New Zealand School Trustees Association
Memorandum to Boards : 2010/6B
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School :
Chair : (via email cdavies@nzsta.org.nz)
(where no email is indicated then the memo is sent via principal/school)
Principal : (via email )
(please advise any changes to above addresses)
Date : 29 March 2010
Subject: End of Term 1 Catch-Up B
Purpose : End of term coming soon so it is timely to bring some matters to the board’s attention.
We are providing them as 2 memo’s. The 6A dealt with general matters and 6B deals with a number of reviews and proposed changes to legislation which have an impact on boards.
Reviews and Legislation changes: If you do make submissions direct we would welcome copies.
Special Education Review
Education Amendment Bill
Health and Safety in Employment Amendment Bill (No 2)
Employment Relations (Rest Breaks and Meal Breaks) Amendment Bill
Employment Relations (Workers’ Secret Ballot for Strikes) Amendment Bill
Employment Relations (Statutory Minimum Redundancy Entitlements) Amendment Bill
Transfer of Undertakings
Personal Grievances (ERA Review)
Revision of the Approved Code of Practice for Boilers
Privacy Act Review
Legislation : A few going through the house at present which impact on boards and we are keeping an eye on –
Education Amendment Bill 25-2 Hon Anne Tolley Committee stage this week. See previous memo’s for details, this is expected to pass over the next few weeks. Full information will be provided when this legislation is passed both from the Ministry of Education and NZSTA.
Health and Safety in Employment Amendment Bill (No 2) 241-1 Hon Kate Wilkinson First reading (Introduced 14 August 2008)
Employment Relations (Rest Breaks and Meal Breaks) Amendment Bill 91-1 Hon Kate Wilkinson First reading (Introduced 27 October 2009)
Employment Relations (Workers’ Secret Ballot for Strikes) Amendment Bill 121-1 Hon Tau Henare First reading (Introduced 23 February 2010)
Employment Relations (Statutory Minimum Redundancy Entitlements) Amendment Bill 65-1 Darien Fenton First reading (Introduced 5 August 2009)
Personal Grievances (ERA Review): The Department of Labour is seeking submissions to inform a review of the personal grievance system. The objectives of the review are to consider whether the personal grievance system:
- strikes a fair balance between employer flexibility and employee protection
- does not impose unnecessary costs or obligations for employers or employees
- supports improvements in workplace productivity
- is efficient and effective, and
- has met its objectives (as set out in the Employment Relations Act 2000).
In addition:
- where improvements are required, the nature and extent of the issues involved, and
- the steps that might be taken to address these (including, potentially, whether any amendments to the legislation are necessary or desirable).
The discussion document, terms of reference for the review and review response form are provided to guide submissions which close on 31 March 2010.
Revision of the Approved Code of Practice for Boilers : Of significance to a substantial number of boards. There have been a number of recent fatalities and injuries due to Boilers. These along with recent and proposed changes to Standards have lead to the review of the existing code. It is intended that the reviewed Code would apply to those who manufacture and utilise Boilers with other key stakeholders including engineers and those who operate them. The Department is seeking comments on this draft document by 5pm on Friday 9th April 2010.
Privacy Act Review : The Law Commission is calling for submissions on the topics covered in the issues paper, including the following issues which impact on boards:
· Should the privacy principles be amended in any way?
· Should the Privacy Commissioner be given new powers to conduct audits of agencies to ensure that they are complying with the Act?
· Should the complaints and enforcement processes in the Act be modified?
· Should the Privacy Commissioner be given a new power to issue enforcement notices requiring agencies to take action to comply with the Act?
· Are new mechanisms needed to facilitate sharing of information between government agencies while ensuring the protection of privacy?
· Do technological developments necessitate changes to the Act?
· Are further measures needed to protect personal information when it is transferred out of New Zealand?
· Should it be mandatory to notify people when their personal information has been lost, stolen or otherwise compromised?
The issues paper is available on the Law Commission website http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/. Comments on the stage 4 issues paper can also be made online via the website http://www.talklaw.co.nz/ (link now disabled).
Submissions are due by 30 April 2010.