Minister: Nathan Guy

New funding to support more war veterans

Admin — Thu, 31 May 2012 01:29:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Veterans’ Affairs

More New Zealand veterans will be acknowledged for their service in operations overseas as part of a new initiative in Budget 2012, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Nathan Guy says. “The Budget provides new operating funding of $4.8 million over the next four years to extend war pension coverage to those who served in 10 additional military deployments. “This means that veterans will be eligible for a War Disablement Pension for any disability that occurred as a result of service in these overseas missions. ...

Research shows benefits of overseas worker scheme

Beehive — Wed, 30 May 2012 02:18:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

New research on the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme shows it continues to have major benefits for workers, employers and the countries involved, says Immigration Minister Nathan Guy. “The RSE policy was designed to help with seasonal labour shortages in the horticulture and viticulture industries, and this new research by the Department of Labour shows the scheme is working well. “Research on earnings and return rates found that the majority of new workers will return to work another season in New Zealand, many for the same employer. ...

Speech to the National Refugee Resettlement Forum

Beehive01 — Tue, 29 May 2012 23:26:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

Good morning everyone and thank you for inviting me along today. This forum is a great opportunity to connect with representatives from the refugee community, and the key people involved in helping refugees settle in New Zealand. International reputation New Zealand has a good record in receiving refugees and our nation’s contribution is well recognised internationally. ...

Changes to immigration family policies confirmed

Beehive01 — Thu, 10 May 2012 03:51:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

New immigration family policies will help New Zealand attract and retain skilled migrants, and ensure that their family members can settle well and are self-sufficient, says Immigration Minister Nathan Guy. "We are making changes to give priority to migrants who can make a real contribution to New Zealand. Overall we expect these changes will eventually save the taxpayer around $40 million a year. ...

MoU to boost international student numbers

Beehive — Tue, 08 May 2012 04:43:00 +0000

Steven Joyce | Immigration

A Memorandum of Understanding signed by Immigration New Zealand and Education New Zealand will improve visa processing times for international students wanting to study in New Zealand. International students who use a New Zealand Specialist Agent (NZSA) will have their visa applications processed within 10 working days. There will also be a dedicated point of contact within Immigration New Zealand branches for NZSA members – education agents recognised as New Zealand education specialists. ...

Agreement signed to combat human trafficking in the Pacific

Admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:11:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

The New Zealand and the United States governments have signed an agreement to do all they can to stop human trafficking in the Pacific. The agreement was signed in Wellington by the Minister of Immigration, Nathan Guy, and the visiting Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. Under the agreement the two countries have stated their intention to continue working together to detect, disrupt, dismantle and deter criminal enterprises which seek to profit from the exploitation of others in the Pacific region. ...

Joint exercise to prepare for possible mass arrival

Admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

A major exercise to test New Zealand’s preparations for a mass arrival of asylum seekers by boat is starting tomorrow, the Immigration Minister Nathan Guy has announced. “The aim is to make sure New Zealand is fully prepared to respond to a mass arrival by sea of potentially illegal immigrants. We know that New Zealand has been a target in the past for people smugglers, and we need to be prepared for future attempts. ...

New measures to deter people smugglers announced

Beehive — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:51:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

Measures are being introduced to deter a mass arrival of potentially illegal migrants into New Zealand, Immigration Minister Nathan Guy has announced today. “An amendment to the Immigration Act introduced into Parliament today contains strong measures to deter people smuggling, making New Zealand a less desirable target,” says Mr Guy. “The amendments will enable a mass arrival to be detained under a group warrant, rather than under individual warrants as currently happens with asylum seekers. ...

Speech to the New Zealand National Service at Chunuk Bair, Gallipoli

Beehive01 — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:44:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Veterans’ Affairs

E nga mana, e nga reo ...

Speech to the Anzac Dawn Service, Gallipoli

Beehive01 — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:25:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Veterans’ Affairs

E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga karanga maha e huihui nei Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa. Ladies and gentlemen and distinguished guests, it is an honour to address an ANZAC Dawn Service on behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand, and particularly so here on the hallowed ground of the Gallipoli Peninsula. ...

New Zealand commemorates Anzac losses in Turkey

Beehive — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:28:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Veterans’ Affairs

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Nathan Guy will represent New Zealand at the 97th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey tomorrow. “This is a time to remember those thousands of New Zealanders who stepped ashore on Gallipoli 97 years ago and who never returned. “8556 New Zealanders landed at Anzac Cove. Nearly a third - 2721 – were killed, with thousands more injured.” Mr Guy says between 5000 and 7000 people, including many young New Zealanders, are expected to attend the commemorations. ...

Turkish national honoured for Anzac contribution

Beehive — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:40:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Veterans’ Affairs

Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Nathan Guy has invested Turkish citizen Mr Ali Partal as an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, in recognition of his work supporting Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli. “This is the first time a Turkish national has ever received a Royal New Zealand Award and is well deserved.” The award was presented at a ceremony in Canakkale, Turkey this morning (New Zealand time). ...

Speech to the Turkish International Service at Mehmetcik Memorial, Cape Helles

Beehive01 — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:16:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Veterans’ Affairs

Good morning distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It’s an honour and privilege to address you today. I was here two days ago visiting this place of great significance, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and getting to know Governor Tuna. The conflict which took place here nearly a century ago was a defining moment for New Zealand – a small, young nation, half a world away. ...

