Amy Adams MP - Newsletter

Amy in Action - August 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:22:53 +1200

New Rolleston Police Station:

I’ve been campaigning for a new Police Station in Rolleston since my election so I’m thrilled that construction of a new purpose built police station is to start next year. This is great news, not only for Rolleston but for the whole Selwyn District. Selwyn District was the fastest growing territorial authority in NZ in 2008-09 and this is the sort of infrastructure development we need.

Our local police are central to the lifestyle we are able to enjoy in Selwyn and it is important that they have not only a strong community presence, but also good facilities to work from. The new building is expected to be open by mid-2012.

Five local schools amongst 239 to start broadband upgrade.

Halswell School, Templeton School, Okains Bay School, Darfield High School and Tai Tapu School are the latest Selwyn schools to receive government-subsidised network upgrades, in preparation for ultra-fast broadband.

Students will directly benefit from ultra-fast access to online content and services at schools.

Ultra-fast broadband will help schools to operate, improve student achievement and provide a much wider range of learning opportunities for both students and their teachers. More schools will be invited to upgrade their networks in 2011.

Faster broadband has been on the wish list for many schools in the Selwyn electorate. A faster connection has the potential to help schools improve assessment practices and operate more efficiently.

As announced in Budget 2010, $48.3 million will be invested to roll out the School Network Upgrade Project, which is part of the government's $1.5 billion six-year Broadband Investment Initiative.

Employment Law Reforms

National is working hard to lift the long-term performance of the economy, create more jobs, raise living standards, and deliver world-class public services for Kiwi families. Our employment law package contains practical solutions to issues facing employers and employees.

It will reduce compliance costs, give businesses more confidence to take on new staff, help resolve workplace disputes faster, and provide more choices for employees and employers. One important part of the employment law package is the extension of the 90-day trial period for new employees where they agree to be taken on under a trial period.

The voluntary trial period will now be available to all employers, not just those with 20 or fewer staff. This will give employers more confidence to take on new staff, and it will give Kiwi workers the chance to prove themselves in a job.

Boost for Air Ambulances

I was thrilled to be able to present a cheque for $78,159 to the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust thanks to extra government funding, part of a $1 million funding boost for air ambulances across New Zealand.

Air ambulance helicopters are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Government is working hard to ensure these critical, life-saving services continue to serve the community and save lives. As the local MP for a large rural electorate, many of my communities rely on the services of the Air Rescue Trust so it was great to be able to take the time to say thanks.

Volunteers Morning Tea

I had the pleasure of joining the wonderful volunteers of the Rolleston Day Club, Selwyn Newcomers Network and the Selwyn Community Care group for morning tea as part of Volunteer Week in June. Volunteers put in an enormous amount of time and effort often at their own cost and I was very pleased to be able to join them for morning tea in recognition of the fantastic work they do in Selwyn.

Youth MP 2010

On the 6th and 7th July this year the seats of government were taken over by 122 16 - 18 year olds from around the country for this year’s Youth Parliament. Every MP in Parliament is asked to select a youth MP from their electorate to attend, which has been held every three years since 1994.

Hannah Singh from Darfield was the successful participant from Selwyn this year. Hannah was one of 12 participants on the Justice and Electoral Select Committee where they debated a background paper on the issue of changing New Zealand’s flag and hearing the submissions made by the RSA and Ministry of Justice. The main topic of debate in the assembly of 122 Youth MP’s was the Adult Rights and Responsibilities (Age of Majority) Bill, which proposed to move the default age of adulthood from 20 to 18 years old. Although the Bill was passed by Youth MP’s, Hannah was disappointed.

“Our side didn’t quite win, which is sort of sad,” says Hannah, who believes that older teenagers have enough responsibility already. “That two year year period from 18 – 20 is important for growing and maturing.” Hannah enjoyed her experience in Wellington and is looking forward to the next 6 months as Youth MP for Selwyn. I have to agree with Hannah when she says that being an MP was harder than she thought!

Bluegreen Forum

The Bluegreens are the National Party’s advisory group on environmental issues.

They are committed to exploring environmental policy in areas such as biosecurity, conservation and outdoor recreation, and investigating ways to integrate environmentally-friendly values into mainstream policy-making.

Each year they run a forum where attendees have the opportunity to hear from leading speakers and engage in policy debates. This year the forum is to be held in Akaroa on the 16th and 17th October. Topics include Water, Climate Change, Waste Management and Coastal and Oceans with speakers including Sir Geoffrey Palmer, Hon Bill English and the Hon Nick Smith.

