The word sustainability is one that is bandied around more and more these days. When it comes to our natural resources, however, water, soils, indigenous forests, fisheries and fossil fuels the facts are pretty clear. Man is having a huge and often negative impact. As a result we need initiatives that can genuinely improve the future of these natural assets so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy them in the same way (or better) than we have.
In this regard I want to pay a special tribute to the Guardians of Hawke Bay Fisheries.
The guardians are a collection of fishery stakeholders from across the recreational, commercial, environmental and customary groups. This is an achievement in itself as historically these diverse groups have struggled to sit around the same table. They now have a similar vision which is to be applauded: "A sustainable Hawke Bay fishery for our grandchildren, our mokopuna".
They have nine key objectives of which I'll cover just three where they are making genuine progress.
Firstly they have agreed to provide support for the collection of recreational catch history. Data in this area has been non existent but with improved technology and more recreational fishermen the recreational catch has become significant having a genuine impact on the numbers of fish. The Minister of Fisheries is required to set quota limits based on estimates of catch data from all sources. Accurate recreational data is critical going forward. For four years now, Collin Murray from the HB Gamefish Club and Guardian foundation member, has pioneered boat ramp surveys. The data collected is invaluable and will help MFish to set accurate quota numbers.
Secondly the Guardians have lodged an application for a 186 acre temporary fishing closure between the Napier Port and the start of Westshore Beach. The aim here is to rejuvinate the rocky shore fishery in this area. The closure is out for consultation as we speak. A great initiative right on our doorstep.
And thirdly the Guardians are championing a change to T90 net technology through member and commercial fishing legend Rick Burch. Rick has fished the Bay for 30 years and watched fish numbers fall over time. Rick aims to change the "cod end" of commercial nets (the “cod end” of the net where the fish are forced into during trawling) to ensure the maximum number of juvenile fish escape during trawling. Ultimately the aim is to insist that all trawlers in the Bay use this system. This is a great initiative and could have a huge impact on improving the fishery.
These are just a few of the initiatives being undertaken by your Guardians. I encourage anyone who would like to be involved with the Guardians to contact chairman Jonathon Dick jonathandick@clear.net.nz
Last week I attended an all day Kiwi Rail briefing on the future of rail in New Zealand. It was my aim to gain a better understanding of Kiwi Rail plans for the future of the Gisborne to Napier link.
During the discussions around wider freight opportunities Kiwi Rail indicated that in-land forestry hubs were being planned in Marton and Masterton giving foresters the option of exporting their logs out through Napier, Wellington, or New Plymouth by rail. In this regard I understand the Port of Napier is investing in its on-port rail track to ensure it has a line all the way through to its log dump. There are clearly excellent opportunities for additional business through our port from the Masterton and Marton hubs.
I raised the question of an additional hub in or close to Wairoa. This may be one way of helping to ensure the economic success of the Gisborne to Napier line.
I was told by Iain Hill, General Manager of Freight, that Kiwi Rail are in discussions to consider this very option with the matter being on the agenda at a HBRC meeting in Napier on the 23rd of August. Well done to those involved.
The majority of logs around Gisborne and from up the East Coast already go through the Port of Gisborne by truck. Iain Hill conveyed that the issue with hauling logs on rail from and around Wairoa is one of short haul distance. Iain said that it's too expensive to put rail heads up into forest skid-sites so the best option was a collection point or hub, which still requires truck transport, therefore double handling and cost. He told me that once the logs are on a truck it's a relatively short haul to either Panpac or either of the Ports so for a truck/rail option to be competitive it needs to be high volume high efficiency.
Despite these concerns this is a potential solution which may ensure that using rail is a real alternative to trucks. At the end of the day, however, the economics must stack up as forest owners will chose the transport option which gets their product to market at lowest cost.
This aside, it's great to see Kiwi Rail taking positive steps to consider all the options.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to join the Parliamentary Rugby Team on a trip to the Chatham Islands. My wife thinks I'm crazy still playing rugby but that's another story.
