Govt widens rebate scheme for low earners
Prime Minister Helen Clark announced this week that the government would extend the rates rebate scheme so more than 300,000 low income people could get up to $500 deducted from their annual rates bill. Helen Clark made the announcement at a Grey Power conference in Rotorua. Provision for the change to the rebates scheme will be made in the 19 May budget. Since 1977, the rates rebate scheme had been eroded from covering more than 100,000 households to just over 3500 last year. From 1 July next year the maximum rates rebate available under the scheme will rise from $200 to $500. The Government has budgeted $50 million a year for the changes, which apply to all low income people, not just older people.

Driving tests for over-80s to be axed
In another announcement at the Grey Power conference, Helen Clark said mandatory age-based driving tests for people aged over 80 would be scrapped. Helen Clark said the current regime was costly on older people, stressful, and unfair. A review of the testing regime had concluded that there should be no mandatory age-based on-road test; a retention of the current GP's ``medical fitness to drive'' certificate at age 75, 80 and two-yearly thereafter; the possibility of an optional on-road test in certain circumstances; medical practitioners to make greater use of a range of conditional/restricted licence options; and increased provision of educational materials. The final report and recommendations of the Stakeholder Consultative Group that has been examining the issue are due in June. Final announcements will follow that report, including a timeframe for making the changes.

Big funding boost for special education
Associate Education Minister David Benson-Pope announced this week that the May budget would provide for funding for three key areas of special education to be increased by $30.7 million over the next four years. The announcement coincided with the government's release of 16 regional reports and a national report, containing the feedback of students, parents and education sector organisations who attended 395 public meetings held around New Zealand in 2004. The new funding will be channeled into three areas identified, particularly by parents and teachers, as a concern. They are Supplementary Learning Support ($16.9 million) to help more students with high levels of need; a $9.8 million increase in funding for teacher aides; $4 million to develop effective assessment for students with special education needs.

Independent assessment of proposed grid upgrade
Energy Minister Trevor Mallard has formally written to the Electricity Commission setting out the government's expectations for an independent and wide consultative process when considering Transpower's proposed new grid upgrade from Waikato to South Auckland. Trevor Mallard says the assessment should look at non-transmission options, such as additional generation and improved energy efficiency, as well as alternative transmission options, including smaller, lower voltage lines. The government also expects the commission to ensure all affected parties, including local communities, have a full and fair opportunity to participate in the decision-making process. The assessment will include environmental effects. It is expected the commission will be able to make its decision by mid-2006.

Govt initiative to crack down on truants
Associate Education Minister David Benson-Pope has announced that $4.8 million will be used from this year's budget to develop a system for keeping better tabs on school pupils. The crackdown on truants will include an electronic tracking system and the likely roll-out of text message alerts to parents of absent pupils. From next year, schools will fill out an electronic form over the Internet when a student starts at or leaves a school. If a student is out of the school system for more than 20 days, an alert would be triggered to the Education Ministry and other agencies. Every intermediate and secondary school in the country will access the new electronic student enrolment system by the end of term one 2006.

Govt support for Waikato aviation venture
Industry and Regional Development Minister Jim Anderton announced this week that the government will provide up to $2 million to support the setting up of an aviation park at Hamilton International Airport. Participants will manufacture light aircraft and train pilots for the global market. Aviation Waikato, owned by Waikato's lead economic development agency, The Katolyst Group, will receive the money from NZ Trade and Enterprise's regional partnership programme for a Major Regional lnitiative (MRI). Jim Anderton says the boost to Waikato's aviation capability is expected to increase exports and help secure future training, research and investment in New Zealand's burgeoning aviation industry.