This will be a great event and it is wonderful that it is being held in our own patch making this year’s forum easier than ever to attend. More information can be found on the Bluegreens website at www.bluegreens.org.nz or contact Sharon O’Callaghan on email: liam1@clear.net.nz or P O Box 107, Kirwee 7543.

Great to be part of the team

As well as doing my best to represent the people of Selwyn, I’m part of a team that is working hard with Prime Minister John Key to deliver on our election promises, protect New Zealanders from the sharpest edges of the global recession, and build a safe and prosperous NZ. National relies on the support of its many members to make sure that we are effectively listening to the concerns of every community and developing the policies our country needs. If you want further information on becoming involved, you can find it at www.national.org.nz.

Amy Adams MP

For more information, please visit my website www.amyadams.co.nz
You are welcome to email me at amy.adams@parliament.govt.nz

Electorate Office
829 Main South Road Templeton
ph +64 3 344 0418 | fax +64 3 344 0420 | selwynoffice@parliament.govt.nz

Parliamentary Office
Parliament Buildings, Wellington
ph +64 4 817 8225 | fax 04 473 0469 | amy.adams@parliament.govt.nz

Amy in Action: June 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:23:18 +1200

Speed outside Schools Petition

Are you aware that many of our rural primary schools in Selwyn have speed limits of 70 km/hr or more outside their front gates, and for five schools the limit is an incredible 100km/hr?

How can we expect people to slow down and be prepared for school children when they are permitted to go past a school gate at 100kmh? The last thing any driver wants to do is hit someone, especially a child.

I have launched a petition calling for the Selwyn District Council to follow the lead of other Councils and provide for school speed zones of no more than 50 km/hr outside our schools at pick up and drop off times. I would really like your support. You might have seen the recent “Close Up” stories on this issue.

The wording of the petition is: We, the undersigned, request the Selwyn District Council to reduce the speed limit to no more than 50 km/h during pick up and drop off times outside all schools in the Selwyn District.

Please help by signing this petition, which will be presented to the Selwyn District Council on June 14.

Hard copy versions are available for signing at Rolleston and Lincoln New World, and all school offices in the Selwyn District. This petition can be signed by anyone, regardless of age.

By clicking on this link, you are able to add your name to this petition on-line.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/schoolspeedzonesselwyn/

Emissions Trading Scheme

I am aware that there is debate in the community about the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and why we need to have one. It should also be pointed out that there are also those who criticise us on the grounds that our ETS doesn’t go far enough. I thought it would be useful to set out our position on this and why we have taken the stance we have.

It is our view that New Zealand as a responsible international citizen must act to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Most of the science points to climate change happening, and it’s one of those issues where if you wait to be 100% sure it will be too late to do anything about it.

We believe our moderate emissions trading scheme will help us reduce emissions in ways that result in the least cost to society and the economy.

The world is set on a path to constrain emissions. Countries have to adapt to a price being placed on emissions. We are one country along with many others that is taking action, whether it is an ETS, a carbon tax, or funding from taxpayers. The sooner New Zealand starts that process, the easier the transition will be rather than waiting and having to go harder later.

For the average Kiwi household it will cost an estimated $3 a week through increases in electricity and fuel costs. This is half what Labour’s ETS would have cost and is a relatively modest amount to do our fair share in fighting climate change.

To put this in the context of the Budget tax reforms – including the impact of higher GST – the average household will receive an extra $25 a week or $1285 a year in the hand.

Money collected under the ETS from oil companies and electricity generators will go towards funding projects that offset their carbon dioxide emissions, such as planting trees in New Zealand. The Government does not make any money from the ETS.

Whatever you think about the science, as a small trading nation it is also in New Zealand’s long-term interests to have an ETS to protect our clean, green brand. Doing our bit now to curb the growth of emissions puts us in the right space to protect our brand, market access, and economy. It is vital to our future prosperity that we ensure there are no barriers to overseas markets.

Contrary to what some people will tell you, New Zealand is not leading the world with an ETS. Of the 38 countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol, 29 have an ETS – the bulk in the European Union. In the United States the Obama Administration has indicated its intent to pass legislation before the end of the year. Ten north-eastern states in the US are already part of a cap and trade scheme. Four Canadian provinces have similar schemes and Tokyo has already introduced an ETS.

While Australia has delayed its ETS, Australia, like New Zealand, has signed the Kyoto Protocol and is liable for its emissions. Due to this delay some have assumed there will be no cost for Australian households and businesses. This is incorrect. The Australian Government is spending $5.1 billion on clean energy initiatives to help meet its Kyoto Protocol commitments. This money will come out of the pocket of Australian households and businesses.

