|
Dear John
Parliamentary News from Louise
The latest school attendance and achievement figures show that New
Zealand education is in crisis. Watch my video here.
School attendance and labour shortages
Erica Stanford MP for East Coast Bays, Spokesperson for Education
and Immigration is visiting Taupō on Wednesday 2 November. We will be
discussing National's solutions to issues like opening our borders to
essential workers (including nurses and doctors) to fill the current
dire labour shortages, and the student attendance crisis facing our
schools.
The rate of attendance has been steadily dropping. Nationwide less
than half (46.1%) of students attend school 9 days out of 10 or more.
Attendance at secondary schools is much worse than for primary and
intermediate schools.
This crisis can’t be blamed on Covid 19. It is a significant area
we will focus on – as well as achievement levels which go hand in hand
with attendance and have plummeted to shocking
levels, with two-thirds of students not getting the basics.
This is despite the Government spending an extra $5 billion on
education every year since it came into power. We owe our children a
better future.
Into Work Workshops
During Parliament's recent recess period, I hosted a series of Into
Work Workshops throughout New Zealand, including in Otaki, Rotorua,
Timaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill.
I met with employers, jobseekers and agencies who help jobseekers
to find work. It was heartening to see the effort and care of agencies
offering wrap-around support to help jobseekers build their skills and
mana, particularly those who have been on a benefit long term.
This is the way forward if we are to get the 170,000
people able to work off welfare and into work while there are so
many vacancies to be filled. There are nearly 50,000 more people on
the benefit now than in 2017, yet businesses everywhere are desperate
for staff.
This is a golden opportunity for people to regain their
independence. Let’s not waste it.
Local elected representatives
Congratulations to the new mayors and councillors who have been
elected to serve their towns and districts. I look forward to meeting
the new representatives and working with returning representatives on
projects that concern our communities.
I’d also like to pay tribute to all departing representatives. You
have made a wonderful contribution to our communities.
Out and about
It was great to see the many people celebrating the Hawke’s Bay
farming, horticulture and equestrian events at the A&P Show in
Hastings 19–21 October.
Leader Christopher Luxon attended the show and says New Zealand
needs to support its farmers who are being treated like ‘villains’. He
says they’re ‘the world’s best’ and we should back them ‘like they’re
the All Blacks’. Show-goers told us they’re worried about the cost of
living crisis, rising interest rates, and the huge problems caused by
gangs and crime in the area.
Some of these concerns were echoed at our September South Waikato
Friendly Forum in Putaruru. People are also concerned about the lack
of housing (including safe emergency housing), access to primary
healthcare and the appalling state of our roads, amongst other things.
A number of business owners in town I visited afterwards share the
frustration of not being able to find staff.
This Saturday, I will be helping with Breast Cancer Foundation New
Zealand's annual Pink Ribbon Street Appeal in Cambridge. Each day in
New Zealand, nine women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 650 of
them die each year.
About 25 men are also diagnosed with the disease annually. If a
collector rattles a tin at you on Saturday, give generously. It might
be you, or a woman—or man—you love, who will benefit from education
and awareness programmes, early detection, targeted treatment, and
support paid for with the help of your donation.
Upcoming events
I’m looking forward to the BDO Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge on 26
November. As the largest cycling event—and probably the largest
participation event—on New Zealand’s sporting calendar with around
5000 riders and 7000 supporters, it is always such a buzz.
All types of Kiwis come together to participate in all kinds of
events, from the Enduro, a 320km double circumnavigation of the roto,
to the Kids Pedal Power Ride and entertainment for non-riders.
Upcoming engagement opportunities
If you have issues you would like to discuss with me, there are
several options for making contact below. I hope you are enjoying the
warmer weather and longer evenings.
In a break from winter tradition, Fieldays begins at Mystery Creek
on 30 November. It is always a fun event, and I hope to meet some of
you there.
Facebook Live
-
Tuesday 8 November 8 p.m. I’ll be live on Facebook
@louiseupstonmp for our regular chat. Join me to discuss the issues
that currently concern you.
Electorate Clinic Appointments
Clinics are by appointment, so please call the office for available
slots.
-
Cambridge – Friday 4 November, 07 8275572
-
Taupō – Friday 25 November, 07 3765563
Kind regards,
Hon Louise Upston
http://louiseupston.national.org.nz/
|
