Jo Goodhew MP for Rangitata - News

PlunketLine supporting more parents

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:40:00 +1200

Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew says it’s great to see so many parents using PlunketLine, with an increase of 39% in calls.

“Government funding to expand PlunketLine to 24/7 for parents has seen the service answer nearly 27,000 more calls in the 2009/10 year compared with two years previously,” Mrs Goodhew says.

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Alternative Education Funding Changes Delight MP

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:36:00 +1200

Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew is delighted that alternate education providers in both South and Mid Canterbury will be better funded after today’s announcement of an overall 8.4% funding increase.

Over the past three years I have written to both the former and current Ministers of Education regarding the shortfall in funding for students involved in alternative education, said Mrs Goodhew.

“This is the first funding increase since 2000 so it’s been a long time coming.”

I have been very supportive of the involvement of registered teachers in this educational option and am pleased to see this cost will be covered, she said.

New Zealander of the Year Awards

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:32:00 +1200

Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew is urging communities in the Rangitata Electorate to seize the opportunity to recognise those amongst them who have made a positive contribution.

Nominations for the New Zealander of the Year Awards 2011 have just opened offering New Zealanders an opportunity to nominate people who have inspired them and made a difference.

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Seeking your views on Canterbury's Water Management

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:22:48 +1200

There are major problems with water management in Canterbury, and the National-led Government has made a number of changes to address these. Your views about these changes are important. Please take the time to download and read our water pamphlet (click here for that), complete the response form, and return it freepost to me. I look forward to hearing from you.

MP Expresses Concern Over Baha’i Sentences

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:26:00 +1200

Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew has today echoed the deep concern expressed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully in relation to the 20-year prison sentences handed down by the Government of Iran to the leadership of the Baha’i faith.

“I have met with members of the Baha’i community who live in my electorate and they have grave fears for their family members who live in Iran and for the leadership of the Baha’i faith in Iran.”

“Mr McCully has expressed New Zealand’s dismay at Iran’s failure to uphold its international human rights commitments and its own due legal processes in this case. He has said that he hopes to see the Government of Iran grant the Baha’i Yaran immediate bail, pending an appeal of the sentence, and I endorse that statement,” said Mrs Goodhew.

“The sentences appear to be based wholly on the fact that these people are members of a minority religious group. It is apparent that the trial was conducted in a manner that was neither fair nor transparent.”

“I join with other New Zealanders in calling on the Government of Iran to protect the fundamental rights of all its citizens, and to end its ongoing and systematic persecution of the Baha’i,” said Mrs Goodhew.

Media contact: Jo Goodhew 021 443 803

Locals urged to come up with festival ideas for World Cup 2011

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:23:00 +1200

Jo Goodhew is urging Rangitata locals to come up with ideas for New Zealand’s biggest ever festival.

Today the Government announced a new $9.5 million Lotteries Fund to support community events and activities in every part of the country in the lead-up to, and during, the Rugby World Cup.

“The Rugby World Cup will be a huge event for New Zealand, and a great chance for us to celebrate as a region,” says Mrs Goodhew.

“Twenty three centres around the country are hosting games or teams, bringing widespread economic benefits. This fund will ensure that Rangitata can make the most of the opportunity.

“This fund will complement the investment regions are already making in the World Cup festival. There are already some great event and activity ideas out there. We want to hear more!”

Applications for the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund will open on July 27 and close on August 31. Successful applicants will be announced by the end of October.

New Zealand 2011 Office Festival Director Briony Ellis says great ideas have already been put forward for the festival, and this fund will ensure that good ideas can be brought to life.

“Our locals know best how to show off what our region has to offer,” Mrs Goodhew said.

“The world cup is more than just the matches. We want to make sure our visitors get to see our country, meet our people and have a great time in between the games.”

