CHRIS TREMAIN MP for Napier

MP WARNS BUDGET HAS A TIGHT FOCUS

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:46:00 +1200

It’s Budget time again for the Government and my first one as a Minister. This means I’ve been flat tack whenever I’m in Wellington, but I’m still making sure to spend as much time as possible in Wairoa meeting people and hearing your views.

The Budget this year will show the Government is on track and sticking to its plan. We can’t afford to loosen our belts yet – global economic conditions are still pretty tough. But it’s vital that we get the Government books back into surplus by 2014/15 so we can start paying off debt.

You will hear the Opposition calling for more spending on things like paid parental leave and research and development tax credits. There are many things which are nice to have but it would be irresponsible to borrow to pay for them. You only have to look at some European countries to get an idea of how badly things can go wrong.

Many Wairoa households are finding it tough at the moment as a result of the global economy, the financial crisis and recession. Those households are not borrowing more money for things which are nice to have. They are tightening their belts and getting on with it, being more rational about what they buy, and looking for cost savings where it makes sense. It would be an insult to these families if the Government didn’t do the same.

Getting back into surplus in the 2014/15 year will mark a huge turnaround in the Government’s finances. Getting out of debt will take pressure off interest rates and exchange rates. That means lower mortgages for New Zealand families, better conditions for our exporters, and greater productivity throughout the economy.
Budget 2012 will not slash and burn spending by any means. It will invest in what works, running a tight ship but still delivering on services and getting results. We will grow the areas of public spending that are really important to New Zealanders. These include initiatives in health (such as upgrades to Wairoa health services), education, science and innovation, and in supporting people off welfare and into work.

While they were in Government, Labour increased spending by $15 billion in just four years. Under National’s first four Budgets that figure will be around $750 million. It’s not necessary to spend billions of dollars to provide better services. We’re getting results by cutting out unnecessary spending and focusing on the things that work.

The most important thing the Government can do for New Zealanders is to be responsible managers of the public purse. That’s what National is doing because we have a vision for New Zealand’s future which involves prosperity, not ever-increasing debt.

GOVERNMENT FOCUSING ON RESULTS, NOT DEBT

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Wed, 09 May 2012 09:31:00 +1200

The Budget this year will show the Government is on track and sticking to its plan. It’s vital that we get the Government books back into surplus by 2014/15 so we can start paying off debt.

Many Napier households are finding it tough at the moment. We are not borrowing more money for things which are nice to have. We are tightening our belts, and looking for cost savings where we can. It would be an insult if the Government didn’t do the same.

Getting back into surplus will mark a huge turnaround in the Government’s finances, taking pressure off interest rates and exchange rates. That means lower mortgages for Napier and New Zealand families and better conditions for our exporters.

Budget 2012 will not slash and burn, but we will focus spending on the areas which provide results. We will grow the areas of public spending that are really important to New Zealanders, including health, education, science and innovation, and supporting people off welfare and into work.

RAIL DECISION NEEDS FACTS

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 03 May 2012 09:27:00 +1200

It was great to be able to attend ANZAC Day services in the Wairoa district this year. The dawn service at Mahia was spectacular with the sun rising out of the water just as the last post was being played. Thanks very much to Peter Brady and his team at Kaiuku Marae for once again putting on such a memorable service with an outstanding breakfast. Great to see my old mate Rangi Kamau serving behind the bar. We played 1st XV rugby together at Napier Boys High. Rangi was a bit of a legend in our day. Quite the trend setter bringing a pair of white boots back from a 1st XV trip to Canada that we both enjoyed!

I want to write about Wairoa’s infrastructure this week. The Government has recently made a $20 million investment into the new Matahorua overbridge, making a huge difference on that stretch of road. We are about to commence a $5 million upgrade to the old Wairoa Hospital site, another important investment in upgrading local assets. And in the last few weeks we announced an additional $2 million investment into Mahia sewerage treatment.

Another important piece of infrastructure is the Napier to Gisborne rail line. Any decision KiwiRail makes about its future needs to be made carefully with due consideration to the impact on the roads. The line must also be able to meet both its operating costs (fuel, wages etc) and capital costs (new bridges, new sleepers, etc). Just like at home you not only need to be able to pay the food and power bills, you also need to be able to pay the mortgage or the rent.

