NICKY WAGNER MP for Christchurch Central - Press Releases

Report highlights Canterbury’s economic opportunities

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:42:44 +1200

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce today released a never-before-seen insight into the economic performance of New Zealand’s regions, including the Canterbury economy.

The Regional Economic Activity Report pulls together for the first time in one place the available economic data on all of our regions. It also provides a breakdown at the regional level some of the specific initiatives the Government has underway under its Business Growth Agenda.

“The report is designed to encourage more debate about what it takes for a region like Canterbury to be successful, and to more clearly link the decisions that are made by local stakeholders about resource allocation and usage to the number of jobs available in a region,” Mr Joyce says.

“It is my expectation stakeholders will want to use it to compare and contrast the economic fortunes of different regions around the country, and ask themselves what lessons and opportunities there are for growth and jobs in their region.

“The report shows the strengths, challenges and opportunities in the Canterbury economy. Naturally the earthquakes have had a massive economic impact but the region has shown remarkable resilience and an enthusiasm to capitalise on the opportunities the rebuild provides.

“The region has national strengthens in transport, machinery, and food and beverage manufacturing. Other industries, including tourism and international education, will take longer to recover.”

The report shows that Canterbury employs 256,560 people, or 13.3 per cent of jobs in New Zealand, and the average household income is $75,800, below the national average of $80,600. The largest industries in Canterbury are manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and retail.

Mr Joyce says the report will be updated annually and the next report will include a new official measure of regional gross domestic product. This will be produced by Statistics New Zealand and initial data up to 2010 will be available in June this year.

“Our Business Growth Agenda is playing an important part in growing the Canterbury economy delivering vital infrastructure upgrades – including faster broadband and better transport connections – promoting more investment in research and development, and supporting the tourism industry’s recovery, through negotiating air services agreements, building a convention centres and promoting export education,” Mr Joyce says.

“Nothing creates jobs and boosts incomes better than business growth. For New Zealand to build a more productive and competitive economy, we need all of our regions to achieve to their potential.

“Each region needs to assess its performance and decide whether it is willing to take the opportunities that exist for jobs and economic growth.”

The report is available at: www.mbie.govt.nz/regions

Hon Dr Nick Smith - Report on housing pressures in Christchurch released

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:41:18 +1200

4 April 2013

Today's report on the housing pressures in Christchurch shows that the city faces ongoing challenges in meeting peoples' accommodation needs that will require ongoing Government intervention and assistance, says Minister of Housing Nick Smith.

“The housing situation is challenging, as detailed in the Housing Pressures in Christchurch report released today by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment. This report reinforces the need for the Government to continue to be active in the provision of temporary, social and permanent housing solutions,” Dr Smith said.

"The housing pressures are a direct result of the net loss of an estimated 11,500 homes from the earthquakes, or 6.2 percent of housing stock, as compared to a net loss of population of 9,200 or 2 percent. This pressure is driving up house prices and rents, and increasing financial pressure on families across the region."

"The housing situation in Christchurch is challenging, but not a crisis. Agencies are doing a good job of managing housing needs for people in the greatest need," said Dr Smith.

"The Government has responded to Christchurch's housing pressures by providing additional accommodation financial assistance for 2,100 households, established the Canterbury Earthquake Temporary Accommodation Service (CETAS) that has assisted over 2,500 households and established three temporary accommodation villages. This is on top of the huge work programme by Housing New Zealand Corporation to fix its 5,000 damaged properties.

"We need to do more in four areas to address the challenges identified in this report. First, we need more temporary accommodation for families while their homes are being repaired, thus today's announcement of the Rangers Park development. Secondly, we need more worker accommodation. That is why the Government is currently making a request for proposals for additional worker accommodation. Thirdly, we need to make faster progress on new community social housing, which is why the Government has committed $24 million which has been complemented by $10 million from the Canterbury Community Trust. The fourth area is in speeding up the repair of Housing New Zealand Corporation's own stock."

"This report helps ensure a well-informed, ongoing response to Christchurch's housing challenges," said Dr Smith.

A copy of the Housing Pressures in Christchurch report is available at www.dbh.govt.nz/nz-housing-research.

In Canterbury, 97% children are now attending early childhood education

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:18:01 +1300

Nicky Wagner, MP for Christchurch Central welcomes figures showing more young ones are participating in early childhood education

“In Canterbury, 97% children are now attending early childhood education (ECE) services.
Ministry of Education figures show enrolments in ECE increased nationally by 2,400 between 2011 and 2012.

