Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga MP

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.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 14:36

SPECIAL MENTION:

My thoughts and Prayers continue to be with the Samoan, Tongan, and New Zealand people who have lost their loved ones, their homes and, their livelihoods at the hands of the recent tsunami.

Last Sunday I attended the memorial Service for the tsunami victims and have recently returned from a visit to Samoa with the PM and the Foreign Affairs Minister to see the destruction firsthand and to witness the on-going relief effort.

I was shocked by the amount of damage. The extent of the catastrophe was very difficult to comprehend.  In some places, there isn’t much left, with entire homes and villages swept out to sea. While it was heartbreaking to see the damage firsthand, it’s important that we saw for ourselves the extent of the disaster so we could ensure our aid relief reaches those most in need.

The Government initially allocated $2 million to help Samoa and Tonga recover from the disaster and we announced this week that both the New Zealand and Australian governments would jointly contribute $12.2m.  There are 160 government personnel in Samoa helping out with the clean up – including Defence Force personnel, police, health, NZAID and other agencies.  The New Zealand Government remains committed to standing beside Samoa through this tragedy – not just with short-term disaster relief but also long-term reconstruction.

I will continue to work with the New Zealand Government and the Samoan community here, and overseas, to assist in any way I can.

APPEAL INFORMATION:

A trust account has been established for the public of New Zealand who wish to donate monetary gifts for the victims of the Samoan Tsunami. 

You can deposit your funds into this designated trust account. 

Account Name:        Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
Account Number:     01-1837-0026899-000
Bank and Branch:     ANZ Sylvia Park Branch

IN MAUNGAKIEKIE:

Last month it was my privilege to officially open the Tino Lelei Fono hosted by the pacific island food and nutrition action group in One Tree Hill and the new playground at Royal Oak Intermediate School.

A the beginning of this month I had a great day celebrating the international day of the older persons in Onehunga and the 60th Anniversary of China’s national day at a rally in Manukau.

And on Saturday I attended Diwali celebrations in Onehunga. What a wonderful occasion it was to see so many local families enjoying this festival of lights.

IN PARLIAMENT:

Prime Minister John Key outlined the Government’s plan to tackle the dangerous drug ‘P’. We are determined that we will use the full force of the Government’s arsenal to fight this problem, a seriously addictive drug that is ruining the lives of so many in our communities.

The Government is adopting a multi-pronged approach to fighting this dangerous scourge by cracking down on precursors, breaking the supply chain, providing better routes into treatment, supporting families and community, and strengthening leadership and accountability.

More than 800 places have been created at local tertiary and training institutes to help 16-and 17-year-olds stay engaged in learning. A total of 2000 places have been created across the country at private training institutes of technology and polytechnics as part of our jump-start to the Youth Guarantee programme.

Our Youth Guarantee scheme gives students who are more motivated in non-school settings an opportunity to re-engage with learning, and gain skills for future employment .The National-led Government is putting $52.7 million of funding into the programme over the next two years.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 12:50

IN MAUNGAKIEKIE:

Despite the awful weather I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of you at both the Onehunga Heritage Festival and the Te Papapa School Pacific Festival last weekend. What a great way to enjoy the heritage of Onehunga and the Pacific. A highlight for me was seeing all the children having fun and enjoying the day out with their family.

Recently I visited Cuthbert Kindergarten in Onehunga. I enjoyed spending time with the children and discussing with the teachers the issues they and the kindergarten face. That afternoon I held my first monthly constituency clinic in Panmure. This was a success and is designed to strengthen my relationship across the entire electorate. Look out for my next clinic on October 12th.

This month I was excited to have the opportunity to go on the “Young Guns” segment on TVNZ’s Breakfast programme. I was also honoured to represent Minister Judith Collins at a powhiri to welcome police graduates to Counties Manukau, and to represent Minister Stephen Joyce at the NZ Telecommunication Users Association annual innovation awards.

IN PARLIAMENT:

The Government has now released the details of its $1.5 billion ultra-fast broadband investment initiative.  Access to ultra-fast broadband is part of the essential infrastructure of a productive and growing economy and will be crucial to New Zealand improving its competitive advantage in the global market.  I believe the future of broadband is in fibre, and taking it right to the home will bring significant gains for productivity, innovation and global reach. The government is committed to partnering with the private sector to accelerate the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband services to 75 percent of New Zealanders within the next ten years. 