It is important New Zealand does its fair share in combating climate change but we don’t want to jump ahead of the rest of the world. That is why there will be a review of the ETS next year, and at regular intervals thereafter, so we can reassess our approach relative to international progress and the latest science. Our very moderate ETS is the sensible way for New Zealand to make progress.

The Minister responsible for the ETS, Dr Nick Smith, will be visiting Selwyn shortly to talk about the ETS so if you want to learn more or have questions then get in touch with my office and we’ll give you all the details.

Amy in the Navy

What a fantastic week I had when I joined the Navy for five days as the first participant in the New Zealand Defence Force Parliamentarian Scheme from the 9th to the 14th May. The new scheme intends to embed MPs into the Army, Navy, or Air Force to give them an inside view as to how the NZDF operates. For the first three days I was at Devonport Naval Base where I participated in the full range of naval trades and training. I then joined the HMNZS Pukaki for two days at sea on a patrol and training mission sailing from Mt Maunganui to Gisborne. This is a scheme I have been putting together with Defence Minister Wayne Mapp since late last year based on similar schemes that exist in the UK and Australia.

We ask a lot of our NZDF personnel. This scheme is designed to allow the people that make the decisions about how we use our military to get first-hand knowledge of what they are all about. I was delighted to be the first MP to have this experience and I’m looking forward to getting more of my colleagues through the programme.

Budget 2010

Budget 2010 brought about the biggest reform of our tax system in 25 years. Don’t forget you can check out how Budget tax changes (GST and income tax) will affect you at www.taxguide.govt.nz.

For more information on the budget click on the Budget 2010 link at www.amyadams.co.nz

Amy Adams MP

Amy in Action May 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 04 May 2010 12:55:23 +1200

I hope you all had a relaxing break over Easter and for those of you with children I hope you managed to enjoy some family time over the school holidays.

Budget Preview

Despite early signs of economic recovery, the Government still faces several years of Budget deficits and sharply rising debt, so we must continue to manage the Government's finances responsibly on behalf of taxpayers. The Budget on 20 May will redirect another $1.8 billion of lower quality government spending between now and 2014 into frontline public services. This is a significant sum of money we’re making available for priority areas such as better healthcare services, better education, and keeping New Zealanders safe. It’s clear from the work we’ve done that there is considerable scope to provide better public services by improving processes, removing duplication, and reallocating resources from low quality spending to frontline public services. It’s about doing things better and smarter, after a decade where new funding flowed freely and spending was unconstrained.

Budget 2010 will have four main goals:

Lifting the long-term performance of the economy – to deliver New Zealanders jobs, increased incomes, and better living standards.
Reform of the tax system – to make the system fairer, more sustainable and more supporting of economic growth.
Better delivery of public services to meet New Zealanders’ expectations of modern public services, while at the same time recognising the ongoing pressures on taxpayers.
Maintaining firm control of the Government’s finances – so we can return to Budget surpluses and pull back our rising debt.

Future schooling strategy for Rolleston-Lincoln

Rolleston-Lincoln's school-age population is expected to grow by more than 2,700 students by 2026. The Government needs to make sure we have enough schools to cater for this increase in students. Our first step was to open Clearview Primary School this year, which will eventually cater for up to 600 Year 1 to 8 pupils. More than $10 million was invested in the new school and it was needed urgently to meet demand for a primary school in Rolleston. Following extensive consultation with the community, the Government have plans in place to continue to meet increases in the school-aged population. Plans include:

Providing extra classrooms for schools that have an increased roll.
Letting state-integrated schools apply to increase the maximum number of students they can enrol.
Careful monitoring of population growth by the Ministry of Education, and if needed, building a new secondary school and/or primary school in the area.

The Government will keep to its promise of continuing to monitor the situation in this area and I will continue to lobby for a future high school for Rolleston.

Appointment of Temporary Commissioners to ECAN

You will be aware that the Government has recently appointed temporary commissioners to replace ECAN councillors until 2013 or sooner if possible. This is not a decision that Government took lightly but it is a decision I believe needed to be made for the good of our region.

Water is and always will be a big issue for Canterbury. On many occasions, Selwyn residents have raised concerns with me over the operations of ECAN and in particular the confusion and lack of leadership about Canterbury water. While every one of New Zealand's other 15 regional councils has a plan for water in place, Canterbury still does not have an operative water plan. That is not an acceptable situation.

The commissioners are tasked with getting ECAN back on track to provide well managed rivers and aquifers that provide Cantabrians with jobs, clean energy and a great lifestyle for generations to come on a sustainable basis. Efficient water management is crucial to New Zealand’s competitive advantage and our clean green brand, and we in Canterbury have the chance to get it right.

