Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga MP

Happy new year! I hope you’re all enjoying this lovely summer weather and have had a safe, well earned break. While I am looking forward to the challenges of 2010, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Haiti during this difficult time. I’m sure the New Zealand public will respond generously as they did for the Tsunami disaster in the Pacific.

It’s been a whirlwind start to 2010. In early January, the Cricketathon Team comprising of the Cornwall, Greenlane and Ellerslie Cricket Clubs, accomplished the mammoth task of breaking the world record for playing 100 hours of non-stop cricket. They obliterated the previous record of 66 hours and in doing so raised a significant amount of money for the Starship Foundation. It was great to be part of the crowd that showed support for this event.

I also had the privilege as the local MP to officially open the Colgate games that were held at Mt Smart Stadium. Over 1500 athletes competed before their families, friends and supporters from throughout NZ and Australia. It was great to see so many local clubs and athletes taking part. This event is an opportunity for all children to experience competition on a large scale and historically has been the pathway for some to develop through to an elite level.

Many constituents have raised with me their concerns about law and order in our communities. The National Government has been serious about better meeting the needs of victims of crimes. The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill and its three-strikes provisions is an acknowledgement that the justice system exists to serve the victims, rather than offenders. Under the three-strike policy, an offender will receive a standard sentence and warning for the first serious offence. For the second offence they will get a jail term (in most cases) with no parole and a further warning. On conviction for their third serious offence, the offender will receive the maximum penalty in prison for that offence with no parole. It is consistent with our desire to make New Zealand a better and safer place for our families.

We are back in parliament later this month and there is much on the legislative calendar. The focus remains on creating job opportunities for all New Zealanders as well as maintaining effective public services. I certainly look forward to continuing to serve your needs in the area and being a strong advocate for your aspirations and goals in parliament.

Posted by admin in Month in Review at 12:39

November

I welcomed 250 senior citizens from our local communities to my inaugural “Seniors Lunch” in Onehunga. This lunch gave me the opportunity to touch base with the senior community who are often overlooked. It was pleasing to hear the issues affecting their lives. These ranged from Auckland governance to superannuation. The government recognises how important it is to maintain superannuation levels and are delivering on its promise to maintain super payments at 66 per cent of the average wage.

I celebrated World Teachers’ Day at St Joseph’s Primary School. I enjoyed the interactive learning activities and joined the children in putting our “hands up for learning!”

Oranga Primary School put on a great celebration of culture, arts and dances at its multicultural festival. There were some colourful outfits, groovy dance moves and much laughter.

As Christmas approaches, I had the privilege of attending the senior prizegivings of both Onehunga High School and One Tree Hill College. It is pleasing to see so many gifted young people displaying endeavour and a commitment to excellence.  I believe our country’s future is bright with the calibre and talent coming through our local schools.

Onehunga High School celebrated the announcement of over $1m in extra funding it will receive to fund one of two major building projects.  This will be welcome relief to the school’s already stretched resources.

Public transport received a $500 million boost to buy electric trains.  This brings the electrification of Auckland’s rail system closer. This package will increase the capacity, reliability and environmental sustainability of the network and crucially the Onehunga Line.

It has been a few years since the Onehunga markets closed down.  However, it was great to see the running of the St Peter’s Church fair in Onehunga and the CCS market day in Royal Oak. I am sure many in our community would welcome more affordable and diverse markets in the area.

The treaty settlement with Ngati Whatua is currently being negotiated with One Tree Hill/ Maungakiekie an important agenda item. There is overwhelming community support for the planting of a tree on the summit.  I will continue to advocate for this to happen in the near future.

Finally I want to wish you and your families a merry Christmas and a peaceful new year. I hope you all have a safe and well earned break. I look forward to seeing you in 2010.

Posted by admin in Month in Review at 15:27

This month I had an enjoyable time celebrating the international day of the older persons, the 60th Anniversary of China’s national day and Diwali in Onehunga. What a wonderful occasion it was to see so many local families enjoying organised events in our community. 