The line is expected to be able to pay for necessary investment over the next few years, such as replacing all the sleepers and renewing the Ahuriri Estuary bridge. Kiwirail is currently assessing these costs and will report back to Mayors and the local community in the next few weeks.

I visited Panpac recently as I assumed that they would be a key customer for rail. It is not until you learn that over 50% of Panpac's forests lie up the Napier Taupo road (with no rail access) that you understand why investment in a truck fleet for them is so important. These facts are important to understand when considering the future sustainability of the Napier to Gisborne line.

In saying this I am encouraged by the serious approach that Kiwirail is taking to the future of the line. Recent freight increases have been a step in the right direction. A decision to repair and retain the rail or to close it will be made with all the facts.

GREAT THE AUSSIES WANT TO RELOCATE BUSINESS TO NZ

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:43:00 +1200

Australian companies have made the news this week as more and more of them are deciding to shift jobs to New Zealand. This is great for our economy and a clear signal that we are going in the right direction by reducing red tape, lowering company tax, and making it easier to do business here.

Australian companies are attracted by our business environment, and also by hard working Kiwi employees and our great work ethic.

One example, here in the Bay, is that Heinz Australia recently moved one of its larger factories across the Tasman to the Heinz plant in Hastings. This is New Zealand’s largest food processing centre and is creating significantly more jobs right here in the Hawkes Bay.

Other businesses have shifted jobs to New Zealand in call centres and manufacturing.

This is the silver lining to the wage difference between our two countries. As wages are higher in Australia than New Zealand, it is cheaper for businesses to operate here, so jobs continue to shift across the Tasman. This will eventually push up economic growth and wages, helping us to catch up with Australia in the long term. More jobs reduce those that are unemployed shrinking the availability of labour and placing upward pressure on wages. As a result job growth is a good thing and we should welcome any new jobs which reach our shores.

Which is why I was surprised to see the Labour Party complaining about companies like Heinz employing more people in New Zealand. Their economic spokesperson, David Parker, said that people do not want to work in call centres or factories. I wonder what planet they are on when they say that a job in a call centre is not good enough. Would they rather people be on welfare than working in New Zealand’s largest food processing plant?

Of course, we do need to continue trying to close the wage gap and catch up with Australia. But the way to do that is to keep improving productivity, increasing the number of jobs, and making New Zealand a great place to do business. Encouraging international businesses to open up in New Zealand and provide more jobs and investment here will create long-term economic growth.

It’s not just about the jobs either. Businesses that operate in New Zealand also make significant other investments. Heinz has not only brought more jobs to Hastings, but has invested millions in improving their manufacturing facilities and distribution centre.

I welcome investment like this in the Bay as it really does stimulate the local economy and create jobs.

I’m proud that companies want to employ Kiwis, and there are clear benefits for us when they do so. You certainly won’t see me complaining about more jobs being available for New Zealanders.

TRADE WITH ASIA KEY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:08:00 +1200

Free trade and strong relationships with our Asian neighbours is one of the keys to New Zealand’s economic future. The progress of these countries in the last few decades has been extraordinary, and there is no doubt that future growth lies in countries like China, Korea, Singapore and Indonesia.

These countries all have high levels of demand for New Zealand’s meat and dairy, and form large and lucrative new markets. We have had a Free Trade Agreement with China since 2008, and since that time trade has increased by 50 per cent. China has now leapfrogged the United States to become our second-biggest trading partner.

It would be fantastic to see a similar expansion in trade between New Zealand and countries like Indonesia, which we have had a Free Trade Agreement with since January. Indonesia has more than 240 million people so it is a huge market. Increasing trade means more exports, stronger Kiwi businesses, and more jobs throughout New Zealand, including Napier.

Our Prime Minister John Key was in Indonesia last week, along with Trade Minister Tim Groser. They have signed four new agreements with Indonesia to increase cooperation in agriculture, environment, labour and geothermal energy.

These agreements will strengthen the relationship we already have. We will also be appointing an additional Trade Commissioner to the region, to promote further business links.

Stronger ties with Asian countries can only be a good thing. Making the most of our proximity to these countries and building trade ties will benefit the whole of New Zealand.

DRIVING INNOVATION AND GROWTH IN THE PRIMARY SECTOR

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:22:00 +1200

Our rural communities, such as Wairoa, are a big part of our economy. Our rural industries generate two thirds of New Zealand’s export dollars and provide one in nine Kiwi jobs.

