TODD McCLAY MP for Rotorua - Press Release

McClay says Eastern Arterial Announcement good for local economy

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:52:12 +1300

Rotorua MP Todd McClay has welcomed the New Zealand Transport Agency’s (NZTA) announcement today that the preferred route for the Rotorua Eastern Arterial (REA) is a route between Te Ngae Road and the Lake edge and says this latest development is good news for development in the local economy.

"Rotorua has waited more than 20 years for this road and today's announcement is one of the final stages in the process towards its build," Mr McClay said.

“This announcement fairly balances the requirements of Rotorua residents and businesses while respecting the need to future proof infrastructure for our local economy and I wish to thank the NZTA and Rotorua District Council for their leadership in coming to this decision. This road is important for the future of Rotorua and the economic growth and welfare of the wider Bay of Plenty region," he said.

Rotorua crime rates continues to drop

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:48:11 +1300

Rotorua MP Todd McClay is delighted recorded crime in Rotorua has dropped yet again with a 4.7% decrease for the year ending 2012 but warns against an upward trend for robbery and fraud offences which had increased by 35% respectively.

“This is the third consecutive year crime has dropped in the Rotorua Police District following a 5.4% drop in 2011 and a 0.5% decrease in 2010. In particular there was an impressive 27.7% drop in burglaries, a 6.9% drop in prohibited weapons offences and a 9.3% drop in sexual offences. These results are great news for the Rotorua community and reflect the hard work of our local police, as well as the Government’s commitment to tackle crime and make our families safer in their homes and communities,” Mr McClay said.

“Nationally, crime is at a 30-year low. The 70% increase in Police foot patrols, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, the Prevention First Strategy, and the 600 additional frontline officers delivered by this Government are all contributing to the falling crime rate.

“While these reductions in crime are positive news, the increases in both robbery and fraud offences are concerning, especially as robbery can be a violent offence. It is up to the community to be vigilant and work alongside police to continue to stamp out these sorts of crimes on Rotorua streets,” Mr McClay said.

Mr McClay added that the introduction of smartphones and tablets this month will save more than half a million hours of police time. “In the Bay of Plenty Police District it will free up a massive 41,526 police hours every year. That equals around 30 extra police further preventing and tackling crime on the ground in our district. Ultimately this means our local police men and women can spend more time on the streets preventing crime and less time on paperwork.

“We are well on our way to reaching our Better Public Services targets of an overall reduction in recorded crime by 15%, violent crime by 20%, and youth crime by 5% by 2017. This will mean 45,000 fewer crimes in our communities every year from 2017.”

QE Hospital safe but ongoing change will be required

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:36:00 +1300

Rotorua’s QE Hospital's rehabilitation service has been saved, much to the delight of staff and patients but ongoing change will be required to ensure that QE remains relevant in a modern health care environment Rotorua MP Todd McClay has said.

Prior to Christmas up to 30 staff faced losing their jobs after it was announced that the Multidisciplinary Intensive Rehabilitation Service would need to close due to a shortfall in patient referrals. However following an intervention by local MP Todd McClay this worst case scenario has been avoided.

Mr McClay said he was delighted that a solution had been found that put QE on a sound footing. “A few months ago QE’s rehabilitation service was facing closure and significant job losses. I'm extremely pleased that the extra funding found last year means that the world class treatment provided by QE will continue."

However Mr McClay is calling on local people to show their support for QE. "The next challenge is for the community to come forward and show they value QE by providing on-going support and patronage. This could include joining the gym and making use of their unique spa facilities or coming to QE for no cost treatment under ACC," Mr McClay said. Thanks to their unique service offered, and recent renovations, these three areas of QE continue to thrive and grow.

QE CEO Peter Sharplin said that over the last few months the QE Board had been working closely with Lakes DHB, the Ministry of Health and our local MP Todd McClay to come to a solution. Mr Sharplin said that not only had this been achieved he believed that they had managed to come to a sustainable long-term position which will better secure QE’s future.

