Monday, 16 August 2010
Top Stories
Up to 310,000 New Zealand families will be eligible to share their income for tax purposes through legislation tabled in Parliament today by Revenue Minister Peter Dunne under the Confidence and Supply Agreement with the National-led Government.
"This bill will give couples with children the option of having a parent work fewer or more flexible hours, be at home raising their children, and able to increase their combined after-tax income," Mr Dunne said.
Health
With the increase in influenza H1N1 currently circulating the Ministry will now be providing public updates twice weekly.
There have been 389 hospitalisations of lab-confirmed pandemic influenza H1N1 this year to date in New Zealand, including 10 people currently in intensive care. There have been a total of 59 admissions to intensive care so far this year. These figures do not include influenza-like illness among people admitted to hospital without a positive H1N1 lab test result.
Education
The New Zealand Defence Force is partnering with industry to provide a safety-net to apprentices by encouraging them to join their Reserve Forces.
Education Minister Anne Tolley has confirmed that nine Trades Academies will open around the country in 2011, providing trades and technology programmes for over 800 secondary school students.
"This Government continues to deliver on its promise to give young New Zealanders the opportunity to reach their potential," says Mrs Tolley.
"Trades Academies are a vital part of the Youth Guarantee and provide an innovative approach to keeping 16 and 17 year olds engaged in education, as they develop their vocational skills and talents through trades and technology programmes."
Raising Awareness
Manukau Alcohol Action Group media release, 15 August 2010
Around 1000 people braved today's weather to attend a public march/rally calling for alcohol law reform in Manukau City - with hundreds marching from three locations across the city.
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