“ECE plays a valuable role in a child’s development and is one of the greatest investments we can make in the future of our children,” says MP Nicky Wagner

“It provides the opportunity for any child from any background to get ahead and make the most of their lives.”

Government funding for ECE subsidies has more than doubled from $617 million in 2006/07 to over $1.3 billion this year.

“One of National’s priorities this term is delivering better public services, and we have set a target of 98 per cent of children starting school will have participated in quality ECE in 2016.

“We are making great progress on this target but we can do better. “We have been focussing on communities where large numbers of children don’t attend ECE. This Government is spending $91.8 million over four years to boost participation among M?ori, Pasifika, and children from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

“In the year to June 2012, 95 per cent of children starting school had participated in ECE – up 0.3 per cent from the previous year. And the rate for M?ori and Pasifika young ones was higher.
“We know what we’re doing is working, and we’re not done yet.”

Foundation pour cements signs of progress

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:09:41 +1300

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says a foundation laying project that will get underway in the heart of central Christchurch early tomorrow is another positive step in the city’s rebuild.

“For 13 straight hours almost 750 cubic metres of concrete will be laid on the site of a new office building on the corner of High and Lichfield Streets, starting at 3am on Thursday,” Mr Brownlee says.

“This concrete pour is the largest within the rebuild zone so far and the four story office building going on the site will be completed by December.”

The building is being built by Leighs Construction, who will be a tenant in the new offices.

“This is a great example of a proactive property owner getting their feet firmly under the table and securing a place in the new city centre,” Mr Brownlee says.

“It is one of many construction sites behind the rebuild zone cordon at present, but as that cordon is reduced in the coming months the public will see just how much progress is being made.”

The rebuild zone cordon is on target to be completely removed by the end of June when Defence personnel manning the cordons will withdraw. There will be several progressive cordon reductions between now and then.

$3m boost for social housing

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:27:19 +1300

Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith today announced Government grants of $3.11 million have been given to help build 26 new social housing units in Auckland, Nelson and Canterbury.

“These are the first grants from the Government’s new $104 million Social Housing Fund to assist families with acute housing needs,” Dr Smith says.

“It is part of a deliberate strategy to expand the community provision of social housing to complement that provided by Housing New Zealand. These 26 units are targeted at people on low incomes and those with special needs.”

The successful community housing organisations are VisionWest Community Trust in West Auckland, the Nelson Tasman Housing Trust and ComCare Charitable Trust in Canterbury.

These organisations will contribute $3.87 million of their own money, resulting in nearly $7 million in new housing developments.

“The Social Housing Fund is part of a broad programme of reforms to increase the quantity, quality and affordability of homes for New Zealand families.

“It is not a magic bullet, but alongside our initiatives to free up land supply, reduce costs of infrastructure, improve productivity and reduce compliance costs it will help deliver more and better housing.”

The Social Housing Unit, which is responsible for allocating grants from the Social Housing Fund, will open a further funding round later this month.

VisionWest Community Trust, Auckland
VisionWest provides short-term emergency accommodation and long-term supported housing in West Auckland. Its aim is to provide safe, healthy, affordable, quality housing for low-income families along with opportunities and resources for support in all aspects of tenants’ lives. The $1.69 million in funding it has received through the SHF will go towards building 10 homes in the suburb of Massey.

Nelson Tasman Housing Trust, Nelson
The Trust was established as a community response to declining housing affordability in Nelson and Tasman, and improves access to good-quality affordable housing to people on low to mid incomes and those with special needs. It also co-ordinates emergency housing and a bond bank on behalf of 10 agencies in the Nelson region. The $513,000 in funding it has received through the SHF will go towards building four homes in the suburb of Toi Toi.

ComCare Charitable Trust, Canterbury
ComCare helps people with mental illness and addictions live well in the Canterbury community. The Trust provides a range of social housing and mental health support services to the local community and also offers advice and guidance nationally. The $900,000 in funding it has received through the SHF will go towards building 12 homes in Christchurch.

New visa rule to help New Zealanders into Canterbury rebuild jobs

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:28:09 +1300

28 January 2013

A new visa rule coming into effect today will help ensure New Zealanders are first in line for job vacancies created during the Canterbury rebuild, says Immigration Minister Nathan Guy.

