Internal Affairs policy supports stronger communities
Building a safe, prosperous and respected nation will continue to be the focus of National’s Internal Affairs policy, says spokesman Nathan Guy.
“The Department of Internal Affairs has become a trusted and versatile home for a range of important functions. This includes passports; censorship; births, deaths and marriages; gambling regulation; oversight of the New Zealand Fire Service; and providing leadership on government IT issues.
“The merging of the Department of Internal Affairs, the National Library and Archives New Zealand has run smoothly, and will save the taxpayer around $2 million a year,” says Mr Guy.
“National has already committed $52 million for a major redevelopment of the National Library building in Wellington, and $12.6 million for a Government Digital Archive to preserve important public records.
“National will continue to focus on providing better frontline public services for New Zealanders, such as the igovt scheme, which provides easy online access and identity verification for Government services online.
“We will continue to maximise the returns to the community from the proceeds of gambling, while minimising the harm caused.
“Over the past three years the funds raised by Lotto, Daily Keno and other gaming sources have greatly benefited communities. In particular, a special Lotto draw raised $8.2 million for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, and Lotteries funding contributed $9.5 million to support the REAL New Zealand Festival held during the Rugby World Cup.
“We will continue to encourage the voluntary amalgamation of rural fire districts, to ensure better use of resources and more effective services.
“National will continue to build frontline services that are world class, cost-effective, and customer-focused,” says Mr Guy.
Visit the policy at:
http://national.org.nz/PDF_General/Internal_Affairs_Policy.pdf