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Dear John In this issue:
New Policies—Education and FamilyBoostEducation National's Education policy Teaching the Basics Brilliantly has been well received by parents and caregivers around the country.
New Zealand's standard of education has been declining for 30 years. It is failing our children. Just 20 per cent of Year 8 students are meeting curriculum expectations for science, 35 per cent for writing, and 45 per cent for maths. They are starting secondary school on the back foot. A recent pilot of NCEA literacy and numeracy standards revealed two-thirds of high school students failed to reach the minimum level the OECD says is necessary for success in further learning, life, and work. In low-income areas, just two per cent of students attending decile one schools were able to pass a basic writing test, and just a quarter met standards for reading. That our children are embarking on adult life with such a disadvantage is a national disgrace.
National will tighten the curriculum and include clear measurable requirements about the specific knowledge and skills primary and intermediate schools will need to cover for each school year in reading, writing, maths and science. Regular testing will ensure children are making progress. We will invest in professional development for our teachers so they have the skills and confidence to teach effectively. FamilyBoost National also recognises the importance of Early Childhood Education and wants to ensure children have access to it. After housing, early childhood care costs are most expensive for families. Our FamilyBoost policy will help families who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. FamilyBoost is a childcare tax rebate. Families earning up to $180,000 will receive a 25 per cent rebate on their early childhood education expenses, up to a maximum of $75 per week, paid directly into their bank accounts every fortnight. FamilyBoost will be fully funded by cutting wasteful spending on contractors and consultants. Live with LouiseYou can watch my Live with Louise March chat on my Facebook page. I hold these on the second Tuesday of every month at 8 p.m. (details below).
Mark Mitchell visits Taupō
National's Spokesperson for Police, Corrections, Counter-Terrorism and SFO Mark Mitchell returned to Taupō a couple of weeks ago. He served in the police dog section in Taupō for many years. We visited the Tongariro Corrections team who continue to inspire with the fantastic work they do in difficult circumstances. We also met with the Taupō Community Patrol and heard about the challenges they face. They do a great job. They are looking for more volunteers. Mark Mitchell acknowledged that the work of these teams often goes unnoticed, but they are incredibly important for keeping New Zealanders safe. Team's successSome days in the job are incredibly rewarding, knowing that I have made a difference. Below is an example of the problems my team solves on a daily basis. Click here to see a great result.
Youth Advisory Board - Participants WantedI'm continuing the Taupō Youth Advisory Board, which brings together young people in the electorate to discuss issues that matter to their peers in our communities, and to find solutions to those issues. I am calling for students aged 16–18 in the Taupō electorate to join in. You can register your interest by contacting Jane Matthews at [email protected] Out and AboutTaupō WaterfrontI attended the opening of the Taupō Town Centre Transformation project—a shovel-ready project largely funded by central government with nearly $4.5 million contributed by the Taupō District Council. Traffic in the central business district has been diverted and the lake is more accessible to pedestrians. The magnificent pou designed and carved by artists Delani Brown and Kingi Pitiroi shows off their exceptional skill. It is worth a visit to the lake front just to see this. You can read more about it in this informative article by Dan Hutchinson. Taupō Airport UpdateI advocated for a new airport terminal for Taupō for many years, so it was great to finally attend the official opening on 9 March.
The building incorporates mauri stone from Mt Tauhara and rimu logs from Pureora Forest making it uniquely Taupō. When National left government in 2017 we had approval in principle for the project. It has taken six years for it to be completed—better late than never. International Women's DayMarch 8 was International Women's Day. Each of these wonderful women, and many, many more like them, give so much of their time, energy and skill to their communities. It is nice to stop and celebrate our achievements and reflect on our journey to equality.
National Family Violence ConferenceI attended the National Family Violence Conference recently to listen and learn from those working in the sector. It is important to be informed as we make policy to reduce violence in the community. Farewell to Joan Williamson-OrrI would like to pay tribute to former Taupō Mayor Joan Williamson-Orr, an incredible woman who made a remarkable impact on her community. Upcoming engagement opportunitiesFacebook LiveJoin me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you. My next chat will be: Tuesday 11 April 8 p.m. Coffee Catch UpsJoin me for coffee and share your concerns about, and priorities for, the electorate or New Zealand. I'm happy to answer your questions.
Tokoroa: Tuesday, 11 April 2023, 8 a.m.–9 a.m. Robert Harris Cafe, 284 Main Rd, Tokoroa Putāruru: Tuesday, 11 April 2023, 12 noon–1 p.m. The Cow Café, 30 Tirau Street, Putāruru Tīrau: Saturday, 15 April 2023, 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Poppy’s Café, 34 Main Rd, Tīrau Taupō: Friday, 21 April 2023, 12 noon–1.00 p.m. The Cozy Corner, Shop 15, 19 Tamamutu Street, Taupō Tūrangi: Saturday, 29 April 2023, 12 noon–1.00 p.m. Hydro Eatery, Cnr Te Rangitautahanga Rd and Pihanga Street, Tūrangi Cambridge: Saturday, 22 April 2023, 9.30 a.m.–10.30 a.m. Circus Eatery, 47 Pengover Ave, Leamington Karapiro: Saturday, 22 April 2023, 11.00 a.m.–12.00 noon The Podium, 601 Maungatautari Road, Gate 2 Karapiro Domain, Karapiro Mangakino: Saturday, 22 April 2023, 1.30 p.m.–2.30 p.m. Ata’s Bar and Eatery, 71 Rangatira Drive, Mangakino Electorate AssistanceIf you need help from my team, please get in touch. Phone 07 8275572 or email [email protected] Phone 07 8865554 or email [email protected] Phone 07 3765563 or email [email protected] Kind regards, Hon Louise Upston |
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