Jo Goodhew MP for Rangitata - Column

23 July 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:29:00 +1200

I attended the National Party Conference last week during which our government introduced a new employment law package that aims to improve productivity and employment in New Zealand. Comprised of three initiatives, it upholds our commitment to lifting the long-term performance of the economy and to creating more jobs for New Zealanders.

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23 July 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:25:00 +1200

Commonwealth Parliamentary Whips Network

I recently had the privilege to represent both the New Zealand Parliament and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Pacific Region at the first Commonwealth Parliamentary Whips Workshop, which was held in New South Wales, Australia from 14-16 July.

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23 July 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:01:00 +1200

Improving Employment Law will Help Grow the Economy

As we continue to grow out of the recession, we need to have the right environment to create more jobs. Economic growth happens when a business sees an opportunity and is prepared to invest, expand, take risks, and hire new workers.

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09 July 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:05:11 +1200

Emergency Service Provider Meeting

On Friday 2 July I was invited to participate in a meeting of emergency service providers, hosted at the South Canterbury Red Cross headquarters.

This was an excellent opportunity for representatives of Police, Ambulance, Civil Defence/Timaru District Council, Salvation Army and Fire Service (both urban and rural) to have a familiarity update regarding the Red Cross emergency response capability.

It was apparent from the discussions that the Red Cross response capability in South Canterbury is a vital component in meeting the needs of our community across a whole range of circumstances or events.

I found it reassuring to know that a well-trained team of people with many resources at their disposal were available in incidents such as the recent flooding and events like the 2006 snow event.

Carol Ball, Area Manager for Canterbury also filled us in on upcoming changes to the capability in Ashburton. Carol described the changes as: “the capability of Red Cross in Mid Canterbury is soon to be strengthened. Advertising for an information and recruitment session in Ashburton in July will soon be placed in local papers. Potential volunteers will learn of the welfare role that Red Cross delivers in an emergency and what training they would undertake as a team member.”

Red Cross relies heavily on volunteers to carry out their work, as do many of the other organisations at the meeting. During the meeting long-term volunteer, Ken Weavers (Timaru Response Team Leader), was awarded his 10-year service certificate and badge. Our community is fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers as Ken.

Youth Parliament 2010

Georgia Robertson, an Ashburton College Yr 13 student, represented the Rangitata electorate at the recent Youth Parliament.

She was one of 122 young New Zealanders, aged 16 to 20 years, representing each sitting MP who took over Parliament for two days during the school holidays. Youth Parliament is held once each Parliamentary term.

I was delighted to be able to host Georgia in Wellington, show her around the debating chamber and Parliamentary precinct and introduce her to a sample of life as a Parliamentarian.

The Youth MPs focussed on a mock bill which, if it were real, would bring into law a single lawful age for driving, voting and drinking. They were able to debate the merits of different age thresholds and attend ten select committees of inquiry ranging from entrepreneurship education to copyright infringement.

A contingent of 10 Youth Journalists, including Alana Dixon from Aoraki Polytechnic, also reported 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.

09 July 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:42:10 +1200

Emergency Service Provider Meeting

On Friday 2 July I was invited to participate in a meeting of emergency service providers, hosted at the South Canterbury Red Cross headquarters.

I found it reassuring to know that a well-trained team of people with many resources at their disposal were available in incidents such as the recent flooding and events like the 2006 snow event.

Youth Parliament 2010

Georgia Robertson, an Ashburton College Yr 13 student, represented the Rangitata electorate at the recent Youth Parliament.

I was delighted to be able to host Georgia in Wellington, show her around the debating chamber and Parliamentary precinct and introduce her to a sample of life as a Parliamentarian.

A contingent of 10 Youth Journalists, including Alana Dixon from Aoraki Polytechnic, also reported 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.

09 July 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:38:00 +1200

Youth Parliament 2010

Georgia Robertson, an Ashburton College Yr 13 student, represented the Rangitata electorate at the recent Youth Parliament.

I was delighted to be able to host Georgia in Wellington, show her around the debating chamber and Parliamentary precinct and introduce her to a sample of life as a Parliamentarian.

A contingent of 10 Youth Journalists, including Alana Dixon from Aoraki Polytechnic, also reported 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.

Home Share Mid Canterbury

On Wednesday 7 July I was privileged to accompany Home Share Co-ordinator, Dianne Smith to visit two Home Share Contractors and some of their clients, in the contractor's home.