National is committed to lifting long-term growth in our rural economy. We want to ensure that New Zealand farmers and rural businesses stay at the top of the global game. This is a key element in our plan to build a more competitive and productive economy.

We’ve cut red tape. We’ve reformed the Resource Management Act to reduce costs, uncertainties, and delays, and we’re moving on to our second stage of reforms to achieve the right balance between our environmental responsibilities and economic opportunities.

We’re reforming local government to get council debt and spending under control. We’ve reduced company tax and income tax across the board, providing incentives for hard work and innovation. On 1 April, we reduced ACC levies for farmers and rural businesses.

We’re providing $35 million through the Irrigation Acceleration Fund to support the development of irrigation proposals that could boost exports by $1.4 billion a year by 2018, and by $4 billion a year by 2026. We will be investing up to $400 million to support the development of new water harvesting, storage, and distribution infrastructure. There is a huge opportunity for this on the Ruataniwha Plains currently being led by the HB Regional Council.

We have also committed $75 million in a Joint Border Management System between MAF and Customs to improve biosecurity.

The Primary Growth Partnership is a government/industry investment and so far we have invested over half a billion dollars in primary sector research and innovation. We’re investing in rural health and education. Wairoa will benefit directly from this investment with a refurbished “Integrated Health Centre” at the old hospital site and through the roll out of fast broadband to schools by either fibre to the door or through satellite.

National has developed country strategies in our key growth markets, such as India and China, to increase support for our exporters and make the most of the trade opportunities we have. We are also working towards free trade agreements with South Korea, Russia, and India, and with the United States through the Trans Pacific Partnership.

This year we’ve introduced New Zealand’s first electronic livestock tracing system. This will improve protection for our rural businesses in the international marketplace and strengthen our biosecurity system.

Through sensible policy development, sound financial management, and industry consultation, National is delivering a smarter and more efficient primary sector. This is an important step towards building a brighter future for our rural communities – and all New Zealanders.

A MIXED AND BUSY WEEK

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:34:00 +1200

Last week my colleague, Simon Bridges, and his wife Natalie, had their first baby. They had a 7lb boy who they called Emlyn, which is Welsh for William. The local papers made a bit of a song and dance about the birth. It was big news in Tauranga which is great.

In the same week another colleague Nick Smith resigned from his Ministerial portfolios. Nick is undoubtedly a very talented MP, who unfortunately made an error of judgement. This was a sad occasion as Nick is one of the most respected members of our caucus and someone who I still look up to as an outstanding local MP.

In other news from the week, you will all (I hope!) be aware that the give way rules changed on Sunday. As Associate Minister of Transport this has kept me busy lately. The key reason for this change is safety: estimates are that it will reduce certain dangerous intersection crashes by around 7 per cent, saving lives and preventing injuries. And it will bring us into line with the rest of the world, as we were one of the only countries to use the old rule.

I was at the Automobile Association's conference in Rotorua on Friday morning. At the conference I gave a speech outlining the Government's direction for transport and road safety. Our Safer Journeys road safety plan contains a huge number of initiatives aimed at making our roads safer and continuing to bring the road toll down.

Members at the conference were supportive of the give way change, acknowledging that the new rule is much simpler. I believe this reflects the attitude of most drivers so it is safe to say the change is a positive one.

After the conference I drove back to the Bay to celebrate the achievements of Hawke's Bay students at the EIT graduation ceremony. This was a fantastic event – one of the best things about being a local MP is the opportunity to witness the successes of those in the electorate.

This week I’m spending Monday in my electorate office, before driving through Wairoa to the Waioeka Gorge on the Gisborne to Opotiki Road on Tuesday, for a site visit to the major slip there. As you can see the Transport portfolio is keeping me very busy. I’m really enjoying the work. Then it’s back to Parliament on Tuesday for another three days.

Finally, back to where I started – stay safe on the roads and make sure you exercise extra care and patience over the next couple of weeks while the give way changes are bedded in. Remember the new rules: at a T intersection, "The 'top' of the T goes before me", and at an uncontrolled intersection give way if you're turning right.

