JO GOODHEW MP for Rangitata

Ashburton Guardian Column

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:28:12 +1200

Trade at the heart of National’s plan for the economy

It’s important that local businesses, farmers, and growers have good access to their overseas markets. We know this is particularly true in Mid Canterbury where huge quantities of crops are grown each year and where the dairy industry is growing.
New Zealand has always been a trading nation. Our productive sector and niche companies provide the world with high-quality unique products. As efficient producers with a small domestic market, our focus has to be on larger markets beyond our shores.

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In Focus #122

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:18:43 +1200

More dementia treatment available in Ashburton

Recently I was delighted to have the opportunity as Associate Minister of Health, and as Rangitata MP, to open the newly extended and refurbished Tuarangi Home in Ashburton.

More local Mid Canterbury people suffering from dementia will be cared for in their local community now the upgraded aged care hospital unit is officially open.

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News Column

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:55:32 +1200

Proposed changes to agricultural vehicle rules

In an electorate such as Rangitata which has a strong agricultural industry, agriculture transport issues are of huge importance to agricultural contractors and farmers.

In the past I have hosted meetings between Ministers and industry representatives on transport issues.

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Timaru Courier Column

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:52:52 +1200

Focus on families and young children

Our kids are our future. It’s important they get the very best start in life, and support when they need it.

We in National are focused on supporting parents and families and it’s something I feel really strongly about.

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In Focus #121

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:25:10 +1200

Lest we forget

Anzac Day is the chance for me and my family to join families nationwide to honour our soldiers who fell in battle and pay tribute to those Kiwis helping build a better world today.

Ninety-seven years ago our nation unhesitatingly accepted its international responsibilities. Our sacrifice was so great and the Anzac contribution so distinct that New Zealand as a nation came of age. In the face of fierce opposition New Zealanders showed loyalty, courage, determination, initiative, and compassion. They earned the respect of their allies and their adversaries.

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Ashburton Guardian Column

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:09:02 +1200

Driving Innovation and Growth in the Primary Sector

I probably don't need to say this in Mid Canterbury, as most people understand the importance of our local rural sector, but our rural communities are a big part of our economy. Our rural industries generate two thirds of New Zealand’s export dollars and provide one in nine Kiwi jobs.

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News Column: Youth Mental Health Package

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:16:19 +1200

Young people will shape the future of our communities.

So many of them are on the right track. They are learning, achieving, and have high aspirations for their future. But some find the transition from childhood to adulthood tough going. One in five young people will experience some form of mental health problem during this crucial time.

Recently Prime Minister John Key announced a comprehensive youth mental health package. It is designed to ensure young people with mental health problems receive better, faster, more modern help.

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In Focus #120

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:45:00 +1200

Easter Break

I hope everyone had the chance for some rest, relaxation and time with family over the Easter break.

It is a welcome change today not to be hearing of families who are grieving over the loss of a loved one from a traffic accident over Easter. A fatality-free long weekend is an historic moment in New Zealand's driving history.

For the first time since authorities began keeping records in 1956, the Easter weekend has finished up with no road deaths. Police have reported that by and large drivers have been patient and courteous, keeping their speeds down and just taking their time to get to and from their destinations safely.

The previous lowest road toll for Easter was in 2003, 2002 and 1998 when three people died.

The challenge going forward will be to keep the momentum up and achieve a long-term reduction in death and injuries on the road.

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News Column

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:38:43 +1200

Building a Safer New Zealand

We all deserve to feel safe in our homes and our communities. And people who have been victims of crime deserve to feel protected.

National is building a safer New Zealand. We’ve embarked on a comprehensive programme of reform to protect communities, prevent crime, and put victims first.

We have made great progress. We are staying tough on criminals, and keeping record numbers of Police on the beat.

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In Focus No.119

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:33:39 +1200

Relay for Life in Ashburton

Last Saturday, 24 March, I was delighted to speak briefly at the opening of the Ashburton Relay for Life, a major fundraiser for the Cancer Society.

Hundreds gathered for the opening and the result of hours of fundraising and hours walking in the relay was a stunning success. Over $200,000 was raised and this money will be put to good use in research to find cures for cancer and support for those suffering from it along with their families.

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Ashburton Guardian Column

nospam@example.com (admin) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 12:30:00 +1300

People tell me they care deeply about the quality of the public services they receive and what those services achieve.

They care whether the health system treats patients promptly and effectively. They want to know that children are getting the chance to achieve at school. They want to see the government tackling crime and looking after the vulnerable in our community.

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News Column: Setting Challenges for NZ

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:47:26 +1300

Last week Prime Minister John Key released a list of 10 challenging results he expects to see achieved over the next three to five years, results that will make New Zealand a better place.

These results fall within five themes: reducing long-term welfare dependency; supporting vulnerable children; boosting skills and employment; reducing crime; and improving interaction with government.

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In Focus no.118

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:20:54 +1300

A&P Shows

The month of March always finds me busy attending a trio of A&P shows in the Rangitata Electorate - Temuka/Geraldine, Mayfield and Methven. I really enjoy the opportunity having a site at the shows gives me to talk with many constituents about the things uppermost on their minds.

This weekend is the last of the three shows, this time at Methven. I hope if you are attending the show you will come by my site and say hello.

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Guardian Column

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:17:58 +1300

People are better off in work

New Zealanders are proud to have a welfare system which is there for those who need it. But too many people have been on benefits for too long, in fact 170,000 have been on welfare for most of the last decade.

Long-term welfare dependency can become a trap leading to a life of limited outcomes and limited choices. I know that many of the people our welfare system currently supports can have better choices through working so we should be encouraging them to work.

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MP welcomes Kidney Health New Zealand to Parliament

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:28:49 +1300

On Tuesday, Jo Goodhew, National MP for Rangitata, hosted Kidney Health New Zealand for the annual kidney health checks for MP’s and staff in Parliament.

“Since 2009 I have been delighted to host Kidney Health New Zealand in Parliament. It is a cause that I am happy to support,” Mrs Goodhew says.

Kidney health checks occur annually as part of Kidney Health Week, which in 2012 runs from 4-10 March.

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