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| 2007 |
December |
Future outlook is good - NEW Zealanders are embracing the government's work to boost savings and improve the skills of young people. more...
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Income Tax Bill welcomed -
FINANCE Minister Michael Cullen and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne have
welcomed the historic passage of the nearly 3000-page Income Tax Bill,
which rewrites New Zealand's income tax law. more...
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Major changes to NZ curriculum - A NEW education curriculum for New Zealand was launched last month. more...
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Industry gets overhaul -
THE New Zealand Government has announced it's decisions reforming real
estate law, which include an end to the industry's self regulation and
a range of new consumer protection measures such as an independent
complaints body and compensation for people who are ripped off by
agents. more...
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Warning over the hazards of 'natural health' - NEW
Zealanders are being warned to be aware of what they're buying when
shopping for herbal remedies, following charges brought against a
Chinese herbalist in Auckland. more...
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New era for building industry -
NEW Zealanders will know they have engaged a quality building
professional when they choose one licensed under the Licensed Building
Practitioners Scheme launched last month. more...
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Attitude to work is more flexible in NZ -
WITHIN a relatively short time, New Zealand has developed a
sophisticated, unrestrictive business environment that competes
aggressively in world markets. more...
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Extreme weather in Central Otago -
CENTRAL Otago is a region touched by history, with a powerful landscape
of ancient mountains, weathered rock formations, alpine herb fields and
fast rivers. more...
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A glimpse of another world in Masterton 8- DRIVE over the Rimutaka Hill from Wellington and you enter a different world as the Wairarapa Valley opens up before you. more...
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NEW MINISTER - THERE is a new Minister of Immigration in Prime Minister Clark's cabinet reshuffle. more...
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| 2007 |
November |
Costs down for small business -
NEW Zealand's Minister for Small Business, Lianne Dalziel, has welcomed
the release of the fifth Compliance Cost Survey, which indicates
compliance costs are down for small business. more...
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KiwiSaver off to a good start - IN THE first three months of KiwiSaver the enrolment figures have already broken through the 200,000 mark. more...
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Good GDP growth - THE latest GDP data has encouraging signs for the New Zealand economy, which continues to show solid growth. more...
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Fall in cost of GP visits
- THE cost of seeing a GP and buying a prescription, both fell in the
September quarter, according to the latest Consumers Price Index (CPI). more...
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Two new reports look into hospital care - NEW
Zealand's Ministry of Health has released two reports looking at
hospital services including emergency department waiting times and
patient perceptions of hospital care. more...
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More over-65s still working -
A GROWING number of New Zealanders are staying in the labour force
beyond the age of superannuation entitlement says Statistics New
Zealand. more...
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Weekly income now at $667 - IN THE June 2007 quarter, the average weekly income for all people from all sources was $667, Statistics New Zealand has said. more...
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Residential property prices defy critics -
THE New Zealand residential property market defied the critics in
September with the national median price edging to a new record of
$351,500, according to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand Inc.
(REINZ). more...
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Second digital channel launched on Freeview
- TRIANGLE Stratos, the first regional television channel to become a
national free-to-air channel on Freeview has been launched in New
Zealand. more...
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BOOST TO ECONOMY - NEW Kiwis boosted New Zealand's coffers by NZ$3.3 billion in the year to end June 2006. more...
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| 2007 |
October |
Funding boost for climate research -
PRIME Minister Helen Clark has announced new research and development
funding, totalling $6.7 million a year from next year, to promote
sustainability and help New Zealand respond to climate change. more...
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KiwiSaver proves popular -
THE latest enrolment numbers for KiwiSaver confirm that the work-based
saving scheme is off to a strong start, Finance Minister Michael Cullen
and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne have said. more...
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New agency set up to tackle organised crime -
THE New Zealand Government plans to set up an Organised Crime Agency
(OCA) within New Zealand Police to provide increased capability in the
battle against organised crime in New Zealand and around the
Pacific. more...