The appointed commissioners will be required to consult with the Canterbury community on all decisions just as the council would have under the Local Government and Resource Management Acts.

It is important to note that issues around managing our water resources are not easy ones and there is no quick fix. I believe that if central Government to have ignored its responsibility to take action, we would have seen further deterioration of our environment, a myriad of lost opportunities and the continuation of the excessive costs and unacceptable delays that have been the hallmark of Environment Canterbury for far too many years.

The Commissioners now face a significant challenge and they will need time but in my view they give our region the best hope of moving forward on these issues and away from the divisiveness of the past.

Youth MP

Congratulations to Darfield High School student Hannah Singh who will take the views of Selwyn to the Beehive for Youth Parliament on July 6 and 7. Hannah, a year 12 student, was chosen from eight finalists from Selwyn high schools who spoke on topical issues in front of three judges at the Selwyn Council chambers. I believe Hannah will represent the views of her Selwyn peers well.

During Youth Parliament, Youth MPs have the opportunity to debate legislation relevant to young people, sit on select committees and ask parliamentary questions of Cabinet Ministers.

Hannah will carry the title of Selwyn Youth MP for the remainder of the year.

Anzac Day

On April 25, we once more took time out to acknowledge all New Zealanders who have served, and are serving in our defence forces, at home and around the world. They are helping to build a better world today, for our citizens and vulnerable people of other nations. This year the day was of course marred by the tragic death of 3 air force personnel on their way to ANZAC services in Wellington. My heart goes out to the grieving families of those servicemen and my best wishes to Sergeant Stevin Creeggan for his recovery.

Today there are more than 600 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on 14 peacekeeping operations, UN missions, and defence exercises across 10 countries. We hold all our deployed servicemen and women and their families in our thoughts, and look forward to their safe return home.

Select Committee

I have recently been selected as Chairperson of Parliament’s newly established Electoral Legislation Select Committee. It’s an honour to be chosen as the Chair for this newly formed Committee. I look forward to working with my Parliamentary colleagues on the committee to consider two constitutionally significant bills in particular. The first Bill is to empower the 2011 referendum on the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP) voting system. The second is to implement electoral finance reforms. We are keeping our pre-election promise to hold a referendum on MMP.

The public voted using MMP the past five elections. It’s a good time for us all to have our say at the system we use to elect our Parliament.

Until next time,

Amy Adams MP

For more information, please visit my website www.amyadams.co.nz
You are welcome to email me at amy.adams@parliament.govt.nz

Amy in Action: February 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:16:11 +1300

Happy New Year, I hope you managed to enjoy a good break.

Outlook for 2010

Last week the Prime Minister opened Parliament by outlining the Government’s programme for the coming year. In 2010, we’re focusing on growing our economy, creating new jobs, and improving public services to better equip New Zealanders – and particularly young people – for the economic challenges they face.

National seeks a step change in economic performance. We agree with the Tax Working Group that our tax system has major problems with integrity, fairness, and incentives. In Budget 2010 we will start reforming our tax system. We want taxes that create incentives to work hard, save, and get ahead. We also want taxes that are fair.

We are committed to reducing personal taxes to provide people with the incentive to get ahead. To fund this the Government is carefully considering a modest increase in the rate of GST, to no more than 15 percent, and changing the way property is taxed. In the process, we’ll maintain Working for Families and compensate low to middle income earners for any increase in GST. We have ruled out the introduction of a comprehensive capital gains tax or a land tax.

Our economic future relies on new ideas. This year we will help businesses grow by connecting them with our best scientists. We’ll invest in more science and business research, drive research into agricultural greenhouse emissions, fund open access food development facilities, and reform Crown Research Institutes.

New Zealand’s natural resources have huge potential to boost economic growth and create jobs. In 2010, we’ll work to unlock that potential by reducing red tape. We’ll drive a second phase of resource management reforms, investigate extending mining on Crown-owned land, establish a new Conservation Fund drawn from royalty revenue from such mining operations, remove regulatory roadblocks to irrigation, and reform aquaculture regulations.

We’ll also promote investment in capital markets while strengthening protection for investors, and look at developing New Zealand as a regional hub for financial services. And we’ll start new State Highway projects and lay the first fibre in our ultra-fast broadband initiative.

National’s other major priority is significant social sector reforms. We’ll lift achievement in our schools through National Standards. We’ll work to make neighbourhoods safer by introducing ‘three-strikes’ legislation for the worst violent offenders. And we’ll continue to provide better, faster, more convenient healthcare across our public health service.

We will also deliver on our election promise to reform the benefit system. We want to help people back into work. We’ll adjust the benefit abatement regime to encourage beneficiaries to take up jobs and make sure welfare spending gets to the people who really need it.

