Articles tagged with Assessment
New Zealand Climate Change Minister Unveils Carbon Removals Framework and Legislative Enhancements
6 hours ago | 16 viewsClimate Change Minister Simon Watts introduced a new Assessment Framework for Carbon Removals in New Zealand, aiming to recognize and reward non-forestry carbon removals and support landholders and businesses. The framework aligns with the Government's commitment to climate action that stimulates the economy and promotes emissions reductions, fulfilling an election promise to explore biodiversity credits for initiatives like creating wetlands. Changes to the Climate Change Response Act will streamline processes, improve the NZ ETS, expand opportunities for carbon removal recognition, and reduce compliance costs for stakeholders, with an amendment bill planned for next year.
Tags: Climate Change Minister Simon Watts Assessment Framework Carbon Removals New Zealand Emissions Reduction Plan Biodiversity credits Forestry Climate Change Response Act NZ ETSEnvironmental Protection Authority Chief Executive Dr. Allan Freeth Acknowledged for Decade of Service; Successor Search Begins
16 hours ago | 25 viewsEnvironment Minister Penny Simmonds expressed gratitude for Dr Allan Freeth's ten years of service as Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), highlighting his leadership in implementing new risk assessment models and enhancing scientific expertise to improve decision-making efficiency. Dr Freeth played a key role in the establishment of the Fast-track process, aligning with the government's objective to facilitate prompt and well-informed decisions supporting New Zealand's development. The EPA Board will now initiate the selection process for a new Chief Executive to continue the organization's mission of providing timely, transparent, and reliable assessments for the benefit of the country and its environment.
Tags: Environment Minister Penny Simmonds Dr Allan Freeth Chief Executive Environmental Protection Authority EPA risk assessment models scientific expertise New Zealand EPA BoardNew Zealand and Nordic Countries Strengthen Cooperation for Mutual Benefit
4 days ago | 56 viewsNew Zealand and the Nordic countries are strengthening their cooperation based on shared strategic assessments, values, and development goals, as stated by Foreign Minister Winston Peters. During his visit to the Nordic region, Peters emphasized the commonality in worldviews, values, and the desire for economic cooperation between New Zealand and the Nordic countries. The visit included bilateral meetings with all five Nordic countries, discussions on supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, and exploring opportunities for economic development collaboration, highlighting the potential for mutual benefit.
Tags: New Zealand Nordic countries cooperation strategic assessments values national development aspirations Winston Peters Ukraine Russia economic developmentWaitaki District Council to Receive Crown Facilitator for Water Service Plan Amendment
2 weeks ago | 137 viewsA Crown facilitator will assist Waitaki District Council in amending and resubmitting its water service delivery plan under the Local Water Done Well legislation, as requested by the Secretary for Local Government. The focus is on including an assessment of the condition, lifespan, and value of the district's water networks to ensure fair and transparent costs for infrastructure upgrades. The Council must conduct an asset condition assessment and update its plan by June 30, 2026, with the appointment of a Crown facilitator expected by mid-November to provide expertise and tools for this process.
Tags: Waitaki District Council Local Water Done Well Simon Watts Crown facilitator water service delivery plan financial sustainability asset condition assessment infrastructure upgrades ratepayers delivery modelsNew Curriculum Updates and Resources to Boost Student Achievement: Insights from Education Minister Erica Stanford
2 weeks ago | 128 viewsThe Government, led by Education Minister Erica Stanford, is implementing new curriculum updates, resources, and assessments to improve student achievement. The updated learning areas for English and Mathematics will be available from October 20, with other subjects phased in by 2028 to allow schools more time for planning. Additional support for teachers, including professional learning, resources, and assessment tools like SMART and PATs, will be provided to ensure student progress and parental awareness of their children's performance.
Tags: Government student achievement curriculum updates resources assessments Education Minister Erica Stanford learning areas teachers implementationFuture of NCEA: Public Consultation Concludes with Over 8,200 Submissions
1 month ago | 188 viewsPublic consultation has concluded on a proposal to replace NCEA, with over 8,200 submissions received, showing significant engagement. Education Minister Erica Stanford appreciates the feedback from various stakeholders and plans to carefully consider the responses to strengthen foundational skills and improve teaching coherence. The aim is to create a credible, consistent qualification that prepares students nationwide for success beyond school.
Tags: Education Minister Erica Stanford NCEA consultation feedback qualification students sector assessment changes outcomesGovernment Expresses Disappointment as PPTA Walks Out of Bargaining Talks: Call for Constructive Dialogue and Realistic Settlement
2 months ago | 493 viewsThe Government expresses disappointment over the secondary school teachers' union (PPTA) walking out of classrooms after only six days of bargaining, deeming their actions disproportionate despite a fair offer being made. Ministers Collins and Stanford highlight the disruption caused to student learning and families due to the strike, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue for a realistic settlement that supports teachers, students, and the public education system. The current offer includes a 3% increase over three years, reflecting fiscal constraints and past salary increases, with a call for the PPTA to return to the bargaining table for productive negotiations.
Tags: Government secondary school teachers’ union PPTA Judith Collins Erica Stanford bargaining disruption student learning assessments examsNew Outpatient Hysteroscopy Service at North Shore Hospital Enhances Women's Diagnostic Pathway
3 months ago | 1002 viewsA new outpatient hysteroscopy service at North Shore Hospital combines specialist assessments and diagnostic procedures in a single visit, reducing delays and stress for women. This streamlined approach allows women to have both assessment and procedure in one appointment, leading to fewer hospital visits and quicker diagnoses, especially for those with suspected cancer. The initiative aims to improve the quality and timeliness of care for women undergoing gynaecological investigations and supports faster cancer treatment targets by expediting diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Tags: Simeon Brown Health Minister outpatient hysteroscopy service North Shore Hospital women diagnosis specialist assessment diagnostic procedure cancer treatment