NICKY WAGNER MP for Christchurch Central

Budding engineers learn straight from the experts

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:23:19 +1200

With so much infrastructure repair and redevelopment going on in Christchurch, it must surely be having an influence on our children – and igniting an interest in all branches of engineering for many children in our schools.

So what a fantastic opportunity for the year seven and eight children in Mr Chaplin’s room one class at Phillipstown School to learn from the experts in carrying out their project to resurface the school’s damaged netball courts.

Harry Brownlee, a civil engineer for Fletcher Construction and a Futureintech ambassador, came along to talk to the children today and really got them thinking about the whole civil engineering process from start to finish – from forming a project team, selecting a project manager, researching and deciding on the best and most cost effective finish, sourcing material and funding, to carrying out the resurfacing process.

The children offered some really well-considered responses and are clearly looking forward to their challenge. It’s wonderful to see communities working together on practical projects where young people having access to professional expertise from ‘real life’ engineers. Harry was joined by Futureintech facilitator Catherine Smith, while Phillipstown School head of technology Daniel Gorman is co-ordinating the project.

Initiatives like these may well kindle exciting future career choices for our children. They raise expectations and are a fine example of schools and industry professionals collaborating to inspire future generations.

Prime Minister visits St Margaret’s College

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:32:00 +1200

St Margaret’s College was delighted to host the Prime Minister yesterday and share their post-earthquake story of rebuilding the school. John Key toured the campus with Executive Principal Gillian Simpson and was welcomed by Head Girl Caroline Turnbull.

I joined the Prime Minister at the school assembly held in a large marquee in the grounds. After John Key addressed the assembly, the girls clearly relished the opportunity to ask questions, and the day proved a special and memorable occasion for all.

I would like to make special mention of a stunning sculpture newly installed in the school grounds. Called "Twisted City," the sculpture by Leah Fraser Henderson was gifted to the school at their 2011 prizegiving by the Parents and Friends Association. It represents Christchurch and the school’s own community, with the linking and supporting of hands in a never-ending circle that has been twisted but is not broken.

A very special and fitting representation of the earthquake recovery and rebuild.

MP Congratulates Local Green Ribbon Award Finalists

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:05:24 +1200

Nicky Wagner MP today congratulated local organisations and a business who are finalists in the 2012 Green Ribbon Awards. J. Friend and Co, a business that specialises in NZ Artisan Honey, the Te Ara Kakariki- Greenway Canterbury Trust, which promotes the planting in Native plants in Canterbury, and the Avon Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust which works to provide better management of the Estuary are all among 35 finalists announced by Environment Minister Amy Adams.

J. Friend and Co is nominated in the Reducing our Greenhouse Gas Emissions category.
Te Ara Kakariki- Greenway Canterbury Trust is nominated in the Community Leadership category.

Avon Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust is nominated in the Protecting our Coasts and Oceans category.
“The Government recognises how important the environment is to New Zealanders and our quality of life” Nicky Wagner says. “It’s central to our international reputation, our primary sector, our growing tourism market and our economy. Many of the finalists represent the Government’s belief that economic growth and sensible environmental stewardship can and should go hand in hand.”

“Over the 21 years of the Green Ribbon Awards more than 100 environmental champions have been recognised. This year, 284 nominations were received across 12 categories. The categories represent a broad range of environmental challenges that New Zealand faces, and the committed, innovative actions taken to address them.”

The winners of each category and an overall supreme winner will be announced during an awards ceremony at Parliament on 5 June, World Environment Day.

“I am looking forward to meeting all the Green Ribbon Award finalists at the Awards Ceremony. And cheering on our local finalists. They all thoroughly deserve this recognition.” says Nicky Wagner

Video Update - 17 May 2012

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:38:22 +1200

Nicky talks about an issue that she has been thinking about for awhile - What is happening to all the fixtures and fittings from buildings being demolished in Christchurch?

MP welcomes Canterbury recovery announcement

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:50:56 +1200

Media statement: 17TH May 2012

Christchurch Central MP Nicky Wagner has welcomed today’s announcement the recovery of Canterbury is on track and starting to hit its stride.

In a pre-Budget announcement with Prime Minister John Key in Christchurch today, Earthquake Recovery Minister Mr Brownlee said the Government will have spent $2.45 billion of the $5.5 billion Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund by 30 June this year on important rebuild and recovery initiatives in the wider region.

