TODD McCLAY MP for Rotorua

Summer is behind us and I hope you have all had a great start to 2013.

These past few months have been extremely busy and for this issue of Surf to Turf I’ll talk about what’s been happening in the Rotorua electorate and in Parliament.

Todd

Milestone agreement reached in Lake Rotorua clean-up

Rotorua farmers and Bay of Plenty Regional Council have signed a milestone agreement that could be a major turning point in cleaning up Lake Rotorua.

The Lake Rotorua Primary Producers Collective, Federated Farmers and Bay of Plenty Regional Council have signed the Oturoa Agreement - a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing on a way forward to reduce nutrients entering Lake Rotorua, while recognising the importance of farming to the local economy. The collective is made up of dairy farmers, drystock farmers and Te Arawa landowners within Lake Rotorua’s catchment.

See the full media release here.

 

 

 

 

 

Picture: (Centre) Here I am with (from left) Bay of Plenty Regional Council chief executive Mary-Anne Macleod, Federated Farmers president Bruce Wills, Lake Rotorua Primary Producers Collective chair Tanira Kingi and Lakes Water Quality Society member Ian McLean.

QE Hospital rehabilitation service saved

Rotorua’s QE Hospital's rehabilitation service has been saved, along with 30 local jobs – fantastic news for staff and patients.

Prior to Christmas up to 30 staff faced losing their jobs after it was announced that the world class Multidisciplinary Intensive Rehabilitation Service would need to close due to a shortfall in patient referrals. However, after working with CEO Peter Sharplin, Lakes DHB and the Ministry of Health, we were able to avoid this worst case scenario.

See the full press release here.
























Picture: QE patient Trudy Bassett and Bill Hobman present a 1500-signature petition which I presented to Health Minister Tony Ryall in Parliament. Thanks to the Rotorua Review for the use of this photo.

Drought relief still available for farmers

Financial support is still available for farmers affected by the drought in the Bay of Plenty, including the Rotorua electorate.

Over the last few months I’ve been meeting with farmers in Reporoa, Rerewhakaaitu, Waikite, Ngakuru and the Te Puke area and other rural areas in the electorate who have been struggling with abnormally dry conditions over these past few months.

I understand it has been an extremely difficult time and I hope this additional support made available by the Government is providing the electorate’s rural farming families with some much-needed relief.

See the full press release here.

Te Puke A&P Show a success

This year’s Te Puke A&P Show was a great success yet again with many local businesses and community organisations having stands on display.

Bay of Plenty MP and Health Minister Tony Ryall and I shared a stand for the weekend. It was a great opportunity to catch up with people in the community and answer any questions they had.

 

Picture: Bay Of Plenty MP Tony Ryall, Western Bay Mayor Ross Patterson and I outside the Home Industry's Exhibit at the A&P Show.

Update from Kawerau

It was great to host MPs Aaron Gilmore, Paul Goldsmith and Jacqui Dean in Kawerau recently. We went on a tour of the Tasman Mill, met with Mayor Malcolm Campbell and also dropped in for a visit to the police station and Allied Industrial Engineering.

Tarawera High School has opened with a new name, new uniforms and new staff and has seen a lift in enrolments numbers on last year. I look forward to meeting everyone at the school in the near future.

My regular clinic days in Kawerau have begun and if you would like to make an appointment with me please contact my Kawerau office on (07) 323 6487.

New Rotorua Electorate Youth MP announced

The new Rotorua Electorate Youth MP is 16-year-old Rotorua student Mark Robilliard.

Mark is a very mature and insightful young man who I know will do an excellent job representing the youth of Rotorua as the electorate’s Youth MP. In July he will join 120 other young people from around New Zealand in Parliament where he will be able to consider legislation, sit on select committees and ask questions of MPs and government ministers.

I look forward to working closely with Mark as he prepares to take part in Youth Parliament 2013.

See the full press release here.

Prime Minister in Rotorua

Prime Minister John Key joined me in Rotorua recently for a full day of visits. The day kicked off with the Prime Minister officially opening the new Quest Hotel on Hinemoa Street – a fantastic multi-million dollar development for our city.

We then attended Te Matatini Kapa Haka Festival 2013 which Rotorua was fortunate to host this year. It was a great day of performances and a good opportunity to show of our city’s strong cultural focus. The successful festival was attended by 40,000 people over four days and it’s estimated they spent around $20 million in our city in one week. Congratulations to the festival’s overall winners Te Waka Huia.

The Prime Minister was then the guest of honour at a Rotorua Chamber of Commerce lunch, before opening a new remanufacturing plant at Red Stag. Overall it was an extremely positive day - thanks to everyone who made it such a successful visit.

Below you will find the latest edition of Surf to Turf, my regular e-newsletter covering issues of importance to the Rotorua electorate, and updates from Wellington.

As always I would welcome any feedback you might have.

Todd McClay

White Paper on Vulnerable Children a big step in the right direction

The White Paper for Vulnerable Children is a step in the right direction for protecting the at risk children in New Zealand from neglect and harm.

