Minister Joyce talks about the approach the Budget is taking for his Science and Tertiary Education portfolios.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce today launched two new online products – including an iPad app for business – as part of the Government’s plan for delivering better public services.

The iPad app, available through the business.govt.nz portal, enables small businesses to access tools and tips for growth wherever and whenever they need it. The second product, business calendar B-Cal, provides businesses with technology features to highlight important business requirements.

“The new iPad app and B-Cal calendar are early examples of what we will produce as we build better online Government services for business,” Mr Joyce says.

“The iPad app is cutting-edge technology, allowing small businesses to access tools and advice at a time and place convenient to them. B-Cal is an interactive calendar providing reminders for key government dates for business, making it easier for them to work with government.

“Businesses are used to operating in a hi-tech environment where they can use a range of channels. As part of its commitment to better public service for business, the Government is developing a one-stop online shop where companies can access all government advice and support they need to run and grow their business.

“We will achieve this through closer integration across government, faster and better use of technology, and services designed with business needs in mind.

“Through our plan for delivering better public services, our Business Growth Agenda and establishing the new Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Government is making sure business is at the forefront of building a more competitive and productive economy.”

To access both products visit www.business.govt.nz

The Education and Tertiary Education Ministers have today released a draft programme to guide the renewal of the education network in greater Christchurch following the Canterbury earthquakes.

“Directions for Education Renewal in Greater Christchurch” is the result of several months of engagement with education leaders, teachers, young people, business leaders, stakeholders, and Ngāi Tahu.

It outlines a number of proposals which could change the way education is delivered in the greater Christchurch area.

Among the ideas being proposed is the establishment of education campuses which would see tertiary education, schools, early childhood education and social services on a single site, and the introduction of more flexible learning spaces that could be configured to suit different types of teaching and learning.

Education Minister Hekia Parata says central and local government have worked tirelessly with the education sector to minimise the disruption and restore services to the community since the first earthquake.

“It is clear, however, that given the extent of the damage and the population movement that the sector cannot be returned to how it was,’’ Ms Parata says.

“Therefore we have an opportunity to address the inequalities and ensure we have a locally relevant yet best practice education system that equips all learners with the knowledge and skills to be successful citizens in the 21st century.’’

Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, Steven Joyce says “Directions for Education Renewal in Greater Christchurch” places considerable emphasis on the relationship between education and the regional economy.

“Tertiary education has a key role to play in supporting recovery both economically and socially,” Mr Joyce says.

“It will be key to providing the skills and knowledge needed to help get greater Christchurch back on its feet and to grow and prosper.’’

The draft programme proposes supporting and strengthening tertiary education institutions’ (TEIs) to build on areas that are economically important such as engineering and agriculture, sharing of tertiary facilities and better collaboration between TEIs and businesses to improve the understanding of each other’s needs.

“It is an investment in the futures of our children and young people,” Mr Joyce says.

“Directions for Education Renewal in greater Christchurch” is available online at shapingeducation.minedu.govt.nz. Submissions open on May 11 and close on May 31 2012. An implementation plan will then be developed.

Related document:
Draft Education Renewal Recovery Plan (pdf 663.24 KB)

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.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce says the MoU is a good example of government agencies working more closely together to support the international education industry to grow.

“The international education industry is worth just over $2 billion to New Zealand’s economy. It is a bridge between New Zealand and the world. We want to double the economic and social benefits that international education brings over the next 15 years,” Mr Joyce says.

“Only by the Government working closely with the sector, and developing initiatives such as this that support growth, will we achieve that goal.”

Immigration Minister Nathan Guy says the MoU will see an enhanced role for Immigration New Zealand in the operation of the NZSA programme.

“Immigration New Zealand plays a key role in facilitating the entry of around 100,000 international students who come here each year,” Mr Guy says.

For more information, go to the Education New Zealand website: www.educationnz.govt.nz

The government is expected to save around $60 million over the next five years after signing all-of-government procurement contracts for mobile voice and data services, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says.

The new contracts are part of a public-sector wide Government Procurement Reform Programme aimed at making government buying as efficient as possible and reducing costs. It includes all public sector agencies, councils and up to 2500 schools.

“The contracts will mean we have achieved an estimated total saving of $350 million from the seven contracts that have been completed to date,” Mr Joyce says.

The mobile voice and data contracts have been awarded to Gen-I, Two Degrees and Vodafone. They include all voice minutes and data used on mobile phones held by government employees.

Mr Joyce said every dollar saved means extra support for improved public services, essential infrastructure and for growing the economy.

“We are continuing to show the substantial negotiating power of government when procuring for all-of-government services. Mobile voice and data services are a significant cost for government so these new contacts are a great result,” Mr Joyce says.

“We are also seeing some additional benefits. Government agencies are spending considerably less on items such as computers and the uptake is increasing as contracts expire. Agencies and suppliers are also saving on resource costs due to now having preferred suppliers.”

The Government Procurement Reform Programme, being managed by the Ministry of Economic Development in collaboration with the Department of Internal Affairs, is also developing contracts for banking services, energy management, advertising, travel management and recruitment.