Latest figures show over 8,000 New Zealand homes have been retrofitted in the first eight weeks of the government’s insulation scheme. I am delighted with the latest data which shows the popularity of the government scheme. It’s also pleasing to see who is taking up the scheme; the figures show that 57% of those who had their houses retrofitted in August were low income earners. The government has committed to spend $323 million over four years to insulate 180,000 homes.

Many families in state houses aspire to achieve home ownership.  Over the next few weeks, Housing New Zealand will be approaching about 3,800 state tenants who pay market rent and live in a home that is available for purchase, to make them aware of the opportunity. Tenants wishing to buy will need to approach banks about obtaining finance.  Housing New Zealand’s Welcome Home Loan, which is a mortgage insurance scheme that underwrites home loans, and the Corporation’s free home ownership education programme, are available to assist those tenants.

SPECIAL MENTION:

I had a fantastic time attending the Sanitarium annual staff ambassador awards with the Prime Minister on Friday.  What a great way to celebrate the success of one of Maungakiekie’s and New Zealand’s most successful companies. Congratulations to all the recipients. Sanitarium continues to be a large employer of our community.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 10:31

IN MAUNGAKIEKIE:

I express my deep condolences to the people of Tonga following the tragic sinking of the Princess Ashika. It is very distressing to hear about the loss of life. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tonga during this very difficult time. The New Zealand Government has been pleased to assist the Tongan Government in dealing with this tragedy and is very happy to provide the support of TAIC for this inquiry.

Last Thursday over 60 people attended our most successful breakfast yet in Panmure. It was great to see so many people from last time and especially the Panmure and Mt Wellington locals. Va'aiga Tuigamala gave a very funny yet inspirational insight into life, sport, and politics. If you are interested in coming along to future breakfast please call Jenny on 622 0300.

Recently I visited Rakon and Buckley Systems, two very successful companies operating in Mt Wellington. Rakon is a world leader in the design and manufacture of frequency control solutions for high performance and high volume markets.

Buckley Systems, founded by Bill Buckley in 1986, is dedicated to making coil electromagnets for ion implanters, a vital part of the chip-making process. Today, it's a global leader supplying electromagnets to 90 per cent of the world's ion implant industry.

In my visits to firms like these, the major impediment to growth and expansion is a volatile exchange rate which has seen the New Zealand dollar appreciates over 35% since January of this year. Firms like these are particularly important to leading New Zealand out of the current economic recession because they manufacture high value added export products.

IN PARLIAMENT:

This month has seen some major announcements from the Government that will directly affect our communities.

The Prime Minister announced New Zealand’s commitment to maintain security and stability in Afghanistan by approving the deployment of around 70 SAS personnel to Afghanistan for up to 18 months, in three rotations. Other efforts include gradually drawing down over the medium term the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in the Bamyan province, and increase the civilian effort focused on the province in the areas of agriculture, health and education.
 
New Zealand has a direct and vital interest in supporting international efforts to eradicate terrorism, and promote peace and stability.  To support the work, the Government also plans to appoint a senior diplomatic representative in the country instead of having diplomatic representation run from Tehran.

Climate Change Ministers Nick Smith and Tim Groser recently announced an emissions reduction target range of 10% to 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. This target is going to be a big ask for New Zealand because our gross emissions are already 24% above 1990 levels. On top of this, half our emissions come from agriculture, which is unique amongst developed countries, and we already have one of the highest proportions of renewable electricity.

Dr Smith said New Zealand would meet its 2020 target through a mixture of domestic emission reductions, the storage of carbon in forests, and the purchase of emission reductions from other countries. This target carefully balances our environmental responsibilities with a realistic assessment of the economic costs. The 2020 target is also consistent with National’s campaign pledges of a long-term target of -50 by 2050, doing our fair share globally and aligning our climate change policies much more closely with Australia.

The Prime Minister also launched the Kiwisport initiative for young people which will invest $45 million in direct funding to schools over the next four years, with a further $37 million to go into a regional partnership fund for initiatives involving clubs, schools and community groups to support sport for school-aged children. Sport has undeniable benefits in terms of physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership. I look forward to this direct support leading to more New Zealand children getting involved.

