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Report confirms need for action on climate change
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change leaves little doubt that the world must take urgent and serious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The authoritative report pulls together high quality science from thousands of researchers, and has been extensively reviewed. Among the projections for climate change are higher temperatures, more frequent heavy rainfall, increasing ocean acidification, decreases in snow cover, and a loss of sea ice, including from Antarctica.
"The conclusion is inescapable: climate change is real, it's happening right now, and humans are responsible for most of it," says Climate Change Minister David Parker. "The Labour-led government is pressing ahead with an ambitious climate change programme to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and to prepare for the impacts of climate change. I urge all New Zealanders to play a constructive role in responding to this very serious threat."
Tribute to Professor Alan MacDiarmid
Prime Minister Helen Clark and the government this week expressed sorrow at the news of the death of Professor Alan MacDiarmid. Awarded the highest honour of our country in 2001, the Order of New Zealand, Professor McDiarmid made an outstanding contribution to chemistry and the New Zealand science community.
"Alan will be remembered for outstanding scientific achievements, for being a wonderful human being, for a tremendous generosity of spirit, for his pride in being a New Zealander, and for his contribution of service to our country throughout his life. Alan will be sorely missed," Helen Clark said.
$32 million to improve school facilities
Funding of $32 million will help 62 schools to enhance their learning environments and accommodate increased numbers of students. The Labour-led government is committed to ensuring all schools can create world-class environments for better teaching and learning, and has left it up to the schools to decide what building or upgrade works they use the funding for. In the past schools have used funding from the programme for extensions to buildings or new administration blocks, halls and gyms.
Unemployment down again
Figures released this week confirm that the Government's employment strategy is delivering jobs to New Zealanders. The Household Labour Force Survey for the quarter ending December 2006 shows unemployment now down to 3.7 per cent, the second lowest figure recorded since the survey began in 1986. In 2004 the unemployment rate fell below four per cent for the first time in 20 years and it has now stayed below four per cent for 10 consecutive quarters. Annual employment increased by 30,000 between December 2005 and December 2006, reflecting the government's aim of helping more people into real jobs, so that they win, their families win and New Zealand wins.
More chance for kids as benefit numbers drop
Latest benefit figures show 62,735 fewer children living in a household claiming a main benefit than in December 1999. The figures for the December quarter 2006 show 218,985 dependent children living in such households. The figures show 287,000 working-aged people are currently claiming a benefit, down 115,000 than in 1999. Over the year to December 2006, the numbers decreased by 15,000.
"These figures are further proof that the Labour-led Government is on the right track," said Social Development and Employment Minister David Benson-Pope. "We have helped create an economic environment in which real jobs are proving a real incentive for people to move off the benefit."
New Courthouse latest step in major building programme
The opening of the new Greymouth Courthouse marks the latest step in the largest court building programme in recent history. Since 1999 six new courthouses have been completed and four more are currently under construction. We have also completed 27 major courthouse refurbishments, with nine more planned or underway. Courts Minister Rick Barker officially opened the new Greymouth Courthouse today, saying it would meet the region's needs now and in the future.
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