New Zealand Government 2005-2008

Next week’s meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) is a critical opportunity for the organisation to move forward towards operating as an effective international body, Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick says.

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INVERCARGILL — Courts Minister Rick Barker was in Invercargill today to signal the beginning of construction on the Invercargill courthouse redevelopment and announce that initial work on the new sallyport is underway.

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More than 400,000 workers in casual and seasonal employment stand to gain improved accident compensation cover if they are injured under a Bill expected to have its second reading tonight, says ACC Minister Maryan Street.

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Whether it’s replanting native shrubs, or supporting a new mum, the work of thousands of volunteers throughout New Zealand is a vital part of our social fabric, Conservation, Women Affairs and Associate Health Minister Steve Chadwick said today.

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Revenue Minister Peter Dunne today announced the appointment of Wellington barrister David McLay as the new chairman of the Rewrite Advisory Panel, the body that oversees the rewrite of income tax law into plain language.

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The traditional incandescent light bulb is on its way out, as part of a strategy for more energy efficient lighting announced today by Energy Minister David Parker and Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation Jeanette Fitzsimons.

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Leadership does not always involve being in the spotlight, and He Wahine Pkmanawa is a wonderful opportunity to honour some of our less well-known Maori women leaders, Womens Affairs Minister Steve Chadwick said yesterday.

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The Minister of Health, David Cunliffe today said that an external review of the West Coast District health Board’s booking systems calls for some short term actions at the DHB and a greater collaboration between the West Coast and other South Island DHBs.

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ROTORUA — The Minister of Health, Mr David Cunliffe has agreed to a joint venture between the Lakes District Health Board and Diagnostic Rotorua Limited to deliver laboratory services in the Rotorua area .

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Associate Justice Minister Rick Barker has today announced the appointment of Dr Duncan Webb as the Legal Complaints Review Officer and Hanneke Bouchier as the Deputy Legal Complaints Review Officer under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006.

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Wilding pines, gorse and broom, rabbits, goats and possums are among the pests to be targeted across the country as a result of the recent funding boost for Regional Pest Management Strategies (RPMS).

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The interest rate courts can award for the recovery of debts or damages will be increased to bring it into line with current market borrowing rates, Courts Minister Rick Barker said today.

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Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven today announced that the Government will consider amending the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 to ban the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving a vehicle.

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LOWER HUTT — Residents of the Hutt Valley will benefit from an $81.9 million redevelopment of Hutt Valley District Health Boards theatre and Accident and Emergency Departments.

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AUCKLAND — The Minister of Health David Cunliffe today praised the Auckland District Health Board as one of health’s real success stories.

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A tax policy issues paper released today for public consultation looks at options for strengthening the GST neutrality of business-to-business transactions and reducing the risks that GST can present to both businesses and the government.

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The government has been working with the electricity industry for some weeks now on a range of options to manage the impact of the drought and low hydro lakes on the electricity system.

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Courts Minister Rick Barker has welcomed the National Party's decision to support the Criminal Procedure Bill and is now looking forward to the Bill moving through the final stages as quickly as possible.

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Hundreds of thousands of injured New Zealanders annually would be getting less protection if the ACC scheme is privatised, says ACC Minister Maryan Street.

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National has once again proved it’s slippery on climate change, and will tell audiences whatever they think they want to hear, David Parker said today.

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WELLINGTON — Minister of Health David Cunliffe today confirmed there is no proposal for Hutt Valley DHB to use theatre space at Capital and Coast DHB.

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MARLBOROUGH — A new sustainable community-developed accommodation complex is an asset for the Marlborough Sounds and will be enjoyed by locals and visitors, Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick said today. 

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Tree planting is a simple and effective way for people throughout the country to get involved and contribute to solutions on World Environment Day, Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick said today.

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Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe today announced the release of a discussion paper on the operation of the Managed Spectrum Park (MSP) in the 2.5 GHz radio spectrum band. 

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Climate change is real, and we now know more about how it will affect New Zealand, Climate Change Minister David Parker says.

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Nutritek Overseas Pte Limited has received consent to increase its shareholding in New Zealand Dairies Limited, Finance Minister Michael Cullen and Land Information Minister David Parker said today.

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Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe today announced the provisional results of Radio Frequency Auction 10.

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Nearly $2 million in funding over the next four years will provide Archives New Zealand with the capability to establish a comprehensive recordkeeping audit programme across the public sector, the Minister responsible for Archives New Zealand Judith Tizard said today.

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Prime Minister Helen Clark and the Minister Responsible for the National Library, Judith Tizard, announced today a major investment in the redevelopment of the National Library of New Zealand.

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Sport and Recreation Minister Clayton Cosgrove congratulated New Zealander Scott Dixon today for his win at one of the world’s most prestigious motor sporting events, the Indianapolis 500 race in the United States.

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Prime Minister Helen Clark and Veterans' Affairs Minister Rick Barker said today that the Crown apology to Viet Nam veterans and their families will be made in Parliament next week.