ENDS
For more information on the Fund, visit: www.dia.govt.nz

For more information on the Festival, visit: www.nz2011.govt.nz

Enquiries: Jo Goodhew 021 443803

Rangitata MP to Attend Commonwealth Workshop

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:07:26 +1200

Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew will represent both the New Zealand Parliament and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Pacific Region at a conference in Australia next week.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Whips Workshop, which is being held for the first time, will convene at Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, and be held over four days from Tuesday, 13 July 2010.

Mrs Goodhew is Junior Government Whip in the National-led Government.

Funded by the CPA and in association with the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia, the workshop will launch the Commonwealth Parliamentary Whips Network which aims to develop links between whips from throughout the Commonwealth in order to share information about their role and work. It will also provide a professional development opportunity for whips.

Topics for discussion at the workshop include managing the business of parliament, the functions of party whips, liaison with parliamentary staff and combining the whip’s role with electorate responsibilities.

Whips from Parliament’s throughout the Commonwealth will attend the meeting.

Media contact: Jo Goodhew 021 443 803

Youth MPs Take Over Parliament

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:27:00 +1200

The Rangitata electorate’s Youth MP Georgia Robertson will find out first hand today what it is like to govern New Zealand.

She is one of 122 young New Zealanders representing each sitting MP who take over Parliament today for the triennial Youth Parliament. Georgia is a Year 13 student at Ashburton College.

Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew said the Youth Parliament, being held in Wellington over two days, will focus on a mock bill which, if it were real, would bring into law a single lawful age for driving, voting and drinking.

Youth MPs will be able to debate the merits of different age thresholds. There are also ten select committees of inquiry ranging from entrepreneurship education to copyright infringement.

Georgia said she is looking forward to an incredible experience, speaking in the debating chamber and meeting the other Youth MPs.

A contingent of 10 Youth Journalists will be reporting on the sitting of the Youth Parliament.

The Youth Press Gallery provides an opportunity for aspiring journalism students and interns to experience political reporting, while under the wing of a real press gallery journalist.

Mrs Goodhew said the Youth MPs also had a fantastic opportunity to meet and talk with New Zealand director Taika Waititi and young New Zealander of the Year Divya Dhar about leadership before a special screening of Taika’s film Boy.

Youth MPs are aged between 16 – 18, with Youth Journalists 20 and 24 years old.

Youth Parliament is a joint initiative of the Minister of Youth Affairs and the Speaker of the House of Representative.

Youth Parliament has been held every three years since 1994.

Media contact: Jo Goodhew 021 443 803

Rangitata Electorate Schools to get Broadband Boost

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:21:00 +1200

Twelve Rangitata electorate schools will share in a $37.5 million allocation for ICT upgrades announced today.

The twelve Mid and South Canterbury schools are among 239 schools around the country that are set to receive ICT upgrades as part of the second phase of the Government’s commitment to high speed broadband in schools. Funding for this phase was announced in Budget 2010.

Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew is delighted schools in her electorate are included in the allocation in this latest round of the $150 million boost for school network upgrades, part of the government’s $1.5 billion six-year Broadband Investment Initiative.

Mid Canterbury schools to receive funding are Ashburton College, Carew Peel Forest School, Dorie School, Hampstead School, Longbeach School and Tinwald School. Timaru District schools are Highfield School, Mountainview High School, Opihi College, St Joseph’s School (Pleasant Point), St Joseph’s School (Temuka) and Temuka Primary School.

Upgrading the schools’ networks will mean teachers and students in every classroom will have the capability to access ultra-fast broadband, Mrs Goodhew says.

Access to high-speed broadband is a vital part of ensuring students get a 21st century education in a 21st century economy.

“We want to enable as many students as possible to take full advantage of the benefits provided by this technology. This roll out will contribute to the government’s goal of ensuring our schools provide the best possible education to their students.”

Most children currently at school will spend much of their working lives online. It’s important that our schools have the capacity to prepare them for that, Mrs Goodhew says.

