Member’s Bill drawn to end taxpayer funding of gangs
A Member’s Bill prohibiting the Crown and its agencies from funding gangs was drawn from the biscuit tin on Thursday.
The Public Finance (Prohibition on Providing Public Funds to Gangs) Amendment Bill would prohibit the Crown and its agencies from providing funds, directly and indirectly, to organisations that are run, administered, or associated with gangs. The Crown would be required to take all reasonable precautions and undertake due diligence to ensure that public funds do not end up in the hands of gangs.
The government believes that this bill protects our communities and is in the spirit of National’s strong stance on law and order. Under the last Labour Government, $2.75 million of public funds was given to gangs via Kāinga Ora. This is unconscionable and a slap in the face to victims of drug trafficking and organised crime.
Money taken off gangs was funnelled back into a drug rehabilitation programme delivered by the very gang members that peddle the drugs in the first place, through the Proceeds of Crime Fund. Trusting gangs to encourage people to transition away from crime over lawful programme providers is a backwards approach to public safety, akin to trusting wolves with guarding sheep.
New Zealanders rightly expect public funds and taxpayer money to go towards supporting victims and trustworthy support programmes, not to the criminal gangs that bring fear and harm to our streets and our communities. That’s why I am pleased that my bill has been drawn from the ballot, ensuring protection for our youth and communities.
Air New Zealand has confirmed more temporary cuts to Tauranga flights in May and June, on top of reductions already in place since March. Auckland and Wellington services are being trimmed by around 4 rotations a week, with smaller cuts to Christchurch.
Air NZ says this is a short-term response to fuel prices, not a permanent change, and they're working to rebook affected passengers on similar times.
I know how important these connections are for our region, whether it's business, tourism, or medical travel. I'll keep pushing to protect Tauranga's routes.
Link to RNZ interview: Facebook
Great news! NZ Post has confirmed they will retain postal services at Tara Road Pharmacy in Pāpāmoa.
I’m really pleased that the strong feedback from locals, combined with my advocacy, helped change their decision and keep these everyday services in our community.
Link to reel: Facebook
Loved having Kaden from Oropi in Parliament recently.
It’s always awesome when locals come to see their Parliament in action.
If you’d ever like to visit and have a look around, just let me know, I’d be happy to show you through and answer any questions.
Good news, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council has partially reopened the Pāpāmoa Hills, following the major landslides in January.
The Pūraho Track (to/from far Poplar Lane carpark to the trig/summit), Karangaumu Track (via alternative track from main Poplar Lane carpark), and Summerhills Track (to/from Summerhill Recreation Farm carpark on Reid Road to trig/summit) will all reopen.
Please note that the Pāpāmoa Track, Te Ihu o Ruarangi Track, Te Hōuāwe Track, and Te Kaingapākura Track remain closed due to ongoing instability and damage.
Signs are now in place to clearly show which areas are open and closed. A big thank you to everyone involved for their hard work to make this safe re-opening possible.
Welcome to Bay of Plenty, Superintendent Will Loughrin.
Will has recently been appointed as the new Bay of Plenty police district commander, taking over from Tim Anderson who has moved into the assistant commissioner role in Wellington. Will started his career in Counties Manukau, moved to Waikato in 2011, and has worked across major investigations, senior leadership, and most recently as acting district commander for Waikato before this appointment.
Good to catch up with our new district commander and welcome him to the role.
Great to join Max from The Breeze for his 12-hour live broadcast right from the heart of Mount Maunganui Mainstreet!
The Breeze Tauranga 95.8FM had Max Baird on air from 6am to 6pm, raising funds for the Western Bay Emergency Response Fund. This fund supports local organisations, marae, and charities helping our communities through the tough times we experienced at the start of this year. There were some awesome prizes won throughout the day thanks to fantastic local businesses.
If you’re keen to support the cause, then you can donate online here: https://www.acornfoundation.org.nz/.../western-bay...