New day patient contracts combined with savings have meant a near $1 million turn around in QE's finances however Mr Sharplin said that as a result of reduced inpatient demand the hospital's wards were no longer viable.

He said that the Board had focused on the treatments provided and whilst some change in positions would be required it was his expectation that the QE workforce would grow in size in the medium to long term.

QE Health Patients Association President Margaret Parker said she was delighted that a way forward had been found.

“I’m grateful for the support given to save the hospital over the last few months. QE is very important to those in Rotorua and other regions who have used or regularly make use of its unique services and this is extremely positive news for the hospital, its staff and its patients.

“On behalf of the association we are extremely thankful for the intervention of Mr McClay, the Ministry and the Lakes DHB. Had we lost this vital service, hundreds of chronically ill people would be left without treatment,” Ms Parker said.

Mr Sharplin said that whilst the hospital had diversified its treatments over the last couple of years QE remained committed to providing a specialist service to high needs patients. " The treatments at QE are proven to be world leading and its imperative that they remain a central part of QE's future," Mr Sharplin said.

New technology for Rotorua Police to tackle crime

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:31:30 +1300

New smartphones and tablets will mean Rotorua Police can focus on further preventing and tackling crime on the ground, Rotorua MP Todd McClay says.

“Our local police will be among the 6500 frontline officers nationwide who will receive a smartphone by mid-2014. A further 3,900 staff will also be receiving tablets, so they can access, input and share important information immediately, without having to travel back to their station to access databases or write reports,” Mr McClay said.

“An 11-month trial last year involving over 100 officers in four Police districts showed that these mobile devices allow each officer to spend, on average, an extra 30 minutes per shift on the frontline - ultimately this means more Police work and less paperwork so our officers can better focus on preventing and tackling crime on Rotorua streets.

“Having prompt access to up to date information on people, places and vehicles will also reduce safety risks for officers and the public, with staff better able to make decisions on the ground,” Mr McClay said.

Each Police district will begin the initial three-month rollout to 6,086 staff in April. Police are planning to widen the rollout to 6,500 officers by mid-2014.

The initial capital expenditure for the devices is $4.3 million, with operating costs of $159 million over the next 12 years. All devices are password protected and can be tracked and remotely locked or wiped if they are lost or stolen.

Rotorua students benefit from rheumatic fever programme

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:44:58 +1300

Rotorua school children are included in the more than 50,000 thousand students nationwide who will take part in a throat swabbing programme which tests and treats a child’s sore throat before it progresses to rheumatic fever, Rotorua MP Todd McClay says.

“Those students, including some from schools in Rotorua and the wider Bay of Plenty, considered more vulnerable to developing this disease are being prioritised for this throat swabbing programme" he said.
“Rheumatic fever is a third world disease which can be life threatening,” Mr McClay said.

“This largely preventable illness affects far too many children in New Zealand. The Government's goal is to reduce it by two-thirds to 1.4 cases per 100,000 by 2017. To do this we’re investing $24 million to help reduce the incidence of this disease in vulnerable communities,” Mr McClay said.

The Government’s rheumatic fever prevention programme is one of the Prime Minister's better public service targets to support vulnerable children.

A further three thousand children from 24 schools in Northland and Waikato joined the Government’s battle against the third world disease when they started back at school this term.

New Forest Operations Approved Code of Practice Launched

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +1300

MP for Rotorua Todd McClay today launched the Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Forest Operations at the Forest Industry Contractors Association ‘Big Day Out’ conference in Rotorua.

The forestry sector has the highest rate of fatal work-related injuries in New Zealand and the rate of ACC claims for the forestry sector is almost six times the rate for all sectors.

“Over the past decade the forestry sector has put significant effort into reducing fatalities and serious injury. Despite this effort, injuries, fatalities, and social costs are still unacceptably high. The sector’s challenge is to reinvigorate injury prevention and continue the drive towards zero harm and fatalities,” Mr McClay said.