The game in the Chathams was played in wind that was more hurricane than Zephyr. It featured a guy (legend) who'd had his arm removed by one of the local White Pointers, and another who played the whole game in his gumboots. He could run bloody fast for a guy in gumboots. It was a tough affair with the local side coming out victors 17 to 15. The after match featured a hangi with Weka, Crayfish, Eel, Blue Cod and other delicacies. Following the game we held an auction which raised $7,000 for the sports club. It was a great day.
Eight MPs visited as part of the team and as a result we spent Saturday morning with the council being briefed on local issues. Locals face huge battles with transport and energy costs four times what we pay in the Bay. It's great to see the Government coming to the party with funding for new energy generation from wave power. With wind turbines that will cut diesel use in half.
The Chathams is an amazing place and one which I'd recommend anyone to visit. The people are fantastic, the landscape beautiful, the seafood incredible.
Speaking of seafood I've caught a fair few crays in my time but nothing compares to the Chathams. Check out the monster given to John Carter. Mornay anyone?
All things considered a great weekend of rugby and an excellent way to get to know Chathams locals and their issues in another part of our amazing country.
Over the weekend I attended the National Party annual conference in Auckland. The final day was overshadowed by a few protestors campaigning against our announcement to increase the 90 day trial period, currently only for businesses employing under 20 people, to all businesses.
The protestors said it would risk jobs. This shows to me a total disconnect with the employment of people. For starters no employer that I know enters into an employment agreement with the aim of firing someone in 90 days time. This proposition is just garbage. Employers enter into an employment relationship on the basis that it will be win win for both parties. Employers want the relationship to be successful as it will help to build the business. Employers spend time and money to train new employees so the last thing they want is for the relationship to go sour. From my experience employers value good workers tremendously. However on occasion the relationship does not work out and if this is the case in the first three months then the relationship can be ended by the employer with no fuss.
This no fuss approach will encourage more employers to take a chance with employees from all walks of life. It will be great for first time employees, employees re-entering the work force and for those who have been long term unemployed. From my point of view the policy will stimulate employment opportunities creating more jobs and that has to be good. What’s more most of the countries we like to compare ourselves with, like the UK and Australia, have grievance free periods well in excess of what we are introducing making our policy look fair and reasonable.
One of the other great things from the conference was to be reminded of some of the smaller election promises now implemented. In Health, for instance, there have been a range of highlights. We promised to implement a 12 month course of Herceptin treatment for sufferers of Breast Cancer. We delivered on this within the first year. We promised to improve the waiting times in emergency rooms. In the last 18 months we’ve improved the waiting times from 80% of people being seen within 6 hours to 88% being seen within the same time period. We promised to double the number of new elective surgeries from 2000, the level which Labour achieved in its last year of Government. Our goal was 4000 – we delivered 12,000 new elective surgeries. Not bad in fiscally constrained times.
Closer to Wairoa there are a number of health service issues which I can also update readers upon. In a recent column I discussed the future of the PHO and can report that there are continued moves to amalgamate PHO’s across Hawkes Bay. While the combined organisation is yet to be finalized I can assure locals that there will be representation from Wairoa, Napier, Hastings, and Central Hawkes Bay locals.
In addition to this I can report direct from the DHB CEO that a model for the reorganisation of primary care services in Wairoa is now at the advanced stages of discussion and is close to being finalised. This is not about reducing the health budget in Wairoa. Far from it! This is about delivering more consistent frontline services using the same resources. I would add that an additional goal is sustainability of services which for a small community like Wairoa is critical. I am supportive of these moves and am confident they will bring genuine improvements to local health services with outcomes similar to the excellent results being achieved nationwide.
I’m sure I speak for most in Wairoa when I say how disappointed I was to read about the recent gang attack. Wairoa is such a great community and it does not deserve to be in the national headlines reinforcing a false “Gangland” stereotype about this great little town, perpetuated by just a small few.
I wanted you to know that I only ever tell the good stories about Wairoa. I love talking about the Lake to Lighthouse race, the Wairoa Races, the “Longest Day” in the Cactus Program, the High School Stage Challenge Team, the Wairoa Ross Shield Team, the Anzac Service at Kaiuku, the A&P Show, the hundreds if not thousands of great things that go on day in day out in Wairoa which are not portrayed in the national news.
