Tag: New Zealand

Last Days to Contribute to NZ Open Government Action Plan

Posted by | Aug 24, 2016 | , |

Article – Open Source Open Society New Zealands Open Government Partnership Action Plan is open for consultation until the end of day on this Friday 26 August. If you care about transparency, accountability participation and better use of technology in the way our government is run then …Last Days to Contribute to NZ Open Government Action Plan New Zealand’s ‘Open Government Partnership’ Action Plan is open for consultation until the end of day on this Friday 26 August. If you care about transparency, accountability participation and better use of technology in the way our government is run then you should make a submission here. If you are in Wellington there is also a final full day co-creation workshop on this Friday where you can get involved at a deeper level. See the Press release published on Scoop yesterday here for further details. Our position as a leader in this space is at threat New Zealand has had very good fiscal and government accountability and transparency reputation, however recent developments such as the Panama Papers and increasingly poor public consultation processes are threatening this reputation. As Susanne Snively, chair of Transparency International New Zealand said at yesterday’s Open Source Open Society Conference in Wellington, our position as a leader in this space is slipping due to complacency and lack of ambition to look towards transparency and accountability in a modern...

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Patronage, Journalism and Open Society.

Patronage, Journalism and Open Society.

Posted by | Aug 23, 2016 | , , |

Article – James Littlewood A panel discussion this morning shone a very bright light on a very familiar problem: the problem of journalism; knowing whats going on; keeping the bastards honest. Marianne Ellion (of Action Station) hosted the discussion with Mark Jennings (Mediaworks), … A panel discussion this morning shone a very bright light on a very familiar problem: the problem of journalism; knowing what’s going on; keeping the bastards honest. Marianne Ellion (of Action Station) hosted the discussion with Mark Jennings (Mediaworks), Jan Rivers (Scoop) and Bernard Hickey (Hive News). The problem is all too familiar. But here...

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Joyce to promote education, science links in Japan and Korea

Joyce to promote education, science links in Japan and Korea

Posted by | Aug 22, 2016 | , , |

Press Release – New Zealand Government Minister for Economic Development 22 August 2016 Media Statement Joyce to promote education and science links in Japan and KoreaHon Steven Joyce Minister for Economic Development 22 August 2016 Media Statement Joyce to promote education and science links in Japan and Korea Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce leaves for Japan and Korea today for a four-day trip to advance New Zealand’s business, innovation and education interests and promote New Zealand as an investment destination. Mr Joyce will visit Tokyo, Seoul and Busan to meet with Japanese and Korean ministers, officials and business leaders....

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Hot pools to hobbits – Tourism Awards finalists named

Posted by | Aug 19, 2016 | , , , , |

Press Release – Tourism Industry Aotearoa From hot pools to hobbits and hotels, the finalists in the 2016 New Zealand Tourism Awards are a shining example of why this industry is enjoying record growth.Hot pools to hobbits – Tourism Awards finalists named From hot pools to hobbits and hotels, the finalists in the 2016 New Zealand Tourism Awards are a shining example of why this industry is enjoying record growth. The 28 finalists will compete for awards in two individual categories and eight business categories, says Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa which runs the annual awards programme. “New Zealand’s tourism industry is enjoying rampant growth – it’s the country’s most valuable export industry and in total generates $30 billion in annual visitor spend. “These prestigious awards celebrate the industry’s success and recognise the individuals and businesses doing an outstanding job, generating economic wealth and supporting jobs in communities throughout the country.” Mr Roberts says the finalists showcase the industry’s diversity. “They come from Paihia to Queenstown, range from big corporates to small, locally-based businesses and cover the many sectors that make up this exciting industry – from ski fields to campervan rentals to a tour company specialising in Chinese independent travellers. “We have several finalists who have been in business for decades and others who have established themselves as industry leaders in a matter of years.”...

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Questions & Answers – 18 August 2016

Posted by | Aug 19, 2016 | , , |

Press Release – Office of the Clerk 1. ALASTAIR SCOTT (NationalWairarapa) to the Minister of Finance : What international reports has he received on the state of the New Zealand economy?• ORAL QUESTIONS QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS Economy—Reports 1. ALASTAIR SCOTT (National—Wairarapa) to the Minister of Finance: What international reports has he received on the state of the New Zealand economy? Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance): Last week Fitch Ratings affirmed New Zealand’s AA rating, which indicates “very strong capacity” for [honouring] our financial commitments” and confirmed the outlook as stable. Fitch pointed to improved growth prospects, sound public finances, and highlighted New Zealand’s strong macroeconomic policy framework. The report is international recognition for New Zealand as a safe and stable place to do business. Alastair Scott: What else does Fitch Ratings say about the New Zealand economic outlook? Hon BILL ENGLISH: Fitch has lifted its forecasts for economic growth in New Zealand to around 2.7 percent over the next 2 years—a bit lower than recent Reserve Bank forecasts—but they all show moderate growth of 2 to 3 percent over the next 3 to 4 years, which compares favourably with most economies and shows prospects for more jobs and higher incomes. Fitch says that the positive outlook for the New Zealand economy is supported by the lift in services exports—that is mainly tourism—construction activity, and stronger than expected net...

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