2010 will be a busy year. With a relentless focus on lifting our economic performance and improving public services, National is working hard to secure a brighter future for all New Zealanders.

National Standards

You will have heard much in the media about our plan to lift the achievements of our young people in literacy and numeracy. We are not prepared to sit back while 20% of our kids continue to leave school unprepared for their futures.

I welcome the introduction of National Standards, as primary and intermediate schools return after the summer break. Our National Standards policy is a groundbreaking initiative, and a critical part of the Government’s plan to lift education standards across the country. From this year, primary and intermediate schools will report to parents twice a year in plain language on their child’s progress in reading, writing and maths. I’m delighted that for the first time we can be assured that all parents in Canterbury will be getting the information they want and deserve about their children’s progress.

Limited Service Volunteer Scheme

It has been great to hear that the LSV scheme currently run out of the Burnham Army camp has been expanded. I have been very impressed by the LSV Scheme and the successes it has had. I have seen the personal growth of the young people who undertake the scheme and I have no doubt that it has been an effective tool at turning around many lives. This announcement will see a further 1250 places available in the scheme for this year and next. The LSV, or Limited Service Volunteer, scheme run by defence force personnel at Burnham Army camp targets 18 – 24 year old unemployed youth from around the country.

Out and About in Selwyn

It has been a busy start to 2010 for me in and around Selwyn. The year started with the Duvauchelle and Banks Peninsula A&P Shows. I also had the pleasure of attending the Opening and Blessing of the new AMI Deans Stand.

After many years of delays it is great to see the new Motorway finally underway. Once completed this will speed up travel times into the city for many Selwyn Residents. In January I attended the Sod turning ceremony with the Hon Steven Joyce and other Canterbury M.P's to mark this significant occasion.

In January I particularly enjoyed having the chance to attend the St John Youth International Competitions at Lincoln University and watch some outstanding young cadets from around the world in action.

This year I celebrated Waitangi Day at Onuku Marae on Banks Peninsula which also included the dedication of the new historical reserve at Takapuneke. It was a wonderful weekend enjoyed by all. My deepest thanks to the the people of Onuku for their hospitality.

Please remember if your friends or loved ones are approaching a 100th birthday, 50th,55th,60th,65th,70th or 75th Wedding Anniversary please let me know so that I can arrange for them to receive an official congratulatory message.

2009 was a huge learning curve for me. I took up this role to make some changes and it’s exciting when you are involved in making a difference. One of the highlights for me was having my Private Members Bill (the Fair Trading (Soliciting on behalf of Charities) Bill) drawn and unanimously pass its first reading. I was motivated to lodge the Bill when I learnt some professional telemarketing firms are keeping 75% and in some cases up to 90% of the money they collect for charity. My Bill would require fundraisers to ensure those giving money know how much of those funds will be retained by the fundraisers by way of fees. The Bill is currently before the commerce select committee and submissions on it close on 19 March. If you wish to make a submission visit http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/Details/Commerce/1/d/3/00DBHOH_BBSC_SCCO_1-Business-before-the-Commerce-Committee.htm for more information.

I’ve recently upgraded my website. I encourage all of you to visit it and have a look – www.amyadams.co.nz. You’ll find all my contact details for my Parliament and Templeton offices on there, as well as links to my Twitter and Flickr accounts, and Facebook profile. Best of all, it gives you a chance to see what I’m up to and for you to share your views
with me.

Until next time,

Amy Adams MP

For more information, please visit my website www.amyadams.co.nz
You are welcome to email me at amy.adams@parliament.govt.nz

Amy in Action: December 2009

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:08:15 +1300

Out and About

It has been another very busy couple of months for me in around Selwyn and the Peninsula. The season for A&P shows has started. Over the recent months, I’ve had the pleasure of attending many of these shows, including my local Canterbury (Courtenay) A&P Show, the Ellesmere A&P Show, as well as the Christchurch and Rangiora A&P Shows.

We’ve also hosted Minister Tolley when she visited Lincoln University and CPIT, and I was lucky enough to join Prince Edward when he visited the Antarctic Centre during his time in New Zealand.

One of the month’s highlights for me was attending the Asia-Oceania Zone Wheelchair Rugby Tournament and watching the Wheelblacks convincingly beat the Korean team on their way to the finals.

Early in November we spent a great day touring Banks Peninsula with Hon Kate Wilkinson and Nicky Wagner, hosted by the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust.

On the Banks Peninsula walk with local MPs Kate Wilkinson and Nicky Wagner.

