Jo Goodhew MP for Rangitata - Newsletter

In Focus #83

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:34:00 +1200

Youth Smoking Snapshot Survey Shows a Positive Result for Rangitata

In New Zealand, the average smoker starts at the age of 14.6. As a result, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) New Zealand has been conducting an annual survey on Year 10 smoking rates since 1999. This year's results show that in line with the national trend, Rangitata's smoking rates are continuing to decline.

In 1999, just under 20% of 14- and 15-year-olds in Rangitata were daily smokers, compared to the national figure of 15.6%. However, in 2009, the figure had dropped to less than 5%, while the figure for the rest of the country was reported at 5.9%.
Over recent years I have met with the South Canterbury Smokefree Ambassadors. It is quite likely that they can take some of the credit for this result, as they work actively to discourage young people from starting smoking.

While there is still work to be done, it is encouraging to see that smoking among both New Zealand and Rangitata youth are continuing to decline.

Alcohol Reform

This month, the National government demonstrated its commitment to addressing the issues of alcohol-related harm with the announcement of a comprehensive alcohol law reform package. The package aims to achieve three things:

• Less alcohol-related harm (including deaths and family violence)

• A reduction in New Zealand's binge drinking culture, especially amongst youth

• A reduction in the number of alcohol outlets and their trading hours
Alcohol is estimated to contribute to around 1,000 deaths a year in New Zealand. It is implicated in 30 per cent of all police recorded offences and in 50 per cent of all homicides. National is responding to the public's call for action and as a result, our law reform package adopts in full, or in part, 126 of the 153 recommendations made by the Law Commission.

Among the key features of the package are:

• Introducing a graduated approach to purchasing alcohol - 18 years for on-licences and 20 for off-licences
• Increasing penalties for licence breaches
• Requiring more parental and individual responsibility for supply to minors
• Setting maximum hours of 7am to 11pm for off-licences and 8am to 4pm for on-licences and club licences
• Improving public education and treatment services for people with dependency issues

The package is a careful balance of managing the harm caused by alcohol and of trusting responsible New Zealanders to make their own decisions about their alcohol consumption. We acknowledge that legislation alone will not turn around binge drinking culture but these reforms can and will support a culture change.

We hope to pass this legislation into law before the end of this parliamentary term. We will listen carefully to the public through the select committee process - information on the bill and on making a submission can be found at www.parliament.nz. If you would like further information on the alcohol reform package, please contact my electorate offices.

Foreshore and Seabed Legislation

Recently, an organisation called the Coastal Coalition launched a billboard campaign accusing the Government of giving control of the seabed and foreshore to Maori iwi. However, these claims are not true. Our bottom line has always been to guarantee free and public access to all New Zealanders.

The replacement law will allow for Maori to have access to justice through the Courts to seek customary title. The 2004 Act took this away. Where customary title is recognised, public access and public rights are still guaranteed.

Where customary title can be proved, it will sit alongside the "public space" rights of public access, fishing, navigation, and existing use rights. Customary title does not exclude these guaranteed public rights - it includes them.

The Government's proposal will introduce a non-ownership regime to the foreshore and seabed. This will allow the interests and rights of all New Zealanders in that public space to be recognised and protected. This will also ensure it can never be sold.

TrustPower District Community Awards

I recently had the pleasure of attending the TrustPower Timaru District Community Awards and I would like to congratulate the Rotary Clubs of South Canterbury, who were the supreme winners. Their project involves the distribution of a free illustrated dictionary to every Year Four pupil in the region. This is a fantastic initiative and I congratulate the Rotary Clubs of South Canterbury for their sterling work.

I also had the pleasure of attending the TrustPower Ashburton District Community Awards in May and I would like to congratulate McClimont's Green Development Committee (Mt Somers), who were the supreme winners. In 2004, a section of open land in Mount Somers was purchased by this committee thanks to generous donations from local residents. The initial purchase was to prevent the region‘s growth from impacting on the open nature of the land, and views of the surrounding mountains.

The community decided to landscape the area in a way that would increase understanding and awareness of the region‘s varied and often unique plants and landforms.

The TrustPower Community Awards were initially set up with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council in 1994 when TrustPower became a listed company.

Since then, TrustPower has established Community Awards in cities and districts right around the country, as a way of giving something back to its customers and their community.

The TrustPower Community Awards are run in 24 districts around the country, in conjunction with local district or city councils. Any voluntary group or volunteer-based not-for-profit organisation is eligible for the Awards, which recognise past achievements or work undertaken by volunteers over the previous 12 months.
Each year I try to attend these awards as it gives me a chance to hear about and meet many amazing volunteers.

Snippets
• Monday 30 August: Ashburton business professionals' group dinner at Hotel Ashburton

• Tuesday 31 August: Minister of Education Hon Anne Tolleys visiting Rangitata electorate

• Wednesday 1 September - Friday 3 September: New Zealand Business in Parliament Trust Attachment with New Zealand Post

• Friday 3 September: ECAN Commissioner's update

• Saturday 4 September: Attending Temuka Fire Brigade Gold Star & Honours Awards at St Joseph's Hall, Temuka

• Monday 6 September: Rangitata Electorate meeting at Hinds Church Hall

• Thursday 9 September: Aoraki Business Excellence Awards at Caroline Bay Hall

• Saturday 11 September: Bullrush Chocolates world record attempt in Ashburton

Regards,

Jo Goodhew MP
www.goodhew.co.nz

Please do not reply directly to this newsletter. If you wish to share your reactions with Jo Goodhew, please send her an email at jo.goodhew@national.org.nz If you wish to subscribe, please visit www.national.org.nz and follow the links. If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE or update your subscriptions, please follow this link to update your subscription details. If you are unsubscribing, please drop us a line at jo.goodhew@national.org.nz

In Focus # 82

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:43:00 +1200

Artwork for Women's Refuge

I recently had the pleasure of painting a small canvas to raise money for Women's Refuge South Canterbury. I was delighted to deliver a speech on the evening at the close of the exhibition and I thought I would include a couple of paragraphs from the speech:

"Creating the artwork that hangs amongst so many tonight took me out of my comfort zone. It is that concept, of being out of one's "comfort zone" that I wish to now focus on.

Continue reading "In Focus # 82"

In Focus #81

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:05:00 +1200

Click here - or on the image - to watch my latest video update.

Survey Responses

I have been delighted with the responses to the survey I sent out to constituents in late June. I am currently working my way through the survey responses and I want to assure you that those who have written letters and asked questions will receive responses as soon as possible.

Continue reading "In Focus #81"

Newsletter #80

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:28:00 +1200

Youth Parliament 2010

Georgia Robertson, an Ashburton College Yr 13 student, represented the Rangitata electorate at the recent Youth Parliament.

She was one of 122 young New Zealanders, aged 16 to 20 years, representing each sitting MP who took over Parliament for two days during the school holidays. Youth Parliament is held once each Parliamentary term.

Continue reading "Newsletter #80"

Newsletter #79

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:30:07 +1200

Rangitata Electorate Schools to get Broadband Boost

Twelve Rangitata electorate schools will share in a $37.5 million allocation for ICT upgrades announced on 30 June.

The twelve Mid and South Canterbury schools are among 239 schools around the country that are set to receive ICT upgrades as part of the second phase of the Government’s commitment to high speed broadband in schools. Funding for this phase was announced in Budget 2010.

I am delighted that Rangitata schools are included in the allocation in this latest round of the $150 million boost for school network upgrades, part of the government’s $1.5 billion six-year Broadband Investment Initiative.

Mid Canterbury schools to receive funding are Ashburton College, Carew Peel Forest School, Dorie School, Hampstead School, Longbeach School and Tinwald School. Timaru District schools are Highfield School, Mountainview High School, Opihi College, St Joseph’s School (Pleasant Point), St Joseph’s School (Temuka) and Temuka Primary School.

Upgrading the schools’ networks will mean teachers and students in every classroom will have the capability to access ultra-fast broadband. Access to high-speed broadband is a vital part of ensuring students get a 21st century education in a 21st century economy.

We want to enable as many students as possible to take full advantage of the benefits provided by this technology. This roll out will contribute to the government’s goal of ensuring our schools provide the best possible education to their students.

Most children currently at school will spend much of their working lives online. It’s important that our schools have the capacity to prepare them for that.

Commonwealth Parliamentary Whips Network

I am privileged to be representing both the New Zealand Parliament and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Pacific Region at the first Commonwealth Parliamentary Whips Workshop, which is being held in New South Wales, Australia for four days from Tuesday, 13 July 2010.

Funded by the CPA and in association with the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia, the workshop will launch the Commonwealth Parliamentary Whips Network which aims to develop links between whips from throughout the Commonwealth in order to share information about their role and work. It will also provide a professional development opportunity for whips.

