Nicky Wagner MP - Press Releases

Can-do Cantabrians muck in

nospam@example.com (admin) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:41:24 +1200

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.”

Government commitment to Kiwibank

nospam@example.com (admin) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 10:52:00 +1200

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.
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Christchurch to get Trades Academy in 2011

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:51:00 +1200

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.
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Taxi camera mandate a timely safety measure, says Nicky Wagner

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:55:00 +1200

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.
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Giving kids a ‘home for life’

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:50:00 +1200

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.
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Plans to reduce alcohol-related harm

nospam@example.com (admin) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 10:48:00 +1200

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.
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Locals urged to come up with festival ideas for World Cup 2011

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:46:00 +1200

Nicky Wagner is urging Christchurch locals to come up with ideas for New Zealand’s biggest ever festival.

Today the Government announced a new $9.5 million Lotteries Fund to support community events and activities in every part of the country in the lead-up to, and during, the Rugby World Cup.
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Youth Parliament fantastic opportunity

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:58:00 +1200

Youth MPs from across the country have just spent two days in Parliament. Youth Parliament is held every three years, and is an opportunity for young people to learn more about democracy, the parliamentary process, and the importance of getting involved in governing the country.

"As Deputy Chair of the Youth Parliament organising committee I am pleased to see young people responding so well to the opportunity to learn what is like to to be an MP" says Nicky Wagner.
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Nicky Wagner welcomes school broadband upgrade

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:41:00 +1200

More than 6300 central Christchurch students will benefit from the latest round of network upgrades to prepare schools for ultra-fast broadband, says Christchurch MP Nicky Wagner.

“Broadband is essential for modern schools. It’s great to see National investing in front-line services for the classroom,” says Nicky.
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Christchurch Farm Recycling Initiative goes Nationwide

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:18:00 +1200

Last month the Christchurch initiative Plasback was accredited as one of the first voluntary product stewardship schemes under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008

“I was delighted that the Plasback scheme was accredited. It provides a cost-effective way for farmers to recycle bale-wrap, agri-chemical containers and plastic packaging waste and means that they now have an environmentally friendly method of managing on-farm plastics estimated at over 7000 tonnes per annum,” says Nicky Wagner.

“Many farmers have been concerned that in the past these plastics were often buried, burned of left to litter the countryside. This scheme is a practical answer to an important environmental problem and is exactly the type of programme that the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 sought to encourage. “

To help fast-track the scheme, the Minister of the Environment Hon Dr Nick Smith has announced a $130,000 grant from the Government’s Waste Minimisation Fund. The grant will fund an information campaign to encourage farmers to become part of the nationwide recycling scheme, with the aim of recycling over 2400 tonnes of plastic waste each year as early as 2011.

“The grant is brilliant because a nationwide information campaign will quickly increase the number of farmers that become involved and on-farm environments across the country will benefit.” says Nicky Wagner.

Take the Time – Value our Older People

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:22:00 +1200

Today 15th June, 2010 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and unfortunately it is a day that is relevant to New Zealand.

“Horrific figures of elder abuse are surfacing in this country. Aged Concern confirms at least two new cases of elder abuse every day and they believe it is only the ‘tip of the iceberg’” says Nicky Wagner MP

“Most disturbing is that over 70% of the abuse is from family members. That adds additional distress to elderly people. Family loyalty means that many choose to remain silent about their treatment.”

Minister of Senior Citizens John Carter is encouraging communities to be more aware of the problem. He is working with the Ministry of Social Development to raise staff awareness of elder abuse and neglect to ensure that front-line staff can identify and support victims of elder abuse.

“I believe that we all need to learn more about this issue and recommend the Its Not OK campaign booklet “Take the Time …Value Older People”. It is available on-line or at my electorate office at 222 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch Central.

As our population ages, it is even more important that elderly people are treated with respect and dignity.“ says Nicky Wagner MP

SPEECH: Debrief and Analysis Panel on the NPT Review Conference

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:41:48 +1200

Parliament Buildings.

Tuesday 1st June 2010

It is a great relief to those of us who are interested in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament to get some traction out of the 2010 NPT review. Many people were concerned that there might have been a repeat performance of the 2005 review which was an absolute failure.

The Treaty has been in place for 40 years and is an ongoing mechanism of dealing with the very sensitive and complex issues of non-proliferation and disarmament. No one wanted to see the collapse of the treaty and if a second review process was a failure that was on the cards.

This was my first visit to the United Nations and I was fascinated to get a glimpse into how international diplomacy works and to be involved with an issue as potentially earth-shattering as nuclear weaponery.

As a Parliamentarian I'm often asked if an individual can make a difference. I believe that they can and do and I think the result of the 2010 NPT review reflects the determination of two men in particular.

The first is President Barack Obama who by taking a personal interest in non-proliferation and disarmament created new opportunities to deal with this issue. Convening the Nuclear Security Summit just a few weeks before the review and signing the disarmament agreement with Russia showed that those countries were prepared to move and signalled strongly that other countries were expected to reciprocate and to move their positions during the review process. Also, on the first day of the NPT review secretary of state Hilary Clinton promised to itemise the US armament inventory which was a further big concession. The U. S. was certainly leading by example.