“This is a clear reflection of the government’s commitment to Christchurch,” Ms Wagner says. “Supporting the rebuild of our city is one of the National-led Government’s four priorities for this term and today’s announcement clearly shows we have stood by this assurance.”

Nicky Wagner has emphasised the government’s focus of ensuring that residents are settled into warm and safe houses and that businesses are supported so that there are plenty of jobs in the city.

“Getting new subdivisions up and running for people who have been forced to move is a key priority,” she says.

Ms Wagner welcomes the forecast allocation of $2.17 billion from the Fund in the coming financial year to the repair and replacement of damaged horizontal infrastructure.

“We need to be sure that everyone in the city can access infrastructure that delivers drinking water, manages our waste and storm water, and that our roads are fixed.” she says.

The Christchurch Central MP has praised the work of the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT), which is employing around 950 people.

She shares Minister Brownlee’s view the SCIRT team has wasted no time identifying what needed to be done and just got on with the job of getting Cantabrians’ lives back to normal.

“They are working in every neighbourhood. And although it is sometimes inconvenient we are all keen to see the work done quickly and efficiently. With $40 million work forecast to be completed each month and an estimated 120 to 150 work sites underway throughout the city at any one time, the signs are very strong for Christchurch.”

Avon Park Petition bound for Posterity

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:32:37 +1200

From ..The Christchurch Press Tuesday May 15th.

A labour of love went into the petition to Parliament seeking to turn residential red-zoned area of eastern Christchurch into a park. The petition was “Respectfully asking the House of Representatives to work with the people and local authorities in Christchurch to ensure that the River Avon red zone becomes a reserve and river park when the homeowners have to leave”

Over 18,000 signatures were bound into two sturdy volumes and taken on a symbolic journey from Christchurch to Wellington this month.

The petition was lovingly bound by hand by Peggy Kelly as she rediscovered old bindery skills, traditions, equipment, paper makers, calligraphers and old friends , creating something that not only pays tribute to the hours spent collecting signatures but respects the people who signed – often with sadness – including those people who have had to leave their homes and their land.

The Avon-Otakaro Network referred to as AvON, organised the day which began in the morning with a blessing at Shag Rock/Rapanui and drew on the willingness of canoeists, rowers, harriers, school students, cyclists and AvON supporters on foot to carry the tomes from the estuary along the river and over land to Christchurch airport. And then to Parliament where it was received Nicky Wagner MP for Christchurch Central and other MPs from the Greens and Labour.

Nicky Wagner MP welcomes insulation milestone

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:54:00 +1200

The Government’s initiative to help insulate New Zealand homes has been an outstanding success. Today we have reached the milestone of 150,000 homes insulated under Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart, said Nicky Wagner, MP for Christchurch Central.

As an integral part of the Canterbury earthquake rebuild “Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart is making a real difference to people in Christchurch and Canterbury. To date 24,652 houses in the Canterbury region have been retrofitted under the scheme” MP Nicky Wagner said.

“Each of those homes represents around two to three people so up to 73,956 people in Canterbury are now better off.

“Delivering better public services is one of National’s four key priorities, and insulating homes is a great example of this. Insulated homes are easier and cheaper to heat and keep at healthy temperatures. Warmer homes mean fewer visits to the doctor, and less need to take time off work or school.

“The scheme is run by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority and offers funding to homes built before 2000 to help homeowners get ceiling or underfloor insulation. The programme is also a key part of our Relationship Accord with the Maori Party and our Memorandum of Understanding with the Green Party.

“I’m pleased that we have reached the milestone of 150,000 homes insulated under the scheme, and particularly delighted that 24,652 Canterbury households are now living warmer and healthier lives,” MP Nicky Wagner said.

Catholic Cathedral College students impress Education Minister

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:08:32 +1200

Education Minister Hon Hekia Parata clearly enjoyed her time talking with Catholic Cathedral College senior students and staff at the College this morning. I joined the Minister at her visit, where earthquake experiences shaped much the discussion.

We were both very impressed with the confident and articulate manner in which the students related their experiences of the 22 February earthquake itself and the way they had managed their school site sharing arrangement during the long, cold winter months.

