urban renewal, and the goals of the Auckland plan, which prioritises the
needs of children, and the need to reduce the effects of inequality.
The provisions of the Royal Commission around monitoring of social issues and outcomes
will be re-examined for how they can contribute to better, more accountable policy and
budget resource allocation affecting Auckland.
The sacking of Environment Canterbury was a hit on local democracy in the region. Labour
believes that residents in the region need a democratic voice, especially given the
importance of getting reconstruction right following the Canterbury earthquakes.
Labour will restore Environment Canterbury and hold elections as soon as possible.
In recent years there have been a number of moves to reduce the number of elected
councillors in the interests of efficient governance. There is a risk that fewer elected
representatives reduce citizens‟ access to their councillors.
Labour in Government will investigate the size of local authority wards, including the
possibility of a maximum Councillor to voter ratio.
Responsive and affordable local government
Consents and user fees have become too expensive, and Councils often are too slow in
processing them.
The effect of litigation in relation to leaky homes and resource management has made
Councils risk-averse and bureaucratic.
Local government legislation is highly prescriptive. The result is that citizens find their
Councils to be too slow and too expensive.
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Labour will explore whether compliance requirements in local government legislation
can be made less prescriptive and onerous, and whether the Resource Management
Act can be reformed to reduce Councils‟ exposure to legal action.
Rates are a burden for New Zealanders especially for people on low incomes. Rates as a
percentage of GDP have been static but in many cases have increased at or beyond the rate
of inflation, making life difficult for low and fixed-income Kiwis.
Councils rely heavily on rates, and struggle to meet legislative and community expectations
with their limited resources.
Labour will revisit the rates rebate scheme to identify how it could better meet
people‟s needs.
We will also change the law to ensure that residents of „license to occupy‟ retirement villages
become eligible for the rates rebate.
Smaller rural councils also lack the rating base to invest in infrastructure. This is particularly
acute in the area of water and wastewater where too many rural communities have
unacceptably poor quality of drinking water.
Labour will work with councils facing infrastructure challenges to explore whether
amalgamations or shared services agreements can make it easier to meet
infrastructure challenges.
Local people owning local assets
In Auckland, National repealed the right to a binding referendum on whether the ports should
be privatised. The current government has also repealed the right of communities to be
consulted before services are contracted out, or assets transferred to a council-controlled
organisation. This opens the door to increasing private sector involvement in the delivery of
services and control of assets without giving the community a say.
Labour will restore the right of communities to be consulted before services are
contracted out or privatised, and will give citizens the right to decide in a referendum
before a strategic asset can be privatised.
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KAUPAPAA MĀORI O TE ROOPU REIPA 2011
Labour Māori Policy 2011
Our vision
Māori are experiencing a period of dramatic change. The Māori population is undergoing a
demographic shift. The Māori economy is experiencing significant structural change, yet
significant social issues challenge our ability to fully realise Māori potential.
Māori are a young population and this is growing. Recent research suggests that only half of
Māori school leavers will have the skills and capacity to find a job or study at tertiary level.
The challenge is to equip rangatahi with skills to enter the workforce or higher education.
The Māori economy is diversifying, moving from primary production to investing in new
industries. Iwi are beginning to turn to financial markets and growth and innovation
industries. Labour will support this change so iwi, and by extension Māori, can take
advantage of emerging economic opportunities.
Labour is supportive of and will put resources and effort into the Constitutional Review.
There is a need to ensure Māori retain aspects of our culture which may be at risk. Labour
recognises that cultural institutions such as Te Kōhanga Reo, Whare Wānanga, Kapahaka
festivals and tribal sports festivals are vital to the retention and further development of our
language and culture.
Labour supports the growth and development of Māori and is committed to building positive
pathways to success for Māori. Labour will continue to support the Māori Wardens, Hauora,
Māori Women‟s Welfare League and other groups and organisations committed to Māori
advancement. Labour is ready to find innovative ways to respond to the growing challenges
Māori are facing.
Labour is committed to improving the standard of living of all Māori. This policy is focused on
providing Māori with better opportunities for economic and personal growth. This can be
achieved through an integrated or holistic approach with key issues being:
Whai Oranga Cost of living
Tamariki Ora Putting kids first
Manaaki Rangatahi Youth development
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Mahi Tahi Jobs and skills
Umanga/Pakihi Growing the Māori economy
As well as:
Te Whenua me te Taiao – Land, Natural Resources and the Environment
Te Ao Māori – Customs, Culture and Language
Te Ture – Justice, Representation and the Treaty of Waitangi
Whai Oranga – Cost of living
New Zealand is experiencing an unprecedented increase in the cost of living. Māori
Whānau in rural towns and cities feel those impacts more than some. The Government has
presided over a brutal increase in GST and other excise taxes. The price of everyday
commodities has also risen over and above high levels of inflation.
Labour realises Māori are hit hardest by increases in the cost of living and will therefore
prioritise the cost of living and launch strategies that create greater fairness for everyone.
Labour will also ensure everyone pays their fair share of tax, and that the priorities, for
investing those returns, creates greater fairness for everyone.
Labour will ensure the first $5,000 of income is tax free.
Labour will remove GST from fresh fruit and veggies.
Labour will implement a fairer tax system.
Labour will increase the minimum wage to $15 so low income Māori whānau see an
increase in purchasing power.
Labour will retain income related rents in state homes.
Labour will ensure state-owned electricity generators are not over-charging.
Labour will support KiwiSaver and Iwi savings and investment schemes.
Tamariki Ora – Putting kids first
Tamariki are the foundation of our whānau. If we look after our children we are looking after
the future of Aotearoa/ New Zealand.
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Labour believes in an evidence based approach to child policy, an approach that
incorporates the whānau and takes into account the realities of raising a child in the 21 st
Century. Too many Māori children are living in benefit dependent households that are
suffering the effects of poverty.
Labour will provide support and encourage participation in Positive Parenting
programmes.
Labour will make going to the doctor more accessible and affordable, especially for
children. See our Health policy for more details.
Labour will continue to offer 20 hours free early childhood education.
Labour will ensure the 20 hours free early childhood payment covers Te Kōhanga
reo.
Labour will provide free or subsidised training for Te Kōhanga Reo staff to ensure Te
Kōhanga Reo have the capacity to deal with demand.
Labour will ensure that all tamariki have had their dental, hearing and eyesight
checks before or upon entry into primary school.
Labour will immediately restore $2 million to the Training Incentive Allowance and
commit to further increases over time so people on social welfare benefits can obtain
qualifications that give greater opportunity for themselves and their children.
Manaaki Rangatahi – Youth development
If we look after our young people we are looking after our future. Rangatahi are the
foundation of our hapu, iwi and community. The Māori population is overwhelmingly young.
At the 2006 Census almost half of all Māori were under the age of 23. Statistically speaking
rangatahi are a more significant bloc than most other age groups in the Māori population.
However, government policy does not seem to reflect this. Policy directed towards rangatahi
is inadequate. Contemporary youth policy tends to focus on response rather than prevention.
Labour is committed to preventing problems among rangatahi by addressing the structural
causes. If the underlying causes are not addressed then the same problems will manifest
with each new generation.
Labour is committed to correcting the social and economic problems rangatahi face. Labour
is dedicated to finding innovative solutions as well as continuing successful initiatives
already in place. Labour believes if we invest in our rangatahi we are investing in our future.
Labour aims to produce enough Māori leaders to meet future needs.
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Labour will work to ensure that finance is not a barrier to Rangatahi participating in
extra-curricular activities such as sports and the arts.
Labour will support drug and alcohol abuse programmes being available in schools.
Labour will support community based partnership between schools, whānau, hapū,
Iwi and local business to provide work experience for rangatahi.
Labour will support and encourage the further development of transition programmes
to support students moving from school into employment or training.
Labour will, over time as resources permit, work to ensure that every kura kaupapa
has access to a school nurse.
Labour will encourage restorative justice and community sentences for rangatahi.
Labour will provide on-going support for marae hearings for matters before the
Family and Youth Courts.
Mahi Tahi – Jobs and skills
The Māori unemployment rate currently stands at over 16%. This is unacceptable. Labour is
committed to providing jobs for Māori and bringing the unemployment rate down to pre-2008
levels. This will involve growing the Māori economy and equipping rangatahi with the skills
they need to secure a job.
Labour will promote the establishment of regional training opportunities in specialist
fields relevant to Māori enterprise, for example horticultural training in Tauranga and
the Hawkes Bay.
Labour will redevelop Māori trade training schemes in partnership with iwi and
expand apprenticeship programmes.
Labour will encourage collaboration between trade training providers and the armed
forces.
Labour will ensure that registers are maintained to connect beneficiaries and
employers for part-time jobs.
Labour will repeal the unfair 90 Day Trial Period amendment passed by the current
government.
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Labour will reintroduce intensive case management for unemployment beneficiaries
to ensure that programmes are tailored to their needs including career development,
budgeting and recognition of voluntary work.
Labour will work with the unemployed to address underlying health issues and
impediments to employment such as addiction and abuse.
Umanga/Pakihi – Growing the Māori economy
The most effective way to ensure the wellbeing of Māori is to grow the position of Māori in
the economy. Māori are no longer passive bystanders in the New Zealand economy – Māori
are active participants. Estimates of the size of the Māori economy range from $16b to $25b.
The challenge for Labour is to grow this figure for the benefit of all Māori.
Labour will investigate the establishment of economic development hubs that provide
for iwi collaboration with private investors and public agencies focusing on boosting
productivity and the integration of Māori export industries.
Such hubs would follow the multi-faceted strategy of engagement with Māori.
The Māori tourism industry is under-developed and the potential for growth is huge. There is
a need for business mentoring and business analysis available to help Māori Tourism
become the thriving industry it should be.
Labour will increase funding for Māori tourism by $1.5 million a year. We will invest in
skills and training initiatives and work to increase business mentoring to assist with
the analysis of business plans and the development of strategies.
Labour will make greater use of industry targeting and clustering sectors in economic
development policy.
Labour will develop mentoring programme to develop better Māori governance and
executive strategies which span obligations between community and commerce.
Labour will continue to support the development of programmes such as Be Your
Own Boss, and business facilitation services.
Māori will also be targeted for appointments to increase expertise across fields including
trade.
Labour will review Ture Whenua land legislation to simplify the development options
for multiply owned land.
Labour will support and encourage research and development initiatives.
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Labour will consider fit-for-purpose financial arrangements to promote growth among
businesses operating in Māori communities where those businesses offer
employment and generate economic growth.
Labour will explore with iwi leadership the possibility of working together to establish
a Māori development fund, as resources permit, to support iwi, hapū and whānau
business growth.
Labour will support and encourage Māori business export participation in high-growth
economies such as China and India.
Some of the other key areas Labour will focus on are:
Te Whenua me te Taiao – Land, Natural Resources and the Environment
Labour recognises the special relationship that exists between Māori and the environment.
Labour will continue to investigate models of co-governance and co-management of
Crown lands.
Labour will review, alongside Local and Regional Councils, pollution management
strategies and processes for granting resource consents.
Labour will implement a resource rental mechanism and seek expert advice on its
design parameters, with details to be developed in partnership with Māori and other
relevant stakeholders.
Labour will ensure there is a statutory requirement to adequately consult with iwi with
regard to all mineral exploration and extraction.
Te Ao Māori – Customs, Culture and Language
Our culture defines us as Māori. Labour is serious about supporting the growth of Māori
culture for the benefit of Māori and New Zealand.
Labour will continue to fund Te Matatini and support National Kapahaka competitions
at all levels.
Labour will continue to fund Māori Television and iwi radio and review the strategic
contribution these mediums make to raising proficiency levels of Te Reo Māori.
Te Ture – Justice, Representation and the Treaty of Waitangi
Labour is committed to a fair and equitable justice system which serves the interests of
Māori and all New Zealanders.
Labour will incorporate Māori notions of justice into the current justice framework.
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Labour will encourage restorative justice and community sentences for rangatahi.
Labour will provide on-going support for marae hearings for matters before the
Family and Youth Courts.
Labour will support the regulation of loan sharks and finance companies.
If Māori are to be heard we must have fair representation. Labour is committed to helping
Māori achieve fair representation across government, and in the appointment of Māori to
Government agencies.
Labour will retain the Māori electorate seats.
Labour will review, alongside Local and Regional Councils, pollution management
strategies and processes for granting resource consents.
Labour recognises the benefits of just and durable historical Treaty settlements.
Labour will ensure that all historical Treaty settlements are completed by 2020.
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MAKING MONETARY POLICY WORK FOR EXPORTERS
Our vision
Labour wants to see a step change in our export performance. Changing our monetary
policy is one way we can help encourage investment in the productive exporting businesses
New Zealand needs to grow the economy and create jobs.
What is wrong with current monetary policy?
A volatile New Zealand dollar and persistently high interest rates are causing structural
problems for our economy.
Currently, the New Zealand dollar is one of the ten most traded currencies in the world. 43 In
fact the NZ dollar was traded more than currencies from economies much larger than ours,
including the Indian rupee, the Brazilian real and the Chinese renminbi.
This heavy trading is reflected in a highly volatile currency which makes doing business
more difficult for our exporters. Our exporters have to plan for the value of the dollar
changing at great speed and little predictability. When our exchange rate surges, it
undermines the competitiveness of our prices in destination markets. When the exchange
rate falls, the price of inputs like fuel can soar unexpectedly.
The current policy also skews investment away from the productive areas of the economy
through supporting internationally high interest rates. Higher interest rates put New Zealand
exporters at a disadvantage against overseas competitors who are able to fund their
activities at a lower cost. Foreign investors with access to cheaper capital also have a
distinct advantage over any New Zealand party forced to borrow at higher rates when
bidding for a New Zealand business.
Our current policy is not well designed to produce a stable and competitive exchange rate,
nor to keep interest rates as low as possible. In fact, it often operates the other way round.
When there is a surge in domestic demand, the policy response is to increase interest rates.
Ironically, higher interest rates attract even more inflows of foreign capital, which then gets
lent out and sometimes causes even stronger domestic demand.
This cycle increases New Zealand‟s overseas debt at the same time as punishing our most
productive businesses and first home-buyers; the two sectors that we least want to affect.
43 Bank for International Settlements, Triennial Central Bank Survey: Report on global foreign exchange market
activity in 2010, December 2010, p 12
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Labour believes we must have monetary policy that supports the long and medium term
ambitions of New Zealand, not just the short term advantage of the currency traders.
The limits of the Reserve Bank Act
At the time the Reserve Bank Act was enacted New Zealand had been suffering from high
and erratic inflation averaging between 10 and 15 per cent for close to two decades. By the
early 1990s low inflation had been achieved and, as the Reserve Bank observes, “has since
become a well-entrenched feature of the economic landscape”. 44
While double-digit inflation has been curbed, the side effects have included a large and
persistent current account deficit and rising overseas debt. Other nations, which have curbed
inflation without the same side effects, have broader objective and tools. New Zealand
needs settings that maintain control of inflation whilst helping our export economy to grow.
While the success of the Reserve Bank Act is clear we need to recognise its limits and
ensure it is equipped to deal with the economic challenges of the day. This was the
approach endorsed by the IMF in 2010 when it observed the limits of the current policy. 45
Labour will ensure monetary policy does not undermine our exporters
Labour will reform monetary policy to ensure our exporters are not undermined by
extreme exchange fluctuations, including by:
Introducing a 15 per cent capital gains tax;
Broadening the objectives of the Reserve Bank Act;
Ensure the interests of exporters are represented on the Reserve Bank
Board;
Taking pressure off the official cash rate through complementary monetary
and prudential policy tools; and
Encouraging more aggressive Reserve Bank interventions to impose costs on
currency speculation.
Introducing a Capital Gains Tax
Labour will introduce a 15 per cent capital gains tax. The Reserve Bank favours the
introduction of a capital gains tax as an aid to monetary policy because it reduces the bank‟s
reliance on higher interest rates to control asset bubbles and the related consumption driven
inflationary pressures. A capital gains tax will moderate interest rates and this in turn will
44 RBNZ, The Reserve Bank and New Zealand’s Economic History, 2007, p 23
45 Blanchard O, Dell’Ariccia G, Mauro P, IMF Staff Position Note: Rethinking Macroeconomic Policy,
International Monetary Fund, 12 February 2010
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educe demand for the New Zealand dollar. Both of these are advantageous for our
exporters and will lead to more exports and a wealthier New Zealand.
Broadening the Reserve Bank Objectives
We believe the objectives of the Reserve Bank should be broadened. Currently its sole focus
is on the maintenance of price stability – or inflation. We agree with the approach taken by
Australia that recognises that along with inflation control, employment, economic prosperity,
and the health of the export sector are at least as important.
Exporters Representation on the Reserve Bank Board
We will ensure the interests of exporters are represented on the Reserve Bank Board. How
the Reserve Bank implements its policies is determined by the Board and the Governor of
the Reserve Bank. Labour believes better outcomes will be achieved if a number of board
members with exporting backgrounds are on the board.
Monetary Policy Needs Friends: Complementary tools
Labour welcomes the changes, flowing from Basel II, that have seen the Reserve Bank
make greater use of prudential supervision tools to support monetary policy. However, the
positive effect of Basel II on monetary policy is almost accidental. The role of prudential
ratios is important and needs clearer legislative authority. Labour will clarify the Reserve
Bank Act to ensure the Bank is able to use such tools primarily for the purpose of supporting
Monetary Policy. Allowing the Reserve Bank to use prudential tools such capital ratios will
control liquidity growth and therefore inflation.
Labour will also change the Policy Targets Agreement to include a requirement to explicitly
consider the effects of monetary policy on exports. In practice we believe that, faced with
rapid credit expansion, this change would allow the bank to use prudential ratios rather than
rely solely on interest rates.
More Aggressive Reserve Bank Interventions
We think the interventions by the Reserve Bank which started in 2004 can and should be
pushed harder. While this does carry some extra risk for the Crown, we believe this will be
modest. By increasing the risk for speculators that the Bank will catch them out, volatility will
be reduced.
Labour is committed to controlling inflation
The importance of controlling inflation is a lesson of history well understood. We are
committed to retaining the Reserve Banks‟s current 1-3% inflation target. We will also
maintain the Bank‟s operational independence and ensure it continues to manage financial
stability and price stability.
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OPEN GOVERNMENT
Our vision - Transparency and engagement with Kiwis
Government is a significant influence in the day to day lives of many New Zealanders.
People rightly expect that it should behave in a predictable, open and transparent way
wherever it can. In a democracy, public confidence relies on citizens knowing what
government is doing and why, and being able to take part in debates knowing that the
government is listening. Greater public confidence in government through more open
government is Labour‟s goal.
Achieving this goal requires improvements in the transparency and openness of
government. It also requires public pressure to demand it: the institutions of government and
politics would otherwise continue behaving as they have always done.
New Zealanders also need to have confidence that there is sound democratic process in
law-making and the parliamentary process.
They need to have confidence in the public sector being more open and transparent; and
that the political parties are committed to engaging with the public in a more open and
transparent way.
Labour is committed to more open and transparent government to take us into the future.
Governments have to be able to understand the issues and debates and acknowledge that
old ways are being replaced by new ones.
In 2010 Labour trialled OpenLabourNZ, a new way of Labour engaging with communities to
seek their input by using new technologies and methods to increase participation, drawing
on similar processes used in Australia, the US and the UK. This policy is the distilled
outcome of OpenLabourNZ.
Labour is committed to trying new ways of engaging with the public that are aligned to our
values and strengthen our democracy. OpenLabourNZ is about involving and evolving
public participation in policy discussions.
While the technology is new, OpenLabourNZ is a natural progression of Labour‟s values of
democracy, a fair go for everyone, and governing for the many not the few.
Open Government: draft principles
Draft principles underpinning open government policy are set out below, with some detail
under each. In adopting such principles there is a balance to be struck between
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transparency and accountability, on the one hand, and the need for the provision of “free
and frank advice” to the government to guide effective government and to protect the
security and commercially sensitive aspects of advice as set out in the Official Information
Act, on the other.
Transparency in political offices
● Government works better when the public is involved and informed
●
●
Government is more effective and efficient when its operations are open and
accountable
People have a right to be informed about the operations of their government
Open public sector data and information
● Any works funded through government should be released in a timely manner with
minimal possible restrictions, under Creative Commons licences allowing use, reuse
and repurposing for commercial and non-commercial purposes and in a manner and
with systems in place that allow citizen scrutiny and feedback.
●
Exceptions to open access should be made for private data provided by third parties
and data that could cause possible injury to New Zealand, create issues of privacy,
or where premature release could cause damage to the New Zealand economy.
Opening up the public sector
● Online engagement by public servants should be enabled and encouraged. Robust
professional engagement with the public benefits government agencies, public
servants‟ own professional development, and the New Zealand public.
●
Public servants should be able to use social media in their professional role, and the
government should provide protection and guidance/advice around how to do so
effectively.
Collaborative and participative policy development
● More consultative, participatory and transparent processes for making policy will
contribute to more representative and higher quality policy. It will also help the public
collaborate on policy, and then hold their elected representatives accountable for its
implementation.
●
●
Government practice needs to respond to both the changing expectations of greater
openness, and the changing technology landscape which allows such openness.
Collaborative and participative policy development requires resources and
leadership, but it is an important investment in better policy outcomes, more efficient
and effective decision making in the future, and efficiencies in service design and
delivery.
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●
Engaging citizens directly in policy development will assist in establishing both
legitimacy and adoption of new policy.
Citizen-centric services
● Government should develop online services that make it easy for citizens to engage
with government on day to day tasks, in a way that cuts across the internal
complexities of government.
Open infrastructure
● Affordable access to broadband needs to be expanded, so all citizens can equitably
access online government services. (Labour‟s ICT policy expands on this point.)
●
Commitments to openness need to apply to the tools being used and the way they
are funded, purchased and produced.
Open Government: implementation
The draft principles set out above are an ideal-world and ambitious charter for driving
change in the practices of government at all levels.
Implementing policy that gives effect to such principles can only happen incrementally over
time. Even so, Labour acknowledges that the changes this policy sets out are challenging to
some parts of government, and to the existing operational approach of the public sector.
That is why a carefully considered implementation is important, with ample time for public
debate on the principles, and consultation and reflection before any changes are made.
The balance that needs to be struck in advancing the open government agenda is a balance
between principles like those set out here, and the realities and constraints of day to day
political and public service activity.
This balance must be arrived at through the sort of open debate and discussion the whole
Open Government approach is designed to create.
Labour will produce a comprehensive “Open Government Charter”, based on the
draft principles set out above, and seek public consultation and discussion to inform
future decisions about how to open up government.
The Charter will include as matters for consultation the following specific suggestions, most
of which emerged from the OpenLabourNZ process:
Transparency in political offices
● Establish as default practice Ministers and government agencies releasing all Cabinet
papers and other relevant papers onto a dedicated website, in line with the Official
Information Act (the Act), once a decision is announced by government. Exceptions
will apply for security or commercially sensitive information and other areas already set
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out in the Act, with the usual request and appeal processes continuing to apply where
the government does not release papers by default.
Open public sector data and information
●
Publish the Hansard in a standard, open, parsable, format, so that it can easily be reused
and republished by anybody for any purpose.
●
●
Release appropriate public sector data and information free of charge, in line with the
current Declaration on Open and Transparent Government and NZ Data and
Information Management Principles.
Consider developing Public Information legislation that creates positive obligations on
the public service to make information available in an accessible and timely manner.
Government information and data releases will occur under licenses that allow
people to reuse and profit from it without charge.
Opening up the public sector
●
Allow and encourage public servants to use social media in connection with their role
as public servants.
●
●
●
Work towards publishing or broadcasting all public Parliamentary proceedings (such
as Select Committees) over the Internet and digital television.
Explore ways to expand the use that government makes of the Internet in engaging
the public to feed into policy discussion and government direction.
Consider the regular use of formal citizen assemblies to help develop policy in areas
where public input and consideration can assist in tackling very difficult and complex
problems and building public support for long term, credible ways of tackling them.
Citizen-centric services
●
Strengthen civics programmes as part of the New Zealand Curriculum, giving our
young people the tools to participate as citizens.
●
●
Develop a trial of online voting in local government and general elections.
Consider the degree to which other public services can be made available online
through an easy-to-use one stop website.
Open infrastructure
●
Procurement reform – looking at the impact of procurement rules on the costs of
software change in Government to systems that enable openness.
●
Strengthen the focus on using free and open source software (FLOSS) in all areas of
Government (central and local).
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Improving the quality of the work of the House of Representatives
Under the Fourth Labour Government, both the Standing Orders of the House of
Representatives and the statutory and other provisions affecting the work of the House were
re-written and modernised. The House was required to sit within a specified time after a
general election; sitting hours were regularised, and a range of standing committees, to
which nearly every bill is now sent for public input, were established.
This is the essential framework under which the House operates today, but the system
needs better protection, especially when urgency is used to deprive the House of public
input into important legislation. It can function more effectively, in light of the experience of
the past 25 years, and given new technologies.
Labour will initiate a review of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives,
and of associated statutory and other provisions. Specifically, the Review will:
Strengthen the requirement for a robust, publicly-available regulatory impact
statement to be published by way of justification for a legislative intervention
Provide for better consideration by the House of reports from the Law
Commission that contain draft bills
Promote the use of plain language in legislative and other public documents
Consider ways in which the time of the House can be used more effectively
Examine the number, terms of reference, powers, and resourcing of
parliamentary committees, with a view to ensuring they work more effectively to
assist the House to scrutinise legislation and the performance of the Executive
End the practice of Ministers sitting on or chairing subject committees
Consider more effective means to obtain public input into the legislative process,
including through the use of new technologies; and
Restrict recourse to urgency.
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PACIFIC ISLAND AFFAIRS
Our vision
Labour‟s vision for Pacific people and their families is to succeed and prosper in an inclusive
New Zealand society.
With an ageing population, New Zealand will become increasingly reliant on the youthful
Pacific population in years to come. Labour believes New Zealand‟s future is inextricably
connected to Pacific people‟s socio-economic well-being, achievement, leadership and
strength.
To achieve this vision, Labour is committed to investing long term in the economic, cultural,
political and social wellbeing of Pacific communities in New Zealand and in the region.
Pacific people‟s journey
Pacific people left their homes in the Pacific Islands and travelled to New Zealand with
dreams and aspirations for a better future, to achieve success through educational & skills
development opportunities, to work hard and earn high incomes that will provide for their
families and support village projects in the islands, and provide a thriving future for their
children.
Pacific people in New Zealand are a rapidly growing and changing population. They have
grown from a small migrant community of just 2,200 people in 1945 to a population of
266,000 in the 2006 Census count. At 6.9 per cent of the total New Zealand population, it is
estimated Pacific peoples in New Zealand will reach 10 per cent by the year 2025.
The Pacific population today is increasingly New Zealand born, predominantly young, highly
urbanised, educated, bilingual, with a strong presence in the arts, music and sports. Strong
cultural bonds, religious participation, family connections and inter-marriages with other
cultures mean the thriving presence of Pacific people in Aotearoa is now a permanent and
enduring feature of the New Zealand landscape in all levels.
However, there remains a proportion of Pacific people who, alongside low income New
Zealanders, still face ongoing challenges with educational opportunities, housing, health,
income earnings, poverty, the scarcity of job market opportunities, and who struggle to attain
the original dreams and aspirations for a prosperous and thriving future.
Because the Pacific (and Māori) population is relatively young compared with the total
population, it is clearly expected that the Pacific and Māori youth will play a significant role in
New Zealand‟s future labour force. It is therefore imperative that their specific educational,
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training and social needs are met and that we recognise this as an investment for the sake
of all New Zealanders‟ futures.
The fundamental areas where priority, greater attention, and investment is required long
term in order to lift success and achievement for the Pacific community are in Education,
Training, Skills Development, Health, Housing, and Economic Development.
Labour will also continue to support Pacific people‟s aspiration to shine in the areas of
language, culture, film and in the creative industries on the national and international stage.
Education
Labour‟s vision is „Children and young people are our future: their skills and confidence in
engaging the world will determine our quality of life in years to come. Investment in
education is vital if we are going to own our future‟.
Labour is committed to supporting Pacific people‟s dreams and aspiration for a successful
future through growing an educated, skilled, qualified and more prosperous Pacific
community from Early Childhood Education (ECE) through to tertiary level opportunities.
The last Labour Government saw improved levels of education for Pasifika people across
the education system: more children participating in quality ECE; more students leaving
school with a qualification; and participation in tertiary education growing faster for Pasifika
people than any other group.
Pasifika Participation & Achievement
Pasifika children are concentrated in schools in low-decile areas and have achievement
rates that are substantially below average. Many of Labour‟s general initiatives will have a
positive impact on Pasifika education, and in particular, Labour is determined to boost
Pasifika children‟s rate of participation in ECE.
Labour will work to lift Pasifika achievement and increase Pasifika participation rates,
particularly in ECE.
Labour will work alongside Pacific providers and their organisations, parents, and
educational institutions to define and develop a Pacific model with strategies that will
drive greater, successful, and enduring participation rates in early childhood
education for Pacific communities.
Pasifika Languages
We must remember that New Zealand is a Pacific Island, with our Pasifika cultures and
languages increasingly important in the way New Zealanders see themselves. We want the
number of New Zealanders able to speak an additional language, particularly their native
tongue, to increase.
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The National Government last year halted the provision of Pacific language publications that
were designed to aid the learning of Pasifika students. The Tupu and Folauga series of
reading books and journals were popular with parents, teachers and students. It has been
argued that withdrawing these publications breaches Pasifika children‟s rights to learn in in
their own language. This decision undermines the value of bilingual education and further
imperils the future of Pasifika languages.
Labour will resume the publication of the Tupu and Folauga series of reading books
and journals.
The National Government has removed Pacific bilingual education from the Pacific
Education Plan.
Labour will reinstate the goals for Pacific literacy, research, and bilingualism in the
Pacific Education Plan (PEP) which were removed by the National Government in
2009.
Given the large and growing population of Pasifika people in New Zealand, governments
have a special responsibility for the future of the languages of the Pacific Islands. Ensuring
that the next generation of Pasifika people have a strong command of their languages is
essential. To achieve this, we need to make sure our teachers are well-equipped to pass on
their languages to Pasifika children.
Labour will investigate teacher exchanges with Pacific countries.
Through these exchanges, teachers based in New Zealand could travel to countries in the
Pacific to enhance their language skills. At the same time, New Zealand would play host to
teachers from the Pacific Islands, who could improve their English, while enhancing their
teaching skills.
Pasifika Culture in Our Schools
The number of Pasifika children in our schools has increased by 33% over the last decade
according to Ministry of Education statistics. The government must meet the needs of this
population within our school system. In order to lift the performance of Pasifika students, it is
important that schools meet their cultural needs, creating an environment supportive of and
conducive to learning.
Labour will require the Education Review Office to ensure that schools and teachers
are taking into consideration the cultural needs of Pasifika students.
For further information, see Labour‟s Education policy.
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Jobs and skills
New Zealand will become increasingly reliant on the youthful Pacific population as the
general New Zealand population ages. Labour recognises the importance of Pacific people
becoming highly skilled, qualified and participating completely in an innovative workforce and
having transferable skills required in a diverse job market.
Currently, Pacific people are over-represented in the unemployment statistics. Labour is
committed to supporting our Pacific population into work and providing opportunities for
Pacific people to up-skill and realise their full potential.
Over 40% of Pasifika 15-19 year olds are unemployed as measured by the Household
Labour Force Survey. That‟s simply unacceptable. To get more of our Pasifika youth into
training Labour will provide an additional 5,000 fees-free training places for 16 and 17 year
olds over 3 years, including 1,000 that have a dedicated Pasifika mentoring and pastoral
element. This will operate in a similar style to the Māori Trades Training initiative, by bringing
Pasifika community groups, the ITOs and tertiary providers together to provide a training
environment that encourages young Pasifika people to succeed.
Labour will provide an additional 5,000 fees-free training places for 16 and 17 year
olds over 3 years, including 1,000 that have a Pasifika mentoring element.
Labour is committed to ensuring that every at-risk 15-19 year old will be either learning or
earning by the end of our first term. We plan to ensure every school leaver has a plan for
further training, education or work.
Labour will provide $87m for getting 9,000 unemployed young New Zealanders off
the unemployment benefit and into apprenticeships with a $8,727 (the equivalent of
the dole payment) subsidy to employers willing to offer a permanent full-time job.
Labour will provide an additional 1,000 places over the next three years allocated to
group apprenticeships, shared apprenticeships and public service cadets.
For further information, see Labour‟s Youth Skills policy.
Labour has an economic policy that will put in place the right elements to encourage growth
and job creation.
Small Business
Labour will utilise the Pacific Business Trust to continue seeking to increase the
number of Pacific people succeeding in business through the provision of business
mentoring and practical business educational programmes, and encouraging
business learnings through participating in business competitions, governance
training, and value-added networking.
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Wages
Pacific people make up 6 per cent of people on the minimum wage. Labour believes that all
New Zealand workers are entitled to a living wage, and the current minimum wage does not
achieve that.
Labour will increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour in our first year in
government.
Labour is committed to closing the income gap and improving our productivity track record.
Our plan will tackle this long-standing problem with a new labour law framework for New
Zealand.
Labour will amend the Employment Relations Act 2000 to implement the Industry
Standard Agreements framework, as set out in our Work and Wages policy.
Labour will work in collaboration with employers, educational institutions and trade
unions to increase the numbers of Pacific peoples (particularly women) in workplace
training programmes, to provide them with health & safety training and develop their
skills and career pathways.
For further information, see Labour‟s Work and Wages policy.
Pacific culture and languages
With each new Pacific generation being born in New Zealand, there is a gradual rise in the
numbers of Pacific people not using Pacific languages. The potential loss of a Pacific
language will have greater ramifications on the maintenance of genealogical connections,
historical links, cultural identity and intellectual property.
Labour is committed to preserving and promoting our Pacific languages, culture, traditions,
arts and music. These are part of New Zealand's national identity and reflect our close links
with the Pacific region.
Labour will promote the preservation and protection of Pacific languages within New
Zealand through a whole-of-government Pacific Languages Strategy.
Labour will reinstate the goals for Pacific literacy, research, and bilingualism in the
Pacific Education Plan (PEP) which were removed by the National Government in
2009.
Labour will work with the Pacific community and others to develop a strategy that
gives mana to the five main Pacific languages in New Zealand as community
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languages so Pacific children have the right to grow up speaking, reading and writing
in their own heritage language(s) from a young age.
Health
Labour is committed to enhancing the well-being of all New Zealanders, so they can live
longer, healthier lives – including Pacific people and their families. Labour will ensure all
Pacific people have fair access to quality, affordable health care.
Factors such as income, occupation and housing affect and influence health. Improvements
in these areas, and increased access to primary health care, will lead to better health
outcomes for the Pacific population and all New Zealanders.
A positive and preventative approach to the wellbeing of our pacific population is essential to
their success. Through their link to their cultures Pacific peoples face unique health
challenges. But their culture and networks also offer treatment paths in which to combat
those challenges.
Labour will, as part of the wider Pacific policy, focus on developing a healthy, strong
and vibrant community now and into the future through:
Reducing inequalities
Targeting the reduction of obesity, diabetes and heart diseases
Smoking cessation amongst Pacific Youth
Mental Health
Halting alcohol abuse
Growing the Pacific health workforce, and
Ensuring safe and healthy homes
Reducing inequalities
Over the decade of the last Labour Government access to affordable healthcare became
easier for Pacific families. Labour ensured the cost of seeing a doctor and obtaining
prescriptions was made affordable. Other initiatives made available to all New Zealanders,
such as B4 School Checks, free health care for under 6‟s and fruit in schools, also had
positive outcomes for Pacific peoples.
Under National the access and affordability of quality healthcare for Pacific people has gone
backwards.
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The unemployment rate at nearly double the national average means it is a financial
challenge for Pacific people to get the healthcare they require. It is difficult for many Pacific
families to meet the day to day cost of living. As a result their day to day health is suffering.
Labour will make a commitment to ensure that Pacific peoples get the full advantage of our
wider economic, job creation, skills training, housing, and education policies.
Labour will develop and support, in consultation with Pacific health and community
leaders, Pacific models for delivery of services that have an integrated approach to
working with Pacific families.
Labour will extend free access for under sixes to after-hours medical services,
meaning 24 hour, 7 day a week free access for under six year olds.
Targeting the reduction in obesity, diabetes and heart disease
Pacific peoples have by far the largest prevalence of obesity by ethnic group and the pattern
over the last decade or so has shown it is a growing problem 46 . Obesity can also lead to
diabetes. A report from Diabetes New Zealand in November 2010 stated:
“Pacific people are two and a half times more likely to be obese than the general
population. Obesity often leads to Type 2 diabetes, and with obesity numbers rising
along with the numbers developing Type 2 diabetes in the Pacific community.” 47
A real focus on changing the mind-set of eating and lifestyle choices must be made to
address this major and developing issue for Pacific people. Initiatives must be prepared to
challenge norms or sensitivities. The primary focus must be on improving the health of the
community.
Labour will continue to support initiatives working within Pacific communities to
reduce obesity rates and to promote the importance of nutrition while understanding
that food is central to Pacific cultures.
Removing the GST from fresh fruit and vegetables will make healthy eating more affordable
and also encourage healthy lifestyle choices for all New Zealanders.
Smoking cessation amongst Pacific Youth
Evidence shows that rates of smoking amongst Pacific youth are significantly higher than
European youth. 48 A number of targeted cessation programmes for Pacific communities are
already operating but given the disproportionate negative effects of smoking and second
hand smoke on the Pacific community, more needs to be done.
46 http://www.socialreport.msd.govt.nz/health/obesity.html
47 http://www.diabetes.org.nz/news/pacific_new_zealanders_battel_against_obesity
48 www.nzma.org.nz/journal/122-1303/3795/content.pdf
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Labour will develop and implement a strong and well-resourced Pacific Tobacco
strategy.
The benefits from the success of such a strategy will be the reduction in conditions such as
SIDS, cancer, diabetes and asthma. This policy must be a partnership with Non-Government
Organisations that are already taking measures to lessen the harm of tobacco amongst the
wider community. The input of medical experts, the media, social media and high profile
Pacific people must also be sought. Particular attention must be given to targeting the
reduction of smoking rates with Pacific women.
Mental Health
Mental Health issues affecting Pacific young people have worsened during the difficult
economic times. More Pacific youth are struggling to find employment. Sadly, rates of
suicide are increasing for Pacific youth.
Labour will encourage research into suicide by young people and will formulate
programmes that will address youth mental health, including through schools,
churches and Pacific health providers.
Halting alcohol abuse
Compared to the general population there are fewer Pacific non-drinkers and those who do
drink tend to drink heavily and do themself more harm. As well as the adverse health effects,
alcohol abuse causes major social harm in Pacific communities. Alcohol abuse
disproportionately affects the Pacific population.
A two pronged approach is needed to address the wider issue of ending the culture of heavy
drinking with younger Pacific Islanders and address the heavy drinking that is occurring.
Labour will commit to working alongside Pacific communities to educate, resource
and lift awareness of the harm that alcohol can cause.
Labour will work to achieve a culture change where non-drinking or drinking in
moderation is the norm in the Pacific community. A partnership between Pacific role
models, community organisations and leaders will be vital to ensure the success of
this initiative.
Growing the Pacific health workforce
A strong Pacific health workforce is vital to ensure New Zealand has a healthy Pacific
community. The projected increase in the Pacific population and the increase in the number
of elderly Pacific peoples demands a real focus in this area.
Many Pacific Islanders will utilise mainstream services but the ability to have resources,
qualified staff and systems in place to deal with a growing Pacific population will enable the
health system to be more effective and efficient.
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Labour will recommence a commitment to the Pacific health workforce to maximise
the health system‟s ability to respond to the needs of the Pacific community.
Labour will commit to training and investing in a skilled Pacific health workforce that
understands the challenges and opportunities in the Pacific community.
Housing
Pacific Islanders, like all New Zealanders, have the right to a good home to provide families
with the basics to live the Kiwi dream. Labour is committed to addressing the safety and
healthiness of Pacific people in their homes whether they are owners or private or state
tenants.
Labour will implement a pro-active and preventative community-based approach to
wider health issues, especially given issues around overcrowding in Pacific homes.
Pacific people make up 25% of state house tenants, and any improvements to the state
housing scheme will directly benefit them. The last Labour Government improved tenant
health and delivered energy cost savings for state house tenants through “retrofitting” state
homes. The next Labour Government will reaffirm Housing New Zealand's role as a social
housing provider providing security and support for those most in need.
Labour will continue to invest in the acquisition and maintenance of state houses and
is committed to income-related rents for state house tenants.
Labour will ensure that every client who comes into Housing New Zealand has a
needs assessment before being offered the 'options and advice' service. Category C
and D clients will not be denied access to the state house waiting list but will continue
to be offered advice on alternative accommodation options.
Labour will cease the selling down of the state housing stock in order to keep up the
stock of state housing and to enable the quality integrated renewal of state housing
communities.
A stable, healthy home is also crucial for those Pacific families who rent privately. The
private rental property market in New Zealand is not set up to deliver long term rental
arrangements, despite such arrangements often benefitting both tenant and landlord.
Labour will work with landlord and tenant representative groups to investigate options
for increasing security of tenure in the private sector.
While most landlords maintain their properties to appropriate healthy standards,
unfortunately some do not. Cold unhealthy rental properties result in high power costs and
poor health outcomes for Pacific families.
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Labour will require all rental properties to be insulated to meet the NZ standard for
insulation by 2016.
Labour will begin work on developing a building 'warrant of fitness' for energy
efficiency in residential properties.
Labour would also like to see more Pacific families able to achieve home ownership. We will
work with Pacific communities including church groups and other stakeholders towards that
goal.
For further information, see Labour‟s Housing policy.
South Pacific region
New Zealand is a Pacific nation with unique relationships with the Cook Islands, Niue and
Tokelau who are self-governing with free association with New Zealand and have New
Zealand citizenship. Additionally, New Zealand has special relationships with Samoa
through its Treaty of Friendship, and long-standing ties with the Kingdom of Tonga and other
Pacific nations.
We have large Pacific populations in New Zealand and important historical, family, business
and educational links with almost all Pacific Island nations.
Indeed, after the devastating tsunami that hit Samoa, Tonga, and American Samoa in 2009,
Samoa‟s Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Taisi Efi responded to New
Zealand‟s overwhelming support by saying, “…he who comes to my aid in times of need are
my family.”
Therefore, not only is it in New Zealand‟s interest that there is a stable South Pacific region
of peace, harmony, security and economic prosperity, but New Zealand has an obligation to
ensure this for the sake of its strongly connected Pacific population of New Zealand
citizenry.
Thus, New Zealand‟s aim in the Pacific is to work collaboratively to maintain peace and
democracy, eliminate poverty and assist the development of sustainable industries for the
benefit of Pasifika peoples.
Pressing issues include trade relationships, immigration, the environment and climate
change, maternal mortality and child health, HIV/AIDS prevention, disaster prevention,
development of infrastructure, and support for civic education, civil society and proper
governance structures.
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In March 2006, Labour initiated an inquiry into New Zealand‟s relationship with South Pacific
countries through the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade select committee. This report was
tabled in parliament on December 2010 but to date remains in abeyance.
Labour in government will host Pacific parliamentarians and non-government
agencies in a forum on Pacific issues with a focus on the recommendations of the
report on New Zealand‟s relationship with South Pacific countries and develop a
framework for delivery where appropriate.
For further information, see Labour‟s Foreign Affairs policy.
Immigration
New Zealand has long-standing ties and a unique set of relationships with our Pacific
neighbours. We have large Pasifika populations in New Zealand and important historical
connections. Labour will ensure our immigration policies continue to recognise the special
relationship between New Zealand and the Pacific.
Too many of our Pacific new arrivals are forced to wait an unacceptably long time before a
final decision is made on a permanent residency. This waiting time must be reduced.
Labour is also concerned that there are young Pacific people who are, through no fault of
their own, missing out on education, medical and hospital care as a result of their parents‟
irregular status.
Labour will investigate the reasons why there are a continuing number of Pacific
people with irregular immigration status in order to curtail the increase in immigration
scams, and to encourage Pacific people living illegally in New Zealand to regularise
their status.
Labour will undertake a review of the Pacific Access and Samoan Quota systems
and criteria to better align job offer requirements with the current market.
Labour will introduce a specialist Immigration Ombudsman within the office of the
Ombudsman, with extensive powers of inquiry enabling him/her to investigate
systemic issues, individual complaints from onshore and family sponsored applicants
without other appeal rights, immigration detention issues and protected disclosures
from immigration staff.
The Recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme enables the horticulture and viticulture
industries to recruit workers, primarily from Pacific countries, to fill labour gaps. This scheme
is designed to fill labour gaps, not to displace New Zealand workers.
Labour will enhance the Recognised Seasonal Employment scheme through:
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improved pre-departure information being provided to workers so that they
are better prepared upon arrival in New Zealand
further improvements to pastoral care so that workers are looked after while
they are here
more flexible working arrangements
ensuring workers are able to change between employers during the scheme,
recognising the need for flexibility for both employers and workers
requiring the wages for workers on this scheme to be paid at the rate of at
least the minimum wage and with accommodation provided in addition to the
wages.
Labour will maintain close relationships with the Pacific region in terms of immigration
policies.
For further information, see Labour‟s Immigration policy.
Arts, culture and heritage
The creative and artistic potential of the Pacific artists and crafts-people have not yet been
fully explored and released for all to enjoy. Labour recognises that Pacific arts, language
and culture significantly enhance the building of thriving and progressive communities.
We are committed to promoting the richness and diversity of our Pacific cultures through the
arts. We will also promote career pathways available in the creative sector, and support our
Pacific peoples in their artistic and economic development.
Labour supports continued investment in the arts within Pacific communities, and will
promote the career pathways available in the creative sector.
Labour will retain Te Waka Toi and the Pacific Arts Committee as part of the
governance structure of Toi Aotearoa Creative New Zealand.
For further information, see Labour‟s Arts, Culture and Heritage policy.
Broadcasting and ICT
The country must not have a digital divide. Labour believes some of our greatest innovation
can come out of our most deprived areas. The new broadband network must not be a tool to
entrench the divide between the haves and the have nots.
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Around 20% of New Zealand households currently do not have a computer. These
unconnected homes are predominantly in lower socio-economic areas and are often home
to Pasifika and Māori families.
A key way to increase the connectedness and literacy for many New Zealand households is
to leverage the education system by ensuring every child has access to a device.
Computers in Homes (2020 Communications Trust) has estimated that there are 100,000
families with dependent children who do not have access to a computer at home. They are
more likely to be one-parent households and from Māori and Pasifika backgrounds where
children are unable to participate equitably in digital learning and using technology.
Labour is committed to ensuring that all New Zealanders, regardless of income and
background are able to access, afford and get the best use from technology.
Labour will increase funding to Computer Clubhouses for the most vulnerable
communities in NZ. Labour will also increase funding to Computers in Homes in order
to make more rapid progress in bridging the digital gap. (We have allocated up to
$2.7 million a year for the expansion of these two initiatives.)
For further information, see Labour‟s ICT policy.
Labour will invest $75 million over four years in „e-learning‟ for low-decile schools,
with priority going to schools with year 7 -13 students and the capability to deliver an
effective programme. This includes Government funding for students to have
individual use of a mobile device.
For further information, see Labour‟s Education policy.
Broadcasting is a vital component of the fabric of any nation. Labour believes that all New
Zealanders should be represented by and be able to receive public broadcasting content,
including news and current affairs across radio, TV and the Internet. Labour is committed to
investing in public broadcasting in order to meet the needs of a diverse society and to
ensure all New Zealanders, including the Pacific population, are represented.
Labour will establish a dedicated fund for Pacific broadcast and film media production
within existing funding for New Zealand on Air. Labour recognises the need to work
towards a dedicated broadcasting capability for Pacific communities, and will do so
as resources allow.
For further information, see Labour‟s Broadcasting policy.
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Pacific leadership
Since the first arrivals into Aotearoa from 1945 onwards, Pacific people have firmly
established themselves as an integral characteristic of the modern New Zealand. Pacific
communities have a desire to take stock of their journey thus far and to create a new vision
for the way forward for the next generation.
Labour is committed to working with the Pacific community to create that vision for Pacific
peoples in New Zealand and for the next generations of leaders to pursue. We will ensure it
receives whole of government recognition, attention, priority and appropriate action and
resourcing.
Labour will establish an annual Pacific forum for the purposes of supporting the
Pacific community to create and build a new collective vision for Pacific people in
New Zealand.
Pacific women
Pacific communities recognise that the unique role of bearing and raising children more often
falls heavily on women. In some families the role of providing care to the sick, a disabled
member of the family, or elderly are additional responsibilities carried by Pacific women, and
sometimes carried alone and without recognition, support, or remuneration.
Labour recognises that these roles and responsibilities are important for the building up of a
strong, healthy and inclusive society, and should be given recognition.
We will encourage increasing participation rates of women accessing tertiary and community
education opportunities.
Labour will immediately restore $13 million cut from ACE funding to improve access
to adult and community education.
Labour will immediately restore $2 million to the Training Incentive Allowance and
commit to further increases over time so women on social welfare benefits can obtain
qualifications that give greater opportunity for themselves and their children.
Labour will remove barriers to women‟s participation in post-compulsory education
for women of all ages.
Labour will actively work towards eliminating barriers that prevent women from
entering male dominated apprenticeships and industries.
Labour will recognise the care of young children as valuable work, and an important stage in
both parents‟ and children‟s lives. Labour wants to enable parents who choose to stay at
home and care for very young children to do just that.
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Labour will ensure that government policies recognise and support women who stay
home to raise children, or care for disabled or elderly family members.
Labour will undertake a review of the differences in government assistance provided
to foster carers and to kin carers (including grandparents) with a view to ensuring that
both groups are treated equitably.
Labour will extend the period of Paid Parental Leave to cover the first 6 months of a
child‟s development, in two steps:
In Budget 2013 Paid Parental Leave eligibility will increase from 14 weeks to
18 weeks (commencing from April 2014); and
In Budget 2014 Paid Parental Leave eligibility will increase from 18 weeks to
26 weeks (six months) (commencing from April 2015).
Women in New Zealand still, on average, earn less than men and continue to be underrepresented
in workplace leadership roles. Labour will strengthen the legislative and policy
framework to address the issue of persistent gender pay gap and promote equal
employment opportunity.
Labour will support Pacific women in leadership development and encourage their
full participation with equal rewards in the economy, law, health, education, business
and politics.
For further information, see Labour‟s Women‟s Policy.
Police and Corrections
Labour will aim to create a police force which is representative of the New Zealand
population that it serves so that it can effectively engage with and protect the community. To
that end, we will aim to increase the opportunities for Pacific peoples to pursue a career
pathway in the police force.
Labour will support the Pacific Focus Unit programmes in prisons to increase the
potential for reducing recidivism.
Labour will encourage rehabilitation efforts for Pacific prisoners that have valueadded
community engagement.
Consumer issues
Predatory lending is a major problem for the Pacific community and one which continues to
grow as families feel the pressure of increases to the cost of living. Consumer finance
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ecomes predatory when it‟s carried out unethically by „loan sharks‟, pay day lenders, mobile
shops, and used car dealers.
Labour will conclude the review of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act
and introduce legislation to implement the review‟s findings.
Labour will pass legislation within twelve months that deals with issues around loan
sharks including exorbitant interest rates, irresponsible lending provisions, celebrity
endorsements, and disclosure by lenders of the fees, charges and interest rates that
make up the costs of loans.
Labour will investigate what role the government can play in the development of
social lending schemes.
Some consumers may be more vulnerable than others due to a number of factors, including
poverty, low literacy or language difficulties, age, and disability. Vulnerable consumers are
at risk from rip-offs or poor decision making.
Labour will recognise the special needs of vulnerable consumers by requiring useful
information be provided in alternative languages to such groups.
Labour will increase access to advice and advocacy (in taking up
complaints/disputes). Consideration will be given to whether this should be provided
by existing NGOs or the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Labour will extend the provision of accessible education about budgeting, financial
literacy and consumer rights.
Labour supports the efforts of community budgeting services, citizens advice bureaux,
community law centres, and others to improve the financial literacy and awareness of Pacific
communities, and access to more sustainable financial and credit options.
For more information, see Labour‟s Consumer Affairs policy.
Interfaith
Labour has established the portfolio of Interfaith Dialogue in recognition of the
unprecedented plurality of faiths and religious beliefs that exist today, and the significant role
faith plays in the lives of many New Zealanders.
Labour is committed to building peace and the promotion of harmonious relations amongst
diverse groups and greater appreciation between faith communities and all New Zealanders.
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Labour will establish on-going relationships with the Interfaith community through
regular and open dialogue and the sharing of expertise that can assist in the
development of policy that benefits all people in New Zealand.
For more information, see Labour‟s Interfaith policy.
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MAKING GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT WORK FOR OUR
ECONOMY
What is government procurement and why is it important?
Every year the New Zealand government spends billions of dollars of taxpayer funds to
deliver public services and infrastructure. The government awards contracts across a wide
range of areas including IT development and support, and railway carriage construction. The
way government chooses to spend that money can make a real difference to the prospects
of Kiwi firms.
While some aspects of government procurement are helpful to Kiwi firms, in many ways
government procurement policy is inadequate and doesn‟t meet the needs of Kiwi firms or
the New Zealand economy. This sets New Zealand apart from many countries we are often
compared with.
For instance, the US altered procurement policy to assist economic recovery after the global
financial crisis; Singapore‟s policy has a number of elements that are mandatory; Australia
has strong policy at the Federal level, augmented by additional policy at the state level. All
such policies are consistent with WTO rules.
If New Zealand is to achieve its goal of closing the gap in wages and economic growth with
Australia, we need policies that demonstrate a commitment to our economic development.
Under the current government, New Zealand‟s procurement policy has worsened because it
has specifically signalled that its agencies should pay attention to cost (and quality) alone.
In other words, New Zealand does not officially acknowledge wider economic
considerations.
It is also the case that there are other benefits to New Zealand which offset the final cost of a
product or service. These include the maintenance of a core capability in engineering, ICT
and other services.
For example rail engineering skills that translate into the fire fighting industry, and software
development that has enormous potential to provide efficiencies and innovation across
government agencies, providing better services to New Zealanders and with strong export
potential.
What‟s wrong with the current policy?
In the past, Government procurement policy has tended to be focussed on defence
contracts (eg the ANZAC frigates) where economic development is concerned. That
needs to change and government departments and agencies need to be sufficiently
attuned to the abilities of Kiwi firms.
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Accessing government contracts needs to be less complex and costly.
These are avoidable and unnecessary barriers caused by Government contracts
being constructed or bundled in such a way that Kiwi firms can neither contract nor
sub-contract.
Government contracts often omit whole-of-life cost analyses, which would otherwise
ensure that the services of the Kiwi firm as maintenance provider are properly
valued. Similarly the economic flow-on effects of a local contract to the wider
economy cannot be under-estimated and should be taken into account.
Opportunities to directly enhance industry capability and skills development through
wise procurement decisions are often forgone.
Procurement decisions made by the government are not the same as those made in
the private sector. When government procures within New Zealand it then collects
income tax on wages, GST and so on. What makes sense in the private sector may
not reflect the situation in the public sector, which is why 40 skilled tradespeople
recently lost their jobs at the Hillside railway workshops in Dunedin.
Labour‟s solution
Labour is committed to implementing a modern, sustainable, WTO-compliant, procurement
regime.
Labour will review the existing components of government procurement to ensure
they are fit for purpose, accessible and practicable. We will ensure they operate
equitably with respect to access for Kiwi firms, in line with Australian Federal and
State contracts.
Labour will require government departments and agencies to undertake a wider
(economic) analysis of the impact of its preferred provider on the domestic economy,
rather than a narrower (financial) analysis when making procurement decisions.
Labour will require companies providing goods and services to the government to
have an apprenticeship/internship programme in place for NZ workers.
Labour will require government departments and agencies to consider the design,
size, sequencing of contracts to ensure they do not unnecessarily disadvantage Kiwi
firms.
Government departments and agencies will be expected to manage this policy within
their existing base lines with no additional funding being allocated.
Labour will, in the case of procurement contracts over $50m, require the production
of an Industry Participation Plan (IPP), which sets out how Kiwi companies can play a
bigger role.
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All IPPs must be approved by a newly established Industry Participation Group (IPG),
which will be comprised of mostly private sector individuals. The IPG may also offer
advice to parties in respect of any complaints and may also advise the Minister of
Economic Development on any aspect of policy or implementation as they see fit.
SOEs
The important role of energy State Owned Enterprises in the development of our energy
sector will be dealt with in a separate policy release. The procurement and growth potential
of our energy SOEs would be undermined if, as National plans, the shares in these SOEs
are sold off.
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RACING
Our vision
Racing is a skilled, vibrant industry with a high profile in New Zealand. It contributes
significantly to the domestic economy in terms of primary production, as a gaming sport and
in entertainment. It has an extremely high value in the export of bloodstock, particularly in
new markets such as Hong Kong.
Racing offers employment directly and indirectly to many people across a wide spectrum of
society. Labour is committed to working in partnership with the industry to achieve better
outcomes in all areas of the racing industry.
When in government, we worked hard to build a good environment for the industry. The
income tax liability was removed on offshore stake money, and the GST liability due on
horses sold for export was addressed.
The Racing Act 2003 better equipped the industry to address the challenges it faces. Labour
delivered a reduction in taxation to align with other forms of gambling, enabling the industry
to have increased funds for stakes, assets and other activities.
Labour recognises the need for the industry to achieve sustainable growth through
maximising strengths and opportunities, and will continue to work closely with the sector to
facilitate this.
Value to economy
The racing industry makes a significant contribution to New Zealand‟s GDP, and creates
employment and export opportunities. A study by the Melbourne-based economic
consultancy IER Pty Ltd (IER) found that in 2008/09 the industry had a significant economic
impact on New Zealand‟s GDP, employment and exports. They reported that, in 2008/09:
Racing made a direct contribution of $464 million to GDP, and generated more than
$1,635 million (0.9 per cent of GDP) if the indirect impact of expenditure in the racing
industry is taken into account.
Racing directly sustained 8,877 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, and when the indirect
impact of racing is taken into account, the total employment increased to 16,934 FTE
jobs. More than 52,000 people participated in the racing industry (this figure included
volunteers and owners).
The racing industry generated more than $167 million in export sales of thoroughbred
and standard bred horses.
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A prosperous and dynamic sector with huge potential
The racing industry is currently in decline, primarily through having to compete with many
other forms of gambling. So changes are needed. When in Government, Labour will be
instrumental in allowing all parts of the industry to be involved in reviewing the current status
of the industry, and to establish what is the best way forward.
Labour is committed to building on the good partnership we had developed with the racing
industry, and will continue to work closely with the industry to strengthen racing‟s
contribution to economic growth. Labour will ensure that all additional funding to racing
contributes to real economic growth to be enjoyed by all stakeholders, through appropriate
industry strategies.
Recognising that change must come from within, Labour will convene a round-table
discussion of major stakeholders in the industry with a view to strengthening and
enhancing the economic viability of racing in New Zealand. We will ensure that a
strategic direction is developed and implemented.
Labour is concerned that some racing clubs might use revenue from pokie machines for
purposes other than for the social good. There are also proposals to establish pokie
machines on racing club premises, and we are concerned this may be done without
sufficiently-wide consultation. Labour will bring together industry stakeholders to develop
policy on these issues.
Labour will ensure the robustness of the Integrity Unit, meaning that those appointed to it are
of the highest calibre, in order to maintain the integrity of the unit and the industry.
Labour in government will assist in establishing a Code of Practice for the racing industry,
which will be drawn up and agreed upon by all major stakeholders and will link with the
current set-up of the Integrity Unit.
We will also uphold the position of the New Zealand Racing Board to hold the exclusive
rights to racing and sports betting in New Zealand, and for the net proceeds to be returned to
sustain New Zealand racing.
Labour will work with the New Zealand Racing Board, the racing code bodies,
governments and international racing bodies to ensure that New Zealand is wellplaced
to respond to any threats to racing‟s revenue and integrity.
Racing is inherently a dangerous occupation. But with the right tools, the risks can be
managed and mitigated. Labour is committed to working with the sector to ensure that
jockeys ride in the safest environment possible. A reduction of injuries and safer practices
will result in a reduction in ACC levies.
Labour will work with the industry to reduce injuries, promote safe practices
and provide safe amenities.
Our thoroughbred stock is a precious resource, and in New Zealand we are lucky our
industry is free from diseases such as Equine Influenza. But the scare in Australia reinforces
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the need for vigilance in biosecurity measures to protect the industry. Labour will ensure the
racing sector and the government have the necessary measures and tools in place to
identify and manage biosecurity risks to protect the industry.
Labour will support appropriate biosecurity measures to protect the racing industry in
all its activities.
Skills development and training is as important in the racing sector as any other sector. We
want to see the industry continue to move towards being a high-technology, high-skilled
driver of growth. Labour will continue to work with the sector to identify areas for
improvement in industry training and education.
Labour will work with the racing sector to further its industry training and education
goals.
Labour recognises the difficulties faced by the racing industry in modernising itself for the
21st century. We will work with all major stakeholders to ensure the revitalisation of a strong
economic performer which can do even better.
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RAINBOW ISSUES
Our vision
Labour believes that all New Zealanders have the same basic rights, regardless of sexual
orientation.
Since homosexual law reform in 1986, great progress has been made, particularly under
Labour Governments, to bring about formal legal equality for GLBTI New Zealanders.
Future Labour Governments will continue this work, both to remedy the few outstanding
areas of the law where discrimination persists, and to ensure that GLBTI New Zealanders
can live in safety and with dignity.
Bringing about formal equality before the law
New Zealanders in a same-sex relationship may enter into civil unions, which are not fully
equivalent in a legal sense to marriage, and they may not enter into marriage. They may not
offer themselves as the adoptive carers for children. Transsexual and Intersex New
Zealanders face numerous barriers to full participation in society.
Labour will review laws and practices that offend s19 New Zealand Bill of Rights Act
1990. Specifically, we will:
Modernise the law relating to the care of children to ensure that the widest
pool of suitable adults is lawfully available to provide care to children in need;
Review and update relationship and relationship property law; and
Implement the 2007 Human Rights Commission Report, “To Be Who I Am”.
Promoting safety and dignity for all New Zealanders
Every New Zealander should be able to live a life of safety and dignity. Many GLBTI New
Zealanders continue to be subject to insult, verbal and physical abuse, and to be made to
feel inferior, most damagingly in schools. Too often, this results in high rates of self-harm
and suicide amongst young GLBTI New Zealanders.
Labour will support safety and dignity for all, including in schools.
In order to support safety in schools, Labour will encourage the establishment of
Queer Straight Alliances and other diversity groups in secondary schools.
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Labour will require schools to operate policies that prevent anti-GLBTI bullying, and
will audit and report publicly on the success of such policies.
Labour will assist organisations that support young GLBTI New Zealanders, such as
Rainbow Youth and UNIQ.
The 5 th Labour Government established a Rainbow Desk within the Ministry of Social
Development to facilitate the planning and delivery of public services in a way that took
account of the needs of GLBTI New Zealanders. This must continue.
Labour will ensure that the planning and delivery of public services continue to take
account of the needs of GLBTI New Zealanders. This includes the needs of an
ageing population.
Promoting safety and dignity internationally
Discrimination against GLBTI people worldwide continues. The worst manifestation of this is
the criminalisation of consensual adult same-sex activity, and its punishment as a capital
offence. As part of the broader family of progressive nations, Labour believes that New
Zealand should raise its voice on these issues, including as an advocate on individual cases.
Labour will maintain and grow a strong New Zealand participation in international
bodies dealing with Human Rights, especially at UN level. Specifically, Labour will
oppose the criminalisation of consensual adult same-sex activity, and other instances
of discrimination against GLBTI people.
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RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Our vision
We want New Zealand to become – and be recognised as – not only clean and green but a
country with cool, smart ideas that leverages the inherent talents of its people to produce an
export-led economy that is highly productive and innovative.
While we are blessed with natural advantages of a good climate and soils, our future relies
on our talent and brains.
We must invest in the talent and resourcefulness of our people both in agriculture and the
high-tech, green sector – building on our internationally recognised clean green brand – to
become a wealthy prosperous country.
We have no alternative. We know we can‟t multiply our dairy industry five times or more to
catch Australia‟s economy. Nor can we multiply our tourist industry substantially. Yet we
know our economy is slowly declining in relation to others. Just over 40 years ago meat
exports paid our pharmaceutical bill 18 times over – today, it pays for them just four times
over.
National‟s „strategy‟ goes something like this: as China and Asia grows richer they will
demand a higher protein diet. We grow protein, therefore we‟re ideally positioned. That‟s not
a strategy, it‟s a hope. They hope that it changes out there, so we won‟t have to change here
– so we can continue doing more or less the same thing as we‟ve done since the 1960s.
Labour knows that we need to shape our own future, not simply rely on the prosperity of
others. We are an inventive people but we have relied on a number 8 wire mentality to see
us through. Great ideas, but too often we fail to commercialise them. We need to capture the
innovative, out-of-the-box thinking that is part of our psyche and make money from it.
Labour believes that the role of government is to lay the foundations to establish the
environment in which science, innovation and great design will flourish. It means acting
quickly and collaboratively as a country, across our businesses and public institutions, to
seize opportunities and eliminate obstacles to innovation and growth.
Creating a culture of science and innovation
If we are to develop a vibrant science, engineering and design sector to power our
productive, innovative industries they need to attract our smartest. Unfortunately, there is
limited awareness of the value of science and the opportunities it offers.
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While bachelor level enrolments over the past decade have grown in business administration
and accountancy, they have dropped or flat-lined in areas such as computer science,
engineering, mathematics and chemistry. That needs to be reversed.
Creating a culture of science and innovation has to start young – the next generation of
Kiwis will have to be smarter and more innovative to compete in a fast-changing and
technologically driven global economy. Our schools need the resources and support to
teach science in a way which excites and engages students. Clear pathways for young
people interested in a career in science need to be further developed. New Zealand has
seen an increase in students wanting to take commerce and law degrees whereas
engineering and science are either flat-lining or declining.
Labour will build on existing programmes to create a long running and
comprehensive awareness campaign to promote science in schools.
Labour will investigate options for creating a Gateway programme for science,
whereby year 12 and 13 students taking science subjects and interested in a further
career can get science based work experience at local CRI‟s and participating private
businesses.
Labour will reform the Voluntary Bonding Scheme to allow teachers in the hardest to
fill science subjects and schools to be eligible for Voluntary Bonding Scheme
payments in their first year of work.
Labour will support science teachers in making science learning exciting and reengaging
and increasing the number of science advisors in schools (primary and
secondary) and making practical links through the science curriculum with science
institutions and R&D companies that undertake scientific research such as the
Liggins Institute.
Labour will target university funding towards engineering, science and design which
are essential for New Zealand‟s economic success.
For science and innovation to succeed it needs support at the highest level to create greater
consensus – to seize and act on key opportunities open to New Zealand and overcome
impediments that inhibit innovation.
Labour will create an Innovation Council that will advise on policy at the highest level
of government and business. It will be chaired by the Prime Minister and bring
together the Ministers for Science, Finance, Economic Development as well as key
industry players and research institutions. It will ensure that opportunities and
priorities are recognised and resources allocated to act on them.
Labour will strengthen the role of the position of Chief Scientist with appropriate
resources within the Government to provide advice to the Prime Minister and
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Ministers on science and innovation issues. This position will be appointed by the
Royal Society of New Zealand, rather than the Prime Minister as it is currently.
A healthy science sector relies on a solid foundation of primary research. Labour recognises
that fundamental science and public good science are essential to New Zealand‟s well-being
and an underlying driver of innovation.
Labour will, as resources become available, prioritise an increase in our public
science spend to link New Zealand to the OECD average.
Labour will maintain a robust public science sector through universities and Crown
Research Institutes that lead our fundamental science effort.
Labour will continue to support research and science in our key agriculture, fisheries
and aquaculture industries.
Supporting our world beating scientists and providing them the resources to blossom in their
field will attract other top talent to New Zealand that will build areas of research excellence
for which New Zealand will become world renowned.
Labour will establish a scheme for better funding „brilliant‟ scientists. Funding would
be portable to allow scientists to take it to the most appropriate institution, purchase
equipment, recruit staff and attract other world leaders in the field to New Zealand to
create nodes of international expertise.
The years immediately following graduation are critical to consolidate the careers of
scientists. With the removal of post-doctoral scholarships in 2010, New Zealand has lost
hundreds of our best brains overseas.
Labour will reinstate post-doctoral fellowships for recent PhD graduates so they are
supported into research careers in New Zealand instead of being lost overseas.
Being strategic
In addition to our expertise in agricultural science and research, New Zealand is in a unique
position to capitalise on our clean, green image. We need to be strategic. Yet at present we
are failing to recognise the real opportunities. We generate more of our energy from
renewable sources than almost any other country. Our 100% Pure NZ brand provides a
great platform for clean, „weightless‟, high value exports. But other areas of our economy risk
sabotaging one of the world‟s most recognised and valuable brands.
The high-tech sector – which is largely green or low carbon manufacturing – is currently
worth $6.5 billion to New Zealand‟s economy and growing at close to 5% a year. With further
stimulus and the right environment for growth that could increase further. Price Waterhouse
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Coopers estimates, for example, that clean-tech industries represent a $9 - 22 billion
opportunity for New Zealand.
Labour believes that enhancing New Zealand‟s natural environment in order to improve our
competitive positioning in the global shift to green growth represents a huge opportunity for
all Kiwis to prosper.
Labour will work with key industry and research partners to develop a strategy that
will provide an overarching blueprint to match our research, exports and international
branding.
Too often our Crown Research Institutes, universities and businesses are disconnected from
each other, despite there being clear national advantage from collaboration. Some public
institutions hold on to intellectual property developed with taxpayer money with the result
that good ideas are not commercialised as successfully as they would be in the private
sector.
Businesses are often reluctant or face obstacles to access and use research expertise in
CRIs and universities, which inhibits high quality R&D that might have been undertaken.
There are a number of areas where closer collaboration – or clustering – may generate
benefits. New Zealand companies are highly specialised in some areas of health technology
as are leading universities.
Labour will explore how better collaboration between CRIs, universities and
businesses might be encouraged without imposing artificial coordination that wastes
time.
Labour will hold open positions for CRI scientists to encourage those who choose to
follow new discoveries into the private sector to develop them for commercial use.
Labour will use the concept of the Centres of Research Excellence to further
evaluate areas where a combination of research expertise can cluster and extend
into areas of business to give a better NZ Inc approach around areas where NZ has
significant advantage.
Labour will promote the clean and green technology sector as a source of
environmental-economic advantage for New Zealand.
New Zealand, for example, can make a leading contribution in reducing carbon output from
pastoral farming. It should be a world leader, in the combination of science and farm
management techniques to reduce carbon emissions.
New Zealand stands to benefit in the development of technologies and manufacturing in
areas of alternative energy, such as geothermal areas. It should build collaborations
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etween our leading scientists in universities, Crown Research Institutes and our major
power companies.
Boosting innovation
If we are serious about growing export businesses in New Zealand over the next ten years,
then we need to think and act boldly. While the primary sector is the cornerstone of our
economy, our technology companies, both within and outside the primary sector are
becoming increasingly significant.
Too often our environment is seen as a loser of economic development. In New Zealand we
need our environment to champion our economy and our economy to champion our
environment.
The hallmark of technology companies is their high productivity and export-focus – two
elements crucial to lifting New Zealand‟s overall economic performance. We need to unlock
the constraints that obstruct the growth of more innovative companies. And we need to do
all we can to help them remain in New Zealand, so New Zealand can share the benefits of
their success.
An innovative economy and a highly skilled workforce are both essential for economic
growth. Research from the World Economic Forum and the OECD shows that innovation
performance is the key driver of the productivity of advanced economies.
New Zealand cannot – and should not – compete on the basis of cheap labour.
Research and Development
Our research and development spend is too low. Overall we spend about 1.3% of GDP on
R&D – half of what Singapore and Denmark invest. R&D in the business sector is
particularly low – just 0.51% of GDP or one-third of the OECD average.
Labour recognises that funding for science needs to grow and particularly within the private
sector. Two areas are critically important: tax credits and capital.
1. R&D Tax Credits
Countries similar in size to New Zealand like Finland, Singapore, Denmark and Israel put
substantial emphasis on increasing R&D done by businesses. They receive significant
government support.
Although Kiwis are an inventive people, our low level of business expenditure is a drag on
New Zealand‟s ability to innovate and grow. Treasury had previously argued that the tax
credit was a more effective means of incentivising business R&D than discretionary grants,
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as they are more driven by business and reach many more firms. Yet National axed the
policy and introduced a system of grants less than half the value of a tax credit.
Labour will introduce a Research & Development (R&D) tax credit at the rate of
12.5%, to lift New Zealand‟s lagging R&D expenditure by encouraging businesses to
research and innovate.
This policy is estimated to stimulate approximately $1.5 billion p.a. of additional research and
development spending by industry. This will assist the growth of our export sector and bring
new jobs and export earnings for New Zealand.
Just as important, a tax credit policy, unlike a government handout, will promote a shift in
business culture to think and plan strategically to the R&D spend.
Funding will be provided through the savings through charging the agricultural sector 10% of
their agricultural emissions, a move that will also stimulate innovative changes in the wider
export economy as well as encourage innovation and productivity increases in the
agricultural sector.
We will also cancel any further grants through National‟s three programmes, although those
grants that have already been awarded will continue to be paid.
New Zealand firms that conduct eligible R&D activities in New Zealand will qualify for a tax
credit on all eligible R&D expenditure. To qualify for the R&D tax credit, a firm will need to
control the R&D project, bear the financial risk of it, and have effective ownership over the
project results.
2. Capital
Capital is the lifeblood of young companies. There is a relatively vibrant „angel‟ or early
investor sector in New Zealand willing to put in the region of $250,000 – $2 million into
businesses with exciting ideas. The Venture Investment Fund (VIF) has been an
instrumental player in assisting with funding for these new companies.
But business growth beyond this early stage is often constrained by a lack of capital in the
$2 to $10 million range. Opportunities are often lost through the sale of ideas to foreign
investors that recognise their value if later stage capital is not available to our new
companies.
At the same time, New Zealand households are limited in the range of investments open to
them – particularly those that will drive the productive parts of our economy. Encouraging
saving is an essential part of Labour‟s plan to stimulate our economic recovery.
NZ Venture Investment Fund (NZVIF)
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The government should continue to support the NZVIF programme through further
underwriting. This will enable NZVIF to reinvest returns as the funds it has invested exit their
investment companies and distribute returns to investors.
In August 2010, the government provided a $40 million underwrite for the Venture Capital
programme to leverage more private investment. This underwrite enables NZVIF to make
new investment commitments up to a total of $200m. Officials have advised that it is unlikely
that the $40m will be drawn upon.
Labour will continue to support NZVIF with a view to providing additional underwriting
as the pool of ventures expands.
Involving the Superfund
Currently the New Zealand Superannuation Fund makes investment decisions solely on
returns to its investors but its investments are concentrated largely off-shore.
The experience of many young companies is that international investment is more
forthcoming if there is a commitment from New Zealand investors, including from
government-backed funds and institutions. International co-investment can also bring with it
networks and contacts which assist our companies developing new offshore markets.
Labour would invite the Guardians of the NZ Superfund to consider making a small
percentage of its investments in the longer term, high-growth area.
Investments would be in the region of $20 - $50 million a year and could be invested through
NZVIF or through the direct investment into a company.
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RURAL AFFAIRS
Our vision
Labour has a proud record of delivering to our rural communities. The last Labour
Government appointed a Minister for Rural Affairs and undertook many initiatives that
acknowledged and promoted the importance of strong rural communities in a country
dependent on primary production for its export earnings.
The investment and coordination in core government services and infrastructure through
roading, telecommunications, health and education allowed strong growth and a renewal of
purpose for many rural towns. The establishment of Heartland Service Centres and
broadband to rural schools opened the way for new opportunities to grow communities. The
Rural Proofing Policy introduced by Labour requires all government policymakers to consider
the effects of policy implementation on rural people. It is being slowly taken up across core
government agencies, reducing the anomalies often created by well-meaning but difficult-todeliver
mainstream policies.
Labour will continue to work with all primary and rural industry sectors to provide support and
infrastructure where needed. Healthy vibrant rural communities are at the heart of rural
productivity, and government policies that give confidence to the people living in the regions
is essential.
Appointment of a Minister for Rural Affairs
Labour appointed a Minister for Rural Affairs in its last term of government. Issues such as
Walking Access, establishment of Heartland Centres and the implementation of a Rural
Proofing policy for government policy makers were tasks that required a broad rural focus.
National on becoming government eliminated the portfolio and as a result rural advocacy in
Cabinet has failed on many occasions. Most countries with a strong rural population focus
understand the need for advocacy and representation at Ministerial level.
Labour will reappoint a Minister for Rural Affairs who will cover a wide range of rural
and provincial issues.
Rural infrastructure
Labour in government significantly boosted funding in the provision of rural services.
Coordination of services through the development of Heartland Service Centres supported
the revitalization of many small communities.
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Those same people are now having to travel to receive support as health services, elder
care, IRD, and other government agencies face funding cuts and jobs are centralised.
Labour will consider the employment effects on regional New Zealand of any planned
centralisation of government services.
The rollout of Ultra Fast Broadband has excluded many rural New Zealanders from access
and once again isolated the hard working productive communities and families from many
important opportunities. Labour does not believe that the coverage of the UFB should be
limited to 75% of New Zealanders. Any extension will be paid for by extending the timeline
for and/or using the money that will be returned to Crown Fibre Holdings by the Local Fibre
Companies (LFCs) and Chorus.
New Zealand needs high speed broadband across urban and rural areas. Our future
networks will rely primarily on fibre, but we accept there are parts of New Zealand that will
struggle to get access to fibre in the near future because of geographical isolation.
Labour will ensure such remote areas are given priority under the Rural Broadband
Initiative for access via satellite, wireless or other means.
For further information, see Labour‟s ICT policy.
Labour understands the importance of quality roading in provincial areas and believes that
local roads are being short-changed by the current regime. This part of the infrastructure is
essential in terms of regional development. Much of the nation‟s exports originate in the
regions and require infrastructure which allows for safe and efficient movement.
Labour will ensure the funding for local roads is not further undermined by the
excessive focus on Roads of National Significance.
Adverse events
Labour in government reintroduced support from central government for farmers and
communities severely affected by droughts and floods. Policy was then developed to
establish clear guidelines to assess and act in times of adverse events affecting rural New
Zealanders where previously none had existed. Support to enable farmers to clean up flood
affected properties and drought stricken farms to purchase feed for animals is both humane
and a smart investment in the productive sectors.
Labour will continue to provide support for farmers affected by Adverse Climatic
Events using the policy criteria established when in Government.
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Rural health
The development of new pathways for rural health practitioners by the last Labour
Government has helped alleviate some of the pressure in rural New Zealand to attract and
retain enthusiastic and competent health professionals. In a rural environment of relative
isolation and constant demand many young doctors and nurses opted to prefer urban
positions. Through the introduction of Rural Nurse Practitioner scholarships and training,
along with both pre- and post-graduate training for General Practitioners, a new wave of
enthusiastic professionals is now working across rural New Zealand.
Labour will develop multi-disciplinary primary health teams that work in the
community (including in schools) with families, including through home based visits to
ensure access to primary healthcare services for individuals and families who are not
currently accessing services.
Labour will support the training and greater use of nurse practitioners, community
outreach nurses and dental hygienists to deliver primary care services.
Labour will review the funding formula for primary healthcare to ensure affordable
access for all New Zealanders and that the needs of vulnerable populations are being
met, including a review of rural health funding to ensure access to affordable and
quality services.
Labour will further investigate the DHB salaried General Practitioner option as a way
of ensuring accessible and better integrated primary care, where GP services are not
being provided or are not sufficient to meet the needs of the community.
Labour will extend the Voluntary Bonding Scheme to dentists and dental hygienists
who agree to work in rural areas and provincial centres which have a shortage of
dentists and dental hygienists.
Labour will give consideration to maternity service access issues for rural women.
The funding and delivery of aged care in New Zealand is coming under increasing strain,
including in rural communities. Labour will develop an Integrated Health of the Older Person
Service Delivery Model, which would include consideration of concepts such as the Eden
Alternative and Abbeyfield. In developing this Model, health and support needs of elderly in
provincial areas will be considered, and we will work with regional and local authorities to
ensure that public transport requirements, housing and access to health services occur.
For further information, see Labour‟s Health policy and Aged Care policy.
Rural education
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Labour believes that quality education is a basic human right that must be accessible and
affordable for all New Zealanders. That includes early childhood education, schooling,
tertiary education and adult and community education.
Labour is committed to adequately resourcing education opportunities for rural communities,
including transport options and supporting providers to operate in rural areas.
Labour will continue to support the provision of safe transport options for all school
children.
School buses must operate in a manner that guarantees the safety of children who use the
service, however currently there is no requirement for all school buses to be fitted with
seatbelts. There is also no requirement for students to be seated on a bus. Labour believes
the safety of our school children is of paramount importance.
Labour will require the Ministry of Education to specify in its contracts with bus
operators that all buses must be fitted with seatbelts, starting with those buses that
use the open road. Further, we will require the Ministry to ensure enough buses are
provided that all students can be seated if they are travelling on the open road.
Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics play a key role in ensuring that labour market
needs are met at a regional and national level. In the recent past not enough attention has
been paid to supporting the development of trade and skill training. We need to actively
encourage young New Zealanders, including those in rural areas, into trades training.
Labour will ensure that there is a network of regional institutions dedicated to meeting
the labour market and skill needs of our regions. In some cases this may require
additional support to enable institutions to operate where there are not the student
numbers to support them.
Labour believes that Adult and Community Education (ACE) provides important
opportunities for learning and training. The 2008 PricewaterhouseCoopers study into Adult
Education revealed that the return on investment of ACE courses exceeded $50 to every
one dollar spent. Benefits were identified not just in re-skilling, but community cohesion as
well as health and social benefits.
Rural communities were some of the major losers from National‟s cuts to ACE, as it had
been through ACE providers that many rural New Zealanders were able to access tertiary
education opportunities closer to home.
Labour will immediately restore $13 million cut from ACE funding to improve access
to adult and community education. Further funding will be restored over time as
resources permit.
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We believe that secondary schools should play a role in the delivery of ACE, alongside other
providers, particularly in light of the waste of resources from not using schools outside of
normal school hours.
Labour will work with the adult and community education sector on a plan to ensure there is
a range of quality, relevant programmes available in all regions of New Zealand.
For further information, see Labour‟s Education policy and Tertiary Education policy.
Sustainable Farming Fund
The Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) was established by the Labour-led Government in
2000. It contributes to community-driven projects that enhance the economic, social, and
environmental sustainability of rural communities. The Fund has assisted around 800
projects led by farmers, growers and foresters.
Labour is committed to the ongoing viability of the Fund so that it can continue to support
and develop our rural communities.
Labour will commit $16 million to the Sustainable Farming Fund, to be funded by
reprioritisation from the Primary Growth Partnership, and maintain its wider funding
criteria.
For more information, see Labour‟s Agriculture policy.
Safety in rural communities
The relative isolation of some rural communities means they have particular policing needs.
Labour is committed to having a sufficiently resourced Police force so that all communities
can feel safe and secure in the knowledge that their local Police are ready and responsive to
their needs.
We are also committed to the safety of our Police officers and one way of protecting our
officers is through safety in numbers.
Labour will increase all one-officer police stations to at least two officer stations.
This is a safety initiative both for the police and for the small communities they serve around
the country.
In the last years of the previous Labour government we budgeted for an extra 1250 police
staff, 1000 of whom were sworn staff. Those extra numbers significantly boosted police
morale and safety. Since National came to office, however, police numbers have actually
been raided in almost every district to pay for National‟s election promise to put 300 extra
police into South Auckland.
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Labour will leave those extra police in South Auckland, but we will restore police staffing
numbers in other districts.
Labour will bring all Police districts back up to the strength funded in 2008, and will
ensure that any allocation changes benefit all Districts. This will require additional
funding for approximately 145 constables at a cost of $24 million a year, phased in
over four years.
For further information, see Labour‟s Safer Society policy.
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CREATING A SAFER AND FAIRER SOCIETY
Police and Corrections Policy
Our vision
For decades now, the law and order debate in New Zealand has been driven by “getting
tough on crime”. Although general crime rates have trended downward since the 1990s, the
public policy response has been to introduce more punitive sentences, to build more jails,
and to spend more money on dealing with crime than ever before. This means that
something in the prescription is clearly not working.
Doing things differently doesn‟t mean being soft on crime, it means being smarter in dealing
effectively with it.
Few disagree that the best way to make all our communities safer is to prevent crime
happening in the first place. But it has been more difficult for governments to develop longterm
programmes that prioritise prevention in the law and order agenda, and that endure
across changes of government.
Labour will step up to the plate and focus on real and enduring ways to make society safer –
by preventing crime happening in the first place, and by investing in early change to the
behaviour of offenders.
This policy works hand in hand with our Social Development policy, which puts children at
the centre and invests in the early years to reduce the likelihood that the next generation will
end up in our criminal justice system.
Police
Sweating the small stuff
The most serious crime captures the headlines, and causes the most harm to individual
victims. But it is crime at the lower end of the criminal scale that actually affects the vast
majority of the population.
In 2010/2011 there were 59,361 recorded instances of unlawful entry with
intent/burglary/breaking and entering, with only a 15.2% resolution rate achieved. There
were 136,524 recorded theft and related offences, with only a 23.8% resolution rate.
These crimes are often considered „minor‟, but their low resolution rates leave the public
feeling unsafe. A highly damaging consequence of appearing to fail to treat these crimes
seriously is the perception created that they can be committed with little or no consequence.
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Labour believes that focusing resources on pursuing “petty” crime, and the offenders who
commit it, would help prevent many such offenders graduating to more serious offending.
This will require a rethink of how we deploy Police resources.
For example, in the case of a burglary where the offender has fled, no immediate threat to
personal safety remains. The initial interviewing of victims, fingerprinting of the premises
and preliminary investigative tasks could well be undertaken by non-sworn Police staff, with
further action such as investigation and arrest to be then taken by a constable.
This would provide a more rapid response for the victim of the crime, as well as removing
some of the administrative burden from our sworn Police so that they can better focus on
crime prevention and resolution.
Police do not at present produce measures of average waiting time for Police response in
non-urgent cases (such as those where the perpetrator has already fled the scene of the
crime). Such information is needed to measure the extent and the kind of additional Police
support that would be necessary to ensure rapid response in every instance.
Labour will review the current protocols for „scene of crime officers‟, with a view to
increasing the use of non-sworn Police staff to conduct on-site preliminary
administrative tasks where there is no immediate threat to personal safety.
The Single Non-Emergency Number project, now known as the Crime Reporting Line, has
been deployed to three Police Districts – Auckland City; Counties Manukau; and Bay of
Plenty Districts. At the moment the Police response procedure is a scaled response, and
depends on the information provided by the caller. The Police have set criteria in deciding
the level of priority to be accorded to the call, ranging from immediate response; timely
response; managed response; through to incidents where no Police response is required.
Labour will investigate whether lower-level crimes are being responded to in a way
that meets the standard of response that the public expects from the Police.
Providing decent administrative support
Administrative tasks, like paper-work for low level offences, take constables off the streets
for far too long. The back office / front office divide promoted by National leads to fewer
Police on the beat. Instead, officers „two finger type‟ their way through the legal requirements
of offender processing and other administrative tasks that could be better dealt with by
specialist clerical staff and then signed off by constables. Support like this should be
provided to constables in a targeted fashion. In doing so, we will ensure that frontline
resources are directed where they are needed most – protecting the public.
Labour will examine the role of sworn Police to make sure that their talent and skills
are used effectively in order to protect the public.
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Resourcing Police adequately
If we expect Police to do a better job of keeping society safe, we need to resource them
adequately to do so. The current National Government has funded significantly fewer new
Police Officers than Labour did when we were last in office. In fact, in order to fulfil its 2008
election promise to put more Police into the Counties Manukau District, the National
Government has reduced Police numbers in other districts to below the number that Labour
had funded. Overall, the National Government has added only 30 additional constables
nationwide since coming into office.
Labour will bring all Police districts back up to the strength funded in 2008, and will
ensure that any allocation changes benefit all Districts. This will require additional
funding for approximately 145 constables at a cost of $24 million a year, phased in
over four years.
Labour will look to further increase the number of Police as the fiscal situation improves, with
the short-term aim of keeping pace with population growth and the long-term aim of
increasing the Police:Population ratio.
Labour will, as resources allow, also fund more Police staff to extend the community
policing model we implemented when in Government. This will involve working with
communities to determine the programmes they need so as to target particular crime
hot spots such as youth crime, burglary and family violence.
Labour is committed to the safety of our Police officers and we will endeavour to minimise
risk wherever possible. One way of protecting our officers is through safety in numbers. As
at 30 April 2011 there were 62 one-person Police stations across the country. Making each
of those a two-person station would require an additional 62 Police. The increase in
constables Labour is committing to will allow this challenge to be solved.
Labour will increase all one-officer Police stations to at least two officer stations.
Ensuring Police have the other tools they need
As technology improves, we must ensure that Police can take advantage of it to protect the
community and themselves. Technology should be utilised not just for day-to-day crime
fighting but to increase administrative efficiency across the board. This should include a
commitment to a Police vehicle optimization programme, which ensures Police have the
appropriate frontline vehicles to maximise patrol capabilities and avoid shift delays.
Labour will re-equip the Police with the technology and vehicles they need in order to
efficiently and effectively keep our communities safe.
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Dealing effectively with organised crime
Organised criminal groups include domestic and international associations whose sole
objective is to acquire income through criminal conduct. Organised crime contributes to
drug-related crime, costs to the justice system, domestic violence including child abuse,
costs to the health system, and costs to the welfare system. Organised crime
affects families, communities, businesses and individuals.
New Zealand has a growing problem with organised crime that needs to be dealt with
effectively. Organisations that a represent a risk to public safety need to be dealt with by
strengthening existing laws, and by providing sufficient resources to the Police and the
Courts.
Labour will continue to evaluate the various alternative approaches to dealing with
organised crime, and implement a tougher set of measures that effectively target
members of organisations who associate for the purpose of organising, planning,
facilitating, supporting or engaging in serious criminal activity.
Under the previous Labour Government, extensive work was done to combat money
laundering and financing of terrorism. There needs to be greater collaboration between
international and domestic agencies that deal with the enforcement of anti-money laundering
and international networks that facilitate criminal acts in New Zealand. To guarantee the
quality of investigation, the way information is gathered needs to be reviewed frequently to
ensure that the most up to date methods and resources are available to the various
agencies.
Labour will continue to evaluate the adequacy of existing legislation in dealing with
the different types of offences related to organised crime and the adequacy of the
tools and remedies available to Police, other enforcement agencies, and the Courts
in order to effectively address organised criminal activity in any shape or form.
Combatting domestic violence and sexual violence
Dealing with family violence and sexual violence will continue to be a top priority for Labour.
We want a society where all members of a family feel safe and secure and where all children
get a good start in life. We believe in working proactively with high-risk families earlier, to
provide the assistance they need before they reach crisis point. Our Children‟s policy and
Women‟s policy contain detailed information on the initiatives Labour will take to tackle
domestic and sexual violence.
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Corrections
Promoting safety: Inside the wire
Our prisons must keep society safe from criminals. They must also achieve behaviour
change in criminals so that reoffending is reduced. That latter function currently receives
inadequate resourcing and insufficient attention.
Virtually all of our prison population will eventually leave prison. The State fails in its duty if it
does not do everything reasonable in its power to minimise the risk of re-offending. This
requires programmes in every prison that promote behaviour change by addressing mental
health, substance abuse, illiteracy and innumeracy, and a basic lack of skills.
International evidence indicates that this approach can work. Given that 6,708 prisoners are
serving custodial sentences in New Zealand prisons in October 2011 and each prisoner
costs taxpayers $91,615 per year, we simply cannot let New Zealand prisons continue to
grow.
84% of prisoners released in the 2010/11 year had served a sentence of fewer than 24
months, with 59% serving sentences of fewer than 6 months. Prisoners serving sentences
of up to 12 months receive little or no assistance in respect of skills training, behaviour
change, drug and alcohol programmes, and mental health treatment.
Labour will operate a “nip it in the bud” approach in New Zealand prisons.
Programmes to address issues of mental health, substance abuse, illiteracy,
innumeracy and a basic lack of skills amongst inmates will operate in all prisons with
the objective of „rewiring and reprogramming‟ offender behaviour. The overarching
aim will be to prevent a return to prison and this criterion will replace sentence length
as the determinant of whether an inmate is eligible for such programmes.
Our prison officers are confronted on a daily basis with violence yet, as one officer has put it,
“all we have to protect ourselves with, in the case of an immediate attack, is our cotton shirt”.
Prison officers are entitled to a safe working environment. National has recently made some
protective equipment available to prison officers, such as stab proof vests and spit hoods.
But these are limited in number, and are not always readily available to prevent injuries.
Appropriate basic procedures, and the use and deployment of protective equipment, need to
be standard across all prisons. Appropriate training should also be available.
Labour will review standard operating procedures, training, and the use and
deployment of protective equipment in prisons to ensure that corrections staff are
adequately equipped to deal with adverse situations.
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Promoting safety: Outside the wire
The transition out of prison needs to be better managed so as to prevent re-offending. As
long ago as 1989, Sir Clinton Roper warned that an offender re-entering the community with
no skills; nowhere to live; who is illiterate or innumerate; who has unaddressed mental health
or substance issues; or no robust mentoring, monitoring or employment opportunities is
more likely than not to reoffend, and to create another victim of crime.
Canada has had great success in implementing a modified halfway house concept. The goal
must be managed integration back into our communities to ensure non-reoffending.
Community safety has to be a central purpose of any program to re-introduce prisoners to
society. Research done by Victoria University Scholar Dr Opie shows that most of those who
leave prison do so with “extremely limited resources” and many do not have a support
system outside of prison.
Labour will resource transitions from prison that minimise the likelihood of reoffending.
Corrections cannot be allowed to become our largest Government department. Labour will
take a long-term approach to reducing our prison population.
Labour will examine the merits of National‟s quick-fix slick political decisions and
where they provide no value, reverse them as resources allow.
The State bearing its appropriate responsibilities
Labour believes that the responsibility for running our prisons lies with the state because
corrections is one of the core functions of government. The Government has a moral and
fiscal responsibility to taxpayers to rehabilitate prisoners because the safety of the
community depends on it. It is inappropriate to delegate this responsibility to an entity that is
driven by profit and which therefore benefits from an increased prison population. The
international research indicates that there is very little evidence that private prisons are more
cost effective for the tax payers making it an ideological rather than evidence-based policy.
Moreover, while decisions by the Government are subject to public review, the operations of
private prisons are not open to the same level of public scrutiny. Labour believes this is
inappropriate.
Labour will repeal the Corrections (Contract Management of Prisons) Amendment
Act. No prison will be privatised under Labour, and those institutions which are
currently under private management will be returned to public administration as
contracts expire.
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SAVINGS POLICY
Our vision
Labour will give everyone a secure retirement by making workplace saving universal,
guaranteeing New Zealand Super and setting aside money for our ageing population.
This package of 3 policies tackles the tough issues to deliver a lasting solution to the
problems of high debt and low savings. It includes:
Universal KiwiSaver
Raising the Eligibility Age for NZ Super
Resuming Contributions to the NZ Super Fund
Universal KiwiSaver
Scope
Labour‟s plan will make KiwiSaver compulsory for every employee aged 18 to 65 from 2014.
This will include full-time, part-time and casual workers. Self-employed can opt in but will not
be required to participate. This is the same as occurs in Australia.
A minimum annual income threshold will apply (i.e. those on income below the threshold will
not be required to enrol in KiwiSaver).
Beneficiaries and students not in the workforce will not be required to join KiwiSaver.
Labour is aiming to get as many New Zealanders into KiwiSaver as possible. The details
about the coverage of the scheme and the minimum income threshold will be subject to the
tripartite consultation process. This will include an assessment of whether contractors and
temporary residents/migrant workers should be included in the scheme.
Employer Contribution
Labour will gradually increase employer contributions from 3 per cent to 7 per cent, over 9
years.
Currently the minimum employer contribution is 2 per cent. National increased this to 3 per
cent as part of Budget 2011. This is due to take effect from 1 April 2013 and will continue.
Labour will introduce universal savings starting in 2014 with the first increase in the employer
contribution a year later. Contributions will increase at just 0.5 per cent annually and take 9
years to fully phase in. The increase in contributions will be fully phased in by 2022.
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We recognise that the 0.5 per cent annual increase in the employer contribution could be
taken into account as part of wage negotiations.
Labour will review the employer contribution in 2020 to examine whether further increases in
the employer contribution are feasible and desirable. This review will include consultation
with business, and employer and employee representatives.
Employee Contribution
Labour will retain the current minimum employee contribution of 2 per cent. This is a more
affordable option for low-income New Zealanders.
National set an increase to the employee rate to 3 per cent in Budget 2011. This is due to
take effect 1 April 2013. We will reverse this change. KiwiSaver members will still be able to
select a higher contribution rate if they want to.
Government Incentives: Kick-start and Member Tax Credit
Labour is committed to retaining these incentives to help New Zealanders save.
The only change will be the way the kick-start payment is paid into KiwiSaver accounts.
Under Labour‟s plan the $1,000 kick-start will be spread over 5 years. This will make the
scheme more affordable to the Crown.
Labour will not make any further changes to the member tax credit.
Accessing and Withdrawing KiwiSaver Funds
Universal KiwiSaver is a long-term policy that makes it simpler for New Zealanders to build
secure retirement savings, builds New Zealand‟s investment base and helps deal with our
private debt problem. However, there may be circumstances where an early withdrawal from
KiwiSaver is justified.
Opt-out
While there will be no general ability to opt-out under this scheme, Labour will retain the
withdrawal and hardship provisions as set out below.
Age of Withdrawal
Labour will retain the current 65 eligibility age to access KiwiSaver savings.
Hardship
New Zealanders will continue to be able to access their KiwiSaver funds on the grounds of
hardship. This includes situations relating to economic hardship or hardship as the result of
ill-health.
Hardship grounds will also be applied to allow the suspension of contributions. This will take
the place of the current provisions around contributions holidays. The detail around the
operation of these new provisions will be dealt with through the tripartite consultation.
First time home buyers
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First home buyers will still be able to access their KiwiSaver savings to put towards their first
home.
Helping New Zealanders into their first home is a priority for Labour. The first home
withdrawal of KiwiSaver started in July 2010. In the 9 months since then there have been
nearly 1,300 withdrawals totalling $12 million, with average value of a withdrawal of $9,640.
This is an important mechanism to help New Zealanders into their first home.
Labour will also retain the first-home deposit subsidy of up to $5,000 per person. We will
review the future affordability of enhancing this assistance, fiscal conditions permitting.
Permanent Emigration
Labour will review the provisions around migration as part of the tripartite consultation. We
will look towards greater alignment with the Australian scheme.
Relationship Property or Bankruptcy
Labour will examine the details and implications for relationship property and bankruptcy as
part of the tripartite consultation process. These are complex areas and ones that would
benefit from specialist advice.
Non-KiwiSaver Schemes
New Zealanders will not have to change their investment scheme, provided the scheme
becomes KiwiSaver compliant. If the scheme meets the minimum standards of KiwiSaver
this will require some minor changes to the trust deed.
Tripartite Consultation Process
Labour will establish a tripartite consultation process involving government and social
partners, i.e. employer and union representatives. Bringing together the key parties to settle
the policy detail will ensure KiwiSaver endures over the long-term. The consultation process
will include other key stakeholders where appropriate. This will give New Zealanders the
confidence and certainty they need to plan for their future.
Labour is committed to an enduring KiwiSaver. The tripartite consultations are critical in
ensuring the detail of the scheme works for all employers and employees.
The consultation will cover aspects including:
The coverage of KiwiSaver in terms of contractors and temporary residents/migrant
workers.
The minimum income threshold.
The effect of universal KiwiSaver on gender equity.
The detail of the hardship provisions.
The operation of migration withdrawal.
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The implications for relationship property and bankruptcy.
Ensure the regulation of the KiwiSaver scheme is adequate and suitable for a
universal scheme.
Examine the impact of this proposal on small businesses to ensure compliance costs
are manageable.
Scheme Structure
Labour will retain other key aspects of the scheme. KiwiSavers will still be able to choose
their provider and the risk profile of their investment. This includes the wide availability of a
number of low risk investment options.
As with the current scheme, KiwiSaver funds will not be guaranteed by the Crown.
A review of the current default provider scheme will be completed prior to the expiry of
current contracts in 2014. Labour will examine the default provider arrangements, including
their charges, in advance of that review. Labour will also take into account the
recommendations of the Savings Working Group on the issues of disclosure of terms, fees
and other charges.
Raising the eligibility age for NZ Super
Age of Eligibility
Labour will gradually lift the age of NZ Super eligibility from 65 to 67 starting in 1 April 2020
and taking 12 years to phase in.
Phase-in Timetable
There will be no change for the next 9 years. The age will be lifted 2 months each year
starting in 2020. The table below summaries the proposed schedule for raising the age:
Key points:
No change for anyone born before 1955. This includes everyone currently receiving
NZ Super or those close to retirement.
Those 45 years or younger will have at least 22 years to plan for this change in the
eligibility age.
For those 46 to 56, the eligibility age will increase at 2 months a year starting in 2020.
Those currently aged 51 will become eligible for NZ Super at 66, giving them 15
years to plan for the extra year.
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Year born Current Age at 1 April 2011 Age of Eligibility for NZ Super
Before 1955 57+ 65 years
1955 56 65 years and 2 months
1956 55 65 years and 4 months
1957 54 65 years and 6 months
1958 53 65 years and 8 months
1959 52 65 years and 10 months
1960 51 66 years
1961 50 66 years and 2 months
1962 49 66 years and 4 months
1963 48 66 years and 6 months
1964 47 66 years and 8 months
1965 46 66 years and 10 months
1966 or later 45 or younger 67 years
Transitional Assistance
Labour is committed to ensuring the transition to a NZ Super eligibility age of 67 is done
fairly. Labour will ensure there is transitional assistance for those who can‟t readily keep
working in their normal occupation.
Labour realises that for some people working another two years is simply not an option. For
some in manual labour an additional 2 years may not be physically possible.
Under Labour those aged 65 or 66 who are not readily able to keep working in an
occupation of the same kind, and unable to support themselves, would qualify for a NZ
Super Transition payment. This payment would be set at the same level of NZ Super.
Further details around this payment will be developed as part of the tripartite consultation
process.
As part of our commitment to ensuring the transition is fair, Labour will also explore options
for the introduction of further flexibility in the access of NZ Super. These options will be
considered as part of the tripartite negotiation process.
Rate of NZ Super
Labour will guarantee no changes to the rate of NZ Super. We are committed to retaining the
current rate for a couple of 66 per cent of the average wage. NZ Super is a vital safety net
that provides every New Zealander with a guaranteed minimum level of income during their
retirement. This must be protected for this generation and the next.
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We know that for the great majority of retirees NZ Super is their main source of income.
Research by the Retirement Commissioner shows that for 60 per cent of superannuitants NZ
Super is the only or a very substantial form of income. Making these changes now will
ensure that future generations are able to rely on it when it comes time for them to retire.
Tripartite Consultation Process
Labour‟s tripartite consultation will also deal with changes in the NZ Super eligibility age
including:
Details of the transitional NZ Super payment
Exploring options for the introduction of further flexibility in the draw-down of NZ
Super.
The implications of raising the eligibility age on ACC compensation
ACC payments
Currently the eligibility age effects the entitlement of ACC claimants to weekly compensation.
The implications of raising the eligibility age on this will be included in the tripartite
consultation.
Resuming contributions to the NZ Super Fund
Level of Contributions
Labour will restart contributions to the New Zealand Super Fund in our first budget rather
than waiting until 2017/18 as National plans to do.
Contributions will be increased every year, starting with $750 million in 2012/13, and then
ramping up by $750 million a year until we reach the legislated contribution rate in 2015/16.
Over the course of thirteen years, Labour will contribute $5.5 billion more than National
resulting in an estimated $12.8 billion more in the Fund at the end of that period.
Over time, our higher capital cost from contributing earlier is more than offset by the higher
tax revenue that results from increased New Zealand Superannuation Fund investments. As
a result, the Crown will actually be $4.6 billion better off by 2024/25 under Labour‟s
approach, and have more money to meet the future cost of NZ Superannuation.
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SENIOR CITIZENS
Our vision
Labour recognises that older New Zealanders built this county and therefore deserve our
respect. We also recognise and value the skills, knowledge and experience older people
contribute to their families and communities.
In the coming decades, the proportion of older people in the population will increase and
Labour believes they will have an increasingly important role to play in our society. The best
way to own our future is to support older New Zealanders to be fit and able, not only to
contribute to the workforce where they choose to, but importantly to enjoy their well-earned
retirement in good health.
Concerns around aged care health services, elder abuse and cost of living pressures are
really mounting for older New Zealanders. We need a new long-term coordinated national
strategy and action plan that establishes better systems and care across the aged care
sector, as well as greater transparency, accountability and monitoring. Labour will commit to
achieving this.
NZ Super
NZ Super is a vital safety net that provides every New Zealander with a guaranteed
minimum level of income during their retirement. This must be protected for this generation
and the next.
We know that for the great majority of retirees NZ Super is their main source of income.
Research by the Retirement Commissioner shows that for 60 per cent of superannuitants NZ
Super is the only or a very substantial form of income.
Labour will guarantee no changes to the rate of NZ Super. We are committed to
retaining the current rate for a couple of 66 per cent of the average wage.
In order to maintain the rate of NZ Super and also ensure the future viability of the scheme,
other changes are needed. Labour wants to give everyone a secure retirement by making
workplace saving universal, guaranteeing New Zealand Super and setting aside money for
our ageing population. By making these changes now we can ensure that future
generations are able to rely on NZ Super when it comes time for them to retire.
Labour will restart contributions to the Super Fund, starting with $750 million in
2012/13 rising by $750 million a year until we reach the legislated contribution rate in
2015/16.
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Labour will gradually lift the age of NZ Super eligibility from 65 to 67 starting in 1 April
2020 and taking 12 years to phase in.
There will be no change for the next 9 years. The age will be lifted 2 months each year
starting in 2020. This means:
No change for anyone born before 1955. This includes everyone currently receiving
NZ Super or those close to retirement.
Those 45 years or younger will have at least 22 years to plan for this change in the
eligibility age.
For those aged 46 to 56, the eligibility age will increase at 2 months a year starting in
2020. Those currently aged 51 will become eligible for NZ Super at 66, giving them 15
years to plan for the extra year.
Labour is committed to ensuring the transition to a NZ Super eligibility age of 67 is done
fairly. Labour will ensure there is transitional assistance for those who can‟t keep working.
Labour also plans to make KiwiSaver compulsory for every employee aged 18 to 65 from
2014. We will gradually increase employer contributions at a rate of 0.5 per cent a year, from
3 per cent to 7 per cent over 9 years, and we will retain the current minimum employee
contribution of 2 per cent.
For further information, see Labour‟s Savings policy.
Superannuation portability
An increasingly mobile society, including in retirement, raises complex issues as to how
pensions are paid between countries. The current pension portability arrangements aim to
ensure that all New Zealand residents receive an equitable level of pension and that costs of
pensions are shared between countries. But the unique nature of New Zealand
Superannuation presents a number of policy and administration issues, including real or
perceived inequity in the treatment of overseas pensions.
Over time a number of adjustments have been made to New Zealand Superannuation
portability arrangements in order to overcome these issues but there may be more that can
be done to ensure that all people are treated fairly. In particular, given the introduction of
KiwiSaver as an additional means for people to provide for their retirement over and above
their income from New Zealand Superannuation and Labour‟s plan to make KiwiSaver
universal from 2014, it is important to ensure that we treat people from countries with
arrangements similar to KiwiSaver in a fair and equitable fashion.
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Labour will review the current New Zealand Superannuation portability arrangements
to identify any further policy changes that might be made to ensure people from
countries with arrangements similar to KiwiSaver are treated fairly.
Health care
Labour has a passionate belief in universal access to quality health care, while meeting the
specific needs of vulnerable populations. We are committed to funding the sector so it can
manage changing demographics and health status of New Zealanders.
Labour will develop an Integrated Health of the Older Person Service Delivery Model. This
would include input from local authorities, the NGO sector, district health boards, private
providers and unions. This would include consideration of models such as the Eden
Alternative and Abbeyfield.
We will develop a continuum of care model that puts the older person at the centre of an
individualised plan starting from ageing in place at home to hospital, respite and palliative
care. This model would include the assessment of health and support needs and take into
account social isolation, loneliness and elder abuse.
The inclusion of regional and local authorities would ensure that public transport
requirements, housing and access to health services occur.
This new model will include how the contracts will be provided and costed.
Labour will review the Implementation of the Health of Older Persons Strategy, 2002,
and develop an Aged Care Strategy.
Labour will review the process of engagement ensuring real consultation with older
persons in health planning through a strengthened Community Public Health
Advisory Committee of district health boards.
Ensuring access to the appropriate level of acute care remains a challenge for the health
sector. DHBs struggle to ensure that hospital emergency department services are available
in a timely manner for those who require hospital level care.
Research undertaken by the Auditor-General shows that access to surgery is often a product
of where you live rather than your needs. So-called “post code” access to elective services
is not acceptable for New Zealanders.
Labour will ensure a coordinated hospital and specialist care system with consistent
access criteria, quality and timeliness across New Zealand.
Labour will develop a model of care for acute services that encompasses the needs
of patients, primary care and hospital emergency departments.
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Labour will develop sustainable and high quality palliative care services.
Labour will build and upgrade facilities across New Zealand to support the network of
care across New Zealand.
Labour will strengthen the provision of ambulance services by instituting a staged
plan to deal with funding, workforce, crewing and training issues.
A strong and well -resourced health workforce is necessary for a strong public health
system. Labour will have a coordinated approach to ensuring New Zealand has a
sustainable, flexible and appropriate health workforce.
Labour will develop training programmes for community care and support workers,
including in the aged care sector.
Palliative care
End of life care is a sensitive subject for many people and health professionals. Ensuring
that there is good information and choices available to people is a vital part of a humane
health system.
Palliative care services have been given more focus in the health system in the last decade,
but there is more to be done to ensure that a holistic approach is taken to the final years,
months and days of life. This includes respecting patient autonomy, including family and
whānau and open and sensitive communication.
In particular in New Zealand there needs to be advanced care planning that recognises
diversity in beliefs and practices.
Labour will revise and update the Palliative Care Strategy to ensure that palliative
care is a core component of healthcare provision. This will include a review of
funding of hospices.
Labour will support an integrated approach to palliative and end of life care that
includes palliative care specialists working alongside other health professionals to
ensure the needs of patients and their families are met, and clear choices are
provided that respect the dying person‟s wishes.
Aged care
The best model of care for New Zealanders as they get older is to “age in place”. Where
possible people should be supported to live in their own homes and familiar environments as
this is demonstrably better for their health outcomes. However, it is vital that for those who
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do go into residential care there is an environment which provides the highest quality
services that keep people healthy and supported.
The funding and delivery of aged care in New Zealand is coming under increasing strain.
Our population is ageing and costs are rising. A new, less institutionalised approach to older
persons care would allow for better social outcomes.
The future for aged care in New Zealand needs to be one built on the values of accessibility,
dignity and respect for all older New Zealanders underpinned by transparency and
accountability in the way the services are provided.
Our Inquiry into Aged Care
Labour, with Grey Power, undertook a comprehensive inquiry into aged care and produced a
report entitled What the Future Holds for Older New Zealanders. The overwhelming
impression was of a sector struggling to deliver the standard of care that older New
Zealanders and their families would expect. There were too many stories of neglect, lack of
appropriate care and lack of respect for our older New Zealanders.
More than 42,000 people receive care in around 700 aged residential care facilities every
year in New Zealand. Unfortunately many older people who want to stay in their homes are
being forced out by a lack of home-based care options as a result of funding cuts.
Challenges are also being faced in the quality of residential care. Workers are often very
dedicated to providing excellent care to older people. However, they are severely restricted
by staff shortages, low wages, lack of training, and the strict time management requirements
of many providers driven by cost cutting and profit margins.
Labour wants to encourage older people to stay in their homes longer by providing quality
home-based care. To do so, home support provision needs to be more integrated across
health and care providers, as well as across the divide between the community, private
sector and public sector. It is a high priority to investigate alternative community based
models – especially for older people on low incomes.
Labour will establish a Technical Working Party to investigate all recommendations of
the report What the Future Holds for Older New Zealanders.
The Technical Working Party will provide advice prior to May 2012 on a time-lined
plan to implement the following priorities that will provide a higher quality service for
older people:
Establish a Government-funded national training pathway for all staff in
residential and home-based care that is linked to the National Qualification
Framework and recognised in pay negotiations.
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Establish regulations for minimum staffing levels for nurses and caregivers in
all residential facilities.
As Budgets allow, implement pay parity between staff working in residential
and home-based care with their equivalents in the public health system.
In July 2011, the Auditor General released a report entitled Home-based support services for
older people, which discusses how effectively the Ministry of Health and District Health
Boards are ensuring that older people get the care and support they need to remain living
independently at home.
The Technical Working Party set up by Labour will investigate the recommendations
from the Home-based support services for older people report, including:
Collecting meaningful and reliable information to ensure ongoing service
quality and value for money of home-based services.
Evaluating by 2013 whether the use of a standard approach to assessment
and reassessment is improving the way needs are assessed and homebased
services are allocated.
Considering the introduction of a mandatory standard for the provision of
home-based support services for older people.
Working collaboratively with others in the aged sector to develop a complaints
system.
Strengthening management contracts to ensure home-based support staff
provide high quality services and are well trained and supervised.
Labour will be proactive about policies to ensure that New Zealanders cope well with the
challenges of ageing and caring in the coming decades. We will work in close partnership
with the not for profit sector to support carers across the aged care sector.
The New Zealand Carers Strategy, published in April 2008 is supported by a Five-year
Action Plan to address some of the issues that impact on the thousands of New Zealanders
who assist friends and family members that need help with everyday living because of ill
health, disability or old age.
The Carers Strategy was developed in a partnership between government agencies and the
New Zealand Carers Alliance, a network of over 40 non-governmental organisations.
Labour plans to build on the New Zealand Carers Strategy to ensure the five year action
plan is being implemented and achieved.
For further information, see Labour‟s Aged Care policy.
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Elder abuse
Elder abuse is a universal problem. It is not limited to any one gender, religious, cultural,
ethnic or income group. Elder abuse may occur in many different settings, including private
homes, residential care and hospitals.
Aged Concern estimates that 20,000 New Zealanders will experience elder abuse and
neglect at some point in their lifetime, therefore it is important to educate those who work
with older people.
Labour is concerned that there are still eight areas in New Zealand where there is no
contract for Elder Abuse services.
Labour will work with the Ministry of Social Development to standardise a nation-wide
contracting model for Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services to ensure
consistency of access of service provision across the country.
Grandparents raising grandchildren
Increasingly, grandparents are taking over the full-time care of their grandchildren. Labour
recognises this. Under Labour, grandparents will be treated in the same way as people who
undertake foster care.
Labour will undertake a review of the differences in government assistance provided
to foster carers and to kin carers (including grandparents) with a view to ensuring that
both groups are treated equitably.
A comprehensive, universal and public ACC
Labour is committed to an ACC that is owned by New Zealanders and that has the best
interests of Kiwis at heart, not profits for multinationals. Labour is strongly opposed to
privatisation of ACC. It has been publicly owned and operated for three decades, it is
financially sound, and independent studies show its levies are already substantially lower
than in Australia and other countries.
In Government, the National Party has deliberately talked up a crisis in ACC and done its
very best to erode public confidence in what should be a world-leading scheme. Its agenda
all along has been to soften Kiwis up to privatising ACC. The only winners out of this will be
the big Australian insurance companies and law firms who will make hundreds of millions of
dollars at the expense of hardworking New Zealanders.
Labour supports maintaining ACC as a publicly administered and delivered social insurance
scheme which provides comprehensive and universal coverage for all New Zealanders.
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Labour believes the ACC operational culture is currently at odds with the scheme‟s original
intent. The Government has encouraged ACC to become ever tougher in its decisions. A
greater number of claims are being declined unnecessarily and cover is being cut back.
Labour will return to fairer administration of the scheme. Those who are entitled to
cover will get it, with a special focus on those with serious long-term injuries.
Over the last couple of years the Government implemented a raft of changes to the ACC
scheme which has severely impacted the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. For
instance, changes have impacted on those with moderate hearing loss, counselling and
support services for sensitive claims and seasonal and part-time workers.
Labour will improve the medical assessment and vocational independence processes
so there is a fair, balanced and consistent approach to assessing claims.
Labour will review National‟s changes to the ACC scheme.
Injury prevention is one of the fundamental aspects of our comprehensive accident
compensation scheme. National has cut the level of funding for injury prevention
programmes, such as falls prevention programmes for older persons.
Labour will increase, as resources allow, funding for health and safety programmes
and long term injury prevention strategies.
Over the last couple of years the ACC levies for the Motor Vehicle Account have increased
substantially. At present the bulk of vehicle registration costs relates to ACC levies.
Motorcyclists have been particularly penalised by ACC levy increases.
Labour is concerned that increased vehicle registration costs are penalising those who own
more than one vehicle, are placing undue financial pressure on those who only travel short
distances, such as older persons, and may be leading to an increase in the number of
unregistered vehicles on the road.
Labour will investigate transferring a greater portion of the ACC motor vehicle annual
licensing fee onto the petrol levy so that everyone pays a fairer share of the Motor
Vehicle Account and no one group is heavily burdened.
For further information, see Labour‟s ACC policy.
Adult and Community Education
Labour firmly believes in providing life-long opportunities for education. Adult and
Community Education (ACE) has allowed many New Zealanders, especially older New
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Zealanders, second-chance learners and new migrants, to access education where they
may otherwise have missed out.
With an ageing population, an expectation that a working life may be extended, and the
rapidly changing nature of the job scene, opportunities for adults to re-train and up-skill are
essential. The benefits from ACE are not just in re-skilling, but community cohesion as well
as health and social benefits.
Labour opposed the funding cuts that National has made to ACE and will make it a priority to
reverse them.
Labour will immediately restore $13 million cut from ACE funding to improve access
to adult and community education. Further funding will be restored over time as
resources permit.
For further information, see Labour‟s Tertiary Education policy.
Veterans Affairs
Veterans hold a special place in New Zealand society, and rightly so. Labour will continue to
honour our veteran community by ensuring that we provide them with the standard of care
and level of respect they deserve.
The Law Commission produced a report on 1 June 2010 that identified a number of
deficiencies with our current War Pensions Act. To date there has been no response from
the National Government.
Labour will issue a timely response to the Law Commission report and implement
that response by legislating.
The portability of the Veteran‟s Pension has been a vexed issue with the veteran community
for some time as it is linked to the conditions of National Superannuation. The purpose of the
Veteran‟s Pension is clearly different to National Superannuation.
Labour will untie the linkage between the two, ensuring that the Veteran‟s Pension
stands on its own criteria with specific rules for entitlements particular to the
Veteran‟s Pension and ensuring that it is portable.
When in office, Labour provided financial support to two of the three remaining veterans‟
homes, Monticello and Rannerdale, by way of loans with conditions. It is now apparent that
the requirements of this financial support are restricting the ability of these homes to provide
care in the long term for veterans.
Labour will work with both rest homes to explore all avenues to resolve this issue
favourably for both Rannerdale and Monticello Rest Homes.
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Also, these loans are contingent on WWII veterans using their services and given that there
are cohorts of Korean, Malayan, and Vietnam veterans who may wish to use these facilities
in future, Labour will remove this restriction.
For further information, see Labour‟s Veterans Affairs policy.
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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Our vision
Kiwis are at their best when they are self-reliant, when they can celebrate their skills and
talents, and when they are able to lend a helping hand in tough times for others.
Labour believes that social development is more than just the passive payment of benefits.
Public policies in this area should ensure a contract with the community for social inclusion
of all New Zealanders for everyone to reach their full potential and participate positively in
society now and in the future.
Social development should ensure that the lives of New Zealanders are better in the future
while ensuring a long-term and inclusive approach is undertaken to address the difficulties
faced by the country.
Labour‟s approach to social development reflects all of this and takes a multi-faceted and
whole-of-Government approach rather than a fragmented and exclusionary approach to
social development.
Our goal is to ensure that every person in New Zealand has the best start in life, adequate
assistance when needed, and the tools to be productive members of our society.
Labour believes that New Zealand‟s success as a good place to raise children and build a
better life depends on ensuring that government invests in people. Our Children‟s policy
goes hand-in-hand with our social development policy.
Better income from work and fairer tax arrangements
The Labour Party was built on the philosophy that the best route out of poverty is paid work.
Sustainable employment is crucial to self-esteem, to achieving a good standard of living for
the whole family, and to providing a foundation for the success of current and future
generations.
Our fair tax and wages policies are designed to ensure that New Zealanders can secure a
job, afford a decent place to live, build a better life for their children and participate in their
communities.
Labour has already outlined policies to raise family incomes especially for those families on
low incomes.
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Labour will create a $5,000 tax free zone. This means the first $5,000 you make in
personal income a year – whether you are a worker, a beneficiary, or retired on New
Zealand superannuation – will be tax free.
Labour will take GST off all fresh fruit and vegetables. That gives the average
household an extra $160 a year to put back into groceries – and makes the healthiest
choices more affordable.
Labour will increase the minimum wage from $13 to $15 an hour, raising earnings for
the quarter of a million workers who currently earn less than $15. For someone
currently on $13 an hour, this means an extra $66 a week in the pocket.
A Fair Tax System
We want a country where everyone gets a fair go and pays their fair share. Labour will
rebalance the tax system so that everyone pays their fair share, and build a country where
everyone can prosper – not a country divided by the growing gap between rich and poor.
Labour will introduce a 15% Capital Gains Tax to bring New Zealand in line with the
rest of the OECD. The capital gains tax will never apply to the family home. It will
apply only to the gains made on the sale of shares, investment properties,
companies etc., and only to gains made after the law is passed.
Fewer than 10% of New Zealanders in any one year will be affected by this tax.
Labour will put the top tax rate for high-earners (over $150,000) back to 39%.
The new top tax bracket will affect only the top 2% of earners. And everyone on an income
below $158,750 will receive a larger tax cut from the tax free zone than they pay from the
increase to the $150,000+ bracket.
Employment assistance
Labour believes that sustainable employment is the best way for individuals to achieve social
and economic independence. It also helps industries and businesses to grow, prosper and in
turn assist more workers to develop greater skills.
Under Labour, the unemployment rate fell and we introduced significant increases in the
minimum wage to boost incomes for those at the bottom of the labour market. We ensured
that Work and Income was better connected to the needs of employers to identify their
workforce needs. We introduced industry partnerships as an effective way for industry and
government to work together to minimise skill and labour shortages, and maximise job
opportunities.
Labour will re-establish Work and Income‟s primary focus as finding sustainable
employment for those ready to work, rather than make-work schemes or punitive
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sanctions against those who have genuine barriers to employment or important
childcare responsibilities.
Every youth earning or learning
Youth unemployment has gone unaddressed for too long. Not enough has been done to
ensure there are sufficient jobs and training opportunities open to young New Zealanders.
Almost 24,000 under 20 year olds are not in employment, education or training and are in
need of urgent attention.
Labour is committed to ensuring that every at-risk 15-19 year old will be either learning or
earning by the end of our first term, through our comprehensive youth employment package.
Labour will get young New Zealanders off the unemployment benefit and into
apprenticeships with an $8,727 (the equivalent of the dole payment) subsidy to
employers willing to offer a permanent full-time job.
There will also be 5,000 new training places for 16 and 17 year olds and 1,000 extra group
and shared apprenticeships. See our Youth Employment Package for further details.
Fairness at work
We will continue to focus on improving the working lives of the most vulnerable members of
the labour force and to strengthen protections available to workers.
Our comprehensive Work and Wages policy sets out the ways we will commit to building a
modern, fair and flexible employment relations system based on a skilled workforce, secure
employment, decent wages and increased productivity as part of increased prosperity for all
New Zealanders. Along with raising the minimum wage to ensure a decent living wage,
Labour will also ensure that working people have adequate support.
Labour will amend the Employment Relations Act 2000 to implement the Industry
Standard Agreements framework, as set out in our Work and Wages policy.
Labour will repeal the National Government‟s unfair laws where workers can be fired
without cause in their first 90 days of employment, and the restrictions on the access