SPECIAL MENTION:

Special congratulations to Lily Letcher who celebrated her 100th birthday in Ellerslie on August 11.

On Sunday was the 62nd Anniversary of Indian Independence. Happy Independence Day.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 13:09

THE MONTH THAT WAS:

Last month I was delighted to be a part of the Prime Minister’s official delegation to the Pacific. We spent four days meeting with Government, business, and community leaders in Tonga, Samoa, Niue, and the Cook Islands.

The purpose of the visit was to reinforce the already close links New Zealand has with its Pacific neighbours.

One of the commitments from the Government was to increase its development assistance. In Samoa this will increase from $10.5 million to $14 million, in Tonga from $12 million to $16 million, and in the Cook Islands from $11 million to $14 million.

Like so many of you I was thrilled to welcome the news of more fulltime police staff.

Maungakiekie is covered by the Counties-Manukau and Auckland City districts. The number of officers in the Counties-Manukau district has increased by 74 between June 2008 and June 2009, while the number of officers in Auckland has increased by 59.

This Government is committed to ensuring New Zealanders feel safe in their homes, on the streets and in their neighbourhoods. This increase will enable police to better target the offenders most likely to commit crimes, and targeting the places where crime most often occurs.

IN MAUNGAKIEKIE:

July saw yet another visit by the Prime Minister to Maungakiekie. We both attended a ceremony at Ruapotaka Marae to celebrate the start of the Tamaki Transformation Project.

The $52 million project will build 150 new homes and upgrade 120 more in Panmure, Pt England, and Glen Innes. We want to use land more efficiently to break up the high concentration of state housing, and give more families affordable home ownership opportunities.

I believe better housing means better living conditions, healthier families and a better place to live. 

Recently I attended the Oranga Primary School Duffy books in homes assembly. This showed the real positive effect that this program is having on children in our community. This was followed with the unveiling and celebration of the new Oranga Community murals creatively produced by local youth.

THE YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES PACKAGE:

Young New Zealanders are being hit particularly hard by this recession.18- to 24-year-olds are the fastest growing age group on the Unemployment Benefit. They represent a third of all those who receive it. Since June 2008, the numbers who want to work but can’t get a job has more than quadrupled from 4000 to 17,000.

That’s why this week the Prime Minister announced our Youth Opportunities Package. It invests $152 million and aims to create up to 16,900 new opportunities for under 24-year-olds over the next 18 months.The package includes nine initiatives designed to create opportunities for young people in work, education, and training.

If you would like to find out more information about the package and how it can help young people in our communities you can visit www.beehive.govt.nz and click on the Youth Opportunities Package feature.

UP COMING EVENTS:

Allan Peachey, National MP for Tamaki and Chairman of the Education and Science Select Committee, will be attending the Maungakiekie Electorate meeting on Monday 17th August at 107 Great South Road, starting at 6.30pm. He will be giving a short speech on Education, and will answer questions from the floor.

Inga Tuigamala (Inga the Right Winger) will be the guest speaker at my next business breakfast. The breakfast will be held on Thursday 13 August, 7am at the Estragon Restaurant, 22/28 Jellicoe Road, Panmure. The cost is $30 per person. If you are able to join me please RSVP to Jenny on 622 0300.

SPECIAL MENTION:

Congratulations to Onehunga based Ecodiesel who are one of five companies to be offered a contract to participate in the Biodiesel Grants Scheme.

This scheme has been set up to encourage biodiesel production in New Zealand. This will help increase the fuel choices available for New Zealand consumers and businesses.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 14:14

THE WEEK THAT WAS:

I went to see Steelpipe New Zealand – a steel pipe manufacturer in Onehunga. It was good to see a successful company with loyal employees (i.e. one man had worked for the company for 34 years) and it is clear that this company will play a big part in infrastructure development in the coming years.

I also attended the Auckland City Council annual plan deliberations and can report that the city is in good health leading up to the Auckland governance restructuring next year.

I met with Councillor Ken Baguley, Chairman of the transport committee, and Hon Stephen Joyce to discuss transport issues in Auckland. It is important that the interests of both central and local government are aligned in New Zealand’s largest city.