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Budget 2008 continues this government's drive to enhance and support the social wellbeing, economic prosperity, and diverse cultures of Pacific people in New Zealand, Health Minister David Cunliffe and Pacific Island Affairs Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban announced today.

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Associate Justice Minister Lianne Dalziel today welcomed a report which shows the Prostitution Reform Act (PRA) 2003 has had a positive effect on the health and safety of sex workers and has not led to a predicted increase in their numbers.

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Budget 2008 includes significant investment in affordable housing reflecting a wide-ranging plan of action to ensure New Zealanders’ housing needs and expectations can be met in the future, says Housing Minister Maryan Street.

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New Zealand is disappointed that Iceland is considering a return whaling Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick said today.

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CHRISTCHURCH — Climate change, regulatory reforms and improving the ease of doing business are key agenda items for the Small Business Ministerial Council meeting in Christchurch tomorrow, says the Small Business Minister Clayton Cosgrove.

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With Tribute 08 fewer than two weeks away, Veterans' Affairs Minister, Rick Barker has welcomed the news that 5046 Viet Nam veterans and their family members have now registered with Veterans' Affairs New Zealand.

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Sexual violence victims will benefit from the results of research being undertaken in a two-year project led by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Minister of Women’s Affairs Steve Chadwick said today.

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The Minister of Health David Cunliffe today reaffirmed that a proper and rigorous process is underway in consideration of the xenotransplantation application by Living Cells Technology (LCT).

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Don’t be shocked by your next power bill, see if you can switch and save.

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AUCKLAND — Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick today announced a new approach to marine protection for Great Barrier Island.

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Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe today announced that Telecom and Vodafone have accepted offers for the renewal of cellular spectrum.

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A major Budget 2008 funding injection will see the state house insulation programme dramatically accelerated, improving tenant health and delivering energy cost savings, says Housing Minister Maryan Street.

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Energy Minister David Parker has congratulated Gull Petroleum for proving biofuels can be sustainable and affordable.

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The government will introduce legislation to ensure that state-funded tertiary education institutions, state and integrated schools, and non-resident charities do not have to register with the Charities Commission to retain their tax-exempt status, Finance Minister Michael Cullen, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne and Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Ruth Dyson announced today.

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The Minister of Health David Cunliffe has asked the Director General of Health to report to him urgently on claims about patient safety at Grey Base Hospital on the West Coast.

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Legislation that seeks to ensure a fair economic deal for artists and provide enhanced protection of their intellectual property, has today been introduced to Parliament.

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Associate Health Minister Steve Chadwick today congratulated the Aotearoa New Zealand Peace Foundation on their recent Global Peacebuilders’ Award.

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BLUFF — The Labour-led government has already moved to address concerns over the Emissions Trading Scheme legislation raised by Rio Tinto today at select committee, Climate Change Minister David Parker said.

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MARLBOROUGH — Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick today announced a new Marlborough Sounds island native wildlife sanctuary.

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Nine out of 10 women are happy with the maternity care they received, according to the report on the Maternity Services Consumer Satisfaction Survey 2007 launched today by Associate Health Minister Steve Chadwick.

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TARANAKI — The establishment of the new Tapuae Marine Reserve off the Taranaki coast near New Plymouth was announced today by Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick.

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The Government has allocated an additional $46.5 million over four years to support injured New Zealanders, ACC Minister Maryan Street announced today.

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TASMAN — Associate Tertiary Education Minister Maryan Street says a visit to a local Industry Training initiative in Nelson today has highlighted the government’s success in promoting job training.

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The government is not proposing to cut the speed limit in a bid to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Associate Transport Minister Judith Tizard said today.

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A proposed change to the emissions trading scheme framework would offer extended support to businesses under the provisions of the emissions trading scheme, as we transition to a low-carbon economy, Climate Change Minister David Parker said.

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WAIHI — A consent to construct a rock seawall at Waihi Beach has been granted by Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick.

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SOUTHLAND — Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick today congratulated Southland’s local communities for their commitment to maintaining the internationally recognised Awarua wetland.

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AUCKLAND — TheNew Zealand College of Midwives' resource centre will provide education and a sense of community for midwives, pregnant women and new mothers, Associate Health Minister Steve Chadwick said today.

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New Zealand Music Month 2008 was launched today by Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard.

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Internal Affairs Minister, Rick Barker today declared the new Lottery Community Sector Research Fund open for applications.

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CANTERBURY — Hakatere Conservation Park will grow by 17,000 hectares with the addition of land from the Mt Potts and Redcliffe high country pastoral leases, Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick announced today.

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Changes to the information notice that motor vehicle traders must provide to consumers, when selling used cars, were announced today by Consumer Affairs Minister Judith Tizard.

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Testing will begin tomorrow to ensure all vehicles entering New Zealand meet tough new exhaust emissions standards, Associate Transport Minister Judith Tizard said today.

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A summary of economic modelling shows emissions trading is an effective approach to reducing New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions in the long term, Climate Change Minister David Parker says.