for workers to their unions in the workplace.
Labour will amend the Holidays Act to 2008 settings to protect the rights of workers
to time off for rest and recreation, and ensure that all NZ workers have access to 11
days off on pay for recognised public holidays, including Anzac and Waitangi Day.
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Personalised support for those who need it
Labour recognises there are some New Zealanders who are unable to work, either in the
short or in the long term. Labour is committed to understanding and responding to people‟s
individual circumstances.
On the other hand, more people receiving sickness benefits and invalid‟s benefits are saying
they would like the opportunity to participate in paid work, training or other activities. We
want to engage with these individuals to help them fulfill their potential.
Labour will focus on increasing the proportion of disabled people who are supported
into paid work.
We remain committed to offering those who are sick or disabled, or who have caring
responsibilities, the support and services they need to live active and fulfilling lives.
Labour will ensure that the Invalid‟s Benefit is named more appropriately and
continues to be paid at a higher level than short term benefits, and that that the
Disability Allowance is available to continue to meet direct additional costs.
Labour also believes that care is work, and that parenting is some of the most crucial work
ever done. We don‟t believe the only good parent is a parent in paid work, or that raising
children is just a handicap parents need to escape from in order to be productive.
We are fundamentally opposed to the National Government‟s Future Focus legislation and
have serious concerns about the changes to the Sickness and Invalid‟s benefit.
Labour believes that welfare reform should ensure that help is made available to
those who need it and that an intensive case management system exists to ensure
that the different needs of individuals are taken into account.
Under Labour the number of people on the unemployment benefit was significantly reduced
and that was because people had jobs to go to. In times of economic instability the
government has a role to ensure that jobs are created and that, where jobs are not available,
support is available to those who need it.
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.
There has been an increase of 60,000 people on the benefit in the last three years and
32,000 of those were on the unemployment benefit. These are people who want to work and
are actively looking for a job. There needs to be specialised assistance to match their skills
with the appropriate jobs. Labour‟s Jobs and Skills policy and the use of dole payments for
apprenticeships (see above) will see New Zealanders gaining skills that will be suitable to
the changed landscape of the labour market.
Most people want the opportunity to work and take care of their families. Evidence shows
that with assistance and training, people on the benefit can get into employment.
Assistance such as the Training Incentive Allowance which was cut by National needs to be
restored to give those on the Domestic Purpose Benefit or the Invalid's Benefit more
resources to be able to join the workforce.
Labour will immediately restore $2 million to the Training Incentive Allowance and
commit to further increases over time so people on social welfare benefits can obtain
qualifications that give greater opportunity for themselves and their children.
Labour will expand access to PATHS (Providing Access to Health Solutions), as
resources permit, to help those on the sickness benefit and partnering with
employers to provide supported employment for people with disabilities.
Recognising unpaid work
For some people, voluntary work is a pathway back to paid employment. For others, where
the prospect of paid work proves impossible, voluntary work is an important way to
participate in the community and make a contribution.
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Labour will treat voluntary work with a recognised non-government organisation
(NGO) as providing a service to the community because without the voluntary sector,
much work would not be done in New Zealand.
Grandparents raising grandchildren
Increasingly, grandparents are taking over the full-time care of their grandchildren. Labour
recognises this. Under Labour, grandparents will be treated in the same way as people who
undertake foster care.
Labour will undertake a review of the differences in government assistance provided
to foster carers and to kin carers (including grandparents) with a view to ensuring that
both groups are treated equitably.
Superannuation portability
An increasingly mobile society, including in retirement, raises complex issues as to how
pensions are paid between countries. The current pension portability arrangements aim to
ensure that all New Zealand residents receive an equitable level of pension and that costs of
pensions are shared between countries. But the unique nature of New Zealand
Superannuation presents a number of policy and administration issues, including real or
perceived inequity in the treatment of overseas pensions.
Over time a number of adjustments have been made to New Zealand Superannuation
portability arrangements in order to overcome these issues but there may be more that can
be done to ensure that all people are treated fairly. In particular, given the introduction of
KiwiSaver as an additional means for people to provide for their retirement over and above
their income from New Zealand Superannuation and Labour‟s plan to make KiwiSaver
universal from 2014, it is important to ensure that we treat people from countries with
arrangements similar to KiwiSaver in a fair and equitable fashion.
Labour will review the current New Zealand Superannuation portability arrangements
to identify any further policy changes that might be made to ensure people from
countries with arrangements similar to KiwiSaver are treated fairly.
Giving all children the best start
We want all of our children to have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and
participate positively in society now and in the future. We know that this can only be
achieved by giving New Zealand families the support and resources they need to give their
children the best start in life.
We want to build families and whānau that are strong and connected with their communities,
and able to support their members‟ wellbeing, sense of identity, participation and
interdependence. We value the skills, knowledge and experience older New Zealanders
contribute to their families and communities.
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Labour‟s policy for children is at the heart of our social policy which sets out a 6 year
Agenda for Change. Labour believes the long-term investment in our children is key
to achieving real social development.
For further information see our full Children‟s policy.
Engaging with the Community: A Social Inclusion Approach
The Fifth Labour Government made a commitment to a new way of working with
communities based in partnership in social development. New relationships and a deeper
understanding of government and community roles did emerge from the partnership
approach; but overall the partnerships didn‟t achieve the kinds of potential and produce the
results they might have.
Community sector and government relationships remain quite fragmented. Labour is not
convinced New Zealanders are getting all the benefits of cooperation, prevention, smart
community knowledge on where the problems are, who is involved, and how to fix them.
While we have seen some real innovation in areas including Māori social services (which
Whānau Ora has built upon), there are many other areas where we still haven‟t got the
machinery in place for bringing that knowledge and expertise into the heart of policy and
programming processes.
Where this really matters is in areas where no single agency, government or community can
fix the problem on its own. These are areas where people are experiencing multiple
challenges, or making transitions in their lives that can see them falling between the cracks
because no one agency has the job of looking after them. Homelessness and rough sleeping
for example, often involve people with challenges in housing, work and income, mental
health, substance abuse and more, and need input from health, housing, local government,
and social development agencies. Without well led, strongly coordinated efforts, these
people end up being dealt with by the police. Young people considering leaving school early
face different hurdles: but can easily end up neither in work, nor school, nor training.
A social inclusion approach puts coordination around complex issues and needs at the top of
the agenda. It appoints a „social inclusion commissioner‟ (or equivalent) with the power to
identify issues, see what works and require coordination between government agencies, with
identified counterparts in the leader and ministers‟ offices. It monitors outcomes, and refocuses
efforts which are not working. It finds international experience, investigates how it
has been evaluated, and what evidence there is for its success. It cements the best
approaches into place with public service agreements at central level, complemented with
better coordination at local level. Under Labour in New Zealand, it will also need to forge the
best possible working relationships with community groups and agencies, and, where
appropriate, local government.
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Labour‟s Social Inclusion approach will be a new way of working together with
communities in the areas where that way of working can make the most difference. It
is an approach we have seen working well elsewhere: but that we want to develop
here in our own, can-do Kiwi version.
Internationally there have been a number of areas where this approach has yielded real
benefits, both in terms of problems and opportunities. The problems have included:
Homelessness and rough sleeping
School retention and the transition to work
Young offenders, and mental health in the prison system
Disability
Domestic violence, and wider violence against women
Child abuse
The opportunities have been in areas such as supporting to older workers and workers with
disabilities volunteering or otherwise making a contribution.
Labour‟s Social Inclusion approach will be based in a shared community/government
commitment to shared high level goals, and on identifying and tackling difficult
problems and development opportunities, and learning how to work together to the
point where accountability for local outcomes can be genuinely shared.
Labour‟s Social Inclusion approach is not about more meetings or „consultation‟: it is an
invitation to a working partnership, not just a contracting relationship. It will involve enabling
the community to work with government on problem and opportunity identification. In other
words, taking time to identify where there is a need or a better way of working together.
Local information and long practical experience needs to be able to be brought to the table,
alongside the best international evidence, and enter into a wider and deeper policy dialogue.
The complexity of some tough issues will have to get framed and debated from the outset,
and obstacles to real working together discussed up front.
Labour will respect and seek to build existing community capacity to act as real partners for
government, not just sites for short term pilot projects or rapid rollout of programmes to
national scale. An important aim will be identifying and supporting community and local
government partners who can bring effective coordination, in-depth knowledge of local
situations, practical experience and active policy capability to the table.
On this basis, respectful and equal partnership between government and community
becomes a real possibility, not just a „cover‟ for a top down contracting relationship, or a
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ationale for more meetings which don‟t produce durable programming and budget
commitments. On this basis, accountabilities for local outcomes can be shared, rather than
dumped on communities or retained by risk-averse central government agencies. Local
capabilities, funding for particular functions, and responsibilities for outcomes can be durably
aligned. Genuine commitments to strengthening communities can be forged.
The Social Inclusion approach:
How it works in South Australia
.
The Social Inclusion Board is a Board of independent social policy thinkers reporting directly to and
working with a mandate from the Head of Government.
The independent Commissioner for Social Inclusion, also Chair of the Board, is in charge of
monitoring the government‟s progress on social reform and making sure it stays on track.
The Social Inclusion Unit is a unit of social policy experts embedded in the Department of Premier
and Cabinet that provides support to the Board and the Commissioner. It conducts research of worldwide
best practice and consults with local communities.
A Social Inclusion Committee of Cabinet Ministers, chaired by the Premier and with the Social
Inclusion Commissioner always in attendance, meets to provide the highest level of accountability.
Labour will take into account the South Australian model, along with other international examples, in
designing a Social Inclusion approach for New Zealand.
Labour will take a rigorous approach to identifying and calculating the benefits of
working together under a social inclusion framework.
The social inclusion approach creates new efficiencies by making existing resources and
programmes more effective. It is not a substitute for wider social development policy and
approaches to jobs, income or care; and isn‟t the approach that will work best in every area.
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It will take time and commitment to develop, sector by sector, issue by issue. Not all
opportunities will be able to be developed or funded: but those that are will have a real
possibility of moving ahead. Where devolved funding can create greater efficiencies and
effectiveness, Labour will explore this possibility. Where the social inclusion approach can
make a real difference, we need to let it do its work.
Protecting the vulnerable
Currently, the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act 1989 determines how the
state intervenes to protect children from abuse and neglect, and to prevent and address
child and youth offending. Time and constant reinterpretation of this once ground-breaking
Act means it is no longer working as it should for many families today. The previous Labour
Government began the process of updating this Act, however, that bill which made minor
changes to clarify its intentions languished at the bottom of the Order Paper under the
National Government.
Labour will direct the Ministry of Social Development along with the Ministry of
Justice to conduct a review of the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act
1989 with the view rewriting the law to better reflect the needs of children and
families in the 21st Century.
This will allow Labour to examine the evidence of what methods and approaches work for
dealing with children and adopting those to have an efficient system.
Combating violence against women
New Zealand has a serious and worrying problem with family violence and the
consequences of this violence are huge. There are costs to individuals, families and the
community. These include depression, the loss of confidence and other consequences that
remain long after the physical injuries have healed. Children are also hurt by this violence in
many ways, including fear and trauma from seeing their mother hurt.
Just to give a sense of scale – in 2008 the Police responded to 82,692 incidents involving
some form of domestic violence. We must do something real to change the violence that
pervades our culture. Labour recognises that the response to violence requires action in the
criminal justice system as well as in public health and education.
A comprehensive approach is required to deal with the consequences of violence against
women and to change the culture that leads to such violence. Labour believes this will
require a long term unified commitment by politicians, women‟s and community
organisations, government agencies and New Zealanders.
Labour will ensure that policies to deal with family and sexual violence recognise the
gender perspective.
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Labour will ensure that all of our policies recognise the needs and issues of all
women; for example, the particular needs of disabled women and the particular
needs of ethnic/migrant women.
In the short term, Labour will:
Establish a Commission on Sexual and Family Violence which will draw on
the work of the Taskforce on Sexual Violence and the Taskforce on Family
Violence and will provide ongoing evidence based advice to Government.
This will include advice on building a consensus on a long term unified and
adequately resourced plan which has cross party support to eliminate
violence against women.
Complete the passage of all matters contained in the Domestic Violence Bill.
Review the impact of the Whānau Ora funding model on services dealing with
violence against women and girls and respond to any problems and unmet
needs this has created by once again establishing an ongoing funding
mechanism to ensure security of service provision.
Support organisations like Women‟s Refuge, Rape Crisis and Girls‟ Self
Defence who play both an advocacy and service delivery role focussed on the
needs of women and children.
Labour wishes to see restoration of the $700,000 cut in funding that Women‟s
Refuge was using to support crisis refuges. We will commit additional funding
accordingly and work with MSD and Women‟s Refuge to ensure a fair and
transparent process for the allocation of funding for this purpose.
In the medium term, Labour will work to build a consensus on a long term unified and
adequately resourced plan which has cross party support to eliminate violence
against women. In doing so, we will consider the 12 year, multi-million dollar crossparty
approach announced in Australia in 2011.
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SPORT AND RECREATION
Our vision
Sport and recreation is an ingrained part of the Kiwi psyche. At the grassroots level,
participation in sport and recreation helps to bind our communities and our country. At the
top level of sport, New Zealanders achieving on the world sporting stage lifts our national
pride.
The sport and recreation sector is a vibrant and constantly changing area that holds
immense potential for New Zealand as a country. That is why it is vital we aim high and
work to improve the way we do things - both in the way our sports are organised and
managed, and in the way we encourage people to get active and participate in sport.
Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Labour believes that the
Government can and should play a leadership role in encouraging people to be physically
active, because of the benefits that brings at an individual level and the health dollars it will
save at a national level.
Labour recognises that New Zealand faces many challenges to keep sport and recreation
relevant to our communities. Our biggest challenge is ensuring that sport and recreation
continue to have a central role in people‟s lives from both participation and performance
perspectives. To rise to this challenge, Labour believes we must build capability and
capacity in the sector.
Sport and recreation must be accessible for all New Zealanders, including those with
disabilities. Labour is committed to ensuring New Zealanders with disabilities have
opportunities to participate and excel in their chosen sport and recreation activities.
Labour is committed to fostering a competent, connected sport and recreation sector and a
healthy, active nation.
Grassroots sport
An investment in sport at the grassroots level will pay dividends. It will pay dividends at the
community level because of the health, social and economic benefits that a high level of
participation in sport and recreation activities provides. It will also pay dividends on the
international sporting stage, because an investment in community sport is an investment in
our elite sportspeople of the future.
Labour will continue to invest in community sport and recreation to encourage
widespread participation and to help our local clubs thrive.
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Many young people first become involved in sport through their school, however we lose too
many of them from organised sport when they move from primary to secondary school or
when they leave school.
It is important that we work to retain as many of those young people in sport for as long as
possible. Labour believes there is potential for stronger partnerships between sports clubs
and schools sports, so that when students leave or move between schools it is less likely
that they discontinue their sport participation.
Labour will encourage more collaboration between sports clubs and school sport to
help bridge the transitions between primary, secondary and tertiary education.
While keeping fit is an important benefit of exercise, sport participation at the school-age
level is about more than just getting active - it's about having fun and learning important
values such as commitment, teamwork, leadership and self-belief. The values, skills and
teamwork learnt in through sport are beneficial in many other areas of learning and
development, and the health benefits are significant. For these reasons, Labour will have a
particular focus on increasing youth participation in sport.
We reject the National Party‟s assumption that simply giving more bats and balls to schools,
without any real support or capability development, will result in more participation in sport.
We are all in favour of more resources for schools, but National‟s simplistic policy fails to
recognise that these days there are many competing influences for young people‟s
recreation time and simply providing sports equipment is not enough. We also need to
support schools and sports clubs with resources and training so that they know how to
persuade young people into physical activity and how to keep them interested.
Labour will set up an investigation into school sport participation, including the
feasibility of reintroducing mid-week early finishing nationwide to facilitate mid-week
sport.
Regional Sports Trusts (RSTs) play a vital role in grassroots sport in New Zealand. The
relationships that they have with local and national sports organisations, local councils,
schools, clubs, health agencies, and local businesses are invaluable. The vast majority of
RSTs are doing an excellent job and are often attracting good community funding, which
leads to a feeling of „ownership‟ from the local community.
Labour will continue to support the work of Regional Sports Trusts, including the
sharing of best practice and assistance with training.
Grassroots sport in New Zealand would not be possible without the dedication of sports
volunteers. These people are all part of what keeps the heart of sport and recreation
beating. But there are challenges. There are changing working patterns, such as more
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young people working after school or on weekends, and the discretionary time of New
Zealanders is under increasing pressure from other commitments.
We need to ensure that volunteering in sport is an attractive and worthwhile proposition.
One way of achieving that is by investing in developing the skills of sports volunteers – skills
which are also applicable in other areas of their lives.
Labour will commit to supporting volunteers in the sport and recreation sector by
providing resources to assist them in their roles and giving them opportunities to
upskill. We will build off the Rugby World Cup volunteer base.
High performance sport
New Zealand consistently punches above its weight on the international sporting stage. Our
sports achievements are intrinsically intertwined with our national pride.
Achieving in international sport is also good from a marketing perspective because our
athletes‟ international successes help to promote New Zealand and to enhance our image
overseas.
The hosting of the Rugby World Cup this year has put the importance of sport to our selfpride
and our image overseas firmly in the spotlight.
Labour has long been committed to supporting the development of world-class athletes and
coaches. That commitment paid off when we were last in government and New Zealand‟s
Olympic medal tally rose from a near all-time low in Sydney in 2000 to a 20 year high in
Beijing in 2008.
Labour will continue to support specialised training for our top athletes, and will also
increase the focus on pre-elite athlete identification so that our pool of high
performance athletes can grow.
National has set up a separate High Performance Board within Sparc, which is overly
bureaucratic and unnecessary.
Labour will undo excessively complicated board arrangements at Sparc and ensure
that High Performance sport is given an appropriate focus within Sparc‟s overall
governance responsibilities.
Labour will also ensure that sports funding decisions are made by the Sparc board,
not the Minister, to prevent them from being politicised and open to appeal.
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Outdoor recreation
Outdoor recreation offers significant benefits to New Zealand through national identity,
health and fitness and the environment. The opportunities for outdoor recreation in New
Zealand are huge. Our landscape is an outdoor recreation-lover‟s paradise, but that doesn‟t
mean that we do not still need to foster participation.
We must work with the sector to improve coordination, strategic direction and to enhance
leadership. However, we must also recognise that the vast majority of outdoor recreation
activity takes place outside of any formal organisation. Accessibility and affordability of
outdoor recreation activities are therefore central to a thriving sector.
Labour will work closely with territorial authorities to ensure that outdoor recreation
opportunities are available to all New Zealanders and visitors to New Zealand at a
low cost but of first-rate quality.
The network of huts and tracks across public conservation land was significantly upgraded
by the last Labour government, and forms the backbone of our „outdoors infrastructure‟.
There are new lodges in place of old huts, more places to go to, tracks repaired, and new
ones to explore either by foot or bike.
This network is a significant asset. Not only is it valued by Kiwis, but our tourism sector
depends on it. And Kiwis expect their government to protect the quality of outdoor
recreational experiences – including walking, tramping, skiing, climbing, angling, swimming,
rafting, boating and mountain biking.
That does not mean only putting resources into „front country‟ facilities or huts on the Great
Walks, where many of the users are international visitors. The existing network of „back
country‟ huts and tracks is vital as well and should remain. A bivvy in the right place, for
example, can save lives.
Labour will continue to upgrade the outdoors infrastructure of huts, tracks and other
visitor facilities, including those in the back country.
Labour will promote the development of new outdoor recreational opportunities, for
example, walking and cycling trails on former railways land.
Health through sport and recreation
Labour in Government put a priority on programmes and campaigns to reduce obesity,
improve nutrition and increase physical activity. National has undone much of that work,
which is to the detriment of the overall health of New Zealanders.
There are large parts of our communities that are not sufficiently active to maintain basic
good health, and Labour believes that government can and should play a role in reversing
that situation. We need to involve our big budget organisations such as Health and
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Education, and use Sparc as a catalyst for ensuring there is an emphasis on physical activity
in government policy.
Labour will bring back a focus on physical activity as part of our Health policy.
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STATE SERVICES
Our vision
Public services that are of high quality, efficient, responsive and effective are a vital
foundation for the ongoing economic, social and cultural development of New Zealand.
Without such a service our future is at risk: policies and programmes cannot be implemented
properly, citizens and businesses suffer second-rate services, and the public sector
workforce will end up disengaged, fragmented and under-valued.
Labour is committed to the development of a high quality public service working in the
interests of all. Our policies will rebuild front line services so that all New Zealanders,
regardless of where they live, are able to access information and support.
Innovation in the public sector
To build dynamic, effective and efficient public services requires innovation – the chance for
public servants to experiment with new approaches and to drive change within their
agencies and across Government.
With innovation comes risk: sometimes things do not work out as planned, and sometimes
things go wrong. We can minimise that risk by ensuring decisions to change direction or try a
new approach are evidence-based, however we should not stymie new thinking and fresh
ideas by being overly risk-averse.
We need to create an environment in the public sector where public servants feel confident
and inspired to offer new ideas. It is impossible to innovate if we are too risk-averse, and
Kiwis miss out. The current policy of a sinking lid policy on staff also hurts the prospects of
innovation.
Labour will ensure the public sector develops a continuous feedback loop between
frontline and policy staff, so innovation can be driven by real experience of services
on the front line.
Labour will extend support for innovation brokers/social entrepreneurs embedded in
government agencies.
It is also the case that not all innovation can or should be driven solely from within public
services. There are lessons to be learned from the business sector and from the non-profit
sector on how agencies can be more effective, can listen to the public better, and can
communicate their role, priorities and ways of helping people better.
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Labour will organise planned and deliberate engagement with business and
community sector on new approaches for services.
Ministers or the Cabinet cannot create innovation from the central level, but there does need
to be support for agencies to drive innovation – and to defend agencies from the
occasionally unfair criticism they can receive when innovative ideas don‟t turn out to be
successful.
Labour will develop, within existing baselines, new roles for the State Services
Commission as a quality manager and innovation supporter.
Breaking down silos
The current structure of New Zealand‟s public service sets up independent agencies that
may not integrate to meet complex needs of individuals and families. In addition, it is too
often the case that public service agencies are not pursuing a clearly defined set of goals. A
range of approaches are required to tackle these issues.
Labour will undertake a review of legislative framework (State Sector Act and aspects
of Public Finance Act) with a view to enhancing collaboration and outcomes focus,
across the public sector.
Labour will, on taking government, require the development of core government
goals – by geographical and population groups.
Labour will ensure that the public sector develops coordination mechanisms for
implementing goals that ensure agencies work together.
Public services need to be accessible and open to the public. In the Internet age, there is no
excuse for the silos between agencies behind the scenes giving difficulty to the public in
accessing services.
Labour will mandate the development of “no wrong door” and single entry websites
for government agencies.
Defend public services
The current government‟s indiscriminate cuts to services and the public service are hurting
lots of New Zealanders. They are also demoralising and stripping capability from a group of
people who have a huge amount to contribute to building a better New Zealand.
Stripping away „backroom‟ or other capability regardless of the task to be done is
irresponsible. This is a story which can be told in many other core areas: not least
environment and conservation, and health. Weakening public health capability in the Ministry
of Health has lowered that Ministry‟s ability to prevent illness and disease before they get
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established, and has lowered accountability for outcomes by lowering reporting capability
and the ability to respond strategically to reporting results.
Labour will ensure that the public service core capacity is rebuilt to enable it to be
able to do the job its needs to: with quality, with resources, with ability to draw on
whatever expertise is needed.
Making public services more responsive
These days, citizens expect services of all sorts to be responsive to their needs. When they
have ideas or suggestions for change in most areas of their lives, they expect to be listened
to.
Yet, many people have no sense of the value of public services and do not think they have
any ownership of them, or ability to influence them.
Labour will expand meaningful community involvement in the development,
management and evaluation of public services, with responsiveness a key
requirement for all agencies.
Readers should also refer to Labour‟s ICT policy, which includes a range of Open
Government and Open Data commitments that will help make public services more
responsive.
Building a career public service
Working in public service should be an exciting, satisfying and rewarding experience that
attracts the best and brightest young New Zealanders, giving them a way of expressing their
support for and belief in New Zealand and its people.
In too many parts of the public service though, this is not currently the case. Given the
importance of public services to the community and to building New Zealand‟s future, this
needs to be turned around.
Labour will work with public service leadership, workers and unions to facilitate
career path development both within and across agencies, including encouraging
secondments, sabbaticals and so on.
Part of developing a quality, career public service is making sure that working conditions are
at a suitable level to retain skilled people and give them the chance to develop successful
careers.
The Partnership for Quality, negotiated between the PSA and the Government last decade,
recognised the leadership role that the public service has to offer in terms of quality of
employment, in quality of community and public services, in health and safety employment
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practices, in family friendly workplace practices, in procurement and contracting practices. It
also recognised that this leadership role can only be exercised if there is a genuine
commitment to partnership between the government and the Public Service Association.
Labour will negotiate a new tri-partite approach, between the Government, State
Services Commission and Public Service Association, to improve the career public
service.
Labour will put in place a comprehensive programme to address the gender pay gap
including within the state sector.
Labour will ensure that adequate investment is made in training and lifelong learning
for those working in the public service and recognise the leadership role the
Government as employer has in this area.
Disaster recovery
The Christchurch earthquake has highlighted the challenges disaster response efforts pose
for the public services. Such emergencies cannot be foreseen and planned for and they
present complex and uncertain challenges. The public services must therefore take a more
innovative and adaptive approach to preparing and responding to disasters. In particular
they must build public resilience so the people and communities themselves have the ability
to cope with disasters and recovery well.
Community engagement, integrated planning and timely access to information are crucial in
disaster response and recovery. The fundamental principles that should underpin the public
service approach to disaster response and recovery are those of accountability and
transparency.
Labour will ensure the Canterbury Recovery effort puts trust and faith in local people
who know their communities and ensures there is open communication with them.
Labour will ensure the Canterbury Recovery effort involves local communities in joint
learning and public decision-making.
Responsible contracting
State agencies have a role in setting the example of good practice, not just with their own
employees, but also with those organisations they contract for services.
Labour will require that all state agencies ensure that all organisations bidding for
service contracts comply with good employer practices, including a history of
adhering to employment legislation, paying fair wages and respecting the right of
their employees to join a union and bargain collectively.
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Labour will also require state agencies to consider other benefits such as health and
safety systems and training opportunities when comparing tenders.
ICT sector
A strong and vibrant ICT sector is a platform which will help improve New Zealand‟s
economy and society. It is core infrastructure increasingly important to the provision of
quality public services to New Zealanders now and in the future.
Labour believes that smarter government means departments sharing their technology. This
will save money inside government, and provide a competitive advantage for New Zealand
businesses.
Labour will, within 100 days of entering Government, issue an instruction to
government agencies under the Public Finance Act 1989, which will prevent vendors
double-dipping, stop silo thinking and allow systems to join up.
For full information on Labour‟s ICT policy including how Labour will manage government
software purchasing refer to the „Open Software: revolutionising government software
purchasing‟ section of the ICT policy.
Procurement policy
New Zealand firms deserve the right to bid for large government contracts without locking
them out on the basis of lowest price in favour of overseas companies. The benefits of
keeping New Zealanders in work include the fact they pay income tax, GST, contribute to
our skill base and the community as a whole. It shouldn‟t just be about looking at the bottom
line.
We must own our own future by keeping Kiwis in work instead of favouring offshore firms.
Labour is committed to implementing a modern, sustainable, WTO-compliant,
procurement regime.
Labour will require government departments and agencies to undertake a wider
(economic) analysis of the impact of its preferred provider on the domestic economy,
rather than a narrower (financial) analysis when making procurement decisions.
Labour will require government departments and agencies to consider the design,
size, sequencing of contracts to ensure they do not unnecessarily disadvantage Kiwi
firms.
Labour will, in the case of procurement contracts over $50m, require the production
of an Industry Participation Plan (IPP), which sets out how Kiwi companies can play a
bigger role.
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For more information see Labour‟s Procurement policy.
Fairer wages
While the current Government has been cutting public services and staff numbers public
service chief executives have been enjoying record pay-outs. Since 1997 state sector chief
executive salaries have increased by an average of 90 per cent. That‟s over eight per cent a
year – or more than twice the rate of inflation.
When the rest of the public service is facing cut backs and wage freezes that‟s not fair.
Under Labour no public service chief executive will be paid more than the base
salary for the Prime Minister. Labour won‟t cut existing salaries, but we will introduce
a cap on new salaries at the top.
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TERTIARY EDUCATION
Our vision
The quality of our tertiary sector underpins our economic success as a country. It enhances
our ability to innovate and grow, enables individuals to reach their potential and lifts both
individual prosperity and the overall health of our society. Importantly, it also encourages
participation in our country‟s future through healthy well-informed debate and policy being
developed that is based on evidence.
A workforce with greater educational and skill levels is directly linked to higher worker
productivity that is critical to the growth of the NZ economy which suffers from one of the
lowest levels of labour productivity in the OECD.
Our education system is world class but, unless it receives sustained investment in both
research and teaching, it is likely to fall behind. Like-sized developed countries, such as
Finland, Denmark and Singapore, have experienced high levels of economic growth by
focussing on excellent research, innovation and maintaining a high quality of graduates and
a skilled workforce. We need to lift our sights and better translate the high quality of our
schools into the tertiary sector.
The global recession has highlighted education as an essential investment to respond to the
changes in technology and employment. We do not know exactly the make-up of the future
workforce. But we do know that our rapidly changing economy and society will demand not
only that a higher proportion of our young people hold a tertiary qualification but that our
entire workforce has the opportunity to continually up-skill and retrain. Access to quality
tertiary education for all New Zealanders, throughout their working life, therefore, is at heart
of Labour‟s vision for our future.
A collaborative sector
Labour believes that as a small country with limited resources we need to ensure that the
money we spend on tertiary education is targeted towards clear outcomes in terms of
teaching and research.
We need to encourage a culture of collaboration among our tertiary providers. While
competition among institutions can support innovation and raise standards of research, in
our country of 4.4 million people left unfettered it can also lead to unnecessary and costly
duplication.
Labour will, through the Tertiary Education Commission, develop a more
collaborative approach to tertiary education in New Zealand by reviewing and reinvigorating
the network of provision approach to funding, and direct funding through
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fully developed, consulted and negotiated investment plans for each tertiary
education organisation and within each sub-sector of the tertiary sector.
We will build on the approach first implemented by the fifth Labour Government and also
look to international examples such as the University of California system to ensure there is
real collaboration.
Labour will support the development of regional tertiary education strategies that will
include a particular focus on ensuring that regional labour market needs, research
and development and social and community needs are being met by tertiary
institutions.
This will include a collaborative approach to ensuring secondary school students are
informed and supported in their decisions as to their options for further study after school.
Labour will review the cap on enrolments in tertiary institutions, with a view to
providing flexibility in its implementation, particularly in times of high unemployment.
Labour will develop benchmarking and performance indicators for the sector, as a
management tool, not as an accountability mechanism. Making these indicators part
of an accountability mechanism encourages institutions to “game” statistics. Rather,
robust data should be part of the process for investing and planning for each
institution and the system as a whole.
Labour will re-establish the Tripartite Forum with institutions, staff and government
representatives to address issues of effectiveness and sustainability in universities
and ITPs.
Governance structures
Labour believes that the governance structures for tertiary institutions need to reflect their
key role in developing the economy, society and community. They also need to reflect the
importance of collaboration and cooperation to achieving the best outcomes from tertiary
education.
Labour will implement legislation for Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics that
will allow for tertiary councils of up to 12 people, to enable the institution to ensure
there is representation from students, staff, Māori and other communities of interest
where appropriate.
Tuition fees
Labour believes that tuition fees must be kept affordable and reasonable so students of all
backgrounds can study to their full ability without facing cost barriers or excessive debt.
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Labour will retain the Fee Maxima system and keep the annual maximum fee
movement at its current rate of 4%. This will ensure tuition fee increases are kept
under control and students aren‟t over-burdened with debt.
Universities
Our eight universities are key elements in the future development of our society and
economy. We need to invest in them, and the staff in them, to provide quality education and
research that will make a positive difference to our future as a country. Each of our
universities already plays a key role in driving innovation.
Labour will invest in our universities to ensure they are internationally competitive
through maintaining the real value of funding rates and support capital investment.
We will support the integration of the skills and knowledge within our universities into our
business, government and community sectors at the regional, national and international
level.
Labour will review the Performance Based Research Fund after the completion of the
2012 round, to ensure it is working to enhance the development and of high quality
research, retaining our best researchers, particularly those younger emerging
scientists, and minimising compliance costs.
Labour will establish a scheme for better funding „brilliant‟ scientists. Funding would
be portable to allow scientists to take it to the most appropriate institution, purchase
equipment, recruit staff and attract other world leaders in the field to NZ.
Labour will ensure career pathways of graduates are funded, particularly those at
post-doctoral stage, to encourage our researchers to develop their careers and
contribute to NZ.
Labour will examine where future centres of excellence might be established to
maximise collaboration in key areas where high quality expertise exists and where
NZ can provide significant added value.
Labour will encourage closer association between business and university
commercialisation centres to ensure „discoveries‟ within the universities are most
effectively brought to market and have the best chance for success.
Labour will target funding to key subject areas that are necessary for New Zealand‟s
economic success, in particular to increase the number of graduates in the sciencerelated,
engineering, design fields in addition to others.
Targeting will ensure that government funds go towards courses where New Zealand can
create wealth and lessen investment into job areas where surplus expertise already exists.
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Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics
Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics play a key role in ensuring that labour market
needs are met at a regional and national level. They represent a significant public
investment in developing a skilled and innovative workforce.
In the recent past not enough attention has been paid to supporting the development of
trade and skill training. An emphasis on degree qualifications and attending university
diminished an interest in trade training undermining our ability to grow the economy. We
need to actively encourage young New Zealanders into trades training, and support others to
re-train.
Labour will provide an additional 5,000 fees-free training places over 3 years for 16
and 17 year olds at risk of disengaging from education. These will include 1,000 that
have a Māori mentoring element and 1,000 with a Pasifika mentoring element.
Labour will ensure that there is a network of regional institutions dedicated to meeting
the labour market and skill needs of our regions. In some cases this may require
additional support to enable institutions to operate where there are not the student
numbers to support them.
ITPs need to work closely with the businesses and organisations in their regions to identify
and meet needs. They need to work closely with industry training organisations to ensure
that training is provided in a relevant and quality manner.
Through ITPs we need to ensure that we are developing a workforce with high quality skills.
This will require individual ITPs to develop areas where they have speciality and can attract
high quality staff and support from industry.
Labour will improve the way that ITPs and ITOs work together including through joint
curriculum development, clearer qualifications and more flexible learning pathways.
Labour will support ITPs to develop specialist capability in key skill need areas where
they can play a national leadership role.
ITPs also have a key role in supporting the transition of young people from the compulsory
sector. This will require them to demonstrate flexibility through working with secondary
schools and establishing programmes and means of delivery that cater to a range of
students.
Labour will support the development by ITPs, in collaboration with others, of flexible
models of training including trades academies and tertiary high schools.
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Further information about Labour‟s approach to industry training can be found in Labour‟s
Skills and Employment policy.
Tertiary training and skills
The number of young students who are leaving school at age 16 with no qualifications and
little prospect of a job have increased. Without further qualifications, those who are
employed at that age invariably move into unskilled, low paid jobs.
To generate the highly skilled workforce that NZ needs to grow its wealth, the transition from
school must be to move into further tertiary education.
Research shows that young people who do not pass on into further tertiary education – or
find work – are highly unlikely to go back into training later. It is critical, therefore, that we
bridge the gap between secondary school and other tertiary training or study – whether it is
within a polytechnic, trade training or apprenticeship.
In the past nearly 20 years various governments have grappled with this school – tertiary
transition. Numerous different programmes have been put forward. None have tackled the
issue comprehensively.
Without a comprehensive overview that focuses on the medium-long term, there is little
likelihood that the numbers of young people moving directly into further education will
increase. This critical issue needs to be elevated above quick-fix projects put forward by
political parties.
Careers advice plays a crucial role in ensuring young New Zealanders develop the right
skills in school, and leave school for the right training, or with a plan of how to get a job.
Currently this does not happen. Labour made progress in this area beginning with „Designing
Careers‟ and moving towards an integrated school-wide approach to career education. This
programme was abandoned by National. In fact Labour introduced legislation to ensure
schools provided quality careers advice, however National did away with this change.
Labour will:
Review the current state of career information and guidance within the
schools with a view to a significant overhaul.
Include in the review how to achieve greater involvement from people outside
the school system, including employers.
Labour will increase the potential of the career advice provided in secondary schools
to ensure that students have a clearer understanding of the type of career they want
and can tailor their senior school years as most appropriate.
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Labour will ensure a focus on the needs of each student so each can move easily
from a school or through a skills pathway to a polytechnic or through a combination
of both, or some other skills-training opportunity.
Adult and Community Education
Labour believes that Adult and Community Education (ACE) provides important
opportunities for learning and training, especially for second-chance learners and new
migrants.
The 2008 PricewaterhouseCoopers study into Adult Education revealed that the return on
investment of ACE courses exceeded $50 to every one dollar spent. Benefits were identified
not just in re-skilling, but community cohesion as well as health and social benefits.
Labour will immediately restore $13 million cut from ACE funding to improve access
to adult and community education.
Further funding will be restored over time as resources permit.
The re-introduction of the Adult Education funding will be accompanied by a review of the
sector. It is clear that many of the „soft‟ courses that were once offered have encouraged
second chance students, particularly those who left school early without qualifications, to reenter
learning. Many have then gone on to take more career focussed courses.
A future ACE sector would focus on offering a staircase to more formal subject areas.
With an ageing population, an expectation that a working life may be extended, and the
rapidly changing nature of the job scene, opportunities for adults to re-train and up-skill are
essential.
We believe that secondary schools should play a role in the delivery of ACE, alongside other
providers, particularly in light of the waste of resources from not using schools outside of
normal school hours.
Labour will work with the adult and community education sector on a plan to ensure
there is a range of quality, relevant programmes available in all regions of New
Zealand.
Refugee and migrant study grants
Labour believes that we must support refugees and new migrants to develop skills that will
help them integrate into New Zealand, find work and contribute to New Zealand society to
their full potential.
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Labour will therefore reinstate the Refugee and Migrant Study Grants, both worth $1
million per annum.
Labour will also allocate additional funding for English for Speakers of Other
Languages (ESOL) provision to enable all refugees and migrants to achieve a good
level of English literacy.
Private Training Establishments
Labour acknowledges and supports the role that quality private training establishments
(PTEs) can play in the provision of tertiary education. Public institutions cannot always meet
the needs of particular students or groups of students, and often PTEs can respond more
flexibly to these needs.
We are concerned about poor quality programmes and courses that are provided by some
private training establishments that undermine the reputation of many excellent PTEs.
Importantly, the dubious activities of a few risk damaging New Zealand‟s reputation
internationally and have profound impacts on the international education industry.
Labour will continue to support PTEs where they are providing quality programmes
that are meeting skill, training or education needs.
Labour will work with the PTE sector to develop more rigorous quality assurance
measures, particularly in relation to courses targeted at international students.
Labour will work to increase collaboration between PTEs, Industry Training
Organisations and our public tertiary institutions towards meeting the needs of
employers and the future workforce.
Teacher education
Over recent years teacher education has been absorbed into university settings. This has
enhanced linkages with research and academic disciplines and provided significant cost
efficiencies.
However, there are concerns about the quality of teacher education, the amount of contact
time that trainees have with teaching specialists and whether there has been a loss of focus
on teaching practice.
Labour will consider the recommendations of the recent review of initial teacher
training for implementation.
Teacher shortages exist in some more challenging, usually decile 1 and 2 or rural schools,
while other schools are spoiled for choice. Labour proposes to examine incentives to
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encourage young and energetic teachers to those less-sought-after schools including
assistance with payment of student loans, and the opportunity for accelerated promotion.
International education
International education contributes $2.3 billion to the New Zealand economy each year. In
addition it has spill-over benefits in terms of tourism, foreign investment and cultural
development.
Labour will support Education New Zealand, with an emphasis on promoting a high
quality experience for overseas students with an appropriate emphasis on pastoral
care and eliminating those providers not up to a high standard.
Labour will develop a coordinated marketing strategy for New Zealand education
internationally to ensure the best value for money.
Student support
Labour is proud of its record in government to provide greatly improved student support. In
the fifth Labour Government we removed interest on student loans while studying, before
later removing interest altogether. We also significantly widened access to student
allowances by increasing the parental income threshold, increased the availability of
scholarships, and capped fees through the fee maxima policy.
These policies have combined to increase the number of students receiving allowances by
30,000 in recent years and have reduced the median time taken to repay student loans
down to 5 years.
Despite this, the level of debt that students are accruing is still very high. Students remain
the only group in society that are required to borrow for basic costs such as food and rent.
National has now introduced changes designed to reduce access to the student loan
scheme through putting limits on the number of years students can borrow for, and including
a passing requirement. There are significant concerns about the impact of this on Māori and
Pacific students.
Labour will keep interest free student loans for all borrowers who remain in New
Zealand, and for those students continuing to study overseas, or who are working for
New Zealand government agencies overseas.
Labour will work with other countries to ensure that borrowers who leave New
Zealand and do not continue to make payments on their loans are identified and
payment arrangements made. Measures will include establishing reciprocal tax
agreements with countries, such as Australia and the UK where significant numbers
of students with loans are working.
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Labour will make the first $5,000 of income tax-free, whether that be from a student
allowance or part-time work. This will mean students will be $500 a year better off as
well as not having to pay GST on fresh fruit and vegetables.
Labour will review the impact of National‟s changes to student loan scheme eligibility,
and reverse or alter those changes if it is shown that they have had a negative impact
on completing post-graduate courses or on the participation of those from underrepresented
groups such as Māori and Pacific students.
Over the longer-term, once economic conditions improve, Labour will resume
expanding eligibility to the student allowance scheme, as resources allow, by
increasing the parental income threshold.
Labour will continue and refine scholarships targeted to support those from lowincome
backgrounds into high cost courses, as well as investigating bonded
scholarship schemes for study in key areas such as health sciences.
Labour will immediately restore $2 million to the Training Incentive Allowance and
commit to further increases over time so people on social welfare benefits can obtain
qualifications that give greater opportunity for themselves and their children.
The years immediately following graduation are critical to consolidate the careers of
scientists. With the removal of post-doctoral scholarships in 2010, New Zealand has lost
hundreds of our best brains overseas.
Labour will reinstate post-doctoral fellowships for recent PhD graduates, scaling up to
a cost of $6 million a year, so they are supported into research careers in New
Zealand instead of overseas.
Student Associations
Labour believes that student associations play a critical role in the success of students in
tertiary institutions, including through direct welfare and pastoral support, advocacy with
tertiary institutions, government departments and other agencies, and the provision of
sporting, cultural, entertainment, media and other services. These services are generally
provided in a very cost-effective way, and are run by students for students.
Over the years student associations have been behind the creation and development of
some of the major initiatives that have supported students such as Student Job Search,
University Games, student newspapers and radio, student health and counselling services,
hardship funds, subsidised bus transport, gym and recreation facilities, clubs and societies
facilities, bookshops and much more.
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National and ACT have enacted legislation that would make membership of student
associations voluntary from the beginning of next year if they win the election. We know from
experience in Australia that such a move will destroy many student associations, significantly
reduce the services and advocacy that they provide and lead to a loss of control by students
of student affairs.
Labour will repeal the changes put in place as a result of the Education (Freedom of
Association) Amendment Bill and replace it with enduring legislation that will secure
the critical role student associations play, based on the amendments Labour has put
forward during the debate.
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TOURISM
Our vision
New Zealand‟s relative isolation to the rest of the world is part of our attraction to tourists,
however it is also a major challenge to our tourism industry. New Zealand does not have the
option of being a stopover, we must market ourselves as a destination.
International tourist expenditure accounted for $9.7 billion or 16.8% of New Zealand‟s total
export earnings in 2011. Tourism directly and indirectly contributes $15.7 billion (8.7%) of
New Zealand‟s GDP. It employs 92,000 direct jobs and 88,000 indirect jobs, making up 9.4%
of our total workforce. It is clear, therefore, that a thriving tourism industry is vital to New
Zealand‟s economic wellbeing.
In a challenging international economic environment, where commodity prices such as
aviation fuel are high and concerns over the environmental impact of long haul flights will
increase, the tourism industry faces uncertainty. In response to this, Labour will work to
ensure sustainable and continued growth in international visitor numbers, bed nights and
yield. We will strengthen our focus on sustainable eco-tourism and mitigation of the effect of
tourism on the environment.
Marketing our brand overseas
New Zealand‟s “brand” is the most crucial factor in successfully marketing ourselves as a
destination overseas. Any damage to our brand can translate to significant disruption to our
tourism industry, so it is essential that we both protect and promote the New Zealand brand.
One of our most successful marketing campaigns has been the 100% Pure New Zealand.
However that brand has been put at threat recently with international media questioning our
green credentials. That is why Labour in Government will walk the talk and ensure New
Zealand is the clean, green destination it promotes itself to be.
Labour will ensure that policy in other areas does not undermine our clean, green
brand.
Labour will continue to market New Zealand as a 100% eco-tourism destination
through innovative overseas campaigns.
Also vital to New Zealand‟s brand is our Māori heritage. Māori is what makes New Zealand a
unique destination. The Māori tourism industry is under-developed and the potential for
growth is huge.
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There is a need for business mentoring and business analysis available to help Māori
Tourism become the thriving industry it should be.
Labour will increase funding for Māori tourism by $1.5 million a year. We will invest in
skills and training initiatives and work to increase business mentoring to assist with
the analysis of business plans and the development of strategies.
Funding overseas marketing campaigns to attract international visitors is a vital investment
in our economy. For every dollar spent in key markets, the New Zealand economy benefits
by a factor of between 11 and 26.
Labour will use the Tourism New Zealand marketing budget to actively promote
marketing campaigns in key and emerging overseas markets.
Air New Zealand plays a key role in promoting New Zealand. We will investigate the
possibility of mutually beneficial joint marketing ventures with Air New Zealand to attract
business from our key markets.
Domestic tourism
Domestic tourism is sometimes neglected in favour of international tourism, however it
accounts for 51 per cent of New Zealand‟s tourism so should receive the support from
Government that it deserves.
Central government needs to take more of a leadership role in this area. Regional Tourist
Organisations (RTOs) are responsible for the promotion and co-ordination or regional
tourism events and promotions. RTOs are supported by local body rates, income from iSites
and industry levies and membership. These organisations often end up competing for the
same tourist spend by offering the same experience.
Labour will encourage Regional Tourist Organisations to work more closely together
and across local government boundaries to identify and promote the unique factors
of each region/district.
The Tourism industry would also be encouraged to work with local government.
Supporting the tourism industry
Due to the significance of tourism to New Zealand‟s economy, it is vital for the industry that
there is high level recognition and support from the government.
Labour will give serious consideration to the re-establishment of a dedicated Ministry
of Tourism if the subsuming of the old Ministry of Tourism into the Ministry of
Economic Development does not meet the needs of the sector.
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Labour will work alongside the tourism industry to ensure a strong working
relationship that is mutually beneficial.
New Zealand‟s evidence-based tourism planning, with pioneering public good science has
been the envy of the world and has been replicated overseas. New Zealand has provided
global science leadership for tourism and climate change policy.
Labour will support tourism-focussed research in order to make the best policy
decisions for the industry.
Some tourism operators have difficulty attracting New Zealand workers. The immigration
working visa scheme, while useful, also makes it difficult for operators to plan and train staff
over a long period given the scheme only allows visiting staff to be employed for 12 months.
As well as imposing additional costs for retraining new staff, tourism operators also face
disruption and uncertainty to continuity and uneven standards.
Labour will examine whether changes to the working visa system are needed to
make it easier for tourism operators to retain good staff. In many cases these are
jobs that operators have difficulty attracting New Zealand staff to, and any changes
will apply only when New Zealanders cannot be found to fill these jobs.
Labour will continue to lobby against Air Passenger Duty from the UK.
We need to remove obstacles to people traveling to New Zealand therefore immigration
processes need to be efficient and streamlined while still maintaining border security.
Labour will work with the Australian Government to expand Smartgate into more
Australian cities. We will also consider whether there are other international markets
and governments we should try and work with, keeping biosecurity risks at the
forefront of any such considerations.
Another issue for some tourism operators is compliance. While requirements can generally
be individually justified, taken in total they represent a burden for providers. Some of the
typical compliance matters include: bar licensing, hotel vehicle inspection, fire inspection,
gas inspection, water backflow inspection, balcony rail inspection.
Labour will work to streamline as many of these compliance processes as possible,
moving towards a “one-stop-shop” approach for inspections where practical and
reasonable. This may include grouping, or clustering inspection services. There will
need to be a strong focus on maintaining standards throughout this process.
Training for tourism staff
Providing a total quality experience for every tourist, by everyone in the tourism industry is
essential if tourists‟ needs are to be met. We need to continue to work to ensure that better
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training opportunities are available to tourism staff. Allowing secondary school students to
gain expertise in this area is a possibility worth exploring, given the average young age of
people in the hospitality and tourism industry. Raising the standards and levels of training is
critical in ensuring that every interaction is a quality interaction.
A key part in this should be educating workers in the industry about how to treat different
cultures. They should recognise that while delivering a “New Zealand” experience they have
to do so in a way that is culturally appropriate to the tourist. Efforts to upskill providers in
anticipation for the Rugby World Cup should be adapted and made more permanent.
Labour will review and rationalise the numbers of tourism-related courses to ensure
that they are providing the quality of training that we require.
The status of low paid workers in the industry also needs to be raised as they are the „face‟
of the industry.
Tourism infrastructure
For a successful tourism sector, there is a need for quality infrastructure at all levels – from
base infrastructure such as roads, ports and airports, to mid-range infrastructure such as
accommodation and facilities, and high-end infrastructure such as tourism activities, events
and experiences
High speed reliable broadband is essential to all tourism businesses, research and visitor
information and booking.
Labour will develop broadband and mobile services to allow ease of research and
communication.
Efficient and effective travel is an essential element of the visitor experience
Labour will ensure travel around New Zealand is safe and efficient by improving
travel links and infrastructure across a range of modes of transport (roads, rail, ferry,
walking tracks, cycleways and air services).
Relationships between Kiwis and visitors are essential to a great visitor experience.
Labour will explore ways of ensuring behavioural expectations of Kiwis towards
visitors and visitors towards Kiwis and our environment are communicated.
Business Tourism is essential to New Zealand but we lack facilities to cater for large
conferences. If we want to be a true business tourism destination, we need to have a world
class conference centre and Auckland is the most practical place for it.
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Labour supports the concept of a world class Conference Centre and will work with
Auckland Council in progressing such a project.
Cruises are a rapidly growing market but our cruise facilities are substandard. The Auckland
Regional Council has been investigating Queens Wharf as a potential site for a cruise ship
terminal. Its research estimates a cruise ship terminal on Queens Wharf could generate an
additional $713 million in direct spending to the New Zealand economy over the next 10
years.
Labour supports local government in Auckland with its plans to construct an
international standard cruise terminal. We are also supportive of the upgrading of a
number of regional terminal facilities.
Tourism research is essential for New Zealand to maintain a competitive edge.
Labour will work with the industry to develop a body of research around tourist
expectations, experiences of New Zealand, where they go and information about
tourist spending habits.
As famous as New Zealand is for its attractions and scenery we are equally infamous for the
poor quality of our public facilities and conveniences.
Labour will work with the tourism and local government sectors to develop a network
of safe, clean and hygenic public facilities.
Labour will assist Local Government to develop amenities for freedom campers.
Education
There are a myriad of Tourism Qualifications that need to be streamlined, and also Tourism
is not on the approved subject list for University Entrance. Because tourism is a job rich
industry it makes sense for schools to provide pathways into the industry and for there to be
focussed and relevant tertiary courses.
Labour will ensure the Ministry of Education and the Tourism sector work with
schools to provide pathways for students into the industry, particularly in regions
such as Northland where there is high unemployment but many tourism
opportunities.
Labour will review the provision of tertiary courses alongside the sector to ensure
quality courses prevail.
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TRADE
Our vision
We are a country that is heavily reliant on exporting. Growing our trade-dependent economy
is essential to create new jobs and ultimately, higher living standards for all New Zealanders.
Beyond our reliance on export of traditional commodities we also need to ensure that we
have innovative firms with the capability to adjust to the new international challenges and to
seize opportunities that exist in a rapidly globalising market.
Labour will continue to support and press for a rules-based, multilateral global trading
system which is accessible, fair and transparent.
Expanding our market opportunities
Labour recognises how important it is for New Zealand to continue pursuing strategic trade
relationships with other countries and regions. We will seek to develop those opportunities in
government.
We remain committed to multilateral trade arrangements through the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) and the Doha round. We also recognise that high quality regional free
trade agreements (FTAs) are beneficial and can be used to complement multilateral
initiatives. Any future bilateral agreements must be harmonised with the best of our
multilateral and regional agreements.
We have seen how successful our free trade agreement with China has been, with the value
of our exports increasing by 50% from its start date in October 2008 to the end of June 2011.
We need now to ensure that all FTAs in the region are of a similar and consistently high
quality.
Labour will explore stronger strategic trade relationships with other groupings of
countries or regions, where they enhance our interests and maximise security and
stability in any region.
We will pursue initiatives in South America, perhaps including joint ventures (country
to country) or public-private partnerships, in order to maximise a southern
hemisphere pitch into northern hemisphere markets for commodities, and combined
research and development for sustainable technologies year round.
Labour will revisit our trade relationships and development assistance in the Pacific
with a view to creating sustainable industries in Pacific nations appropriate to those
nations within the context of the rules of the WTO.
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We will continue to pursue trade agreements already in train with the Gulf
Cooperation Council, India and Russia.
We will continue to participate in Trans-Pacific Partnership talks but reiterate our
commitment to retaining Pharmac in particular as a bottom line item which must not
be traded away. We feel similarly strongly about intellectual property provisions.
Labour will not accede to conditions which undermine our sovereign status, subject
New Zealand to litigation by multinational corporations, or compromise our ability to
make determinations in the interests of New Zealand's future.
Labour is opposed to the sale of land, state-owned enterprises and infrastructure
being permitted through trade agreements.
We maintain that other opportunities for foreign direct investment can be encouraged without
undermining our sovereignty. We will defend these issues in any trade talks.
Greater engagement with civil society over trade talks
A broader civil society debate around our trading relationships needs to be built if we are to
avoid unnecessary social conflict, both within New Zealand and beyond.
Labour can build this engagement on principles of openness, greater transparency, and the
virtue of contestable advice. We will also strengthen the quantitative analysis contained in
the National Interest Analyses required for Parliamentary Treaty ratification to ensure that
best estimates of positive and negative impacts of any trade agreements are made.
Labour will establish a Trade Advisory Commission, with the following purposes:
To provide independent advice on the implications of any free trade
agreement under negotiation for any particular sector of the NZ economy
To take into account the nature of labour and environment clauses and
assess them against NZ‟s international reputation, climate change
commitments and other treaty obligations
To conduct public hearings in the preparation of this independent advice and
produce publicly available reports on the results of those hearings
To consider the advancement of ethical trade criteria and the impact of such
criteria on NZ‟s trading position
To consider any human rights implications of FTAs
To conduct its own enquiries into sectors of the economy and their
performance under existing and potential FTAs
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To promote opportunities to leverage New Zealand‟s exports
To report to the Minister of Trade with this independent advice.
The Commission will comprise an academic representative, two New Zealand Council of
Trade Unions representatives, a Business NZ representative, an Export NZ representative,
an Employers and Manufacturers Association representative, Māori and Pasifika business
and academic interests, NGO representatives and representatives of tradable financial and
service sectors.
It would provide advice at arm‟s-length from government and would not have a policymaking
function.
Readying our exporters to maximise international market opportunities
There is much work to do to assist our exporters to take advantage of the increasing number
of Free Trade Agreements we have signed.
Many are not ready to move into overseas markets because of a lack of investment capital,
a lack of knowledge of the markets into which they are exporting or a lack of confidence and
skills.
More can and should be done to address these deficits and allow New Zealand exporters
better opportunity to maximise their gains in new markets.
Labour will better focus New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) on accessing
export opportunities for New Zealand firms.
Labour will consult with exporting industries to see what they require to be
successful.
Labour will make mentors and advisors available through government-assisted
secondments in New Zealand and offshore to guide new exporters into new markets.
Playing to our strengths – opening up public services, crown entities
and arts and culture to trading their Intellectual property, structures,
advice and technologies
We have enormous potential for generating foreign exchange through systems and
knowledge that we take for granted, for example, education (of students and teachers),
accountability and transparency mechanisms (Office of the Auditor-General, Office of the
Ombudsman, Select Committee procedures, social policy development, etc), our unique arts
and culture, intellectual property, new technologies and research and development.
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We excel in many different areas of technology, from earthquake technology to new greentech
initiatives. We could market these skills and knowledge overseas if we were prepared to
value them the same way as we value our primary commodities.
Labour will ensure that government departments and agencies develop an outwardlooking
function so that they can assess the opportunities for exporting their
expertise, systems and research wherever appropriate.
Labour will explore further opportunities to export and promote our unique and
indigenous arts and culture.
Adding value to exports
New Zealand cannot afford simply to produce more and more primary products. We risk
irreparably damaging our environment and cutting off one of our greatest foreign exchange
earners, tourism if we think like that. Increasing the quantity of our primary produce is not
sustainable. We must increase its quality.
This is a considerable challenge which we grappled with in the time of the Fifth Labour
Government. Achieving the quantum leap required to move our export sector from raw
exports to value-added exports, requires investment in research and development and
innovative thinking.
We will also ensure that the interface between trade, climate change, and labour and
environmental issues is properly and consistently observed and managed.
For more detail, see Labour‟s Economic Development policy.
Getting monetary policy settings right
Changing our monetary policy is one way we can help encourage investment in productive
exporting businesses.
A volatile New Zealand dollar and persistently high interest rates are causing structural
problems for our economy.
Currently, the New Zealand dollar is one of the ten most traded currencies in the world. This
heavy trading is reflected in a highly volatile currency which makes doing business more
difficult for our exporters. Our exporters have to plan for the value of the dollar changing at
great speed and little predictability. When our exchange rate surges, it undermines the
competitiveness of our prices in destination markets. When the exchange rate falls, the price
of inputs like fuel can soar unexpectedly.
Our current policy is not well designed to produce a stable and competitive exchange rate,
nor to keep interest rates as low as possible. In fact, it often operates the other way round.
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Labour will reform monetary policy to ensure our exporters are not undermined by
extreme exchange fluctuations, including by:
Introducing a 15 per cent capital gains tax
Broadening the objectives of the Reserve Bank Act
Ensuring the interests of exporters are represented on the Reserve Bank
Board
Taking pressure off the official cash rate through complementary monetary
and prudential policy tools, and
Encouraging more aggressive Reserve Bank interventions to impose costs on
currency speculation.
Currently the sole focus of the objectives of the Reserve Bank Act is on the maintenance of
price stability – or inflation. We agree with the approach taken by Australia that recognises
that along with inflation control, employment, economic prosperity, and the health of the
export sector are at least as important.
For further information see Labour‟s Monetary policy.
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TRANSPORT POLICY
Our vision
An effective transport system lies at the heart of our quality of life. It is also at the core of any
modern, efficient economy. An effective transport system must therefore be integrated and
work across all modes.
Labour‟s transport policy is about improving the lives of our citizens, increasing the
prospects of economic stakeholders and protecting New Zealand‟s environment.
The challenge is to find modes of travel that cause as little damage as possible to the
environment, that minimise harmful effects on others, and that also minimise travel time and
cost. These transport systems must be accessible to all New Zealanders, and they must also
remain affordable. It doesn‟t make sense if driving a car becomes cheaper than taking the
bus.
We will plan for the coming challenges of climate change, fuel shortages, and price
fluctuations through a range of initiatives including more efficient public transport, new
technologies and new fuels and provide support for active travel (walking and cycling). In the
medium term we will work to plan our cities better so that there is a reduced need to travel.
We will keep investing in vital roading infrastructure, in building the capacity of public
transport, and in enabling rail and coastal shipping to play a more significant role in moving
freight around New Zealand. But we will not waste money on unnecessary highways that
lock us into a high-carbon future.
One of Labour‟s key commitments will be to support the Auckland Council in developing its
proposed City Centre Rail Link.
Public transport
Labour is a public transport party. New Zealanders deserve genuine transport choices:
public transport, active transport as well as car travel. We believe that if New Zealanders
are to move towards more sustainable transport, we must create a public transport system
that is a realistic alternative to private car use. Labour has played a critical role in addressing
public transport issues in Wellington and Auckland. We are proud of this record and Kiwis
are positive about such investments.
Quality public transport is not only critical to helping our economy develop but it can make a
big difference to people‟s lives and their health. It will aid in transport demand management,
which will play a crucial role in reducing congestion as cities develop.
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Labour will examine ways to maintain and increase the overall transport spend
beyond the National Land Transport Fund to develop our public transport systems so
that they are a credible and attractive transport option.
Auckland public transport
Auckland‟s spatial plan gives a clear commitment to investment in public transport in order to
unclog the roads. It recognises that, along with the provision of infrastructure, the demand
for travel needs to be managed so that Auckland is not forever trying to build roads to cope
with increasing numbers of motor vehicles.
Labour will work in partnership with Auckland Council to deliver a 15 year transport
infrastructure plan for Auckland, based on the transport commitments in the Auckland
spatial plan.
Any city that rates itself as having international status needs to give people choice in how
they move around. Efficiency across the various modes – and the ability to switch easily
between modes - will be the key.
The Council has prepared a business case for a City Centre Rail Link proposal and the
Auckland public are overwhelmingly in favour of it. This is a sensible transport solution and
will act as a catalyst for business and residential growth.
Labour will support the Auckland Council and back the clear preference for Auckland,
which is the Rail Link proposal. We will provide funding, through the Land Transport
Fund, for up to $1.2 billion, which equates to half of the cost of the Rail Link, on the
understanding that the Auckland Council is responsible for financing the other half.
We will finance this by cancelling National‟s plans to fund a Wellsford-Puhoi Highway („the
Holiday Highway‟). While Labour agrees that there are safety issues and choke points that
need to be addressed here, we believe these can be resolved without the need for an
expensive new highway. This money would be better spent on the Auckland Rail Link.
Labour will continue with intermediate improvements for the Wellsford-Puhoi
Highway which will improve both safety and travel-times. We will not support the $1.7
billion, gold-plated proposal as is currently planned.
Labour favours the so-called „Operation Lifesaver‟ improvements to the existing Puhoi to
Wellsford road, as advocated by the Campaign for Better Transport. This would fix the crash
black spots and traffic bottlenecks at a cost of $320 million, delivering most of the benefits
more quickly and cheaply than building an entire new highway.
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The combined costs of „Operation Lifesaver‟ and our contribution to the Auckland Rail Loop
comes to $1.6 billion, slightly less than National has already budgeted for the „Holiday
Highway‟.
Hamilton - Auckland commuter train
Labour supports the effort of the working group on establishing a Hamilton-to-Auckland
commuter rail service. There is considerable public support for this service.
Labour will engage with the working group on what support is needed from central
government to make this rail service a reality.
Working across all modes of transport
Labour is committed to maintaining and developing an effective rail system to serve the
public and the economy.
Labour will ensure that the public and our export-based economy have access to an
efficient and reliable rail and coastal shipping system.
The rail system should not be limited to the main trunk line and the Interislander ferry. Just
as coastal shipping will play an enhanced role, so too will rail in our critical regions. These
regions may well lack the population to justify an expensive motorway, so shifting a sizeable
percentage of future freight growth to rail and shipping as opposed to road is the logical
solution.
Sustainable transport
In considering the integration of modes the challenges of climate change and the rising price
of carbon are international realities that must always be taken into account.
New Zealand needs to become much less heavily dependent on fossil-fuelled cars and
trucks for transport of people and products. Transport emissions make up 19% of New
Zealand‟s overall greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport accounting for 90% of
these. We must greatly reduce these emissions.
The foundations for a sustainable transport network were laid by the last Labour government
with a 15-fold increase in public transport spending, electrifying Auckland rail, buying back
KiwiRail, and legislating for sustainable biofuels.
Labour will continue to promote public transport, cycling, walking, rail and biofuels, as well as
coastal shipping and electric vehicles. This will ultimately lead to decreased greenhouse gas
emissions.
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Labour will continue to support funding for public transport and energy-efficient
freight transport modes such as rail.
Labour aims to halve per capita transport emissions by 2040. This will also make transport
more affordable and reduce oil imports (and in turn our international trade deficit).
Labour will halve New Zealand‟s per capita domestic transport emissions by 2040.
Lifting the use of indigenous energy resources for transport will have positive spin-offs for
the economy and the environment. For example, locally made sustainable biofuel can be
produced using tallow and, as the technology becomes available, wood. Biofuel will both
reduce our dependence on oil and cut our greenhouse gas emissions.
Labour will promote locally produced biofuel, especially using wood as the
technology becomes available.
Active transport
An increase in walking and cycling is a credible part of transport policy which will do three
important things: improve health through physical activity; reduce transport emissions; and
also reduce the demand for transport, leading to less congestion and overcrowding.
In order to realise these benefits, we must make walking and cycling convenient and viable
transport options wherever possible.
Labour is committed to the promotion of active transport as a vital part of our
transport policy.
Coastal shipping
Labour wants to improve the prospects of coastal shipping. Total freight movements are
expected to more than double by 2040, putting huge pressure on the transportation system.
Shipping has a vital role to play in meeting this expected growth in freight movement, and it
is a key part of an integrated transport network.
Labour will revisit the “Sea Change” strategy we launched in 2008, which aimed to
revitalise and transform coastal shipping in New Zealand.
Labour will tag funding from the National Land Transport Programme to facilitate an
increase in coastal shipping. This is important as we explore ways to avoid a high
carbon future.
The grounding of MV Rena off Tauranga has graphically illustrated the destructiveness of
even a relatively small oil spill.
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Labour will urgently review New Zealand‟s preparedness for marine oil spills,
especially the capability of Maritime New Zealand.
Labour will accede to the international treaties which define and simplify the
compensation regime that applies in the event of future oil spills.
Labour will review the minimum technical requirements for navigation systems of
large vessels operating in New Zealand waters.
Labour‟s strategy is for at least 30 per cent of inter-regional freight to be carried by sea by
the year 2040, up from the current 15 per cent share.
Labour‟s view is that we need a more inter-modal approach to handling future freight growth.
There will be an expanded role for both rail and coastal shipping because we believe freight
must be moved as efficiently as possible with everyone paying their fair share.
Labour will urgently investigate the viability of upgrading the rail link directly into the
Auckland container port.
Port reform
Pressure is building around the port reform agenda. International shippers tell us they are
going to bring in larger vessels; exporters are after the best price possible and port
companies are facing massive development challenges.
The promise of bigger ships will be driven by commercial criteria. There may be other
options which enable our smaller ports to act as spokes to larger ports in both the South
Island and North Island. Such developments ought to take account of matters such as rail
infrastructure.
Any attempt at port reform must have the involvement of the port owners, the shipping
companies, the exporters and the organised unions.
Labour will develop a national port strategy to provide the basis for the coordination
of New Zealand ports as an essential part of our logistics infrastructure.
Labour will put in place a new model of national co-ordination, convened by
Government and representing stakeholders, to develop a strategic approach to ports
and to maximise the effective operations of ports as part of New Zealand‟s logistics
infrastructure.
Kiwirail
Labour‟s buy-back of our railway system and establishment of KiwiRail when we were last in
office presented a real opportunity to build a sustainable nationwide transport network,
however that opportunity has been going unanswered by the National government. Labour
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will recapture the momentum we started to ensure rail can play its full part in building a more
sustainable New Zealand.
We will keep New Zealand‟s rail in public hands. We believe that with our rail system in
public ownership, we can make the strategic decisions and investments necessary for rail to
succeed. Over time, we will be able to move more freight off our roads and onto rail.
Labour will invest in maintaining and modernising KiwiRail to ensure it remains a
viable and sustainable transport solution.
One of the most valuable resources that KiwiRail has is its human capital, including workers
at the Dunedin Hillside Workshops and the Hutt Railway Workshops in Gracefield. In the
future, we must ensure that KiwiRail can bid competitively and produce our own trains and
rolling stock to a high standard.
Keeping it local
The 41 jobs lost at KiwiRail‟s Hillside Workshops in June illustrate the real-life effects of
a government not having a good procurement policy. The Hillside workshop and is the
repository of significant engineering expertise for New Zealand, and one of the largest
employers in Dunedin.
Retaining our skilled tradespeople, such as those at the Hillside Workshops, is crucial for our
economic growth. We want people to stay in New Zealand and develop and use their skills.
We want industries that are productive. We should back New Zealand firms whenever we
can instead of exporting jobs offshore.
Labour is committed to implementing a modern, sustainable, WTO-compliant,
procurement regime.
Labour will review the existing components of government procurement to ensure
they are fit for purpose, accessible and practicable. We will ensure they operate
equitably with respect to access for Kiwi firms, in line with Australian Federal and
State contracts.
See Labour‟s Procurement policy for more details.
Roads of National Significance
Labour disagrees with four more projects being added to the existing list of seven “Roads of
National Significance.” These new projects are: Hamilton to Tauranga, Cambridge to Taupo,
further development of the Hawke‟s Bay Expressway and further development of State
Highway 1 north and south of the current Christchurch motorway projects.
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Labour will consider how much of the $2.9 billion annual National Land Transport
Fund might be available for reallocation, and what projects make sense. We will not
waste money on unnecessary highways that lock us into a high-carbon future.
With fuel prices generally rising, consumption falling and revenue from fuel taxes going
down, current projections may not be sustainable. Investment should be based on
reasonable cost-benefit assessment, including social and environmental factors. The reality
of a rising price on carbon must be taken into account.
Labour will investigate and prioritise improvements to the “East-West Corridor”
proposal in Auckland between East Tamaki at State Highway I and Onehunga at
State Highway 20.
Kapiti Expressway and Transmission Gully
Labour prefers the original Western Link Road plan, not the four-lane Kapiti Expressway as
has now been approved.
Labour will reinstate its original preference. It will fund this option 100%.
Labour will also continue to support the Transmission Gully project but only so long
as it meets reasonable cost-benefit criteria.
Local and regional issues
Local roads are being short-changed by the current regime. This part of the infrastructure is
essential in terms of regional development. Much of the nation‟s exports originate in the
regions and require infrastructure which allows for safe and efficient movement.
Labour will ensure the funding for local roads is not further undermined by the
excessive focus on Roads of National Significance.
Funding and innovation
Labour is willing to use both public and private approaches to funding in order to maintain
investment into our transportation infrastructure.
Labour will investigate the appropriate use of mechanisms including tolling, PPPs
and road pricing, ie. congestion charging.
These matters will require a significant level of transport user support. Both the private and
public sector have an obligation to ensure that innovations do not impose additional costs
and are demonstrably fulfilling value for money criteria. Failure to meet a value-plus criteria
will mean modest involvement from the private sector.
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Electric cars and other vehicles
Labour‟s ambition is for New Zealand to be among the leading countries to widely deploy
electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Electric vehicles mark the beginning of a new era of
energy independence and low emissions in transport, which Labour supports. Building on
our clean green electricity generation, Labour will work with the electric vehicle industry to
encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.
There is a role for government in establishing an environment that facilitates the large-scale
roll-out of electric vehicles. Numbers will grow slowly at first, but volumes will increase as the
production of electric vehicles ramps up internationally and prices come down.
Electric vehicles used for local travel can be recharged from an owner‟s home. Vehicles
used for longer distances, however, will need a supporting infrastructure of recharging
stations.
Labour will promote the introduction of a nationwide infrastructure to recharge electric
vehicles.
New Zealand should be one of the first countries to set up a nationwide infrastructure for
charging electric vehicles. We will need to work through a variety of issues, including the
cost and funding of recharging technology, and relevant health and safety issues.
Road safety
Labour has set an ambitious target for reducing the number of road deaths and injuries. We
will introduce a range of road safety measures aimed at reducing road deaths and serious
injuries:
Labour will invest in road safety advertising campaigns to support the police by
focusing on the highest areas of enforceable risk which include speeding, drink
driving, intersection behaviour and safety belts.
Labour will also:
Reduce the legal blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05.
Investigate effective means to prevent child deaths and injuries in driveways,
including possibly subsidising rear view mirrors.
Review international research on child restraints and implement best practice
recommendations.
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Introduce labour standards into Transport Operator Safety Systems in the
trucking industry.
Investigate a Safe Rates system for the freight and courier industries, where
remuneration and methods of contracting are considered as part of the overall
safety requirements for drivers.
Consider, subject to funding availability, the introduction of driver training
programmes, especially for young drivers in poorer communities.
Air transport
The use of biofuels in air transport is the sort of innovation that is vital to New Zealand‟s
long-term tourism market, and New Zealand‟s clean, green image.
Labour will support Air New Zealand‟s initiative to develop and test biofuels for longhaul
flights.
The new information disclosure regime determined by the Commerce Commission is
intended to strike a balance between a fair return to investors in airport infrastructure and
lower prices to airlines, which are reflected in lower airfares to the travelling public.
Labour will monitor the progress of airport pricing consultations under the new
regime. If a sensible balance is not struck, Labour will consider a negotiate/arbitrate
regime.
Labour will also encourage an expansion of air services to other countries where
there is likely to be an expansion of trade or where there may be potential for
attracting significant new growth in tourism to New Zealand.
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TREATY OF WAITANGI
Our vision
The Treaty is the founding constitutional document of New Zealand. It provides the basis for
the relationship between Māori and the government. Labour appreciates this and is
committed to honouring the obligations the Treaty imposes upon the government.
Our policy
Labour will ensure that all historical Treaty settlements are completed by 2020.
Labour will implement a Treaty education programme for stakeholders and
communities.
Labour will work with Tuhoe in regard to their interests in Te Urewera.
Labour will continue to work with iwi on innovative redress models to best reflect the
nature of their claims under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Labour will continue to uphold the availability of civil legal aid for iwi pursuing
Waitangi Tribunal claims.
Labour will not abolish the Waitangi Tribunal once historical treaty claims have been
settled.
Post treaty settlements
Labour will support skill development in both governance and management, post
Treaty settlement.
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VETERANS AFFAIRS
Our vision
Veterans hold a special place in New Zealand society, and rightly so. The servicemen and
women who have been put in harm‟s way to protect and defend our country, and meet our
international obligations, deserve both our respect and our gratitude.
Labour in office took a number of initiatives to support our veteran community. The
Memorandum of Understanding resolved 30 years of outstanding issues with the Vietnam
veterans.
2006 was declared the Year of the Veteran to celebrate the contribution that veterans had
made both to New Zealand and for peace around the world.
For the future, Labour had the Law Commission undertake a thorough review of the out of
date War Pensions Act 1954.
Labour will continue to honour our veteran community by ensuring that we provide them with
the standard of care and level of respect they deserve.
Law Commission review: War Pensions
The Law Commission reported on 1 June 2010 and to date there has been no response
from the National Government – a lamentable state of affairs.
The Law Commission‟s report outlined two principles, firstly, that „veterans should be entitled
to all the benefits, allowances and assistance as every other New Zealand citizen is entitled
to‟; secondly, „that the veterans who have suffered as a result of being put in harm‟s way
deserve to be recompensed over and above the entitlements of ordinary citizens who are not
veterans‟.
The Law Commission report identifies a number of deficiencies with our current War
Pensions Act including the fact that in some circumstances the support for veterans‟ is less
than that provided for other citizens and it has put forward solid recommendations for
improvements, including separate legislation that responds to and takes care of our older
veteran community (the cut-off point is 1972), and legislation for the next generations of
veterans, which is growing with the large number of deployments in recent decades. This
future focus is to put greater emphasis on rehabilitation.
Labour will issue a timely response to the Law Commission report and implement
that response by legislating.
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Central to these will be an expert panel that is independent and transparent with the
requirement to report to the Government on health issues of concern within the veteran
community.
Veteran‟s Pension portability
The portability of the Veteran‟s Pension has been a vexed issue with the veteran community
for some time as it is linked to the conditions of National Superannuation. The purpose of the
Veteran‟s Pension is clearly different to National Superannuation.
Labour will untie the linkage between the two, ensuring that the Veteran‟s Pension
stands on its own criteria with specific rules for entitlements particular to the
Veteran‟s Pension and ensuring that it is portable.
The nuclear test veterans are better supported by the New Zealand legislation than many
other groups of veterans in similar circumstances in other jurisdictions, but there are still
issues of concern for the nuclear test veterans.
Labour undertakes to work with the representatives of the RNZRSA and nuclear test
veterans to examine the issues carefully and what might be done to resolve them.
Veterans‟ homes
When in office, Labour provided financial support to two of the three remaining veterans‟
homes, Monticello and Rannerdale, by way of loans with conditions. It is now apparent that
the requirements of this financial support are restricting the ability of these homes to provide
care in the long term for veterans.
Labour acknowledges that the loans to support both rest homes have affected their ability to
raise funding from other sources for development and expansion.
Labour will work with both rest homes to explore all avenues to resolve this issue
favourably for both Rannerdale and Monticello Rest Homes.
Also, these loans are contingent on WWII veterans using their services and given that there
are cohorts of Korean, Malayan, and Vietnam veterans who may wish to use these facilities
in future, Labour will remove this restriction.
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WATER
Our vision
Freshwater (surface and ground) is a common good, a precious public resource owned by
us all and belonging to none. It is a taonga of paramount importance to iwi. Water is also the
most vital component of New Zealand‟s biological production systems.
Labour stands for clean water. New Zealanders have a birthright to play and swim safely in
our streams, rivers and lakes. And access to safe drinking water is a basic human right.
Economic prosperity can and must be environmentally sustainable, and so must the use of
water. Our economic future relies on our clean, green image, and water is a key measure of
that. The health of our waterways is at the heart of how we promote ourselves to the world
and earn a premium for our exports.
Systems of water allocation and management vary throughout the country and often do not
encourage its best use. Labour will be guided by the Land and Water Forum in its 2010
report „A Fresh Start for Freshwater.‟ The Forum suggested the water resource should be
quantified and the flows needed for ecological, environmental and recreational purposes
determined.
Labour wants farmers and other major users to benefit from access to water, but they are
only stewards of the water, not owners. We support irrigation using water from sustainable
sources such as peak river flows, but all-year flows that meet environmental and recreational
needs must be retained. The damming of New Zealand‟s remaining wild and scenic rivers
cannot continue.
The management of our water must be overseen by publicly-elected, accountable
representatives, even where particular catchments are delegated to community-governed
arrangements. Labour will retain decision-making at local level through regional (or unitary)
councils, with central government playing a leadership role. Iwi, the public and water users
must be involved in these processes.
A fair price, in the form of a resource rental, should be charged to major users of water. This
would be both an economic and environmental tool that would encourage wise use of water.
Revenue from the resource rental would go towards funding water management and
delivery, new storage and irrigation schemes, safe rural drinking water supplies, and projects
such as the restoration of degraded waterways.
Under Labour, water management will be underpinned by strong environmental standards
and a strengthened National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management. Regional
councils will set clear and enforceable limits on nutrient levels. Those who fail to manage
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their land use to meet required environmental outcomes cannot expect on-going access to
this precious resource.
Water quality
There is growing concern over the declining quality of water. Rural water quality has been
deteriorating because of agricultural intensification, notably dairying, and the increased runoff
of effluent, nitrate and phosphate. In urban areas, water pollution is being caused by
stormwater, run-off, sewage and industrial pollution.
The economy is part of the environment. Both will benefit hugely from improved water quality
and more efficient water use. National‟s agenda is for rapid economic growth ahead of new
standards to protect water quality from being degraded. Labour rejects this self-defeating
approach.
Freshwater management National Policy Statement
While it is the job of regional councils to manage water at local level, central government
must underpin the need to improve water quality. National is failing to do so.
The last Labour government set up a board of inquiry to prepare a National Policy Statement
(NPS) on freshwater management. The resulting draft NPS would have required strong
action on the impact agricultural intensification is having on water quality. The draft NPS was
broadly backed by the widely representative Land and Water Forum.
National gutted the draft NPS. The NPS on Freshwater Management 2011 only requires
regional councils to adopt water quality standards by 2030. No overall national standards are
required – each council is left to work out its own. This will lead to expensive and timeconsuming
conflict over water quality standards region by region. If this is not changed, by
2030 our rivers are likely to be even more polluted than they are now.
Labour will urgently strengthen the NPS on Freshwater Management 2011 in line
with the draft NPS proposed by the board of inquiry.
Labour will rigorously uphold the key principle of the draft freshwater management
NPS that economic activity cannot proceed if it comes at the continued cost of the
quality of ground and surface water quality.
Labour will adopt and implement national water quality standards, with targets for
them to be met by.
Labour will support regional councils in setting clear and enforceable limits on
nutrient limits and minimum flow regimes on major waterways.
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Drinking water
Safe drinking water is a basic human right and a critical measure of a first-world country‟s
infrastructure. But one in five New Zealanders currently have unsafe or untested drinking
water.
Notifiable waterborne diseases affected an estimated 14,100 Kiwis between June 2008 and
June 2009. However, this figure is likely to be greatly understated because most people do
not have tests to confirm the cause of „tummy bugs‟.
For every dollar spent on upgrading a drinking water supply, up to seven dollars can be
saved through avoiding the medical costs associated with giardia and cryptosporidium
infections. Such investment would lift the general welfare and productivity of these
communities, and also protect the reputation of those which are tourist destinations.
The last Labour government introduced a new drinking water standard. We also introduced a
Drinking Water Assistance Programme (DWAP) with funding of an average $15 million
annually for 10 years. DWAP was designed to assist small communities to meet minimum
drinking water standards. Because they tend to be rural, these communities are also at
particular risk of nitrate contamination in their drinking water.
National cut funding for DWAP to $10 million annually, and delayed by three years the
requirement to meet World Health Organisation guidelines for safe drinking water.
Labour will progressively reinstate the original DWAP funding, and further assist
small communities to improve drinking water supplies, by such means as improved
access to advice from the Ministry of Health and the ESR crown research institute.
The reinstatement of the funding cut will be met from the resource rental charged to major
users of water (see „A resource rental mechanism‟ below). This is fair since farmers and
irrigators contribute to water no longer being potable (pure enough to be consumed or used
with low risk of harm) in some rural communities.
Water storage and irrigation
Year-round water availability is the key to generating sustainable economic prosperity in
drier areas of New Zealand. It adds value to a variety of land production activities, including
stock farming, cropping, viticulture and horticulture, as well as providing electricity
generation.
Water storage options include taking peak flows for on-farm storage, raising existing lake
levels, and damming valley catchments. With appropriate controls and enforceable
environmental requirements, water storage can contribute to sustainable growth without
further deterioration of water quality. So can increased efficiency in the use of water.
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Most people – rural and urban – do not want New Zealand‟s remaining wild and scenic rivers
dammed, and nor does Labour. People enjoy the free-flowing nature of these rivers. There
are many other water storage (and electricity generation) options.
Labour will seek to protect the main stems of our major remaining free-flowing rivers
from being dammed.
Decision-making
Labour supports water storage and irrigation, but wants communities to decide which
schemes are appropriate via the processes of democratically-elected regional councils.
Each major water storage project must attract broad consensus from across the wider
community, even if the major beneficiaries (and financial contributors) are local farmers and
electricity generators. Regional councils should be empowered and required to hear major
water consent applications and land use consents concurrently.
Labour will empower communities to decide via regional council processes which
water storage and irrigation schemes are appropriate.
Labour will ensure that major water consent applications and land use consents can
be heard concurrently.
Access to stored water must be accompanied by strict environmental standards, rules and
penalties. The continuing quality of water must guide allocation decisions.
Funding
National would use taxpayers‟ money to fund storage and/or it will invite foreigners to do so.
New Zealanders risk losing control of the use and benefit of our water.
In 2011 National committed $35 million of taxpayers‟ money towards investigating new water
storage and irrigation schemes, and offered up to $400 million (unfunded) to help build such
schemes. Labour says rather than coming from, or being subsidised by, taxation, these
costs should be funded from a fair resource rental paid by farmers and other major users of
water (see „A resource rental mechanism‟ below).
Labour will fund new water storage and irrigation schemes from a resource rental
paid by farmers and other major users of water.
Mackenzie basin
There are some areas of New Zealand that should not be irrigated at all. “Greening” of lower
altitude tussock landscapes is occurring in parts of the Mackenzie basin, and increasing
dairying pressure is raising water extraction and quality issues. The drylands character of the
basin is changing.
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Labour believes most New Zealanders do not want water used to irrigate vast areas of the
fragile Mackenzie basin environment and turn it into intensive farming. Labour is committed
to protecting the Mackenzie basin.
Labour will do this in part by stopping tenure review (see Labour‟s South Island High Country
policy). As the continuing owner of pastoral leases in the Mackenzie basin, the Crown can
limit the uses of this land to low intensity pastoralism. This will protect landscape values and
limit environmental impacts.
Labour wants to see the current collaborative community and stakeholder process continue
in the Mackenzie basin. However, we will make clear that this is a unique part of New
Zealand – and that there are some fundamental conservation principles to be included in any
plan for protection, management and development of the Mackenzie basin.
Labour will protect the Mackenzie basin from inappropriate water use and irrigation.
Water allocation and management
Allocation of water in New Zealand has historically been on a „first-come-first-served‟ basis.
With rapidly increasing demand, this approach is outmoded, and does not encourage best or
most efficient use.
Labour supports the sustainable use of water in both urban and rural areas. This requires
water to be managed on an integrated catchment basis, and for extraction not to exceed
natural replenishment. Water should be returned to the environment in good condition
(including with proper treatment for sewage and industrial discharges).
Households must receive enough water for basic drinking and sanitation needs (to be paid
for through council rates or a set fee) before any direct charging is made for additional
consumption.
In rural areas, major users get water virtually for nothing. Farmers who are allocated water
tend to regard it as something they now own and can trade. Despite water being a public
resource, National favours unchecked water trading for private profit.
Labour will ensure the sustainable use of water in both urban and rural areas, as a
public resource.
A resource rental mechanism
Democratically elected regional councils are the best vehicle to administer water allocation.
An allocation system should be established so that water goes to the best uses rather than
to who applies first. The system would also ensure that water use is sustainable and not at
the expense of the environment.
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A fair price, in the form of a resource rental, should be charged to major users of water.
Expert advice would be sought on this, including from Treasury. The resource rental would
be both an economic and environmental tool that would encourage wise use of water and its
allocation for higher value uses. A charge per cubic metre may vary from region to region,
and would be reviewed periodically.
There may also be variable charges within a region. For example, hydro electricity
generation where water is immediately returned to a river would be charged at a
substantially lower rate than where permanent extraction occurs. The charge may, however,
need to take account of lost opportunities for alternative uses upstream, or more changeable
flows downstream.
Interested parties should be consulted on the appropriate manner and level of charging, on
the basis that all the revenue raised within a region goes back into the region. This would
fund water management and delivery, new storage and irrigation schemes, safe rural
drinking water supplies, and projects such as the restoration of degraded waterways.
Labour will engage with representatives across all aspects of farming to
develop water allocation models on the basis of best use rather than „first-come-firstserved‟,
in order to ensure we encourage and maintain a mix of farming and land
uses across regions.
Labour will implement a resource rental mechanism and seek expert advice on its
design parameters, with details to be developed in partnership with industry, local
government, Māori, rural and urban communities and other relevant stakeholders.
Labour will ensure that the revenue from any such rental will be used to improve New
Zealand‟s water management systems for the future.
Transitional issues are certain to arise and need to be managed fairly.
Privatisation
New Zealanders are strongly opposed to privatising essential services such as water. We
want to own our future. Yet the National/ACT government has effectively given councils the
right to „privatise‟ water supplies by allowing management/ownership contracts for up to 35
years, without any reference to communities.
Labour is opposed to privatising water supplies, be they rural or urban. We uphold that water
is a common good, owned by us all. Moreover, international experience shows strong risks
to water quality and public health when water is taken out of public ownership.
Foreign investors should not be allowed to „own‟ water storage projects or local water supply
schemes.
Labour will ensure that water supplies remain in public ownership.
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Farming practices
New Zealand farming production relies heavily on urea (nitrogen) and, to a lesser extent,
phosphorus-based fertilisers. This is a key driver of poor water quality. Dependence on
these fertilisers needs to be assessed and high standards of monitoring and efficiency of use
implemented.
Urea can produce toxic nitrate, which can enter waterways and water supplies and affect
water quality, biodiversity and recreational opportunities. This run-off increases algal growth,
choking waterways and further reducing water quality.
To improve water quality, urea dependence must be urgently reduced. Farmers need to be
encouraged to adopt measures as simple as storing effluent and re-spreading it when
conditions allow. Some regional variability in storage requirements is appropriate (e.g. 30
days in drier Canterbury, 90 days in wetter Southland).
Effluent run-off can be addressed by nutrient budgeting, improving the quality of waste
discharges, and fencing stock out of waterways.
Labour will encourage the use of alternatives to urea fertilisers.
Labour will encourage nutrient budgeting and mitigating measures to reduce runoff
and waste.
Labour will encourage farmers to minimise urea use through better storage of effluent
and its reapplication to the land.
Penalties for those who continue persistent point source pollution (i.e. from an identifiable
source) will be reviewed and strengthened. This may include the loss of water rights for
repeat offenders, who cannot expect ongoing access to this precious resource.
Each regional council needs to be able to respond to strong national requirements for
maximum allowable nitrate levels and to require farm management plans that meet these
levels.
Labour will investigate the adequacy of minimum effluent and fertiliser run-off
requirements, and strengthen them as required.
Labour will ensure that farmers and other users who continue point source pollution
will face severe penalties, including loss of water rights.
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WOMEN‟S POLICY
Our vision - Real equality, real opportunity and real choice for all women
New Zealanders believe in genuine equality amongst our people, we proved our
commitment to this ideal early, becoming the world‟s first democracy to extend the vote to
women some 118 years ago. Today, after a century of progressive change, New Zealand
women have full equality before the law.
Labour has a proud track record of delivering for New Zealand women.
But there is more to do. We can still do better to ensure all women have the opportunity to
thrive and succeed. Labour believes in supporting women of all ages, ethnicities and
backgrounds to reach their full potential by providing them with genuine choices and
opportunities.
Women in New Zealand still, on average, earn less than men and continue to be underrepresented
in workplace leadership roles. Labour will strengthen the legislative and policy
framework to address the issue of persistent gender pay gap and promote equal
employment opportunity.
Too many women feel forced to return to work earlier than they wish after childbirth. Women
still carry the overwhelming responsibility for caring for others in their family and within the
community. Work-life balance and caring-for-carers is a strong focus for Labour.
Labour will ensure that paid parental leave and flexible working conditions allow women to
participate fully and effectively in society.
It is overwhelmingly women who are the victims of domestic and sexual violence that occurs
all too often in our society. Labour will ensure that policy recognises the gender perspective
in dealing with family and sexual violence issues. Labour is committed to developing a
comprehensive and long term solution to eliminating violence against women.
Women have specific health needs, especially relating to maternal health. Labour will
support the health and wellbeing of women so they have the security and confidence to
reach their full potential and help grow strong communities for tomorrow.
Labour will ensure that all women have the opportunity to thrive, succeed and reach their full
potential by providing them with genuine choices and opportunities. This benefits not only
women but their children, families and New Zealand society as a whole.
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Labour‟s plans to strengthen the economy by creating more higher paid and higher skilled
jobs, implementing a fairer tax system and focussing on our children and young people will
have major benefits for New Zealand women.
Our Principles
Equality: We will make sure that all women have full and equal access to
opportunities to develop and progress in the workforce and in society generally.
Inclusion: We will work to achieve the best outcomes for all women and implement all
policies, aware of the different needs of women of all ages, of tangata whenua and all
ethnicities, of all abilities and all sexualities.
Long term commitment: We will take a long term approach to persistent issues
which rely on changing culture such as violence against women and women‟s
underrepresentation in areas of leadership and non-traditional areas of work.
Collaboration: We will require collaboration across government and non-government
agencies to deliver real equality, real opportunity and real choice for all women. Labour
is committed to an adequately funded Ministry of Women‟s Affairs that can lead and
coordinate real collaboration with other government agencies and other key
stakeholders.
Evidence base and analysis: We need to make changes based on evidence about
what works. We will ensure that a gender perspective is automatically considered
when developing policy and legislation.
Our Priorities:
Employment equity and economic security
Women are concentrated in important but low paid jobs. According to the June 2010 New
Zealand Income Survey, 25,800 females were receiving the minimum wage. Despite the
Equal Pay Act 1972, a 12 per cent gender pay gap persists on average hourly earnings
between men and women. The gap is most significant for Pacifica women. Low and unequal
pay affects women‟s lifetime earnings and financial independence, family incomes and ability
to save for retirement. It is part of the picture of growing inequality which affects New
Zealand‟s future.
Labour will lift the Minimum Wage to $15 per hour to assist in closing the gender pay
gap.
Labour has a strong commitment to addressing gender pay inequality and recognises that a
comprehensive approach is necessary to address this systemic and enduring inequality.
Labour proposes using the work of the Human Rights Commission and the Pay &
Employment Equity Unit‟s detailed audits of the state sector gender pay gap to investigate
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legislative and policy changes required to close the gap. Solutions will need to be available
to align with our human rights and employment relations frameworks.
Labour will develop legislative and policy responses that:
Recognise the right to equal pay.
Require a positive duty to advance equality.
Provide the mechanism to determine work of equal value.
Labour will identify what we can learn from the work of the Pay and Employment
Equity Unit to advance pay equity. We will seek solutions for all sectors of the
economy (public and private).
Labour will ensure that information about pay rates is made available so that
comparisons can be made and unfair inequalities in pay rates between men and
women are revealed.
Labour will consider the introduction of a requirement that job vacancies have a
minimum start rate advertised.
Women, due to family and caring responsibilities, are more likely to have time out of the paid
workforce and move in and out of paid work. This means they are disproportionately
impacted by the loss of rights against unfair dismissal during the first 90 days of
employment.
Labour will scrap the 90 day fire at will legislation.
Paid Parental Leave
In order to give all children the best start possible and to reduce stress on parents, paid
parental leave needs to be extended in coverage and longevity.
Labour will have children at the centre of its social policy which will include a detailed
strategy for parental leave.
Caring for carers and work life balance
For many New Zealanders, particularly women, there is a conflict between work, family and
caring responsibilities. Resolution of this conflict will require reducing the inequalities
between men and women in paid and unpaid work, giving individuals more choice about how
to combine paid employment with family, education, leisure and community activities and
promoting greater flexibility while maintaining security at work to enable the productive use
of the whole workforce.
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Caring for children and family members at home along with voluntary work throughout the
community is vital work that benefits us all.
Many women working in paid caring roles such as aged care are undervalued for the
important work they do. Labour has a strong commitment to addressing this systemic and
enduring inequality as outlined in the Employment Equity section.
Increasingly women as carers are finding it difficult to balance paid work and caring
responsibilities. As the need for greater paid workforce participation of women and older
workers continues this pressure will increase.
Labour will consider and as appropriate use the findings of the Review of the
Employment Relations (Flexible Working Arrangements) Act to promote and
strengthen flexible working arrangements.
Labour will announce significant policy during the election campaign that emphasises
the important role of grandparents as carers for children.
Women‟s participation and representation
Women‟s leadership has declined over the last two years as shown in the Census of
Women‟s Participation 2010. The consequences of a lack of opportunity for women to
undertake non-traditional roles and/or to advance to senior levels has implications for
women in terms of authority, personal satisfaction and income. Limited participation by
women also has consequences for organisations by denying access to a large pool of talent.
Labour will reinstate 50% goal for women on state sector boards.
Labour will investigate legislative options for requiring organisations and companies
to report on women‟s participation at all levels in their organisation. Specifically we
will investigate provisions to require EEO monitoring and the development of action
plans to respond to identified problems.
Labour will require the State Services Commission to ensure compliance with EEO
as part of „good employer‟ commitments and to advise the Government on strategies
to advance employment equity.
Improved access to education and life-long learning
With time out of the paid workforce for family and caring reasons access to life-long learning
is particularly important for women. Funding cuts to ACE and access to the Training
Incentive Allowance along with tertiary education access changes make it harder for women
to access post-compulsory education. This will in turn undermine closing the gender pay gap
and increasing women‟s representation.
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Labour will immediately restore $13 million cut from ACE funding to improve access
to adult and community education.
Labour will immediately restore $2 million to the Training Incentive Allowance and
commit to further increases over time so women on social welfare benefits can obtain
qualifications that give greater opportunity for themselves and their children.
Labour will remove barriers to women‟s participation in post-compulsory education
for women of all ages.
Labour will actively work towards eliminating barriers that prevent women from
entering male dominated apprenticeships and industries.
Eliminating violence against women
New Zealand has a serious and worrying problem with family violence and the
consequences of this violence are huge. There are costs to individuals, families and the
community. These include depression, the loss of confidence and other consequences that
remain long after the physical injuries have healed. Children are also hurt by this violence in
many ways, including fear and trauma from seeing their mother hurt.
Just to give a sense of scale – in 2008 the Police responded to 82,692 incidents involving
some form of domestic violence. We must do something real to change the violence that
pervades our culture. Labour recognises that the response to violence requires action in the
criminal justice system as well as in public health and education.
A comprehensive approach is required to deal with the consequences of violence against
women and to change the culture that leads to such violence. Labour believes this will
require a long term unified commitment by politicians, women‟s and community
organisations, government agencies and New Zealanders.
Labour will ensure that policies to deal with family and sexual violence recognise the
gender perspective.
Labour will ensure that all of our policies recognise the needs and issues of all
women; for example, the particular needs of disabled women and the particular
needs of ethnic/migrant women.
In the short term, Labour will:
Establish a Commission on Sexual and Family Violence which will draw on
the work of the Taskforce on Sexual Violence and the Taskforce on Family
Violence and will provide ongoing evidence based advice to Government.
This will include advice on building a consensus on a long term unified and
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adequately resourced plan which has cross party support to eliminate
violence against women.
Complete the passage of all matters contained in the Domestic Violence Bill.
Review the impact of the Whanau Ora funding model on services dealing with
violence against women and girls and respond to any problems and unmet
needs this has created by once again establishing an ongoing funding
mechanism to ensure security of service provision.
Support organisations like Women‟s Refuge, Rape Crisis and Girls Self
Defence who play both an advocacy and service delivery role focussed on the
needs of women and children.
In the medium term, Labour will work to build a consensus on a long term unified and
adequately resourced plan which has cross party support to eliminate violence
against women. In doing so, we will consider the 12 year, multi-milllion dollar cross
party approach announced in Australia in 2011.
Women‟s health
Labour‟s emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention is of critical importance for
women. Most women in the course of their lives have significant contact with the health
system, not only for their own health needs and when they are sick but also when they are
healthy and having children and caring for others. Labour will focus on the social
determinants of health and access to healthcare services.
Maternity
Labour believes that there is a compelling case to ensure that New Zealand is the best place
in the world to raise our children. It is important that all women and babies have equal
opportunity to have optimal maternity outcomes. 63,000 live births were registered in the
year ending December, 2010.
A high quality Maternity Service is necessary to ensure a positive influence on the health
status and social wellbeing of the mother, baby and the community. New Zealand is 6th of
the top ten countries in the world to be a mother a Save the Children study found in May,
2010 (12th Annual State of the World‟s Mothers report).
It is understood that implementation of the Maternity Action Plan over the last two years has
focussed on workforce development, quality assurance and maternity new-born information
system development. We support those initiatives as they were identified as being a high
priority in 2008.
Labour will review the implementation of the 8 principles and 11 goals of the
Maternity Action Plan developed by Labour in 2008.
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Labour will continue further alignment of Maternity Service provision with primary
health services and Primary Health Organisations.
Labour will give consideration to service access issues for rural women, young
parents and women with mental health disorders.
Primary Family Centres
Increasingly, women are transferred home on average within two days of delivery or take
early discharge from birthing facilities with Lead Maternity Carer support. The percentage of
women having home births has not increased. Services need to be accessible, coordinated
and integrated into the family care services support environment. In some areas Family
Health Units should be available when women need respite care or Lactation Consultant
intervention to maintain breastfeeding.
Labour will ensure community based facilities are developed by the District Health
Boards in conjunction with Midwives, GPs, Plunket, La Leche League and Social
Workers.
Breastfeeding Support
Labour introduced the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and Baby Friendly Community
Initiative (BFHI and BFCI) in the last term in government. Currently 92% of birthing facilities
have achieved accreditation and this initiative needs even more support to help mothers on
discharge home and in the community.
The National Breastfeeding Committee was dis-established by the current government in
2009. NZ is not currently compliant with the Innocenti Declaration promoted by the World
Health Organisation or UNCROC commitments.
Labour will re-establish the National Breastfeeding Advisory Committee. This
committee will provide leadership on implementation of the Breastfeeding Strategic
Plan launched by Labour in 2008. This committee would review the most appropriate
funding mechanism to enable Lactation Consultants to provide both facility and
community based lactation support and education services in the community.
Well Child Handover
Under Labour‟s Health Policy all children will be enrolled with a Well Child provider before
birth. The Midwife or Lead Maternity Carer is contracted to provide visits in the first six
weeks postpartum. Flexibility around transfer will ensure that no gaps in service provision
occur, therefore minimising the risk of family violence, child abuse and neglect.
Labour will enable flexibility around the commencement of a needs based Well Child
programme in the first six weeks of life. This must only occur at the agreement of the
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mother and the Lead Maternity Carer who should remain central to the Post Natal
module of care.
Youth Pregnancy and Parenting
New Zealand has the second highest teenage pregnancy rate in the developed world.
Although these parents and their babies have increased health and social risks, many do
well and they are a vital part of the future of our country.
Labour developed a „Youth Pregnancy and Parenting Programme of Action‟, which was
approved by Cabinet in 2008. This plan has not been implemented by this government.
A multi-agency wrap around approach is aimed to grow awareness of body safety and
awareness and encourage young women to improve their knowledge of the impact on their
lives of an unintended pregnancy.
The plan also helps young parents to make informed decisions on how to parent and
manage a more complex lifestyle while continuing to access ongoing learning.
Labour will implement the Youth Pregnancy and Parenting Programme of Action.
This will be a cross-agency/sector initiative lead by the Ministry of Health and involve
the Ministry of Education, Social Development and Youth Affairs.
Dental Policy for Women
International evidence, including the work of the Sir Peter Gluckman, has shown a direct
linkage between the health and diet of expectant mothers and the health status of their
children. This is particularly the case for oral health. A range of national and international
studies have found a mother‟s oral health was related to that of their children. This includes
a 27-year-long study suggests that mothers with poor oral health are likely to have children
who also have poor oral health when they are adults. (Journal of Dental Research Jan. 19,
2011).
Oral health is also a factor in overall health. A 2007 Californian study showed that among
other things that:
18% of premature births are attributable to poor oral health in mothers.
Pregnant women with poor oral health are seven times more likely to have a
premature and/or low birth-weight delivery.
Children of mothers with poor oral health are five times more likely to have oral health
problems.
Labour will introduce, by the end of our first term in government, a package of free
dental care for pregnant women.
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Sexual and Reproductive Health
Labour will ensure that all women have access to an affordable and comprehensive
range of sexual and reproductive health services.
Young women and migrant women
Labour will ensure access to women friendly youth and migrant health services.
Labour will over time develop nationwide networks of services for women with eating
and associated disorders and develop programmes to address binge drinking by
young women.
Labour will review the effectiveness of the health and physical wellbeing curriculum
strand in schools to assess the adequacy of resource and training needs to deliver
the curriculum.
Women in prison
Women in prison make up a small portion of the overall prison population and have
particular needs. Women are more likely to be imprisoned away from family support.
Women in prison require focus and support, particularly in circumstances relating to
addictions, dealing with violence and abuse that many women prisoners have faced and
implications of pregnancy and motherhood.
Labour believes that there needs to be support for women dealing with addiction
issues at all three Women‟s Prisons.
Labour will review and strengthen the provisions around women caring for their
babies while in prison to maximise the well-being of the child.
International women‟s issues
Labour‟s overseas aid and development policy focuses on improving standards of living for
the poorest people in the countries with which New Zealand works.
Women are the key to development and improved opportunities for women and girls.
Labour will encourage policies which actively include women in all aspects of development
activity.
Labour is committed to the Programme of Action adopted by the International Conference on
Population and Development. Development programmes will be consistent with the UN
Declaration of Human Rights and the recommendations from the Fourth World Conference
on Women and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
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Labour will promote commitment to the rights of women internationally - including
access to education and health services (including sexual and reproductive health
services), and freedom from international trafficking in women and girls for
prostitution and cheap labour.
Labour will continue to target development assistance primarily at the Pacific region
and at other countries as needs and opportunities arise and resources permit.
Labour will ensure the primary focus of overseas aid and development is on the
eradication of poverty. Labour will work with other aid donors to achieve the
Millennium Development Goals by 2015, especially in the Pacific.
Labour will support all international efforts to include women in peace and
reconciliation negotiations in places where there has been conflict, in line with United
Nations resolutions to that effect.
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YOUTH AFFAIRS
Our vision
New Zealand has a dynamic youth population that is more mobile, culturally diverse, and
technologically aware than ever before. By making sure the community and the government
listen to and engage with young people; by creating policies and services that work for them;
and by supporting them with sound information to make good lifestyle choices, the country
can harness the energy, enthusiasm and experiences that young people bring to decisionmaking
processes.
Today‟s young people are tomorrow‟s innovators and leaders. Labour believes that investing
in future growth by improving educational, employment and social opportunities is one of the
best investments we can make to secure a strong future as a nation.
While there are problems facing youth which need to be addressed, Labour acknowledges
that progress is never made by simply responding to the problems of today; in order to affect
positive change for young people both in local communities and across the country, we need
to be focused on the future. This policy sets out Labour‟s approach.
Youth disengagement / Youth unemployment
Young people are over-represented in the unemployment statistics. There are over 58,000
young people not in work, training or any form of education. Schools Plus was intended to
help young people transition from secondary school into employment or education, but this
initiative was scrapped by the current National Government.
Labour will adopt a goal that all young people up to the age of 20 are in employment,
training or education.
Labour will develop a comprehensive Youth Transition Service across New Zealand.
The role of each Youth Transition Service will be to ensure that all young people who
leave school are supported into further work, training or education.
Labour will ensure every school leaver has a plan for further training, education or
work and assist if they don‟t, by:
Completing the Youth Transitions (YT) network currently assisting over 6,600
young people each year. We estimate this will assist an additional 2,600
school leavers directly into employment or back to school each year.
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Ensuring schools are sharing information about leavers with their local YT
provider. This will enable contact to be made with every school leaver so all
those in need of support are referred to the YT provider.
Empowering local government to work with YT providers and match young
people with local industry and skills providers as recommended by the
Mayors‟ Taskforce for jobs.
Labour will act on advice from the OECD by providing 1,000 placements for
enhanced Gateway. This will include:
Boosting Gateway by providing 500 new places which are targeted towards
students at high-risk of becoming NEET
Re-targeting 500 current places towards high-risk students.
Labour will address the maze young people face when interested in a trade by
working with the Industry Training Federation to build coherent vocational pathways.
Labour will further tighten up on Early Leaving Exemptions from the Ministry of
Education.
Labour will take a strategic approach that ensures the mix of tertiary high schools
and trade academies across the country are right for the community.
Labour will provide $87m for getting 9,000 unemployed young New Zealanders off
the unemployment benefit and into apprenticeships with an $8,727 (the equivalent of
the dole payment) subsidy to employers willing to offer a permanent full-time job.
Labour will provide an additional 5,000 fees-free training places for 16 and 17 year
olds over 3 years, including 1,000 that have a Māori mentoring element and 1000
with a Pasifika mentoring element.
Labour will also ensure flexibility for tertiary education providers to self-fund
additional places outside their funding allocation, particularly to cater to young
people.
Labour will provide an additional 1,000 places over the next three years allocated to
group apprenticeships, shared apprenticeships and public service cadets, with
particular regard to the needs of Christchurch in allocating these places.
Labour will review the Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator function in order to
achieve better outcomes for youth.
For more details, refer to Labour‟s Youth Skills and Employment package.
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Youth health
New Zealand has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the world and ranks poorly in
terms of sexual health statistics. Equally, more and more young people are dealing with
anxiety and depression at a younger age which is also linked with increases in drug and
alcohol abuse. Many young people are affected by bullying in schools which is a leading
cause of anxiety and depression.
Mental health provisions for young people are lacking, a point highlighted in Sir Peter
Gluckman‟s recent report Improving the Transition. There is a sporadic approach to the
provision of youth health services in New Zealand.
With Labour, this will change.
Labour will adopt a mixed model of supporting youth health centres and nurses in
schools to accommodate for various population bases, ensuring nationwide coverage
of youth health services with a focus also on boosting youth mental health services.
Labour will restore Mental Health as a Government health priority, with appropriate
targets, to ensure DHBs prioritise funding for mental health services.
As resources become available, Labour will increase the availability of mental health
services and broaden access criteria so that more young people are able to get help when
they need it.
Labour will restore the anti-bullying initiatives it introduced in July 2008 including the
requirement for Education Review Office monitoring that school policies for
programmes to deal with bullying are in place.
Labour will review the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2008-2012 and
ensure the five year action plan is being implemented and achieved. We will build on
this plan and work together with Ministries of Education, Health, Social Development
and Youth Affairs to create a new action plan.
Civic participation and youth engagement
Young people are the least likely to vote in either local or central government elections. In
2005, they made up 50% of those who did not enrol. Research tells us that if someone does
not begin voting at a young age, they are less likely to vote as they grow older.
Labour will investigate the development of internships and community volunteer
schemes whereby young people could work for up to a year to advance their
employment and education opportunities and / or contribute to community
development.
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Labour will examine initiatives to increase voter enrolment amongst young people
such as providing enrolment forms when filling out government forms such as driver
licensing applications forms, 18+ cards, passports, student loans or allowances etc.
Labour will begin work towards a Volunteer Service Abroad model for young people,
which also takes into account domestic volunteer opportunities.
Labour will investigate the potential of creating a youth radio station, a policy idea
Labour has explored in the past and continues to see merit in, especially as the
potential of digital platforms emerges.
Conservation Corps
The New Zealand Conservation Corps was established by Labour in 1989 in response to
high youth unemployment and the success of the programme has seen it retained by three
successive Governments since. The situation for youth is even more pressing today and as
such Labour will bolster the scheme.
The Conservation Corp places 16-24 year olds in a full-time, 20-week course which mixes
conservation work and vocational training with confidence building outdoor activities. Young
people learn various practical skills such as chainsaw safety as part of their conservation
work in communities all over the country.
Participants are typically at very high-risk of long-term unemployment and many are young
offenders. A 2002 evaluation found 65 per cent of participants moved into employment,
education or training within six months of completing the course and 95 per cent reported
increased levels of self-esteem.
Labour will provide funding for an additional 1,500 Conservation Corp places.
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YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PACKAGE
Our vision: Labour will ensure everyone under 20 is either earning or
learning
Youth unemployment has gone unaddressed for too long. Not enough has been done to
ensure there are sufficient jobs and training opportunities open to young New Zealanders.
Almost 24,000 under 20 year olds are not in employment, education or training and are in
need of urgent attention. These young New Zealanders are most at risk. They have little to
no experience or qualifications, they are no longer in school or training and don‟t have a job.
Action must be taken now to ensure jobs, training and the right support are available to
them.
Labour is committed to ensuring that every at-risk 15-19 year old will be either learning or
earning by the end of our first term. Labour‟s comprehensive youth employment package of
12 initiatives develops a pathway from secondary school to employers through two stages:
Stage One: Secondary School and School Leavers – Putting Young New Zealanders
on the Right Track
o
o
This set of policies involves putting more resources and tools in schools to
help young New Zealanders develop the right skills or determine the right
training for a career. It‟s also focussed on ensuring every school leaver has a
clear path for future training or work.
This includes $24m for establishing a Youth Transitions network to ensure
every school leaver has a plan for further training, education or work.
Stage Two: Skills and Jobs – Giving our Youth a Chance to Grow
o
o
This set of policies focuses on providing young New Zealanders with options
for further training to develop the skills and qualifications that employers are
looking for. The policies also help create real jobs for young people that will
allow them to develop their skills.
This includes $87m for getting 9,000 unemployed young New Zealanders off
the dole and into apprenticeships by transferring the dole payment to an
employer (the equivalent of an $8,727 subsidy).
o It also includes $80m for an additional 5,000 free training places for 16 and 17
year olds.
Fiscal Cost: Labour‟s youth employment package will cost a total of $251 million over
four years. This will be funded through savings of $80 million from existing schemes,
and revenue generated from Labour‟s fairer tax plan. The cost of not acting is higher.
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The NZ Institute estimated the cost of disengaged and disaffected youth could be as
high as $900 million 49 .
Who does this target?
Labour will ensure that every at risk under 20 year old will be either learning or earning by
the end of our first term. We estimate that 24,000 young people will be assisted by this
package.
There are currently 58,000 young people under the age of 25 who are classified as not in
education, employment and training (NEET) by Statistics New Zealand. This includes all of
those on a benefit and most of those captured by the HLFS unemployment figures. 50
However, the 24,000 under the age of 20 are most in need of urgent assistance because it
comes at a time when they make critical decisions about their careers that can determine
their pathway in life. We know that without access to a job or the right training this group is
the most vulnerable to long-term unemployment. Ensuring jobs, training and support is
available to young New Zealanders will help make sure that pathway is the right one.
Stage One: Secondary school and school leavers – Putting young New
Zealanders on the right track
This package of policies recognises that the best chance we have of assisting young New
Zealanders is before they leave school. It brings together a set of policies that ensures
young New Zealanders are given the right support and training opportunities before they
leave school.
Our approach ensures that young people make better choices about what they study while
they are at school, and leave school with a better idea of what they want to do next.
Youth Transitions
Labour will ensure every school leaver has a plan for further training, education or
work and assist if they don‟t by:
Completing the Youth Transitions (YT) network currently assisting over 6,600
young people each year. We estimate this will assist an additional 2,600
school leavers directly into employment or back to school each year.
Ensuring schools are sharing information about leavers with their local YT
provider. This will enable contact to be made with every school leaver so all
those in need of support are referred to the YT provider.
49 Source: NZ Institute, Discussion Paper, More ladders and fewer snakes: Two proposals to reduce youth
disadvantage, July 2011, p 5
50 Note: the HLFS figures of 65,700 aged 15-24 unemployed include those in education or tertiary study.
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Empowering local government to work with YT providers and match young
people with local industry and skills providers as recommended by the
Mayors‟ Taskforce for jobs.
Total Cost: $39 million ($24m to establish the network and $15m for retained
secondary school students).
Every year a large number of school leavers have no plan to get a job or go onto further
training and are simply falling through the cracks till they show up at a WINZ office.
YT providers operate around the country helping young people make the transition from
school to training and work; provide careers advice; links with industry and tertiary providers
as well as pastoral support. We already know they work. A 2008 MSD evaluation showed
that almost two thirds went on to further education, training or found a job. It‟s time this
model was extended.
Example: Otorohanga – A youth transitions model
In 2004 Otorohanga businesses were struggling with skill shortages. Despite offering good trade
jobs and apprenticeships they could not find locals to employ and were forced to look elsewhere
and overseas. A small group of passionate business and Mayor Dale Williams, investigated why
school leavers were not taking up these opportunities. They found school leaver were leaving
the community for jobs and training or staying but doing nothing because the business
community was not connecting tightly with the high school and opportunities to put careers
advice in front of young people were not being created.
In 2005 the community implemented a series of initiatives aimed to matching the aspirations of
school leavers with the skills that local businesses needed. Central to the plan has been the
establishment of MPowa, a community service which contacts school leavers in the district once
a fortnight until they are in training, further education or are employed and a full-time
apprenticeship mentor who provides pastoral support to young people in the district working
through their apprenticeships.
Since November 2006, youth unemployment has been virtually zero. Businesses have relocated
to the area because of the support offered to employers and the resource of young, trained
workers. The proportion of youth responsible for resolved crime dropped from nearly half to less
than a fifth. Young people are now involved in rugby teams, they are buying houses,
participating in the community and in decision making. All of these benefits have come out of
supporting young people in the transition from compulsory education to the next stage of their
life.
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Enhanced Gateway
Labour will act on advice from the OECD by:
Providing 1,000 placements for enhanced Gateway. This will include:
o Boosting Gateway by providing 500 new places which are targeted
towards students at high-risk of becoming NEET
o Re-targeting 500 current places towards high-risk students.
Total Cost: $13 million.
New Zealand has one of the lowest student retention rates in the OECD. One of the reasons
for this is the curriculum doesn‟t always engage student‟s interested in vocational careers
and „hands-on‟ learning. In the past these students would have left school early and taken
on a trade. However, now we need to ensure that if we‟re keeping them in the school system
we‟re catering to their learning style and needs.
Gateway was established under Labour in 2001 and provides workplace learning for
students interested in a vocational career while keeping them in school. A 2006 OECD
review found 95% of participants moved onto further study or employment.
In 2008 the OECD recommended that additional funding be provided for Gateway
preparation classes for the least work-ready students. Labour will provide pre-work
placement support and training to make sure the most at-risk students are work-ready and
able to participate in Gateway.
Vocational Pathways
Labour will address the maze young people face when interested in a trade by
working with the Industry Training Federation to build coherent vocational pathways.
Total Cost: $3 million.
Currently someone at school interested in becoming an electrician doesn‟t know what
subjects to take in order to leave school with the basic skills needed to successfully start an
electrical apprenticeship.
Labour will build on work already underway with the Industry Training Federation to develop
clear vocational pathways for secondary school students. This will help address skills
shortages and also improve the engagement in school as subjects will have a clearer
purpose to students.
ITOs within key industries will create a recommended set of subjects, specific unit standards
or credits and other skills including gateway participation, for five broadly grouped industries
such as building and construction or hospitality. These five groups can be thought of as
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„majors‟ which a student should take to get a head start on the basic skills needed to
undertake an apprenticeship or tertiary study in that area.
Early Leaving Exemptions
Labour will further tighten up on Early Leaving Exemptions from the Ministry of
Education.
There are currently 1,900 15 year olds who are not in education, employment or training.
This is unacceptable given that schooling is compulsory for 15 year olds unless they have an
early leaving exemption from the Ministry of Education, which should only be granted if the
young person has a job or training programme to go to.
When previously in government Labour tightened up the granting of early leaving
exemptions. We will maintain and reinforce this approach, while also ensuring that nonexempt
15 year olds are properly enrolled at a school and engaged in learning. We will
ensure, through initiatives like Enhanced Gateway, Tertiary High Schools and trades
academies that schools are adequately catering for the needs of a widest possible range of
learners.
Careers Advice
Careers advice plays a crucial role in ensuring young New Zealanders develop the right
skills in school, and leave school for the right training, or with a plan of how to get a job.
Currently this does not happen.
Labour made progress in this area beginning with „Designing Careers‟ and moving towards
an integrated school-wide approach to career education. This programme was abandoned
by National. In fact Labour introduced legislation to ensure schools provided quality careers
advice, however National did away with this change.
Labour will:
Review the current state of career information and guidance within the
schools with a view to a significant overhaul.
Include in the review how to achieve greater involvement from people outside
the school system, including employers.
Total Cost: $4 million.
Tertiary High Schools and Trade Academies
Labour will take a strategic approach that ensures the mix of tertiary high schools
and trade academies across the country are right for the community.
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Since Labour introduced tertiary high schools students have been able to undertake parttime
or full-time tertiary study while staying enrolled at school. They allow students to access
a wider range of subjects at the same time as retaining the extra-curricular benefits and
support networks that schools offer. However, a strategic approach is needed to ensure the
roll out of these initiatives is driven by the needs of communities and industry, not private
interests.
Labour will continue to fund the existing services that are expected to benefit 12,500
16 and 17 year olds by 2014.
Stage Two: Skills and jobs – Giving our youth a chance to grow
Young people leaving school face limited opportunities on the pathway to employment.
Labour‟s policy provides young people with options for further training so they have the skills
and qualifications that employers are looking for. It also helps create real jobs for young
people that will allow them to develop their skills and earn their way to a brighter future.
Kick Start Apprenticeships for Youth on Unemployment Benefit
Labour will provide $87m for getting 9,000 unemployed young New Zealanders 51 off
the unemployment benefit and into apprenticeships with a $8,727 (the equivalent of
the dole payment) subsidy to employers willing to offer a permanent full-time job.
We know under 20 year olds not in employment, education or training are at a higher risk of
long-term unemployment. Labour knows that subsidising young New Zealanders into an
apprenticeship is a far more productive use of funding than paying them to be unemployed.
This policy also acknowledges the barriers many unskilled and unemployed young people
face when trying to get their first job, while also addressing the fact that many employers
struggle to take on apprentices in tough economic times.
The subsidy will be $8,727 – the same amount as the unemployment benefit – payable to
the employer. In return it is expected the employer show a commitment to the young person.
The employer must provide the young person with a permanent full-time job, salary, and
provide training and mentoring for the young person to achieve a recognised industry
qualification of at least Level Two on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
This measure recognises the costs an employer faces, particularly in the first year, in taking
on and training a young person. A key purpose of this subsidy will be to cover any training
costs passed on to the employer by Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) as well as any
costs to the employer associated with coordinating training, mentoring and career
development.
51 Over 3 years.
491

