PM's statement to Parliament
Prime Minister Helen Clark this week set out the government's priorities for 2006 in her statement to Parliament on the first sitting day of the year. Helen Clark said the government's focus is on building a more affluent and dynamic country, through an economic transformation and where all families, young and old, enjoy more opportunity and security, and can share in the progress the country makes, and to build pride in the unique national identity of New Zealanders. She said New Zealand needs more globally competitive firms, higher productivity, business investment, skills levels and more innovation in the economy. There is a need to remove infrastructure constraints to support Auckland's continued growth, while still allowing our regions to thrive, Helen Clark said. This year the government will work closely with business, workers' representatives, educators, scientists, regions and communities to further lift our levels of ambition and economic performance. Top priorities include the major review of the structure of business taxation, with a view to encouraging business growth and productivity, as well as taking a fresh look at regulatory frameworks. Helen Clark also highlighted the need to urgently address problems around internet access and the need for more competitive prices, through relevant policy, legislative and regulatory settings. The government will continue to build on the success of social policy initiatives already introduced, including new legislation this year to set up the KiwiSaver savings scheme for retirement and first home ownership.

Migrants do well in NZ - survey
Immigration is working to benefit both migrants and New Zealand according to a new survey welcomed by Immigration Minister David Cunliffe this week. The Department of Labour survey found 93 per cent of the skilled migrants interviewed were happy in their first months as residents in New Zealand, and 79 per cent either very satisfied or satisfied in their new jobs. That survey immediately followed a survey showing that employers were overwhelmingly satisfied with the migrants they had hired. These factors suggested skilled migrant policy was working well, Mr Cunliffe said. It also highlighted the importance of targeting migrants likely to fit into New Zealand easily and having good settlement support once they arrived. The government launched its $62 million Settlement Strategy in 2004, which includes initiatives to give migrants earlier access to information about support available from government and social services in their area.

Funding review for medical and dental study
Funding arrangements for medical and dentistry students will be reviewed to ensure New Zealand continues to produce the highest quality graduates, Tertiary Education Minister Michael Cullen said this week. More than 1700 students are enrolled in medicine and dentistry. Dr Cullen said the government was delivering on an election promise to review the funding arrangements as a priority. He said more skilled health care professionals were needed in New Zealand, and we are fortunate that University of Otago and University of Auckland provide the highest quality teaching and learning environment for future doctors and dentists. The government's strong commitment to investing in human capital, and other policies such as the interest free student loans, supported the government's drive to transform the economy. The review - conducted by Tertiary Education Commission and Education Ministry officials - will be reported back to the Minister later this year to ensure changes are in place for the next academic year.

Aviation industry growth strategy supported
A $100,000 grant to help the Aviation Industry Association (AIA) develop an export-led growth strategy for the sector, was announced by Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard this week. The Labour-led government is committed to working with business and industry groups to drive up levels of export-led economic growth, he said. The aviation industry is currently facing several challenges, including strong competition in products and services from Asia and Europe. The AIA is now considering how it should approach export development activity, particularly regarding the export of training, engineering and other services. The Association covers 300 firms in aviation related activities, including airport management, air rescue, agriculture aviation, air transport, engineering and maintenance, support services, manufacturing and flight training. Mr Mallard said the sector has very real export potential in aviation engineering, airport technologies, infrastructure and ground support, and aviation training and services. The aviation export-led growth strategy will be developed and delivered in two stages over the next six to eight months.

Tokelau votes to stay with NZ
Prime Minister Helen Clark said that New Zealand would respect the wishes of the Tokelauan people who this week voted on whether to opt for independence from New Zealand. The referendum failed to produce a two-thirds majority needed for the change. Helen Clark said considerable progress towards greater political self-reliance had been made in recent years as Tokelau strengthened its political and public service institutions and structures. Although Tokelau's political leadership had sought a more equal relationship with New Zealand, the people of Tokelau resisted that change.