NEW RULES FOR SAFER JOURNEYS

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:27:00 +1300

You will all (I hope!) be aware that the give way rules changed on Sunday. As Associate Minister of Transport this has kept me busy over the last couple of weeks. This is one of many changes outlined in the Government's Safer Journeys Action Plan, and the first major change to be introduced since I became the Associate Minister responsible for implementing our Safer Journeys strategy.

The key reason for this change is safety: estimates are that it will reduce certain dangerous intersection crashes by around 7 per cent, saving lives and preventing injuries. And it will bring us into line with the rest of the world, as we were one of the only countries to use the old rule.

I was at the Automobile Association's conference in Rotorua on Friday morning, before driving back to the Bay to celebrate the achievements of Hawke's Bay students at EIT. At the conference I gave a speech outlining the Government's direction for transport and road safety. The Safer Journeys plan contains a huge number of initiatives aimed at making our roads safer and continuing to bring the road toll down. It is part of a global Decade of Action on road safety.

Stay safe on the roads and make sure you exercise extra care and patience over the next couple of weeks while the changes are bedded in. Remember the new rules: at a T intersection, “The 'top' of the T goes before me” and at a cross-intersection give way if you're turning right.

MEASURING THE GOVERNMENT'S SUCCESS

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:15:00 +1300

The success of governments can be measured by the quality of public services and taxpayers’ value for money. We need to ensure that you are getting the best possible health, education, and justice services. Otherwise we would be failing as a Government.

This is why National is focused on achieving the best possible results from the public sector, and doing so within tight financial constraints. You are all taxpayers of one form or another. You pay the bills. You need to know that the public sector is spending money with the sort of care you would yourself.

Delivering better public services is one of our priorities for this term in Government. We’re working to make sure the public sector becomes more innovative, efficient, and focused on what New Zealanders really want and expect.

Last week, the Prime Minister announced that the Government would set 10 challenging results for the public sector to achieve over the next three to five years. The first is to reduce the number of people who have been on a benefit for more than 12 months. Welfare reform is going to be a key feature of our first term in government, and Social Development Minister Paula Bennett will be setting real targets to reduce long-term welfare dependency.

Another area of special focus will be on supporting vulnerable children. The Government will set, and work towards, targets for early childhood education enrolments; infant immunisation and reducing rheumatic fever; and bringing down the number of child abuse cases.

We will also be boosting skills and employment by increasing the proportion of 18-year-olds with NCEA level 2, and the number of 25-34 year olds with advanced trade qualifications and degrees. Other targets will focus on reducing crime rates, especially youth crime and violent crime, and reducing reoffending. These are not going to be vague targets. They will be very real and measurable, and the Government will regularly publish progress against them.

For example, the Minister of Education has already committed to a target of 85 per cent of 18-year-olds achieving NCEA Level 2 within 5 years. That is a huge change from the current rate of 68 per cent. All of our targets will be ambitious, but we believe they’re achievable.

This will set a result-driven focus for the public sector. To continue driving efficiency within the public service, we are also lowering the cap on government administration employees, and merging the Ministry of Economic Development with several other Ministries to create a more focused Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Together, these changes are a big shift – a shift towards better results that matter to New Zealanders, and delivering them within tight financial constraints. Ultimately this will result in better public services for you and your family.

MINISTER ROLE A WELCOME PROMOTION

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:09:00 +1300

It's great to be back writing a bi-weekly column in the local Napier Courier. As your local MP I'm keen to keep you updated on events in the political world, and to outline my position on key issues.

As a starter I thought I'd write about my new role as a Minister. I have relished the opportunity to step up from the role of Senior Whip. The Whip sits at the heart of the caucus, responsible for discipline and pastoral care. It's a great way to learn the inner workings of Parliament and all about your team mates.

As a Minister now I have the opportunity to work in a number of portfolios. As Minister of Civil Defence I visited the Patea community last week following the weather bomb. As Minister of Consumer Affairs I am overseeing an update to consumer law and better protections from loan sharks.

My role in Tourism will take me to Tauranga and Rotorua this week on a range of visits, while my role as Associate Transport Minister will oversee changes to the give way rules at the end of this month. It's busy.

Back home I'm still your local MP and a Dad. Despite my new role I am still very much available to hear your issues and address your concerns. My family keeps me grounded so look out for me on the sports fields during the weekend. I could well be that loud parent on the other side of the paddock cheering for the opposition. Have a great week.