The new Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) will support the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s forestry harm reduction campaign, which aims to reduce the unacceptably high rate of accidents in the forestry sector. It will focus on the tasks of tree felling and breaking out, which consistently account for the greatest number of serious harm accidents notified to the Ministry.

“The launch of this ACOP is a big step towards reducing the work toll in the forestry sector. Too many workers are seriously injured or killed while undertaking forestry operations, particularly in the tasks of tree felling and breaking out. The new code aims to ‘lift the bar’ and introduce standards that will help the sector improve its health and safety record,” Mr McClay said.

“In launching the revised code we have completed one of the 12 actions in the Forestry Sector Action Plan, launched just over a year ago. The Minister of Labour has set a target of reducing workplace deaths and serious injuries by at least 25 percent by 2020 – we have just over seven years to get there. I believe this revised code and the Forestry Sector Action Plan are steps in contributing to this target in the forestry industry.”

The new ACOP will be rolled-out throughout the country at sector- and Ministry-hosted events. It will take the combined efforts of the regulator, industry representatives and workers in the sector to reduce the work toll in forestry. The new ACOP is just one step towards a reduction in harm and fatalities in New Zealand’s third largest earner in the export industry.

Submissions being sought on McClay’s Gang Insignia Bill

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:07:29 +1300

Rotorua MP Todd McClay is encouraging locals to have their say on his Gang Insignia Bill.

The Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Bill passed its first reading in Parliament in August and is now before the Law and Order Committee which has called for public submissions.

The bill introduces restrictions surrounding gang insignia being displayed on the premises of local and central government departments and premises in New Zealand.

“This bill is about putting the rights of law-abiding citizens before those of criminals – for this reason I encourage everyone to have their say. The people who live here deserve to feel safe and free from intimidation, especially that of gang members,” Mr McClay said.
The closing date for submissions is Wednesday 31st October.

To make a submission, go to: http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/MakeSub/3/c/5/50SCLO_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL11495_1-Prohibition-of-Gang-Insignia-in-Government.htm.

Local MP urges motorists to be cautious this Labour Weekend

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:39:23 +1300

Local MP urges motorists to be cautious this Labour Weekend

Rotorua MP Todd McClay is urging motorists to be cautious on local roads this Labour Weekend.

“Being safe on the roads is everyone’s responsibility. This long weekend is traditionally a busy one so it’s important to be careful, patient and respectful of other motorists,” Mr McClay said.

“Most crashes are caused by preventable actions. If drivers are focused, drive to the conditions and obey speed limits then our holiday roads will be much safer.”

Police will be out in force and will again be focusing on reduced speed tolerances of no more than 4km/hr over all permanently posted speed limits and targeting safe following distances.

Labour Day weekend 2012 officially starts at 4pm today and ends at 6am on Tuesday 23 October.

McClay says Children’s Teams significant announcement for Rotorua

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:22:58 +1300

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

“Children’s Teams are a new initiative by the Government designed to oversee a systematic interagency practice response to 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,” Mr McClay said.

“I’m thrilled Lakes District Health Board will pilot one of the two first teams in New Zealand. It’s a significant announcement for Rotorua and a positive step forward in protecting the vulnerable children in our community.

“Children’s Teams will bring together professionals from the health, education, justice and social services sectors, such as paediatricians, special education and social work professionals.

“This across the board approach will ensure policies and services across government sectors have common goals and are well aligned with one another, putting the focus 100 per cent on supporting vulnerable children.”

“I look forward to assisting in the construction of these teams and working alongside them as the new systems are implemented,” Mr McClay said.

Two Children’s Teams and related White Paper initiatives (such as the Child Protect line and Vulnerable Kids Information System) will be piloted in demonstration sites in Rotorua and one other District Health Board region by the end of 2013.

Full implementation of the Children’s Teams will be completed by the end of 2017.

The first phase of implementation is estimated to cost $20 million over two years.

Local MP says White Paper step forward for vulnerable children

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:49:37 +1300

Rotorua MP Todd McClay says the White Paper for Vulnerable Children released today is a step in the right direction for protecting the at risk children in Rotorua from neglect and harm.