There is always so much going on in our communities and I’m proud to attend as many events as I can. Over recent weeks I have attended the openings of the Agpac agricultural recycling depot in Tai Tapu, the Comspec recycling plant in Hornby, and Taylor Coal’s new public weighbridge in Rolleston. I was also at the opening of the Lincoln New World, Darfield Art Week and Fairfax Media’s new Press printing facility in Harewood.

I also enjoyed the Bio Diversity field days and workshop, in Motukarara and Akaroa.

I had the pleasure of launching the MSD development plan for Canterbury on behalf of Hon Paula Bennett, the Minister of Social Development. My fitness was put to the test when I cycled for the police charity ride from Otira to Arthurs Pass, along with fellow National MP’s Aaron Gilmore and David Bennett.

Amy taking a rest on the charity bike ride from Otira to Arthurs Pass.

In between these events, of course, the real electorate work happens back at the office where, with the help of Paula and Sharon, we do our best to help residents of our communities with issues they face. The team does a great job and I’m very grateful for their assistance.

Amy helping out for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal / At the Bangladesh stand, Lincoln Multicultural Festival.

One year in

It has been a big year for me and I’ve loved every minute of it, especially getting out and about in the electorate. The highlight has been meeting some of the wonderful people who live here and the inspiring initiatives underway in our communities.

Of course much of my time is spent at Parliament and one year into Government National is working hard to deliver on our election promise to secure a brighter future for all New Zealanders. So far we have achieved some great results:

Health

· 11,805 extra elective operations

· $750 million boost for Health including funding for the 12 month Herceptin course

· 900 places in the voluntary bonding scheme for graduate doctors, midwifes and nurses

Education

· 2000 schools to use National Standards from 2010

· $523 million invested in our school building plan

· 2000 places for 16-17 year olds in our youth guarantee

Law and Order

· New laws – tougher sentences, parole and bail for violent offenders

· 600 new frontline police by the end of 2011

· 3000 for youth offenders in fresh start programmes

· Crack down on gangs and P

· Improve support for victims of crime

The Economy

· $1 billion in tax cuts delivered to 1.5 million tax payers

· 180,000 homes to be insulated

· $7.5 billion infrastructure investment - including $500 million fast-tracked to boost jobs in the recession

ECan review

I welcomed the recently announced review team that will investigate Environment Canterbury’s performance.

The review follows the Government's dissatisfaction with ECan's performance in a number of areas including resource consent processing, failure to develop a proper framework for managing Canterbury's natural resources and poor management of relationships with the region's territorial local authorities.

Like all Cantabrians, I want to see ECan back on track and leading the social, environmental, cultural and economic development of Canterbury but that can only happen if they lift their performance.

The review was due to be completed by Friday 4 December and the report will be available to the Ministers in January 2010. I look forward to some positive outcomes for the people of Selwyn.

Keeping in touch

My on-going focus in Parliament is to represent our communities and businesses. I’m working hard to improve services for our region and be a strong voice for your interests.
If you have issues you would like to raise with me, please get in touch. I would love to hear from you.

Christmas 2009

With Christmas just around the corner it’s time for some rest and relaxation with friends and family. I always look forward to this time of year because of the warmer weather, holidays and celebrations.

My electorate office will close for the year on 23 December and will re-open 18 January 2010.

I am looking forward to spending time with my family over the Christmas break. I wish you all the best for a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

Best wishes,

Amy Adams MP

Amy in Action: September 2009

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:14:24 +1300

Out and About

During September I visited Kirwee, Glentunnel, Broadfield and Weedons primary schools.
It is always a pleasure to visit schools in my electorate and see the wonderful things that are happening there. This Government is ambitious for all our children. We want to equip our nation's children and young people with the knowledge, skills and values to be successful citizens in the 21st century.

I also visited and had lunch with the Leeston Day Club, which is a Selwyn District Council initiative providing a service for residents of small townships and rural communities. The club gives residents an opportunity to get together once a fortnight to share a meal and company.

My visit to Taiwan

Earlier this month I had the chance to spend a week in Taiwan at the invitation of the Taiwanese government. I was part of a delegation of National MP's looking at trade opportunities between our two countries.

It was my first trip to that part of Asia and it was a tremendous experience. New Zealand beef, dairy products and kiwifruit sell very well in Taiwan, and there are enormous opportunities to develop other export markets as well.

We also spent time looking at how Taiwan has grown from a simple manufacturing economy into a high-tech world leader. The emphasis on commercialised science was very interesting and I've come away with a number of ideas for New Zealand.

E Day

Despite rain across much of the country, over 966 tonnes of old computer equipment and mobile phones were diverted from landfills across the country in the third national eDay. I was proud to do my part, helping with some of the 1037 carloads of electronic waste (e-waste) dropped off in the Christchurch area.