I have visited a number of kindergartens and daycare centres in our area and I know that many of our young are getting a great start to their early education.  It was also an honour to be the guest speaker at the inaugural Pasefika prize giving ceremony at One Tree Hill College.  It is pleasing to see many gifted young people coming through who are going to make a huge contribution to our community in the future. 

Local families in Oranga will be better connected to health and social services with Housing New Zealand’s ‘Healthy Housing’ programme being rolled out.  Healthy Housing raises awareness about infectious diseases, reduces the risk of housing-related health problems and reduces overcrowding.

People who take part in Healthy Housing say they have positive changes in their family life, better participation in community activities and improved health and wellbeing. I know there are many good families in Oranga who are working hard to make ends meet, and this extra help will make things easier for them.

The Prime Minister 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 so many lives in our communities.

The Government is adopting a multi-pronged approach by cracking down on precursors, breaking the supply chain, providing improved access to treatment, supporting families, and strengthening leadership and accountability.

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Samoan, Tongan, and New Zealand people who have lost their loved ones, homes and livelihoods as a consequence of the recent tsunami.
I had the opportunity to see the destruction firsthand with the Prime Minister and witness the on-going relief efforts of our Government and the fundraising efforts of many generous New Zealanders.  I was shocked and saddened by the extent of the catastrophe. In some places, entire villages were swept out to sea.

The Government remains committed to standing beside our Pacific neighbours, through short-term disaster relief and long-term reconstruction. I will continue to work with the Government and local communities to assist in any way I can.

Posted by admin in Month in Review at 12:07

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. 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.

Many families in state houses in and around Onehunga 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.

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.

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.

I had a fantastic time attending the Sanitarium annual staff ambassador awards with the Prime Minister.  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 Month in Review at 13:48

This month I had an enjoyable time celebrating the international day of the older persons, the 60th Anniversary of China’s national day and Diwali in Onehunga. What a wonderful occasion it was to see so many local families enjoying organised events in our community. 

I have visited a number of kindergartens and daycare centres in our area and I know that many of our young are getting a great start to their early education.  It was also an honour to be the guest speaker at the inaugural Pasefika prize giving ceremony at One Tree Hill College.  It is pleasing to see many gifted young people coming through who are going to make a huge contribution to our community in the future. 

Local families in Oranga will be better connected to health and social services with Housing New Zealand’s ‘Healthy Housing’ programme being rolled out.  Healthy Housing raises awareness about infectious diseases, reduces the risk of housing-related health problems and reduces overcrowding.

People who take part in Healthy Housing say they have positive changes in their family life, better participation in community activities and improved health and wellbeing. I know there are many good families in Oranga who are working hard to make ends meet, and this extra help will make things easier for them.

The Prime Minister 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 so many lives in our communities.

The Government is adopting a multi-pronged approach by cracking down on precursors, breaking the supply chain, providing improved access to treatment, supporting families, and strengthening leadership and accountability.

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Samoan, Tongan, and New Zealand people who have lost their loved ones, homes and livelihoods as a consequence of the recent tsunami.
I had the opportunity to see the destruction firsthand with the Prime Minister and witness the on-going relief efforts of our Government and the fundraising efforts of many generous New Zealanders.  I was shocked and saddened by the extent of the catastrophe. In some places, entire villages were swept out to sea.

The Government remains committed to standing beside our Pacific neighbours, through short-term disaster relief and long-term reconstruction. I will continue to work with the Government and local communities to assist in any way I can.

Posted by admin in Month in Review at 12:40

First I express my deep condolences to the people of Tonga following the tragic sinking of the Princess Ashika. It was very distressing to hear about the loss of life, many of whom had strong connections to our communities in New Zealand. Our
Government has provided swift assistance to the Tongan Government in dealing with this tragedy.