Home Share is a small and personalised service where older people can enjoy companionship and activities in a private home within their own community. In both cases, the homes I visited had two clients attending that day, though there is often up to four. It was clear to me that the older people really look forward to the day spent in the Home Share, the activities they would do while there (there were some spirited card games in progress while I was there), the companionship and a meal in warm, safe and enjoyable surroundings.

This is a wonderful project, under the Presbyterian Support 'Enliven' Positive Ageing Services banner.

Plunket Mid Canterbury Headquarters

Also on 7 July, I visited the recently opened new headquarters for Mid Canterbury Plunket. Branch President, Jenny Muir filled me in on the intensive project that saw a very fast renovation of the new premises in time for them to move, after being in the previous location since the 1930s. As is so often the way in my electorate, businesses and volunteers rallied around to paint and modify the building for Plunket's use. During my visit the main room was absolutely packed with first-time Mums and their babies, attending an education session under the PEPE (Parenting Education Programme) banner.

I would like to congratulate Jenny and the parents and businesses that supported this project so that Plunket Mid Canterbury has a bright, fresh and exciting new home.

Further Enquiries: Jo Goodhew 021 443 803

09 July 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:44:00 +1200

Plunket Mid Canterbury Headquarters

On 7 July, I visited the recently opened new headquarters for Mid Canterbury Plunket. Branch President, Jenny Muir filled me in on the intensive project that saw a very fast renovation of the new premises in time for them to move, after being in the previous location since the 1930s. As is so often the way in my electorate, businesses and volunteers rallied around to paint and modify the building for Plunket's use. During my visit the main room was absolutely packed with first-time Mums and their babies, attending an education session under the PEPE (Parenting Education Programme) banner.

I would like to congratulate Jenny and the parents and businesses that supported this project so that Plunket Mid Canterbury has a bright, fresh and exciting new home.

Rangitata Electorate Schools to get Broadband Boost

Twelve Rangitata electorate schools will share in a $37.5 million allocation for ICT upgrades announced on 30 June.
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.

I am delighted that Rangitata schools 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.
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.

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.

Law & Order: Putting victims first

Having worked with Victim Support in the past I believe it is vital that victim’s needs are recognised. National is committed to placing victims at the heart of the justice system.

We are enhancing services to victims of violent crimes with a range of initiatives that address the financial and emotional costs that fall on them. Convicted offenders will now pay a $50 offender levy towards these services.

Late last year, we began rolling out initiatives funded by this levy. From 1 July 2010 further measures will come into effect including enhanced homicide support services, a court service for victims of sexual violence, and new information sources for victims and their families. Police will also be able to issue on-the-spot safety orders, giving immediate protection from dangerous situations for victims of domestic violence.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/convicted+offenders+pay+50+levy+victims+thursday

Jo Goodhew
MP for Rangitata

Helping Young People Succeed

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:55:00 +1200

The future of our communities – and our economy – relies on the education, skills, and success of our young people. That’s why the National-led Government is working hard to ensure that all children get the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.

Improving educational outcomes is one of our top priorities.

With this in mind, we are pumping more money into education than ever before, despite the tough economic environment. Budget 2010 provides an extra $1.4 billion for better schooling and early childhood education over the next four years. We want all young people to enjoy the best possible start to life.

We’re buying school sites, opening new schools, and fixing leaky classrooms, with hundreds of millions of new operating and capital funding. This will ensure teaching and learning environments are focused on the needs of students.

We are investing $48.3 million to build ultra-fast broadband support for schools, to bring learning into the 21st century. The focus is on upgrading schools’ networks in preparation for the use of ultra-fast broadband in their teaching and learning programmes. Broadband is vital to ensure that students receive an education that equips them for an innovative and dynamic economy.

Our Youth Guarantee scheme helps 16- and 17-year-olds who are ready to move beyond school, but who still want to study and learn practical skills. It provides free study towards school-level qualifications at polytechnics, wänanga, and private training establishments.

We are spending an extra $48 million over four years to increase Youth Guarantee places from 2000 to 2500 a year from 2011. Students are selected from areas of highest need, based on youth unemployment rates and access to suitable training programmes.

We are committed to ensuring that our children receive high-quality early childhood education (ECE). We’re increasing spending on ECE by $107 million to a total of $1.3 billion in 2010/11. ECE spending has almost trebled since 2004/05, while the percentage of children participating rose by less than 1 per cent in the same period.