ENDS

Contact: Jo Goodhew 021 443 803

Job Ops a Proven Success

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:50:00 +1200

The National-led Government’s Job Ops programme for young people aged 16 to 24 years has been a success in Timaru, Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew says.

Examples of young people’s experience with Youth Ops have proven the value of the programme which was launched in the middle of last year and extended in May of this year.

Young people are building work skills, finding confidence and very importantly, gaining a work history, Mrs Goodhew says.

Funding announced as part of Budget 2010 has doubled the number of placements in the scheme from 6000 to 12,000. Funding for the scheme now totals $26.7 million.

Mrs Goodhew said more than 4000 young people had already been engaged in the workforce through Youth Ops, learning new skills and increasing their chances of finding permanent employment.

“I am very pleased young people in Timaru have been able to take advantage of this programme. Stories of the positive work experiences they are having are heartening.”

The Youth Ops programme provides employers with a $5000 subsidy for a six month period when they employ young people unable to find work.

“Employers are also finding the experience a positive one because the subsidy removes the financial risk in employing young and inexperienced people.”

"The Youth Ops scheme is part of the Government’s commitment to supporting New Zealanders into work and training while the economy emerges from a recession," Mrs Goodhew says.

Media contact: Jo Goodhew 021 443 803
Examples – see below
Timaru (consent has been gained from those involved for these stories to be published.)

Story 1
• Bloomers florist owner Cherilyn Kuperus needed an extra pair of hands and turned to Work and Income and the Job Ops initiative for help.
• The Timaru employer had received information about Job Ops through the local Chamber of Commerce soon after it was launched, and was considering the initiative as a way to solve her problem.
• Around the same time 17 year old Hannah Braid came to Bloomers for work experience while she completed a floristry course. When the course finished Hannah’s tutor contacted Cherilyn to see if there was a job opening.
• The enquiry was the impetus Cherilyn needed to apply for Job Ops. A vacancy was lodged with Work and Income and a number of applicants’ CVs received. Bloomers trialled other applicants, but Cherilyn says Hannah was the best choice as far as she was concerned.
• “She is pretty good and a lovely keen kid.” Cherilyn says Hannah understands floristry isn’t just about playing with flowers. She has taken on some of the more mundane tasks in the business while learning about the industry which has taken pressure off the other staff who have been freed up to concentrate on their floral work.
• “It is very evident that Hannah is passionate about her job and she deals so well with members of the public; her confidence has grown. She will give things a go and shows she’s got great initiative.”
• Cherilyn says she’d encourage other employers to utilise Job Ops to get some really good staff; “Just because they are young, it doesn’t mean that they won’t get some good quality staff. Job Ops has taken the risk away.”
• Hannah is now employed full-time with Bloomers, having completed her Job Ops earlier this year.
Story 2
• When 17 year old Cassandra Hefford left school she had no qualifications or work experience but she wanted a job.
• With the help of Work and Income staff in Timaru and Job Ops, she’s now employed doing something many young people would love to do – helping to plan fun activities for children!
• Cassandra was employed under Job Ops with Chipmunks in Timaru. As part of the job she’s responsible for preparing and serving food and for customer service. The fun aspect of her new position is creating entertaining activities for children.
• Cassandra has been working for two months, but her employer plans to keep her on when the 26 week Job Ops period finishes.

Job Ops a Proven Success

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:42:00 +1200

The National-led Government’s Job Ops programme for young people aged 16 to 24 years has been a success in Mid Canterbury, Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew says.

Examples of young people’s experience with Youth Ops have proven the value of the programme which was launched in the middle of last year and extended in May of this year.

Young people are building work skills, finding confidence and very importantly, gaining a work history, Mrs Goodhew says.

Funding announced as part of Budget 2010 has doubled the number of placements in the scheme from 6000 to 12,000. Funding for the scheme now totals $26.7 million.

Mrs Goodhew said more than 4000 young people had already been engaged in the workforce through Youth Ops, learning new skills and increasing their chances of finding permanent employment.

