Hon Paula Bennett MP - Local Article

May 2010 Newsletter

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 12 May 2010 10:05:44 +1200

Waitakere Hospital

It’s fantastic to see Waitakere Hospital expanding the services it offers locals. I was absolutely thrilled the first ever hip replacement operation was a success last week and the Hospital is now doing three ops every Monday. This elective surgery makes a huge difference to people’s mobility and as a result their day to day life. So far this is a pilot programme, but all things going well, it will become a permanent fixture.

The hard working doctors and nurses at Waitakere Hospital are doing a great job and have managed to do 12 percent more elective surgeries this year than last. I’ve been pushing really hard to get better services at the Hospital and I’m delighted to say with a major refurbishment now underway, we’re a step closer to having 24/7 care for the people of Waitakere.

Budget 2010: Investing in families

I can't say too much about the budget before it's released because it's not a good look to steal the Minister of Finance's thunder. What I can say is I'm really proud to announce the Government is putting more than $134 million over the next four years towards Whanau Ora, a policy I've been working closely with Hon Tariana Turia and the Maori Party on, in my role as Minister for Social Development.

This policy is designed to help families in need take control of their future. It is recognisably Maori, but will be available to all. At the moment, thousands of Kiwi families get support from many government agencies such as the Police, Work and Income, schools, or Child, Youth and Family. Too often this help isn’t getting the results these families need. We need to take a more coordinated approach and make better use of taxpayer money.

A Whanau Ora provider will work with a family as a whole, rather than with an individual and his or her problems. We know that with a bit of help, all families can take responsibility for themselves.

National is committed to better results for all families in need, value for taxpayer money, and strong accountability in the way Whanau Ora is run.

Budget 2010: Fighting bowel cancer

Funding of $24 million is to be put towards a bowel cancer screening pilot, in an effort to combat what is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand. In 2007 almost 3000 people were diagnosed with bowel cancer and 1252 people died from the disease.

A nationwide bowel cancer screening programme could ensure earlier treatment and reduce the death rate by more than a third, saving up to 270 lives each year. The four-year pilot is expected to start next year.

Three strikes law a step closer

Keeping the public of Waitakere safe is one of the most fundamental obligations I have as your elected MP and part of the National-lead government. This week we took another step to ensure the worst repeat serious violent offenders stay in prison for longer.

The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill passed its second reading in Parliament, and should be in force by the end of the year. The bill will deny parole to repeat serious violent offenders and those who are guilty of the worst murders. It will impose maximum jail terms for those who continue to commit serious crime. This bill is specifically focused on those offenders who show no regard for victims, their families or the community, and who are repeatedly convicted for serious violent and sexual crimes.

Out and About in Waitakere

Over the last couple of weeks I've visited Waitakere School, Henderson Valley School and Prospect School, where I met with the Principals and some of the Senior Management team. I must say how impressed I am with the job these dedicated people are doing with shaping the hearts and minds of our kids.

I talked with the schools' leaders at length about what I could do to help the schools achieve their goals, along with issues confronting them where I could assist. I also paid a visit to the Glen Eden Community Centre where I saw the fantastic facilities they had on offer for after-school child care programmes.

Last week I held a constituency clinic in Piha, where the team at the Piha Surf Life Saving Club kindly hosted me and made a room available to see the local constituents. If only I could work there every day! The Surf Life Saving Club does a superb job of patrolling our beaches and keeping us safe in the sometimes treacherous swimming conditions. The next constituency clinic is going to be held at my office on 11 June from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Western Leader column: Piha Surf Lifesavers our Heros: April 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:03:23 +1200

I have to say West Auckland - you are looking good!

As winter approaches our luscious Waitakere bush keeps our little patch of paradise a deep green while the rest of the country looks positively autumnal. And as summer retreats I find myself reminiscing about the fantastic hot, sunny summer we’ve just had.

