Strategic Directions October 2009 Newsletter

General

New Zealand Energy Outlook 2009 released
The Ministry of Economic Development has released the first stage of the 2009 edition of the New Zealand Energy Outlook.

The New Zealand Energy Outlook presents long-term forecasts of energy supply, demand, prices and energy sector greenhouse gas emissions. These forecasts are principally aimed at informing New Zealand’s energy policy debate.

This edition of the Energy Outlook marks a new approach of releasing annual topic-specific articles rather than a three-yearly release of a single report.

In this first stage release, the Ministry has published a Reference Scenario, which is essentially the measuring stick against which the impact of new policies and technologies can be measured, and three further articles which examine the sensitivities of this forecast to oil prices, emissions pricing and economic growth (GDP).

“The Reference Scenario reflects what might happen if trends in key economic drivers, policy settings, technology and fuel choices don’t change,” said Simon Lawrence, Manager of the Energy Information and Modelling Group.

“Extending the analysis contained in the Reference Scenario, the sensitivity analysis explores the effect of four alternative economic growth outlooks, variations in future oil price, and the effect of four levels of international greenhouse gas emissions prices on New Zealand’s energy sector.

“We’re also keen to hear people’s ideas on other energy scenarios we could consider in the next round of modelling work.”

The Energy Outlook Reference Scenario and sensitivity articles are available free-of-charge at www.med.govt.nz/energyoutlook. Information on the modelling approach and key assumptions made are discussed at the end of each article.

Feedback and enquiries on the Energy Outlook should be sent to energyinfo@med.govt.nz.

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Government to ‘Give it 100%’ for Rugby World Cup 2011
The Government has launched its leverage and legacy plans for the 2011 Rugby World Cup by urging New Zealanders to ‘Give it 100%’.

Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully made the call at a Parliamentary function on September 9th, attended by Prime Minister John Key, and International Rugby Board officials Bernard Lapasset and Mike Miller.

“RWC 2011 is an unprecedented opportunity for New Zealand. It will be the biggest event ever held here, and we plan to make the most of it,” Mr McCully said.

“The Cup will inject over $500 million into the economy. It will attract over 60,000 international visitors and a global television audience of over four billion. New Zealand will be in the international spotlight like never before, and we will be ready.”

The government’s 2011 strategy includes the establishment of the New Zealand 2011 office (MED) which will be responsible for co-ordinating a national festival, and developing and implementing both a business leveraging programme and a host and volunteer programme.

“We have also put in place a steering group of prominent New Zealanders – called the 2011 Group – to provide advice and help drive this work,” Mr McCully said.

“RWC 2011 is an unprecedented opportunity to raise our international profile, boost our economy and make lasting gains in trade and tourism. Our New Zealand 2011 programme is designed to ensure we make the most of that opportunity.”

For more information, visit the new website – www.nz2011.govt.nz

Full speed ahead for ultra-fast broadband
Cabinet has signed off on a range of initiatives that will accelerate New Zealand’s broadband infrastructure into the 21st Century.

The government is committing up to $1.5 billion, which is expected to be at least matched by private sector investment, to deliver ultra-fast broadband to 75 percent of New Zealanders within ten years.

“Delivering fibre to the home is an essential part of the infrastructure for a strongly growing 21st century economy. It will play a key role in improving the productivity of our country as we move out of recession and into a period of growth,” said Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce in Parliament last month.

The Government also proposes getting fast broadband to the remaining 25 percent of New Zealanders living outside the footprint of the urban ultra-fast broadband initiative with a $300 million investment in fibre optics to rural schools over the next six years.

"Providing fibre to the vast majority of rural schools will effectively deliver the capacity to provide faster broadband to the communities they serve. Fibre backhaul is currently the primary limiting factor in the delivery of rural broadband and getting fibre to schools will address that,” said Mr Joyce.

The government’s tender process for the urban initiative will be announced this month. Tenders for the rural broadband initiative will be sought in November. Information on both will be made available at www.med.govt.nz/ultra-fast-broadband and www.med.govt.nz/rural-broadband respectively.

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