In the year to April there were 4,683 notifications of concern about children in Rotorua and 529 substantiated cases of abuse. The good news is that this number is down from about 870 cases of abuse each year from when I became an MP in 2008.  But these figures remain disturbingly high and there is more we can do to better protect at risk children.

The White Paper will lay the pathway for how our child protection system will be reformed and the new measures that will be implemented over the next decade. The more than 30 new initiatives which have been introduced through the Paper will target support and services to our most vulnerable children.

Read the White Paper at http://www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz/the-white-paper.

Children’s Teams major announcement for Rotorua’s vulnerable children

The new Children’s Teams announced by Social Development Minister Paula Bennett in Rotorua will be a significant tool in better supporting the vulnerable children in the city.

The teams will bring together professionals from the health, education, justice and social services sectors, such as paediatricians, and special education and social work professionals. 

Together they will oversee a systematic interagency practice response for children at risk of maltreatment, covering assessment, planning, implementation and review. This means earlier intervention and prevention for those who are most at risk of harm and mistreatment.

For more information on these teams go to: http://www.toddmcclay.co.nz/index.php?/archives/270-McClay-says-Childrens-Teams-significant-announcement-for-Rotorua.html.

Ngongotaha Volunteer Fire Brigade Open Day

I was delighted to be part of the Ngongotaha Volunteer Fire Brigade’s annual Open Day held recently.

It was a great day of family fun, attended by more than 200 people from around the community. The volunteer fire fighters demonstrated dangers surrounding cooking and gave some helpful home safety tips. I took part one in of their vehicle simulations where I was made up with fake blood and bruises and removed from the car using the Jaws of Life.

These guys do an important job in our community and the open day was a good chance for people to see first-hand the great work they do.

Check out the brigade’s Facebook page for some photos: http://www.facebook.com/#!/ngongotahafire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture: Here I am getting made up for the Jaws of Life demonstration.

Alcohol Reform Bill back before Parliament

The Alcohol Reform Bill returns to Parliament on October 23. It outlines a wide range of measures to reduce alcohol-related harm in our families and communities.

It empowers local communities to determine where and how alcohol is sold, increases personal and parental responsibility and introduces a risk-based license fee regime.

More information on the bill: http://www.justice.govt.nz/policy/crime-prevention/alcohol/alcohol-reform-bill.

Kawerau student’s gift for the Prime Minister

Last year, I hosted a visit to Kawerau by Prime Minister John Key. He met with students of Metal Tech Trades School, and they offered to design and make a smoker for him.

I was pleased to be able to accept the finished piece on behalf of the Prime Minister during one of my clinic days in Kawerau, and will be presenting it to him as soon as possible.

It is a fine looking piece, and I am sure he will appreciate it, with many thanks to the students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture: One of the students and myself pictured with the finished smoker.

St John Ambulance ride along

I was fortunate to be invited to ride along with a St John Ambulance crew during a night shift in Rotorua recently.

It was a good opportunity to get a first-hand look at the incredible work these men and women do and the challenges they face. I worked during the day, then joined them at 6pm on a Friday night. I lasted until about 4.30am before driving home slowly to catch a few hours sleep. I now have a real appreciation for their dedication and hard work in saving lives on a daily (and nightly) basis.

Big thanks to Norm and his team for allowing me to ride along.

Minister’s visit to Te Puke

This month I joined Minister’s David Carter and Tony Ryall in Te Puke for the day during the Parliamentary recess.

I thought it was important for the Minister to visit Te Puke to meet with growers affected by PSA, and talk with them directly on the ground.

This has been a difficult time for many local growers and I will continue to support the people of the wider Te Puke area as we work towards solutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture: The Ministers and I visiting Kauri Trust Orchard in Te Puke.

Prime Minister John Key in Murupara

Prime Minister John Key visited Murupara recently where he visited the school and met with a number of education providers there.

It was a great opportunity for the Prime Minister to get a first-hand look at the good work which is being done out there to support youth. Murupara is a town full of proud people and I know John was impressed by the commitment of many people who work hard to make Murupara a great place to live.

Dates to look out for:

Friday 19th October

• Constituent clinic
• Hosting morning tea for Rotorua’s Settlement Support group

Saturday 20th October

• Judging the Fashion Parade at the Rotorua Plate Day, Rotorua Race Club
• Supporting Rotorua Basketball Association tournament
• Presenting awards to Pukehina Volunteer Fire Brigade

Sunday 21st October

• Ribbon-cutting for restored steam engine, Ngongotaha Rail Park
• Attending Lake Tarawera Spring Fair

Monday 22nd October

• Labour Day

Tuesday 23rd -Thursday 25th October

• Parliament in session

Friday 26th October

• Pongakawa School Agriculture Day and Flower/Craft Show
• Presenting prizes at the at Primary School Gymsports
• Youth Advisory Committee

Sunday 28th October

• Handing out ribbons and certificates at the Reporoa Primary Annual Pet Day
• Start a race at the GJ Gardner Homes Bike mania Day

Monday 29th October

• Speaking at the opening of Tipu Ora Charitable Trust Building
• Presenting awards at the TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards 2012

Winter’s here and we’ve had our Budget. Since my last newsletter I’ve had a number of things on in the electorate and I have thoroughly enjoyed being out and about and meeting all of you.