Too many children are missing out, so we’re putting more than $90 million into projects that increase participation for those who benefit most from ECE, but who are least likely to take part. This includes families from Maori, Pacific, and lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Young people are our future. Their efforts will lift our prosperity and drive tomorrow’s economy. National is working to ensure that every single young New Zealander has the opportunity to reach their potential.

Survey:

Part of my role as a Member of Parliament is to seek feedback from my constituents on important issues. This is why you will see appearing in your letterbox, or you may already have received, a survey from me.

There are questions pertaining to the recent budget, as well as important questions relating to the purchase age of alcohol.

I urge you all to fill in the survey and return it to me, as the responses will assist my thinking when making important decisions in Wellington.

ETS Meeting with Hon Dr Nick Smith

I was delighted around 100 people took advantage of the opportunity to hear more about the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from Minister for Climate Change, Hon. Dr. Nick Smith at a public meeting in Ashburton last week.

Due to the great attendance at the meeting and obvious interest, another is being planned for the Rangitata and Waitaki electorates in Timaru on 20 July. Further details of this meeting will be available soon.

If you require more information on the ETS, a set of three brochures is available from my electorate offices. Put together by the Ministry for the Environment, these cover information on New Zealand's obligations and the workings of the ETS for farmers and landowners, business owners and householders.

ENDS

11 June 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:47:30 +1200

ETS – your chance to ask the questions.

I am pleased the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Dr Nick Smith has accepted my invitation to come to Ashburton and speak at a public meeting on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).The meeting is being held at the Hotel Ashburton on Monday 21 June at 7.30pm and I would encourage you at attend and learn more about the ETS.

Tax calculator proving popular

The Budget 2010 tax guide website, where you can calculate how the tax reforms affect you, is proving popular with New Zealanders both here and overseas.

I would encourage you to take the time, if you haven’t already, to use the calculator and discover for yourself how Budget 2010 will affect you and your household. You can find the calculator at www.taxguide.govt.nz

By entering your income and some other details such as your mortgage payments, the tax guide website calculates your tax cut, extra GST, and any additional compensation through increased Working for Families, NZ Superannuation, and benefit payments.

The major tax reforms announced in the Budget will help lift economic growth by putting the right incentives back into the economy. Reducing tax rates will also leave the vast majority of New Zealanders better off.

Since the 20 May Budget there have been more than 360,000 page views, and 158,600 unique visitors on the website. This includes large numbers from New Zealand, and visits from people throughout Australia, Britain, Europe, the United States, and Asia. This is encouraging given that one of the Budget's key objectives is to attract and retain skilled Kiwis, who are spread around the globe.

Over the last few days I have held Post-Budget Breakfasts in Methven and Rakaia. I was delighted to have the opportunity to talk with those who attended about the Budget, hear their comments and reply to any concerns they may have had. The breakfasts have proved to be a good forum and will be repeated next year.

Fundraising BBQ’s and Cake Stalls simplified

Changes to food safety rules for fundraising groups will soon be much more straight-forward and I am delighted this is the case. Over the last several months I have been approached by constituents frustrated by the red tape which has made basic community fundraising so difficult.

The Food Bill was introduced to Parliament late last month and will overhaul the outdated Food Act 1981. It is intended to be enacted by 31 March next year.

I believe it is important that the causes of food-borne illness are addressed through a workable regulatory system, but recent times have seen regional inconsistencies in how the law has been applied.

I know fundraising groups will be delighted the new regulations will be significantly simplified and won’t mean these groups have to jump through a series of hoops.

ENDS

11 June 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:43:51 +1200

ETS – your chance to ask the questions.

Tax calculator proving popular

The Budget 2010 tax guide website, where you can calculate how the tax reforms affect you, is proving popular with New Zealanders both here and overseas.

Over 150,000 people, both in New Zealand and overseas, have visited the tax guide website since the Budget was delivered. This is encouraging given that one of the Budget's key objectives is to attract and retain skilled Kiwis, who are spread around the globe.

Fundraising BBQ’s and Cake Stalls simplified

The Food Bill was introduced to Parliament late last month and will overhaul the outdated Food Act 1981. It is intended to be enacted by 31 March next year.

I know fundraising groups will be delighted the new regulations will be significantly simplified and won’t mean these groups have to jump through a series of hoops.