MINISTER ROLE A WELCOME PROMOTION

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:02:00 +1300

It's great to be back writing a bi-weekly column in the local Napier Courier. As your local MP I'm keen to keep you updated on events in the political world, and to outline my position on key issues.

WORK NOT WELFARE IS THE WAY TO GET AHEAD

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:24:00 +1300

All of us know people who have relied on a benefit or hardship payment at some time or another. I’m proud to live in a society where people are supported when they suddenly become unemployed, or sick, or bereaved, or injured. That’s what living as a community is all about – giving support to those who need it the most.

However, we also know people who have become trapped on welfare and are really struggling to get back into work. Or young people who are receiving a benefit but are not in education or training to set themselves up for the future.

The welfare system is letting these people down. We need to offer them better support, particularly young people, to get them back into education, training, and work. This will increase their income in future, enabling them to better provide for themselves and their families.

National campaigned hard on welfare reform before the election. The first stage of these reforms is now being introduced, focusing on those who are most at risk from long-term welfare dependency.

The Government’s changes will target resources to help teenagers on the Youth Benefit, and teen mums on the DPB, make better choices. Rent and other key expenses will be paid directly on their behalf. We will require young beneficiaries to be in education or training, and require young parents to do parenting courses.

We will also require solo parents on the DPB to look for part-time work when their youngest child is five, and full-time work when their youngest is 14. If someone has another child while they are already on the benefit, their work obligations will begin when that child is 12 months old, unless they already have other children who are under five. Welfare shouldn’t be a free pass there need to be obligations on beneficiaries to take the right steps towards a future in work.

These investments will save the taxpayer and our community large costs in the longer term. By helping people into work earlier, we avoid the cost to them and the taxpayer of years on a benefit.

And children who grow up in welfare-dependent households are more likely to become beneficiaries themselves. So by getting solo mums and young mums off welfare we break this cycle early. This will set their kids up for a better life as well.

Welfare should always be there to help those who need it. But if you can work, you should – and I make no apologies for that view. This overhaul of the welfare system is long overdue and will deliver better outcomes to thousands of New Zealanders.

KEEPING SOME BALANCE WILL BE IMPORTANT!

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:03:00 +1300

It’s been a huge week up and down the country working with my new Ministerial Portfolios. It made me reflect on the importance of keeping balance between ones job and family.

Monday started with an early flight to Christchurch and then on to Queenstown as part of a series of Tourism visits. First up was AJ Hackett Bungee where we visited their new operations. From there a walk along the new cycle trails that are being built as part of the national network. Like our own trails these will be simply stunning. That afternoon included visits with the larger tourism operators followed by dinner with the Destination Queenstown Board.

Tuesday morning up early to ride the Lake Hayes cycle trail before flying to Christchurch. Visits here with the Christchurch International Airport and also Ngai Tahu Tourism Holdings. Ngai Tahu are now one of New Zealand’s largest tourism operators with assets such as Kaikoura Whale Watch and Rainbow Springs. It shows what can be achieved from Treaty Settlements when they are wisely invested. The afternoon was spent visiting the Christchurch CBD and damaged tourism sites. That evening I attended the unveiling of the memorial for the Unfound and Unidentified from the earthquake.

Wednesday was spent representing Civil Defence and the people of Napier/Wairoa at the various memorial services for the Christchurch earthquake. We started in Latimer Square and then moved to Hagley Park for the wider service and community awards. It was an honour to be there on your behalf, sombre in many respects, but very future focused.

Back to Wellington on Wednesday evening for some office catch-up and a quick overnight before heading to Auckland for meetings in the Consumer Affairs portfolio. I had the privilege of opening a new office for our product safety team. These people do a fantastic job checking products that are sold in the New Zealand market ensuring that they meet the various safety standards. That afternoon I travelled to Mangere where I met with locals to discuss new draft legislation to help protect consumers from Loan Shark lenders. It was fascinating and somewhat frightening to hear the types of loans that are signed up with some people.

On Thursday evening I flew home, jumped into my tux and drove to the national “Cycling and Walking Conference” in Hastings where I was asked to speak and present awards. And on Friday morning I had the pleasure of opening the new Trades Academy at EIT. This is a very exciting initiative which will provide a better link for many students with important trades such as building, automotive engineering, hairdressing and hospitality. It was great to see 145 students turning up excited about the opportunity.

