Welcome to our July end newsletter.
The winter school holidays are over; our kids have returned back to school, mum and dad too have returned back to their normal schedule. We legislators also returned back to Parliamentary business in Wellington. Over the past couple of weeks there have been a number of positive news stories which I would like to share with you.
Before National was re-elected to Government New Zealand in 2011, we campaigned on comprehensive welfare reforms. This was because long-term welfare dependence is trapping too many new Kiwis into a life of limited choices. This week we took the first step to realise these promises by passing the first-phase of our welfare reforms into law.
These changes mean:
- Essential bills, such as rent and power, will be managed for teen parents and young people on benefits directly by their support provider, with an allowance and payment card for living costs.
- Teen parents will be eligible for childcare payments to allow them to continue education so they are better equipped to provide for their own family in the future.
- Real-time information sharing will help identify at-risk young people who are on a collision course with welfare dependency as they leave school.
- Sole parents will be actively supported into part time work when their youngest child turns five, and full time work when they turn 14.
Welfare reform is an important part of National's plan to deliver better public services. These reforms will fundamentally alter the welfare system with a new work-focused benefit system with greater work expectations, and a focus on the long-term cost of welfare dependency. For more information click here
Secondly, we're delivering on our plan to responsibly manage the Government's finances. Low inflation and low interest rates under National are helping New Zealand families save more, pay down debt, and get ahead. In fact, household savings are positive for the first time in a decade, and savings are expected to increase further.
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) information shows inflation of just one per cent in the past year, the lowest in more than 12 years. At the same time, floating mortgage rates are at less than 6 per cent, and are at their lowest level in more than 45 years. In real terms this is saving a family with a $200,000 mortgage about $200 a week when compared to what they were paying four years ago.
While inflation has been falling, the economy has continued to grow moderately under National's responsible management in tough economic times. This is reflected in wages which have increased about 11 per cent under National after taking into account tax and inflation.
However, our hard work for New Zealand is not limited to the prudent management of the economy.We are ensuring that the rule of law prevails in New Zealand, and we are making sure that Kiwis have quality healthcare services available to them, as they need it.
Towards maintaining law and order Police have just completed a six-month campaign targeting cannabis growers and dealers around New Zealand with great results. Nationally, the Police seized and destroyed over 130,000 cannabis plants and over 280 kilograms of dried cannabis, with a combined estimated value of $135.6 million.
We are determined to drive these criminals out of our communities, and out of business. One of National's priorities this term is delivering better public services, and this includes our Police. We are supporting them to protect our communities, prevent crime, and stay tough on criminals.
In the area of healthcare, I proudly share with you that New Zealand has had the third highest increase in spending in the OECD. In fact, during tight financial times, National has protected and grown our public health services.
The latest figures from the OECD show that in 2009/2010, New Zealand had the third highest increase in public health spending. Our increase of 3.4 per cent, when compared with the average zero increase demonstrated the importance the Government places on helping Kiwis to stay healthy. At the same time, New Zealand had one of the largest increases in the number of patients being cared for, or getting operations in our hospitals.
This demonstrates National's commitment to providing better public health services for our families. We are doing this while making every dollar go further with less bureaucracy and more focus on the frontline.
I also had a chance to spend some time with Prime Minister John Key when he visited my constituency of Manukau East to visit Jaedon Enterprises.
Jaedon represents another success story in Manukau. They employ 25 full time staff who supports the manufacture of innovative clothing that caters to specialist technical needs of our community. The Prime Minister himself was impressed that Jaedon employed staff from 18 different nationalities. Mr Key said that even though Jaedon was competing with the 'big boys' in a niche market, the personal service they provide makes them stand out from the rest.
I also visited Aorere College and Papatoetoe High School to meet with their school nurses and management team. This was an important visit as I wanted to better understand their needs and how they work with students to achieve their highest potential.
During the visits, the Principal of Aorere College, Patrick Drumm made a very good point. He summarised the role of teachers as an important medium to support their students, and they do this by providing them with quality education with the intention of raising low income students, to middle class professionals. We really rely on such positive teachers and principals who work proactively towards betterment of the society.The School nurses at both Aorere College and Papatoetoe High School are also doing an excellent job. The facilities provided to the students are quite impressive.
Another exciting story piece I would like to share with you is about the Rakshbandhan celebration. On 11th August the Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations Forum are organising Raksh Bandhan celebrations at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Mt Eden, Auckland. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by Indians to appreciate the bonds of universal fellowship and to recognise the role of women in the creation of a harmonious, just and peaceful society.
I encourage you to attend the event with your friends and family if you are able to as it is for a very worthy cause. For more information on the event please email rb@hota.org.nz
Finally, I would like to 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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