Topics for discussion at the workshop include managing the business of parliament, the functions of party whips, liaison with parliamentary staff and combining the whip’s role with electorate responsibilities.

Whips from Parliament’s throughout the Commonwealth will attend the meeting.

1 July Changes

The majority of New Zealanders will be better off over the next few years, even after including the one-off impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme and ACC motor vehicle levy changes that take effect on 1 July.

On 1 October, the average family will be about $25 a week better off from the income tax-GST switch announced in the Budget.

This is considerably more than the cost of the ETS to the average household, which is estimated to be $3.17 a week – half what Labour’s ETS would have cost.

Come 1 October, New Zealanders will have had three rounds of tax cuts in two years. These three tax cuts will make someone earning the average wage about $64 a week better off than they were in August 2008, and the average family just under $100 a week better off since that date.

Law & Order: Putting victims first

Having worked with Victim Support in the past I believe it is vital that victim’s needs are recognised. National is committed to placing victims at the heart of the justice system.

We are enhancing services to victims of violent crimes with a range of initiatives that address the financial and emotional costs that fall on them. Convicted offenders will now pay a $50 offender levy towards these services.

Late last year, we began rolling out initiatives funded by this levy. From 1 July 2010 further measures will come into effect including enhanced homicide support services, a court service for victims of sexual violence, and new information sources for victims and their families. Police will also be able to issue on-the-spot safety orders, giving immediate protection from dangerous situations for victims of domestic violence.

More information:http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/convicted+offenders+pay+50+levy+victims+thursday

Voluntary Bonding

South Canterbury DHB has benefitted greatly from its inclusion earlier this year in the Voluntary Bonding Scheme launched in 2009 by Health Minister Tony Ryall.

In October last year I wrote to the Minister of Health and asked him to consider adding SCDHB to the list of DHBs eligible for voluntary bonding. Earlier this year he announced his agreement to this. Now we see the concrete results of this.

Fifteen health graduates are likely to start work at the SCDHB this year as a result of the scheme which encourages graduate doctors, nurses and midwives to establish careers in communities and medical specialties that need them most by offering them student loan write offs, or cash incentives for those without student loans, if they work in these areas for three to five years.
South Canterbury DHB was added to the list of hard to staff regions in February.
Nationally, the voluntary bonding scheme has been over subscribed for the second year in a row with a total of around 1,400 graduates now accepted into the scheme.
This year 501 graduates - 64 doctors, 45 midwives and 392 nursing graduates - have joined the scheme which aims to keep our home grown health graduates living and working in New Zealand.

Lottery Grant Boost to Aquatic Centre

I am delighted the Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre project has been granted $750,000 from the Lottery Community Facilities Fund. The grant, announced last week, is a significant contribution towards the $23.5 million project and helps support the tremendous effort the community is putting in to make this project a reality.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) also contributed $100,000 to the project last week due to the Timaru District Council's decision to use a woodchip furnace heating system as a supplementary heating source for the project.

I was very happy to endorse the Timaru District Council's application to the Lottery Community Facility Fund. This project will be a great asset to the community.

Snippets

? Tuesday 6 July: In Wellington for the official Opening of the 2010 Youth Parliament.
? Thursday 8 July: Speaking at the South Canterbury Branch Institute of Professional Engineers.
? Tuesday 13-Friday 16 July: Attending the CPA Parliamentary Whips Network in New South Wales.
? Saturday 17-Sunday 18 July: National Party Conference in Auckland.

Newsletter #78

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:46:00 +1200

I recently had the pleasure of welcoming Health Minister, Hon Tony Ryall to the Rangitata electorate for a number of visits. We visited the South Canterbury Hospice, the new Primary care facility for the SCDHB on Woolcombe St, Wallingford Home to open the refurbishment and Ashburton Hospital. The Minister was very complimentary about each of these facilities and the health services they offer to the people of the district.

ETS Meeting with Hon Nick SmithI was absolutely delighted around 100 people took advantage of the opportunity to hear more about the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from Minister for Climate Change, Hon. Dr. Nick Smith at a public meeting I organised in Ashburton last night.
Minister Smith utilised a power point presentation to outline New Zealand's current position in regard to climate change and emissions and the reasoning behind the ETS, before fielding a good number, and variety, of questions from the floor.

Due to the great attendance at the meeting and obvious interest, another is being planned for the Rangitata and Waitaki electorates in Timaru on 20 July. Details of this meeting will be published in later newsletters.

If you require more information on the ETS, a set of three brochures is available from my electorate offices. Put together by the Ministry for the Environment, these cover information on New Zealand's obligations and the workings of the ETS for farmers and landowners, business owners and householders.

Job Ops a Proven Success

The National-led Government's Job Ops programme for young people aged 16 to 24 years has been a success in the Rangitata Electorate.

Examples of young people's experience with Youth Ops have proven the value of the programme which was launched in the middle of last year and extended in May of this year.

Young people are building work skills, finding confidence and very importantly, gaining a work history. Funding announced as part of Budget 2010 has doubled the number of placements in the scheme from 6000 to 12,000. Funding for the scheme now totals $26.7 million.

More than 4000 young people had already been engaged in the workforce through Youth Ops, learning new skills and increasing their chances of finding permanent employment.

I am very pleased young people in the Rangitata Electorate have been able to take advantage of this programme. Stories of the positive work experiences they are having are heartening.

The Youth Ops programme provides employers with a $5000 subsidy for a six month period when they employ young people unable to find work.

Employers are also finding the experience a positive one because the subsidy removes the financial risk in employing young and inexperienced people. Seventy-nine young people have been placed in jobs in South Canterbury as a result of this scheme. Ashburton Community Link has filled fourteen Job Ops positions and has a further 1 position available.

The Youth Ops scheme is part of the Government's commitment to supporting New Zealanders into work and training while the economy emerges from a recession.

Story 1

• When 17 year old Cassandra Hefford left school she had no qualifications or work experience but she wanted a job.
• With the help of Work and Income staff in Timaru and Job Ops, she's now employed doing something many young people would love to do - helping to plan fun activities for children!
• Cassandra was employed under Job Ops with Chipmunks in Timaru. As part of the job she's responsible for preparing and serving food and for customer service. The fun aspect of her new position is creating entertaining activities for children.
• Cassandra has been working for two months, but her employer plans to keep her on when the 26 week Job Ops period finishes.

Story 2

• A 17 year old young man who was in receipt of an Invalids Benefit was keen to work. His health condition is well managed and stable.
• He applied for a full-time job as a workshop assistant with an Ashburton employer but missed out on that position. The employer said that they may have some part-time work for him.
• The young man met with the Ashburton Work Broker to discuss employment options and following this the Work Broker approached the Ashburton employer where the young man had missed out on the workshop assistant position and talked about Job Ops.
• The employer was pleased to utilise the Job Ops funding and give the young man the paid work experience he wanted. He is now two weeks into the work, set up with some tools and his own work bench and is doing well.

Protecting public access to the Foreshore and Seabed

The National-led Government has agreed on a new approach to ownership of the foreshore and seabed. We are determined to resolve the foreshore and seabed issue for once and for all.
Our new approach is in the best interests of all New Zealanders. We are making sure the foreshore and seabed cannot be sold, protecting public access, and restoring iwi's ability to test their customary rights through the courts.
The 2004 Foreshore and Seabed Act will be repealed and replaced with new legislation which will:
• Remove Crown ownership of the public foreshore and seabed, and replace it with a non-ownership model.
• Ensure that the foreshore and seabed cannot be sold.
• Protect public access, and existing navigation and fishing rights.
• Restore the ability of iwi to test their customary rights to the foreshore and seabed through the courts.
• Exclude privately-owned land.
National wants to settle the foreshore and seabed issue, so it does not remain as a weeping sore that would have to be addressed by a future government.
More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/repeal+foreshore+and+seabed+act+announced

Survey

Part of my role as a Member of Parliament is to seek feedback from my constituents on important issues. This is why in the next week you will see appearing in your letterbox, a survey from me. There are questions pertaining to the recent budget, as well as important questions relating to the purchase age of alcohol. I urge you all to fill in the survey and return it to me, as the responses will assist my thinking when making important decisions in Wellington.

Snippets

Friday 21 June: Rangitata Lunch club with New Plymouth MP Jonathan Young. 12 midday, at the Community Lounge on Caroline Bay.
Monday 28 June: Speaking at the Youth Leadership week at Opihi College.
Friday 2 July: Visiting Ashburton Society of Arts Exhibition at the Ashburton Art Gallery.

Newsletter #77

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:09:00 +1200

Queen’s Birthday Honours 2010

I was absolutely delighted and very proud to find the names of nine Mid and South Cantabrians in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Gwen Clucas, Russell Anstiss, (both of Ashburton) and Les Howard (Timaru) were all honoured with Queen’s Service Medals for their services to the community. Sergeant Jim Sole (Ashburton) was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for services to the New Zealand Police.