“I am very pleased young people in Mid Canterbury have been able to take advantage of this programme. Stories of the positive work experiences they are having are heartening.”

The Youth Ops programme provides employers with a $5000 subsidy for a six month period when they employ young people unable to find work.

“Employers are also finding the experience a positive one because the subsidy removes the financial risk in employing young and inexperienced people.”

"The Youth Ops scheme is part of the Government’s commitment to supporting New Zealanders into work and training while the economy emerges from a recession," Mrs Goodhew says.

Media contact: Jo Goodhew 021 443 803
Examples – see below
Mid Canterbury

Story 1

• A 17 year old young man who was in receipt of an Invalids Benefit was keen to work. His health condition is well managed and stable.

• He applied for a full-time job as a workshop assistant with an Ashburton employer but missed out on that position. The employer said that they may have some part-time work for him.

• The young man met with the Ashburton Work Broker to discuss employment options and following this the Work Broker approached the Ashburton employer where the young man had missed out on the workshop assistant position and talked about Job Ops.

• The employer was pleased to utilise the Job Ops funding and give the young man the paid work experience he wanted. He is now two weeks into the work, set up with some tools and his own work bench and is doing well.

Story 2

• It is now nine months since a 19 year old young man started his bakery experience with an employer in Ashburton.

• He completed six months through Job Ops and at the conclusion of this was offered an apprenticeship.

• The Ashburton Work Broker spoke to the employer recently and he is very pleased with the progress the young man is making. He is thankful of the funding that allowed this young man to show that he could get out of bed early to work and prove himself in a very competitive industry.

Fundraising BBQ’s and Cake Stalls simplified

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 28 May 2010 09:39:36 +1200

MP for Rangitata Jo Goodhew today welcomed news that food safety rules for fundraising groups will soon be much more straight-forward.

The Food Bill was introduced to Parliament on 25 May and will overhaul the outdated Food Act 1981.

“While it is important that the causes of food-borne illness are addressed through a workable regulatory system, recent times have seen regional inconsistencies in how the law has been applied,” said Mrs Goodhew.

“I am delighted that the regulations for fundraising groups will be significantly simplified and won’t mean these groups have to jump through a series of hoops,” said Mrs Goodhew.

"Activities like sausage sizzles and cake stalls will be covered by Food Handler Guidance material that demonstrate simple hygiene practices.

“This Bill is intended to assist food businesses to understand how to ensure the food they produce is safe and will allow greater confidence on the part of the consumers,” said Mrs Goodhew.

The Food Bill is intended to be enacted by 31 March 2011.

Inquiries: Jo Goodhew (021) 443 803

Balancing the economy and the environment.

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 21 May 2010 11:42:00 +1200

A number of constituents have contacted me about the start date for the Emissions Trading Scheme. There has quite a bit of misleading information circulating - this is a good opportunity to set the record straight.

The facts are clear. The introduction date of 1 July is a soft start. We've also halved the cost to households and businesses.

New Zealand is not the first in the world to have an ETS. Three quarters of all Kyoto countries - 29 out of 38 - already have a trading scheme or carbon tax in place to reduce their emissions.

The claim that the ETS is a tax completely ignores the carbon credits flowing to forest owners. In its first year forest owners are budgeted to receive $1100 million in credits as compared to the $350 million in costs to businesses and households for emissions.

The National-led Government believes New Zealand must do its fair share to reduce carbon emissions and that delaying the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) would not be in New Zealand’s best interests. That is why the scheme is going ahead on 1 July as planned.

We have moderated the ETS established under Labour by scaling back the impacts on carbon emitters. The changes to the earlier scheme will more than halve the cost for households and businesses, reducing the increases in petrol and power prices for families.

Also, agriculture will now not be included in the scheme until 2015, and we’re investing millions into science aimed to help farmers further reduce emissions.