What is particularly impressive, in spite of these most challenging of circumstances, is that the College achieved stunning success in their NCEA results in 2011, particularly among Maori and Pasifika students.

Principal Bruce Henley acknowledged the Ministry for its strong support in enabling the College to get through such a tough and disruptive year while Mike Nolan, Manager of the Catholic Education Office, thanked Minister Parata on behalf of all the Catholic schools in Christchurch, particularly those having sustained significant damage and needing to relocate.

The Minister emphasised how frequently she refers to Christchurch and its handling of post-earthquake education challenges, as a role model for the rest of the country.

Catholic Cathedral College senior students from left: Sigrid Waszczak; Samantha Lakin (Head Girl); Cody Te Awa; Lincoln Schaapsmeerders-Noah (Head Boy); Chontalle Biram-Mailangi

From left: Nicky Wagner MP; Lincoln Schaapsmeerders-Noah (Head Boy); Cody Te Awa; Minister Parata; Principal Bruce Henley; Samantha Lakin (Head Girl); Sigrid Waszczak;
Chontalle Biram-Mailangi

Draft education renewal programme for greater Christchurch released

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:04:51 +1200

The Education and Tertiary Education Ministers have today released a draft programme to guide the renewal of the education network in greater Christchurch following the Canterbury earthquakes.

“Directions for Education Renewal in Greater Christchurch” is the result of several months of engagement with education leaders, teachers, young people, business leaders, stakeholders, and Ngai Tahu.

It outlines a number of proposals which could change the way education is delivered in the greater Christchurch area.

Among the ideas being proposed is the establishment of education campuses which would see tertiary education, schools, early childhood education and social services on a single site, and the introduction of more flexible learning spaces that could be configured to suit different types of teaching and learning.

Education Minister Hekia Parata says central and local government have worked tirelessly with the education sector to minimise the disruption and restore services to the community since the first earthquake.

“It is clear, however, that given the extent of the damage and the population movement that the sector cannot be returned to how it was,’’ Ms Parata says.

“Therefore we have an opportunity to address the inequalities and ensure we have a locally relevant yet best practice education system that equips all learners with the knowledge and skills to be successful citizens in the 21st century.’’

Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, Steven Joyce says “Directions for Education Renewal in Greater Christchurch” places considerable emphasis on the relationship between education and the regional economy.

“Tertiary education has a key role to play in supporting recovery both economically and socially,” Mr Joyce says.

“It will be key to providing the skills and knowledge needed to help get greater Christchurch back on its feet and to grow and prosper.’’

The draft programme proposes supporting and strengthening tertiary education institutions’ (TEIs) to build on areas that are economically important such as engineering and agriculture, sharing of tertiary facilities and better collaboration between TEIs and businesses to improve the understanding of each other’s needs.

“It is an investment in the futures of our children and young people,” Mr Joyce says.

“Directions for Education Renewal in greater Christchurch” is available online at www.shapingeducation.minedu.govt.nz. Submissions open on May 11 and close on May 31 2012. An implementation plan will then be developed.

Video update

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:51:00 +1200

In this video update Nicky talks about her recent trip into the Red Zone and some of the developments that have taken place in recent weeks. Nicky also talks about some of the positive developments around the protection of historical building frontage within the Red Zone and the rebuilding of residential buildings in the city.

160 Good Reason - 8 May

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:17:00 +1200

Hello everyone

I have just returned from a very interesting and worthwhile trip to China. This trip involved several meetings focused on building trade and visiting New Zealand-Chinese businesses founded by partners from both countries.

In particular, we visited a manufacturer of laboratory equipment and reagents, while a second visit of note was the ‘turning of the sod’ for a new research and development institute specialising in agricultural equipment.

We were warmly welcomed in China and our hosts spoke extremely highly of New Zealand. It is always a pleasure to represent New Zealand abroad and I look forward to future communication about New Zealand-Chinese business partnerships.

Aspiring Leaders come forward!

Each July around 160 young leaders between the ages of 18 and 30 meet together in Wellington for the annual Aspiring Leaders’ Forum on faith and values to discuss the principles that underpin leadership.

The Forum is privately funded and every year I sponsor a young person from Christchurch.

I invite you to nominate a young leader in your community who you think is outstanding in their field and shows long term leadership capacity.

