of strengthening the powers of the central broadcasting organisation
and improving administrative and economic efficiency.

The Government will establish a National Trust which will co-ordinate
the separate land protection, recreation, and open-space responsibilities
of the National Parks Authority, the Department of Lands and Survey,
the Forest Service, the Historic Places Trust, and local and regional
authorities.

Because of the adverse social and economic impact of land aggregation
upon local communities, it is intended to review completely this year
the Land Settlement Promotion and Land Acquisition Act 1952.

Proposed amendments to the Public Works Act 1928 will give effect
to the Government's undertaking to improve compensation arrangements
for properties taken for public works.

The Government plans the early introduction of a major revision and
consolidation of the Town and Country Planning Act 1953. It intends
to give effect to many of the recommendations of the earlier Review
Committee (set up in 1972). The Government wishes to see regional
planning strengthened and related more directly to Government's
economic, social, and development policies.

New Zealand is in a most fortunate environmental position. Aware
that this situation will be retained only with sound environmental
management, the Government is determined that policies to safeguard
the environment should continue to be implemented despite the
economic pressures faced.

The Government believes that an essential ingredient of local government
is the ability of those affected to determine the manner in which
local affairs shall be managed. A Bill amending the Local Government
Act 1974 will be introduced to give effect to this view and other aspects
of Government policy on the organisation of local government.

A Bill will also be introduced to extend the provisions of the Rating
Act 1967 so that differential rating can be applied to rates other than
general rates.

There is a clear need to revise the legislation on New Zealand
citizenship and the control of aliens. A Bill will be introduced to this
effect.

International issues will be approached realistically and in accordance
with principles that reflect New Zealand values. Policy will be based
squarely on the United Nations Charter. The Government totally
rejects all doctrines of racial discrimination. Proliferation of nuclear
weapons and their testing will continue to be opposed.

Consultation with Australia will be close. Our friendship with the
United States will be maintained and strengthened, co-operation with
European and Asian countries further developed, and promising
relations with other areas actively pursued.

The Government will continue to adhere to a policy of collective
defence which provides for the protection of New Zealand's security
interests. It will maintain forces capable of operating with our allies
at a level appropriate to New Zealand's resources. During this Session
the Government will introduce legislation designed to improve the
conditions of service, and thereby the effectiveness of the armed forces
as a whole.

Honourable Members, I commend all these matters to your careful
consideration and I pray that divine guidance will attend your
decisions.