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School system caters for all - WITH few exceptions, all children in New Zealand must attend school from their sixteenth birthday. more...
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IRD number vital for workers - AN
IRD number is a unique number issued to you by Inland Revenue. Your
number will be in the range of 10-000-000 to 999-999-999, so some will
have an eight digit number and others a nine digit number. more...
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Wireless broadband roll-out - THE next step towards the roll-out of wireless broadband services in New Zealand has been announced. more...
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Best ever results in labour survey -
WITH labour force participation and employment both at all time highs
and the unemployment rate at an equal low of 3.6 per cent, this
quarter's Household Labour Force Survey results are the best ever
recorded. more...
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More doctors to be trained - FORTY more doctors are to be trained every year from next year. more...
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Cancer is primary cause of death in New Zealand
- CANCER is New Zealand's leading cause of death, according to the
latest NEw Zealand Health Information Services (NZHIS) official
figures. more...
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Residential property prices up
- DEMAND triumphed over supply in the New Zealand residential property
market in August, resulting in a recovery in the national median
selling price, but on continued low sales volumes, according to the
Real Estate Institute of New Zealand Inc. (REINZ). more...
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SKILLS HAVE VITAL ROLE
- AN OECD report shows New Zealand has made much progress in
integrating skills and economic development policies at the regional
and national level in the last eight years. more...
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| 2007 |
September |
Free data tools help businesses -
NEW Zealand businesses. locals government and community groups can now
freely access electronic boundaries for maps that clearly show where
relevant government statistics apply. more...
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Check on your tax situation -
IF YOU are thinking about moving to New Zealand and sataying for the
long term, you will need to apply for an IRD number. You may also be
eligible to take out a student loan or receive family assistance. more...
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Prime Minister launches biofuels -
NEW Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark has poured the first
bioethanol-blended petrol in Auckland, as Gull New Zealand launched the
commercially available biofuel for New Zealand motorists. more...
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New approach to building design
- A WORLD-first proposal to require assessment of the overall carbon
cost of producing, maintaining and using new buildings is the
centrepiece of a new discussion document. more...
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Positive early signs for KiwiSaver Scheme - EARLY
take-up rates for the landmark, work-based saving scheme KiwiSaver, are
very encouraging, Finance Minister Michael Cullen and Revenue Minister
Peter Dunne have said. more...
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Salary and wage rates increase -
THE Labour Cost Index (LCI) recorded an increase of 3.2 per cent in
salary and wage rates (including overtime) in the year to June 2007
quarter, Statistics New Zealand has said. more...
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Broadband speeds up - MORE broadband subscribers were using faster download speeds at March 31, 2007, Statistics New Zealand have revealed. more...
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Steady progress made with cancer control -
A STOCKTAKE of New Zealand's cancer control workforce has found steady
improvements in the past five years but indicates that gaps still exist. more...
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Economic conditions restrict tax cuts - THERE will be no change just yet to personal taxes. more...
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| 2007 |
August |
Climate change schemes -
SIX pilot projects to store carbon on about 40,000 hectares of public
conservation land are to be tendered to commercial investors in a major
new climate change initiative. more...
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Social support reformed -
LEGISLATION to carry out the most comprehensive and positive social
assistance reform since the design of New Zealand's system almost 70
years ago has been passed in Parliament. more...
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Planning is key to finding job - GETTING a job in New Zealand can be a challenging experience for the unprepared or uninitiated. more...
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Early education policy popular
- FROM its launch last month, more than 65,000 three and four year olds
were benefitting from the Government's 20 hours free Early Childhood
Education policy. more...
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Tobacco, alcohol and drugs use revealed - GAY,
lesbian and bisexual people are significantly higher useres of alcohol,
tobacco and drugs than the heterosexual population, according to the
latest analysis of national health data. more...
