PAULA BENNETT MP for WAITAKERE

I am so proud of our community. I meet West Aucklanders every day who are working hard, making a difference and getting involved locally.

Recently I attended the Waitakere Police awards and I have to say our local police do a tough, often thankless job and deserve to be recognised for their hard work. Where would we be without them? Our crime rates out West have decreased by 12% over the past year. I’m extremely grateful to the police for all they do.

It was also a real pleasure to be at Henderson Valley School at the end of June as they were first to be connected up with high-speed internet as part of the National Government’s Rural Broadband Initiative. I fought hard to make sure they were in the first tranche, so it was especially gratifying to be there and celebrate that win.

Right now we have technicians running fibre optic cables through rural New Zealand, bringing fast, wireless broadband to a quarter of a million New Zealanders who have been struggling with dial up.

I’m so pleased that our children at Henderson Valley School are a part of that, so they can use the latest online learning tools and have video conferencing with other schools around the world – Henderson goes global!

Waitakere Hospital is on the list for high-speed internet too and I know the medical team will make the most of the technology to help patients.

As your local MP it has been a full on few years. Across the country I’ve been tackling the hard issues around welfare dependency and child abuse. There is no place like home though and helping locals and ensuring we have our share of initiatives like broadband still ranks as my top commitment.

I’m always keen to hear from you, please get in touch on any issue by calling my office on 817 8161 or emailing me at paula.bennett@parliament.govt.nz

‘Glen Eden Guardian’ Column – Supporting West Auckland Education.

West Auckland has a brain drain. Every morning thousands of our young people are waking early to commute to schools around Auckland, ignoring the many wonderful schools right on their doorstep.

Now this is not happening in isolation students in other areas of Auckland are doing the same but on a much smaller scale.

Admittedly West Auckland schools have a mixed history, they have previously received less funding and have earned certain reputations.

But as any reasonable person will agree reputations are often more myth than fact. So isn’t it time we saw past the old myths and started backing West Auckland schools?

Young people that go to a local school are more likely to form lasting ties with their community. They will join local sports teams and care more about the local environment and community issues.

Not to mention the added benefit of reducing their carbon footprint and the morning congestion on our roads.

West Auckland schools are our schools. We have a right to expect the same quality and standards as any other school in Auckland. I believe we are getting it. But a school is only as good as its community and it is up to us to get involved and help make a difference.

So I challenge you to get involved. West Auckland’s schools need your backing and I think they deserve it.

Letter to the Editor – Western Leader

RE: Catherine Place.

I wanted to write and publically lend my support to the calls to turn Catherine Place into private property.

Catherine Place has the potential to be one those bright spots in the West Auckland cityscape. But in its current state it is a blight on Henderson and quite frankly a sore point for myself, shop owners and residents alike.

Having broken up a brawl there between teenagers in 2009 I know first hand the problems of intimidation and vandalism that our hard working shop keepers are dealing with on a daily basis.

I have been working closely with local business owners, the council and NZTA and have spoken to the Mayor Len Brown personally about how to resolve this issue. Let's claim our town back!

Proud to be a Wesite.

Letter to the editor – Western Leader:

RE: Madge Marks 100 years.

I really enjoyed your recent article about Madge Hardiman who just turned one hundred years young.

There are a lot of really neat kiwi stories out there and people like Madge have a lot to share.

Good money management really is the key to getting through the hard times and Madge’s years living through the depression and having to manage on far less than we have today is one of those stories I think we could all learn from.

Good on you Madge, I hope you had a lovely birthday.

PB

Letter to the editor – Western Leader:

RE: 24/7 Emergency care.

I am incredibly pleased that we now have a fully functioning 24/7 emergency department at Waitakere Hospital.

It has been a long road. When I first became MP for Waitakere there had been a lot of talk about making Waitakere hospital a priority, with no real action.

But together, the Waitamata DHB, Minister of Health Tony Ryall and I rolled up our sleeves and did what needed to be done.

Westies can now get quick local emergency healthcare from medical staff who have a vested interest in the health and well being of our community.

I want to personally thank the board chairman, Lester Levy and Minister Ryall for their commitment and can do attitudes. Without your hard work, we would not finally have this vital West Auckland service.