To be eligible, the young person must be aged 18 or 19 and be on a benefit for at least 3
months or assessed as being at medium or high risk of being on benefit long-term by a
Youth Transition Service or Work and Income.
We will also explore options, including the use of group apprenticeships, which will allow
access the subsidy with more flexibility and pastoral support.
The subsidy will be focussed on jobs in targeted growth industries, and those where there is
demand for skilled workers. This would be likely to include service industries, the trades,
manufacturing and aged care. Construction will be a particular target area in Canterbury.
This policy will absorb funding for the current „Skills for Growth‟ programme.
More training places for 16 and 17 year olds
Labour will:
Provide an additional 5,000 fees-free training places for 16 and 17 year olds
over 3 years, including 1,000 that have a Māori mentoring element and 1000
with a Pasifika mentoring element.
Have particular regard to the needs of Christchurch in allocating these places.
Labour will also ensure flexibility for tertiary education providers to self-fund
additional places outside their funding allocation, particularly to cater to young
people.
Total Cost: $80 million.
This initiative provides additional training opportunities for 16 and 17 year olds disengaged
from education, employment or training. This policy has three elements, a general element,
a Māori Trade Training element and a Pasifika element.
The general funding will be for 3,000 additional places over three years study primarily up to
Level 3 tertiary qualifications at Polytechnics and Private Training Establishments. The TEC
will be charged to work with providers to ensure that these places (and existing ones) are
providing a genuine pipeline towards employment, and not a „train and hope‟ approach. This
may include early engagement with a range of local employers and the commencement of
the programme, arranged through Work and Income.
The 1000 places for Māori Trades Training will build on He Toki ki te Rika model at CPIT. He
Toki ki te Rika was set up to help local Māori into the building and construction sector in
Christchurch. The places will be provided by partnerships between tertiary providers, Iwi
entities and industry training organisations for key industries (e.g. fishing and forestry).
Good pastoral care and mentoring will also be an important element. Using iwi networks to
bring to bear the skills, experience and mana of older Māori with trades experience will be
492