Alan Hampton (Ashburton) and Tom Henderson (Pleasant Point) were made Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Mr Hampton’s award was for services to equestrian sport while Mr Henderson’s was for services to the community.

John Hargreaves (Timaru), a world authority on historic pipe organ restoration, was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services in his field of expertise.

Two former Timaruvians who are both members of the New Zealand Defence Forces were also honoured. Major Brendon Wood, of the Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps and Corporal Matthew Pearce of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, were both awarded the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration.

All of these people have made a mark on our communities and country in some way. I am very pleased to congratulate them on their honours and thank them for all they have done and are continuing to do.

ETS Meeting

I know many people are keen to understand more about the ETS which comes into force on 1 July. If you would like to learn more about this legislation and it’s effect on you, you are invited to attend a public meeting at the Hotel Ashburton on Monday, 21 July, at 7.30pm. Guest speaker will be Hon. Dr Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment and Climate Change.

Budget 2010: More funding for community law centres

National recognises the important role community law centres play in providing access to justice. Budget 2010 provides an additional $5.9 million in operating funding over the next two years in order to top up community law centre funding to the same level as last year.

Community law centres provide an extremely valuable service, ensuring all New Zealanders can access legal services, which are even more vital in tough economic times

National is committed to ensuring the long-term viability of community law centres.

More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more+budget+funding+community+law+centres

Community Law Canterbury runs outreach clinics in both Ashburton and Timaru. In Ashburton legal help is offered each Thursday at the Ashburton Resource Centre on the corner of Tancred and Cass Streets. Appointments can be made by phoning 3081237.
In Timaru legal help is offered each Friday at Community House, 27 Strathallan Street. Appointments can be made by phoning 0508 CANLAW.

Hot demand for home insulation scheme

More than 43,000 houses across New Zealand have been insulated under our scheme to make Kiwi homes warmer, healthier, and drier.

We have committed $347 million over four years to retrofit 188,500 homes with insulation and clean heating.

This is a good programme. More people than ever before are getting their homes insulated and that is good for them, and good for the country.

The 43,430 households insulated in the first 10 months of the programme have far exceeded the first year target of 27,500 homes.

In addition, about 2000 jobs will be created over the four-year lifetime of the scheme, providing a significant boost to regional economies across New Zealand.

From the outset, demand has been exceptionally high, especially from households on lower incomes.

In December, we added $24 million over four years to increase the number of low-income households that could benefit from the scheme by at least 8500. To date, 22,365 low-income households have taken part in the programme.

More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/hot+demand+government+insulation+scheme

Fundraising BBQ’s and Cake Stalls simplified

I welcome news that food safety rules for fundraising groups will soon be much more straight-forward.

The Food Bill was introduced to Parliament on 25 May and will overhaul the outdated Food Act 1981.

While it is important that the causes of food-borne illness are addressed through a workable regulatory system, recent times have seen regional inconsistencies in how the law has been applied.

I am delighted that the regulations for fundraising groups will be significantly simplified and won’t mean these groups have to jump through a series of hoops.

Activities like sausage sizzles and cake stalls will be covered by Food Handler Guidance material that will demonstrate simple hygiene practices.

This Bill is intended to assist food businesses to understand how to ensure the food they produce is safe and will allow greater confidence on the part of the consumers.

The Food Bill is intended to be enacted by 31 March 2011.

More information:
http://beehive.govt.nz/release/new+food+bill+introduced+parliament

10 year Smoke Alarms Adopted as National Standard

The New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS) have adopted the use of long-life photo-electric smoke alarms as their national standard.

I have been very pleased to assist South Canterbury Area Fire Manager Paul Henderson in his bid to have these alarms adopted as a national standard. This will be a real step forward in the protection of the most "at risk" members of the community.

Long-life alarms have several benefits. They offer a minimum of 10 years smoke detection; the batteries are sealed and cannot be removed. Elderly people will no longer have to scale ladders to replace batteries each year.

The Fire Service will now only recommend the long-life alarms and advise people that, as a minimum, they should install a long-life photo-electric alarm in the exit path closest to the bedrooms in their homes. Ideally the NZFS suggest an alarm in every bedroom, hallway and living area on every level of homes.

Post- Budget Breakfasts

Over the last few days I have hosted Post-Budget Breakfasts in both Methven and Rakaia. These functions provided an ideal forum to address constituents, in a more informal setting, about the content of Budget 2010 and what it means for New Zealand. It was also a great opportunity to answer many questions the constituents who attended posed in person. I will certainly consider repeating these functions next year.

Snippets:

? Thursday 10 June: Hon Tony Ryall, Minister of Health visit.
? Friday 11 June: Plunket Art Show, at the Aigantighe Art Gallery.
? Saturday 12 June: Attending the Timaru Yacht and Power Boat Club Prize giving, 6.30pm at North Mole.
? Monday 14 June: Foodbank thank you lunch, 12.00pm at Sopheze on the Bay.
? Friday 18 June: Health and Social Services Caucus Committee Visit to Dunedin.
? Monday 21 June: ETS public meeting with Hon. Dr Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Hotel Ashburton, 7.30pm.

Newsletter #76 - Budget Special

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 21 May 2010 11:29:00 +1200

It was very exciting to be in the House as Hon Bill English read the Budget 2010 speech. Initial reaction has been very positive. I look forward to discussing with the people of Rangitata the finer details of Budget 2010. The first two dates for Post-Budget Breakfast speeches are at the end of the newsletter. Further dates will follow if this proves popular.

Budget 2010 focuses squarely on getting the economy growing faster. It helps Kiwi families get ahead. And it sets New Zealand on a path to turn back debt and return to surplus.

It delivers the biggest reform of our tax system for nearly 25 years.

Across-the-board personal tax cuts and a package of tax changes will boost economic growth, make the tax rules fairer, and help hard-working Kiwis get ahead.

The tax reforms will leave someone on the average wage almost $15 a week better off. A family on the average household income with two children will be about $25 better off.

Budget 2010 builds on our economic recovery and tilts the economy so that faster growth comes in the right places.

For too long, New Zealand has relied on investment in property speculation, rising debt, and unsustainable increases in government spending. The Budget takes action to encourage investment in the productive parts of the economy such as exporting. It gives the vast bulk of Kiwis extra cash in their pockets so they have more choices.

It also continues this Government’s multi-billion dollar investment in infrastructure such as high-speed broadband, roads, rail, and schools. And it makes a substantial investment in research, science, and technology.

Despite the tight fiscal environment, we are helping families and the most vulnerable by investing hundreds of millions of dollars more in priority social services such as hospitals, schools, and safer communities.

We are tackling rising debt, and Kiwis will see a return to surplus in the government accounts three years sooner than forecast last year.

From 1 October this year, personal taxes will be cut. GST will increase a small amount to 15 per cent. Superannuation, Working for Families, and benefit rates will all increase to compensate for the GST rise. As National promised, most Kiwi households will be better off.

And next year, the company tax rate will fall to 28 per cent, ensuring New Zealand is competitive internationally.

We’re investing $321 million over four years in new initiatives in science, research, and technology – a key driver for a faster growing economy.

We’re putting an extra $2.1 billion into frontline healthcare over the next four years, and an extra $1.4 billion for better schools and early childhood education services.

Across government, we have identified $1.8 billion of low-priority spending to be freed up for priority areas such as healthcare, education, and keeping New Zealand communities safe.

We owe it to hard-working Kiwi families to provide them with the financial security, opportunities, and higher incomes that allow them to get ahead in this country.

Budget 2010 does those things and sets out a path to build on our economic recovery.

For more information on budget 2010 and what it means for you, please see www.national.org.nz/budget. To calculate your tax cut, please see www.taxcut.govt.nz.

Snippets:

• Saturday 22 and 23 May: National Party Mainland Conference in Oamaru.
• Friday 28 May: Rangitata Lunch Club, Napier MP and Senior Government Whip Chris Tremain visiting. 12pm at the Ashburton Seniors Centre.
• Friday 28 May: Gala Opening of the Methven Heritage Centre.
• Monday 31 May: Opening of the Waimataitai School main block upgrade.
• Friday 4 June: Post-Budget Breakfast Speech. 8.00am at SkiTime, Racecourse Avenue in Methven. For more information please call Alison in the Ashburton office on 308-7510.
• Tuesday 8 June: Post-Budget Breakfast Speech. 8.00am at Salmon Tales in Rakaia. For more information please call Alison in the Ashburton office on 308-7510.

Newsletter #75

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 13 May 2010 09:15:53 +1200

Justice: Reviewing the impact of alcohol in our lives

A number of people have contacted me wanting to discuss the changes that may be made in relation to alcohol in the wake of the recent release of the Law Commission’s report. Whatever changes eventuate from this report, the objective is to reduce the alcohol related harm that is evident in our communities.