Proud to be a Westie serving Westies.

PB

Column: New Zealand’s bullying problem

We have all teased or been teased. It is part of growing up. Kiwis love friendly banter. We like people with a quick wit and a sharp tongue. Even as adults we tease friends and family. It’s harmless right?

You only have to look at the high number of extreme bullying cases highlighted by the media over the past ten years to answer that question. Teasing can quickly escalate. In fact two teenagers have been taken to hospital after schoolyard attacks in the last month alone.

A recent study of student bullying in New Zealand – which featured in the Australia and New Zealand Journal of Law & Education - also showed that of 821 students aged 15-16 from 107 schools 50 per cent had been bullied, 33 per cent admitted bullying others and 9 per cent were bullied once a week or more.

The Government is acutely aware of the impact of bullying in our schools. The Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Police both have extensive online resources for parents and teachers and every school in New Zealand has a legal and moral obligation to prevent bullying which is incorporated into their school charter.

But bullying is not isolated to schoolyards. Cyber-bullying using cell phones and email is just as serious and can be deadly. In 2008 a 17-year-old School student was found dead at home after a video of other pupils beating him was posted on the internet.

Technology means that what was once playground torment is now in our homes and our children can be bullied at night in their bedrooms without us knowing. School’s or Government institutions can only do so much. As parents and caregivers, we need to step up and tackle bullying head on.

Now that doesn’t mean take matters into your own hands. Though I am sure that appeals to many parents of tormented children. The answer is simple. Be vigilant with your children, especially your teens. I will stop short of saying spy on them, but you get my drift. We all know children and young people hide things because we were all once young ourselves.

Being bullied is embarrassing and many will suffer in silence rather than let you know they’re a victim. It is equally important when you think your own child is a bully. Whether convicted of a crime or not, the stigma of bullying will haunt many young lives well after they have grown and matured.

As I mentioned, we all like friendly banter. It is part of what makes us Kiwi. But there is a fine line between teasing and bullying. It’s a line our children and young people lack the maturity to define. A line they frequently cross and a line we all must police to keep our children safe, whether they’re being bullied or doing the bullying themselves.

If you need help or advice about bullying go to:

http://www.police.govt.nz/service/yes/nobully/

Or

http://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Problem-solving/Education-and-the-law/Bullying

Letter to the Editor: Western Leader

RE: Waitakere Police Youth Initiative

Waitakere Police are stepping up again to make a difference to the lives of young Westies.

Tama Toa, the latest Waitakere Police Youth initiative will help a group of vulnerable young people rebuild confidence and self belief after it was unfairly taken by the actions of others.

As MP for Waitakere and Social Development Minister, I am very aware of the impact abuse and bullying has on vulnerable youth and I am passionate about helping young people realise that they are worth more than their past treatment.

Programmes like Tama Toa are a great first step and there are similar programmes available through Police and the Ministry of Youth Development. Programmes like the Spirit of Adventure, which teaches young Kiwis discipline and self respect during a ten day sailing adventure.

I recently met some young people at the re-launch of the Spirit’s flagship after a Government funded refit to expand the ships life and reach another generation of young Kiwis. There was a spark in their eyes as they spoke of their own sailing adventure and the benefits it has had to their lives since.

If you know a young Westie who is suffering from low self-esteem or acting out as a result of abuse or bullying please contact your local community constable to see what help is available.

While we can’t erase their past, we can make sure these young people have tools they need to make the best of their futures.

PB

Letter to the Editor - Western Leader

RE: Less crime in West Auckland.

The New Zealand Police recently released New Zealand’s crime statistics for 2010 and I just wanted to share with you the great news that crime in Waitakere is on the decrease.

Reported crimes dropped 10.4 per cent across Waitakere between 2009 and 2010 and Police resolved 49.9 per cent of the crimes reported in the area.

West Auckland’s drop in crime was better than the national average which decreased 5.6 per cent and our Police also resolved more crimes, which is again great news.

I would like to go on record thanking our local police for all their hard work and dedication.

