Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga MP - News

Celebrating children - 5 March 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:32:09 +1300

National Children’s Day, Sunday 7 March 2010, is an opportunity to celebrate how special and important our kids are, says Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, local MP for Maungakiekie.

Children’s Day 2010 is the 10th anniversary of this day, and the theme is ‘Praise and Encouragement’ which is one of the key messages of the event,he says.

We want to celebrate the special nature of childhood, and promote practical ways to enhance and improve the lives and opportunities of children and young people.

Children’s Day operates under a charter which promotes five key messages:
Giving time
Love and affection
Praise and encouragement
Listening and talking
New experiences

At the heart of Children’s Day is the opportunity to spend time with our kids, and to show them how much we love and appreciate them,Lotu-Iiga says.

We have a number of local events happening for Children’s Day, and I want to encourage people from all over Auckland to get out there and take part.

Our kids are our future, but they are also an important part of our lives now. Positive relationships between adults and kids make such a difference to their lives, and Children’s Day is an opportunity to build on that.

New Zealanders unprepared for disaster - 5 March 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:30:52 +1300

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga MP for Maungakiekie warns that many New Zealanders are still complacent about preparing for a natural disaster.

Last weekend, despite the tsunami warning in the wake of the Chile earthquake, some New Zealanders were still not taking the situation seriously or observing the warning, Lotu-Iiga says.

New Zealand is vulnerable to unpredictable natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunami, as well as weather related emergencies. People need to know what this means and that they won’t always get a warning.

When a disaster strikes there will be a time when households and communities might be isolated and without essential services.

Every household should have a plan for this eventuality. This should include knowing where to shelter in an earthquake, flood or storm; knowing where you will all meet up during and after a disaster; and knowing where you have emergency survival items stored.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management’s website www.civildefence.govt.nz has lots of valuable and potentially life-saving information you can use to help put together your family or household emergency plan and checklist.

Benefit and Super increases to more than a million Kiwis - 2 March 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:29:00 +1300

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, local MP for Maungakiekie, is pleased that the Government’s increase to beneficiaries, students and Superannuants will help more than one million New Zealanders.

We’re committed to making sure that people who rely on government support get a fair deal, particularly given the current economic climate.Lotu-Iiga says.

The increase keeps benefits and pension rates in line with the cost of living, which is measured using the Consumers Price Index. For the year ending 31 December 2009, the Consumer Price Index increased by 1.96 per cent.

New Zealand Super and Veterans’ payments will actually be increasing by more than 2 per cent, keeping them at 66 per cent of the net average weekly wage, Lotu-Iiga says.

Currently the Government is only required to keep these payments at 65 per cent of the net average wage. National promised to maintain them at 66 per cent, and we’re sticking to that promise.

A married couple both receiving New Zealand Superannuation will receive an increase of $11.04 a week, taking their payments to $489.42.

As well as benefits and Super payments, the increase will apply to foster care allowances, student allowances and loans, and the income thresholds for the Community Services Card,” Lotu-Iiga says.

The increases mean that New Zealand will be spending an additional $240 million a year on benefits and pensions.

The National-led Government is committed to a fair system for the people who need it.

Further information about the increases to benefit rates, NZ Super, Veterans’ Pensions and student allowances can be found at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/million+kiwis+get+increased+payments

National Standards introduced today - 2 February 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:27:34 +1300

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, MP for Maungakiekie, welcomed the introduction of National Standards this week, as primary and intermediate schools return after the summer break.

This is a very exciting year for education. Our National Standards policy is a groundbreaking initiative, and a critical part of the Government’s plan to lift education standards across the country, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

National Standards will help the one in five students currently leaving school without the basic skills they need.

From this year, primary and intermediate schools will report to parents twice a year in plain language on their child’s progress in reading, writing and maths.

I’m delighted that for the first time, parents in Maungakiekie will get the information they want and deserve about their children’s progress.

Children who are slipping behind will be identified, so teachers and parents can help them improve before it’s too late, he says.

The Government is spending $36 million over four years to support schools which have identified students who need more support. There will also be $26 million to provide training and support for teachers, principals and boards of trustees to help with the implementation of National Standards.