critical. Māori Trade Training places are distinguished by this mentoring support, and may
either be interspersed within general trades programmes or else delivered as a specialist
programme.
Over 40% of Pasifika 15-19 year olds are unemployed as measured by the Household
Labour Force Survey. That‟s simply unacceptable. To get more of our Pasifika youth into
training Labour will create a dedicated Pasifika mentoring and pastoral element to 1000 of
the new training places annually. This will operate in a similar style to the Māori Trades
Training initiative, by bringing Pasifika community groups, the ITOs and tertiary providers
together to provide a training environment that encourages young Pasifika people to
succeed.
Additional Apprenticeships
Labour will:
Provide an additional 1,000 places over the next three years allocated to
group apprenticeships, shared apprenticeships and public service cadets.
Review the Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator function in order to achieve
better outcomes for youth.
Have particular regard to the needs of Christchurch in allocating these places.
Total Cost: $13 million.
For many businesses, taking on an apprentice isn‟t an attractive option, even with a subsidy.
The uncertainty of demand, especially in the current economic climate and the extra
administration associated with taking on a young person can be disincentives. Four
initiatives are proposed to address these difficulties:
Group apprentices: Additional funding is being provided where a group apprenticeship
provider operates as the Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator. Group apprenticeships
currently allow a third party (sometimes an ITO subsidiary) to act as the employer of the
apprentices.
Shared apprentices: Additional Modern Apprenticeships places will be provided. Shared
apprentices is an approach that is more accessible for small businesses, whereby a group of
employers (some of whom may have experience with apprentices, and others less so) pool
together to share responsibility for a group of apprentices. This approach will also require a
small legislative amendment to allow trainees to have training agreements with more than
one employer.
Public service cadetships: Additional Modern Apprenticeships places will be provided with a
focus on „virtual cadetships‟ exposing a trainee to a range of workplaces across the public
service. Cadetships used to be common place in the public service. However, it has
493