ENDS

13 May 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:51:50 +1200

Reviewing alcohol and its impact in our lives.

The recently-released Law Commission report on alcohol, Alcohol in Our Lives: Curbing the Harm, is proving to be the catalyst for lots of discussion around our dining tables, in our workplaces, and with our friends.

I welcome this in light of the fact that the report is the first ground-up review of our alcohol laws in 24 years. It received almost 3000 submissions and is providing a backdrop for a discussion our country needs to have.

I have had many conversations with constituents over the last week or two about the report, its recommendations, and the possible ways the Government may choose to respond to it.

At this stage I have not formed a definite view of my own on the 153 recommendations the report makes. In the past I have voted for a split age of purchase and recently have received representations from as many people who agree with this view as disagree.

I welcome the views of the community and bear these in mind as I read and absorb the detail of this lengthy and thorough 514-page report.

Any response to the report must consider and tackle the harm that alcohol causes to individuals, families and communities. In my previous job, I was a co-ordinator for the Safer Community Council in Timaru. In that role I saw, heard, and experienced a lot that backs up comments in the report regarding the relationship between alcohol and crime.

Police estimate that up to 70% of their work is associated with alcohol. This makes reducing alcohol-related harm a priority in addressing the drivers of crime.

Late last year Police released statistics gathered in Timaru that showed a significant reduction in violent crime between 3am and 6am at weekends, after bars in the CBD began closing earlier. Violent incidents dropped by two-thirds on weekends in the inner city bar area.

I think this is great evidence of the impact a change in the local rules can have, and I think the Timaru experience might well work elsewhere in the country.

The Government will respond soon to the recommendations in the report. Legislative changes to alcohol laws are likely to have an emphasis on alcohol availability and licensing. I personally think that we politicians must take action, based on evidence, to reduce alcohol-related harm.

More information on the Law Commission report can be found at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government+welcomes+law+commission039s+alcohol+report

13 May 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:33:31 +1200

Fighting bowel cancer

Bowel cancer is a disease which most of are well aware of through our knowledge of family or friends who have suffered from it, or perhaps even our own personal experiences.

It is New Zealand’s most commonly diagnosed cancer.

In 2007 almost 3000 people were diagnosed with bowel cancer and 1252 people died from the disease.

This week’s Budget will announce funding of $24 million to be put towards a bowel cancer screening pilot. A nationwide bowel cancer screening programme could ensure earlier treatment and reduce the death rate by more than a third, saving up to 270 lives each year. The four-year pilot is expected to start next year.

More information can be found at
http://beehive.govt.nz/release/budget+2010+funding+bowel+cancer+screening+pilot

New radiotherapy machine

Last week I was pleased to be able to join the Minister of Health, Hon. Tony Ryall, at Christchurch Hospital for the opening of the hospital’s new linear accelerator machine.

This new machine, which delivers radiotherapy treatment to cancer patients, will enable an increase of 1000 treatments each year over its predecessor. In opening the new machine, the Minister said it would help achieve an end-of-year target to have all cancer patients starting therapy within four weeks of referral.

More time for mining stocktake submissions

New Zealand is mineral rich and it is National’s goal to unlock the potential of our mineral resources for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

Much of that mineral potential is concentrated in public conservation areas. In March, a paper was released identifying a very small area of Schedule Four conservation land rich in minerals that could be responsibly developed.

The Government has asked New Zealanders for their views. There has been considerable public interest in the proposals to date so the submission period has been extended to allow as many people as possible to have their say.

Submissions on the Government's proposals will now close at 5pm on Wednesday 26 May.

The discussion document and information on making a submission is available at www.med.govt.nz/schedule4

ENDS

16 April 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:41:00 +1200

Our foreshore and seabed

New Zealand’s coastline is important for us all. It is part of our history, our daily lives, and our national identity.

Ownership of the foreshore and seabed has been a controversial issue since 2004 when the Foreshore and Seabed Act was passed.

Many New Zealanders believed the law was unfair. The Government is working to balance the interests of all New Zealanders, and resolve the foreshore and seabed issue once and for all. The foreshore is the ‘wet’ part of the beach that is covered by the ebb and flow of the tide. The seabed is the ocean floor out to 12 nautical miles.

National and the Maori Party agreed to review the Act as part of our Relationship and Confidence and Supply Agreement. On 31 March, the National-led Government released a consultation document outlining its preferred option for moving forward.