For Westies, summer usually means weekends at Piha beach, enjoying the wild west coast. But you know, we can’t think of Piha without acknowledging the amazing job Piha’s Surf Lifesavers do, keeping an eye on all of us and coming to the rescue when things go wrong as they often do.

This summer surf lifesavers rescued 1,342 New Zealanders at hundreds of beaches around the country - 66 of those rescues happened at Piha. Actually, they did more rescues than at any other beach in New Zealand.

These men and women of all ages, give up their weekends and holidays to patrol the beach and man the inflatable rescue boats, keeping people safe and helping them when they get into trouble.

They do an amazing job and I say go and tell em how proud we are of them next time you’re at the beach!

I’ve just held a constituents clinic at the clubhouse which was a real treat, I’m really grateful to the club for putting me up for the day so that locals could see their Waitakere MP at the beach – if only I could work there every day!

Waitakere put on a proud commemorative service for ANZAC day this year and I was privileged to be involved at Waikumete Cemetary for a beautifully respectful dawn service as well as an 11am service. I visited the Glen Eden RSA for breakfast and talked with the local servicemen who had plenty of good stories to tell.

At Swanson RSA, the march and commemorative service drew a record crowd and again it was humbling to see the way young people treated the day with absolute reverence. Clearly our young people respect the significance of this day for New Zealanders, for our service men and women who serve today and those who served in action.

Finally I visited Hobsonville RSA, where I met yet more colourful characters and found listening to the stories of some of our retired servicemen fascinating, they have so much to teach us about life, their experiences and knowledge enrich us. It is such a special day, I feel privileged to share it with such strong Kiwi characters with real Westie spirit. Hats off to you West Auckland!

Continue reading "Western Leader column: Piha Surf Lifesavers our Heros: April 2010"

Waitakere residents benefit from Government scheme to insulate homes

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Media Statement: 21 April

Paula Bennett, MP for Waitakere

More than 1100 Waitakere homes have benefited from the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme, a scheme to retrofit homes says Waitakere MP Paula Bennett MP.

“The Heat Smart scheme is changing the way Waitakere families live by making their homes warmer and drier, with 1118 homes upgraded with retrofitted insulation and clean heating so far,” says Ms Bennett.

Since the scheme began in July last year, 67 percent of the homes retrofitted have been low-income households owned or tenanted by Community Service Card holders.

“The relatively simple act of retrofitting homes has enormous benefits for families in terms of health and wellbeing, by substantially improving living standards” says Ms Bennett.

Under the four-year scheme the Government plans to insulate at least 180,000 New Zealand homes, by providing grants of up to $1800 for houses built before the year 2000 that need ceiling and under-floor insulation or a clean heating device.

Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart is open to all New Zealanders with houses built before 2000. For more information visit: www.energywise.govt.nz

Waitakere residents benefit from Government scheme to insulate homes

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Media Statement: 21 April

Paula Bennett, MP for Waitakere

More than 1100 Waitakere homes have benefited from the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme, a scheme to retrofit homes says Waitakere MP Paula Bennett MP.

Since the scheme began in July last year, 67 percent of the homes retrofitted have been low-income households owned or tenanted by Community Service Card holders.

“The relatively simple act of retrofitting homes has enormous benefits for families in terms of health and wellbeing, by substantially improving living standards” says Ms Bennett.

Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart is open to all New Zealanders with houses built before 2000. For more information visit: www.energywise.govt.nz

Critical social services in Waitakere get funding boost

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:39:00 +1200

Nearly $8.8 million dollars has been given to critical social services groups under severe financial pressure, says Hon Paula Bennett MP for Waitakere.

Nationally, 164 critical social services groups have been granted funding after the first round of the Community Response Fund.

Of those, 26 groups in our region will receive a total of $1,112,130.00. These groups include The Salvation Army NZ Trust Waitakere and Big Buddy Waitakere to name but a few.

The new Fund was set up in May to assist those groups providing vital social services during the recession, which are under severe financial strain or experiencing increased demand. Up to $104 million is being made available over two years.

