Welcome to our mid-June newsletter.
We are about a week away from much anticipated winter school holidays. For our
kids, the school holidays are a welcome break from studies, and a chance to revise
their school work. Looking back over the curriculum ensures our kids really understand
the subject areas, providing a strong base for their success in the second part
of the year.
As always, Government has been working tirelessly to ensure that our students
start with a strong base in order to compete in the global economy. Excellence
in education is our priority. A high-quality education is an essential requirement
for a skilled, creative, and productive workforce - a key ingredient in growing
a stronger economy.
Four out of five kids are succeeding but National's education plan is about getting
five out of five. To achieve this goal, in Budget 2012 we had allocated $60 million
towards quality teaching initiatives, largely funded by making minor changes to
teacher:student ratios. This would have saved the country $174 million over
four years.
However, after listening very closely to concerns of parents and teachers, it
became apparent that the proposed minor adjustments were causing a disproportionate
amount of worry for parents. This was never the Government's intention and we've
now moved to put the minds of parents and teachersreversing this part
of our education plan. We will no longer change the teacher:student ratios. This
does mean that the Government is no longer in a position to invest $60 million
towards quality teaching. We will also have to cover the shortfall of $114 million
over the budget forecast period however I assure you that our Government will
work through managing this shortfall in a balanced and considered manner, and
we will return to surplus by 2014/15.
Continuing the topic of Education, I am proud to announce that the Prime Minister's
Science Prize opportunity is now open to receive applications. I encourage the
top scientists of New Zealand to consider applying for this prestigious award.
The prize is worth $500,000 and demonstrates the importance of science and innovation
to New Zealand's future. We want to encourage more people to choose careers in
science and to inspire our scientists towards undertaking world class research,
right here at home. Entries can be lodged up until 24 July 2012 - for more details
please click here [
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001hXpCQbhgrM9P0YfuSa-C8MNp8rwaOW2JrPLJNh7d4gASLzG60q-MDpla4d3Yl_-lTSEaheGBi_vgAL0_vEziojN52FLLX_VKiOXxJ91ObBVYzV9oOprjSw1Gz4LJaCjrFiYNcwY5cC0=]On the theme of technology the Government, through the Department of Internal
Affairs, has launched an anti-spam mobile site that makes it easier to report
text spam. The public can forward any offending text messages free of charge to
the complaint site, along with additional information, to SPAM (7726). More details
are available by clicking here [
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001hXpCQbhgrM8gkm32-X7znLuiiMT6doDNQc9Bu4Bf39HzcfabfwcHUU9Mja7qImrwxNbu6W10_TX0BO2fURxk8akp41yXj0HIc6T05RHAzV45k2XARx_xYt1zIterYsQt]You may already be aware that National is committed to addressing New Zealand's
binge-drinking culture. Our Alcohol Reform Bill focuses on minimising alcohol-related
harm, including crime, disorder and public health problems, and zeros in on where
harm is occurring - particularly in relation to young people. We've been conscious
to take a balanced approach that does not unfairly penalise responsible and moderate
drinkers.
The bill proposes a split purchase age - 18 for on-licence premises such as bars
and restaurants, and 20 for off-licences such as supermarkets and liquor stores.
Parliament will consider the proposed split age as a conscience vote during the
committee stage of the bill and I want to guide my vote by what you think. As
such I encourage you to take a moment of your time and complete my online survey.Please
click here [
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001hXpCQbhgrM_Cume7WloOCRj6E4uLwa2DPOZc_aykd6CiE2fgomQuMmcJQaQHVISiHPh419JNNfSMgNASybSAxz6L4q4-fnptSyAu-Wq6t8gnMUMjLIe0Sudq13mPj21Qd2NB2x_4ArA=]Throughout Manukau East, across New Zealand and around the world we celebrated
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15th June. To support this, my colleague Hon
Jo Goodhew, Minister for Senior Citizens was invited to unveil a sculpture at
the Age Concern Cambria Park Homestead. I think the positive work that Age Concern
and other such organisations put in towards raising awareness on Elder Abuse in
our society serves as an excellent gesture to show our elders we care. It also
serves as a reminder to us, and our future generations, that our elders must
be treated with respect and that abuse has no place in our society.
I also had the opportunity to attend the New Zealand Australian Punjabi Cultural
Association annual dinner in Melbourne. During my speech at the function, I shared
with New Zealanders who now live in Australia how the Government is working towards
delivering its goals. I congratulated them on their success while highlighting
that their contributions are welcome and required to ensure that New Zealand
remains a globally competitive nation.
Last, but not least, recently I joined friends and colleagues in Wellington to
celebrate the Tamil New Year. During the celebrations I was humbled to learn
about a school based in Chennai, India that provides quality education to children
free of charge. A New Zealander, Jane Watson, has been actively involved in running
this school in Chennai - even selling her own house in New Zealand to fund it
operations. It is little wonder that students who have graduated from a school
run under such a noble mandate are progressing to become dedicated professionals.
Finally I use this opportunity to remind you that I hold regular consultation
clinics at my office on Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland. If you would like to
provide feedback or discuss any issues with me please call 09 278 9302 to make
an appointment.
Yours sincerely,
1/131, Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe
DDI: +64 9 278 9302
Fax: +64 9 278 2143
www.bakshi.co.nz
