New action plan to boost Mâori achievement

A new draft Mâori education strategy focuses on boosting the achievement of Mâori students by making the education system more effective for them.

‘Ka Hikitia – Managing for Success: The draft Mâori Education Strategy 2008-2012’ sets out priorities, actions, targets and outcomes for the next five years. It was released for public consultation this week by Education Minister Steve Maharey and Associate Education Minister Parekura Horomia.
 
The achievement of Mâori has improved since the first Mâori Education Strategy in 1999, and this represents a new stage of education by the Labour-led government based on the growing knowledge of what works for Mâori.

Parekura Horomia said "the plan makes it clear the whole education system must make improving the way Mâori students are taught a top priority."

There are eight key actions to help students reach their full potential, including boosting Mâori participation in early childhood education, improving access to Mâori language education and making sure more young Mâori stay at school.

The action plan also introduces provisional targets including:

• A 20 per cent reduction in the truancy rate of Mâori students in Years 1 and 2, and Years 9 and 10

• Increasing Mâori participation in early childhood education from 90 to 95 per cent by 2012

• Boosting literacy, numeracy and the number of Mâori achieving university entrance.

Pacific consumers and fringe lending

The experiences and behaviour of Pacific consumers when they are borrowing money from ‘fringe’ credit providers is the subject of a research report released today.
 
The qualitative research Pacific Consumers’ Behaviour and Experience in Credit Markets, with Particular Reference to the ‘Fringe Lending’ Market was undertaken by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs as part if its routine monitoring of consumer legislation.  Key people from community organisations based in South Auckland and Pacific consumers were interviewed for the research to provide a snapshot of the South Auckland fringe credit market as experienced by those interviewed.
 

"The research found that common reasons for borrowing included household expenses, cars and other large items, and for social and cultural obligations," says Consumer Affairs Minister Judith Tizard.  "This is an area where the potential for exploitative lender practices was noted in the research.
 
"While most loans are repaid, Pacific consumers’ need for easily accessed cash loans, and their inability to access cheaper credit options, leaves them exposed to high cost and, potentially oppressive credit contracts."

The issues identified by the research are complex, requiring a concerted response over time by government, business and the community.  The government has identified a range of work priorities in response to the issues raised in the report, including, improving enforcement of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act by the Commerce Commission, providing a means by which consumers can work their way out of debt through new insolvency provisions, and providing information and capability building to address consumers’ lack of access to information about rights and redress, such as the TrueCost pilot public awareness campaign.

Wireless broadband roll-out a step closer

Communications Minister David Cunliffe today announced the next step towards the roll-out of wireless broadband services in New Zealand.

Releasing the consultation document on a joint spectrum auction in the 2.3GHz and 2.5GHz bands,to take place in December 2007, Mr Cunliffe said: "Faster, cheaper broadband is a high priority for the Labour-led government and is one of the key policies within our Digital Strategy.
 
"This consultation process on the spectrum auction design is another important component of the Telecommunications stock-take announced in May 2006.  This spectrum is pivotal to the rapid roll-out of broadband wireless services. It will bring more choice and better access for those seeking to join the digital world, and will be of particular interest to rural New Zealanders.

"The decision to auction jointly radio spectrum in the two bands in December 2007 will ensure there is ample spectrum available to facilitate competitive roll-out of new services."

West Wind project gets welcome lift-off

State Owned Enterprises Minister Trevor Mallard welcomed the announcement this week by state-owned Meridian of the go-ahead for a major new wind farm in Wellington.
 
"Shareholding ministers were consulted in relation to the decision of the Meridian Board to proceed with West Wind from an economic viability perspective, and we were satisfied with the economic rationale for proceeding," Trevor Mallard said.
 
"A project such as this is very important in the context of the Labour-led government’s energy strategy and our desire to promote renewable generation, sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of the electricity generation sector. It is also another important step in the development of a world-class infrastructure for New Zealand that will provide the right conditions to help transform our economy into one that is innovative, high wage and high value.

"This wind farm is also expected to be a world first. Despite a reduction in the overall number of turbines from the planned 70 to 62, West Wind should be the most productive wind farm in the world due to the wind conditions at the site combined with the choice of turbines to best suit the unique conditions."