I recall campaigning in Wairoa at the last election. I’ll never forget the friendly way I was greeted at each place that someone was home. Even if people didn’t care for National Party politics, they gave me the time of day, said “Gidday” and smiled. Many front doors were open as I walked up proof that people felt safe in their community. It reminded me of growing up in Taradale when we all used to leave our windows and front doors open.
While we can talk about the great side of the community we have to deal with crime because it impacts on us all. It does affect our community. It does affect our economy. But the biggest impact is on the victims of crime and their families. They have to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial effects of crime long after it’s been committed.
Victims have been neglected for too long. So I am pleased that our Government is putting victims at the heart of the justice system.
Two weeks ago, (1 July) on-the-spot safety orders came into effect. These ensure that victims of domestic violence get immediate protection from dangerous situations.
Police will now be able to remove an alleged violent person from the home for a period of up to five days. This will provide a period of safety in which victims can consider their options.
National is also improving services for victims of violent crime. These include a range of initiatives that will help address the financial and emotional costs that victims face.
From 1 July, all convicted offenders will pay a $50 offender levy. This levy will be imposed automatically on offenders at sentencing – regardless of the crime they commit. The levy will collect an estimated $13.6 million over the first four years. It will support additional entitlements and services for victims of serious crime.
These include:
National is committed to addressing the impact of crime on victims. We can’t take away the pain of victims’ loss or injury, but we can help to smooth the way.
Our new on-the-spot safety orders, the new offender levy, and extra victim support will help ensure offenders contribute to addressing the harm their behaviour causes, and put victims at the heart of the justice system.
This aside – let’s all focus on the many positive things that occur day in and day out in Wairoa. We know it’s a magic town. Rest assured I’ll be doing my bit to tell the world.
Last year you may recall the challenge I put out to Hawkes Bay to become a part of the John Key National Cycleway project.
After some debate the best idea was put up by Neil Daykin and Graeme Hansen from the HBRC and supported by Michael Basset Foss from Venture Hawkes Bay. Their idea was to build on existing infrastructure, championed by the Rotary Pathways Trust, to create three iconic rides around the Bay. The three ride idea is great because it will keep tourists here longer, spending more, therefore helping to better grow our economy. The upshot of all this was a bid to Government on the 31st of May of which Tukituki MP Craig Foss and I were strongly supportive.
It’s great news then that last week Hawkes Bay was successful in securing funding for the first of our great rides. The go-ahead delivers $1.88 million into the Bay to add to funding from the Regional Council.
The first successful ride is the Heretaunga Ararua “Landscapes” trail. This ride will start down the Marine Parade to Te Awanga, down the Maraetotara River, across farmland to Craggy Range Road, across the Waimarama Bridge and then down the river under the iconic Te Mata Peak, with options back to Napier or Havelock North.
The 31 May bid included a second trail “The Wetlands Trail” located to the west of the airport following the Ahuriri Estuary and wetlands all the way to Bay View. This bid has not been successful at this stage but is still very much in the mix with the National Cycleway body requiring more feasibility work to be completed. Rest assured I’ll be working hard to make sure this second bid is successful as well.
I hope to see construction on the first Hawke’s Bay trail well underway by this summer. This will mean jobs for locals during the construction phase and more importantly long-term jobs through accommodation and other support services.
A big thank you to the Regional Council and to Venture Hawke’s Bay for all their hard work. Well done.
It was great to be able to attend and be involved in the announcement of the Government's support for the Hawke's Bay Regional Museum project last Friday.
The Hawke's Bay regional museum has one of the most significant collections in New Zealand. It has needed upgrading for many years to accommodate the outstanding collection and to be more accessible to the Hawkes Bay public. It’s great that Minister of Arts and Culture, Chris Finlayson, has recognised this and seen fit to ensure the development of the museum is prioritised.
Mayor Barbara Arnott and her councillors are to be congratulated for achieving such a milestone. This is a project that your Mayor has been working towards for 9 years so it's the result of a lot of hard work.