subsequently being dropped. There is potential for the government as employer to take a
leadership role.
Review of Modern Apprenticeship Coordinators: Labour will work with employers, ITOs and
those with experience in working with young people in the workplace to review and improve
the Modern Apprenticeship Coordinator function. Currently, there is widespread agreement
that providing additional funding to assist with the cost of a younger trainee is a good
concept. However there is also widespread frustration that the current model and network of
coordinators is not delivering the best value for money.
Conservation Corps
Labour will:
Provide funding for an additional 1,500 Conservation Corp places.
Total Cost: $8 million.
The New Zealand Conservation Corps was established by Labour in 1989 in response to
high youth unemployment and the success of the programme has seen it retained by three
successive Governments since. The situation for youth is even more pressing today and as
such Labour will bolster the scheme.
The Conservation Corp places 16-24 year olds in a full-time, 20-week course which mixes
conservation work and vocational training with confidence building outdoor activities. Young
people learn various practical skills such as chainsaw safety as part of their conservation
work in communities all over the country.
Participants are typically at very high-risk of long-term unemployment and many are young
offenders. A 2002 evaluation found 65 per cent of participants moved into employment,
education or training within six months of completing the course and 95 per cent reported
increased levels of self-esteem.
Labour will scrap National‟s Boot camps which have from 2009 to 2010 had shown a
reoffending rate of almost 90 per cent and shift the savings into more Conservation Corp
places.
Youth Transition providers, WINZ and youth courts will, each year, refer up to 500 more atrisk
under-20 year olds to the programme, almost doubling its current places.
Staged Apprenticeships in Christchurch
Labour will work with ITOs, Canterbury businesses and the TEC to ensure the
regulatory rules and funding arrangements for apprenticeships in Christchurch
enable apprentices‟ to get basic in modules quickly so they can, play a productive
role in the rebuild effort more quickly.
494

