Widespread volunteering and genuine goodwill in the wake of Saturday morning’s devastating earthquake have shown can-do Cantabrians at their best, says National MP Nicky Wagner.

The MP has spend the past 36 hours assisting at various welfare, civil defence and emergency service locations, and has been humbled by the level of generosity and willingness to assist others everywhere she visits.

At both the Regional and Christchurch City Civil Defence Headquarters, Nicky says volunteers have worked tirelessly to keep people safe and restore essential services.

“Christchurch Hospital Accident and Emergency department and St John Ambulance staff handled emergencies swiftly and efficiently and many volunteered to come in on days off or start their shifts early.”

Nicky witnessed similar dedication at Wairakei Road Supervalue, where locals were able to shop just hours after the quake because neighbours had mucked in for several hours in the dark to help the owners clean up and restack shelves.

“It’s times likes this that make me proud to be a Cantabrian,” says Nicky Wagner. “We treasure our city and we want to see it get back on its feet as quickly as possible.”

Posted by admin in Press Releases at 21:41

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Kiwibank, agreeing to provide an uncalled capital facility to NZ Post so Kiwibank can continue to grow, Nicky Wagner says.

“This is welcome news and helps ensure a competitive retail banking market in New Zealand,” Nicky Wagner says.

The uncalled capital is a vital plank in maintaining an AA- credit rating. The rating is needed if Kiwibank is to compete with the four main Australian banks, and expand into new sectors such as business banking. The bank has attracted more than 700,000 customers in eight years.

Posted by admin in Press Releases at 10:52

The Government today confirmed that Canterbury Trades College will be one of nine new Trades Academies to open in 2011.

“This is great for local students and for Christchurch. It will keep young people engaged in learning, while they gain valuable skills for the workforce,” National MP Nicky Wagner says.

Posted by admin in Press Releases at 10:51

A Government move to mandate cameras in taxis is a welcome protective step, says National MP Nicky Wagner.

From next year, all taxis in New Zealand’s larger towns and cities will be fitted with security cameras. The National-led Government has considered the evidence and come to the conclusion that these measures are necessary.

“The tragic, senseless death of Christchurch taxi driver Abdulrahman Ikhtiari, was further evidence we needed to move to protect our taxi drivers,” says Nicky Wagner. “It was clear that the working environment for taxi drivers was no longer as safe as it used to be.

Posted by admin in Press Releases at 10:55

National MP Nicky Wagner  welcomes the ‘Home for Life’ support package for New Zealanders to provide children in care with a home for life.

“All children deserve a secure home, and we’re helping them get there,” Nicky says.

Posted by admin in Press Releases at 10:50

Nicky Wagner welcomes National’s plans to address alcohol-related harm through a comprehensive alcohol law reform package.

“This package responds to the Law Commission’s ground-up review of New Zealand’s alcohol laws and adopts in full, or in part, 126 of the Commission’s 153 recommendations, as well as making other changes,” Nicky Wagner  says.

Posted by admin in Press Releases at 10:48