I am always conscious, with announcements such as this, that this is a decision to spend your money, taxpayer money. In this case I think the project is an excellent one which is a good investment in our arts, culture and heritage together with providing genuine tourism benefits.
As a result I am a huge fan and very supportive of the project. Together with Craig Foss I have worked with Minister Chris Finlayson to ensure that this dream is now very much a reality. The Ministers announcement of $6 million, $2 million per year for three years, is the impetus needed to get the project tendered and under way.
It's also really important to acknowledge contributions by the Hastings District Council and the Hawkes Bay Regional Council. Lawrence Yule and Alan Dick have stepped up to the plate to add to Napier City's contribution and to deliver on this regional project. Once again we see the power of the whole province pulling together to "Back the Bay".
In addition to this the new build will provide another boost to the Bay’s economy just as we're starting to lift out of the recession providing more jobs and more tourism opportunities.
Fresh on the news of the extension to the Airport this announcement is another step toward a more robust economy in Hawke's Bay. And I'm proud to be able to say I've played a role in bringing the project to fruition.
Last year there was a significant debate in Hawkes Bay about the impact of the last Governments air quality standards by 2012. Many Napier residents wrote or emailed me regarding their concerns. Most people were worried about the cost impost, particularly to low income families and superannuitants, of having to replace their open fires at a cost of thousands of dollars a family and millions of dollars to the city.
The Napier City Council and the Hawkes Bay Regional Council approached me to see what could be done. I agreed that there needed to be air quality standards around New Zealand but thought that there had to be a way to implement the standards at minimal cost. At the time Napier had recorded just five exceedances per annum and given this small number of breaches it seemed ridiculous to force massive change so quickly. This was especially so when it was predicted Napier would meet the standard as a City simply by requiring new home builds and home sales to meet the standard over a longer time period.
As a result Craig Foss and I met with Minister Nick Smith and also asked him to meet with the respective councils to understand the issue we faced. Fact was that in cities like Christchurch, they’ve known they had a problem for decades and have had the chance to change. Quite frankly Napier didn’t know we had an issue until we measured it (I certainly didn’t) and as a result the time frame given for us to meet the standard was unworkable.
Our meeting and others around the country convinced the Minister to review the standards. The upshot of this is a discussion document proposing amendments to the National Air Quality Standards. As the Minister rightly said “The existing standard of only one exceedance a year is unrealistic and would require banning home log burners and industries in communities where air quality is generally very good”.
The Technical Advisory Group has recommended the standard be increased from one to three exceedances a year, which is consistent with the World Health Organisation Air Quality Standard. In addition to this the group has recommended the period within which councils must comply be extended to 2018.
These changes are about improving air quality but in a pragmatic and realistic way. I am confident that under these changes Napier will be able to meet the standard within the timeframe and at a much smaller cost to our city.
I really enjoy my monthly trips to Wairoa and Mahia. It's a chance to leave the hurly burly of Parliament behind and to get back to the real world. It's great to talk to people who are working hard to get ahead in life, who are aspirational for their kids, who love their slice of New Zealand with a passion.
No more so than last Friday. Leaving home early I first drove up to Raupunga and then down to Mohaka School at the mouth of the River. What a great school. I was welcomed with a Powhiri and then had the chance to reply and discuss parliament and the role of an MP. This is a school making a real difference to the lives of their kids. They teach strong values and expect big things of the children which was great to see. We spoke about the state of their classrooms as the hall has been condemned. I'll be following up to see what the Ministry's plans are for its replacement.
From Mohaka my Wairoa Electorate Agent, Mary Crarer, and I drove back to Raupunga and then up to Putere School. Once again a great little school but in this case wonderful new school buildings with all the mod cons Putere are planning a trip to Parliament so once again I was able to talk to the children about Parliament and what to expect.
Driving back down the Putere Road we came across a QRS truck stuck in a ditch. I had some rope but we broke that pretty quickly so went to one of the local farms and borrowed some chains. Back to the truck and with a combined effort we had it pulled out quick smart. Go the “Backing the Bay” Ford Ranger!
From Putere we headed to Wairoa on our way to Mahia. Called into the Northside Dairy to check on the owners after last week’ hold up. Good to hear that all involved are OK albeit still shaken by the event.