Some businesses in Christchurch have raised concerns that the process of training
apprenticeships is too slow to enable new apprentices to participate in rebuilding the
city. This will create skill shortages for employers and delays in reconstruction work.
Matching Seasonal work with those who need it: Growing Futures
Labour will create a seasonal jobs circuit throughout New Zealand which will enable
1,300 young people looking for work to take up year-long employment in the
horticultural harvests over 3 years.
Total Cost: $4 million.
Labour‟s seasonal jobs circuit will be open to all 18 and 19 year olds, from those
unemployed to those looking for a gap year job before heading to university or polytechnic.
Through WINZ we can link seasonal jobs in several regions and seasons together to create
a full year‟s worth of work for young people who want it. The circuit will also include a
training element so every participant can finish the year with a level 2 tertiary certificate in
horticulture. This part of the programme will involve short block courses at tertiary institutes
between jobs as well as assessment by the ITO of skills learnt on the job. The full cost of
this training is included in the costings and all travel between jobs will be provided free.
Labour remains committed to the Recognised Seasonal Employment (RSE) scheme. It will
continue to operate on the same „New Zealanders first‟ principle that has always applied.
495

2
20 Hours Free · 65, 71, 72, 74, 152, 153, 154, 338
A
abuse
abuse against women · 480
child abuse · 61, 63, 64, 95, 266, 392, 418, 478
elder abuse · 10, 11, 12, 273, 274, 275, 401, 403, 407
physical abuse · 374
substance abuse · 94, 277, 282, 284, 339, 340, 356,
358, 393, 417, 484
ACC · 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 132, 185, 278, 372, 400, 407, 408
ACE · See Adult and Community Education
Adult and Community Education · 135, 325, 364, 386,
387, 408, 409, 438, 475, 476
Advertising Standards Authority · 48, 301
Afforestation Grant Scheme · 253
Afghanistan · 130, 245
Africa · 319
aged care · 9, 10, 12, 257, 271, 272, 273, 275, 324, 385,
401, 404, 405, 406, 475, 492
Aged Concern · 12, 275, 407
ageing · See elderly
Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre · 17, 19
agriculture · 6, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 79, 80, 81, 85, 86, 102,
142, 144, 145, 192, 193, 201, 228, 235, 249, 250, 376,
378, 387
air · 13, 24, 46, 101, 116, 201, 202, 207, 208, 446, 461
airports · 40, 446
alcohol · 71, 260, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 284, 299,
330, 339, 356, 358, 393, 460, 484
ambulance · 7, 76, 263, 269, 404
America · 15, 242, 262, 346, 368, 448
Animal Health Board · 42, 43
Antarctica · 114, 240
Anzac · 32, 181, 225, 413
Aoraki/Mt Cook · 117, 118
Aotearoa Clubhouses · 306
Aotearoa People’s Network · 163, 306
apprenticeships · 53, 54, 108, 231, 232, 324, 325, 326,
339, 354, 364, 369, 413, 415, 437, 476, 483, 486, 489,
490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495
Arms Trade Treaty · 247
artists · 21, 23, 26, 27, 28, 30, 362
Artists in Schools · 30
arts · 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 158, 322, 339,
351, 355, 362, 450, 451
arts, culture and heritage · 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 31, 158
Asia · 13, 64, 127, 142, 143, 245, 246, 248, 279, 304,
319, 376
assets · 14, 15, 38, 46, 108, 119, 138, 139, 145, 148, 189,
190, 201, 220, 222, 223, 224, 232, 233, 236, 237, 239,
335, 371
asthma · 281, 283, 358
Auckland · 24, 29, 35, 36, 37, 38, 83, 196, 204, 230, 290,
291, 294, 333, 334, 335, 387, 388, 390, 446, 447, 453,
454, 455, 457, 459
Auckland Rail Link · 36, 230, 453, 454
Australia · 4, 15, 16, 26, 47, 48, 68, 80, 87, 96, 100, 125,
127, 139, 140, 141, 144, 157, 171, 172, 173, 187, 192,
226, 232, 241, 242, 300, 302, 321, 345, 346, 368, 369,
372, 376, 395, 397, 407, 419, 421, 440, 442, 445, 452,
458, 477
authors · 23
Authors Society · 23
B
B4 School Check · 68, 264, 356
babies · 64, 70, 265, 266, 267, 281, 477, 479, 480
Baby Friendly Community Initiative · 266, 478
Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative · 266, 478
bees · 42
beneficiary · 59, 65, 66, 224, 225, 412
biodiversity · 20, 84, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108,
111, 112, 113, 114, 191, 202, 204, 237, 240, 471
biofuel · 83, 196, 252, 456
biosecurity · 39, 40, 41, 42, 103, 250, 373, 445
Biosecurity New Zealand · 39, 41
Book Industry Alliance · 23
Boot camps · 494
border security · 39, 445
bovine tuberculosis · 42
Brazil · 242, 343
breastfeeding · 266, 478
broadband · 18, 19, 45, 163, 165, 230, 260, 302, 303,
304, 305, 348, 362, 383, 384, 446
broadcasting · 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 144, 300, 301, 302,
349, 363
Broadcasting Standards Authority · 48, 301
business · 4, 16, 17, 24, 25, 27, 29, 35, 36, 38, 46, 49, 52,
53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 82, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 99, 102,
106, 107, 110, 122, 124, 140, 141, 142, 143, 145, 146,
147, 148, 149, 150, 169, 171, 172, 174, 179, 180, 181,
496