Like I say – keeping some balance with family is going to be very important in this new role.

WATER STORAGE - A HUGE BOOST FOR THE BAY!

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:40:00 +1300

One of the most enjoyable things about being MP for Wairoa and Napier is the opportunity to support new projects which will really make a difference. Case in point is the new Integrated Health Centre in Wairoa. One of the other current projects with a wider Hawke's Bay benefit is the new Ruataniwha Water Storage Project. This development has huge potential to increase production and jobs in our region.

This follows the Government’s promise last year to support farmers and boost regional jobs with a new $35 million Irrigation Acceleration Fund. The Ruataniwha project is the first to receive the promised funding, so I’m really pleased that Hawke’s Bay is the first region to benefit.

The funding is for a full feasibility study into the project, jointly funded by the Government and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Among the things to be considered are water quality, changes in land use, effects on plants and animals, noise, traffic, cultural values, history and recreation. The project has a lot of promise and I’m excited about the opportunities it offers. If it goes ahead, Ruataniwha will be one of the biggest irrigation works in the country. It will involve a dam on the Makaroro River, so water can be stored and then used for irrigation in times of shortage.

We all know Hawke’s Bay farmers who have faced the threat of drought time and again during our long, hot summers. A long-term sustainable water supply for the Central Hawke’s Bay would be a lifesaver. It would also provide better job security for workers on dairy and crop farms. The scheme could also unlock huge amounts of new land for farming, through irrigation. The amount of irrigable land is likely to increase from 6000ha to around 22,000ha.

The great thing about this project is that it offers not only economic benefits, but environmental benefits as well. The aim is to improve the water quantity and quality of the Tukituki River. Environmental issues need to be thoroughly considered, but it seems likely that the positive environmental effects may outweigh the negative. Enhanced water quality will benefit all users of the river, whether for irrigation or recreational use.

I’m proud to support projects which have so much potential. If we want to get serious about boosting production, jobs and incomes in the Bay, it’s investments like this which will make it happen.

WAIROA WHITEBAIT FRITTERS... HARD TO BEAT!

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:35:00 +1300

From the debating floor of the house to the best whitebait fritters I’ve had in a while, my first week back in Parliament was certainly full of diversity.

Last Monday began with Waitangi Day celebrations at the Clive River. We paddled the waka down the river where we met the replica British tenders returning together to hold speeches on the shore. The Clive festival has always been a celebration of partnership. Sure partners don’t always agree but 172 years on we’ve done pretty well. Personally I’ve got no time for the shenanigans which overshadowed Waitangi this year. The protestors showed no respect for M?ori protocol or tikanga. The paepae is the place for debate, no problems with expressing your opinion there, but to require the massive Police protection to get on to the Marae and to shout down the PM… ridiculous.

On Tuesday we were back in the House. It’s great to have the step up to a Ministerial role while not having to be “Sergeant Major” as the “Senior Whip” any more. My new roles as Minister of Civil Defence and Consumer Affairs, together with Associate roles in Transport and Tourism, give me plenty to get my teeth into. For instance this week I had my first question in the House and also my first piece of legislation introduced. The legislation is the “Consumer Law Reform Bill” which updates a vast array of consumer law from the Fair Trading Act to the Consumer Guarantees Act. Trade-me style internet auctions will now give consumers the same protections as other purchases under the new legislation.

On Thursday night I was fortunate to represent the Minister of Sport at the Halberg Awards in Auckland. The All Blacks certainly cleaned up big time. I sat at a table with the CEO of Sport NZ where we discussed our chances at the London Olympics. He’s very excited at the prospects which is very encouraging.

Friday morning I was on the 7.00am flight back to Napier and straight up to Wairoa. Following a couple of constituency meetings Mary Crarer and I met Denise Eaglesome and Alan McIntosh up at the Wairoa Hospital site. We discussed the new plans for the ‘Integrated Health Centre”. It really is exciting to see the progress. All going well Wairoa should have a brand new facility by Christmas 2013.

From the new hospital we had a meeting at Aged Concern to discuss transport issues and care for the elderly before meeting at Hilton Rohes place for lunch. Hilton was keen to celebrate his new hip replacement so invited us for Whitebait Fritters and Maori Bread. Absolutely delicious. It’s always a pleasure to visit Wairoa!