Roading projects still on track
Government Ministers this week moved to confirm it would meet projected funding shortfalls for New Zealand's largest road building programme. Acting Finance Minister Trevor Mallard said the government would ensure vital roading projects announced last year, proceeded as planned. The government was unhappy with Transit New Zealand's draft state highway forecast, which proposed to defer several critical projects. Completing the essential roading projects was key to ensuring New Zealand's economic transformation, Mr Mallard said. Meanwhile Transport Minister David Parker highlighted that annual spending on new state highway projects had doubled from $248 million in 1999 to $605 million in 2006/07. Total spending on land transport over the next decade is projected to be $22 billion of which $12 billion will be spent on state highways. While the funding is projected to increase it is $685 million less over the next decade, than was previously forecast, due to lower revenue from fuel taxes and road user charges, rising construction costs and more money going into public transport. Mr Parker had also established an advisory group to consider moderating cost increases in the roading sectors by looking at construction costs, design standards and processes, tendering processes and the cost of materials and other inputs.

Getting the best public service
The government's reviews of expenditure across government departments and agencies are aimed at further enhancing and strengthening public services for New Zealanders. Associate Finance Minister Trevor Mallard said this week that the government was committed to ensuring that core government spending was well managed and achieving desired results. Trevor Mallard said the government wanted to seek out any inefficiencies and reprioritize and shift expenditure where necessary, to ensure government is getting the best out of the public sector. The government has identified specific areas for focus where there are opportunities to improve performance and value for money, he said. The Cabinet Committee on Government Expenditure and Administration will oversee the reviews, working with Vote Ministers. Trevor Mallard said the reviews were not aimed at cost-cutting, but intended to assist government to get more nimble at moving resources to where they have greatest impact within the agency.

Cullen and Costello meet
Australian Treasurer Peter Costello and New Zealand Finance Minister Michael Cullen this week announced significant progress on single economic market issues, after their annual bilateral meeting. They announced a number of measures accelerating moves to remove barriers between the two economies. They also signaled they would continue driving efforts to streamline the trans-Tasman business environment by agreeing to a comprehensive work programme for 2006. The Ministers signed a treaty on which effectively removes red tape and promotes measures to improve the financial stability of each country's banking systems. Already over the past year, Australia and New Zealand have made progress on issues relating to taxation, investment, rules of origin and competition and consumer policy.

Aid for Philippines mudslide
New Zealand will provide $200,000 to assist the international rescue and recovery effort following the massive mudslide that destroyed the town of Guinsaugon on Leyte Island in the Philippines, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced this week. New Zealand's contribution would be made through the International Red Cross, which appealed for $2 million from donors, to help mobilise people and supplies. Winston Peters said the affected area of the Philippines is very remote and difficult to access due to poor roads and limited transport and communication links. By working with the Red Cross, New Zealand would be able to help fund emergency health kits and medicine as well as mobilising volunteers assisting recovery efforts.

Raising P awareness
Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton welcomed the 'P' march on Parliament this week. He said raising awareness about the devastating affects the drug P, was necessary to curb demand for the drug. As Minister responsible for the government's drug policy, Jim Anderton has toured the country attending P, alcohol and drug forums. He said he had secured funding in each budget for more treatment, research and community programmes to raise awareness, as well as tougher legislation to increase police powers and penalties against drug pushers.

New Zealand contributes to World pandemic planning
New Zealand's work to plan for a possible flu pandemic will be used by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a model to guide the planning efforts of other nations - especially developing countries. Health Minister Pete Hodgson says the WHO will use the Ministry of Health's public awareness campaign material to help other governments develop similar campaigns. New Zealand is been far ahead of most countries in preparing for a possible pandemic. In March, a new multi-media push will include a mail drop and a TV and radio advertising campaign.