I visited the Maungarei Cadets in Panmure as their patron. The work that Captain Ian Anderson and his officers have done to transform the lives of youths in their program is remarkable.

I also spent a day in Wellington speaking to Pasefika youth leaders, including members of the Newlands College 1st XV. I also spoke at a senior citizens forum about the political issues of our time, including questions on the Auckland governance restructuring.

I also joined over 500 people at the dedication and opening of a Samoan Methodist community centre in Henderson. The Samoan Consulate General and the Mayor of Waitakere were also in attendance.

I joined Melissa Lee on Election Day. Although the results were ultimately disappointing, she was courageous and fought right to the end.

IN MAUNGAKIEKIE:

I met with local residents who are concerned about noise in the Onehunga - Te Papapa area. There are ongoing discussions with Auckland City Council and local businesses to resolve the issue.

It was announced during the week that train stations, including Onehunga would be funded by both central and local government. I feel pleased with this result given the big effort that was made behind the scenes to come to a mutually agreeable funding position.

I visited Royal Oak Intermediate School’s Science Roadshow, which incorporated many fun activities to encourage young students to take an interest and learn about science.

I also spoke as a mentor at a Community In Action Trust meeting in Oranga. The trust brings together youth for after school programs and sports activities.

I had my second electorate business breakfast, which was attended by more than 50 people. Our guest speaker Wayne Scurrah spoke from the heart about the true nature of the Warriors organization, which is based on family, community, and loyalty to one another. It was a rare insight into the daily workings of a high profile organization.

SPECIAL MENTION:

As a mentor of the I Have A Dream Trust I attended the Warriors versus Newcastle match last Friday night. Special mention to the workers, volunteers and students of the I Have A Dream Trust for, not just organising such a great night, but for all the great work they do with youth in our community.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Next week The Mayor and I will be hosting the Samoan Police Band in Auckland.

The King and Queen of Spain will be visiting Auckland City next week. The Auckland City Council will be hosting a civic event to honour their visit to our city.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 14:18

THE WEEK THAT WAS:

I met with the National Business Manager of the Pacific Business Trust and discussed the many ways that we can help to develop Pacific businesses. In order to improve the living standards of Pacific people, we agreed that the focus should be on education and the up-skilling of Pacific people. A more skilled Pacific workforce will lead to better outcomes in terms of employment, income and housing. Promoting and investing in Pacific businesses and their owners will be critical to improving Pacific peoples’ living standards.
 
I also met with Adrianne Burke, Manager of the Tamaki Transition Project. She described the excellent work that her and her team were doing in Tamaki/Maungakiekie primary schools to assist new entrant children in need. The program caters for children who have had little or no early children education by bringing them up to speed with their peers.
 
I visited Sylvia Park School with Education Minister Hon. Anne Tolley. We learned of the remarkable turnaround of the school under the stewardship of Principal Barbara Ala’alatoa. Their main goal is for all students to reach their potential. This is achieved by effective teaching, community engagement, and evidence based practice.
 
I also visited Point England Primary School. The innovative learning approach that Principal Russell Burt and his team use is commendable. He uses evidence based methods to teach students to respect themselves, their peers, and to reach their full potential.
 
This week I also attended the Finance and Strategy Committee at Auckland City Council and the Maungakiekie Community Board meeting.
 
As part of my community outreach I visited several sports and cultural clubs. These including the Royal Oak Racquets Club, Te Papapa Onehunga Rugby Football Club and the Latin American Arts centre in Onehunga.
 
I also visited some churches, including St. Matthias Anglican Church in Panmure, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Royal Oak and Panmure Methodist Church. I also had the privilege of speaking to more than 80 people at a luncheon at Carey Baptist College and to over 200 people at the Samoan Assembly of God youth rally in Onehunga.
 
AUCKLAND GOVERNANCE:

Last week we had 3 public meetings on Auckland governance with Hon. John Carter, Associate Minister of Local Government. The meetings outlined the Government’s plans for the unitary authority for Auckland. The overall response from the public was positive. Most people support the concept of a unified city. However, many people seem confused about the consultation process. The most important issue is the makeup, powers and functions of the local boards. These have yet to be finalised, and the consultation process is about ensuring the people of Auckland have an input into the new governance structure.
 