“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,” Mr McClay said.

“Where children are subject to harm or living in unsafe conditions, early intervention is imperative. In Rotorua there is much more we must do to protect those who are being harmed. Tomorrow I will join Minister Paula Bennett in Rotorua where she will make a major announcement regarding vulnerable children specific to Rotorua.

A Vulnerable Kid’s Information System will be implemented and alongside Auckland University, the Government will develop a comprehensive risk predictor tool to identify vulnerable children before they are abused and get them the help they need.

The Government will also introduce tough new restrictions for abusers through child abuse prevention orders allowing Judges to stop child abusers from gaining access to children. A child protection order could mean that another baby born into that situation is removed from that parent’s care.

“Far too many children are seriously abused and neglected by the people who should care for them the most. In many cases there are people who are aware of abuse but are afraid to speak up,” Mr McClay said.

“We need to make a fundamental change to the way we deal with these situations and change our focus so children always come first and remain at the centre of our thinking. That goes for families, individuals, professionals, communities and agencies across Government.”

More Rotorua electorate schools to receive internal network upgrades

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:15:00 +1300

Mamaku School, Putauaki School in Kawerau and Te Kura M?ori-o-Rohe O Waiohau in Galatea are the latest schools in the Rotorua electorate to receive government-subsidised internal network upgrades in readiness for ultra-fast and rural broadband connections (UFB).

Rotorua MP Todd McClay says this is an important announcement for these schools and their communities.

“This is on top of the 23 Rotorua electorate schools which have already received, or are in the process or receiving, these upgrades. It’s another step along the way to the Network for Learning, which will provide our schools with affordable, safe, ultra-fast internet access,” Mr McClay said.

“UFB is an exciting tool for the future of education. Schools will be able to share scarce resources like physics and IT teachers, and students will be able to take part in virtual classrooms and courses that might not be available at their own schools.

“The opportunities for learning are enormous. Access to fast internet will help connect schools in the Rotorua electorate with the world and prepare students for living and working in the 21st century.”

To date, the Ministry of Education’s School Network Upgrade Project has upgraded more than a third of eligible state and state-integrated schools.

Rotorua electorate schools which have already received internal network upgrades or in the process of receiving it are:

• Horohoro School
• Malfroy School
• Mokoia Intermediate
• Reporoa College
• Rotokawa School
• Rotorua Boys High School
• Rotorua Girls High School
• Western Heights High School
• Western Heights Primary School.
• Westbrook School
• Waikite Valley School
• St Mary’s Catholic School
• Rotorua Intermediate
• Rotorua Primary School
• Rotorua Lakes High School
• Otonga Road School
• Owhata School
• Ngakuru School
• Lake Rotoma School
• Kaingaroa Forest School
• Kawaha Point School
• Glenholme School
• Aorangi School

Local MP hosts Environment Minister in Rotorua for lakes clean up discussion

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:26:04 +1200

Rotorua MP Todd McClay today hosted Environment Minister Amy Adams in the city to discuss lakes water quality and the clean-up of Lake Rotorua.

“Work is continuing on the Rotorua Lakes Protection and Restoration Programme to which the Government has contributed $72.1 million. I thought it was important to invite the Minister here today to discuss lakes water quality in Rotorua and for her to see how the funding is being used first hand.

“It was a good opportunity to take the Minister to the lake and show her the 4000-square metre floating wetland on Lake Rotorua, just one of the many innovative ideas we have come up with locally.

“Water quality issues and in particular efforts to clean up our lakes continues to be a top priority for me as the MP for Rotorua.”

Local MP committed to ensuring support for dementia sufferers

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:27:00 +1200

Increasing numbers of people being diagnosed with dementia is forcing the Government to look closer at this serious illness, Rotorua MP Todd McClay said when he opened the Brain Seminar in Rotorua today.