Many of the groups cited a reduction in their income from investments or philanthropic organisations as their primary reason for applying to the fund.

“This tells us the economic downturn is starting to have a real effect on families and the organisations out there helping to support them. It underscores the vital service these community organisations provide,” says Hon Paula Bennett MP for Waitakere.

The average amount granted in this funding round was $40, 995. Four national organisations successfully applied, including Women’s Refuge, Barnados, Relationship Services and Cystic Fibrosis.

Around 30% of this rounds applications were not currently receiving funding from the Ministry of Social Development.

“We’ve made sure the assessment process was fair, with significant community input into the decision about exactly which groups in our regions need the Fund’s support the most,” says Hon Paula Bennett MP for Waitakere.

Applications for the second round of the Community Response Fund will close on the 25^th of September 2009.

FUNDING BOOST FOR WAITAKERE KIRIBATI COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:14:58 +1200

Date Friday 3rd July

Waitakere MP Paula Bennett says the local Kiribati Community Association is among organisations which will get a funding boost to help support the parents of small children.

As Minister for Social Development and Employment, she yesterday announced the successful recipients of the latest funding round for Strategies with Kids, Information for Parents (SKIP) Local Initiative Fund.

Over 60 applications were received for this latest round and 27 community initiatives were granted funding totalling $690,666.

Among them was the Waitakere Kiribati Community Association Inc.

The Association will support Kiribati parents by promoting positive parenting through a media campaign which will translate topics and stories and publish them in community newsletters and newspapers. It will also host a Kiribati talent show and run a Kiribati sports programme which will encourage belonging, participation and positive parenting.

“I’m delighted to congratulate Waitakere Kiribati Community Association Inc on their innovative project, which is among those to be granted funding,” Ms Bennett says.

“This SKIP Fund supports communities to explore new ways to promote positive parents. That can include practical tips for parents on how to handle the everyday challenges encountered when raising small children,” Ms Bennett says.

Waitakere Kiribati Community Association Inc. will receive $10,000 for their project.

Election Results

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:17:24 +1300

Political plans for Waitakere Ranges

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:56:00 +1300

Western Leader | Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Today we print the fourth in a series of features to help you decide who to vote for on November 8.

We have asked incumbents and major contenders in all six west Auckland electorates one question each.

Here we speak with Waitakere Labour MP Lynne Pillay and her National counterpart Paula Bennett.

Question: The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act was enacted on April 9, 2008. What further plans, if any, does your party have for the ranges and their future management? Will the ranges remain under Auckland Regional Council care?

Paula Bennett, National:

"Our magnificent Waitakere Ranges should be made a national park, providing them with the greatest possible protection in law.

"Under the Auckland Regional Council we have not seen the emphasis on conservation and protection that westies want or our ranges deserve.

"Only now that phytophthora taxon agathis is threatening to decimate our kauri on the Maungaroa Ridge at Piha, at Huia and the Cascades is the essential research on this fungus being seen as a priority.

"As the fungus gained a foothold, brochures telling everyone how wonderful the act is were being circulated. This admin-focused approach has to change. Priority must be given to the proactive, continued rejuvenation and protection of flora and fauna in our ranges.

"When our forest treasures are dying it is a national issue which should be dealt with at government level.
"As a national park, the ranges would be the responsibility of the Department of Conservation and we would have their vast resources and expertise on our side.

"The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act further adds to the bureaucracy of the Resource Management Act, does not go far enough to protect our environmental heritage, deals with none of the above important issues and was a lost opportunity to put Waitakere on the international map.

"The prospect of these public lands becoming a new national park is worthy of proper investigation.
"I want to see the Wai-takere Ranges become the first national park in New Zealand north of Taupo.
"Your vote for Paula Bennett and National will ensure their true protection."

The Western Leader - MP signs up for a fight over hoardings

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:40:00 +1200

MP signs up for a fight over hoardings

By STEVEN FORBES

Angry National list MP Paula Bennett is seeking legal advice after being told to take down her election hoardings.