SPECIAL MENTION:

On Saturday I attended a fundraiser for Eva Mitchell setup by the Tableside Charitable Trust. Eva is a little girl who was born with a condition called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and still lives with the effects of this condition which put her at risk of illness and infection. $6000 was raised on the day to help Eva’s parents cover the costs of her care.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:

This weekend I am helping Melissa Lee campaign in Mt. Albert. Please come and join me if you are free
 
I am hosting my second Business Breakfast on Thursday 11 June. This will be held at the Library café, 55 Princes St, Onehunga from 7am. Wayne Scurrah, CEO of the New Zealand Vodafone Warriors is our guest speaker. Please RSVP to jenny.collins@parliament.govt.nz if you wish to join us.
 

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 15:40

THE WEEK THAT WAS:

This week I met with Litea Ah Hoi, Deputy Mayor of Porirua. We spent time discussing issues relating to Pacific people in the Wellington region. Litea is a capable woman and I hope to build stronger relationships with other Pacific elected representatives around the country.

I also met Dr Colin Tukuitonga, CEO of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs. We discussed ways I can assist the Ministry in realising their long-term goals and ambitions. I look forward to meeting with him more regularly to further build our relationship.

IN THE HOUSE:

This week parliament was under urgency as the Local Government (Auckland Reorganisation) Bill was passed.

This new Act established the Auckland Transition Agency (ATA) as the body responsible for planning and managing the reorganisation of the new Auckland local governance arrangements. Importantly, it places safeguards and constraints on decision making by current local authorities and their subsidiaries in the lead-up to the new council being formed.

The Act also establishes a unitary authority for Auckland to be known as the Auckland Council. The Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill also went through its first reading.

This Bill provides for the governance structure of the Auckland Council, including the high level framework for the council (8 members elected at large and 12 members elected from wards). It also provides for 20 to 30 local boards, including their high level functions.

The Bill also gives direction and provision of powers for the Local Government Commission (LGC) to determine the boundaries of the wards of the Auckland Council and the local boards. The clauses in the Bill are not set in stone, but will be consulted on with the people of Auckland.

We are holding a number of public meetings to hear the views of the people in Maungakiekie and Auckland. Aucklanders will also get their chance to have their say during the select committee process, which will get underway soon. Many of these hearings will be conducted in Auckland.

SPECIAL MENTION:

 I acknowledge Hon. Rodney Hide and Hon. John Carter for the work they have put in to implementing the Local Government (Auckland Reorganization) Act 2009. I wish them well in their future endeavours to bring about a unified Auckland Council.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

This week we are hosting 3 public meetings across the electorate to present the Government’s plans for the new Auckland Council governance structure. These meetings will provide opportunities for constituents to ask questions, make comments and express their opinions.

Monday 18 May Ellerslie War Memorial Hall, 138 Main Highway, Ellerslie. from 7pm.

Tuesday 19 May Onehunga Community Centre, 83 Church St., Onehunga. from 6pm.

Monday 25 May Panmure Community Hall, 7-13 Pilkington Rd., Panmure. from 7pm.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 15:50

THE WEEK THAT WAS:

Last weekend I made a trip to Christchurch for three days. During that time I was able to speak to many different groups and people.

On Friday I spoke at the Christchurch Sunrise Rotary Club breakfast meeting about my first 6 months as an MP. Then Aaron Gilmore MP and I visited Aranui High School and I spoke to a group of more than 50 Pasifika children there.

 I was also the guest speaker at the Canterbury/Westlands National Party women’s function and in the afternoon I visited a rest home.

 On Sunday I attended a church service with Nicky Wagner MP before heading back to Auckland that afternoon.

Last night I attended the Mt. Albert National Party candidate selection for the Mt. Albert bi-election. Both Melissa Lee and Ravi Musuku make outstanding candidates, and Melissa was chosen as the preferred candidate. I wish her well and we will be supporting her in the forty days leading up to the bi-election.

IN MAUNGAKIEKIE:

On Monday I met with Major Campbell Roberts from the Salvation Army. He discussed his vision for social services in our area. The Salvation Army has always been a symbol of hope in our community. It was good to spend some time with him sharing and exchanging ideas on how we can improve the lives of people in Maungakiekie.

 I visited Elim School on Monday afternoon and spoke to staff there about plans they have for expansion and growth. It’s good to see positive plans like that pressing forward, especially in the uncertain economic climate we face.