“The new rule means visa applications to fill most jobs in Canterbury won’t be processed until a check has been done to ensure there are no suitable New Zealanders to fill the vacancy,” says Mr Guy.

“The rule also benefits employers because it streamlines the visa process. Employers will know sooner if a visa application for a migrant worker is likely to succeed.”

From today employers must register vacancies for trades, clerical and manual occupations in Canterbury with the Canterbury Skills and Employment Hub before they support a visa application for a migrant to fill the vacancy.

“If there are suitable New Zealanders available to do the job, the Skills Hub will help put the employer in touch with these candidates.

“If there are not, the Skills Hub will confirm this in a letter that can be sent to Immigration New Zealand along with a visa application for a migrant to be considered to fill the vacancy. The letter means Immigration New Zealand will no longer perform a labour market check (including a referral to Work and Income) as this job will already have been performed by the Skills Hub.

“This will speed up the visa processing time for employers and help towards the rebuild effort,” says Mr Guy.

The rule change affects most jobs in Canterbury, including trades, clerical and manual jobs. It does not affect highly skilled occupations, or occupations on the Canterbury Skills Shortage List.

Employers can register their vacancies online at www.opportunitycanterbury.org.nz.

Contact with the Hub may be made by calling 0800CanHub (0800226482) or emailing canty_skillshub@msd.govt.nz.

Staff at the Canterbury Skills Hub and Immigration New Zealand branches worldwide will work with employers to help them adapt to the new rule.

Further information is available here.
Media contact: Phil Rennie 021 405 443

Draft Transport Plan open for public consultation

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:53:05 +1300

Traffic will be slowed and pedestrians given greater priority in the new central Christchurch under a draft transport plan the public is now invited to have their say on.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has today released the Accessible City draft Transport Plan and is inviting the wider community to make their comments and contributions.

Transport was excluded from the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan when it was launched in July, allowing for a comprehensive plan to be developed. Mr Brownlee says the draft plan prioritises streets for buses, cycles, pedestrians and private vehicles as a way of improving travel across the city.

“What we now have is a very detailed outline of the way transport will work in the new CBD, with changes to roads, public transport, pedestrian areas and cycleways.

“Our aim is to ensure the new central city area is attractive for people to live and work in, and visit, and is easy to get to by car, bike, bus or on foot,” Mr Brownlee says.

“We have worked with our transport partners to take a closer look at creating efficient and integrated links between the central city and other key activity centres in the city, as well as the rest of the region, in a new and innovative way.”

The draft plan prioritises streets for buses, cycles, walking, and private vehicles, as a way of improving travel across the city.

Cathedral Square would become largely pedestrian only, and the overall speed limits within the CBD’s core would be reduced to a maximum of 30 km/h.

Mr Brownlee says the speed reduction in this central area will improve safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.

“Pedestrians will have priority on the streets throughout the city’s core, and there will be an emphasis on the development of attractive walkways within the frames and Te Papa Ötäkaro, linking to Hagley Park.

“Separate cycleways will also be developed in the frame area, as well as cycle-priority streets in the CBD.”

More public off-street parking facilities will be encouraged, but not in the traditional sense.

“We are interested in seeing parking buildings adjacent to streets prioritised for cars, rather than those that have a cycle or pedestrian focus,” Mr Brownlee says.

“Ideally these will be built mid-block, rather than on a corner, to minimise their visual impact.”
Mr Brownlee says new off-street car parking buildings could be designed to achieve an active ground floor and with the potential for a range of uses.

The overall concept is to have at least one public parking building within five minutes’ walk of anywhere in the CBD’s core.

Mr Brownlee says accessibility is the plan’s priority.

“We want an environment that is easy for everyone to access, including those with disabilities, the older generation and those who have young children too.

“An accessible city will create an economically prosperous city and offer accessible tourism opportunities, and once our new city is back up and running this will ensure it can be enjoyed by everyone.”

The draft plan is now open for consultation and people have until Friday 1 February 2013 to make submissions through the CCDU website at www.ccdu.govt.nz

Physical submission forms are also available for download from the website or from the Christchurch City Council offices.

Further $28m approved for Skills for Canterbury

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 11:49:02 +1300

The Government is committing an extra $28 million to maintain the expanded training pipeline for trades people for the Canterbury rebuild, Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce announced today.

