Welcome to our mid-July newsletter.
This past week the mercury dipped to sub-zero levels in most parts of New Zealand, however, I am sure that most kids would have enjoyed a bit of extra sleep and spent some quality time with their families in the school break.
We legislators have also been fortunate to be on a break from Parliament. This provides us with a greater opportunity to meet, assist and engage with our constituent on things that matter to them most.
For me, one such opportunity to meet and engage was at the art exhibition Raga of Rainbow organised by the Child Cancer Foundation. The Raga of Rainbow involved colourful paintings by senior citizen Mr. Bhanu Shah. All proceeds from the sale of the paintings were donated to the Child Cancer Foundation to support children with cancer and their families. I think initiatives such as these demonstrate what a truly multi-cultural and caring society we are. Multi-ethnic doctors working with a multi-ethnic foundation towards the larger goal of protecting all of our children against cancer.
The Government gives high priority to the protection of our children and we understand that we need qualified social workers focused exclusively on our children to do that. Last October, National committed the phasing in of 149 extra social workers, last week the first 50 were announced. In Manukau East where I am based - Ferguson Intermediate, Holy Cross School, Papatoetoe East School, Papatoetoe Intermediate, Papatoetoe South School, Papatoetoe West School will all benefit from this service. St. John The Evangelist School, TKKM Otara and Yendarra School will also benefit from an increase in the number of social workers.
We are also working hard to further support our economy. The Finance Minister, Hon Bill English recently released the Government's financial statements for the 11 months to 31 May. The statements show that Crown's tax revenue was $667 million higher than forecast in the 2012 budget while core Crown spending was $431 million lower than forecast. The net result was an operating surplus of $5.91 billion - that's $1.13 billion better than forecast. While the results no doubt are encouraging and show that National-led Government's efforts are paying off, this Government remains committed to responsibly managing New Zealand's finances responsibly but also to make sure that we support our most vulnerable.
The National-led government is focused on growing our economy, creating jobs and higher incomes. One way by which we can do this is through safe and responsible development of our mineral resources. A recent poll conducted by New Zealand Herald and Digipoll shows that 67 per cent of those surveyed supported more mineral, oil and gas exploration. The poll received support from opposition MP Shane Jones who himself believes that the Northland economy needs this boost to curb New Zealanders from moving to Australia.
Another exciting news piece I would like to share with you today is regarding the work of Bhartiye Samaj Charitable Trust. On 13th July the Trust organised a fund-raising event (Shree Druga Mata ki Chowki) to raise funds for an appropriate retirement home for community elders. I hope that most of you attended the event with your friends and family as it was for a very worthy cause. To donate towards this noble project please contact Mr Jeet Suchdev on 09 443 0579 or by email - jeet@xtra.co.nz
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. You might also like to connect with me on website -www.bakshi.co.nz or on Facebook
Yours sincerely,
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