Every donation makes a real difference. This is a great opportunity for us to come together and show what Bay Strong really looks like
Hannah and I hope you had a happy Easter break with family and friends
Papamoa Community Markets
I was planning to attend the market this Sunday however organisers have cancelled due to the weather. - Keep safe out there and see you next time!
Next SuperBlues - 13 April
Welcome Bay - Drop in Clinic- 20 April
This Week in New Zealand History
Susan Devoy wins British Open squash tournament
10 April 1984
Susan Devoy leaves her mark (NZHerald via Te Ara)
In 1984, Susan Devoy became the first New Zealander to win the women’s title at the prestigious British Open squash tournament, the ‘Wimbledon of Squash’. Aged 20, she was also the youngest women’s champion.
Devoy had first competed in the Open two years earlier, bowing out in the second round. In 1983 the teenager reached the quarter-finals, where she was beaten in four sets by Martine Le Moignan.
Devoy was joint third seed for the 1984 tournament but exceeded expectations by beating third-time finalist Lisa Opie in four sets. Devoy won six more titles in consecutive years before losing a quarter-final to Sue Wright in 1991. She bounced back in 1992, winning an eighth British Open title in straight sets over her old foe Le Moignan.
Susan Devoy won four of the seven Women’s World Opens she contested. After reaching the third round as a 17-year-old in 1981, she was defeated in a semi-final in 1983 by eventual champion Vicki Cardwell. She lost only one match in the next five World Opens – to Le Moignan.
Susan Devoy retired from competitive squash while still ranked number one in the world. She became chief executive of Sport Bay of Plenty and served on the boards of many community organisations and businesses. As Race Relations Commissioner from 2013 to 2018, she spoke out in support of ethnic minorities and in favour of an increase in New Zealand’s refugee quota. In 2016 she launched ‘That’s Us’ - New Zealand’s first nationwide digital anti-racism campaign.
The Week in Parliament - Briefly
Fast-track approved project could deliver New Zealand’s largest wind farm
Fast-track approval has been granted for New Zealand’s largest wind farm project.
Young people are turning their lives around
The latest Annual Report on the Child and Youth Strategy, released, has clearly shown a transformation in youth offending.
Primary Teachers’ vote to accept pay settlement
Education Minister Erica Stanford has welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations to renew the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement (PTCA). A ballot on the second of April with members of the NZEI returned a majority vote to ratify the collective agreement.
Greyhound racing to end as bill passes
Racing Minister, Winston Peters has welcomed the passing of legislation to end greyhound racing saying it is a decisive step reflecting the clear will of New Zealanders and delivers certainty for animal welfare, industry participants, and the public.
Foreign Minister appoints Simpson as Deputy Chair of Antarctica New Zealand
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Heather Simpson as Deputy Chair of Antarctica New Zealand.
Stronger trespass laws pass first reading
Legislation which strengthens trespass laws to make them more effective and practical for businesses has passed first reading in Parliament, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Keeping children in classrooms and supporting schools through fuel challenges
The Government’s priority is keeping schools open, students in classrooms and continuing to raise achievement as the country navigates fuel supply challenges, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
Unlocking economic potential for high country farms
Rule changes freeing up high country farmers to make the most of their land will unlock economic opportunities, support job creation and strengthen regional economies, Land Information Minister Chris Penk and South Island Minister James Meager say.
Foreign Minister welcomes ceasefire
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand welcomes the announcements by the United States and Iran over the past few hours - as we welcome all efforts to bring an end to this conflict.
Pharmac update blood cancer decision due to patient feedback
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to fund two new combination therapies for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a type of blood cancer.
EV chargers to roll out faster under new rules
The Government has removed unnecessary consenting barriers to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, making it faster and easier to build chargers where New Zealanders need them, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.
Last call on red tape: Alcohol Bill open for submissions
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill passed its first reading in Parliament last week and is now open for submissions at the Justice Select Committee, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee
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Thanks,
Tom.