Similarly, it has been a busy few months in Parliament with busier months ahead. As your elected representative I’ll be working hard to ensure your voices are heard.

Hope to see you around the electorate soon.

Todd.

Alcohol Reform Bill

The Alcohol Reform Bill is set to return to Parliament this month and I’m keen to get your views.

This bill will empower our community to determine where and how alcohol is sold, increase personal and parental responsibility for the supply of alcohol and introduce a risk-based license fee regime.

Over the last 18 months I’ve consulted with hundreds of people in the electorate, holding more than 20 public meetings to discuss elements of the bill. I’ve received a massive amount of feedback. This tells me our community is not only backing a change to New Zealand’s drinking culture but they’re prepared be involved in the process and have their say.

I will continue to talk to the people of the Rotorua electorate about these changes over the coming months before casting a vote.

If you have something you’d like to say about this, email me at rotorua.mp@national.org.nz.

Promotion to chair of Finance and Expenditure Committee

I was delighted to have been promoted to chair of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee, the number one committee in Parliament.

The role will come with extra Parliamentary responsibility and I am grateful to the Prime Minister for having confidence in me.

I’m humbled to be taking over this role from Simon Bridges. Simon has done a fantastic job and I congratulate him on his promotion to Minister outside of cabinet.

I will now step aside as a member of the Commerce Select Committee which I have chaired since the election last year.

The Finance and Expenditure Committee considers matters relating to the audit of the financial statements of the Government and departments, Government finance, revenue, and taxation. It is seen as the first committee in Parliament.


Pictured: Newly-appointed Minister outside-of-cabinet and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges and I.

Budget 2012 is out

Budget 2012 has just been announced and the key message is investing in our future.

It will stimulate new jobs and deliver better services for families while keeping the Government on track for surplus in 2014/15.

If you want to read about the Budget, including what was announced and what it means for you, visit my website www.todd.mcclay.govt.nz and click on the Budget 2012 link.
We’re investing heavily in science and innovation, and in health and education, while also staying tough on crime.

Over four years, we will commit almost $1.5 billion extra to our public health service and $511.9 million towards new early childhood and schooling initiatives.

The Budget is an important part of our plan to build a brighter future for all New Zealanders. Its priorities are:

o Responsibly managing Government finances.

o Building a more competitive and productive economy.

o Delivering better public services.

o Rebuilding Christchurch.

Meet the new members of my Youth Advisory Committee

I have held the first meeting of the 2012 Rotorua Electorate Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) in Rotorua.

I formed YAC in 2010 and each year select representatives from secondary schools in Rotorua to meet with me regularly and discuss the issues affecting local youth.

This year there are eight new members plus Waikato University student Tania Tapsell who will return as chair.

The eight new members are:

• Viliami Talia’uli - John Paul College
• Rebecca McMenamin – John Paul College
• Shaq Graham – Rotorua Boys’ High School
• Jayden Thomasen – Rotorua Boys’ High School
• Wiremu Keepa – Western Heights High School
• Kahu Bennett – Western Heights High School
• Jessica Renshaw – Rotorua Lakes High School
• Ramari Rakuraku-Foster – Rotorua Girls’ High School


Picture: Enjoying afternoon tea at our first meeting in my Rotorua office for 2012.

Out and about in Te Puke

It has been a busy few weeks in the Te Puke area and I have enjoyed being out and about getting to know my constituents in the Western Bay community.

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to have been invited to the opening of the new facilities of the Pukehina Fishing Club which are looking fantastic.

I also went along to the opening of the new Maketu Wastewater Treatment Plant. It’s great to see the community investing in waste minimisation.

Attending the 13th Top Schools competition was a highlight and I was pleased to be able to have some photos taken with the winning teams. I congratulate all those who took part and look forward to attending again next year.

A few weeks ago I attended the opening the new facilities for the Rangiuru Rugby Club at Centennial Park on 26 May.

This facility and new field flood lights will provide a much needed boost for the rugby team members and visiting opponents. 


Pictured: Me with the students of Pongakawa School, the winners of Top Schools 2012. Thanks to Pauline Carney, editor of the Te Puke Times for the use of this photo.

Anzac Day

This year I attended the Dawn Service in Kawerau for the fifth year in a row. It was great to see so many families attend. I went along with my children and prominent Rotorua veteran Don MacFarlane. Anzac Day is an increasingly important occasion and over the past few years it has been heartening to witness the growing number of New Zealanders attending Anzac services.

Following the service I headed back to Rotorua to attend the formal Anzac Day Ceremony and then joined the veterans in the RSA. It is important we play our part in honouring these men and women and ensuring they receive recognition for the service and sacrifice they gave to our country.

