The Mapp Report

24 February 2006

www.waynemapp.co.nz

This week’s example of political correctness

Has it gone too far?

Even man’s best friend cannot escape from the excessive demands of political correctness.

From July 1, all newly registered dogs will be required to be micro-chipped with an identity tag. The legislation was created after a series of dog-attacks in 2003.

However, just because a dog is micro-chipped the risk of an attack is not reduced. After all, how likely is it that the gang member owner of a pitbull "Ripper" spends $100 on micro-chipping his demon beast?

Federated Farmers have already told the government they will ignore this legislation (it will cost farmers between $3 million and $7 million a year to micro-chip their dogs). Border collies are not exactly the same risk as pitbulls.

New Zealanders are sick and tired of being told what they can and cannot do. This legislation is a further example of how the Labour government is intruding into the lives of everyday New Zealanders.

PC Madness Update

Some of you may recall our PC Madness item on the up-coming census (3 Feb 2006). In our earlier report we noted that census workers were required to ask each household what version of the census they would like to receive – English or Maori. In a quick survey of the office we found that no one had actually been asked this question – despite it being required by the chief statistician, which he confirmed in a public statement on radio.

We would be interested to hear from any households had been asked what language they would like their census in. And alternatively, from those that had not been asked.

Send me your feedback at sarah@wayne-mapp.co.nz

House to debate 90-day probation work bill

This week I was delighted to find that my member’s bill, the Employment Relations (Probationary Employment) Amendment Bill, was drawn from the ballot to be debated by Parliament.

This bill will reduce barriers to employment by establishing a 90-day probation period for new workers and employers. It will enable employers to take a chance with new employees without facing the risk of expensive and protracted personal grievance procedures. If the relationship does not work out during the 90-day period, either party can walk away without personal grievance procedures applying. It will also enable people who have not had previous work experience to find their first job and make it easier for others to re-enter the workforce.

New Zealand and Denmark are the only two countries in the OECD that do not have a probation period for new employees. The most common length of probation period in the OECD is three months. In Britain it is 12 months. Australia has a three-month probation period but their new laws will provide a much more flexible employment law for companies with less than 100 employees. This Bill will ensure that New Zealand has a workplace law that helps to close the productivity gap with Australia.

The bill will be a real test for the various parties in Parliament on whether or not they are really committed to boosting New Zealand's productivity and competitiveness.

It is time for New Zealand to come into the mainstream. This bill will promote greater growth and productivity in the economy.

Dr Wayne Mapp

Visit my website for more information at: www.waynemapp.co.nz

ENDS

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