Strict rules surround the placement of billboards in the lead up to an election which are generally only allowed to be put up within two months of polling day.

But Ms Bennett decided to start putting hers up early after speaking with Waitakere City Council public affairs director Wally Thomas in July.

Ms Bennett says she was led to believe she could put up her signs on private property.

But last week she received a letter from the council telling her to remove all 30 signs.

Refusal to comply could result in a fine of up to $300 a billboard – a total of $9000.

Waitakere city environmental protection officer Catileya Parata outlined the situation in a letter to Ms Bennett and apologised for any confusion the council may have caused through its earlier advice.

But Ms Bennett is sticking to her guns.

She says she did the right thing seeking advice from Mr Thomas in the first instance.

"That’s why I went to the council," she says.

"I wouldn’t have spent this money if I wasn’t sure.

"This is money out of my campaign budget," Ms Bennett says.

"So we’ll see what happens."

Signs put up outside of the normal election timeframe must comply with the council’s district plan and resource consent processes.

Mr Thomas says there appears to be some confusion over what was said.

"She wrote to us in July asking us what the council’s policy was on election signs on private property," Mr Thomas says.

"I told her she should check with the electoral office in regards to what the electoral period is and I also directed her to our regulatory people.

"I’ll put my hand up and say the advice we gave her was a little bit ambiguous.

"But after receiving complaints we’ve looked closely at the issue and decided the signs are in fact in breach of our district plan," Mr Thomas says.

An update on train stabling from Paula Bennett National MP

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:25:26 +1200

About 2 weeks ago I met with ARTA, they had done the peer review and were wanting to set up a public meeting with residents. I stated very clearly that going to local residents to convince them that the Paremuka site was a viable option was not going to get my support and that we need to go back to the drawing board.

In the meantime I had written to both ARTA and ONTRACK asking them under the Official Information Act to provide me with all correspondence, reports, emails etc on train stabling in West Auckland. From that I was able to ascertain from ONTRACK that they had never been asked to do a viability report on the Bruce McLaren/Railside Ave site.

Bruce McLaren

I believe that the Bruce McLaren site is the best option for West Auckland. It does not detrimentally affect residents and it has room by my calculations to stable 9 trains (with the 2 diesels able to go to Waitakere as they can go through the tunnel). So, through sheer political pressure, both ONTRACK and ARTA have gone back to the drawing board and are drawing up plans for the Bruce McLaren site. There are no promises and there is a lot of work yet to be done, but it is looking like a viable option.

I have been talking with ARTA and ONTRACK most weeks. I know you were promised a public meeting and you will get one, but there is no point in having one just to have ARTA feel like they are pushed into trying to justify their position - lets come up with a better option!

May I say what a great job the residents and ratepayers have done defending their turf.

We are having a public meeting at the Croatian Club 161 Mcleod Rd Te Atatu with Bill English MP and will discuss Rail in West Auckland on Monday 8 September 7 pm.

Please feel free to get in touch with my office if we can help.

Paula Bennett MP

Ph 09 8187152

paula.bennett@xtra.co.nz

12 February Her View - Column in the Western Leader

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:59:00 +1300

National's Youth Plan

The energy and enthusiasm of the vast majority of kiwi kids make me hugely optimistic for our country. It is tragic that so many others are falling way short of their potential, branded 'losers' and left to muddle through life.

We all see it - early school leavers who can barely read or write, more and more of them with drug and alcohol problems, and media stories of teens bashing people.

This year National wants to start changing things for the better and we have a Plan to give our children a chance at the future they deserve.

National's Youth Plan has two major aspects to it. The first part of our Youth Plan tackles youth offending.

The Youth Court will have important new powers and resources to get young people back on the rails, and tougher sentencing options to deal with those who pose a serious threat to our community.

These powers include:

* Parenting orders: Parenting courses to address problems at home
which contribute to a young person's offending.

* Mentoring programmes: Providing role models for up to 12
months.

* Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes: Designated funding
and real support to help young offenders go straight.

* Longer residential sentences: Up to six months in a Youth
Justice facility.

* Fresh Start Programmes: Revolutionary, year-long, intensive
programmes to instil discipline and address underlying causes of offending; including up to 12 weeks of residential training at, for example, an army base.

* Spotlight Sentences: Breaking court-ordered supervision
contracts will result in electronic monitoring using an ankle bracelet.

* Younger offenders aged 12 and 13 accused of serious offences
brought under the Youth Court (rather than the Family Court).

National's Youth Plan is about giving young New Zealanders the opportunity and responsibility to better themselves, no matter what their circumstances, abilities, or track record.

The second part is a new education entitlement - National's Youth Guarantee - helping every under-18-year-old to achieve (at least) school-level qualifications. This is to be on top of, not instead of, the education entitlements they have now.

Many 16- and 17-year olds will choose to stay at school because they want to, but others might be happier going to a polytechnic, a wananga, a private or industry training organisation, or a combination of these
options. Any 16- and 17-year-olds not working and not taking up this
new entitlement, will not be eligible for benefit (except in special circumstances such as illness).

It may sound cheesy but these young people really are our future - we can't afford to keep stuffing it up.

15 January Her View- Column in the Western Leader

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:45:00 +1300

Eight New Year resolutions we all wish the Labour Party would make before Parliament begins for the year:

1. When we make a mistake, we’ll take some responsibility for it – instead of blaming civil servants, the media, the National Party, big business, aliens, or whoever else we can think of.

2. When the Opposition gets on our nerves we won’t punch them or call them scumbags or rich pricks. Instead, we’ll try to address the real problems New Zealand faces – like high taxes, mortgage rates, petrol and electricity prices, the one-in-five kids who leave school without qualifications, the record number of Kiwis leaving for Australia, making sure we have a stadium to host the Rugby World Cup in. You know, stuff that voters actually want us to sort out.

3. We won’t just throw more and more money at our health system and hope the problems go away. We’ll sit down with doctors and nurses and other health professionals, and figure out what we can do to make our hospitals work better. Oh, and we’ll stop hiring quite so many bureaucrats.

4. We won’t tell you what to do all the time. Once in a while, we’ll let you figure things out for yourselves as if you were, you know, grown-ups.

5. When we have to deal with some new problem, we won’t just pass another new law, impose a new regulation, or set up a new agency to pass the buck to. We’ll try to come up with a way of dealing with it that doesn’t throttle everyone with red tape.

6. When we say something is free, we’ll make sure it's actually, you know, free.

7. When we change the nation’s electoral law, we will consult with everyone and come up with rules that are fair and protect the rights of all New Zealanders, rather than ram through a law on the last day before Christmas so we can go home and let everyone else figure out how it’s supposed to work.

8. Finally, we won’t just dream up new ways to spend more of your money on things that will buy us votes. We’ll try and make the public service a bit more efficient, and we’ll let you keep a bit more of your income. After all, you’re the ones who earned it in the first place!

18 December Her View- Column in the Western Leader

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:31:00 +1300

I’m brassed off. The new bail laws are failing us, and our police aren’t getting the support they need.

Two weeks ago in West Auckland, a 39-year old man was let out on bail after a series of indecent assaults on an elderly Waitakere woman. The police had opposed bail because they were worried about public safety, but it made no difference. Now this low-life is free while his victim is imprisoned by the fear he’ll come back. And the police are calling
for other victims to come forward, so she’s unlikely to be alone in that fear. That’s just not on.

In October, Labour softened the Bail Act. Now it’s easier to get bail, and harder to keep low-lifes in custody. Soon after the changes, alleged double-murderer Chris Kahui was let out of prison on bail, even though he had breached his bail conditions 3 times in the past.
We need to put a stop to this. We need to overturn Labour’s amendments, make it harder to get bail, and give more protection to crime victims.