“Over the next few years, Christchurch will need thousands of builders, plumbers, landscapers, electricians and engineers. The Government’s funding of trades training under the Skills for Canterbury programme is helping meet this demand,” Mr Joyce says.

In 2011 under the $42 million Skills for Canterbury contingency, the Government drew down $8 million for trades training initiatives including the M?ori and Pasifika programmes nationwide.

In addition to this, $16.7 million of additional funding was sourced from TEC baselines, and $11.7 million was reprioritised by ITPs to trades training from other programmes.

“The total $36.4 million in funding to date has provided 1187 additional training places in 2011 and 2660 in 2012.

“The extra $28 million will ensure that additional trades training and student support provided in 2011 and 2012 can be maintained in 2013,” Mr Joyce says.

“In total $36.8 million has now been committed from the $42 million Skills for Canterbury contingency.

“It is crucial that we have sufficient skilled trades people trained and available to help in the rebuilding of Christchurch and this funding is an important means of increasing these numbers.

“The Government’s infrastructure programme detailed in the Building Infrastructure progress report underlines the contribution the Government is making to the training sector and to supporting jobs.

“Investing in quality infrastructure and in skills training will benefit New Zealand now and in the future.

“I strongly encourage anyone who is interested in learning one of these trades, or up skilling in their existing trade, to contact their local training provider and find out what opportunities are available to them.”

Media contact: Simon Beattie 021 243 8271

Skills and Employment Hub for Christchurch

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:34:25 +1300

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett and Immigration Minister Nathan Guy have today announced a further boost to recruitment for the Christchurch rebuild through a new Canterbury Skills and Employment Hub.

“Helping people into work on the Christchurch rebuild is a key priority for this Government and a streamlined business friendly recruitment process is vital,” says Mrs Bennett.

The Hub will be a one-stop shop for employers to list vacancies and recruit from Work and Income, the various rebuild training programmes, or where needed bring in skilled labour from overseas.

It will include a physical presence in central Christchurch and an online register of job opportunities which job seekers can access nationwide.

Four experienced and well-connected skills brokers will be seconded to the Hub to work with businesses and help match job seekers to these positions, referring them to skills or industry training where needed.

“This Government is focused on skills and pre-employment training to support people into work and help break the cycle of long term benefit dependence,” says Mrs Bennett.

“The new Hub will build on current initiatives and make the most of existing relationships with businesses in the region,” she says.

If New Zealanders aren’t available to fill advertised positions then the Hub will be able to facilitate visa applications for migrant labour.

“The Canterbury Skills and Employment Hub will also pilot a new approach to the migrant work visa process between Immigration and Work and Income,” says Mr Guy.

“This will give New Zealanders the first crack at jobs in the rebuild and save employer’s time if they have to apply to Immigration for a work visa for new staff,” he says.

The Canterbury Skills and Employment Hub pilot is expect to go live in mid-November this year.

Lifting achievement in our schools

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:02:22 +1300

As an ex-teacher and someone who is vitally concerned with educational outcomes I am very keen to make sure all our kids get the best possible education.

We have an education system that is among the best in the world. It gives our students a platform to compete here and internationally.

Four out of five kids are successfully getting the qualifications they need, and we must celebrate their success and the professionals in our system who make that possible every day. But National’s education plan is about getting five out of five.

To achieve that we’ve set an ambitious better public services target of 85 per cent of 18 year-olds achieving NCEA Level 2 or equivalent in 2017.

This is the first year we have reported the results of all 18-year-olds and we are delighted that 74.3 per cent attained NCEA Level 2 or an equivalent qualification last year.

At school level, nearly 72 per cent of school leavers achieved at least NCEA Level 2, compared with 66.4 per cent in 2009.

51 per cent of Maori students achieved NCEA Level 2 in 2011, up from 44 per cent in 2009, and Pasifika achievement has risen from 55.7 per cent to just over 63 per cent.

These are great results, but we still need to work harder to ensure all children leave school with the skills they need to reach their potential.

Until now we’ve had to rely only on NCEA data – at the end of compulsory schooling – to provide us with a picture of our education system. The introduction of National Standards has allowed us to support all learners and target those who are falling behind much earlier and give them the help they need.

The information gained from this first set of National Standards data is powerful for identifying and providing support for all learners.

Schools have put considerable effort into their reporting of National Standards and we’d like to thank them for the work they’ve done in this. It helps to raise achievement for all learners.

