Transforming The Economy 

New Zealand Transport Agency board announced

23.07.2008

This new agency will come in to being when Land Transport New Zealand and Transit New Zealand are disestablished on 1 August 2008.

Transport Minister Annette King has announced board members for the New Zealand Transport Agency, which will come in to being when Land Transport New Zealand and Transit New Zealand are disestablished on 1 August 2008. The board will be chaired by Brian Roche, who also chaired the establishment b... more +

Labour Restates Student Allowances Policy

18.07.2008

Tertiary Education Minister Pete Hodgson said today he wanted to restate that Labour's position on student allowances was to move progressively over a period of time towards a universal student allowance but not go directly to one.

He said earlier this year he asked officials to cost a universal student allowance as he knew students would ask for this in the lead up to the Budget.

"This is the situation, that Labour's oft stated policy remains one of moving progressively towards a universal student allowance rather t... more +

Australia, NZ progress bilateral economic interests

17.07.2008

The first formal meeting of New Zealand Finance Minister Michael Cullen and Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan in Wellington today acknowledged 25 years of Closer Economic Relations and discussed the shared goal of a Single Economic Market (SEM).

The SEM is a long-term strategic objective and a priority for both New Zealand and Australia. A range of related activities are already in progress, as well as a range of supporting technical work.

As well as reviewing a number of significant SEM achievements so far and discussing future d... more +

Developments on free trade negotiations

15.07.2008

Speech to Export New Zealand Grand Hall, Parliament

Can I welcome you to Parliament and thank Export New Zealand for organising this lunch.  I have been asked today to provide you with an update on the status of free trade negotiations.

Removing barriers to trade has never been more important than in the current world economic climate ... more +