National Standards will be independently monitored and evaluated over the next three years to make sure we get it right, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

The National-led Government will continue to work hard this year alongside schools, parents and communities to make sure our children get the quality education they deserve.

Worst offenders will face three-strikes sentencing regime - 22 January 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:25:35 +1300

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, welcomes legislation that will ensure the worst repeat offenders receive the maximum allowable sentence.

The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill will plug a gap in the law regarding the punishment of the most serious repeat offenders – those people who consistently pose a very real threat to the safety and security of New Zealanders, Maungakiekie MP, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

This Bill will uphold National’s election promise of no parole for the worst repeat violent offenders, and incorporates significant aspects of ACT’s three-strikes policy.

This Government has been serious about better meeting the needs of victims. This legislation and its three-strikes provisions is an acknowledgement that the justice system exists to serve the victims, rather than offenders.

Under the three-strikes regime, 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.

Some may see this Bill as harsh. But it’s only harsh on the very worst and most dangerous of repeat offenders, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

By helping keep the worst repeat offenders behind bars for longer and deterring criminals from committing further crimes because of the escalating severity of sentences, this legislation will help make NZ a better, safer place.

More funding to reduce waste - 22 January 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:22:06 +1300

Auckland City Council yesterday received their first payment of waste levy funding collected under the Waste Minimisation Act, Maungakiekie MP Peseta Sam Lotu-liga says.

Money from the waste levy is being distributed to Councils to support their work to reduce, reuse and recycle waste thereby reducing harm to the environment and ensuring resources are used more efficiently, Peseta Sam Lotu-liga said.

In Auckland $305,000 will be available to see this work done.

The Waste Minimisation Act discourages waste disposal by imposing a levy of $10 per tonne of waste on disposal facilities such as landfills. Half of the money collected is allocated to councils on a population basis to spend on minimising waste in their area and the remaining levy money, minus administration costs, is made available for waste projects and education through the Waste Minimisation Fund.

I encourage applications to the Waste Minimisation Fund from those in the community delivering waste minimisation education, people with new ideas to reduce waste and those wanting to expand the scope of existing waste reduction operations. Information about the fund is available on the Ministry for the Environment website, with applications closing on 1 March 2010.

The Waste levy funding will be made quarterly and councils will use the funding in accordance with their waste management and minimisation plans which are developed locally. These plans are supported by the New Zealand Waste Strategy which is the Government’s long term vision for waste reduction. This long-term strategy is being updated to be in line with the National Government’s waste policy.

This policy is about discouraging waste being dumped in landfills through the waste levy and supporting councils and communities in their waste minimisation and recycling programmes, Peseta Sam Lotu-liga said.

MP welcomes Government relief support for the Cook Islands

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:29:02 +1300

The New Zealand Government is committed to helping the people of Aitutaki recover from the damage caused by Cyclone Pat, Maungakiekie MP, Peseta Sam Loti-Iiga says.

I welcome news of an initial contribution of $200,000 for relief and recovery efforts in the Cook Islands in the wake of the cyclone, Peseta Sam Loti-Iiga says.

This is a first step and the New Zealand Government will continue to work with authorities in the Cook Islands to decide how best to support ongoing recovery efforts on Aitutaki.

Yesterday, a Royal New Zealand Air Force C130 Hercules left carrying relief supplies (from the Government and the Red Cross) such as tarpaulins, water containers, tents, and chainsaw packs.

The plane, with 12 NZ defence Force personnel on board, is due to arrive in the Cook Islands about 9pm last night.

The flight will collect further supplies in Rarotonga, and will travel between Aitutaki and Rarotonga from today as required.

On Thursday, Cyclone Pat hit the southern Cook Islands causing extensive damage on Aitutaki.

While we cannot trivialise the seriousness and devastation of this disaster, it is a relief to know that as yet there have been no reported deaths or serious injuries, Peseta Sam Loti-Iiga says.

New Zealand's financial contributions, which will be utilised to respond to direct requests for supplies and assistance, will be directed through the Cook Islands Red Cross.

Ownership & re-planting of One Tree Hill/Maungakiekei

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:37:31 +1300

I welcome a proposal to transfer the ownership of Auckland's historic One Tree Hill/Maungakiekie and other volcanic cones to Auckland iwi, I hope it will lead to the re-planting of a tree on the summit of One Tree Hill/Maungakiekie.