The Law Commission’s report on alcohol, Alcohol in Our Lives: Curbing the Harm is the first ground-up review of our alcohol laws in 24 years and received almost 3000 submissions.

Reducing alcohol-related harm has been identified as a priority for addressing the drivers of crime. Police report that alcohol is a factor in nearly one third of all recorded crime.

It is extremely unlikely that the Government will move to raise excise tax as part of its alcohol reform agenda. However, legislative changes to alcohol laws are likely. The Government’s response is likely to be framed as regulatory in nature, with an emphasis on alcohol availability and licensing.

The Government is carefully considering the 153 recommendations in the report, and expects to outline its position on the report in the coming weeks.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government+welcomes+law+commission039s+alcohol+report

Health: Incentives to quit smoking

On Wednesday 28 April I gave a 10 minute speech in Parliament, outlining the reasons National supported Hon Tariana Turia’s Bill to raise the tax on tobacco. Currently over 4500 New Zealanders die prematurely each year from illness caused by smoking. The effect of that rate of death on families, friends and the social fabric of New Zealand is huge.

We are working to reduce smoking, discourage young people from starting to smoke, and improve the health of New Zealanders.

One of the six current health targets is to provide better help for smokers to quit. We fund the Quitline free telephone support service, subsidise nicotine replacement therapy, Aukati kai paipa face-to-face quit support services, and information campaigns to help people quit. Increasing the cost of cigarettes, subsidising treatment and support, and providing good information all contribute to reducing smoking.

More information on the changes: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/tobacco+excise+increase+immediately

To read a copy of my speech:
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Debates/Debates/Daily/9/6/2/49HansD_20100428-Volume-662-Week-40-Wednesday-28-April-2010.htm

A Budget for the economy and Kiwi families

There are many positive signs that New Zealand has come out of the global recession in better shape than most countries. The economy is growing but the road to recovery will be bumpy. I know that for many in the Rangitata electorate, the recession has been felt most keenly over the last 6-12 months.

As a nation, last year, we faced the worst economic downturn in decades. National took steps to support jobs and families, and to create an environment that gives businesses the confidence to keep staff on and create new jobs.

We also worked hard to get spending under control and put the government’s books in order. We turned around a 10-year forecast of ballooning public debt that threatened our international credit ratings. Even so, the government is borrowing $240 million every week for the next four years.

This year, our focus has shifted to lifting New Zealand’s economic performance.

Budget 2010 on 20 May will have four main goals:

• Lifting the long-term performance of the economy to deliver jobs, higher incomes, and better living standards for Kiwi families.

• Reforming the tax system to make it fairer, more sustainable, and more supportive of economic growth.

• Better delivery of public services to meet New Zealanders' expectations of modern public services, while recognising the ongoing pressures on taxpayers.

• Maintaining firm control of the government's finances so we can return to Budget surpluses and pull back our rising debt.

In last year’s Budget we identified $2 billion of lower-priority public spending to move to frontline services over the following four years.

This year we have found another $1.8 billion of lower-priority spending. Over the next four years we will move this to higher-priority services. That's a lot of money we are putting into important areas such as better healthcare, better education, and making our neighbourhoods safer.

We will keep weeding out lower-quality spending. We will also live within the $1.1 billion new spending allowance we set ourselves. From 2011, we will restrict increases in this allowance to 2 per cent a year.

This year’s Budget is about doing things better and smarter, after a decade where taxpayers’ dollars were spent too freely.

National is determined to lift New Zealand’s economic performance. That’s the only way we will be able to create real jobs, boost incomes, improve living standards, and provide the world-class public services that Kiwi families need.

Budget 2010: Fighting bowel cancer

Funding of $24 million is to be put towards a bowel cancer screening pilot, in an effort to combat what is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand.

In 2007 almost 3000 people were diagnosed with bowel cancer and 1252 people died from the disease.

A nationwide bowel cancer screening programme could ensure earlier treatment and reduce the death rate by more than a third, saving up to 270 lives each year. The four-year pilot is expected to start next year.

More information:
http://beehive.govt.nz/release/budget+2010+funding+bowel+cancer+screening+pilot

Government looks to recover student loan administration costs

The Government is looking to recover more of the $40 million it costs to administer the interest-free student loan scheme every year.

We’re considering extending the annual administration fee to all those with a student loan. Currently, only $10 million is recovered through the annual $50 charge, from students who are drawing a loan. That charge has not been changed since 1992.

Once borrowers leave tertiary education, they do not pay any part of the administration costs. It is only fair that borrowers who receive the benefit of interest-free loans cover more of the actual costs of loan administration, so more people can take part in tertiary education.

More information:
http://beehive.govt.nz/release/govt+investigating+recovery+student+loan+administration+costs

Rakaia and Dorie Visit

On Monday 3 May I had an interesting day visiting Dorie Primary and Pre-School and meeting business and community people in Rakaia. I was thrilled to get a sneak preview of Salmon World, which will shortly open. I believe that visitors are going to enjoy the Salmon world 3-D film experience and fish tanks when this attraction opens. I found that watching the salmon swim in the huge aquarium-like tank was fascinating.

Snippets:

• Wednesday 12 May: Launch of Canterbury Bride, 5.30pm at the Twelve Wine Lounge Ashburton.
• Wednesday 12 May: Accompany Minister of Health Hon Tony Ryall on visit to Canterbury DHB
• Wednesday 12 May: ECAN briefing with Dame Margaret Bazley.
• Thursday 13 May: Hon Anne Tolley opening Mt Somers/Springburn School renovations and Mt Hutt College Music Suite.
• Thursday 20 May: Budget Day.
• Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May: Mainland Regional Conference, Oamaru.

Newsletter #74

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:49:43 +1200

World Ploughing Championships

I’m delighted to be able to offer my congratulations to Methven ploughman Bruce Redmond on his winning of the World Ploughing (Conventional) Championship held near Methven recently.

His win was a tremendous and fitting finish to the event which was enjoyed by thousands of people, local, national and international.

Hon Bill English, our deputy Prime Minister, opened the World Championships on Friday 16 April and a fantastic spectacle followed over the weekend.

My colleagues the Hon Kate Wilkinson and Agriculture Minister the Hon David Carter joined me on Saturday in looking around the many displays and at the stubble ploughing section of the contest.

The combined World and New Zealand Ploughing Championships has been of immense benefit to the district and I am sure Mid Canterbury will reap the rewards of the attention it received over the course of the event for a long time to come.

I was also privileged to attend the rededication ceremony of the New Zealand ploughing trophies, the Mayoral Reception held for the competitors and also to be invited to present some of the New Zealand Ploughing Championship trophies at a dinner in Methven at the conclusion of the New Zealand championship events.

I would like to acknowledge all those who participated in the New Zealand and World Championship as either competitors or organisers. The event was a credit to all.

Anzac Day

This year I was again able to mark Anzac Day in different parts of the electorate by attending services and laying wreaths in Timaru, Pleasant Point and Ashburton. I was also invited to speak at the Pleasant Point and Ashburton commemorations.

Each year on Anzac Day we acknowledge all New Zealanders who have served, and are serving in our defence forces, around the world. They are helping to build a better world today, for our citizens and vulnerable people of other nations.

Today there are more than 600 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on 14 peacekeeping operations, UN missions, and defence exercises across 10 countries. This includes places such as Afghanistan, Timor Leste, the Solomon Islands, the Middle East, South Korea and Sudan. We hold them and their families in our thoughts, and look forward to their safe return home.

Their service – and the sacrifice of the Anzacs – reminds us that we should never take our democratic freedoms for granted.

$2.5m in Lottery Funding for Rangitata Projects

This week I was delighted to welcome into the Rangitata electorate $2.5 million in funding from the Lottery Significant Projects Fund.

The Methven District Heritage Centre has been granted $1.9 million for the
New Zealand Alpine and Agriculture Encounter project, part of the Methven District Heritage Centre project, while $594,852 was granted to the Ngai Tahu Maori Rock Art Centre in Timaru.

I am thrilled to be able to congratulate both the Methven Heritage Association and the Ng?i Tahu M?ori Rock Art Charitable Trust on these grants. I have been happy to support both projects and wish them well as they progress.

The Methven District Heritage Centre will be a unique and special experience for visitors to the area, local residents and schools, focussing on the district’s position at the heart of food production in New Zealand and as the gateway to a range of alpine experiences.

The Alpine and Agriculture Encounter’s use of interactive and multi-media technology will enable visitors to experience blizzards, avalanches, and sounds of creaking ice in the alpine gallery or experience driving a combine harvester or the touch of a merino fleece in the agriculture gallery.

Those involved in developing this project have worked long and hard to bring to fruition a project which I believe will play a major role in Methven’s social and economic future.

