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Dear John In this issue:
In the HouseParliament has been in recess for a couple of weeks, so we had a busy week last week with the House in urgency passing a number of pieces of legislation. We are still working hard to achieve everything in our work programme and will continue to do so at pace. Minister's NewsScrutiny WeekMinisters on both sides of the House were keen for more scrutiny of public spending, so Parliament has introduced Scrutiny Week. At dedicated Select Committee hearings, Ministers and department heads will be scrutinised, in person, over spending decisions. In each hour-long session, the majority of time is allocated to Opposition questions so MPs can hold the Executive to account. Scrutiny Week has been inspired by Australian Parliament. On 19 June, I appeared at Select Committee hearings for nearly five hours to discuss issues across my portfolios. It was a good opportunity for me to explain the rationale behind our increased spending for disability support services ($1.1B), and increased funding across the employment portfolio (also $1.1B). It is essential that we shift resources to the front line so that people have access to the support that they need, and that our front-line staff are equipped to provide support and services. That is what our government has done across the board, to make a tangible difference in your daily lives. Our government has been focused on growing the economy, restoring law and order and delivering better public services across health, and education which is the core foundation of Budget 2024. As Minister for Employment (MSD), I remain committed to supporting people off welfare and into work, which is exactly why there has been additional funding to ensure we can reach our target of 50,000 less people on the Jobseeker Support Benefit by 2030. Last week I announced that jobseekers will be required to touch base with Ministry for Social Development six months into receiving the support through MSD’s Work Check Ins. This is in addition to MSD’s programme Korero Mahi where job seekers are required to attend work seminars within two weeks of their benefit starting. This will ensure that we have a more proactive welfare system, and that people are supported back into work. In the coming weeks, Parliament will be in recess, and so I will be out in the community and around the country meeting with portfolio stakeholders to hear how our government's plan is being implemented, and the success they are seeing with the changes we have made. Volunteer WeekThank you to everyone who volunteers across the electorate and New Zealand – firefighters, sports coaches, those who champion the environment like Greening Taupō and the Cambridge Tree Trust, Urban Miners, those who look out for their elderly or disabled neighbours, Rotary Club members . . . You make the country a better place. In my capacity as Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, I was pleased to attend the Mahi Aroha Awards to celebrate National Volunteer Week. Dress for SuccessThe mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Gaining financial independence provides dignity and has a flow-on effect helping families and communities. Many women wanting to re-enter the workforce struggle to afford clothes suitable for a job interview and don't have the confidence to put an outfit together. Dress for Success helps with providing pre-loved clothing and provides support, encouragement and confidence for women while they get back on their feet. It celebrated 25 Years of service this month, and I was thrilled to speak at the celebration. Their services can be accessed through Work and Income. Breast Cancer AwarenessIt was
an honour to speak at the Pink Ribbon fundraiser in South Auckland
this month alongside the first Indian ambassador for the New Zealand
Breast Cancer Foundation, Kanwal Singh Bakshi.
 The
more we can raise awareness about signs to look for and the importance
of regular mammograms, the more lives we can save.
My
thoughts are with my parliamentary colleague Marama Davidson as she
undergoes treatment.