* * * *
The police do an amazing job and need our support. Recently I was on the night shift with the Henderson Police and saw things that, as a parent and a Westie, I was embarrassed about. There were drunk 15-year-old girls on the streets at 1.30am, and their parents were annoyed about getting called to come and pick them up.

There were youths biffing bottles at passing cars. As we tried to apprehend them, I found myself running through Waitemata Cemetery in the pitch dark – until I wimped out and fled back to the police car.

There were parties of young teenagers completely out of control. The police dealt with all of this professionally and with little fuss, but it’s clear they are frustrated by such anti-social behaviour. Thank God they give a damn and work hard to keep our young people safe, but they shouldn’t have to do it alone.

Parents need to step up. They need to know where their kids are and what they’re doing.They need to tell them that bad behaviour is not OK.

* * * *
That’s enough from me! I’ll be writing this column every month and I look forward to your feedback. Until next time, have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Bring on 2008!

Press Release- Air quality debacle threatens ECE centres

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 08:41:00 +1300

Paula Bennett MP

National Party Associate Education Spokeswoman

(Early Childhood)

18 December 2007

Air quality debacle threatens ECE centres

The astonishing saga that has seen Kidicorp’s Jump & Jive early childhood centre in Auckland remain closed since its official opening in March now threatens to see other schools and early childhood centres shut down, says National’s Associate Education (Early Childhood) spokeswoman, Paula Bennett.

"Helen Clark opened Jump & Jive in a flourish of publicity in March – a remarkable staged photo op complete with stunt kids brought in especially for the occasion – yet interference from three Ministries has prevented 150 real kids ever getting the chance to use it.

"The Auckland Medical Officer of Health blocked the opening of the centre, citing concerns over air pollution from nearby roads. However, astoundingly, officials at the Education and Health Ministries admit they have no data to back up their fears, and no intention of commissioning any.

"Kidicorp, frustrated by the continual delays in getting a licence, despite repeated meetings with officials from the Ministries of Education, Health and the Environment, went ahead with their own air quality testing in August.

"This monitoring, done in the thick of winter which is the worst time for air pollution, proved there was no evidence the nitrous oxide levels were at a level detrimental to children.

"But this scientific monitoring was not enough for the Ministry of Health – they now want to peer review the report. Meanwhile, Kidicorp continues to pay $25,000 a month in rent for an empty facility.

"This is beyond a joke, and should be a serious wake up call for other schools and early childhood centres within 500 metres of motorways and main roads. The three ministries concerned have already said that closing schools could be an option.

"Education Minister Chris Carter needs to clarify his Ministry’s position immediately. It is a simple question - are schools and early childhood centres at risk of closure on the whim of his and other Ministries, with no supporting scientific data? Will Auckland Grammar be next?"

November 9 2007 The New Zealand Herald, Gym creches to get rules break

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:17:23 +1300

The New Zealand Herald
Gym creches to get rules break
5:00AM Friday November 09, 2007

The Government is looking at introducing a more flexible interpretation of rules that are forcing some creches in places such as gyms and swimming pools to shut.

Newly promoted Education Minister Chris Carter was yesterday questioned about the issue, which has sparked an 8000-signature petition to Parliament.

The petition was started by National MPs Nick Smith and Paula Bennett, and Sheila Scott at CityFitness gym in Nelson in September.Ms Bennett, who has complained about the new rules that require creches to be licensed if they care for more than two children, said previously that gyms and swimming pools around the country were closing their childcare facilities rather than go through the licensing process. When she raised the issue in September, then Education Minister Steve Maharey said the safety of children was paramount.

"Creches at swimming pools and gyms are able to operate if they are licensed, and this ensures that children are safe and are cared for by qualified staff," he said.

Yesterday, Mr Carter indicated a change in approach. The minister was asked if officials were looking at introducing some flexibility so that the rules applied to creches at gyms and swimming pools were not the same as those applied to full-time creches.

Mr Carter said the same rules were being applied across the board at the moment. "We are looking for some flexibility in that."
- NZPA