The Ngai Tahu Maori Rock Art Centre will be a wonderful asset that Timaru city and the surrounding region can be proud of.

The Centre has the potential to increase Timaru’s visitor numbers and consequently support the region’s tourism industry.

There are more than 250 rock art sites within an hour’s drive of Timaru. Low impact guided tours to selected local rock art sites will be run, allowing visitors to experience rock art first-hand, while minimising disturbance to the sites and landowners.

The grant will specifically fund the fabrication and installation of the M?ori Rock Art Centre displays.

Environment Canterbury Commissioners
It’s shocking that 20 years after Environment Canterbury was established, we still do not have a working water plan. Every regional council in the country has a plan for water in place, except ours. An independent review of Environment Canterbury was released in February and found that the gap between the water problem and the council’s capability was “enormous and unprecedented”. It said central government intervention was “not only warranted but urgent”.

Last week, Hon Nick Smith and Hon Rodney Hide announced the new Commissioners for Environment Canterbury. The Commissioners are: Dame Margaret Bazley (Chair), Hon. David Caygill (Deputy Chair), David Bedford, Donald Couch, Tom Lambie, Professor Peter Skelton, Rex Williams. The Commissioners are top-rate appointees, with a balance of agricultural, environmental and electricity expertise. They include a former Environment Court Judge, former Federated Farmers President, and former Finance Minister.

Dame Margaret and the team of commissioners will work to fix our water challenges. That will mean getting an effective regional water plan up and running. To do that, they’ll need to work with the mayors and people of Canterbury to get agreement on the region’s water priorities.

For more information on the new commissioners please see: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/environment+canterbury+commissioners+appointed

New Zealand Music Month

Since 2001 the New Zealand Music Commission has promoted May as New Zealand Music Month. The overall goal of New Zealand Music Month is to grow awareness of Kiwi music.

This year the No.8 Wired Bar (Formerly known as the Grosvenor) are hosting a number of Kiwi bands to get in behind New Zealand Music Month.

For more information on the gigs and to purchase tickets, please check out: http://www.eightwired.co.nz/ or call 688 3129.

Snippets

Monday 3 May – visits to schools & businesses in the Rakaia-Dorie area
Wednesday 5 May – attend (Go Red for Women) Heart Foundation breakfast, Wellington
Friday 7 May – address Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers Provincial conference, Ashburton.

Newsletter #73

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:49:14 +1200

Recess Weeks

The two weeks following Easter have been recess weeks. I have had a chance to catch up on appointments with constituents as well as attend some significant functions throughout the electorate.

Last week I spoke at an Arthritis NZ meeting in Timaru and attended meetings in support of Ministers Hon Rodney Hide and Hon Gerry Brownlee.

Minister Brownlee, with his Economic Development hat on, opened the new premises for Scarlett Hydraulics at Washdyke.

This week started with a Health Caucus Committee visit to the Canterbury DHB and to the new St George's Cancer Care Centre. Later this week I will attend the New Zealand Ploughing Championships, followed by the World Ploughing Championships and then tuck in a spot of judging of Young Farmer interviews, all in Methven. The week will be rounded out by attendance at the South Canterbury St John Awards and Presentations, at Temuka.

I hope that families are enjoying the school holidays, Mark and I have certainly enjoyed having our three daughters at home for a few days during their University mid-semester break.

DC3 Flight

On the 21st March I was delighted to have a full flight take off from the South Canterbury Aero Club. The profit from this flight has been sent off in support of the Cardiovascular Research Fund. The Southern DC3 Trust operates the DC3 ZK- AMY. The DC3 has been gifted in perpetuity to the Ashburton Aviation Museum. Each of the passengers heard of the fascinating history of this plane and other DC3s.

2010 World Ploughing Champs

The 57th World Ploughing Champs will be held on the property of J.F. Ridge and Sons Greenfield located on the Rakaia River Road near Methven.

The event will run from Thursday April 15 with the New Zealand Ploughing Championship. The Opening Ceremony for the World Ploughing Champs will be held on Friday 16 April and the event will run through to Sunday 18 April.

Over 60 competitors from 30 countries will take part in conventional and reversible ploughing classes on both stubble and grass plots. There will also be a country fair with trade displays, craft stalls, live entertainment and much more.

This is a big event for the Rangitata electorate and I urge you all to head up to Methven to watch the Ploughing Champs and take in the Country Fair; its going to be a great weekend!

For more information on this event please see: http://www.nzplough2010.co.nz/

Totalspan Undercover Kids Bus Shelter Programme 2010

The 2010 Totalspan Undercover Kids Bus Shelter Programme is underway after extremely successful campaigns in 2008 and 2009 which took the total number of Undercover Kids bus shelters around New Zealand to date to 194.

This year there will be one round of applications with the aim of approving 100 shelters to schools with rural bus routes.

Applications close on Friday 30 April 2010, with successful applicants being announced in mid-June.

For more information, or to download an application form, simply go to www.totalspan.co.nz

Tax package to help families get ahead

New Zealand needs better economic growth to create jobs, boost incomes, improve frontline public services, and help Kiwi families get ahead.

But we face some big challenges. New Zealand spends more than it earns. Over the past five years the economy has become hopelessly lopsided. There has been too much low-quality government spending, and too much borrowing to buy investment properties.

New Zealand's over-investment in property is not healthy for our economy. It pushes up house prices, which push up our debt to the rest of the world. It also makes it harder for young families to buy homes.

National is focused on tilting the playing field towards productive investment, exports, and new jobs. We’ve set out a balanced programme to achieve this – including options to reform the tax system in next month’s Budget.

Tax is a powerful lever to boost economic performance. Our starting point is that lower personal taxes across the board will give families more choice, and help them get ahead.

The tax system can also help the economy grow by encouraging saving and productive investment and discouraging spending – because New Zealand spends much more than it earns.

The right mix of taxes will help our export and import-competing sectors – the parts of our economy that earn New Zealand's living with the rest of the world and create sustainable jobs.

Options being considered for the Budget include personal tax cuts across the board, changes to the taxation of investment property, and a possible rise in GST.

We agree with the Tax Working Group that there is a gap in the taxation of property investments where income is being earned but, in total no tax is being paid.

Estimates suggest that in 2008 the value of rental property was more than the value of the entire sharemarket. However, this large asset base generated tax revenue losses for the Government of $150 million. Most taxpayers would view that as unfair.

We believe property investors play an important role in the economy. But we don't want people investing in property for tax reasons, and we want property investment taxed on the same basis as other activities.

No final decisions on tax changes have been taken. But the Prime Minister has ruled out a comprehensive capital gains tax, a land tax, and a risk-free rate of return method. He has also said that if GST rises, there will be immediate compensation for beneficiaries, Superannuitants, and Working for Families recipients.

The Government’s tax package will be focused on lifting New Zealand’s economic performance, being fair to taxpayers, and helping Kiwi families to get ahead.

The Annual Jenny Shipley Lecture

The annual Jenny Shipley lecture is to be held on Friday 30 April 30 at The Copthorne Hotel, corner Durham and Kilmore Streets, commencing with nibbles available at 6.30 pm and the lecture at 7.00 pm.

The title is “Canterbury Water – A Collaborative Approach”. We will have a panel of presenters representing most of the major parties involved in this contentious issue. Here is your opportunity to hear from those involved, together with an opportunity for discussion at the end of the presentations.

Hon Dr Nick Smith will present the Government’s viewpoint, followed by views from local government, employers, conservationists and Canterbury water management strategy group.

Tickets can be obtained by emailing murray@alphagmp.co.nz or phoning 9821086. Tickets will also be available from Nicky Wagner’s office, 189 Montreal Street or by contacting your local policy representative.

Snippets

• Friday 16 April: Opening of the World Ploughing Champs.
• Saturday 17 April: St John South Canterbury Awards Presentation.
• Friday 23 April: Rangitata Lunch Club with Mt Roskill List MP Dr Jackie Blue. NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE, St John Church Hall on Wai-iti Road at 12pm.
• Sunday 25 April: ANZAC Day attending ceremonies in Timaru, Pleasant Point and Ashburton.

Newsletter #72

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:53:34 +1300

Federated Farmers Farm Day

On Sunday 28th, my husband, Mark and I visited the Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury Farm Day properties.

Just out of Ashburton, Andy and Tricia Macfarlane run 780 Jersey/Friesian cows on a 233 hectare property. While we were at the property we observed families learning about this farming enterprise, having their questions answered and touring the farm to see first hand examples of on-farm water storage, silage, examples of other feed options, equipment used on the farm and up-close animals for children who don’t usually get up close.

At Orari, Andy Palmer and Sharon Collett have a 140 hectare dairy farm where their sharemilkers milk 560 Jersey/Friesian cows. As on the Macfarlane's farm, visitors saw a working beehive, examples of riparian plantings, farm equipment that they could study 'up close', and children visiting this farm had a chance to find all sorts of insects in the soil samples.