Yesterday I also met with Nathan Kerr. Nathan is a local teacher at Onehunga High School and Microsoft NZ and World Innovative Teacher of the Year (2008). Nathan described the advances of mlearning which allows students to achieve better learning outcomes via mobile phones.

IN THE HOUSE:

Last week I presented my second bill to National Party caucus. It is the Security Disclosure and Financial Advisors Amendment Bill. The purpose of the bill is to help provide easier ways for small to medium size organisations to access capital. This is done principally by the use and regulation of a simplified disclosure prospectus. This will help stimulate growth in this sector by reducing compliance costs and removing unnecessary impediments to capital raising.

SPECIAL MENTION:

I would like to say a special thanks to the kids at Aranui High School who organised a special Pasifika welcome or me at their school. Their singing as impressive and I only wish my dancing was as good.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Our new electorate office at 268 onehunga Mall is officially opening on Friday (8th May) at 5.30pm. The Prime minister will be there, so please come if you can make it.

From Saturday we will be out door-knocking in Mt. Albert in support of Melissa Lee. Please contact me if you are able to assist.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 11:50

THE WEEK THAT WAS:

It was a tremendous privilege to have dinner with Baroness Carolyn Cox, patroness of the Save the Children Fund, last Thursday night. She spoke about some of the humanitarian work she has been involved with lately in 3rd world countries – talk about inspirational!

Last Friday I attended the Auckland Regional Job Summit held in Maungakiekie. I was really encouraged to see a good turnout and to hear so many great ideas being discussed. Attention was given to how we can maintain business confidence during the recession. I am determined to see the businesses of Maungakiekie come through the recession strong, and this event will serve as a great platform for that.

In parliament this week I spoke for the legal services amendment bill. This bill is intended to free up funding for the cost of legal services for the families of victims of crime, especially those who suffer economic hardship

IN MAUNGAKIEKIE:

Last weekend we had the Onehunga Bay Festival. What a great day! The weather was glorious, thousands of people from all over Auckland turned out, and there was plenty for everyone to see and do, including best performances from artists such as Scribe.

We had a stall manned at the festival and we met a lot of people who were interested in hearing our vision for Maungakiekie and New Zealand.

IN THE HOUSE:

The Government is continuing the assault on the assault on the excessive bureaucracy, especially during this tough economic time, with the announcement of a cap on the number of core government administration staff. The focus being, not so much on the staff numbers, but more so encouraging government departments to look at smarter ways of delivering results.

 This week the Government has announced that National’s voluntary repayment bonus for student loan borrowers will take affect from April 1 2009. This policy is designed to encourage faster student loan repayments and to help young New Zealanders to be debt free earlier.

SPECIAL MENTION

I have visited a dozen or more schools in the past fortnight, but I was particularly impressed with my visit to Sylvia Park School. Barbara Ala’alatoa, the principal, and her team had such a refreshingly positive attitude towards utilizing resources and to the learning outcome of children that I want to acknowledge them and encourage others out there to be resourceful and be driven by a passion for the local community. Keep it up everyone!

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 11:51

THE WEEK THAT WAS:

Last week was another crazy week. I visited nine different schools throughout the Maungakiekie Electorate. This certainly proved a great opportunity to meet a lot of teachers and staff and get a first hand look into some of the issues and concerns facing not only our education system but our families and communities as well.

 On Thursday I held my first Business Breakfast in Ellerslie at the Malabar Cafe. I was amazed to see the place packed with local business people. These breakfasts are a great way of keeping me aware of the issues facing businesses in Maungakiekie, especially in these difficult economic times. Some great ideas were shared too, a lot of which I will be taking back to the National party caucus.

 On Saturday we held our AGM. We had a fantastic turnout. It was sad to say goodbye to George Winstone who has been loyal as our Maungakiekie Chairman for many years. I am pleased to announce that Lee Mathias was elected our new Electorate Chairman. My congratulations to Lee and the new Maungakiekie executive; I look forward to working with you, and building a stronger electorate.

IN MAUNGAKIEKIE:

Today I have been all over the electorate holding my constituency clinics; tomorrow I’m down in Wellington for the next session of Parliament.

