Beehive Bulletin – 21 October 2006

Official KiwiSaver website takes off

Official KiwiSaver website takes off The official KiwiSaver website is now live, marking another important milestone for a scheme that will give many New Zealanders greater long term financial security.

The website -- www.kiwisaver.govt.nz -- contains extensive information and a calculator showing how savings can grow. It helps people develop a long term savings habit for more confidence about enjoying their standard in retirement.

New boat named for America's Cup challenge

Prime Minister Helen Clark has named the boat which will race for Emirates Team New Zealand at next year's America's Cup in Spain. The new boat was officially named 'New Zealand' during a ceremony at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour. Helen Clark says Team New Zealand has demonstrated exceptional sailing skills and yachting design combined with superb leadership, management, and teamwork.

Competing in the America's Cup also significant economic potential for NZ, and Tourism NZ and NZ Trade and Enterprise are using the regattas to raise NZ's tourism and business profile in Europe and the Middle East.

Fruit in Schools programme to double in size

The Fruit in Schools programme is to extend to 154 primary schools. Participating schools receive free fruit to promote healthier eating and physical activity. With improving childhood nutrition one of the most important things we can do to improve the overall health of NZ families, from this week, children at 268 schools will be eating export-quality fruit delivered free to schools daily.

The Fruit in Schools extension is being implemented alongside the new Mission On package to promote nutrition and increased physical activity and improve the quality of food served in schools. Participating teachers also report better concentration levels and classroom behaviour since the Fruit in Schools programme began.

Territorials take on Solomons peacekeeping

For the next 12 months, NZ's commitment to the Regional Assistance Mission in Solomon Islands will consist mainly of territorial force personnel - a vote of confidence in their commitment, skills and professional competency. Personnel from South Island based units are now getting extra training at Burnham Camp, prior to deployment. NZ military commitment to RAMSI consists of about 40-50 personnel deployed for four month periods, taking pressure off regular force units.

Liberalisation of tax penalties proposed

The government has launched a discussion document on liberalising tax penalties and laws. People are expected to comply with the law more willingly when they see it as reasonable, and see that compliance is the norm and non-compliance is punished.

The discussion document identifies where rules could be clearer, more consistent and better targeted at promoting voluntary compliance. It is available at www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz. Submissions close on 30 November 2006.

ENDS

© Scoop Media