New holiday programme for Kawerau Youth

It’s fantastic to see a New Zealand Blue Light holiday programme has been introduced in Kawerau.

NZBL is a registered charity and community policing youth program that for the past 29 years has run programs and activities for youth throughout New Zealand free from drugs, alcohol and violence.

The charity works closely with the New Zealand Police to reduce youth crime, build positive youth and police partnerships and enhance community safety.

Money available for local Waste Minimisation Projects

Local organisations which are developing initiatives that increase the reuse, recycling or recovery of waste material should apply for the Waste Minimisation Fund.

It’s a chance for organisations with an innovative project to apply for support from the Government to give their project a kick start.

A great example of a successful Waste Minimisation project is Scion’s Waste 2 Gold project which received $1 million from the Government – the largest amount ever given out under the fund.

To receive funding, projects need to increase resource efficiency or reduce the amount of waste sent to New Zealand’s landfills.

Applications are open until 19 June.

For more information about applying for the fund, visit www.mfe.govt.nz/wmf.

Red Puppy Appeal

I recently went along to help collect donations for this year’s Red Puppy Appeal. All the money raised will enable the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind to continue to make a difference in the lives of blind and partially sighted New Zealanders.

Pictured: Collecting for the Red Puppy Appeal at Countdown in the Rotorua Central Mall with volunteer Heather Old.

Impressive drop in crime in Rotorua

Rotorua has seen an impressive drop in crime with a five per cent decrease announced in April.

This follows a 5.6 per cent decrease in crime last year which means there has been more than a 10 per cent decrease in crime in Rotorua over a two-year period. This is a fantastic achievement.

It’s great news for the Rotorua electorate. These results reflect the hard work of our local police, as well as our commitment to tackle crime and make our families safer in their homes and communities.

Some of the highlights of the crime statistics included a 26.7 per cent decrease in robbery, extortion and related offences, a 17.1 per cent decrease in public order offences and a 22.1 per cent decrease in illicit drug offences.

Dunk for Life

I am a huge supporter of Life Education and this time last year I took part in the Dunk for Life to raise much needed funds for the non-profit organisation. I am pleased to report I’ll be braving the cold of Rotorua’s Blue
Lake and taking part again this year.

I appreciate Life Education's soft-handed approach to educating children about life, values and the difference between positive and negatives influences. I believe this sort of education can help children to make the right decisions and reach their full potential.

If you are interested in donating to this great cause, visit http://www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/Todd_McClay.

Dates to look out for:

• 8th June: Minister Chris Finlayson in Rotorua.
• 11th June: Presenting an award at 2012 Stage Challenge in Rotorua.
• 12th – 14th June: Parliament in session.
• 14th June: Fielddays stand for the Rotorua electorate in Hamilton.
• 15th June: Regional final for Smokefree Rockquest in Rotorua.
• 16th June: Rotorua Charitable Trust Diamond Jubilee High tea.
• 19th – 21st June: Parliament in session.
• 24th June: Life Education Dunk for Life at Lake Tikitapu.
• 26th – 28th June: Parliament in session.

Parliament has had its second round of sitting weeks and already the year is becoming extremely busy.

Both the Commerce Committee and the Finance and Expenditure Committees (FEC) have kicked off and it’s great to be getting stuck in to some important issues. Chair of the FEC Committee, Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, is doing an excellent job as are our new Members of Parliament who have settled in well.

I’ve also been out and about in the Electorate meeting with constituents and within the last few weeks I’ve hosted Ministers Hekia Parata and Steven Joyce in Rotorua.

The summer now seems to be behind us (although I don’t actually remember it being in front of us) and I hope everyone has enjoyed a great start to the year.

Todd

First meeting as Commerce Committee chairman

The Commerce Committee held its first meeting on February 9 and it was great to catch up with my fellow committee members.

As committee chairman, I’ll be carrying an extra load of responsibility but I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the work the committee has in store. We currently have two bills before us, one on consumer protection and the second, a 526 page draft law to create greater certainty around investments and financial transactions. We are also considering an inquiry into the price of milk.

I’ll be keeping everyone up to date with what’s happening.

Education Minister Hekia Parata in Rotorua

I hosted Education Minister Hekia Parata in Rotorua late last month and despite the unseasonably wet weather, we managed to squeeze in visits to two schools, a work place and few business meetings.

We visited Rotorua Lakes High School and Chapman College, two excellent schools, as well as the local branch of the Ministry of Education.

Minister Parata also spoke at a Rotorua Chamber of Commerce Luncheon and was hosted by Ng?ti Whakaue at Te Papaiouru Marae in Ohinemutu.

I also invited all board chairs from school Boards of Trustees from the wider Rotorua area to meet with the Minister. This was an excellent meeting, attended by more than 50 people enabling those we have elected to oversee our schools to talk directly with the Minister of education.


Picture: A Rotorua Lakes High School student, Minister Parata and I at Rotorua Lakes High School.


Dairy Industry Restructuring Act

I’ve received a lot of feedback about DIRA and it’s great to see people taking the time to make their opinions heard.