C
189, 190, 191, 196, 202, 207, 208, 210, 211, 212, 215,
217, 218, 222, 224, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 234,
235, 259, 271, 278, 295, 296, 304, 307, 308, 309, 310,
313, 314, 321, 322, 323, 324, 326, 339, 340, 341, 342,
343, 354, 360, 365, 369, 376, 377, 379, 380, 381, 382,
392, 396, 398, 407, 412, 423, 427, 428, 431, 435, 436,
444, 446, 450, 451, 454, 457, 475, 493, 494, 495
cancer · 258, 259, 277, 283, 286, 358
Canterbury · 32, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 76, 77, 78,
105, 169, 170, 194, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 255, 261,
297, 298, 333, 334, 430, 471, 492, 494
capital gains tax · 89, 139, 141, 148, 222, 224, 226, 227,
232, 296, 321, 344, 412, 452
Capital Market Development Taskforce · 88, 150, 229
careers · 21, 23, 166, 306, 307, 378, 429, 435, 437, 441,
487, 488, 489, 490
careers advice · 166, 437, 490
carers · 12, 58, 68, 132, 136, 137, 183, 275, 278, 365,
374, 406, 407, 416, 472, 474, 475
Carers Strategy · 12, 136, 275, 406
CERA · 53
CGT · See capital gains tax
Charities Commission · 98
Child, Youth and Family · 137
childcare · 67, 264, 413
children · 10, 37, 38, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65,
66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 93, 97, 100,
122, 125, 134, 136, 137, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156,
157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 167, 168, 169,
170, 183, 184, 215, 230, 231, 259, 263, 264, 265, 266,
267, 269, 273, 276, 285, 287, 288, 305, 306, 329, 330,
334, 337, 338, 351, 352, 353, 356, 363, 364, 365, 374,
386, 389, 392, 411, 414, 415, 416, 417, 420, 421, 441,
472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479
Children’s Act · 60, 61, 62
Children’s Charter · 60, 61, 62, 63
Children’s Commissioner · 69
Children's Commissioner · 60
Commissioner for Children · 62
Minister for Children · 60, 61
Ministry for Children · 60, 61, 62, 63
China · 15, 86, 143, 242, 341, 343, 376, 448
Chorus · 302, 304, 384
Christchurch · 24, 32, 50, 56, 77, 204, 255, 269, 288, 294,
334, 430, 458, 483, 492, 493, 494, 495
Civil Defence · 76, 77, 78
clean, green · 16, 18, 81, 101, 102, 106, 243, 249, 255,
376, 378, 443, 461, 465
climate change · 19, 39, 40, 42, 79, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86,
188, 195, 202, 242, 243, 244, 248, 252, 360, 445, 449,
451, 453, 455
commerce · 47, 87, 91, 92, 122, 123, 124, 126, 149, 190,
229, 235, 292, 300, 301, 303, 309, 461
Commerce Commission · 47, 91, 92, 122, 123, 124, 126,
190, 292, 300, 301, 303, 461
communications · 18, 42, 48, 199, 300, 301, 305
communities · 18, 21, 22, 28, 29, 33, 35, 37, 38, 39, 41,
42, 52, 55, 62, 67, 69, 72, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 86, 93,
94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 101, 112, 114, 117, 131, 135, 151,
154, 155, 156, 157, 159, 167, 168, 169, 193, 202, 205,
215, 216, 217, 218, 220, 253, 256, 264, 268, 270, 279,
283, 288, 290, 307, 316, 318, 319, 320, 327, 333, 334,
335, 341, 346, 351, 352, 357, 358, 359, 360, 362, 363,
364, 366, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 389, 391, 392, 394,
401, 411, 416, 417, 418, 419, 422, 425, 430, 434, 461,
462, 467, 468, 470, 472, 482, 485, 491, 494
community · 5, 10, 14, 20, 24, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 37,
38, 41, 42, 52, 57, 61, 62, 63, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78,
85, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 103, 106, 107, 108,
118, 124, 133, 135, 136, 145, 153, 154, 155, 157, 159,
167, 169, 183, 193, 199, 201, 203, 216, 218, 219, 220,
242, 245, 250, 253, 257, 259, 262, 263, 265, 266, 271,
273, 276, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 288, 289, 290, 292,
296, 297, 299, 306, 307, 308, 311, 316, 319, 320, 325,
326, 327, 331, 332, 335, 338, 339, 340, 342, 351, 352,
354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 364, 365, 366, 367, 385,
386, 387, 391, 394, 404, 405, 409, 411, 415, 416, 417,
418, 420, 422, 423, 428, 429, 431, 434, 435, 438, 463,
464, 465, 468, 469, 472, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 482,
483, 484, 490, 493
compensation · 4, 5, 6, 41, 50, 51, 57, 185, 198, 206,
298, 400, 408, 457
Computer Clubhouse · 306
Computers in Homes · 163, 306, 307, 363
conservation · 24, 38, 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108,
109, 110, 111, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 163,
194, 196, 199, 200, 203, 235, 250, 425, 428, 469, 485,
494
Conservation Corps · 485, 494
construction · 6, 29, 53, 166, 186, 212, 254, 255, 292,
324, 368, 489, 492
consumers · 13, 18, 19, 42, 54, 91, 121, 123, 124, 125,
126, 189, 190, 207, 230, 299, 303, 304, 307, 366
Contact Energy · 188
Cook Islands · 360
Corrections · 63, 365, 389, 393, 394
cost of living · 38, 121, 140, 168, 220, 222, 282, 287, 337,
357, 365, 401
costs · 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 20, 41, 65, 66, 67, 69, 72, 73, 74,
75, 87, 89, 91, 99, 105, 121, 128, 133, 136, 141, 144,
497

148, 149, 153, 154, 164, 168, 180, 181, 185, 191, 194,
195, 203, 211, 212, 221, 222, 224, 227, 229, 230, 250,
254, 258, 264, 272, 276, 281, 287, 289, 292, 293, 294,
302, 304, 305, 310, 344, 349, 359, 366, 392, 393, 398,
402, 405, 408, 414, 416, 420, 435, 440, 445, 452, 455,
459, 467, 468, 476, 491
counselling · 6, 71, 408, 441
country of origin · 125
Creative New Zealand · 22, 23, 25, 28, 29, 362
credit rating · 236
credit unions · 88, 123
crime · 37, 63, 258, 279, 327, 329, 389, 390, 391, 392,
393, 394, 420
CRIs · 145, 149, 378, 379, 380
Crown · See Government
Crown Fibre Holdings · 230, 303, 304, 384
cultural · 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34,
48, 74, 99, 101, 109, 160, 217, 218, 240, 242, 250,
263, 275, 279, 313, 316, 318, 319, 336, 351, 353, 355,
407, 427, 440, 441
curriculum · 30, 72, 153, 155, 156, 157, 286, 377, 436,
480, 489
cyber security · 311, 312
cycling · 36, 38, 83, 109, 196, 425, 453, 455, 456
D
debt · 36, 89, 121, 138, 139, 149, 221, 222, 223, 225,
226, 232, 343, 344, 395, 396, 434, 435, 440
Defence Force · 127, 128
Denmark · 141, 147, 380, 433
Department of Building and Housing · 290
Department of Conservation · 20, 43, 101
Department of Internal Affairs · 48, 97, 98, 301
diabetes · 9, 259, 260, 269, 272, 281, 282, 283, 356, 357,
358
digital · 21, 24, 25, 26, 33, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 164, 165,
207, 230, 261, 300, 301, 302, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308,
309, 349, 362, 363, 485
disability · 12, 28, 29, 72, 73, 95, 124, 131, 132, 133, 134,
135, 136, 137, 152, 153, 161, 222, 275, 277, 278, 288,
290, 297, 364, 365, 366, 406, 414, 415, 418, 421, 422,
476
Disability Allowance · 136, 414
disarmament · 242, 246, 247
distributers · 16
District Health Boards · 11, 68, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262,
264, 265, 268, 270, 274, 276, 284, 286, 403, 406, 478,
484
DOC · See Department of Conservation
doctor · 65, 256, 261, 338, 356, 385
Domestic Purpose Benefit · 69, 136, 415
drugs · 71, 127, 260, 278, 279, 280, 281, 284, 299, 339,
392, 393, 484
E
early childhood education · 55, 56, 59, 61, 71, 72, 73, 74,
75, 152, 153, 154, 155, 158, 159, 161, 167, 169, 352,
386
early intervention · 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 137, 153, 154,
155, 162, 256, 266, 276, 277, 280, 299
earthquake · 51, 56, 77, 169, 194, 210, 211, 212, 213,
255, 430, 451
East Coast Forestry Project · 253
ECE · See early childhood education
economic · 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29,
31, 37, 39, 40, 56, 63, 82, 85, 87, 99, 101, 102, 104,
108, 112, 116, 127, 138, 139, 141, 143, 144, 148, 159,
167, 172, 181, 183, 197, 199, 201, 202, 204, 206, 215,
220, 221, 222, 223, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232,
236, 239, 242, 244, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 256, 258,
263, 275, 281, 291, 299, 304, 305, 306, 313, 321, 336,
338, 340, 341, 344, 345, 351, 354, 357, 358, 360, 362,
363, 368, 369, 371, 372, 373, 377, 379, 380, 381, 387,
396, 412, 414, 422, 427, 431, 433, 435, 441, 443, 452,
453, 458, 465, 466, 467, 470, 473, 491, 493, See
economy
economy · 13, 18, 21, 27, 30, 36, 42, 69, 79, 80, 82, 83,
85, 101, 138, 139, 140, 142, 145, 171, 172, 173, 174,
183, 184, 192, 196, 201, 202, 220, 221, 222, 223, 227,
228, 229, 232, 235, 236, 238, 249, 255, 262, 292, 295,
300, 307, 308, 313, 314, 321, 322, 323, 324, 336, 337,
339, 340, 343, 344, 347, 365, 368, 369, 371, 376, 377,
378, 380, 381, 431, 433, 434, 435, 436, 440, 444, 447,
448, 449, 451, 453, 455, 456, 466, 473, 474
education · 7, 30, 31, 44, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 65,
67, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 98, 104, 107, 108, 124,
132, 133, 134, 135, 137, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156,
157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 166, 167, 168,
169, 172, 183, 202, 204, 215, 216, 218, 230, 231, 243,
244, 252, 254, 255, 256, 258, 263, 264, 266, 306, 308,
311, 312, 315, 317, 319, 320, 325, 336, 338, 351, 352,
353, 354, 355, 357, 360, 361, 363, 364, 365, 366, 373,
383, 385, 386, 387, 408, 409, 413, 420, 423, 433, 434,
435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 450, 462, 474, 475, 476,
478, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 490, 491,
492, 494
Education Review Office · 158, 160, 284, 353, 484
elderly · 8, 9, 11, 78, 215, 217, 272, 273, 274, 283, 290,
297, 358, 364, 365, 385, 401, 403, 405, 409, 416
electric vehicles · 82, 83, 84, 196, 197, 455, 460
498

