Ministers also consider that better use should be made of existing
houses. They are aware that many elderly people live in family homes
which are now too large for their needs and which they find difficult
to maintain. They would prefer smaller, more convenient accommodation,
but cannot obtain it close to the amenities which they need, and
at a price which they can afford.

On the other hand there are many families living in overcrowded
conditions in desperate need of good family accommodation at a
reasonable rental. Only Government action can resolve this problem.
Ministers intend to serve the needs of both the elderly and the young
family by making it possible for the elderly, at their discretion, to sell
their properties to the State which would make them available to families
on a rental or purchase basis. The elderly will be accommodated
in pensioner units of their choice, the construction of which will be
accelerated.

The burden of local authority rates falls heavily on pensioners and
other persons with relatively low incomes and the Government will
introduce legislation to authorise assistance for such people.

Honourable Members, the Government recognises that the further
improvement of the education system at all levels is necessary if New
Zealand is to become a society in which all have equal opportunity to
realise their full potential. A review is being made of tertiary education
to ensure that policies for the further development of education at
the higher levels are balanced, suited to the educational and vocational
needs of individuals, and related to the requirements of both the
regions and the whole of New Zealand. It considers that special attention
is needed at the pre-school level and Ministers will be enlisting the
help of voluntary organisations to ensure that there is full community
support for the measures that will be taken.

It is the Government's particular concern that the Maori and Pacific
Island people should benefit to the full from the facilities provided
for their advancement. It considers that the proposed development of
pre-school education will be particularly relevant to their needs.

In accordance with its policy to promote the physical and mental
health of all New Zealanders and to ensure that they have the opportunity
to occupy their leisure hours constructively, the Government
will introduce legislation to establish a Ministry of Recreation and
Sport to administer new policies of assistance to sporting and recreational
organisations. Special attention will be given to the provision of
facilities in new housing areas where there are many young people but
few recreational facilities.

The Government is giving careful consideration to ways in which the
community can be encouraged to participate more fully in the protection
and improvement of the neighbourhoods in which they live. It
has established a local committee to be known as the Guardians of
Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau. The guardians will be responsible
for reporting and making recommendations to the Government on
any matters arising from the environmental, ecological, and social
effects of the construction and operation of the Manapouri - Te Anau
hydroelectric power scheme.

The Government will submit for your consideration this Session a
Bill which will preserve Lake Wanaka in perpetuity for the benefit and
enjoyment of the public.