New Zealand Apprenticeships Scheme Good For Regional And National Economies

The Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce has endorsed changes to the apprenticeship system announced today.
Chamber Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley says more funding support for apprenticeships will increase the supply of tradespeople and help achieve the skills needed in the New Zealand economy.

“This will be especially important for the Christchurch rebuild as incentive payments for priority areas such as construction will help get more skilled tradespeople into Canterbury.

“The Wellington region will gain from this as much as other areas, given our involvement in the Christchurch reconstruction - Wellington’s strengths in design, engineering, professional services and other skill areas will be of use in assisting with the rebuild.

“A better functioning apprenticeship system will bring a lot of value for the economies of Christchurch, Wellington and New Zealand overall.” Ms Bleakley said.

ENDS

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>