electricity · 38, 80, 82, 83, 105, 145, 188, 189, 190, 191,
192, 193, 194, 195, 197, 204, 235, 284, 337, 460, 467,
468, 470
Electricity Authority · 190, 194, 195
emergency management · 76, 78
Emissions Trading Scheme · See ETS
employee · 140, 181, 185, 233, 295, 296, 395, 396, 402
employer · 8, 140, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180,
181, 182, 231, 233, 323, 324, 395, 396, 397, 402, 430,
475, 486, 491, 493, 494
employment · 16, 18, 21, 68, 73, 99, 108, 128, 134, 135,
136, 137, 141, 143, 146, 166, 168, 171, 172, 173, 174,
178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 215, 216, 218, 225, 226,
231, 249, 250, 252, 258, 271, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325,
326, 339, 340, 341, 345, 358, 365, 371, 384,394, 411,
412, 413, 415, 429, 430, 433, 452, 472, 474, 475, 482,
484, 485, 486, 487, 489, 490, 491, 492, 494, 495
Employment Relations Act · 174, 175, 177, 178, 179,
181, 182, 225, 355, 413
Employment Relations Authority · 175
energy · 21, 79, 80, 82, 83, 85, 86, 106, 143, 144, 145,
146, 162, 188, 189, 191, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 202,
206, 208, 230, 235, 252, 284, 289, 359, 360, 370, 378,
379, 456, 460, 482
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority · 195
environment · 9, 14, 20, 37, 38, 40, 44, 45, 46, 48, 54,
56, 57, 58, 60, 73, 79, 83, 87, 99, 101, 102, 113, 134,
137, 143, 160, 161, 162, 169, 172, 173, 187, 191, 196,
197, 201, 202, 203, 205, 206, 207, 208, 216, 220, 228,
235, 238, 240, 243, 244, 246, 265, 272, 279,280, 287,
297, 302, 322, 330, 341, 353, 354, 360, 371, 372, 376,
378, 379, 380, 385, 393, 405, 425, 427, 428, 443, 446,
449, 451, 453, 456, 460, 466, 469, 478, 493
Enviro-Schools · 108, 163, 203
EQC · 56, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214
ethnic · 12, 28, 46, 215, 216, 217, 218, 275, 282, 316,
357, 407, 421, 476
ETS · 19, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 188, 191, 192, 193, 199,
235, 249, 253
Europe · 46, 242, 319
exchange rate · 15, 141, 226, 343, 451
export · 13, 15, 16, 18, 26, 27, 36, 37, 81, 86, 89, 101,
138, 139, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146, 149, 201, 220, 226,
237, 247, 249, 251, 311, 321, 340, 341, 343, 344, 345,
368, 371, 376, 380, 381, 383, 443, 448, 450, 451, 452,
455
exporters · 13, 15, 138, 140, 141, 222, 226, 227, 321,
343, 344, 345, 450, 451, 452, 457
F
families · 9, 32, 33, 55, 58, 59, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69,
70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 97, 99, 121, 122, 136, 137,
151, 153, 154, 155, 157, 163, 164, 172, 173, 185, 195,
218, 219, 220, 223, 224, 256, 262, 263, 264, 267, 272,
281, 282, 283, 287, 289, 291, 293, 296, 299, 306, 313,
316, 317, 351, 356, 357, 359, 360, 363, 364, 365, 384,
385, 392, 401, 404, 405, 411, 415, 416, 420, 428, 472,
476
Families Commission · 61, 62
Farm Forestry Association · 250
farmers · 15, 16, 17, 19, 41, 81, 82, 106, 116, 117, 119,
142, 208, 235, 384, 387, 465, 467, 468, 471
farmland · 14
Federated Farmers · 250
Fiji · 244, 245
films · See screen industry
finance · 36, 52, 88, 89, 121, 122, 149, 222, 229, 234,
298, 331, 339, 342, 365, 454
financial advisers · 88
financial crisis · See global financial crisis
financial literacy · 124, 157, 366
Finland · 141, 380, 433
Fire service · 76
Fish and Game · 110
fisheries · 101, 110, 111, 112, 113, 127, 143, 144, 145,
201, 237, 238, 239, 240, 378, 492
Fonterra · 16
food · 13, 18, 19, 20, 42, 111, 125, 162, 224, 256, 260,
283, 357, 440
foreign · 14, 15, 127, 130, 138, 146, 222, 224, 225, 234,
239, 242, 243, 244, 245, 248, 249, 343, 381, 440, 449,
450, 451
Foreign Affairs · 142, 242, 245, 361
forestry · 6, 15, 20, 80, 86, 101, 144, 145, 193, 201, 224,
235, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 492
fracking · 198, 199, 205
Free-Trade Agreement · 15
Future Focus · 414
G
galleries · 23, 29, 34
Game Animal Council · 111
Gateway · 165, 377, 483, 489, 490
GDP · 36, 138, 140, 227, 246, 335, 371, 380, 443
Genesis Energy · 188
499

genetic modification · 208, 209
global financial crisis · 14, 181, 220, 295, 368
Government · 4, 5, 7, 10, 13, 18, 19, 20, 27, 32, 41, 44,
49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 60, 61, 62, 63, 71, 72, 74, 94,
96, 97, 98, 122, 127, 128, 129, 135, 143, 151, 152,
153, 154, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 162, 164, 168, 169,
181, 182, 210, 212, 213, 221, 222, 225, 231, 242, 257,
273, 279, 280, 283, 284, 287, 289, 290, 291, 292, 294,
296, 298, 299, 302, 303, 304, 311, 324, 328, 329, 330,
331, 333, 334, 337, 342, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 352,
353, 355, 356, 358, 359, 363, 368, 369, 372, 375, 377,
383, 384, 385, 387, 391, 392, 394, 396, 405, 407, 408,
409, 411, 413, 414, 417, 419, 420, 421, 422, 425, 427,
429, 430, 431, 432, 434, 440, 443, 444, 445, 447, 451,
457, 463, 464, 475, 476, 482, 484
greenfield · 14
greenhouse gas · 19, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 188, 191,
192, 194, 196, 199, 202, 251, 455, 456
Grey Power · 9, 272, 405
growers · 16, 387
GST · 59, 211, 222, 224, 225, 258, 337, 357, 369, 371,
412, 431, 441
H
health · 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 28, 29, 38, 39, 41, 58, 59,
60, 61, 63, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 76, 84, 94,
95, 101, 102, 125, 132, 135, 137, 141, 154, 162, 174,
180, 182, 185, 186, 187, 195, 197, 201, 207, 216, 218,
219, 226, 230, 243, 244, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261,
262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272,
273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285,
286, 287, 289, 290, 297, 299, 304, 315, 317, 321, 340,
345, 351, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 365, 379,
383, 384, 385, 386, 392, 393, 394, 396, 401, 403, 404,
405, 406, 408, 409, 417, 418, 420, 422, 423, 425, 428,
429, 431, 433, 438, 441, 452, 453, 456, 460, 464, 465,
467, 470, 472, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 484
Health in Schools · 68, 265
Health Innovation Project · 257, 260, 261
healthy · 9, 37, 38, 61, 67, 101, 162, 201, 206, 224, 228,
256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 263, 264, 272, 282, 283, 284,
285, 287, 288, 320, 356, 357, 358, 359, 364, 378, 405,
422, 433, 477
hearing loss · 6, 408
Heartland Centres · 383
heritage · 21, 22, 24, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 53,
106, 109, 113, 115, 118, 203, 240, 318, 320, 356, 362,
443
high country · 20, 116, 117, 118, 119, 469
Historic Places Trust · 31, 32
Holidays Act · 181, 225, 413
home ownership · 289, 290, 291, 293, 294, 295, 296, 360
home support · 10, 273, 405
home-based care · See home support
homelessness · 94, 298, 299, 417, 418
Hong Kong · 371
horticultural · 40, 42, 339, 495
hospital · 11, 63, 64, 256, 259, 262, 268, 274, 315, 361,
403
housing · 9, 10, 11, 12, 37, 38, 49, 58, 60, 61, 63, 65, 66,
73, 94, 98, 122, 133, 191, 194, 195, 212, 216, 232,
256, 258, 259, 272, 273, 274, 275, 282, 283, 284, 287,
288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299,
306, 334, 337, 351, 356, 357, 359, 363, 385, 403, 404,
405, 407, 409, 417, 464
Housing New Zealand · 133, 259, 284, 287, 288, 289,
290, 294, 296, 297, 299, 359
Human Rights Commission · 133, 183, 330, 374, 473
hunting · 110, 111
I
ICT · 47, 144, 145, 163, 165, 230, 300, 301, 306, 307,
311, 348, 362, 363, 368, 384, 429, 431
immigration · 218, 243, 244, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317,
322, 360, 361, 362, 445
importers · 41, 207
In Work Tax Credit · 59, 65, 66
income · 10, 12, 15, 58, 59, 61, 65, 66, 68, 69, 72, 94, 96,
119, 122, 138, 147, 148, 151, 152, 153, 163, 164, 171,
172, 173, 195, 211, 212, 222, 224, 225, 229, 256, 258,
259, 273, 275, 276, 287, 288, 289, 290, 293, 295, 296,
297, 306, 322, 335, 337, 351, 355, 356, 359, 363, 369,
371, 392, 395, 396, 397, 399, 400, 401, 402, 407, 411,
412, 416, 417, 419, 431, 440, 441, 444, 475
India · 242, 341, 343, 449
Industry Standard Agreements · 172, 174, 175, 177, 178,
179, 180, 225, 355, 413
industry training · 175, 231, 323, 324, 325, 373
Industry Training Federation · 165, 166, 326, 483, 489
ITO · 30, 176, 439, 491
infant mortality · 281
Information and Communications Technology · See ICT
infrastructure · 13, 15, 18, 21, 29, 36, 84, 86, 87, 90, 99,
101, 106, 109, 129, 143, 144, 149, 190, 191, 193, 194,
197, 203, 223, 224, 228, 230, 235, 243, 250, 253, 291,
292, 293, 300, 302, 304, 305, 335, 348, 349, 360, 368,
383, 384, 425, 431, 446, 449, 453, 454, 457,459, 460,
461, 467
injury · 4, 5, 6, 7, 99, 185, 186, 347, 372, 393, 408, 420,
460, 476
500

innovation · 13, 14, 17, 21, 22, 24, 63, 70, 80, 94, 142,
144, 147, 175, 222, 228, 237, 238, 239, 253, 255, 260,
261, 271, 301, 305, 308, 309, 313, 322, 323, 336, 362,
368, 376, 377, 378, 380, 381, 417, 427, 428, 433, 435,
459, 461
Innovation Council · 228, 377
Institutes of Technology · 386, 434, 436
insurance · 4, 5, 7, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 57, 169, 210, 211,
212, 213, 222, 234, 293, 298, 407
insurers · See insurance
interest rates · 121, 139, 140, 141, 222, 226, 227, 295,
343, 344, 345, 366, 451
Interfaith Dialogue · 318, 366
Internet · 44, 45, 47, 300, 302, 304, 306, 307, 308, 309,
349, 363, 428
Invalid's Benefit · 136, 414, 415
Israel · 141, 147, 380
iwi · 107, 111, 112, 203, 237, 291, 299, 336, 338, 340,
341, 462, 465
J
Japan · 142
jobs · 15, 37, 44, 96, 128, 138, 142, 144, 145, 171, 181,
218, 221, 222, 224, 228, 231, 232, 234, 235, 238, 256,
321, 322, 325, 326, 334, 339, 343, 369, 371, 381, 384,
413, 414, 415, 419, 437, 443, 445, 448, 458, 473, 483,
486, 487, 488, 491, 492, 495
justice · 75, 162, 280, 327, 330, 331, 339, 341, 342, 389,
392, 420, 476
K
Kermadec Islands · 112, 113
Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network · 163,
306
KiwiRail · 83, 196, 230, 231, 455, 457, 458
KiwiSaver · 140, 141, 145, 222, 226, 227, 232, 233, 294,
295, 337, 395, 396, 397, 398, 402, 403, 416
Kordia · 303
KPMG · 16, 17, 18
Kyoto Protocol · 19, 79, 85, 192, 251, 252
L
land · 14, 15, 20, 39, 49, 50, 51, 57, 86, 101, 102, 103,
104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 115, 116, 117,
118, 119, 120, 133, 144, 148, 199, 200, 201, 210, 211,
212, 220, 223, 224, 235, 238, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253,
290, 291, 292, 293, 296, 297, 298, 340, 425, 449, 466,
467, 468, 469, 470, 471
landlords · 195, 288, 289, 297, 359
Law Commission · 46, 279, 280, 328, 330, 331, 350, 409,
463
levy · 4, 7, 8, 47, 54, 210, 211, 212, 301, 309, 408
libraries · 23, 34
lignite · 84, 85, 199, 235
Linton Army Camp · 129
literacy · 124, 125, 157, 160, 219, 306, 353, 355, 363,
366, 439
loan sharks · 121, 122, 342, 366
local authorities · See local government
local government · 11, 13, 24, 28, 29, 32, 35, 38, 76, 86,
94, 95, 107, 108, 133, 194, 202, 203, 204, 208, 239,
253, 274, 289, 291, 293, 296, 297, 299, 304, 316, 333,
334, 335, 341, 342, 349, 385, 403, 417, 418, 444, 447,
470, 483, 488
M
Mackenzie basin · 117, 118, 119, 468, 469
MAF · 42
manufacturing · 6, 144, 221, 228, 249, 253, 378, 379,
492
Māori · 24, 27, 28, 86, 93, 151, 158, 159, 163, 215, 240,
258, 259, 277, 279, 281, 283, 306, 336, 337, 338, 339,
340, 341, 342, 351, 354, 363, 436, 444, 462, 470, 483,
492, 493
Hauora · 336
He Korowai Oranga · 281
iwi radio · 46, 341
Māori Education Strategy – Ka Hikitia · 158
Māori Language Strategy · 159
Māori Television · 46, 159, 341
Māori Trade Training · 354, 492, 493
Māori Wardens · 336
Māori Women’s Welfare League · 336
Te Kōhanga Reo · 155, 158, 336, 338
Te Kotahitanga · 158
Te Matatini · 341
Te Reo Māori · 46, 158, 159, 279, 341
marine · 39, 41, 86, 101, 106, 108, 111, 112, 113, 114,
115, 191, 193, 198, 200, 205, 206, 235, 237, 238, 240,
457
markets · 13, 18, 26, 39, 48, 86, 87, 88, 89, 123, 125,
141, 146, 149, 189, 190, 201, 217, 221, 225, 229, 232,
233, 234, 235, 249, 254, 302, 308, 336, 343, 371, 382,
444, 445, 448, 450, 451
Massey University · 20, 129
501

maternity · 67, 68, 264, 265, 267, 284, 385, 477, 479,
480, 484
medical · See health
men · 183, 184, 286, 299, 365, 472, 473, 474
mental health · 73, 258, 259, 276, 281, 284, 356, 358,
484
Meridian Energy · 105, 188
Middle East · 319
Mighty River Power · 188, 190
migrant · 37, 285, 313, 314, 351, 395, 397, 421, 438,
476, 480
Millennium Development Goals · 243, 246, 248, 481
minerals · 14, 115, 199
minimum wage · 174, 179, 355
mining · 84, 85, 104, 115, 116, 186, 187, 199, 200, 206,
235
Ministry for Culture and Heritage · 33
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries · 250
Ministry of Consumer Affairs · 124, 126, 366
Ministry of Culture and Heritage · 48, 301
Ministry of Economic Development · 48, 301, 444
Ministry of Education · 56, 151, 160, 162, 166, 169, 170,
267, 353, 386, 447, 479, 483, 490
Ministry of Ethnic Affairs · 216, 217
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade · 142, 244, 248
Ministry of Health · 10, 11, 68, 259, 264, 267, 273, 274,
406, 428, 467, 479
Ministry of Social Development · 12, 28, 63, 64, 65, 66,
97, 258, 275, 375, 407, 420
Ministry of Women’s Affairs · 61, 473
MMP · 327
Modern Apprenticeships Scheme · 29, 30, 307, 322
Mokihinui · 105
monetary policy · 15, 138, 140, 141, 145, 226, 227, 321,
343, 344, 345, 451, 452
Motor Vehicle Account · 7, 8, 408
music · 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 34, 44, 309, 351, 355
N
National Advisory Committee on Health and Disability ·
132, 278
National Environmental Standards for Air Quality · 208
National Health Board · 261
National Land Transport Fund · 230, 454, 459
National Library · 33
National Party · 4, 6, 7, 19, 35, 36, 40, 41, 49, 53, 63, 65,
71, 72, 80, 81, 87, 98, 102, 104, 105, 106, 111, 112,
115, 116, 117, 119, 129, 136, 138, 141, 142, 145, 146,
153, 156, 160, 162, 164, 166, 167, 169, 171, 181, 182,
183, 187, 188, 189, 192, 194, 201, 204, 205,207, 208,
211, 212, 213, 223, 225, 226, 227, 231, 241, 244, 246,
282, 286, 287, 291, 294, 297, 303, 322, 330, 331, 335,
353, 355, 356, 370, 376, 381, 383, 386, 387, 390, 391,
393, 394, 395, 396, 400, 407, 408, 409, 413, 414, 415,
420, 423, 424, 425, 437, 440, 441, 442, 454, 455, 457,
463, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 482, 490, 494
National Standards · 156, 157, 167
NCEA · 163
New Chums beach · 106
New Zealand Curriculum · 152, 157, 349
New Zealand Disability Strategy · 131, 132, 136, 277
New Zealand Film Archive · 22, 29
New Zealand Film Commission · 22, 25
New Zealand Institute · 146, 147, 148
New Zealand Medical Association · 258
New Zealand Music Commission · 26
New Zealand on Air · 25, 26, 363
New Zealand Racing Board · 372
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra · 22
NGOs · 11, 24, 124, 136, 245, 247, 274, 290, 297, 299,
366, 403, 416, 450
Niue · 360
nuclear weapons · 246
nurse · 10, 11, 257, 261, 263, 270, 271, 273, 274, 284,
339, 385, 406, 484
NZ On Air · 46, 47
NZ Onscreen · 309
NZ Super · See superannuation
NZ Venture Investment Fund · 146, 147, 148, 149, 229,
381, 382
NZAID · 244, 245, 248
NZDF · See Defence Force
NZVIF · See NZ Venture Investment Fund
NZX · 89, 90, 150, 229
O
occupational · See work
OECD · 10, 64, 68, 139, 151, 156, 165, 222, 224, 228,
232, 273, 296, 378, 380, 412, 433, 483, 489
Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector · 97
Official Information Act · 329, 347, 348
Ohakea · 129
older people · See elderly
OpenLabourNZ · 346, 348
oral health · 259, 269, 270, 285, 385, 479
outdoor recreation · 101, 109, 111, 163, 181, 225, 238,
260, 413, 422, 423, 424, 425, 441
overseas development assistance · 242, 244, 245, 246
502

P
Pacific · 24, 27, 28, 37, 46, 64, 70, 72, 74, 78, 79, 85, 114,
127, 151, 153, 159, 160, 163, 240, 241, 243, 244, 245,
246, 247, 248, 258, 259, 266, 277, 279, 281, 282, 283,
284, 290, 306, 313, 315, 319, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355,
356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366,
436, 440, 441, 448, 449, 450, 481, 483, 492, 493
Pacific Business Trust · 354
Pacific Education Plan · 160, 353, 355
paid parental leave · 59, 68, 69, 75, 184, 365, 472, 474
palliative care · 271, 404
parent · 59, 65, 66, 68, 74, 144, 146, 154, 159, 267, 306,
363, 414, 479
parks · 38, 101, 115, 116, 117, 118, 200, 235
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment · 43,
111, 195, 204, 205, 252, 329
Partnership for Quality · 429
Pasifika · See Pacific
Pathway to Partnership · 97
Pathways to Arts and Cultural Employment · 322
pay rates · See wage
Performance Based Research Fund · 435
Permanent Forest Sinks Initiative · 253
pest · 39, 40, 41, 43, 102, 103, 106, 120
petroleum · 115, 188, 197, 198, 205, 206
PHARMAC · 278, 449
PHO · See Primary Healthcare Organisations
physical activity · 423, 425, 426, 456
Pike River · 185, 186
Playcentre · 155
Plunket · 70, 265, 266, 478
Police · 6, 71, 76, 320, 331, 365, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391,
392, 420, 476
Polytechnics · 386, 434, 436, 492
population · 9, 18, 37, 38, 42, 44, 102, 123, 145, 160,
168, 179, 207, 215, 233, 241, 258, 259, 272, 275, 280,
283, 284, 302, 313, 318, 336, 338, 351, 353, 354, 356,
357, 358, 360, 363, 365, 375, 383, 389, 391, 393, 394,
395, 401, 405, 409, 428, 438, 455, 480, 482, 484
ports · 40, 335, 446, 457
Positive Behaviour for Learning · 162
poverty · 37, 38, 58, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 124, 223, 243,
244, 245, 248, 258, 263, 287, 338, 351, 360, 366, 411,
481
Press Council · 48, 301
prevention · 5, 6, 7, 63, 94, 243, 245, 262, 269, 285, 299,
338, 360, 389, 390, 408, 417, 477
Price Waterhouse Coopers · 228, 379
Primary Growth Partnership · 17, 20, 253, 387
primary health · 65, 67, 262, 263, 264, 271, 356, 385
Primary Health Care strategy · 257
Primary Healthcare Organisations · 262, 265, 286,
478
primary production · 13, 14, 235, 336, 371, 383
primary sector · 13, 14, 17, 380
prisons · 95, 258, 279, 299, 365, 389, 393, 394, 418, 480
Privacy Commissioner · 329
private sector · 10, 38, 86, 93, 99, 101, 107, 142, 145,
146, 174, 244, 248, 262, 273, 288, 290, 297, 301, 321,
335, 359, 369, 370, 379, 380, 405, 459
Private Training Establishments · 439, 492
privatisation · 4, 5, 146, 188, 189, 335, 394, 407, 470
procurement · 91, 128, 129, 143, 202, 222, 231, 232,
234, 311, 331, 349, 368, 369, 370, 430, 431, 458
productivity · 13, 14, 63, 80, 82, 138, 140, 142, 144, 171,
172, 174, 175, 179, 180, 185, 204, 208, 225, 230, 258,
261, 322, 323, 340, 355, 380, 381, 383, 413, 433, 467
profit · 4, 10, 12, 24, 46, 50, 122, 181, 220, 273, 275,
290, 297, 298, 349, 394, 405, 406, 427, 469
public sector · 10, 42, 44, 94, 106, 183, 202, 220, 248,
273, 346, 347, 348, 349, 354, 368, 369, 375, 405, 417,
427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 450, 459, 473, 475, 483,
493
public servants · See public sector
public transport · 83, 188, 196, 453, 454, 455
public-private partnerships · 169, 448
R
R&D · See Research and Development
racing · 371, 372, 373
radio · 26, 44, 45, 46, 217, 305, 363, 441, 485
Radio New Zealand · 44, 45
rail · 35, 36, 38, 83, 196, 230, 368, 445, 446, 453, 455,
456, 457, 458
recession · 64, 232, 291, 321, 433
Recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme · 315, 361,
495
refugees · 219, 247, 259, 313, 316, 317, 438, 439
Regional Museums Fund · 29
regulation · 13, 54, 87, 89, 90, 92, 149, 185, 186, 187,
201, 280, 302, 342, 398
regulatory reform · See regulation
rehabilitation · 5, 6, 7, 279, 365, 463
religion · 12, 218, 275, 316, 318, 319, 351, 366, 407
rental properties · 195, 289, 359, 360
research · 13, 16, 17, 19, 22, 30, 31, 34, 36, 37, 40, 61,
71, 73, 79, 81, 82, 96, 129, 130, 132, 142, 149, 152,
160, 193, 208, 216, 224, 228, 238, 250, 251, 254, 255,
503

258, 260, 277, 278, 301, 306, 322, 336, 340, 353, 355,
358, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 394, 419, 433, 434, 435,
439, 441, 445, 446, 447, 448, 450, 451, 460, 467
Research and Development · 13, 14, 16, 17, 79, 81, 85,
129, 130, 138, 141, 142, 145, 149, 150, 193, 224, 229,
250, 307, 322, 340, 377, 379, 380, 381, 434, 448, 450,
451
Reserve Bank · 15, 54, 139, 141, 226, 227, 235, 321, 344,
345, 452
residential care · 9, 10, 12, 257, 272, 273, 275, 405, 407
Resource Management Act · 32, 102, 118, 199, 203, 238,
292, 335
resources · 6, 7, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 32, 33, 36,
37, 40, 47, 68, 74, 75, 77, 78, 83, 84, 96, 99, 106, 109,
110, 122, 124, 126, 127, 128, 129, 133, 134, 135, 136,
137, 143, 144, 152, 155, 158, 161, 162, 169, 178, 179,
188, 191, 192, 194, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 203, 205,
206, 207, 228, 237, 240, 245, 246, 248, 249, 261, 265,
268, 269, 271, 283, 284, 286, 294, 300, 330, 333, 335,
336, 339, 341, 347, 358, 363, 377, 378, 386, 387, 390,
391, 392, 394, 408, 409, 415, 416, 419, 423, 424, 425,
429, 433, 438, 441, 456, 458, 481, 484, 486
retirement · 10, 140, 150, 232, 233, 234, 273, 295, 335,
395, 396, 398, 399, 401, 402, 416, 473
Retirement Commission · 124
Retirement Commissioner · 233, 400, 401
retirement villages · 10, 273, 335
revenue · 22, 23, 81, 144, 148, 211, 223, 372, 400, 459,
470, 486
review · 5, 6, 7, 12, 17, 23, 25, 26, 27, 31, 35, 40, 41, 46,
54, 56, 60, 62, 63, 66, 69, 70, 77, 78, 80, 88, 89, 91,
92, 97, 98, 102, 104, 107, 116, 117, 118, 121, 122,
123, 124, 125, 128, 131, 132, 135, 158, 165, 166, 168,
190, 193, 198, 205, 206, 210, 211, 213, 214, 219, 232,
233, 234, 235, 239, 249, 251, 253, 262, 265, 266, 268,
271, 275, 277, 278, 280, 281, 285, 286, 289, 291, 292,
294, 299, 302, 303, 305, 308, 309, 313, 314, 315, 316,
317, 323, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 334, 340, 341, 342,
350, 361, 365, 366, 369, 374, 385, 390, 393, 394, 396,
397, 398, 403, 404, 407, 408, 416, 420, 428, 434, 435,
437, 438, 439, 441, 446, 447, 457, 458, 463, 469, 477,
478, 480, 483, 484, 489, 490, 494
rivers · 105, 109, 119, 191, 465, 466, 468
roading · 250, 383, 384, 453
Royal New Zealand Ballet · 22
Rugby World Cup · 27, 424, 446
rural · 15, 17, 18, 19, 78, 81, 193, 204, 211, 249, 262,
265, 270, 302, 303, 304, 305, 335, 337, 383, 384, 385,
386, 387, 439, 465, 467, 468, 469, 470, 478
Rural Broadband Initiative · 19, 304, 384
S
Samoa · 360
sanctuaries · 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 111, 112, 115
SAS · 130
savings · 6, 38, 75, 138, 139, 140, 142, 145, 164, 195,
221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 232, 233, 261, 271,
284, 294, 295, 337, 359, 381, 395, 396, 397, 486, 494
school · 28, 30, 55, 56, 64, 67, 68, 71, 72, 74, 75, 78, 94,
108, 124, 125, 134, 135, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156,
157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167,
168, 169, 170, 194, 230, 231, 254, 256, 260, 263, 264,
265, 269, 284, 286, 304, 305, 306, 307, 326, 336, 338,
339, 352, 353, 354, 356, 358, 363, 374, 375, 377, 383,
385, 386, 387, 417, 423, 424, 433, 434, 436, 437, 438,
439, 446, 447, 480, 482, 483, 484, 486, 487, 488, 489,
490, 491
science · 17, 44, 106, 149, 208, 228, 253, 307, 376, 377,
378, 379, 380, 435, 441, 445
screen industry · 22
Screen Production Incentive Fund · 25
sea · See marine
seabirds · 113, 240
sensitive claims · 6, 408
Sentencing Council · 331
sexual orientation · 374
shipping · 15, 83, 196, 453, 455, 456, 457
Sign Language · 135
Singapore · 141, 147, 368, 380, 433
skilled · 13, 14, 17, 36, 37, 44, 53, 134, 144, 159, 161,
171, 225, 283, 291, 307, 313, 314, 322, 323, 324, 352,
354, 359, 369, 371, 373, 380, 413, 429, 433, 436, 437,
458, 473, 492
skills · 17, 25, 29, 30, 31, 53, 54, 67, 71, 93, 99, 108, 146,
151, 152, 160, 162, 165, 166, 172, 173, 174, 175, 180,
218, 219, 222, 231, 243, 245, 257, 264, 306, 307, 313,
314, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 336, 337, 339, 340,
351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 357, 368,369, 390, 393, 394,
401, 411, 412, 415, 416, 423, 424, 435, 436, 437, 438,
444, 450, 451, 458, 483, 485, 486, 488, 489, 490, 491,
492, 494, 495
small business · 87, 149, 222, 229, 235, 354
SME · 37, 87
smoking · 258, 259, 283, 357, 358
social housing · 289, 290, 296, 297, 359
Social Inclusion · 94, 95, 96, 417, 418, 419
social services · 13, 74, 93, 94, 154, 417
SOEs · 84, 105, 144, 145, 146, 188, 189, 190, 199, 222,
224, 370
504

Solid Energy · 84, 85, 199, 235
Solomon Islands · 130, 245
Sparc · 424, 426
special needs · See disability
sport · 44, 60, 163, 260, 371, 422, 423, 424, 425
Standard Business Reporting · 91
state housing · 133, 195, 287, 288, 290, 359
state sector · See public sector
State Services Commission · 48, 136, 245, 301, 428, 430,
475
superannuation · 59, 223, 224, 225, 233, 234, 382, 395,
398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 409, 412, 416, 464
supermarkets · 16, 123
surplus · 8, 193, 223, 251, 435
sustainable · 13, 17, 18, 19, 29, 30, 38, 45, 52, 55, 79, 81,
82, 83, 85, 97, 101, 106, 111, 114, 117, 118, 125, 127,
128, 129, 183, 188, 194, 196, 201, 202, 204, 220, 223,
228, 230, 231, 235, 237, 238, 239, 240, 243, 244, 249,
250, 251, 253, 254, 257, 268, 270, 320,322, 360, 366,
369, 371, 404, 412, 431, 443, 448, 451, 453, 455, 456,
457, 458, 459, 465, 467, 469
Sustainable Farming Fund · 17, 19, 20, 387
T
tax · 17, 27, 46, 59, 65, 66, 81, 89, 138, 139, 140, 141,
142, 145, 147, 148, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227,
229, 232, 233, 258, 296, 322, 337, 344, 369, 371, 380,
381, 394, 396, 400, 411, 412, 431, 440, 441, 452, 473,
486
Te Araroa · 109
Te Matatini · 22, 28
Te Papa · 22, 24, 29, 34
teachers · 134, 135, 151, 152, 156, 158, 159, 160, 161,
162, 167, 168, 218, 316, 353, 377, 440, 450
technology · 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 33, 37, 47, 48, 81,
82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 99, 103, 133, 163, 168, 196, 197,
199, 208, 228, 248, 252, 253, 260, 300, 301, 302, 305,
306, 307, 310, 317, 330, 346, 347, 363, 373, 379, 380,
391, 431, 433, 451, 456, 460
Telecom · 92, 123, 302, 303
telecommunications · 47, 48, 123, 144, 300, 301, 302,
303, 383
television · 24, 25, 31, 34, 44, 45, 46, 47, 217, 305, 349
tenants · 259, 284, 287, 288, 289, 290, 297, 299, 359
terrorism · 127, 329, 392
tertiary · 17, 29, 30, 55, 56, 77, 124, 158, 159, 166, 167,
231, 260, 261, 268, 307, 311, 312, 317, 322, 323, 325,
336, 352, 354, 364, 386, 423, 433, 434, 436, 437, 439,
441, 447, 475, 483, 487, 488, 490, 491, 492, 493, 495
Tertiary Education Commission · 433
Tertiary High Schools · 166, 490
Timor Leste · 130, 245
Toi Aotearoa Arts Council · 22, 29
Tokelau · 360
Tonga · 360
tourism · 22, 25, 27, 31, 53, 86, 101, 104, 109, 110, 116,
145, 201, 235, 243, 313, 340, 425, 440, 443, 444, 445,
446, 447, 451, 461
trade · 14, 18, 20, 27, 36, 39, 40, 83, 91, 123, 142, 143,
145, 166, 167, 196, 201, 217, 231, 237, 240, 242, 243,
244, 247, 278, 309, 323, 324, 325, 326, 339, 340, 355,
360, 386, 436, 437, 448, 449, 451, 456, 461, 469, 483,
489, 490
trade academies · 166, 167, 168, 490
training · 10, 17, 25, 29, 30, 45, 53, 54, 72, 74, 77, 94, 99,
134, 135, 137, 149, 150, 153, 154, 158, 165, 166, 183,
222, 229, 231, 252, 263, 269, 271, 273, 283, 286, 304,
307, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 338, 339, 340, 352,
354, 355, 357, 359, 373, 385, 386, 393, 404, 405, 413,
414, 415, 417, 423, 424, 430, 431, 436, 437, 438, 439,
444, 446, 461, 480, 482, 483, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489,
490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495
Training Incentive Allowance · 136, 338, 364, 415, 441,
475, 476
transport · 11, 35, 36, 37, 38, 72, 80, 82, 83, 133, 154,
170, 186, 188, 193, 196, 197, 230, 258, 274, 334, 385,
386, 403, 441, 446, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459,
460, 461
Treasury · 4, 139, 141, 380, 470
Treaty settlements · 203, 342, 462
TVNZ · 45
U
unemployment · 53, 143, 221, 231, 282, 314, 321, 324,
326, 339, 340, 354, 357, 412, 413, 414, 415, 434, 447,
482, 483, 485, 486, 487, 491, 494
unions · 11, 82, 88, 89, 123, 171, 174, 175, 176, 177,
178, 179, 180, 181, 183, 186, 225, 231, 239, 274, 322,
323, 324, 355, 374, 403, 413, 429, 457
United Kingdom · 32, 47, 88, 139, 147, 157, 242, 295,
300, 308, 346, 440, 445
United Nations · 32, 127, 131, 240, 242, 248, 375, 481
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities · 131
university · 77, 145, 326, 377, 378, 379, 380, 434, 435,
436, 439, 495
urban · 18, 19, 20, 36, 37, 38, 78, 104, 111, 117, 133,
204, 205, 207, 288, 297, 302, 303, 304, 305, 334, 384,
385, 466, 468, 469, 470
505

V
Varroa mite · 42
vehicle · 7, 8, 83, 197, 208, 391, 408, 445, 460, 469
veterinarians · 17
violence · 37, 64, 73, 95, 99, 100, 151, 266, 299, 316,
320, 391, 392, 393, 418, 420, 421, 472, 473, 476, 477,
478, 480
voluntary · 17, 26, 93, 97, 98, 99, 136, 175, 176, 183,
340, 415, 416, 442, 475, See volunteer
voluntary bonding · 17
Voluntary Bonding Scheme · 270, 377, 385
volunteer · 77, 106, 424, 484, 485
W
wage · 10, 14, 44, 60, 64, 65, 66, 127, 128, 140, 171, 172,
173, 174, 175, 177, 178, 179, 180, 182, 183, 184, 222,
225, 234, 259, 273, 315, 323, 337, 355, 362, 368, 369,
396, 399, 401, 405, 411, 412, 413, 430, 432, 473, 474
Waitangi · 32, 93, 107, 181, 215, 225, 252, 318, 337, 341,
413, 462
walking · 36, 38, 83, 109, 119, 196, 255, 425, 446, 453,
455, 456
Walking Access Commission · 109, 110
War Memorial Museum · 29
waste · 38, 58, 111, 202, 203, 207, 230, 261, 387, 438,
453, 459, 471
water · 13, 14, 20, 38, 41, 56, 101, 105, 116, 117, 118,
169, 194, 195, 201, 202, 203, 204, 225, 248, 270, 335,
445, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471
Welcome Home loan · 293
Well Child · 59, 70, 73, 137, 266, 267, 478
Wellsford-Puhoi Highway · 36, 454
whales · 114, 241
whānau · See families
Whanau Ora · 70, 74, 94, 97, 98, 100, 281, 417, 421, 477
women · 32, 95, 100, 183, 184, 265, 267, 269, 283, 285,
286, 299, 324, 355, 358, 364, 365, 385, 418, 420, 421,
463, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481
Women’s Refuge · 100, 421, 477
work · 4, 6, 7, 12, 18, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32,
33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42, 48, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 58,
59, 62, 63, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 76, 77, 80,
81, 82, 83, 84, 86, 88, 90, 91, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 100,
102, 104, 106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 113, 114, 123, 124,
131, 132, 135, 136, 143, 151, 152, 153, 154, 157, 158,
159, 165, 167, 168, 169, 171, 172, 174, 175, 178, 179,
180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 191, 192, 193, 194,
196, 197, 201, 202, 205, 211, 213, 216, 218, 219, 220,
221, 223, 227, 228, 235, 237, 239, 240, 243, 246, 247,
248, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 260, 261, 263, 264, 267,
268, 269, 270, 275, 276, 277, 278, 280, 284, 285, 287,
288, 289, 290, 291, 293, 296, 297, 298, 304, 306, 307,
308, 311, 312, 313, 314, 316, 320, 321, 322, 323, 327,
328, 331, 334, 335, 339, 340, 350, 351, 352, 354, 355,
358, 359, 360, 363, 364, 371, 372, 373, 374, 377, 379,
383, 385, 387, 390, 392, 393, 406, 407, 409, 411, 412,
413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423,
425, 427, 428, 429, 431, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441,
443, 444, 445, 447, 450, 453, 454, 460, 462, 464, 466,
472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 479, 481, 482, 483, 484,
485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 492, 494, 495
workers · 5, 6, 7, 37, 53, 56, 60, 68, 82, 95, 162, 171,
172, 173, 174, 175, 177, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 185,
186, 187, 225, 232, 257, 259, 262, 265, 271, 314, 315,
321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 355, 361, 362, 369, 395, 397,
404, 408, 412, 413, 418, 429, 445, 446, 458, 475, 492
workforce · 6, 10, 13, 14, 17, 54, 75, 93, 98, 135, 136,
151, 168, 171, 173, 174, 176, 179, 183, 225, 230, 257,
265, 269, 270, 271, 273, 276, 280, 282, 283, 321, 323,
324, 325, 336, 354, 356, 358, 359, 380, 395, 401, 404,
412, 413, 415, 427, 433, 436, 437, 439, 443, 473, 474,
475, 477
Working for Families · 59, 65, 66, 173
workplace · 6, 7, 58, 99, 124, 165, 171, 172, 174, 177,
180, 181, 185, 186, 193, 225, 256, 286, 322, 323, 325,
326, 355, 365, 395, 401, 413, 430, 472, 489, 493, 494
Workplace Commission · 175, 176, 177, 178, 179
World Economic Forum · 380
World Trade Organisation · 231, 242, 368, 369, 431, 448,
458
Writer’s Scholarships · 23
Y
young person · See youth
youth · 18, 30, 33, 53, 63, 94, 97, 99, 108, 137, 151, 161,
162, 163, 165, 166, 167, 222, 231, 257, 267, 269, 281,
282, 283, 284, 285, 290, 297, 299, 306, 313, 324, 325,
326, 336, 338, 339, 342, 349, 351, 352, 354, 356, 357,
358, 375, 377, 391, 413, 417, 420, 423, 424, 433, 436,
437, 473, 479, 480, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488,
489, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495
506