Both these farms are previous winners of environmental awards. A number of members of Federated Farmers were on hand at both farms to answer questions.

St John Awards and Presentations

On Friday 26th I attended the Mid Canterbury St John Awards and Presentations in Methven. A large number of St John volunteers were honoured at this event. During my brief address I exhorted all present to do all they can to introduce volunteering to their young friends and relatives. In closing I said the following to the volunteers that had been honoured: "Your service to St John is a gift to your community. Your time is valuable, as only you can spend it. It is my opinion that you spend it very wisely indeed by giving of your time through St John to your community. On behalf of that community I salute you and thank you."

I am always grateful for the opportunity to be present at such occasions and to acknowledge volunteers.

2010 Youth Parliamentarian selected

I am delighted to announce that Georgia Robertson will represent the Rangitata electorate at the Youth Parliament being held in Wellington in July.

Georgia is a Year 13 student at Ashburton College. She has shown significant ability to get involved in a wide variety of organisations and roles both at school and in the community.

I feel sure Georgia will represent Rangitata with enthusiasm and a commitment to take the views of the young people of Rangitata to Wellington.

Nominations were sought from schools that had researched the Youth Parliament concept, had identified the personal qualities which would make them worthy nominees, had identified issues they would want debated and knew how they could benefit from the experience.

A strong field of eight secondary students was interviewed by phone on Wednesday and Thursday 17 and 18 of March. Each student was asked to identify important issues they believed were facing New Zealand today.

Youth Parliament is held once each Parliamentary term and is an exciting opportunity for young New Zealanders to participate and interact with Parliament’s decision-making process.

Economy keeps growing

Economic activity grew 0.8 per cent in the December quarter, boosted by manufacturing activity, up a healthy 4.5 per cent. This is the first growth in the sector for almost two years.

Retail, accommodation, and restaurants grew by 1.7 per cent. The 0.8 per cent rise followed an increase of 0.3 per cent in the September 2009 quarter, and is the third consecutive quarter of growth in the economy.

The Budget in May will set out National’s next steps to lift economic growth by tilting the playing field towards productive investment, exports and new jobs.

We want to lift business confidence, increase incomes, and help New Zealand families get ahead.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/recovery+strengthens+challenges+remain

An Unrelenting Focus on Work

Welfare is a safety net for New Zealand families. It should support people when they are most in need, encourage them to get back to work, and act when they don’t take responsibility for themselves and the people who depend on them.

But long-term welfare dependency imprisons beneficiaries in a life of limited income and limited choices.

That’s why National campaigned on improving our benefit system. We believe that every New Zealander who can work should be working. We want a welfare system that is fair, that improves outcomes for beneficiaries, and supports economic growth.

With this in mind, the National-led Government has announced our Future Focus package for benefits, aimed at rebalancing obligations and support, and bringing an unrelenting focus on work.

Under Future Focus, we are introducing a number of new obligations.

There will be new part-time work obligations for people on the Domestic Purposes Benefit (DPB) with a youngest child aged over six, and for people on a Sickness Benefit who have been medically assessed as being able to work part-time. We are also introducing more graduated sanctions for people who don’t comply with their work obligations.

We are changing the Unemployment Benefit so that after 12 months, a recipient must reapply. And we’re introducing more rigorous reassessments for Sickness Beneficiaries to get people back to work as soon as they are able.

Future Focus also provides more support for those who need it.

We are boosting childcare options for sole parents by expanding out-of-school support for children aged 5-13, and providing more training support for sole parents on the DPB.

We will pass legislation to ensure benefits rise in line with inflation.

And recipients of the DPB and Invalids Benefit will be able to earn $100 a week instead of $80 before their benefits are affected. This will provide incentives to work part-time and gain work skills.

We are also setting up a Welfare Working Group. This will be made up of social policy experts and community representatives, and will advise the Government on ways to reduce long-term welfare dependency.

Our Future Focus package can make a big difference. If we can help into work just 5 per cent of sole parents with a youngest child aged over six this would save almost $200 million over a decade.

National is committed to our welfare system. Future Focus will help ensure that welfare is a safety net for families, assists people to get back to work, and provides a brighter future for beneficiaries – and all New Zealanders.

For more information on future focus please see: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/future+focus+better+work+approach

Maadi Cup

Maadi Cup week in Twizel is always full-on for the 1800+ rowers from secondary schools all over New Zealand and their coaches and parents. Last week was no different to other years, though inclement weather did make life challenging at times.

I arrived up at Lake Ruataniwha early on Saturday morning, to support the schools from the Rangitata Electorate. Rowers from Ashburton College, Timaru Girls and Boys High, Roncalli College and Craighead Diocesan were well represented in both A and B finals.

On the medal front it was a day for the girls! Craighead U16 Four and U15 Double both won gold, Roncalli U18 Single and U18 Double ALSO won gold and the U18 Quad won silver. Timaru Girls' U17 Double won bronze.

I spent all day cheering on the local schools. Although none of the squads from Rangitata schools are large in numbers of rowers, they certainly showed that they punch above their weight by the number of finals they raced. Well done!

Snippets

Tuesday 30 March: Classic Hits Air Safari Dinner at the Caroline Bay Hall.
Thursday 1 April: District of Timaru Air Training Corps parade & prize giving.
Tuesday 6 April: Accompanying Hon Kate Wilkinson to Ashburton Rotary Club.
Friday 9 April: Hon Gerry Brownlee Opening Scarlett Hydraulic new premises.

Newsletter #71

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:51:00 +1300

Last Chance for a Flight in the DC3

I am very keen to fill the last seats for the Cardiovascular Research Fund fundraiser flights I have organised for Sunday 21 March. The flights will leave Ashburton Airport at 10am and Timaru at 2pm. It is necessary to get there 30mins before the flight and the cost is $100 for a 30 minute scenic flight over our region. Please phone 03 3087510 or 03 6831386 to book your seat.

ECAN Update

On 11 March, Hon. Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment, visited Ashburton to address the District Council about the review of ECAN. This meeting was attended by members of the media and some members of the public. I was very pleased to have the Minister in the electorate and for him to answer questions posed by councillors. Hon. Rodney Hide, Minister of Local Government, will join the Environment Minister at a meeting with the Timaru, MacKenzie and Waimate District Councils on 16 March.

Children's Day was celebrated in style in the Rangitata electorate

On March 7, I visited celebrations on Caroline Bay and at Plains Museum. I saw thousands of families having a great time together.

The organising committees gave children opportunities for experiences that varied from having a go at casting a line with a fishing rod, to riding behind a model train or in a fire engine. This was a real success and I would like to thank all the volunteers for all their time and effort in making this event such a success.

Government investing $6 billion a year on infrastructure

The National Infrastructure Plan shows the major investment this Government is making in New Zealand's critical infrastructure such as roads, broadband, and schools.

This is directly supporting thousands of jobs, and unclogging the country’s economic arteries. A stronger economy will, over time, mean better wages and higher living standards for New Zealand families. It also gives local councils, contractors, and businesses certainty for the future.

The first National Infrastructure Plan, provides a snapshot of public and private infrastructure, planned investment, and the Government's priorities. It shows this Government is spending more than $6 billion a year on expanding and maintaining its physical assets and that it holds about $110 billion of such assets.

We are investing $10.7 billion in State Highways over the next 10 years, $3.3 billion in our electricity grid over the next five years, and $1.5 billion in urban broadband over the next decade. Then there is the $2.7 billion for new schools and buildings over the next five years.

The plan also identifies bottlenecks and gaps in the future so we can address them in a timely manner.

More information:

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/infrastructure+plan+outlines+large+programme

Making our roads safer

National is giving priority to measures aimed at young drivers and drunk and drugged motorists outlined in a 10-year strategy to make our roads safer.

The strategy - Safer Journeys – was released this week and is designed to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads over the next decade.

It takes a system-wide approach by looking at the safety of roads, road users, vehicles, and speed.

A disproportionate number of young New Zealanders die on our roads - young Kiwis have a 60 per cent higher fatality rate on the roads than young Australians. Alcohol is a factor in almost one in three fatal crashes, and current policies are not having a big enough impact.

Over the next two months Cabinet will consider action plans which include raising the driving age to 16, zero blood-alcohol limits for young drivers and repeat drink drivers, and introducing alcohol interlock technology.

Other strategies indentified as priorities by the Government include motorcycling, making changes to our give way rules, and safer speeds.

More information:

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/safer+journeys+making+our+roads+safer+0

http://www.transport.govt.nz/saferjourneys/Pages/default.aspx

2010 Farm Day

On the 28th of March, 23 farms around New Zealand will throw open their gates for Federated Farmers Farm Day 2010. Farm Day is the perfect opportunity for people to get up close to farm animals, take part in a guided farm walk and try their hand at some farm work.