I recognise the cultural significance of One Tree Hill/Maungakiekie to local iwi and to all Aucklanders.

The Government has said that any agreement involving volcanic cones will preserve public access, reserve status and conservation values.

I am confident that any agreement concerning One Tree Hill/Maungakiekie will not have any impact on public enjoyment and access as has been demonstrated by the 1990 Bastion Point/Takaparawha agreement .

A previous offer by the Labour Government in 2006 to vest One Tree Hill/Maungakiekie and other volcanic cones exclusively in Ngati Whatua o Orakei was rebuked by the Waitangi Tribunal for failing to take into account the interests of all iwi.

I recognise that for there to be any durable settlement, it must reflect the interests of all local iwi and all Aucklanders.

If finalised this agreement will transfer the ownership of One Tree Hill/Maungakiekie into a new co-governance structure that will hold the maunga in a trust for all Aucklanders and will be co-governed by a board with equal membership from the Auckland City Council and local iwi.

I will be strongly advocating that the proposed co-governance body re-plant a tree on the summit of One Tree Hill/Maungakiekie, an unresolved issue that local residents want addressed.

Tamaki College to open Service Academy in 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:31:12 +1300

Local school Tamaki College in Auckland will be one of seven secondary schools opening a new Service Academy next year.

This is a great opportunity for even more year 12 and 13 students to take part in a challenging and motivating programme, Peseta Sam says.

There are a number of young people who tend to leave school and find it difficult to find a job, or to move on to tertiary education.

The new Service Academy is aimed at them. The programme will focus on giving them new skills and a chance to succeed, he says.

The military-style programmes are part of the National-led Government’s Youth Opportunities package. They will be provided at schools with the help of the New Zealand Defence Force.

Students will take part in courses such as leadership and outdoor education, and work towards reaching NCEA Level 1 Mathematics and English or above.

This Government wants to help these students return to a mainstream school, go on to tertiary education or find a sustainable job. The aim is that after a year at the Service Academy, they will be able to do just that.

I’m really pleased for young people in our community that Tamaki College has been chosen. Peseta Sam says.

The seven new Service Academies will be run through the following schools:
* Tikipunga High School, Whangarei
* Otahuhu College, Otahuhu
* Gisborne Girls’ High School, Gisborne
* Tokoroa High School, Tokoroa
* Tamaki College, Auckland
* Wanganui City College, Wanganui
* Te Kuiti High School, Te Kuiti

A Break-Away for young people these school holidays

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:52:50 +1300

Young people in Maungakiekie will benefit from the Break-Away programme these summer holidays, says National MP Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga

This programme will offer a range of sports and activities to young people who might not otherwise have the means or opportunity to take part, the Maungakiekie MP says.

We’re expecting around 2000 young people to take part in Maungakiekie, with activities ranging from gymnastics and cooking to singing and mountain biking.

There are 26 community organisations running the programmes nationwide. There are 15,000 one-week placements for 11- to 17-year-olds in the January and April school holidays.

I’m really pleased that young people in Maungakiekie will have this opportunity, Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

The programme is part of the Break-Away package of youth initiatives announced by Prime Minister John Key in August.

The school holiday programmes are an important part of the work this Government is doing to help young New Zealanders reach their potential, Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

The National-led Government is giving these young people a fun opportunity to do something different.

For more information and a list of holiday programme providers please go to:
http://www.familyservices.govt.nz/working-with-us/programmes-services/youth-intervention/breakaway-school-holiday-programmes.htm

A Break-Away for young people these school holidays

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:47:21 +1300

Young people in Maungakiekie will benefit from the Break-Away programme these summer holidays, says National MP Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga

This programme will offer a range of sports and activities to young people who might not otherwise have the means or opportunity to take part,the Maungakiekie MP says.

We’re expecting around 2000 young people to take part in Maungakiekie, with activities ranging from gymnastics and cooking to singing and mountain biking.

There are 26 community organisations running the programmes nationwide. There are 15,000 one-week placements for 11- to 17-year-olds in the January and April school holidays.

I’m really pleased that young people in Maungakiekie will have this opportunity, Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

The programme is part of the Break-Away package of youth initiatives announced by Prime Minister John Key in August.