Recently I visited Rakon and Buckley Systems, two successful and innovative high tech companies operating in Maungakiekie. Rakon is a world leader in the design and manufacture of frequency control solutions. Buckley Systems is a global leader supplying electromagnets to 90 per cent of the world's ion implant industry.

Firms like these are particularly important in leading New Zealand out of the current economic recession because they manufacture high value export products. These firms provide valuable jobs and much needed foreign exchange earnings.

In terms of job opportunities for young New Zealanders, 18 to 24 year-olds are the fastest growing age group joining the unemployment benefit. That’s why 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.

During August over 60 people attended our most successful breakfast yet in Maungakiekie. Va'aiga Tuigamala gave a funny yet inspirational insight into his
life, sport, and business.

In a huge boost for first home buyers the Government has increased the amount that can be borrowed under the government-funded Welcome Home loan scheme.  First home buyers can now borrow up to $350,000, up from the previous cap of $280,000. This new cap reflects the reality of the situation many first home buyers in places like Maungakiekie find themselves in.

This scheme will also help more tenants living in eligible state homes to buy their property and will also allow loans for houses to be built on land already owned by the first home buyer. We want to encourage the building of new houses and in doing so stimulate the construction sector.

Next month we look forward to welcoming spring by seeing you at the Heritage Festival here in Onehunga.

Posted by admin in Month in Review at 13:00

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. 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.

Many families in state houses in and around Onehunga 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.

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.

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.

I had a fantastic time attending the Sanitarium annual staff ambassador awards with the Prime Minister.  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 Month in Review at 12:53

July

July This 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.

 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.

This month saw three local organisations announced as successful recipients of the Strategies with Kids, Information for Parents (SKIP) Local Initiative Fund. I’m delighted to congratulate Oranga Community Centre Inc, Pukapuka Community of NZ Inc, and the Tongan/Tamaki Langafonua Community Centre whose innovative projects were among only twenty seven organisations to be granted funding.

This SKIP Fund supports communities to explore new ways to promote positive parents. This can include practical tips for parents on how to handle the everyday challenges encountered when raising a small family.

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.

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.

Posted by admin in Month in Review at 15:34

Last month continued to be a full on and exciting time for us in Onehunga.

The highlight for me was the opening of my new electorate office in Onehunga by the Prime Minister. This is the first time in 10 years a local MP has been based in Onehunga. Having our office in Onehunga gives the local community and resident’s direct access to their local MP. Since our opening the office has been a buzz with the issues and concerns facing the people of Onehunga and Maungakiekie.

To date we have had four public meetings on Auckland Governance with the Hon John Carter, Associate Minister of Local Government. These meetings have been a great forum for the local community to voice their views and concerns over the future of Auckland Governance. Based on our meetings most would support a unitary council but have concerns over the design, functions, role and funding of local boards.

If you were unable to attend one of those meetings and still wish to voice your views please don’t hesitate to either phone or pop in to our office.

On 11 June around 50 people braved the cold weather to join me at the Library Café for one of my regular business breakfasts. Wayne Scurrah CEO of the local Vodafone Warriors was our guest speaker. Wayne fascinated us with an interesting insight into the day to day running of the Warriors and scored a few more fans in doing so.

Like so many of you I was thrilled that the Government and ARC announced their commitment to jointly fund a railway station in Onehunga.  This is a fantastic result for our community and I look forward to working with officials to help provide the best options for Onehunga.  I also welcome the assurance by the Minister of Transport Hon Stephen Joyce that electric trains will be provided for within a 2013 deadline.

One of the more popular announcements from Budget 2009 is the Governments insulation grants
of up to $1800 for houses built before 2000.These grants are designed to reduce health risks from living in cold damp homes and provide energy efficiency gains. More than 180,000 homes will have access to these grants. I am certain that they will be extremely beneficial to Onehunga.

I have enjoyed meeting so many of you on the streets of Onehunga and I look forward to the exciting and challenging months ahead.

Posted by admin in Month in Review at 11:46