Locally, I’ve met with a number of representatives from Federated Farmers and Fonterra from Rotorua, Reporoa and Rerewhakaaitu and held a public meeting with more than 50 dairy farmers in Pongakawa. These meetings were constructive and informative.
The closing date for submissions on the DIRA Consultation was 24 February and it’s pleasing to see that a significant number of local farmers have put in submissions on this important proposal.

To find out more about DIRA, visit http://www.maf.govt.nz/news-resources/consultations/reviews-of-fonterra’s-farm-gate-milk-price-setting.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce in Rotorua

I hosted Minister of Economic Development Steven Joyce in Rotorua in February where he officially opened Rainbow Springs’ new $10 million attraction the Big Splash. This is a significant investment in Rotorua tourism and extends the impressive number of cultural and adventure tourism activities that we have.

Tourism plays an important part in the economy of the Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua is at the heart of this.


Picture: Minister Joyce gives a thumb up to the Big Splash as we reach the bottom of the ride.


Te Puke A & P Show

Every year I look forward to the Te Puke A & P Show and the opportunity to connect with town and country folk.

The show was on 11 February and this year I helped judge the Miss & Master A & P Te Puke contest with fellow judge Robyn Slater. 

I spent the day catching up with the locals and my children enjoyed the farm animals and various show rides.
We had a little bit of rain, a lot of sunshine and the wind picked up after lunch time. 
A great day overall and the organisers are to be commended for once again putting on an excellent show with plenty to see and do.

Good start to the year in Kawerau

Before Parliament kicked off this year, I spent a day in Kawerau holding clinics and catching up with community leaders. I visit Kawerau a number of times each month and hold formal constituent clinics at least once each month.

This year looks set to be a busy one for the community with some positive programmes underway.
Wh?nau Ora has opened its doors, working with Manna Support Services to help families get back on track.

The beginning of the school year seems to have started relatively smoothly- the primary school mergers commenced with youngsters setting out to their new classrooms which were ready thanks to the hard work of the schools’ Board of Trustees and staff during the break.

While I was unable to attend the official opening of Te Whata Tau O Putauaki due to Parliamentary business, I understand it was an extremely successful day.

About 70 pupils have enrolled at the school and I look forward to meeting them later in the year.

Have your say on MMP

MMP is up for review this year and I urge you to have your say if you haven’t already.

The review was launched by the Electoral Commission last week after New Zealander’s voted to keep MMP in last November’s referendum.

The Electoral Commission will report back to the Government by 31 October 2012 with recommendations on whether any changes to MMP are necessary or desirable.

More information about the review is available from www.mmpreview.org.nz, or by calling Freephone 0800 36 76 56.

Emergency calling system to be reviewed

People concerned about the efficiency of the 111 emergency calling system will have an opportunity to have their say during the system’s current review.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams released a discussion paper reviewing the calling system on Tuesday.

It concludes that the 111 service works well and has a high level of resilience.

However, the review raises questions about whether current governance arrangements are well-suited for considering improvements to the service, and the impact of new technologies.

Two options are suggested to manage the future direction of the 111 service:

• Setting up a small, dedicated group in a government agency; or
• Strengthening the joint industry-government advisory board which currently oversees the 111 service

People can check out the discussion paper at www.med.govt.nz/sectors-industries/technology-communication/communications/emergency-call-services/111-review.

Submissions can be made at www.parliament.nz and are due by 5pm on Friday 30 March, 2012.

Rotorua Mudslide Day

On February 19 I went along to the Rotorua Mudslide Day to help the Volcanic Zone of Scouts mark their 150th anniversary.

It was a great family day and doing the mudslide reminded me a lot of my childhood.

Being part of a scout group is a great opportunity for our young people as it challenges them to do their best and give them opportunities to build skills.

Picture: Looking rather wet and muddy after my turn down the mudslide.

Dates to look out for:
• March 20 – March 22: Parliament in session.
• March 24: Ngongotaha Volunteer Fire Brigade Honours Night.
• March 25: Opening of Rotorua’s Elim Church.
• March 27 – 29: Parliament in session.
• March 30: Electorate AGM.
• March 31: Mamaku Cart Track Opening.
• April 1: Old Forest School Open Day in Pongakawa.
• April 3 – 5: Parliament in Session.
• April 6: Good Friday
• April 9: Easter Monday

2012 is upon us. I'm looking forward to another busy year as we focus on the issues that matter to our community, and to all Kiwis - a stronger economy and more jobs, better frontline health and education services, a safer New Zealand, and rebuilding Canterbury.

I'm humbled to have been re-elected by the people of the Rotorua electorate, and it will be a privilege to be the voice for our community in Parliament once again.

Parliament will kick off for the year on February 7, and after a refreshing break with family and friends, I'm looking forward to getting stuck in again and continuing to build the brighter future our community and all New Zealanders deserve.

I hope you and your family have a happy and successful 2012.