Last year I was proud to support Yoonha Park and the year before, Fine Koloamatangi, in their experience as a Aspiring Leaders.

Here’s what Yoonha Park had to say:

“I had the privilege of attending the Aspiring Leaders’ Forum in Wellington last year. Listening to some of the seminars in Parliament really motivated me to become a true multicultural Kiwi leader, to change this nation into a better place. Everyone that participated in the Forum, including myself, had one goal in common – that our generation will work together to help New Zealand become more accepting of multiculturalism and see more cultural diversity in our national leaders.“

Inspiring as well as aspiring!!

Yoonha Park at the Beehive

Buddha’s Birthday celebrations

By all accounts Buddha’s birthday celebrations at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple were as fabulous as ever. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend as I was part of an official delegation to China. However my representative Kirsten Chambers attended on my behalf, and marvelled at the spectacular display of colour and ceremonial protocol.
Venerable Abbess Manshin was joined by a host of dignitaries to mark the occasion, and representatives from across the interfaith sector addressed the ceremony, along with District Commander Gary Knowles, Members of Parliament, and a number of others.

The celebration also featured the official opening of an art exhibition of Zen and calligraphy painting by acclaimed Melbourne-based artists Mr Tram Kim Hoa. After the official birthday ceremony, he presented a live demonstration of his artistic skills to a very captive audience in the public gallery area of the temple.

The exhibition runs until the 20 May.

My parliamentary colleagues Hon Kate Wilkinson and Melissa Lee addressed the event and joined in the cutting of the ribbon to officially open the art exhibition.

Mother’s Day celebrations at the Buddhist Temple

It’s time to get cake icing for Mother’s Day. The Buddhist Temple is hosting live demonstrations of Mother’s Day cake icing from the 11th – 13th March.
All welcome.

Partnership Health at the Migrants Centre

For counselling support for those from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Wayne Reid is ethnic liaison for Partnership Health Canterbury, assisting with issues related to moving to a new country and leaving friends and family behind, which can lead to stressful situations. Stress can present itself in many forms: earthquake-related unemployment, alcohol consumption, anger, gambling, grief, migration.

Partnership Health provides a free, confidential counselling service from qualified, professional, bi-lingual counsellors and is available to you as an individual or your family as a whole.

“There is no shame in seeking help; quite the reverse. Strength lies in the asking.”

Location
Partnership Health Canterbury
Christchurch Migrants Centre
166 St Asaph St (near the central bus exchange)

Nicky Wagner MP and Wayne Reid, Ethnic liaison,
Partnership Health Canterbury

Contacts

Refugee Background: Vida Hazrati – phone: 021 1673114
vidahazrati.partnershiphealth@gmail.com

Korean: Michael Kim – phone: 027 2100 479 michaelkim.partnershiphealth@gmail.com

Mandarin/English: Qing Tang: Ask to be referred by your GP

Japanese/English: Rika Savage – phone 027-517-8155 rikasavage.partnershiphealth@gmail.com

Mandarin/English – Addictions Shelly Hou – phone 022 0672248
lijiehou.partnershiphealth@gmail.com

Nicky Wagner MP Open Desk at the Christchurch Migrants Centre

I will be holding an open desk at the Christchurch Migrants Centre alongside the police on Thursday 17th May from 3-4 pm. If I can help you with anything, feel free to give my office a call on 365 8297 and I will arrange a time to speak with you at my open desk at the Migrants Centre at 166 St Asaph Street.

‘Turning the Sod’ and blessing for the new Christchurch Central Police Station

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:32:54 +1200

This morning saw the official turning of the sod and karakia for the site of the new Christchurch Central police station at the corner of St Asaph and Antigua Streets. Hon Kate Wilkinson represented Police Minister Anne Tolley for the official ceremony and joined Canterbury District Commander Gary Knowles with a spade for the turning of the sod.

Also attending, among a host of community and service representatives, were Dan Coward of CERA and the NZ Fire Service, Christchurch City Councillor Barry Corbett, Inspector Derek Erasmus, Police Chaplain Reverend Barlow, and Rev Maurice Gray and Police Iwi Liaison Officer Tim Riwaka, who both conducted the karakia.