The school holiday programmes are an important part of the work this Government is doing to help young New Zealanders reach their potential, Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

The National-led Government is giving these young people a fun opportunity to do something different.

For more information and a list of holiday programme providers please go to:

http://www.familyservices.govt.nz/working-with-us/programmes-services/youth-intervention/breakaway-school-holiday-programmes.htm

Further boost to ICT funding in schools

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:58:47 +1300

Local schools Royal Oak School and Royal Oak Intermediate School are set to benefit from a new round of ICT upgrades, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

Education Minister Anne Tolley and Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce have confirmed that 100 more schools will benefit from a $21.5 million allocation for school network upgrades.

The new roll out is the latest round of the $150 million boost for school network upgrades, which is part of the government’s $1.5 billion Broadband Investment Initiative.

We want to ensure our schools can provide the best possible education for our students and this roll out will make a significant contribution to that, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

Here in Maungakiekie, ultra-fast broadband can make a real difference to our economic and social wellbeing. Students need to be able to take full advantage of the benefits of technology.

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, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

We expect that up to 2000 schools will be upgraded over the next six years. We’re aiming to have ultra-fast broadband access to 97 per cent of schools, serving 99.7 per cent of all students, in that time.

More schools will be invited to upgrade their networks in early 2010.

$500m brings better Aucklandrail service closer

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:49:15 +1300

Maungakiekie MP Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says Cabinet approval for $500 million to buy electric trains has brought electrification of Auckland’s rail system a step closer.

Procurement will begin early in the new year, with the first electric trains operational from 2013, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

This is great news. Rail is an increasingly important way for Aucklanders to get to work each day and the region can look forward to a fleet of modern electric trains running on a modern and more reliable rail network.

The $500 million loan to KiwiRail brings the Government’s investment in developing Auckland’s metro rail system to $1.6 billion, with $600 million for Project DART, $500 million for the infrastructure required to support electrification, and $500 million for the electric trains.

Project Dart (Developing Auckland's Rail Transport) is a package of below rail projects that together will increase the capacity, reliability and reach of the network. Key projects within DART include double tracking of the western line, station and line improvements at New Lynn, a new passenger line to Manukau City, opening of the Onehunga line and improved signalling to allow for increased rail traffic.

The upgrading and electrification of the Auckland rail network will result in more frequent trains at peak times and help meet future passenger demand,” Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says.

Free fruit for schools continues

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:35:13 +1300

Maungakiekie MP Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is delighted that six schools in the electorate will continue to receive Government funding for fruit for their students.

When introduced, the previous government said Fruit in Schools funding would be for three years, and after that schools would need to source the fruit themselves. Schools agreed to that, says Mr Lotu-Iiga.

For many schools nationwide that three years was up in June this year, but National agreed to roll the funding over for an extra six months pending a review.

One of the issues being reviewed was the administration costs of the programme. Last year Fruit in Schools cost $12 million, with just over half of that actually spent on fruit.

Now the review is complete and we've decided to keep the Fruit in Schools programme.

This is great news for the participating schools in our electorate.

Fruit in Schools will become part of the Health Promoting Schools programme run by DHBs, and this will save more than $4 million a year, which will be spent on other health services.

The other components of Health Promoting Schools are encouraging school children to be sun smart, smoke free and physically active.

Participating schools in Maungakiekie are:

Panmure Bridge School
Ruapotaka School
Sylvia Park School
Tamaki Intermediate
Tamaki School
Te Papapa School

FUNDING BOOST FOR LOCAL SCHOOL

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:10:03 +1300

Onehunga High School is receiving a $1,051,241 funding boost to build new classrooms and facilities says MP for Maungakiekie Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

This funding is part of a $29.8 million boost for new buildings at 27 schools across the country.

National is committed to investing in our schools, he says.

These new buildings will really help Onehunga High School meet roll growth and provide better facilities for local students.

I have spoken to the Onehunga School Principal Ms Deidre Shea and she is delighted about the extra funding. The school has two medium-to-long-term building projects and this funding will ensure one of them goes ahead.

Nationwide, this funding follows a $41 million property funding boost to eighty-one schools earlier this year as part of our infrastructure package.

We are delivering on our commitment to improve school property. This funding is a win-win for local schools and local parents.