The annual event, organised by Computer Access New Zealand (CANZ), has seen strong growth since it began in 2007 with 12 centres and this year saw more than 82,700 computer items collected for recycling. This is great news for New Zealand’s environment as 95 per cent of e-waste is diverted from our landfills and recycled properly overseas.

Rugby World Cup – Give it 100%

On a spring evening in two years time the All Blacks kick off the biggest sporting event our country has ever hosted – Rugby World Cup 2011.

There will be 48 matches at 13 venues across the length and breadth of the New Zealand – “the stadium of four million people”. It will raise our international profile, boost our economy and give us lasting gains in trade and tourism. And, of course, we will have a great celebration along the way.

Come 2011, we will not only be showcasing our national game but we also have an unprecedented chance to show off our beautiful country and what we do well.
We also want to encourage all New Zealanders to think of ourselves as a nation of four million hosts. We want to ensure that every visitor has a warm and uniquely New Zealand experience wherever they go – from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island.

The games hosted here in Canterbury will be an unforgettable experience. In Christchurch and Canterbury Rugby is more than just a game. It's part of who we are. Whether the games are being played or celebrated in the city – Christchurch will be the best place to experience Rugby World Cup 2011.

For more information or to register your interest in becoming a volunteer – visit www.nz2011.govt.nz

Better broadband for rural New Zealand

The National-led Government is determined to be more ambitious and forward-looking than ever before. We need to future-proof New Zealand.

That’s why we’re working hard to deliver fast broadband to homes and schools all over the country. To begin with, we’re accelerating the roll-out of fast broadband services to rural and remote areas.

Within six years we expect 93 per cent of rural schools will receive fibre, enabling internet connection speeds of at least 100Mbps. The remaining seven per cent will achieve speeds of at least 10Mbps. Connecting the schools means rural households will benefit too. Over the same period, 80 per cent of rural households will have access to broadband with speeds of at least 5Mbps.

Fast broadband will grow our economy. It will deliver gains in productivity, enhance our capacity to be innovative, and draw us closer to our trading partners.

Keeping in touch

My on-going focus in Parliament is to represent our communities and businesses. I’m working hard to improve services for our region and be a strong voice for your interests. If you have issues you would like to raise with me, please get in touch. I would love to hear from you.

I’ve recently upgraded my website. I encourage all of you to visit it and have a look – www.amyadams.co.nz.

There’s plenty on there – my press releases and newsletters, columns I’ve written, and lots of photos and videos of me out and about in Selwyn. You will find all my contact details for my Parliament and Templeton offices on there, as well as links to my Twitter and Flickr accounts, and Facebook profile.

Best of all, it gives you a chance to see what I’m up to and for you to share your
views with me.

Until next time,

Amy Adams MP

Amy in Action: August 2009

nospam@example.com (admin) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:24:00 +1200

Survey 2009

One of the first things I did as your MP was send out a survey to all households in Selwyn to get your thoughts on some of the key issues important to you. The result was huge and because of the sheer number of replies it has taken us a while to work through them all.

The results have confirmed that many of you are concerned with lack of cell phone coverage in our communities and the inability many of you have to access high speed Broadband. Boy Racers are definitely an issue across the whole electorate and your frustrations with the Resource Management Act were clear.

I am actively addressing your concerns through my work in Wellington and I will keep you up to date with any progress that I make. As you may be aware there are two bills before Parliament tightening up on illegal street racing which I believe will have a positive impact in resolving the boy racer issues. My colleagues and I continue to work on the issues with the RMA, with the first of our reform Bills expected back before the House shortly. Work on our stage two reforms is also progressing well.

It was interesting to receive your thoughts on what would be the most important infrastructure projects to aid the economic recovery and your general comments.

It's important that you have your say, so thank you to all of you who took the time to respond.

UK Visit

I was lucky enough recently to be sent on a cross party visit to Westminster as part of the Commonwealth Parliaments programme. It was a hectic week but an invaluable experience for me as a new MP. The visit gave me important insights into the international contexts of economic policy, trade issues in agriculture, climate change initiatives and constitutional reform.

Out and about in July

National Issues

More than 198,000 children are enrolled in early childhood education (ECE) services across the country and we see these services as very important. We need to make sure that parents can continue to work if they choose and that their children have the best start in education. That’s why National is increasing funding for early childhood education providers to adjust for inflation. National has also announced that from 1 July next year the 20 hours ECE scheme will be extended to five-year-olds, playcentres, and kōhanga reo and made more flexible for parents. This delivers on our election promise, increases the choices available for parents and helps to build a brighter future for the next generation of New Zealanders.