Consultation underway on ETS changes

Admin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:04:00 +0000

David Carter | Climate Change Issues

The Government today released a consultation document setting out proposed changes to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme. “The ETS is the most cost effective and efficient way we can reduce our emissions and do our fair share on the global issue of climate change,” say Climate Change Minister Tim Groser and Primary Industries Ministers David Carter and Nathan Guy. ...

New airline penalties to improve border security

Beehive — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:37:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

The Government is stepping up border protection with a new penalty and enforcement regime for airlines which breach their obligations under the Immigration Act, Immigration Minister Nathan Guy announced today. “With more than 4.5 million people flying into New Zealand every year, it’s important that we protect our borders and encourage compliance with the law,” says Mr Guy. “This new regime will have penalties ranging from $500 to $5000, depending on the breach of the Immigration Act. ...

Red tape cut for international students

Admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:57:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

Minister of Immigration Nathan Guy has announced changes to health screening rules which will reduce red tape for international students and other migrants, while protecting the public health system. “From July this year, international students will no longer need to supply full medicals. Unless they have other health conditions, they will only need to be screened for tuberculosis. “This will greatly reduce the cost and hassle for around 62,800 students who will save around $17 million a year in medical costs. ...

Speech to the 2012 Dairy Women's Network Annual Conference

Beehive01 — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 03:10:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

Good morning - I’ve been asked to talk to you about my role and where I see the dairy industry heading in the future. As the Associate Minister I’ll be working closely with my colleague David Carter, and in particular on forestry issues which will be a challenge I’m looking forward to. I’m also the Minister of Immigration, Racing, and Veterans Affairs. Immigration has some important connections with the Dairy industry, which I’ll say a few words about later. ...

New migrant dairy guides launched

Admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

Immigration and Associate Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has launched two new guides today to help migrant dairy workers and their employers work together more successfully. “Migrant workers make up a small but significant part of the dairy industry workforce, filling the gaps where there are not enough New Zealanders available. ...

Speech to the 2012 Forestwood Conference

Beehive01 — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:55:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Good morning and welcome to the 2012 ForestWood Conference. It’s great to be here. Congratulations on holding your second national pan-industry conference. I’m pleased to see the Pan-Industry Strategic Action Plan in today’s programme. It is great to see that growers, processors and manufacturers have got together to develop a collective industry view of the future. ...

War Disablement Pension and Veteran’s Pension rates increase

Admin — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:16:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Veterans’ Affairs

The War Disablement Pension and Veteran’s Pension payment rates will increase from 1 April as part of the annual cost of living adjustment, the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Nathan Guy has confirmed today. “A 1.77 percent increase will be made to the payment rates of War Disablement Pension and Veteran’s Pension, which reflects increases to the Consumers Price Index (CPI),” says Mr Guy. “This adjustment is made every year to ensure that veterans are not disadvantaged by the rising cost of living.” ...

New Immigration blueprint welcomed

Beehive — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:18:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

Immigration Minister Nathan Guy has welcomed the release of Immigration New Zealand’s “Vision for 2015”, a blueprint setting out how the department will continue to improve its operations over the next three years. “Immigration New Zealand has put a lot of hard work into winning back the confidence and trust of the public and the Government. This plan is an important step towards building on these achievements,” says Mr Guy. ...

Launch of Immigration New Zealand's 'Vision for 2015'

Beehive01 — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:10:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

Good morning. It’s great to be here today as the new Minister of Immigration for the launch of your Vision for 2015. I thought this would be a good opportunity to meet senior managers at Immigration New Zealand and share with you some of my thoughts about the Government’s priorities for immigration over the next three years. Turnaround of INZ over last three years ...

Government steps up border management work

Admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:01:00 +0000

David Carter | Customs

The Government’s three border agencies are stepping up work to make trade and travel more efficient through better co-ordination of border services. Primary Industries Minister David Carter, Customs Minister Maurice Williamson and Immigration Minister Nathan Guy today announced “Future Directions for the Border Sector”, a work programme to look at how the three agencies can operate together more effectively. ...

New Zealanders commemorate the anniversary of the fall of Singapore

Admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:02:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Veterans’ Affairs

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Nathan Guy has commemorated the 70th anniversary of the fall of Singapore at a wreath laying ceremony in Wellington today. “The fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 was a major event in World War II. During the conflict 35 New Zealand airmen lost their lives, and hundreds of our servicemen and civilians became prisoners of the Japanese. ...

Racing Safety Fund open for applications

Beehive — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:04:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Racing

The Minister for Racing Nathan Guy has announced that applications for the next round of the Racing Safety Development Fund are now open. “This Fund supports projects that improve facilities and upgrade the safety standards at racecourses,” says Mr Guy. “All racing clubs and the racing code bodies are invited to submit applications for funding, with $508,826 available in this second round from a total figure of $1 million for 2011/12. ...

Speech to Bali Process Immigration Workshop

Beehive01 — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:24:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Immigration

Ladies and Gentlemen - welcome to Auckland, the City of Sails. I hope you have a chance to explore the city and perhaps see a bit more of New Zealand after this workshop. I would like to acknowledge our guests from overseas today, particularly the Indonesian Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Antonius Agus Sriyono. Welcome to you all. For those who haven’t been here before, New Zealand has a lot to offer. For a small country we have a huge variety of landscapes, scenery and attractions. ...