National Standards data is now available online at www.educationcounts.govt.nz. For parents to get a complete picture of their child’s school they need to look at schools’ ERO and annual reports - also available on the Education Counts website. They also need to talk to principals, teachers, schools trustees and other parents.

The Education Review Office has also produced a booklet to help parents ask schools about how their child is doing. It is available at http://www.ero.govt.nz/Review-Process/For-Parents/ERO-Guides-for-Parents/How-is-my-child-doing-Questions-to-ask-at-school

Education renewal in greater Christchurch

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:52:40 +1200

Education Minister Hekia Parata has today announced she will meet with school leaders in Christchurch next Thursday to discuss the approach for education renewal in the greater Christchurch area.

"The priority is delivering a network that will meet changing community needs and deliver better outcomes for learners. It is vital that the investment we make translates into improved educational performance and service delivery," says Ms Parata.

"Through this process people have recognised the unique opportunity we have to do something different and innovative. Our announcements for the schooling sector on Thursday will reflect that.

"The approach we are taking will foster closer connections across the education system. It will support children as they move from early childhood education into schooling and smooth the transitions into secondary schooling, and tertiary or further education, and encourage more young people to go on and gain higher qualifications.

"I would like to thank the sector and the wider Christchurch community for their patience. I appreciate the uncertainty has been difficult but given the scale of the challenge ahead of us, it is important we take the time to get this right."

Ms Parata also announced the establishment of three Advisory Boards to provide on-going community input and expertise to the renewal process - an Education Advisory Board, a Waitaha Advisory Board and Pasifika Advisory Board. The Ministry of Education is currently contacting potential members and further details will be released shortly.

"On-going community engagement and detailed discussions with schools and other education services and bodies will be a key feature of the work ahead," Ms Parata says.

New initiative to boost international students in Chch

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:50:23 +1200

The Government has today launched the new Christchurch Educated marketing initiative to encourage international students to study in Canterbury.

Speaking at the launch in Christchurch, Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce said the Government was committed to working with providers to boost the number of international students studying in Christchurch.

“While the numbers of overseas students studying in the region has understandably declined following the earthquakes, Canterbury is still the second most popular destination in New Zealand for international students and has a strong international reputation for providing high quality education,” Mr Joyce says.

“It has been a tough time for all providers of international education in Christchurch following the earthquakes with a 37 per cent drop in numbers in 2011.

“The Government has been working to assist international student levels in Canterbury recover to pre-quake levels by providing an extra $5 million to Education New Zealand’s nationwide marketing budget, dedicated to Christchurch.

“Christchurch Educated is about sending the message globally that Christchurch is safe and friendly, that education providers are back on their feet, and that international students are welcome in the community.”

As part of the initiative, Mr Joyce announced that work on a Christchurch Educated Student Card, the Tertiary Pathway Guarantee, and the establishment of a central meeting place in Christchurch will be undertaken over the next three months.

The Christchurch Educated Student Card will provide student identification, discounts on public transport and purchasing discounts.

Under the Tertiary Pathway Guarantee all international students that attend a Christchurch secondary school and pass University Entrance will be guaranteed entry to a degree programme at Canterbury or Lincoln Universities or the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute (CPIT). They will also be guaranteed an offer of student accommodation and the use of the libraries on all campuses.

A ‘Commons’ for international students will also be established in the central city. This will be a central place for international students to meet and receive information and advice.
“The Government has set an ambitious goal to double the economic value of New Zealand’s international education sector to $5 billion by 2025. Having more overseas students studying in Christchurch’s schools, universities, polytechs and private training establishments is a key part of achieving that goal,” Mr Joyce says.
For more information go to: http://educationnz.govt.nz/christchurch-brand

Christchurch MP praises central city Recovery Plan

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:35:48 +1200

Christchurch Central MP Nicky Wagner has praised today’s central city Recovery Plan as a significant step forward for Christchurch.

“It has really delivered a 21st century city and honoured the wishes of over 106,000 submitters to the Share an Idea forum,” Ms Wagner says.

Nicky Wagner is pleased today’s Recovery Plan provides for the replacement of the key Christchurch facilities for high performance sports, health and innovation, and a new convention centre. “These are features many residents have highlighted as a priority and I welcome the many opportunities these newly built facilities will create,” Ms Wagner says.