Pictured: My wife Nadene and I at my Election Party at the Rotorua Club following my re-election

Rena clean-up progressing well

The year has kicked off to a busy start with the fallout from the sinking of the Rena's stern, and further clean-up of our beautiful beaches, being a top priority.

I've been on the ground at Maketu and Pukehina Beach attending public meetings, and in Tauranga and Waihi Beach liaising with officials to ensure on-going support is provided to these affected communities.

We are fortunate that that the salvors have managed to remove more than 1,300 tonnes of oil from this ship since the grounding, along with hundreds of containers. The environmental damage from the Rena grounding could have been so much worse.

Additional information on the Rena can be found here http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/Rena/


Pictured: Associate Minister of Transport Chris Tremain, myself, and a Rena volunteer helping clean up oil and debris on one of the affected beaches.

Back Benches TV on its way to Rotorua

Popular political show Back Benches will be in Rotorua tonight, January 25.

Back Benches is normally filmed LIVE at the Backbencher pub across the street from Parliament every Wednesday.

The show attempts to demystify the world of New Zealand politics by bringing the Beehive to the barstools.

The Rotorua episode will see hosts Wallace Chapman and Damian Christie here with me and a few other MPs from around the country.

It's a great opportunity for local people to get involved with the show. Plus they're looking for a big live audience, so anyone who wants to get on TV or win a spot prize, or just have an enjoyable evening out should come along.

The show will be broadcast LIVE on TVNZ 7 at The Shed bar on Amohau at 9.05pm tonight, January 25, but be there early to get a good seat.

New role as Commerce Committee chairman

2012 is shaping up to be an extremely busy year following my appointment as chairman of Parliament's Commerce Committee, and membership of the influential Finance and Expenditure Committee chaired by Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.

I'm delighted to take on the extra responsibility, in particular to work on business development, commerce, and consumer affairs.

Parliament has 14 select committees that deal with issues of legislation. Chairs and deputy-chairs are elected through cross party support by members of each Committee.

The Commerce Committee considers matters relating to business development, commerce, communications, consumer affairs, energy, information technology, insurance, and superannuation.

I am also a member of the Finance and Expenditure Committee, which considers matters relating to the audit of the financial statements of the Government and departments, Government finance, revenue and taxation.

For more information on select committees and what they do, visit http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/.


Pictured: John Key and I during his pre-election tour through Rotorua last year.

Lotteries Commission donates $363,204 to Pongakawa School

I was pleased to see that Pongakawa School has received $363,204 in funding from the Lottery Communities Facilities Fund Committee.

The school will use the funding to build a new community and school action centre which will benefit the entire community.

The funding was part of $6,675,734 in new funding for 40 projects around the country.  The fund makes grants for building projects to construct and improve facilities that support community activities and social interaction to foster cohesion and strengthen communities.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett visited Rotorua

Minister of Social Development Paula Bennett visited Rotorua on Tuesday, January 24 as part of the Government's consultation for the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children.

Minister Bennett was hosted by Plunket Rotorua and spoke to a small group of people from the community about the growing child abuse issues communities in New Zealand are faced with.

A Green Paper is about testing ideas with the public before making decisions, aiming to open up discussion about child abuse and neglect.
We're encouraging everyone to get involved. Submissions are open until February 28.

Submissions can be on the Green Paper Facebook page, www.facebook.com/greenpaperonchildren , in person at one of the public meetings, by email to yourresponse@childrensactionplan.govt.nz, or posting to Green Paper for Vulnerable Children, PO Box 1556, Wellington.

Food Bill to make food safer

A number of people in the community have contacted me in the last few weeks with concerns about the Food Bill, which has been before Parliament for some time. There appears to be a great deal of misinformation circulating about the scope of this bill.

The bill is simply designed to provide more certainty for businesses and more confidence for customers.

It updates the current law which is 30 years old, by ensuring that the food people buy is safe, that those selling food take responsibility for ensuring the food they sell is safe.  It is estimated that food-borne illness caused a $162 million loss to the New Zealand economy in 2010.

Food grown at home for personal or family consumption, or given or exchanged for other food with friends, is not within the scope of the bill.

And small traders such as those running roadside stalls or selling their own horticultural produce at markets are generally classed as low risk and will not need to register. They will simply receive a free 'food handler guidance' information pamphlet.

There have been suggestions that the bill will be rushed through over the holiday period, but growers can be assured that the bill will receive full parliamentary scrutiny in the coming months.

More Rotorua schools to get faster broadband

This year nine more Rotorua schools are set to receive government-subsidised internal network upgrades in readiness for ultra-fast broadband.

The schools to be included in the latest round of upgrades are Horohoro School, Malfroy School, Mokoia Intermediate, Reporoa College, Rotokawa School, Rotorua Boys High School, Rotorua Girls High School, Western Heights High School and Western Heights Primary School.

Rolling out broadband to schools in the Rotorua area is an important next step in the Government's ambitious broadband programme.

I am committed to working hard for the students of Rotorua to ensure they have the best opportunities to learn. I'll be pushing for more local schools to be upgraded in 2012.


