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Dear John In this issue:
Prime Minister Opens Tauhara Geothermal Power Station, Taupō Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined me in Taupō for the official opening of Contact Energy’s new geothermal Tauhara Power Station last week. When operating at full capacity – 174MW – the environment-friendly power station will generate 3.5 per cent of New Zealand’s electricity, powering the equivalent of around 200,000 households. Pressured steam is used to turn the turbine to generate electricity. Tauhara is expected to displace around 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year as it replaces fossil fuel generation and helps achieve our Net Zero 2050 goal.
In the HouseIt’s been a busy November in the House as our Government continues delivering better outcomes for New Zealanders. We have successfully reduced inflation from 5.6 per cent a year ago to 2.2 per cent – the first time the rate has been back within the Reserve Bank’s target range of 1 to 3 per cent since March 2021. Falling inflation and interest rates, along with tax relief and FamilyBoost payments, mean families are now better off than they were a year ago. Minister's NewsRoyal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care We are introducing several law changes to better protect people in state care, in response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill Legislation to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system passed its first reading this month. The changes will improve outcomes for children and young people in New Zealand through structural changes to the Independent Children’s Monitor and Children and Young People’s Commission by:
These changes address some of the findings in the final report of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry. We are providing confidence to New Zealanders that the rights of our children and young people will be protected. Launch of the Child and Youth Strategy 2024–27 This month I launched our Government’s Child and Youth Strategy 2024–27 that sets out our plan to improve the lives of children and young people in New Zealand. We are committed to giving New Zealanders more opportunities to get ahead, including investing in children and young people to ensure they experience a good life. That’s why we made significant investments in Budget 2024 with policies that support families experiencing material hardship including tax relief, FamilyBoost and increasing the In-Work Tax Credit. The Strategy can be found here. Gender Pay Gap Toolkit The Gender Pay Gap Toolkit I launched when Acting Minister for Women was released by the Minister of Women Nicola Grigg this month. The Ministry for Women, Champions for Change and private sector leaders have developed the toolkit to help organisations understand and act to close the gender pay gap. Currently, women are paid 8.2 per cent less than men (on average). Reducing this gap empowers women through economic independence. The Pay Gap Toolkit will be accessible initially on the Ministry for Women website. It includes:
Electorate NewsKinleith Mill Ending Paper Production I was concerned to learn that around 230 workers’ jobs are at risk with Oji Fibre Solutions’ proposal to end paper production at the Kinleith Mill after June 2025. I really feel for those workers and their families. This will be an incredibly difficult time for them. And it will have a flow-on effect on the community. MSD will work closely with affected staff to provide employment support. The closure will be a blow to the region. Businesses around the country are feeling the effects of several years of low economic growth and recession, which is why the Government is so focused on rebuilding the economy. There is more work to be done, but there are signs of improvement with inflation back under control, business confidence increasing, and interest rates falling. Sounds Air Retiring Taupō-Wellington Route I am also saddened that Sounds Air has made the difficult decision to retire its Taupō service which has long served as a vital link for communities across our region. Again, my thoughts are with staff who might be adversely impacted by this decision. Having been the first passenger on the inaugural Sounds Air flight from Taupō to Wellington, and used the service regularly, I know what a profound impact it will have on local businesses, families, and individuals who rely on this connection to access essential services and maintain connectivity with the capital and the rest of New Zealand.
Youth Parliament Youth Parliament, organised by the Ministry of Youth Development, will take place from late April to August next year, with two days in Parliament at the beginning of July. Up to 123 young people from across New Zealand (aged 16 to 18 years on the application closing date) will be selected as Youth MPs and will experience the political process and learn about the inner workings of government. Up to 20 young reporters (aged between 16 and 24 years) will also be selected for the Youth Press Gallery and learn about the role of the fourth estate. Keep a look out for more details on how to apply. Asian/Gold Clam Invasive Pest A second species of the invasive Asian/Gold Clams was found in a man-made lagoon at the Lake Taupō Aqua Park in March. As we enter the summer boating and swimming season, I urge you to Check, Clean, Dry anything that has been in contact with water from the Waikato River or the hydro lakes to prevent spread of the pest to other areas like the Te Arawa Lakes (Rotorua area). Controlled Area Notices are in force for the Waikato River and the Te Arawa lakes. Lake Ōkataina has additional protections in place.