Comavol Taupō More than a million New Zealanders volunteer each year. It was great to see volunteers being matched with organisations which need help at the recent Community and Volunteer Expo (Comavol) in Taupō. Kiwis helping kiwis is one of the things that makes our communities strong and makes New Zealand such a great place to live. Electorate NewsKing's Birthday HonoursCongratulations to David Cade KSM, better known to many as Didymo Dave, for his well-deserved King's Service Medal for services to conservation and biosecurity awareness. He has spent countless hours voluntarily educating people about biosecurity risks like didymo algae and Asian clams, trapping pests and picking up other people's rubbish. Andrea Blair ONZM of Taupō thoroughly deserves her recognition for services to the geothermal industry and women. She has also been recognised on the global stage for her services to the geothermal industry. Anthony McGovern MMZM of Cambridge was honoured for services to the racing industry. His 50-year career in the Thoroughbred racing industry includes being a Chief Starter in New Zealand and Hong Kong, providing advisory services to New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing on race starting procedures and mentoring the next generation of industry participants. Fraser Lake KSM of Turangi was honoured for services to the community. He has been a St John First Responder since 2006, working in the Omori, Kuratau, Whareroa, Pukawa, Turangi and the Western Bays areas, and a tireless fundraiser for new buildings and equipment. Sadly, Rob Feisst passed away before his KSM for services to the Cambridge community was officially awarded, but fortunately he knew about it. Rob was on the Cambridge Town Hall Trust and a strong advocate for restoring the building. He was also involved in the Cambridge Community Board, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Cambridge Rackets Club. He was also on the Armistice committee and a long-serving trustee of Cambridge’s Health and Community Trust. Firefighters' Gold Star AwardsCongratulations to Tokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade station officer Bill Pearce (50 years’ service – Double Gold Star award) and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mike Gubb (25 years’ service – Gold Star award). Also, congratulations to Putāruru Brigade members Jon Rewi (Double Gold Star) and Nathan Bennetto (Long Service Good Conduct 2nd bar). Fieldays
It was great to catch up with so many of you at the 56th Fieldays. It is encouraging to see so many employment opportunities in the rural sector, and exciting to see the new innovations being developed. Innovation is the heart of a strong economy, especially when targetting a doubling of exports. Congratulations to Penny Ranger from St Peter's School in Cambridge for winning the Young Innovator Award for entrants 19 years old and under. Her invention, called Mark-It, colours the side of a sheep's mouth as it is drenched so it doesn't get drenched twice or missed completely. Brilliant! Post-Budget Business Breakfasts
It was great to catch up with so many of you for Post-Budget Business Breakfasts earlier this month and discuss how the Coalition Government will get New Zealand back on track. I hosted Post-Budget Business Breakfasts in Taupō, Cambridge and Tokoroa. It was great to be able to explain in detail some of the budget highlights and receive feedback from constituents and business groups. These open the conversation to hear from you directly how you feel about the Government's priorities, and I was pleased to understand that Budget 2024 has been well received. Youth Advisory Board
I enjoyed meeting some of the senior students from across the electorate at the recent Youth Advisory Board. Students shared their ideas and concerns about New Zealand. We had a debate about Easter trading and the member's bill that is currently before Parliament. It's a conscience vote, so it was great to hear their views. It is heartening to see the next generation of leaders are passionate about their country. Taupō Club Celebrates Philippine IndependenceIt was great to catch up with the Taupō Filipino Club who were celebrating the 126th anniversary of Philippine democracy recently. New Lynn MP Paulo Garcia, the first member of Parliament of Filipino descent, joined us for the celebrations. He also provided me with a traditional outfit for the occasion.
MatarikiIt was nice to take time to enjoy a meal with family over the long weekend. It was also nice to get out into the garden and plant some strawberries and garlic and pick some citrus for marmalade. Pottering in the garden is great for relaxation and reflection. I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend. Van Dyk Furnishers Golden Anniversary Congratulations to the Van Dyk family who are celebrating 50 years in business after opening their first furniture store in Putāruru in 1974. To mark the occasion, they are donating 25 children’s bikes and helmets to Heart Kids NZ, Kids in Need, and Putāruru Primary School. Sheep Dog Trials There is something about sheep dog trials—the bond between person and dog, the hold-your-breath tension, the sheer skill on display—so I really enjoyed attending the Taupō-Tūrangi fundraiser with 250 dog trial enthusiasts at the Bayleys Greenlea Rescue Helicopter Dog Trials. Such a great cause. I was grateful the event was held indoors at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, Taupō. Upcoming Engagement OpportunitiesClinicsClinics are by appointment only. Please see office contact details listed below. Taupō: Friday 12 July Cambridge: Monday 15 July South Waikato: Tuesday 16 July Facebook LiveJoin me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the second Tuesday of each month. My next live chat will be: Tuesday 9 July 8 p.m. See this month's Facebook Live here. Electorate AssistancePhone 07 8275572 or email [email protected] Phone 07 8865554 or email [email protected] Phone 07 3765563 or email [email protected] Kind regards Louise Upston Funded by Parliamentary Service |
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