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WAIKATO — Some 850 images of Waikato -Tainui land confiscation records dating back from the 1830s to the early 1900s have been digitised in a project to help make archives more accessible, the Minister responsible for Archives New Zealand Judith Tizard said today.

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Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Judith Tizard has announced the appointment of Errol Clark to the board of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

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Courts Minister, Rick Barker has welcomed the invitation from National Courts spokesperson, Kate Wilkinson to outline the steps the government is taking to address the issue of Court waiting times and stays of proceeding.

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Veterans Affairs Minister, Rick Barker departs for Washington D.C today to attend the 2008 Veterans' Affairs International Ministerial Summit where he will deliver a paper on post deployment care for veterans in New Zealand.

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Associate Energy Minister Harry Duynhoven is alerting people who have bought two specific types of PDL POWERGUARD branded Residual Current Devices (RCDs) to note a voluntary recall which has taken place over recent weeks.

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The recent smashing of an international passport counterfeiting ring by Thai authorities in Bangkok is a timely reminder of the value of the New Zealand passport and the need for passport holders to look after their most valuable document, Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker said.

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An independent report finds the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme will produce important benefits for air, water and land, as well as for the climate.

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The Minister of Health, David Cunliffe says the largest-ever survey of New Zealanders' health shows more people now have better access to primary health care.

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A Bill to modernise apartment-ownership and body corporate laws – The Unit Titles Bill – will be introduced to Parliament shortly by Building and Construction Minister Shane Jones.

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The Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Department of Building and Housing are working on a plan to cut red tape for backcountry hut building consents, Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick said today.

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State Services Minister David Parker today announced the appointment of Iain Rennie to the position of State Services Commissioner.

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SOUTHLAND — A 19th century conservationist will soon have his dream realised when work starts on the removal of all stoats from Resolution Island in Fiordland National Park, Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick said today.

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Home owners are set to save money through strengthened energy efficiency rules for new hot water systems, says Shane Jones.

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A government discussion document released today seeks peoples views on the idea of allowing families with children to split their income for tax purposes, to reduce the amount of income tax they pay.

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TAUPO — Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick today opened a new mountain bike track near Taupo which will run from Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch.

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Building and Construction Minister Shane Jones announced new guidelines for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home owner-builders aimed at eliminating rogues in the building sector yesterday.

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World Intellectual Property Day is an initiative of the World Intellectual Property Organization and is celebrated annually on April 26.

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Associate Justice Minister, Rick Barker, has today announced the appointment of two new members of the Land Valuation Tribunals in Wanganui and Taranaki – Ken Pawson and Max Dick.

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The Health Minister, David Cunliffe has commended the way District Health Board staff have responded during the two day Junior Doctors’ strike.

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WHANGANUI — The Minister of Health, David Cunliffe said today he had appointed two Crown Monitors, a deputy chair and a new member to the Whanganui District Health Board.

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Better coordination between existing mens health initiatives was the objective of a meeting called in Wellington last night by Associate Health Minister Damien OConnor.

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Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe says that John Key is trying to pull the wool over the publics eyes with his latest release on Nationals broadband plan.

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National’s plan for broadband rollout lacks detail and credibility and smacks of opportunism says Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe.

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The process for the free one off medical checks for Viet Nam veterans is now in the final trial stages and Veterans Affairs New Zealand will start sending information about how to access the checks to registered veterans in the next few weeks.

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Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe and Broadcasting Minister Trevor Mallard have today announced the release of more than seventy FM radio licences for commercial and non-commercial use.

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Twenty finalists have been chosen out of nearly 130 entrants in the New Zealand Health Innovation Awards.

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Designing an emissions trading scheme which effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions while being fair to industry is an important matter which requires careful consideration, Climate Change Minister David Parker says.

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The latest annual greenhouse gas inventory report shows New Zealand’s emissions rose less than one per cent between 2005 and 2006.

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Energy Minister David Parker today released the Government’s revised and updated Government Policy Statement (‘GPS’) on Gas Governance.

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HAWKE'S BAY — Health Minister David Cunliffe today welcomed the decision by the Auditor- General not to investigate the affairs of the former Hawkes Bay District Health Board any further. 

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QUEENSTOWN — An increase in the number of flights from Sydney to Queenstown in this year’s ski season will help the government meet its goal of having 1 million Australian visitors to New Zealand over a 12 month period, Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor said today.

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New Zealand and Australia will continue to work together to lead the global debate on the conservation of whales.

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Minister of Health, Mr David Cunliffe said he was disappointed at the lack of progress in today’s talks on the Junior Doctor’s pay claims.

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WELLINGTON — State of the art projection equipment will be used tonight to illuminate the full front facade of Parliament with a programme of tumbling poppies, floating petals and Peter Jackson's restoration of the historic film Heroes of Gallipoli.

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Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick today travels to Australia to participate in ministerial council meetings and discuss ways that New Zealand and Australian governments will face environmental challenges. 

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