Photo: NIWA Taupō District Council Future Development Strategy An estimated 25,500 people will live in the Taupo district by 2060, requiring another 12,300 homes and associated infrastructure. Taupō District Council is planning for this growth and is seeking feedback on its draft Future Development Strategy and draft District Plan Changes before 4p.m. on 20 December. 2024 Waikato Business Awards Congratulations to the 2024 Supreme Award winners of the Waikato Business Awards, Waitomo Group. The fuel sector market disrupters were announced as finalists in five of the ten Waikato Business Awards categories in September, so it was not surprising when they claimed the major award. It was great to be amongst the progressive innovators in the business world and hear their positivity for the future. Photographer: Stephen Barker @barkerphotography I Am Me pilot programme Cambridge I was pleased to speak at the launch of the I Am Me pilot programme in Cambridge. The programme will support Cambridge women who have been victims of family violence to regain their mana and independence. On average, one report of family violence is received every day in Cambridge. It is estimated that is only about a third of actual incidents – and the number is growing rapidly. I encourage you call the Police if you are being threatened, or seek help from Women’s Refuge, Cambridge Community House or Violence Free Waipa Network for example. Diwali It was a pleasure to attend the recent Diwali celebrations in Taupō organised by the Taupo Multicultural Community and Indian Community earlier this month.
This weekend is the annual Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge – New Zealand’s largest cycling event – and roads will be busy as cyclists and supporters head to Taupō. Cyclists will be on SH32, SH41 and SH1. Follow the advice to ‘stay wider of the rider’ (at least 1.5m clearance). The Gravel Grind course will cross Broadlands Road twice. Stop/Go controls will be in place. Ironman Taupō is gearing up to host 6000 of the best professional and age group triathletes from around the world next month. This is the first year the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship will be held in New Zealand. As always, I look forward to attending this fun event. Armistice Day – Cambridge It was a pleasure to be joined by the South African veterans as we paid our respects at Armistice Day in Cambridge this year. Lest we forget.
Kiwibank Local Hero Medallist Congratulations to Shirley Potter who has been recognised as a Kiwibank Local Hero for leading a team to plant over 43,000 native trees to restore 14 hectares of the Oruatua Recreation Reserve (beside the Tauranga-Taupo River north of Turangi). Shirley has worked with Project Tongariro to protect native wildlife, leading rat and stoat trapping initiatives at Lake Rotopounamu, Mt Pihanga. She also supports her community, ensuring those in need have firewood, for example. A well-deserved honour. Roading update, Journey planner. Roading work continues apace on State Highway 1, with detours in place for extended periods. SH1 from Putāruru to Tokoroa will be closed until noon on 20 December, when all road works nationwide will pause until the end of the Christmas period on 6 January 2025. SH1 between Tūrangi and Waiouru (including Desert Road) will then be closed from 13 January until late February 2025. This two-month closure is considered better than four years of stop/go controls to complete the same work. Approximately 30-minute detours will be necessary during this time. I encourage you to visit the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Journey Planner webpage to see when and where detours are in place and how much extra time you need to add to your journey. The zero road toll at Labour weekend was a fantastic result. Let’s hope we can repeat it for the Christmas holidays!
Upcoming Engagement OpportunitiesFacebook Live Join me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the second Tuesday of each month. My next live chat will be: Tuesday 10 December 8 p.m. Electorate AssistancePhone 07 8275572 or email [email protected] Phone 07 8865554 or email [email protected] Phone 07 3765563 or email [email protected] Please share the news!Please forward this email to friends and family who might like to stay in touch and connected with the community. If you received this from a friend or family member and you would like to subscribe to future newsletters, please click here and fill out the ‘Get Updates’ form at the bottom of my webpage. Kind regards Louise Upston |
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