The MP commends the work and expertise of all those who collaborated to produce the blueprint in the designated 100-day timeframe. She believes the plans show Christchurch will be a better, stronger, more environmentally and people friendly city which is even more beautiful than before.

““I particularly like the way Christchurch will be divided into precincts of health, arts and entertainment, retail, and the justice and emergency sectors,” she says. “The ‘green frame’ concept of this plan, with the cycle ways, green spaces and setbacks from the river, will create a very walkable, user-friendly city.”

As a central city resident, Nicky Wagner shares the sentiments of many in the area who have been waiting for the central city redevelopment plans to be revealed. She estimates over half of the residents in the city centre have lost their houses, with twenty houses in her street alone having already been demolished.

“We’re delighted we can now finally move forward and look to a vibrant and innovative new central city - somewhere we can be really proud of. I believe this plan has really delivered on a concept so many Cantabrians wanted to see - a City in a Garden.”

Supporting our nation’s young people

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 09:28:19 +1200

Long-term welfare dependency is placing too many Kiwis in a life of limited choices – as a country, we can’t allow our young people to fall into this trap.

This week the Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill was passed into law, representing the National-led Government’s next step in addressing this important issue.

We started with Future Focus changes which introduced greater expectations and the next step will be the second phase of major welfare reforms which introduce new benefit categories and a greater focus on work for more people on benefits.

National believes welfare should always be there to support those in our community who genuinely need it. But we also think those people who can work, should work, or be looking for employment.

Getting off welfare and into work means a better life, better opportunities, and a brighter future for individuals and their families. Work is the path to higher incomes and better living standards. Currently there are 3000 16-17 year olds and 16-18 year old parents on a benefit.

There are also around 14,000 young people aged 16 and 17 who are classified as being not in education, employment or training and they are on a collision course with the welfare system.

We’re wrapping support around these young people and ensuring they get the education and training they need to be independent.

The Act introduces financial support in the form of a new Youth Payment and Young Parent Payment for 16 and 17-year-olds, and teen parents aged 16 to19.

With help from dedicated Youth Service providers, money management will mean their bills are paid direct, with payment cards for living costs and a small in hand allowance. The payment card will not be able to be used to pay for cigarettes or alcohol.

The new law also provides for greater flexibility in the hours of work for part-time and full-time work tests for beneficiaries subject to work test obligations.

It introduces work obligations and preparation for sole parents, widows, women alone and partners.

For those beneficiaries who have more children while on welfare, they will have one year before previous applicable work obligations resume.

Currently, our welfare system simply pays benefits to young people and teen parents, effectively leaving them to it. This will now change – we will provide more support for young people and insist they be in education or training if they want to get a benefit.

The youth support changes will take effect from August and the work obligations initiatives will come into effect in October this year.

National campaigned on these changes, and they are changes which New Zealanders voted for. Our comprehensive reform of the welfare system will bring it into the 21st Century. National is taking an active approach because we have greater aspirations for New Zealanders and their children, achieved through work, not welfare.

Boy racers be warned

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 17:27:18 +1200

Media statement: 21st June 2012

Christchurch Central MP Nicky Wagner supports the example made by today’s first car crushing under laws to crack down on illegal street racing.

“I’m right behind the Government’s move to back the police enforcement of street racing laws because it sends a strong message that we won’t tolerate dangerous, disruptive, and anti-social behaviour on our streets,” Ms Wagner says.

Police Minister Anne Tolley today pressed the button to crush the first car under this legislation in Lower Hutt.

“National responded to police in 2009 when they told us they needed better tools for dealing with these offenders. The National-led Government listened to police and took action,” Ms Wagner says.

“The car is the most prized possession of the illegal street racer. Confiscating and destroying the vehicles of the worst, repeat offenders will be the ultimate deterrent and sends a strong signal that illegal street racing will no longer be tolerated.”

“Our boy-racer legislation is an important part of National’s focus on building safer communities and this is especially important in post-earthquake Christchurch.
“The law targeting illegal street racing has been an effective deterrent since being introduced in late 2009, with a total reduction in offences of 29.6 per cent in 2010 and 2011.

“The legislation made an immediate difference and figures have continued to drop ever since. The days of thundering boy racers around the four avenues of Christchurch is gone. The earthquake has helped that too, but we want to make sure they never come back.”

“There are currently 116 offenders on two strikes, and I understand that 17 of these are from Christchurch – that number is too high.” says Nicky Wagner.