The big news from the Beehive in the past day has been the announcement of the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan to put the country on track to meet its first emissions budget, securing our environment and economy.
More of that in our next post. For now, suffice to say Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared:
“This is a landmark day in our transition to a low emissions future
“We’ve all seen the recent reports on sea level rise and its impact right here in New Zealand. We cannot leave the issue of climate change until it’s too late to fix.”
Conservation Minister Keritapu Allan got into the spirit of things – striking a blow against climate change and for the environment – by planting a kauri at Government House.
This was part of a tree-planting programme in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Trees That Count is working with the Department of Conservation to support the planting of 100,000 native trees at 15 outstanding native restoration projects across New Zealand.
When it comes to the avoidance of leaving things until it’s too late to fix, we note that Health Minister Andrew Little announced the upcoming Budget will include a $100 million investment over four years for a specialist mental health and addiction package, including:
- $27m for community-based crisis services that will deliver a variety of intensive supports such as residential and home-based crisis respite, community crisis teams, co-response teams, and peer-led services in the community and as part of care teams.
- $18.7m to enhance existing specialist child and adolescent mental health and addiction services so that around 1,300 young people can be supported by more clinical, peer support and cultural support staff;
- $10m for workforce development to build the capability and capacity of the specialist services workforce.
In a separate statement, implying another bucket of spending, Little and Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti announced Budget 2022 will deliver on Labour’s manifesto commitment to expand Mana Ake with $90 million set aside to start services in Northland, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Lakes and West Coast regions, as well as continue existing services in Canterbury and Kaikōura.
Like the names of most government programmes nowadays, you may well wonder what Mana Ake is all about.
It is a school-based programme that gives children the skills and support to deal with issues that include grief, loss, parental separation, and bullying. It also provides advice, guidance and workshops for parents, whānau and teachers.
On the foreign affairs front, let’s not overlook the announcement of sanctions on Belarusian leaders and defence entities supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as part of the Government’s ongoing response to the war.
“Alongside the international community, we are continuing to put real pressure on those supporting Putin and his despicable actions in Ukraine,” Nanaia Mahuta said.
Latest from the Beehive
17 MAY 2022
Government delivers new ICU space at Christchurch Hospital
Health Minister Andrew Little opened a new intensive care space for up to 12 ICU-capable beds at Christchurch Hospital today, funded from the Government’s Rapid Hospital Improvement Programme.
Next steps for specialist mental health and addiction services
Budget 2022 will continue to deliver on Labour’s commitment to better services and support for mental wellbeing.
195,000 children set to benefit from more mental health support
Budget 2022 will continue to deliver on Labour’s commitment to better mental wellbeing services and support, with 195,000 primary and intermediate aged children set to benefit from the continuation and expansion of Mana Ake services.
16 MAY 2022
Belarusian leaders and defence entities targeted under latest round of sanctions
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has today announced sanctions on Belarusian leaders and defence entities supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as part of the Government’s ongoing response to the war.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Tree planting event at Government House
Just after World War 2, there were incentives to clear forest and bring land into agricultural production.Tr
Landmark climate plan secures path to net zero
The Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan will prepare New Zealand for the future by putting the country on track to meet its first emissions budget, securing our environment and economy.
Supercharging decarbonisation & transforming the energy system
The drive to decarbonise industry and further accelerate preparations for a sustainable, more resilient future will get a boost from the Climate Emergency Response Fund in Budget 2022 by supercharging efforts to encourage the switch to cleaner energy options and transform the energy system.
Climate investments provide path to economic security
The Government is investing in New Zealand’s economic security by ensuring climate change funding moves away from short-term piecemeal responses and towards smart, long-term investment.
Transport to drive down emissions
Kiwi families will be supported to make the transition to low-emission alternatives through the establishment of the Clean Car Upgrade, a scrap-and-replace trial, with funding from the Climate Emergency Response Fund.
Partnership to reduce agricultural emissions
The Government has committed $710 million over four years through the Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to accelerate efforts to lower agricultural emissions, expand the contribution of forestry to reduce carbon, and produce alternative ‘green’ fuels.
Point of Order 