Two farms in the Rangitata Electorate will host Farm Day 2010:

• Andy and Tricia Macfarlane of 88 Rundles Road, Ashburton will host the Mid-Canterbury Farm Day.
• Andy Palmer and Sharon Collett of 534 Muff Road, Temuka will host the South Canterbury Farm Day.

Check out the website www.farmday.org.nz for more information and don’t forget to pack your boots!

2010 School Trustee Elections

Many Schools this week will call for nominations for the 2010 School Trustee Elections. The theme of the 2010 campaign is ‘strong leaders make strong schools’. We need people with a balance of skills and experiences to put their name forward. Boards of Trustees make important decisions for their schools. They set the strategic direction of their schools and monitor progress in student achievement. Their role is to bring parents, families, whanau, communities and schools together to ensure that all children achieve their potential.

The key dates are:

March 15: Nominations called for
April 23: Nominations close
May 7: Polls close
May 14: Results Declared

If you are interested in standing in these elections please contact your local school.

Two Week Recess

The House has not been sitting over the past two weeks. These two weeks have been a good opportunity for me to get right around the electorate. I have talked to many constituents at the A&P shows, Children’s Day Celebrations, Constituency Clinics and other functions I have attended during a very busy 14 days.

Snippets:

• 15 March: Ashburton Business Association get together. 5:00pm at Robert Harris Café.
• 19 March: Opening of the Fairton School Library.
• 20 March: Methven A & P Show at the Methven Showground’s.
• 21 March: DC3 Fundraiser for the Heart Foundation. Please contact the Timaru or Ashburton Electorate Offices for further information.
• 26 March: Hosting Hon Kate Wilkinson for the Rangitata Lunch Club.
• 28 March: 2010 Federated Farmers annual Farm Day.

Newsletter #70

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:48:14 +1300

It has been a busy start to the sitting calendar, with Urgency taken to complete the Children, Young Persons, and their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Bill (Fresh Start) and ACC legislation. I was particularly pleased to see the Fresh Start legislation become law, as that was a significant Bill that appeared in the Social Services Select Committee when I was the Chairperson.

This is a long newsletter as I missed the last one. There is a lot of information about what is happening in the electorate that I hope you will find interesting.

Aged Care Policy Becomes Reality

On 24 February an article appeared in the Timaru Herald about the South Canterbury DHB's decisions regarding how they will introduce increased access to respite care for aged New Zealanders who are still living in their own homes. Access to respite acknowledges the huge pressure on an elderly person's relatives and the need for them to have an occasional 'break' (respite), indeed to preserve their own health.

The aged care respite beds must be 'dedicated' so that they are available all year round and families can make plans to utilise that opportunity. I was really delighted to see evidence that a policy I fought hard to have included in National's 2008 election promises (worth $5 million nationwide), has now been implemented.

Questions in Parliament on ECAN

On 23 February I was able to ask oral questions of Hon Nick Smith at question time. I believe the answers were of interest to the general public and urge you to read the Hansard report below. Note that Hon Ruth Dyson tried a 'red herring' type question without effect!

10. JO GOODHEW (National—Rangitata) to the Minister for the Environment: What response has he received regarding the independent review of the performance of Environment Canterbury?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for the Environment) : The report has been well received. All 10 of the Canterbury mayors, who originally sought intervention by the Government, have welcomed the report with a sense of relief that the problems with water management in Canterbury are now openly acknowledged. Secondly, stakeholders from across the environment and development spectrum—including the Environmental Defence Society, the Water Rights Trust, Irrigation New Zealand, as well as Federated Farmers—have concurred with its analysis of institutional failure. I also note that even some Environment Canterbury councillors have agreed with the criticisms and the review, and support change.
Jo Goodhew: Has the Government formed any view on the report; and what process does the Government have in place for addressing the review recommendations?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH: The Government endorses the view in the report that Canterbury’s freshwater resources are of huge strategic importance not just to Canterbury but to New Zealand, and that this resource is not being well-managed. The report calls for urgent intervention by the Government, and this is being considered. Tomorrow I and the Minister of Local Government, Rodney Hide, will meet with Environment Canterbury, Canterbury mayors, water stakeholders, and Ng?i Tahu to discuss the recommendations. Tomorrow I have also scheduled a meeting here in Wellington with the reviewers, and I have invited all Canterbury MPs to hear first hand why the reviewers came to those conclusions.
Jo Goodhew: When were concerns first raised with the Minister about Environment Canterbury, and what led the Minister to initiate the independent review?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH: Concerns about Environment Canterbury were first raised with me by the Ministry for the Environment at my very first briefing as an incoming Minister. The ministry’s concern was that Environment Canterbury did not have the capacity to manage the water quality and allocation issues in the region. Numerous organisations have subsequently raised concerns. A report last year showed that only 29 percent of consents in Canterbury were being processed on time—the worst of New Zealand’s 85 councils, and in September, there was a letter from all 10 Canterbury mayors. All those factors triggered the Government’s decision to initiate a formal review.
Hon Ruth Dyson: What did the Minister discuss with the chairman of Environment Canterbury, the former National MP Alec Neill—who has pre-empted the Minister by publicly stating that it is unlikely there will be elections for Environment Canterbury this year—when he met with Mr Neill, in secret, on the evening of Sunday, 21 February?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH: All the mayors of Canterbury met on Sunday night, and Bob Parker, the Mayor of Christchurch, thought that it would be good for me to go down to Christchurch and have an informal discussion with them about the report. The Government is of a view that we need to liaise closely not just with the chairman of Environment Canterbury but with all 10 mayors. The truth is that I have had regular discussions with all those mayors, including the chair of Environment Canterbury. I think people would expect an environment Minister to have discussions with the chair of an authority that has been in some difficulty for many years but was ignored by members opposite—hence the mess we have in water management.

Hon Nick Smith and Hon Rodney Hide will have some tough decisions to take to Cabinet in the coming weeks, in relation to the way forward for ECAN. The Government will have to address the issues raised in the Ministerial Review, as these same issues have been holding Canterbury back for years. Water management is hugely important to my electorate and the entire ECAN catchment.

I can assure you that I have faced complaints about ECAN since well before I entered politics. It is now time for the issues outlined in the Review to be addressed.

Youth Parliament and Selecting a Youth MP
Young people will be getting their voice heard when they take over New Zealand’s Parliament in July for Youth Parliament 2010. Youth Parliament 2010 is open to young people aged 16 – 18 years old who want to represent young people’s views to Ministers and Members of Parliament. I want to hear from young people who have a passion for the future of New Zealand and are willing to stand up and have their voice heard.
Anyone interested in becoming a Youth MP should contact the Rangitata Electorate office on the details below or can find out further information on: www.youthparliament.govt.nz
• Rangitata Electorate Office, 139 Stafford Street, Timaru Ph 03 686 1386

South Canterbury DHB to benefit from voluntary bonding

The voluntary bonding scheme encourages health graduates to establish careers in hard to staff specialities and communities in New Zealand by offering student loan debt write offs or cash incentives over three to five years.

Back in August 2009 I wrote to the Hon Tony Ryall to highlight the need for SCDHB to be included in the voluntary bonding scheme, as recruitment and retention of health professionals to our region has long been a challenge. I had earlier raised the issue with the Minister, and he advised me to get my request in writing, so I did.

The reply from the Minister committed to possibly adding SCDHB to the scheme at the time, but this was by no means a certainty.

This scheme has proved enormously popular with health graduates, and I wanted our DHB to also have access to this tool in attracting new health professionals to the region.

Visit to Rangitata by Louise Upston, MP for Taupo

On 26 February, my fellow colleague from the Education and Science Select Committee, Taupo MP, Louise Upston, visited Timaru. My Electorate office had put together an itinerary that allowed us both to visit providers of education programmes.

It was a fascinating day in which we visited the Take2 programme (currently located on the old Watlington Intermediate site) where students spend some time if they are at risk of being 'stood down'.

We then addressed a good crowd at the Rangitata Lunch Club before heading up to Mountainview High School. Assistant Principal Simon Lees took us on a quick tour of the school, we called in on the Special Needs unit (and sampled the lovely fruit savouries they had made in the am), saw one of the refurbished science labs and one of those that will soon be updated. The tour ended with a discussion about the Rock On programme which aims to reduce truancy.

Louise and I then visited the Aoraki Alternative Education where we discussed the challenges facing this provider. These visits enabled us to see a sample of what is available for students who are challenging to keep at school, and also in the case of Alternative Education what is available for those who can no longer remain at school. The people involved in this work are doing a great job with very challenging young people. It would be fair to say that youth crime would be a lot higher if it wasn’t for the work these people do, and young people might miss out on valuable opportunities and a future worth looking forward to.

Affordable, sustainable, and fair ACC

Legislation passed this week will ensure ACC is affordable, sustainable, and fair for current and future generations.