On Friday I will be attending the Auckland Regional Employment Summit, which is held in our electorate.

IN THE HOUSE:

Before the 2008 election National drew attention to serious concerns about the management of NZAID. National promised it would “review the operation of agencies that deliver aid to ensure that aid expenditure is effective and efficiently delivered”. In response to this commitment a review of the structure and mandate of NZAID is being undertaken by both the chief executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the State Services Commissioner.

The Government has secured funding to ensure the immediate future of New Zealand's 27 community law centers. The Centers are primarily funded by the Lawyers and Conveyances Special Fund, which consists of 60% of the interest earned on solicitors' trust accounts. However, the slowing housing market and a heavy decline in interest rates meant the centers were facing a cut in funding of 68 per cent, with some centers not likely to survive. The Government recognizes the important role these services play in difficult economic times and wants to ensure everyone has access to justice. It is committed over the medium-term to find an enduring funding framework to ensure continuity of the services provided by community law centers.

UP COMING EVENT

This Saturday March 28 we have a stall at the Onehunga Bay Festival between 11am - 4pm. Come join us if you have some free time, you can find us at the Onehunga Bay Lagoon.

SPECIAL MENTION:

I went to the Stockcar races at Waikaraka Park Speedway this week to support Onehunga High School student Aiden Eustace, who represented New Zealand for the first time as part of the NZ Ministock team. At 14, Aiden is the youngest member of the New Zealand team. Well done Aiden!!

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 11:52

Welcome to the first edition of Sam Says, my regular e-newsletter. This is my chance to let you know what is going on around the Maungakiekie Electorate and in Parliament.

IN MAUNGAKIEKIE

What a busy week it’s been in the electorate. On Friday I continued my efforts to visit every school in the electorate. I was deeply touched by the work and care given by the teachers and students of Sommerville Special School. Then it was my pleasure to present certificates to the senior student’s of Carey College for their IGCSE and A Levels. Later that day I helped out Albert Street National with their stall at the University of Auckland.

On Saturday I had the opportunity to step in on behalf of the Minister for Social Development the Hon Paula Bennett at the Otara Celebrating Success-Literacy Fun Day, where I read a book to the children donated by Scholastic NZ. Then on Sunday I attended the Commonwealth Day service with the Mayor, My Congratulations to Sir Donald McKinnon GCVO for his recent knighthood.

This morning I will be attending the One Tree Hill College Rededication Ceremony with the Prime Minister. This will be an important day for teachers, students, parents and the wider Maungakiekie electorate.Im very proud to be part of this college and am looking forward to this special day. In the afternoon I will continue to hold my regular constituency clinics.

On Saturday I will be spending  the day at the 2009 Pasifika festival at Western Springs. This will be opened by the Mayor and will be attended by the Prime Minister. Come along, it’s going to be a great day!

IN THE HOUSE

What a week it has been. On Sunday the Prime Minister announced that titles are to be reinstated in the New Zealand Honours system. This will mean the return of the titles of Knight and Dame Grand Companion (GNZM) and Knight and Dame Companion (KNZM/DNZM). This announcement is designed to celebrate and recognize success in New Zealand.
 
On Tuesday the government announced a $ 32 increase in the motor vehicle levy from 1 July 2009. This increase comes at a tough time for motor vehicle owners, families and businesses. This is the bare minimum needed to fund the cost of motor vehicle accidents while maintain an acceptable level of solvency in the account. While the government is committed to helping the injured, ongoing large increases in ACC are not affordable. That is why the government is embarking on a programme of ACC reforms to contain costs, push out the full funding date, and achieve greater flexibility in funding mechanisms for the Motor Vehicle Account.
 
Yesterday the government announced that we will provide financial assistance to employers to encourage them to retain workers. A Job Support Scheme will be aimed at private sector businesses with over 100 full-time employees. Employers, workers, and unions will negotiate voluntary agreements to reduce their hours of work to a nine-day fortnight. The government will pay employers $12.50 (adult minimum wage) an hour per worker, for up to five hours a fortnight. By reducing hours, employers will be able to retain their work force and will be better equipped to respond when economic circumstances improve.
 
UP COMING EVENTS
 
Thursday 19 March @ 7am - Ellerslie Business Breakfast at Malabar Café - Call Jenny on 6220300

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 14:56