A continuing issue of central importance to me is the need to re-think our water management regimes and develop water storage infrastructure as a matter of urgency.
I see sensible water storage as the only way our local environment and economy can both prosper. The bottom line to considering any proposal will always be maintaining high quality drinking water for all.

Let me know your thoughts

My on-going focus in Wellington is on improving services and job opportunities in our Selwyn communities. Part of my role is to lobby ministers and make your views known.
If you have issues you would like to raise with me, please get in touch. I would love to hear from you

Kind Regards

Amy Adams MP

Amy in Action: May 2009

nospam@example.com (admin) — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:35:00 +1200

This is the first of what I intend will be regular email newsletters letting everyone in Selwyn know what has been going on, or what is coming up. If you would rather not receive future emails from me then please click the Unsubscribe link here or below the footer.

As I have said many times already, I am immensely proud to represent the diverse and thriving electorate of Selwyn. Since my election late last year I have been fortunate to meet many of you discussing issues of concern and learning more about the work being done in our communities. I regard the work I do locally as the most important part of my role, and the one I enjoy the most as it helps me stay in touch with the people I am elected to serve.

My local office was opened by the Prime Minister in February and can be found at 829 Main South Road, Templeton. The office is generally open from 9.30am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday for constituents who would like our help. I know that my electorate staff Sharon and Paula will do what they can to assist you or give advice. My office can also book a time for you to see me, either at my office or at the regular constituent clinics I hold around the electorate. Of course you can also always just email me directly at amy.adams@parliament.govt.nz if that is easier for you.

When you get a chance, check out my website www.amyadams.co.nz which gets updated regularly. Information about the National party can be found on its website www.national.org.nz

I’ll be back in touch again soon but in the meantime, please do get in touch if you think I can assist you in any way or if you would just like to share your views with me.

Kind Regards

Amy Adams MP

Amy in Action: April 2009

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:58:00 +1300

1 April Changes

The National-led Government is working hard on our Jobs and Growth Plan to help soften the sharpest edges of the recession and prepare for future growth. From 1 April several important parts of the Jobs and Growth Plan take effect:

The 1 April tax cuts deliver on National’s election promise and will provide a billion-dollar boost to households throughout New Zealand. These changes lift the after-tax income of a worker on the average wage by around $18 a week. The Government has also included a new independent earner tax credit of $10 a week for people earning between $24,000 and $44,000 a year and who are not receiving state support.

These tax cuts are part of the Government’s plans for rewarding effort and providing better incentives for New Zealanders to get ahead.

CUTTING PERSONAL TAXES HELPING SMALL BUSINESS

Most of the initiatives from the Small Business Relief Package announced earlier this year took effect on 1 April, reducing red tape and making it less expensive for small and medium businesses to manage their cash flows and pay taxes. The initiatives delivered by the Nationalled Government are worth around $480 million for small businesses over the next four years.

BOOSTING INCOME SUPPORT

The Government is lifting NZ Superannuation, Veteran’s Pensions, Student Allowances, and benefits to match inflation. Many of these increases will help people on low incomes tackle rising costs.

From 1 April more than half a million New Zealanders will receive increases of up to $13 a week in their Super or Veteran’s Pension payments. National promised the net married couple rates of Super and Veteran’s Pension would be set at no less than 66% of the average after-tax wage. We are delivering on that promise.

About 47,000 students will also receive increased Student Allowance payments. The full allowance for a single student aged 18-23 living away from home goes up $5.20 a week to $158.65, and the amount he or she can earn increases by $6.28 to $192.01 a week before their allowance starts to reduce.

Weekly payments will also be increased for over 343,000 beneficiaries and 7747 families receiving Orphan’s and Unsupported Child Benefits. A married couple on the Unemployment Benefit will have support increased by $10.38 a week, or $5.19 each, and for a single person this will increased by $6.22. Families receiving Orphan’s and Unsupported Child Benefits will receive payments that match the Foster Care Allowance weekly board rates. The new weekly rates range from $132.32 for a child aged under 5 years to $185.25 for a child aged 14 years and over.

We are also lifting the minimum wage from $12.00 an hour to $12.50.

Further information about the increases to benefit rates, NZ Super, Veteran’s Pensions and student allowances is available at www.msd.govt.nz.

RESTORING ACC TO FINANCIAL HEALTH

The National-led Government is reluctantly increasing ACC levies as the previous Labour Government left the country with a massive fiscal hole of $4 billion. This will help cover some of the massive hole in ACC’s accounts and, along with efforts to improve management and get costs under control, help ensure the scheme’s ongoing viability.

Kind Regards

Amy Adams MP