“The increasing numbers of people being diagnosed with dementia and at a younger age is a key issue for our communities and for this reason the Government is making it a priority to improve help and support for dealing with this serious disease.”

Mr McClay opened the seminar this morning at the Keswick Christian Camp in Rotorua. In his speech, he acknowledged the hard work of the local Alzheimer’s Society.

“We are extremely fortunate to have a local Alzheimer’s society right here in Rotorua. I must acknowledge all the hard work that Lyn Soeter and the team there do. Because of them, the people in our community have ready access to help and support when they need it.

“Dementia has a devastating effect on those who suffer from it and the lives of their families and friends. The most important thing that we can do is ensure that there are adequate public health services available for dealing with it and that those affected have access to these services at the earliest possible point so that they are able and well supported enough to stay at home for as long as it is safe to do so,” Mr McClay said.

The Brain Seminar is held every two years and provides educational information and support to the community, families and local health care professionals. This year it was hosted by the Rotorua Alzheimer’s Society.

MP Challenges Gangs to prove they don’t intimidate, Bill Passes 1st Reading

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:00:00 +1200

Rotorua MP Todd McClay is challenging gangs to prove they don’t intimidate or harm society and to come forward and say why they shouldn’t be covered by his ban.

This follows the passing of his gang patch bill at first reading in Parliament tonight by 69 votes to 52. The bill was supported by National, New Zealand First, United Future and Act. (Labour, Greens, Mana against)

The bill aims to provide an environment free from gang intimidation in all Central and Local Government buildings in New Zealand.

Mr McClay said that the legislation sent a clear message to gang members who seek to intimidate and harm - “leave your patches at home”.

“People feel intimidated by the presence of gang members - this bill says to gangs that their presence in our communities is not wanted and will no longer be tolerated,” Mr McClay said.

“The harm and destruction caused by gangs is devastating. In particular the number of young people drawn to gang life is disturbing. There have been far too many lives ruined and families destroyed as a result of criminal gang involvement with drugs, violence, murder and rape” he said.

The bill will prohibit the display of gang insignia in government premises including WINZ offices, Housing New Zealand, council facilities and halls and the grounds of public schools, hospitals and swimming pools.

Breaking this law would result in arrest, a fine of up to $2000 and the destruction of the gang insignia.

“Gang patches are seen by gang members and affiliates as something to be proud of. For too many of our young they are something to aspire to. What they actually demonstrate is that the wearer has probably committed crimes to earn the right to be involved with the gang.

Banning the wearing of gang insignia on tax payer funded premises is about putting the rights of law abiding members of our community before those of criminals,” Mr McClay said.

The bill will now be referred to the Law and Order Select Committee which would invite public submissions.

Local MP Todd McClay is putting his waist on line for Hospice

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:23:11 +1200

Jan Morgan from Hospice Rotorua says it’s fantastic news that local MP Todd McClay is pitching in to support this year’s Give it Up for Hospice campaign by hosting dinner at a local restaurant for one lucky Hospice shopper.

The second annual Give it Up campaign is running until 7th September and encourages people to donate pre-loved spring and summer clothing for Rotorua’s Hospice Shops located in Eruera and Pururu Streets.

Mr McClay says Hospice does extremely important work in the community. “I’m pleased to do my bit to help and I encourage others in Rotorua to also get on board,” he said.

The Hospice shops are an important source of funding for the local organisation and on Friday Mr McClay will be donating clothes to this worthy cause.

“It wasn’t easy going through my wardrobe but I have managed to find a few items, new and pre-loved, which I am pleased to donate to Hospice.”

Mr McClay is encouraging locals to head down to one of our Hospice shops, not only to donate clothing but to also have a look around and see what bargains they can find.

“To support Hospice, I will be placing a hidden voucher in one of the items of clothing I donate and will host the person who purchases it at a dinner for two at a local restaurant of their choice.”

The Rotorua MP will be at the 1134 Eruera Street Hospice Shop at 11am on Friday 24th August to donate his clothes and drum up some support for this cause.

Media are invited to attend and take photos.