Addressing the ceremony, District Commander Knowles acknowledged the special day as a new beginning, and emphasised the importance of the new station being within the four avenues, showing commitment to central Christchurch.

Hon Kate Wilkinson publicly thanked the police for their outstanding work through the earthquake rescue and recovery phase, and said it how fantastic it is to see the police still in the central city after 139 years.

The newly built central police station is expected to open in November.

Canterbury DHB demonstrates innovation and resilience

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:52:46 +1200

“The work the Canterbury District Health Board has done during and after the Canterbury earthquakes has been extraordinarily impressive”, says MP for Christchurch Central Nicky Wagner.

Chief Executive of the CDHB David Meates, Chairman of the CDHB Bruce Matheson, and Deputy Chair of the CDHB Peter Ballantyne presented to the Health Select Committee in Parliament today.

Although much CHDB infrastructure had been severely damaged, the health system has demonstrated a resilience that has left the rest of the world in awe of their achievements.

“CDHB reacted quickly, again and again, designing and redesigning its services so that they could be most effectively delivered to the community.” says Ms Wagner

“We have faced a lot of challenges in Canterbury over the past 3 years but National is committed to growing and protecting our public health service, and the CDHB is a stunning example of this.”

Out of necessity comes change and in the CDHB case they developed new models and delivered breakthrough innovations that the rest of New Zealand can benefit from.

The CREST programme, a $7.5 million Canterbury project, was initiated a few weeks after the first earthquake. CREST enabled elderly patients to be discharged rather than stay in scarce hospital beds. Elderly people were taken home by a trained support worker, who would assess their home for safety and look at what help they would need to stay there.

Overall, the action plans of the CDHB have been astounding. Productivity has increased and is noticeable with a 36 per cent increase in elective surgery over 3 years –that’s 4000 more operations. The CDHB has also achieved the third lowest acute readmission rate in New Zealand.

“As MP for Christchurch Central I am proud to work with the CDHB, a health provider that is built on excellence,” says Ms Wagner.

TC3 Green - Blue Foundations Update

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 02 May 2012 09:55:09 +1200

The Department of Building & Housing has just released its guidelines for repairing and rebuilding foundations in Christchurch’s Technical Category 3 zones.

These are intended for professional geotechnical and structural engineers who have the job of designing appropriate foundation systems for individual properties. The guidelines aim to provide well-balanced engineering solutions that will reduce the risk of injury to people and damage to homes in future earthquakes.

For new or replacement foundations it specifies three types of foundation design. These are: (1) deep piles (2) site ground improvements, and (3) surface structures with shallow foundations.

There has been much anticipation over these guidelines, with many questions arising out of public and private discussions.
To address these questions and concerns, I have arranged for a sector representative familiar with the geotechnical process to present the guidelines to my staff so they are fully briefed going into this next phase. This will be held next Tuesday 8th May and I would be happy to pass on any questions you may have that you feel have perhaps not been fully answered in the literature and information currently available.

If you have a question relating to the process and would like me to present this to the sector representative next Tuesday, feel free to email me. I will then respond with the answers.

Video update

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 02 May 2012 09:07:00 +1200

In her latest update Nicky talks about her recent trip to China. Nicky discusses the contributions that China made in response to the Christchurch earthquakes and the rebuild. She then goes on to discuss some of the visits she made in China, including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise as well as a number of Chinese- New Zealand joint ventures. Nicky then goes on to discuss her visit to the Energy Conservation and Environment Protection Authority in Beijing and some of the research that is being done there. Nicky finishes by talking about the importance of the relationship between New Zealand and China.

NICKY WAGNER MP for Christchurch Central

Budding engineers learn straight from the experts

Prime Minister visits St Margaret’s College

MP Congratulates Local Green Ribbon Award Finalists

Video Update - 17 May 2012

MP welcomes Canterbury recovery announcement

Avon Park Petition bound for Posterity

Nicky Wagner MP welcomes insulation milestone

Catholic Cathedral College students impress Education Minister

Draft education renewal programme for greater Christchurch released

Video update

160 Good Reason - 8 May

‘Turning the Sod’ and blessing for the new Christchurch Central Police Station

Canterbury DHB demonstrates innovation and resilience

** TC3 Green - Blue Foundations Update **

Video update

TC3 Green - Blue Foundations Update