Pictured: Spence McClintock from Mighty River Power and I at the Christmas With a Punch Corporate Fight Night at Rotorua Girls High School last month. Spence fought Tauranga's Aaron Wong Sang for the National Party Trophy which was sponsored by me and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.

Exciting future for Kawerau children

Planning will get underway for Kawerau's new school early this year following a $6 million funding announcement from the Government last November.

The funding will give Kawerau students a fresh start, and the new school - a combination of Kawerau Intermediate and Kawerau College - means that local students can enjoy the kind of education they deserve. 

A junior-senior school on one campus will open early in 2013 with years 7 -10 and 11-13 students being taught in a modern environment.

Last year I worked closely with former Minister of Education Anne Tolley to represent the residents of Kawerau to ensure their voices were heard and the best solution was found.  And I will continue to work with the community as the planning phase begins.

Murupara Primary School and Rangitahi College to combine

A new school will open in Murupara to combine Murupara Primary School and Rangitahi College.

It will cater for students Year 1 to 13 and will be situated on the current Murupara Primary site at the start of the 2013 school year.

The move is designed to strengthen education in the area and boost student achievement.

The closing schools' final day will be January 27, 2013, and nominations for the establishment board of trustees will be sought in the near future.
SPCA and Salvation Army Fundraiser
Over the Christmas and New Year period I teamed up with Andy George and Dave Ward from More FM Rotorua to kick off Tradio - a fundraiser to help raise much needed funds for the SPCA and Salvation Army.

Tradio involves the More FM team using Trade Me to trade their way up from a small prize to a big prize in order to raise as much funds as possible for these needy causes.
After the boys at More FM traded their way up to a Kaitiaki Adventures Rafting Experience for two people and free photos worth $215, they put it up for auction on Trade Me where I bid on it and won. To do my bit for the cause I donated it back to be auctioned again and added another donation of a lunch or dinner for four people at Parliament's Bellamy's Members and Guests Restaurant, a tour of Parliament and seats in the Speaker's Gallery for Question Time.

Check out the auction at: http://www.trademe.co.nz/travel-events-activities/other/auction-441575780.htm

New appointments

My offices in Rotorua, Kawerau, and Te Puke are now open, and I'd like to encourage anyone to call in and visit my friendly staff.

I'd also like to welcome new staff member Kristy Martin, who has come on board to work with me as my new executive assistant based in my Wellington office.

Kristy has joined my team after spending two years as education reporter at The Daily Post.

Her time at The Daily Post has given her a good grasp on the Rotorua electorate and I look forward to working with her.

Kristy can be contacted via email at kristy.martin@parliament.govt.nz or via phone on (04) 817 8230.

Dates to watch out for:

• January 25: Lake Okareka Community Association AGM
• January 27: Wai Ora Agreement Lakes Clean-up Meeting.
• January 28 - 29: Stand at the Rotorua A & P Show.
• January 30: Lakes water Quality Society AGM
• February 1: Full Day Caucus.
• February 5: Lake Rotoma and Rotoehu Ratepayers Association AGM.
• February 6: Waitangi Day.
• February 7, 8, 9: Parliament is in session.
• February 10: CNI Regional Council meeting.
• February 11: Te Puke A & P Show.
• February 11: Fordlands Skate Park opening.
• February 14, 15, 16: Parliament is in session.
• February 17: Lake Rerewhakaaitu Community Picnic.

July was an extremely satisfying period in my time as an MP.  For two weeks Parliament was in recess which meant I was able to spend all of my time in the electorate. Those two weeks were extremely busy, hosting three Ministers and visiting the Te Puke, Maketu and Kawerau parts of the Rotorua electorate.

National improves safety of young drivers with zero blood-alcohol limit

Drivers under 20 will not be able to consume any alcohol before driving from 7 August 2011.

Improving the safety of young drivers is a top road safety priority for the Government. That's because young drivers are over-represented in our fatal and serious crash statistics - including those crashes where alcohol is a factor.

Reducing the youth blood alcohol limit to zero is the second of three current measures to reduce the number of young people killed on our roads. 

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleID=36681

Welcome improvements to our air quality

National's efforts to convert to cleaner home heating and vehicles are making a real difference to our air quality.

A Ministry for the Environment report shows the national average number of air quality exceedances has dropped to the best level in a decade.

National has increased spending by 12 times on converting homes to clean heating during our term.  This has enabled 20,000 homes to convert to heat pumps, low-emission log burners and pellet fires.

By combining the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme and the Clean Heat programme, we will be able to convert an additional 1250 homes a year to clean heating. 

Helping more households make this move should see even bigger improvements in regional air quality.

More information:

http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36664 and http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=36665

Kawerau School announcement a positive step forward for the town

The Ministry of Education has made a final decision regarding the primary schools of Kawerau. The two smaller and older schools, North and Central will merge with Putauaki Full Primary School which will remain as a years 1-8 for 2012.  Kawerau South School will be unchanged as a year 1-6.

