✨ Speech from the Throne
4706
NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 187
9 NOVEMBER 2005
Measures will be taken to strengthen the health sector workforce. Particular
attention will be paid to the aged care sector.
My government will continue to focus on the security and well being of older
New Zealanders.
In line with the agreement with New Zealand First, next year’s annual
adjustment to the rate of New Zealand Superannuation will lift the married
couple rate to 66 per cent of the net, average, ordinary time weekly wage.
Work will also be undertaken to investigate ways to improve options for senior
citizens who may be eligible for foreign pensions as well as New Zealand
Superannuation. Ways to give better recognition to veterans of active overseas
service will also be investigated.
The other element of the agreement with New Zealand First on senior citizens
commits my government to developing a Senior’s Card to identify the holders’
eligibility to a range of entitlements.
Many superannuitants will be eligible for the extended rates rebate scheme to
be introduced from 1 July next year. The mandatory over 80 driving licence
test, a cause of so much stress to older people, will also be abolished.
Honourable members,
Providing security for all New Zealanders, young and old, also requires a
continued focus on reducing crime. Progress has been made on reducing the
rate of crime and increasing police crime resolution rates.
Now, pursuant to the agreement with New Zealand First, my government is
committed to providing funding over the next three Budgets for an additional
1000 police staff.
Early intervention has the potential to achieve long term reductions in crime.
Subject to positive evaluation, my government will expand successful early
intervention programmes. It will support and further develop Youth Offending
Teams. Further resources will be put into residential rehabilitation, and new
initiatives to discourage youth involvement in criminal gangs will be developed.
The home detention system will be reviewed.
A range of legislation will be introduced into the House covering an
independent prison complaints authority, reforming pre-trial processes,
improving Family Court procedures, overhauling the coronial system, and
amending the Privacy Act.
Honourable Members,
I have outlined so far the government’s priorities across the economy,
education, healthcare, and social services.
Underpinning each of these priorities is an approach founded on a distinctly
New Zealand way of working. This approach aims to be inclusive, forward
looking, and focused on lifting the aspirations and developing the abilities of
all New Zealanders. This is critical to our nation’s success.
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Online Sources for this page:
VUW Te Waharoa —
NZ Gazette 2005, No 187
Gazette.govt.nz —
NZ Gazette 2005, No 187
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Speech from the Throne at the State Opening of Parliament
(continued from previous page)
🏛️ Governance & Central Administration8 November 2005
Governor-General, Parliament, State Opening, Health Sector Workforce, Aged Care, Older New Zealanders, New Zealand Superannuation, Foreign Pensions, Veterans, Senior's Card, Rates Rebate Scheme, Driving Licence Test, Crime Reduction, Police Staff, Early Intervention, Youth Offending Teams, Residential Rehabilitation, Criminal Gangs, Home Detention, Independent Prison Complaints Authority, Pre-trial Processes, Family Court Procedures, Coronial System, Privacy Act