ACC claim costs have risen 57 per cent in the past four years - five times the rate of inflation - and the unfunded liabilities have grown from $4 billion to $13 billion.

The scale of levy increases required this year without these law changes would be crippling for workers, motorists, and businesses. The law changes enable the levy increase this year for the average worker to be reduced from $550 to $150. The levy increase for motorists is $30 a car, down from $104. And for employers the average levy increase is 12 per cent instead of 44 per cent.

This law change is part of the Government’s objective to secure the long-term future of ACC as an effective and fair 24/7 no-fault insurance scheme for all New Zealanders.

More information:

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/affordable+sustainable+and+fair+acc

Fresh Start for serious youth offenders

Fresh Start legislation targeting the country's most persistent, serious young offenders with a range of tough new measures has now become law.

We know that intervening early can divert these young people from a life of crime. This benefits us all.

The legislation, aimed at the worst 1000 young offenders, provides greater Youth Court powers, including extending jurisdiction to 12 and 13 year olds, and tougher, more effective sentences.

We have given Youth Court judges the ability to determine what's needed to change the behaviour of our most serious youth offenders, and order them to go through with it.

The reforms include tougher sentences, increased supervision, and military activity camps to teach self-discipline, respect, and responsibility. There are also mentoring, parenting, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes to address the causes of offending.

We have the opportunity with Fresh Start to make a real difference in the lives of young offenders.

More information:

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/fresh+start+serious+youth+offenders

Super payments will rise under tax changesNew Zealand Superannuation payments will immediately rise in two separate ways if the Government decides to increase GST.

The Government is considering across the board tax cuts and changes to property taxation as part of a tax package that might also include a rise in GST from 12.5 percent to 15 percent.

In a speech to North Shore Grey Power, Prime Minister John Key outlined how the changes would increase superannuitants' income.

"Superannuitants would get an income tax cut, which would apply both to Superannuation payments and to any other income they receive; for example from interest, dividends or part time work," says Mr Key.

"Second, and in addition to their tax cut, Superannuation payments would be increased up front, by just over 2 percent, to reflect the general rise in prices.

"The increase in Super payments would be immediate from the day GST went up, without waiting for the usual annual inflation adjustment.

"This double-whammy increase means that under an income tax/GST switch, superannuitants would have their incomes lifted quite significantly, and by an amount that exceeds the increase in prices."

In addition to the two immediate increases, across-the-board tax cuts would lift the after-tax average wage – raising the floor for Superannuation payments, which are linked to the average wage.

"Super payments for a married couple cannot drop below 66 percent of the after-tax average wage, so any tax cut that affects the average wage will also affect this floor for Super.

“So when people talk about GST they should bear in mind these different means of compensation, which together are quite substantial.”

The Prime Minister also reiterated the Government's commitment to maintaining Super payments linked to 66 per cent of the after-tax average wage from age 65.

For a copy of the Prime Ministers to North Shore Grey Power, please visit:

http://beehive.govt.nz/speech/address+north+shore+grey+power

Be in to raise your Heart to the Sky!

I have organised flights by the Southern DC3 from Ashburton and Timaru Airports on Sunday, March 21, with all profits going to the New Zealand Heart Foundation’s Cardiovascular Research Fund.

The Heart Foundation is seeking to raise a $5 million endowment fund for a University of Auckland research hub for heart health. The new preventative heart health research would be specific to New Zealand’s needs.

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease) is New Zealand’s number one killer of men and women, responsible for 40% of all deaths. Many of these deaths are preventable. Heart attacks are currently increasing in younger adults.

Thirty minute aerial tours of Mid Canterbury or South Canterbury in the DC3 will cost $100 per person. It is anticipated either one or two flights will be made from Ashburton Airport during the morning and two from Timaru Airport during the afternoon.

Bookings can be made by contacting 03 3087510 (Ashburton) or 03 6831386 (Timaru)

Snippets:

3 March - Welcome International Students to South Canterbury
5 March - Accompany Hon Georgina Te Heuheu for the opening of the Timaru Courthouse
5 March - Officiate at the opening of the Agriculture ITO's facility
6 March - Attend Temuka/Geraldine A & P Show
7 March - Attend Children’s' Day celebrations in both Mid and South Canterbury
9 March - Attend Ashburton District Wellbeing Forum
11 March - Rakaia and Methven Clinics (for appointments phone 03 3087510)
13 March - Attend Mayfield A & P Show
20 March - Attend Methven A & P Show
21 March - Lift Your Hearts to the Sky in a DC3

Newsletter #69

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:35:40 +1300

This is my first newsletter for 2010. I hope you all had a wonderful break with family and friends and have begun the new decade in a positive way. I managed to have a relaxing break and spent plenty of time catching up with family and friends.

Salvation Army Community Garden

This initiative by the Salvation Army is going really well. The garden has been made possible by Mr James Southee who kindly donated the use of his land for the garden. Thanks must also go to Mitre 10, who kindly donated $200 worth of plants and seeds to get the garden growing.

Produce from the garden is being shared among the gardeners, church members and the Salvation Army’s food bank.

Some of you may remember seeing a photo in the Timaru Herald when I visited the garden before it got up and running.

New Years Honour: Bruce Wikitoa, NZOM

At New Year I was delighted to hear that Bruce Wikitoa had been granted the Honour of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. I have known Bruce for about 15 years in several of his capacities, including school Kaumatua, cultural advisor and assisting in matters of Tikanga to enhance the understanding of such matters within the South Canterbury region. Bruce has also played a vital role in the establishment of support for the Te Aitarakihi Cultural Centre.

The love, respect and appreciation for Koro Bruce Wikitoa is widespread throughout the South Canterbury region. The people of South Canterbury and I, would like to congratulate and thank Koro Bruce for giving his valuable time to so many deserving causes and making the South Canterbury region a more vibrant place.

Tax Working Group Report

The National-led Government welcomes the release of the report by the Tax Working Group. The Working Group was formed last year to consider the medium-term direction of the tax system, including assessing the merits of different types of taxes.

The Government will carefully consider the Tax Working Group’s report on options for improving New Zealand’s tax system. Equity and fairness for households and the economy will guide the Government’s consideration of these options. The only thing we have ruled out is a capital gains tax on the family home.

In considering any significant changes to the tax system the Government believes the benefits must clearly outweigh any potential difficulties. We will consider proposals that are fiscally neutral when you take them together.

The Government believes tax policy could play a role in increasing growth and productivity. We want to ensure our tax system rewards effort, encourages savings, and helps families to get ahead.

The Tax Working Group report – one of several reviews to have reported back to the Government in recent months – will be considered in coming months as part of Budget decision making.

A copy of the report can be accessed via the link below:
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/sacl/cagtr/pdf/tax-report-website.pdf

Worst repeat offenders to face three-strikes sentencing regime

All New Zealanders have the right to feel safe in their homes and in their communities.

One reason National was voted into office was because people trusted us to take a hard line on criminals.

We are delivering on our law and order promises. In our first year we passed a raft of legislation designed to protect law-abiding Kiwis while cracking down on the people, and criminal activities, which cause the most harm to our families and our communities.

We start our second year with legislation that will ensure the worst repeat offenders receive the maximum allowable sentence.

The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill will uphold National’s election pledge of no parole for the worst repeat violent offenders, and incorporates significant aspects of ACT’s three-strikes policy.

National is determined to hold serious repeat offenders to account. We are determined to improve public safety. And we are determined to provide a greater measure of justice and closure for victims.

The new sentencing regime will target the small number of repeat violent offenders who show continued disregard for the law and contempt for society.

Offenders who commit violence and sex crimes with a maximum jail term of seven years or more will come under the new regime.

The first offence will bring a standard sentence and warning. The second offence will bring a jail sentence – in most cases – with no parole and a further warning. On conviction for a third offence, the offender will receive the maximum sentence in jail for the crime with no parole.

We have allowed for a rare occasion when such a sentence would be regarded as manifestly unjust. If the court believes it would be unjust not to allow parole, then it can make an order for parole.

Three strikes will only apply to serious crime offenders aged 18 and over. And it will not be retrospective – it will only apply to offences committed after the law comes into force.

The new regime will help keep the worst repeat offenders behind bars for longer. It will also deter criminals from committing further crime by escalating the severity of their sentences.

National is determined to make communities safer for Kiwi families, reduce the number of crime victims, and make life tougher for violent criminals. This new law is yet another step towards that goal.

Snippets:

5 February 2010: Visit to Hakatere Marae
6 February 2010: Attending Waitangi Celebrations at Onuku Marae in Akaroa
7 February 2010: Attending Multicultural Festival “Bites” at Ashburton Art Gallery
9 February 2010: Opening of Parliament, Wellington
15 February 2010: Opening of Base Café, Ashburton Youth Project, Ashburton