These decisions have been made after extensive consultation with the school boards, their staff and the community and I thank all those who took the time to attend meetings at their respective schools and to visit/write/telephone my Kawerau Electorate office to express their views.

The new schools will enable us, as a government to provide the best educational opportunities for our young people from early childhood through to tertiary.

Kawerau again made the news last month with a divisive and negative programme on TVNZ Close Up. This has resulted in the community joining together to combat the negativity.

More than 500 people attended a community meeting and I was pleased to be able to tell them I will be there to support them in their endeavours. Many of the issues can be solved within the community and there are those who are standing up to take leadership and I congratulate these people. They will receive my support as we all work through the issues. The Minister for Social Development Paul Bennett has promised me she will again be visiting Kawerau in the near future.

Maketu takes a huge leap forward in reducing environmental impact

As well as being able to confirm the Government funding for Maketu's sewerage scheme, I had much pleasure in visiting the new dunes restoration scheme the Maketu community have set up.  It's a fantastic project and I am looking forward to watching its progress.

Steven Joyce and I held a meeting at Kiwi 360 in Paengaroa, where we were able to discuss issues affecting Te Puke with about 50 locals.  Hot topics were the Te Puke Bypass, Psa and progress with broadband infrastructure.  It was a productive and interesting event- thank you to Te Puke for a great evening. Rotorua

Temporary class drug orders to take Kronic and other synthetic cannabis products off the market have been created.

The orders will allow the Government to place a 12-month ban on currently unregulated psychoactive substances, and on any new ones that come along.  It's expected that all products currently available willbe out of shops by the middle of August.

Temporary class drug orders are an interim measure. During the 12 month ban, a committee will assess the risk of harm of a substance, and recommend whether it should be classified as a controlled drug, scheduled as a restricted substance, or remain unregulated.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/all-synthetic-cannabis-products-be-banned

The signing in July of the 'The Wai Ora Agreement' between the Lakes Water Quality Society and the Lake Rotorua Farmers Collective sets a foundation for the two groups who are committed to cleaning up Lake Rotorua. 

I first proposed this initiative 12 months ago, and it's taken six months of hard work, including a six hour "clause by clause" marathon in my office to hammer out the final agreement. 

After years of conflict, these two organisations have now joined forces and put their energy into positive action and strategy for a clean and healthy Lake Rotorua and a sustainable rural sector.        

For more information visit my website

200 more jobs in forestry for Rotorua

I was delighted to host a signing ceremony to mark an investment of $12 million and the creation of up to 200 jobs in an exciting start-up business in the forestry sector. A Bay of Plenty businessman who has developed a great idea over many years will build a plant in the Rotorua area to take tree stumps and turn them into valuable commodities, used in the manufacture of perfume, paints and foods for export. The most impressive thing about this process is that it takes forestry waste and turns it into jobs and income for our local economy. I am glad to have played a role in making sure that this company stays in the Bay of Plenty and that these jobs will be available to the people of Rotorua, Kaingaroa and Murupara.

Launch of exciting Lake Rotoma floating wetlands scheme

I also attended the official launch of the floating wetlands on Lake Rotoehu with Environment Minister Nick Smith. This wetland is extremely interesting as it's built from 360,000 plastic coke bottles and means that native plants and trees will grow on the lake taking up phosphorus and nitrogen from the water to be released back into the atmosphere. It was launched on Lake Rotoma after trials on other smaller lakes in the region.  This will have huge benefits for lake water quality and is something that must be considered for parts of Lake Rotorua.

For more information visit the Beehive press release website

Government pours millions into Rotorua Electorate for Health initiatives

In July, Minister of Health Tony Ryall and I visited Whare Aroha to witness a system of monitoring patients which reduces the risk of falls and injuries for the elderly. This innovation was developed locally and will soon be exported to the world. We also attended the opening of Rotorua's new hospital, a fantastic building with some of the best facilities in New Zealand. Congratulations to the Lakes DHB team and to the doctors and nurses. Thank you for the great job you are doing improving health outcomes for local people. We finished the day opening the Rotorua Eye Clinic on Fairy Springs Rd. I am told that this is the best private facility in the country, another first for Rotorua.

I was also very pleased to present Mayor Kevin Winters with a letter of confirmation for $5.13 million towards the Lake Rotoma sewerage reticulation scheme last week.  Following a meeting with Mayor Winters and representations from Rotoma residents I wrote to the Minister of Health in April 2009 in support of Sanitary Works Subsidy Scheme funding to the electorate. The announcement of this funding is great news for residents of Rotoma and this beautiful lake.

This follows an announcement of $10 million dollars in funding for a similar scheme in Maketu, also in July. 

National's responsible decisions

The National-led Government is taking New Zealand forward by reducing our debt, getting back to surplus within three years, and building a faster-growing economy.

New Zealand is better placed than many other countries to manage what will remain an uncertain global environment despite the deal just done in the United States over its rising debt.

By getting on top of our government debt by keeping it below 30 per cent of GDP, the country will be back in surplus by 2014-15 at the latest.

More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-better-placed-minimise-us-debt-fallout