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Hopefully the worst of the floods are over by the time this column goes to press.
Although the results of the deluge that hit our region were not as severe as in the Rangitikei and Manawatu, we have had our share of devastation.
Roads were washed away, homes flooded, power cut, animals lost and stranded and schools closed.
Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton has held discussions with Federated Farmers and they know that he is very sympathetic to the needs of farmers and growers hit by bad weather, drought, or other adverse climatic events.
Mr Sutton said Inland Revenue and the Work and Income sections of government have been working to help southern farmers hit by drought with income equalisation and family income assistance. Such measures could be put in place for those affected by the flooding.
Other help is possible and can be put into place as soon as needs are identified, which has been demonstrated during other disasters where the Government has been swift to process applications for help.
After all, agriculture is still the boiler room of the economy.
The Modern Apprenticeships scheme continues to expand, reaching 6,259 trainees across 30 industries in December 2003.
The figures come at the same time as the first graduates from the scheme complete their training. A total of 213 young people have now completed their modern apprenticeship, gaining the industry and nationally recognised qualifications.
Modern Apprenticeships is a scheme designed to match young people with the large number of skilled jobs in industry.
Reports from employers about the difficulties they face to recruit skilled staff suggests that Modern Apprentice graduates will have long and lucrative careers ahead of them.
The scheme is currently available in 30 industries ranging from electrotechnology and hospitality through to the seafood sector, dairying and agriculture.
The government increased funding for Modern Apprenticeships this year to enable 6,500 young people to begin training by June 2004 - and then a further increase to 7,500 trainees during 2006.
To find out more about Modern Apprenticeships call 0800 4 APPRENTICE (0800 427 773) or visit www.modern-apprenticeships.govt.nz.
In Wairarapa, we have 46 young Masterton apprentices training, 8 from Carterton, 14 in South Wairarapa and 40 in Tararua training in areas such as building, baking, agriculture, engineering, flooring, joinery, painting, contracting and sports turf.
Over the next few months, New Zealanders will have the chance to say whether or not they think the country's oaths and affirmations should be updated.
The oaths to be reviewed include those taken by new citizens, public office holders and some employees in the state sector. Oaths taken by professional groups and by witnesses in court are not being reviewed.
There has not been a comprehensive review of oaths and affirmations for nearly 50 years, so this review is long overdue. It is also timely to consider whether our oaths accurately reflect the values that are important to New Zealanders in the 21st century.
New citizens currently swear allegiance to the Queen, her heirs and successors, but not to New Zealand itself, or its people. Ministers of the Crown also swear allegiance to the Queen but not to the nation, whose laws they make.
The review will invite comment on whether these oaths express the current values and beliefs of New Zealanders, or reflect a sense of independent nationhood.
Other oaths use old-fashioned and unduly complex language but no changes will be made to New Zealand oaths and affirmations until public submissions have been considered.
The consultation document is scheduled for release in early April, with the working group required to report back to Cabinet by end of June.
Small Business Day New Zealand has kicked off a series of 24 Small Business Day events around the country and aims to build existing relationships and establish new ones between government and the small business sector.
Businesses participating in Small Business Days can book in for a free 15-minute question and answer session with experienced business people or bring along their new idea or current business challenge and receive advice from the best in the business.
Further information on the Small Business Days series at www.smallbusiness.med.govt.nz or by contacting Go Wairarapa.
There will be a small business forum in Palmerston North on April 23 and in Masterton on April 29, which Minister for Small Business John Tamihere will be attending.
I encourage anyone interested to attend.
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