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Cheaper doctor visits and prescriptions -
A MAJOR milestone in the delivery of healthcare to all New Zealanders
has been reached with the universal roll out of cheaper doctor visits
and cheaper prescription charges. more...
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Shared home ownership initiative -
THE NEw Zealand government is to give $2 million to part fund a pilot
shared home ownership initiative for key workers in and around
Queenstown. more...
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Fulfill your dreams in Upper Hutt -
UPPER Hutt city is the capital gateway to the outdoors. Only a 25
minute drive or 40 minute train ride north from Wellington City. more...
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FILM INDUSTRY BOOST - THERE is a boost for the movie business with the announcement of extra government funding. more...
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July |
New hotspots for skill shortages -
ACUTE skills shortages continue to exist in many areas of the economy.
Making this point in a speech to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce last
month, Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said extra trades and
professions were likely to be added to the immediate and long-term
skill shortage lists. more...
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Budget boosts business -
NEW Zealand's Budget has delivered the most substantial changes to the
business environoment in twenty years, which will help develop a more
innovative and dynamic economy, better able to compete in the global
marketplace. more...
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Health, economy cause concern
- CONSUMER confidence in New Zealand has slipped in the first half of
2007, scoring an index of 120 and making it the fourth most confident
country globally, according to Nielsen's latest Global Online Consumer
Confidence index. more...
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Support for housing programmes - A
$43.6 million funding package in Budget 2007 will extend two highly
successful housing programmes, taking them into new areas of the
country, and providing assistance to a wider range of New Zealand
families. more...
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More affordable primary care - EXTRA money is being offered to Primary Health Organisation (PHO) practices that maintain very low fees for their patients. more...
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Rise in number of mature workers - NEW Zealand has more workers aged 55 and over than ever before, according to a new report pnm older workers. more...
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More now staying at school -
NEW Ministry of Education reports on student attendance show
improvements in many key areas, although they show there is more work
to be done. more...
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Step up for digital industry -
THIS year's Budget is providing further support to create a
world-leading digital content and graphics industry in New Zealand. more...
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Marlborough is vibrant year-round - FOR
centuries, Marlborough has offered safe harbour to travellers. First to
Maori traders and war parties; then to European explorers, such as
Captain James Cook and Dumont D'Urville; amd now to visitors seeking
new landscapes and rejuvinating experiences. more...
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Immigration transforming economy - IMMIGRATION'S
role in transforming New Zealand's economy was highlighted in a speech
by Immigration Minister David Cunliffe last month. more...
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May |
Boost for older residents -
MORE than half a million older New Zealanders will get up to an extra
$13 a week as a result of increases to Superannuation and Veterans
Pensions introduced on April 1, says Social Development Minister, David
Benson Pope. more...
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More family time as annual leave raised -
NEW Zealanders are now entitled to a minimum of four weeks annual
holiday as the government delivers on its promise to give workers the
ability to spend more time with their families, Labour Minister Ruth
Dyson said. more...
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New record for property sales
- WITH February 2007 a new record for Harcourts New Zealand for the
value of written sales, those considering the sale or purchase of
property need to ensure they are fully informed and ready to act,
according to Harcourts New Zealand CEO, Bryan Thomson. more...
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Overhaul for real estate industry - ASSOCIATE
Justice Minister Clayton Cosgrove has announced a full overhaul of the
legislation governing real estate agents, citing the need for better
accountability and transparency within the sector plus an independent
complaints system, in order to protect consumers. more...
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Christchurch roads in need of funding boost -
CHRISTCHURCH is heading for peak-hour gridlock, with city drivers now facing a slower commute than Aucklanders. more...
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New policy to tackle drug problem -
ASSOICATE Health Minister Jim Anderton has launched a new New Zealand
National Drug Policy. The Policy is the Government's five-year
framework for preventing and reducing harm from alcohol, tobacco and
illegal and other jobs. more...
