It’s recess time and this is the only three week recess of the year so we are making the most of it.
Next week I will be in and around Tairawhiti and happy to try to catch up if people are keen, send me an email and I will try to make that happen.
The folllowing week I will be in the Eastern BOP for the week and have already quite a lot lined up but if you have an emerging issue please contact the office (see bottom for the details) and we will make a plan.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ISSUES
This week we have announced more support for tourism marketing off shore with $13.5m targeted to bring more people to our shores and ultimately to our region too, this helps businesses and ensures a vibrant and long term option for our regions.
There has been a lot of concern with the health issues at Gisborne Hospital and the ongoing situation in Whakatane with obstetrics and maternity services - I am keeping a close eye on these and whilst I note the specialist doctors are really feeling the pinch in challenging times - we are working hard to recruit people and to fill the gaps left behind after the previous government made disastrous decisions in health.
This includes the previous administration’s focus on management and the development of the Maori Health Agency which took the focus off frontline staff, cost a huge amount of money and the patients suffered. We are trying to turn this around by investing $16b more than the previous Govt into health for a total of $30b over four years. This is more than has ever been spent in health - and it will never be enough.
That is why the economic growth agenda is so important - because more jobs, more opportunities and more growth means the Government has more money to invest in education, health, housing and roads - all the things that are irritating you the most right now because we aren’t spending it on employment benefits when people get jobs.
I also just want to just touch briefly on the announcement today from Erica Stanford which announced two major school building projects in Tairawhiti - one for three new senior classrooms at Manutuke School and the other shifting a school out of the bank building in the main street of Gisborne to a much better suited presence, with new senior classrooms and a tech room too. A great announcement to help our children get the most out of school.
WHAT AM I WORKING ON?
As well as getting across the electorate and doing my work in Wellington, there are so many issues to get into at the moment I thought I would give you a quick summation of some of the local issues I am working on.
- Pekatahi bridge - the surface and ongoing viability of this.
- Pongakawa School speed limit - I have written to WBOPDC and NZTA and there is definitely a different school of thought between the two - more to come.
- Anzac Day - attending Gisborne and Ōpōtiki services.
- Various roading issues in Gisborne - Waimata Road and Lavenham Road.
- Speed limits on SH30 Awakeri to Rotorua - the ongoing saga.
- Forestry issues and land use changes - what does Govt policy need to take into account?
- And so much more… but it gives you a small idea.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY CLINICS
IN May I will spend the recess on the road running community clinics arcross the electorate this means from Maketu to Te Kaha, from Ruatoria to Gisborne. I will be sending all the info out soon and keep an eye on the local newspaper for when I am coming to you. I hope you will pop in and see me and share your thoughts or ideas.
RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Last week we announced five major new initiatives. It’s fair to say there has been a lot of feedback about the supermarket announcement and I am meeting with many in this sector over the next few weeks. I urge you to submit to the process so you can have your views heard.
- Going for Growth: More affordable building products: Legislation has just passed that will put up to 250,000 more building products on shelves, making it easier and more affordable to build. (Beehive PR)
- Backing builders by cracking down on cowboys: We’re increasing accountability while removing unnecessary regulation to make it easier and more affordable to deliver more homes. (Beehive PR)
- Legislation to honor more veterans on Anzac Day: We’re passing legislation to expand the definition of a veteran to recognize more Kiwis that have served their country. (Beehive PR)
- Approving more medicines, quicker: We’re enabling medicines to be approved in less than 30 days if the product has approval from two recognized overseas jurisdictions. (Beehive PR)
- Going for Growth: All supermarket options on the table: We’re going to reform the supermarket sector to deliver more competition for Kiwis. (Beehive PR).
Please call in and see us or email us if you have any queries or events you would like us to attend.
73 The Strand, Whakatane
60 Ballance St, Gisborne