The second leader who was determined to make a difference was United Nation's Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. He is passionate about this issue and absolutely committed to drive change in this area. Throughout the review you could feel the strength of his commitment and his determination to get action.

He was tireless in his work. He appeared to be everywhere. He was prepared to interact with any group, any organisation, or any individual who was committed to his way of thinking. He even took the time to take part in an Inter Parliamentary Union panel with Alyn Ware and me. It felt as if he was leading a personal crusade. It was a risky strategy for him and the UN but it paid off. I was particularly moved by his quote that this review “is an opportunity not just to avoid a nuclear nightmare but to build a safer world for all.”

It was very interesting for me to be part of the New Zealand delegation. It was a thrill to sit in the General assembly behind the New Zealand sign. And what’s more New Zealand is seen as such a leader when it comes to nuclear issues, that we were treated with enormous respect. Nice!!!

I was fascinated by the whole diplomatic process. I come from a business background where people are pretty straightforward and call a spade a spade. So I was intrigued by the total attention to detail and the underlying nuances of the smallest words in diplomatic communication.

I was in New York for the first week of the NPT review. During that week, countries made their political statements but the real action happened when the officials worked through the proposals over the following three weeks. I spent my time following the debate in the General assembly, and in a series of side meetings. Many of these were run by NGOs including Inter-Parliamentary Union and PNND- Parliamentarians for Nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. It showed me just how much influence civil society has in driving the thought and subsequent action in this area. New Zealanders are extremely active in this forum. I very proud to be a small part of the work that people like Alyn Ware, Dr Kate Dewes and Rob Green have lead over the years. And it absolutely shows that even ordinary people like us in New Zealand, as well as higher profile people like President Barack Obama and General Secretary Ban Ki-moon, can be instrumental in international decision making.

Anti cruising bylaw a welcome outcome says MP

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:00:46 +1200

Christchurch City Council is to be congratulated on its new anti cruising bylaw, says National MP Nicky Wagner.

It's pleasing that the initiative is a first for New Zealand and a welcome addition to a series of measures designed to tackle a complex issue in Christchurch, she says.

“It certainly strengthens the National-led government’s illegal street racing legislation introduced last December."

This focused on curbing dangerous, illegal and antisocial street racing behaviour, and the consequences of confiscation, demerit points and crushing have proved successful deterrents, she says. "In conjunction with government legislation, this bylaw will be further enhanced by initiatives in the management of alcohol."

Bealey Avenue moteliers contacted for comment also welcome the bylaw, saying any measures which help tourism businesses, particularly those in the affected zone, are also helping the Christchurch economy.

The anti cruising bylaw sees cars banned from driving repeatedly in the same direction on a number of designated Christchurch streets between 10pm and 5am seven days a week.

SPEECH TO BENGALI ASSOCIATION TO CELEBRATE 150TH ANNIVERSAY OF TAGORE.

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:51:30 +1200

Kia – ora and warm Pacific greetings to you all.

Thank you for inviting me today I always enjoy being part of Bengali events.

I see it as an opportunity to learn more about the very rich Bengali culture – which I can share with my Bengali sister-in-law and my gorgeous nephew Charlie Roy.

So this week I researched Tagore. I had heard of him of course from my sister-in-law Needya but this week I learned much more.

What a brilliant man!! A real creative genius – and someone who was really admired by both the East and the West - hugely revered Indian poet, novelist playwright, and musician of the East.

And particularly relevant for all of you who are citizens of both the East and the West and those who have made the difficult decision to leave your original homes and come to make a new life in Christchurch and New Zealand.

“Let us not pray to be sheltered from danger but fearless when facing them” he said
Everyone faces difficult times during their lives and Tagore makes the point that as no-one can escape we must be courageous as we face the trials. His quote is particularly relevant to the tribulations of life to families who are courageous enough to travel to a new country - like many of the people here today.

Another great Tagore quote is “I have become my own version of an optimist. If I cant make it through one door, I’ll go through another door – or I’ll make a door.”

What a practical, positive statement!! Tagore inspires us to find new ways to progress our lives and encourages us to be innovative and creative. Again a very relevant comment on life in the 21st Century.

I hope you all enjoy this celebration of Tagore’s 150th birthday. Tagore was an amazingly multi-talented forward thinking man – he calls on the wisdom of the past to create a modern message for the 21st century.

Christchurch MP joins UN delegation to New York

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 05 May 2010 13:59:55 +1200

4 May 2010

National MP Nicky Wagner is at the United Nations head quarters in New York this week for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, as part of the New Zealand delegation led by Disarmament Minister Georgina te Heuheu.

"As deputy chair of the New Zealand Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (NZPNND), I am pleased to support our delegation at this very important Conference”, Ms Wagner said.

“The NPT, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, stands at the heart of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime.”

In my role I have also been asked to speak at a Parliamentarians Forum on 6 May and been invited to meet with several international parliamentary groups as representative for the NZPNND," says Ms Wagner.

"New Zealand has been helping to shape anti-nuclear policy for decades. We gain credit for our global contribution at all level," she says.

At the forum, Ms Wagner is scheduled to meet up with Costa Rican PNND Global Council representative Dr Edine von Herold, whom she hosted in Christchurch last month as a guest of the NZPNND.