Upon arriving at Mahia we ducked in for a quick visit with a couple of constituents to chase up a complaint before heading to a public meeting at the school. Mahia residents are concerned about changes to the bus service particularly for services out to Onenui Station at the end of the peninsula. It's all very well to front the good news (eg Matahoura Gorge) but it’s probably more important to front up at the tough meetings like this one so that locals can tell you exactly how they are feeling.
From Mahia school we grabbed a quick meal at the Sunset Bar. Fantastic fish and chips! The terakihi was superb and I can definitely recommend it.
Last on the agenda for the night was a trip to Frasertown for another public meeting with local farmers who are concerned about the impact of the ETS. It's been tough for sheep and beef farmers over the past 4 to 5 years and the last thing they want is more costs added to their farms. This aside, I was able to explain the Governments position. I think many took heart from Minister of Agriculture, David Carter', recent comments that it is unlikely that farmers will be brought directly into the scheme unless other nations (18) and US states (11) have done so. To date none have so the likelihood is low. There are reviews in 2011 and 2014 before farming directly enters the scheme in 2015 so there are plenty of opportunities to assess where the rest of the world is at.
Following the meeting it was great to enjoy a beer and a few games of pool with a couple of young shepherds, Jeremy and Sam, from up Ohuka way. I smelt a rat when after Jeremy let me win the first game he thought it might be a good idea to put $100 on the next. He even said he’d accept a credit card! Good on ya mate!
I was home in Napier by 11.30pm. A good day at the office...
Volunteers week kicks off around the country today to acknowledge the tireless work of the 1000's of people who give of their time to work in the community.
Local MP's Chris Tremain and Craig Foss in association with Volunteer Hawkes Bay's Renata Lehman will host a range of volunteers at the Taradale Town Hall today to thank them for their hard work in the community. Volunteer Hawkes Bay work throughout the community to connect volunteers with groups who need additional support.
"It's a great opportunity to acknowledge the tireless work of our volunteer community" says Chris Tremain. "It's great just to be able to say 'Thanks" for all your hard work".
"From sports teams, to commuity groups, to voluntary care for the aged, we have a vast array of people who give of their time without pay making a huge contribution to the Bay" says Craig Foss.
"This is the fourth year in a row that we have worked with our local MP's to thank volunteers" says Renata Lehmann. "While it's impossible to invite all volunteers it's great for people to see their community leaders showing appreciation for all the hard work that goes on".
The long-awaited Community Link initiative was opened last week in Napier by local MP Chris Tremain. The new project pulls together a range of community services previously located at different buildings around the city.
“It was a great privilege to help open the Napier Community Link on behalf of the Minister for Social Development, the Honourable Paula Bennett says Chris Tremain. “This one-stop shop will collaborate a range of services which will have very clear advantages for the people of Napier.”
“Whether it’s needing help with a job, advice on how to manage a budget, better housing or specialist health or education services – a community member can find it at the new centre. When you’re really stuck and don’t know who to turn to, the last thing you want to do is tell your story to a raft of different people. In Community Link, Napier people can find one friendly face who knows exactly who is best suited to help them.”
The centre also means better use of scarce community resources, since the process for determining the best solutions and resources is more streamlined. Rather than working in a vacuum, 11 government and non-government organisations will join forces to govern the Management Committee of this office.
All of these community groups, including:
• Birthright Hawke’s Bay
• Napier Budget Advisory Service
• Te Rangihaeta Problem Gambling
• Volunteering Hawke’s Bay
• Salvation Army
• Te Kupenga Hauora
• Community House
and these government organisations:
• Child, Youth and Family
• Housing New Zealand Corporation
• Workbridge
• Careers Services
• Work and Income
have valuable experience helping families in different areas of their lives.
“Located at Vautier House in Dalton Street, Community Link builds on what has already proven to be so successful in the social services sector – coming together in a spirit of cooperation, collaboration and teamwork to empower people and their families to live better lives.” says Chris Tremain
“I look forward to hearing about what I’m sure will be a successful introduction of this service in the Napier community.”