New Zealand has a role to play in tackling climate change. In April we hosted the inaugural meeting of the Global Research Alliance, and provided $45 million of funding over four years. We have also allocated $50 million over 10 years for the Centre for Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research to help reduce on-farm carbon emissions.

We have also invested $347 million in a home insulation scheme to help families save on energy costs.

Without an ETS, New Zealand would continue to see more deforestation and a reduction in tree planting. New data shows that because of the ETS, the trend towards deforestation has reversed, and we're planting more trees.

New Zealand will continue to monitor international developments. Next year there will be a formal review of the ETS. Part of that review will look at the progress made by our major trading partners and if their progress is lagging, the review may recommend changes are made to the ETS.

New Zealand must balance its economic opportunities with its environmental responsibilities, and give certainty to industries that are affected by the scheme.

Jo Goodhew

MP for Rangitata

A Budget to help families get ahead

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 14 May 2010 11:36:00 +1200

National is now halfway through our first term in government and we’re about to deliver our second Budget.

I am very supportive of this Government’s relentless focus on what matters to New Zealanders. The decisions being made will secure a brighter future for Kiwi families.
The backdrop to the 2008 election was a country in recession, in the middle of the worst global economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression. We protected New Zealanders from the sharpest edges of the recession by safeguarding their entitlements. We poured billions into infrastructure to unclog the arteries of growth. We pushed resources to the frontline across the public service. And we took steps to keep the country’s debt under control.

I know New Zealand has emerged from this recession more quickly and in stronger shape than most of our trading partners. A sign of that is the recent fall in the unemployment rate from 7.1 per cent to 6 per cent.

National’s focus is now squarely on achieving faster and more sustainable economic growth.

I believe the Budget to be delivered this Thursday will take a number of steps to help families get ahead, and keep skilled New Zealanders in this country. It will tilt the economy towards savings, exports, and productive investment, and away from borrowing, debt, and unsustainable government spending. It will take a responsible approach to managing the Government’s finances, so we get back to surplus sooner and turn back rising debt.

Budget 2010 will move more money to improve frontline services such as hospitals, schools, and law and order. It will ensure taxpayers get better value for money.

In the lead up to the Budget we have made announcements that will drive economic growth and help Kiwi families.

Science and innovation will get $321 million for new initiatives that will lift long-term reform of our economy. We are boosting tourism funding by $30 million to bring in vital overseas earnings and supports jobs. A $24 million pilot to screen for one of New Zealand’s biggest killers – bowel cancer – starts next year. We will help families in need take control of their future through Whanau Ora. And we have identified $1.8 billion in low-priority spending that we will move to priority areas.

Budget 2010 will reinforce National’s credentials as a responsible manager of the economy, with a growth plan and package of tax changes that better rewards hard work and helps families get ahead.

I strongly believe that only through lifting New Zealand’s economic performance can we create jobs, boost incomes, raise living standards, and provide the world-class public services that all New Zealanders deserve.

ENDS

Prehistoric Rock Art Project Given Funding Boost

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:57:28 +1200

The creation of a Maori Rock Art Centre in Timaru has moved closer to reality today with the granting of $594,852 from the Lottery Significant Grants fund, Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew says.

Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy announced the grant to the Ng?i Tahu M?ori Rock Art Charitable Trust today.

Mrs Goodhew says the centre will be a wonderful asset that Timaru city and the surrounding region can be proud of.

“The Centre has the potential to increase Timaru’s visitor numbers and consequently support the region’s tourism industry.”

There are more than 250 rock art sites within an hour’s drive of Timaru and Mrs Goodhew says low impact guided tours to selected local rock art sites will be run, allowing visitors to experience rock art first-hand, while minimising disturbance to the sites and landowners.

She says the grant will specifically fund the fabrication and installation of the M?ori Rock Art Centre displays.

“It is an innovative and exciting project and one I have been happy to support,” says Mrs Goodhew.

Media contact: Jo Goodhew 021 443 803