Sam Says 03 May 2010
IN MAUNGAKIEKIE:
Last week I attended the Anzac Day service in Mt Wellington/Panmure. Anzac Day is a time to remember and honour the sacrifices that the Anzacs made when they landed at Gallipoli 95 years ago. Sadly we were reminded of such sacrifices with the sudden and sad deaths of three RNZAF personnel killed on route to Wellington to perform their Anzac Day duties. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the fallen servicemen and with the fourth serviceman to whom we wish a speedy recovery.
Around 60 people joined me at the Library Café for another of my regular business breakfasts. This time our guest speaker was Hon. Randy Berry, Consul General of the USA. Consul Berry gave us a fascinating insight into the role of an American diplomat in NZ and spoke at length about the NZ-US relationship going from strength to strength.
I had the pleasure of attending the fundraising gala for Tayana Tutu, a young local girl who was fundraising to have a lung transplant in Australia. Held at Te Papapa School it proved a great way for the community to come together to support a local girl in need. The day provided live entertainment, tasty food, quick fire raffles and some real bargain purchases. Over $5,000 was raised. Tayana and family are currently in Melbourne awaiting her transplant and many in our community wish them well.
Last month I also had the honour of addressing the National Council of Women. The Council is an umbrella organisation for women’s issues and I enjoyed meeting with and exchanging ideas with the group about women’s issues of the day. These include pay parity and the role of women in Government.
I also went to support the Onehunga High School 1St XV play in their promotion/ relegation match against Tangaroa College. The last time the team played in the A grade in 2003, I had the honour of being the team’s assistant coach. The team play an exciting brand of running rugby and were clearly the best team on the paddock (no bias intended!) However, Tangaroa scored a try deep into injury time to draw the game 17-17 and retain their status in the top division. My commiserations go to Steve Frier their coach, the team and their supporters. It was gut wrenching for all concerned, but I know their time will come.
IN PARLIAMENT:
Incentives to quit smoking
This week the Government increased the excise tax on cigarettes and tobacco. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in New Zealand. It is directly linked to almost 5000 deaths each year. University of Otago research shows that when cigarette prices rose steeply between 1995 and 2000, smoking fell.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.
Future Focus: Rebalancing obligation and support
For most people, a benefit should only provide temporary support until they can return to work. The Future Focus welfare package delivers on National's pre-election commitments, and rebalances the expectations and obligations of our welfare system.
The changes aim to support those in genuine need, while also being fair to taxpayers. Around 345,000 New Zealanders receive a benefit, and this year, will cost taxpayers more than $7.6 billion - that’s $20.8 million a day.
Research shows that children are always better off when parents are in work. Long-term welfare dependency imprisons families to a life of low income with limited choices and outcomes.
Maximising New Zealand’s mineral potential
New Zealand is a mineral-rich country. Our mineral resources are estimated to be worth $194 billion. It is National’s goal to unlock the potential of these resources for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
We have released a discussion paper on the environmentally responsible development of our extensive mineral estate. It covers a stock take of land in Schedule Four of the Crown Minerals Act.
The Government is proposing to remove 7058 hectares of land from Schedule Four. Any mining on conservation land would be subject to strict environmental tests. No decisions have yet been made and we want your input on the proposals.
SPECIAL MENTION:
Happy Mothers Day to all the mums out there for Sunday. Hope you have a great day being spoiled.