Budget 2010 focuses squarely on getting the economy growing faster. It helps Kiwi families get ahead. And it sets New Zealand on a path to turn back debt and return to surplus. I believe it will be a huge boost for Hawkes Bay.
The budget delivers the biggest reform of our tax system for nearly 25 years. As a result three quarters of Hawkes Bay workers will now face top tax rates of no higher than 17.5%, where two years ago many faced tax rates of 33%.
Across-the-board personal tax cuts and a package of tax changes will boost economic growth, make the tax rules fairer, and help hard-working Kiwis get ahead.
The tax reforms, after allowing for GST, will leave someone on the average wage almost $15 a week better off. A family on the average household income with two children will be about $25 better off. A couple receiving National Super will be $10.77 better off.
Budget 2010 builds on our economic recovery and tilts the economy so that faster growth comes in the right places. And it is faster growth that will support increased wages.
For too long, New Zealand has relied on investment in property speculation, rising debt, and unsustainable increases in government spending. The Budget takes action to encourage investment in the productive parts of the economy such as exporting which is so vital to the Bay. It gives the vast bulk of Kiwis extra cash in their pockets so they have more choices.
It also continues this Government’s multi-billion dollar investment in infrastructure such as high-speed broadband, roads (locally think Matahoura Gorge and Southern Expressway), and schools (locally think Napier Intermediate, Arthur Miller, NBHS). And it makes a substantial investment in research, science, and technology. We’re putting an extra $2.1 billion into frontline healthcare over the next four years, and an extra $1.4 billion for better schools and early childhood education services. School Operating Budgets go up by 4%.
We are tackling rising debt, and Kiwis will see a return to surplus in the government accounts three years sooner than forecast last year.
All in all I think it’s a great budget for Hawkes Bay and New Zealand.
Local MP's Chris Tremain & Craig Foss congratulate the team at the HBDHB for their improvement in quarterly health targets.
The HBDHB made significant improvements over the last quarter in the following categories:
-Shorter Stays in Emergency Departments
-Improved access to Elective Surgery and
-Shorter waits for cancer treatment radiotherapy
-Assisting smokers to Quit
“We understand that some of these improvements are still below target in the categories of Emergency Departments, Elective Surgeries and Smokers to Quit” says Chris Tremain. “However, the improvements made are definitely a step in the right direction and something we are sure the entire Hawke’s Bay public would want acknowledge”.
“We appreciate that these improvements have been achieved in a budget constrained environment which clearly demonstrates the hard work put in by all the team” says Craig Foss.
Both MP’s acknowledge that there is still work to be done but wanted to say “Well done and keep up the great effort”. The MP’s have written to the team at the DHB to thank them for their efforts.
MP for Napier, Chris Tremain, welcomes the decision by the HBDHB to re-sign the lease at Wellesley Road Health Centre.
The lease has been signed for a ten year period through until 2019. The lease commences 01 July, 2010, with further rights of renewal. The previous lease was to expire at the end of 2011 so the early signing further demonstrates the DHB’s commitment to the centre. On top of this the lease has been signed at a significant reduction on previous terms ensuring continuity of the lease and a saving of precious health dollars.
"This is great news" says Chris. "I congratulate the DHB for this decision to extend services in Napier well into the future and for the conclusion of these successful negotiations".
“The future of this facility has been up in the air for some time” says Mr Tremain. “I have worked with both the Minister and the DHB to ensure that Napier residents were guaranteed a Health Centre into the future. At two public meetings, I held in Napier, residents expressed their passionate desire for a "Public Health" facility to remain in Napier”.
“I was concerned to learn toward the end of last year that negotiations favoured splitting the lease separately between the various tenants. My concern here was that this would divide the centre and force tenants to make decisions independent of each other thereby weakening the service provision from the centre. I am pleased to say that a degree of backroom lobbying prevented this situation. Kevin Atkinson and Diana Kirton deserve acknowledgement for their efforts to avert this initial proposal”.
"It is important to note that part of the successful renegotiated lease included an upfront cash settlement. It is important that Hawkes Bay people know this so that we can work together to ensure this cash settlement is used to develop the centre. The development of consultant rooms would be a priority from my perspective".