Our bottom line has always been public access to the foreshore and seabed. But we also want to put in place a way for iwi to have their interests recognised.

The Foreshore and Seabed Act defined the area of the public foreshore and seabed, and gave absolute ownership to the Crown. The ability for Maori to go to the courts to seek recognition of customary title was taken away.

We believe everyone has a right to use and enjoy our beaches and coastline. Ownership is one way of clarifying who can do what, but it is not the only way to provide clarity, or certainty.

Our proposal is that no one owns, or can own, the foreshore and seabed. The name would be changed from ‘foreshore and seabed’ to ‘public domain’, or takiw? ?w? wh?nui.

The public domain proposal would provide public access for all, and restore the right of M?ori to go to court to establish customary title. It would assure respect for rights and interests, such as recognition of customary rights, and protection of fishing rights. Existing use rights, such as coastal permits, would be protected until the end of their term, and parts of the foreshore and seabed already in private ownership would not be affected.

National urges you to have your say on our proposals. The consultation document and further information about making a submission can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: www.justice.govt.nz.

Submissions close at 5pm on 30 April 2010.

ENDS

18 April 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:31:09 +1200

Ploughing Championships

What a thrill it is to start this column by offering my congratulations to Methven ploughman Bruce Redmond on his winning of the World Ploughing (Conventional) Championship held near Methven last weekend.

His win capped off a tremendous event which was enjoyed by thousands of both local people and visitors from all over the world.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Bill English, opened the World Ploughing Championships at 3pm on Friday and the fantastic spectacle began. The weather was kind and the crowds poured through the gates.

My colleagues the Hon Kate Wilkinson and Agriculture Minister the Hon David Carter joined me on Saturday in looking around the many displays and at the stubble ploughing section of the contest.

The event has been of immense benefit to the district and I am sure Mid Canterbury will reap the rewards of the attention it has received these last few days for a long time to come.

I was privileged to be invited to present some of the New Zealand Ploughing Championship trophies at a dinner in Methven on Friday evening and would like to take this opportunity to again offer my congratulations to not only those who won, but to all competitors.

Hosting the championships in Mid Canterbury highlights for us the huge part the arable industry plays not only in our district’s history, but also in it’s present and future.

In terms of production, Mid Canterbury accounts for over 50% of New Zealand’s wheat, ryegrass and clover production and 80% of the country’s vegetable seed exports. Mid Canterbury also produces 50% of the world’s requirement for radish seed and a quarter of the country’s feed grains.

All of this production requires well prepared farms and farmers. It is no wonder we also have some of the finest ploughmen and ploughwomen.

I would like to thank all those who participated in organising, managing and promoting this large, and very successful, event. Well done.

Rakaia Road Works

During the week beginning 12 April I had occasion to travel through Rakaia a number of times and found myself affected, as were many travellers, by road works.

Because a number of constituents raised concerns with me, and due to the potential impact for traffic travelling to the World Ploughing Championships, I contacted the New Zealand Transport Agency. I was assured that the road works were planned to be wound down in time for the build-up of weekend traffic moving through Rakaia to the championships.

I was also advised that this work was planned for the school holidays in order to minimise concerns relating to school children safely crossing the road during the work period on their way to and from school.

Jo Goodhew
MP for Rangitata

18 April 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:27:40 +1200

Ploughing Championships

What a thrill it is to start this column by offering my congratulations to Methven ploughman Bruce Redmond on his winning of the World Ploughing Championship held near Methven last weekend.

His win capped off a tremendous event which was enjoyed by thousands of both local people and visitors from all over the world.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Bill English, opened the World Ploughing Championships at 3pm on Friday and the fantastic spectacle began. The weather was kind and the crowds poured through the gates.

My colleagues the Hon Kate Wilkinson and Agriculture Minister the Hon David Carter joined me on Saturday in looking around the many displays and at the stubble ploughing section of the contest.

The event has been of immense benefit to the district and I am sure Mid Canterbury will reap the rewards of the attention it has received these last few days for a long time to come.

Hosting the championships in Mid Canterbury highlights for us the huge part the arable industry plays not only in our district’s history, but also in it’s present and future.

All of this production requires well prepared farms and farmers. It is no wonder we also have some of the finest ploughmen and ploughwomen.

I would like to thank all those who participated in organising, managing and promoting this large, and very successful, event. Well done.

Jo Goodhew
MP for Rangitata