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Keep your number when you change provider -
CONSUMERS will now be able to their existing home and mobile numbers
when they change service providers, says Communications Minister David
Cunliffe.more...
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New Plymouth makes the most of nautre -
A MECCA for trampers, climbers and surfers alike, New Zealand is set in
an environment that offers the best of the natural wonders these
enthusiasts seek. more...
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More time for job hunting - POTENTIAL skilled migrants going to New Zealand under the Work to Residence policy will be allowed more time to find a job. more...
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April |
NZ leading the world in conservation -
REPRESENTATIVES from around the world have met in New Zealand for the
first time to experience for themselves conservation practice at its
best. more...
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Working life is set to improve -
THE launch of Decent Work: Charting our Progress, establishes New
Zealand as a leader in promoting valuable working lives for its
workforce, according to Minister of Labour Ruth Dyson. more...
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Search for home by school zone
- HIGH demand for quality state education has prompted a real estate
agency to launch a website tool allowing house-hunters to search for
properties in specific school zones. more...
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Make most of city living - WHEN
it boils down to the nitty gritty, if you're looking for relaxation,
life in New Zealand's major cities is probably not for you. And, not
for the reasons you might think (eg. too noisy, too much hustle and
bustle, etc), but rather for the plethora of opportunities and
experiences that most cities offer. more...
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Choose loan to suit your needs -
WHEN it comes to deciding on the best home loan for your lifestyle and
finances, one of the most important considerations is your choice of
interest rate option. That is... fixed, capped, floating or a
combination of these? more...
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Speed boost for web surfers -
NEW Zealand Telecom will offer a new form of broadband that will
include performance guarantees, making it more suitable for delivering
internet telephony, online gaming and for accessing other software
applications that are hosted on the internet. more...
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New ratings for fast food on way -
FAST food may soon come with a health rating under plans by the New
Zealand heart foundation to introduce a system for endorsing healthy
meals offered by big restaurant chains. more...
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Experience stunning scenery -
FLYING into Christchurch International Airport, visitors get a
spectacular introduction to the diversity and beauty of the Canterbury
region. more...
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More options for seasonal workers - TWO new regions
have been added to the list of regions which have an absolute labour
shortage in the horticulture and viticulture industries. more...
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March |
Migration influencing population -
THE estimated resident population of New Zealand was 4,165,600 at
December 31, 2006, according to the latest figures from Statistics New
Zealand. more...
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Plan to help migrants settle in Auckland-
AN action plan to help migrant and refugee newcomers to Auckland to
settle into their new environment, has been launched. more...
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Building a strong economy
- ECONOMIC growth without a fair distribution of its dividends is not a
recipe for long-term success, Finance Minister Michael Cullen said in
his first major speech of the year. more...
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Equal jobs on the way - NEW
guidelines make New Zealand a world-leader in efforts to eliminate
gender bias in jobs, Department of Labour Pay and Employment Equity
Unit director Philippa Hall said. more...
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Property market is strong -
THE New Zealand residential property market ended 2006 exceeding
expectations with the national median sales price for December at
$330,000 according to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand Inc.
(REINZ). more...
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Wage growth continues -
THE Labour Cost Index (LCI) recorded an increase of 3.2 per cent in
salary and wage rates (including overtime) in the year to the December
2006 quarter. more...
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Choose the right school - STARTING school is a big event for parents and children. more...
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Major boost for maternity - THE Government will provide an additional $11.4 million (GST ex) for primary maternity services from July this year. more...
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Cloned meat given green light - NEW Zealand food safety officials say meat and milk from cloned animals or their offspring are safe to eat. more...
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February |
More support for expats -
THE New Zealand government is giving funding support to the Kea network
of expats abroad, to further help New Zealand's business and industries
tap into the country's global talent pool and extend international
connections. more...
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No change in criteria for EOI selection
- THERE is no change in the additional criteria that the government
will use when selecting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from the skilled
migrant pool. more...
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