However, there were still over 19,000 crimes reported last year which as a proud Westie I will never be happy with. Our community needs to keep working together to stamp out burglary, assault and other antisocial behaviour.

So Westies, talk to you neighbours, offer to watch their place when they are away and if you think someone is in trouble don’t be afraid to go to the authorities.

PB 

Letter to the Editor: The Western Leader

RE: Christchurch Earthquake appeal

It has been a torrid two weeks for Kiwis and thoughts are with the people of Christchurch and those with friends and family affected by the earthquake in the Garden City.

I have been down to visit Christchurch twice since the quake and both times I have been struck by the resilience of this tough bunch of New Zealanders.

They have had it all in recent months and understandably nerves are frayed. But equally there is a determination that life will go on and they will rebuild.

Which is where you can help.

Westies have already been offering their support and donations to Christchurch. It is humbling to see that when the chips are down Kiwis are willing to step up and offer those in need the shirts the off their backs.

A donation of money is still the best way to help and the New Zealand Government official Christchurch Earthquake Appeal is the best place to do this.

If you are able to donate please visit: http://www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz

And give what you can.

Take care Westies.

PB

Letter to the Editor – Western Leader

RE: Thanks a Bunch.

I saw your recent “Thanks a Bunch “ item on Plunket Nurse Alison McTaggett’s work to make sure Wesite babies are getting their jabs and had to chime in with my thanks.

Vaccinations are a vital part of early childhood health and it was great to see the Waitemata DHB exceed the national immunisation health target last year.

Giving babies jabs can be a thankless job, no one like needles and it’s unlikely that immunised babies will come back as adults to give their thanks!

But it’s important work and so it’s up to us to recognise the great job people like Alison do in our community.

Good on ya Alison, keep it up!

PB

Letter to the Editor - Western Leader

RE: Starship head’s two new roles

I saw your piece on new Starship Foundation chief executive Brad Clarke in the Feb 8 edition and just wanted to have my say about the great job Starship does in looking after our babies.

In my opinion there is nothing more heart wrenching than a very sick child.

To the staff at Starship, I am always impressed with the incredible compassion, resilience and leadership you show when looking after our sick and dying children.

I have so much respect for what you do. You really are unsung New Zealand heroes.

To Brad, all the best in your new role, it is great to see that a dedicated father and experienced not-for-profit executive will be steering the good ship.

PB

Letter to the Editor – Western Leader

RE: Baby on board.

A letter to the editor in the December 3 edition left me lost for words.

The writer describes a near miss when a mother, distracted by feeding her child while driving, almost rear ends his car at a set of lights.

Yes, you read correctly.

I am appalled, this woman’s careless actions unnecessarily endangered, the life of her child and the lives of other drivers and passers by.

As Minister for Child, Youth and Family I am all too aware of the consequences if parents make bad decisions about the care of their children.

This might sound stark, but baby plus windscreen equals tragedy in anyone’s language. Please, strap your children into proper child restraints when driving.

PB

Letter to the editor: Western Leader

RE: Family centre for all/Trust wants to develop new site for drunk youth to sober up

I enjoyed your recent double feature on the Waipareira Trusts proposals for community support centres in Waitakere.

The opening of the Trusts new Whanau Centre in Henderson is a great start to Whanau Ora services in West Auckland.

The Trust has made a real commitment to the region by developing a centre that can provide a wide range of social services to all Westies.

I was also impressed with the idea of creating a safe place for youths to sober up.

Young people drink for many reasons.

Some are just feeling peer pressure and trying to be cool. While others, they may be drinking as a way of escaping a more serious problem.

Giving them a safe place to sober up and talk in confidence to someone in the know, could make a real difference to a troubled young life before things become really serious.

Watching with interest.

PB

Paula talks about the new "home for life" programme - and cooking on television!

Social Assistance (New Work Tests, Incentives, and Obligations) Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - taken as one debate - Part 45

Social Assistance (New Work Tests, Incentives, and Obligations) Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - taken as one debate - Part 34

Social Assistance (New Work Tests, Incentives, and Obligations) Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - taken as one debate - Part 15

Social Assistance (New Work Tests, Incentives, and Obligations) Amendment Bill - Committee Stage - taken as one debate - Part 5