Amy Adams MP - Press Releases

Seeking your views on Canterbury's Water Management

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:52:42 +1200

There are major problems with water management in Canterbury, and the National-led Government has made a number of changes to address these. Your views about these changes are important. Please take the time to download and read our water pamphlet (click here for that), complete the response form, and return it freepost to me. I look forward to hearing from you.

MP Welcomes Council Decision to Support Lower Speeds Outside Schools

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:07:00 +1200

Selwyn MP Amy Adams has welcomed the news that Selwyn District Council has today voted to support her call to lower speed limits outside Selwyn schools.

“Over the course of the last 18 months I have been working with schools like Weedons, Burnham and Broadfields to call on the Selwyn District Council to lower the speed limits outside our rural primary schools.” Mrs Adams said.

“In June this year I presented Council with my petition, backed by over 4000 Selwyn residents, demanding action from Council on this. It has always been the Council’s decision and it is great to see that today they have taken action.”

The petition launched by Mrs Adams called for a reduced speed limit outside schools during pick up and drop off times.

“My preference has always been using the variable school speed zone rules which permit Council to lower the speeds during the times of greatest activity. Council have instead gone down a different path and have decided to try and apply permanent speed reductions down to 50 km/h in front of each school.”

“Anything that makes our kids safer is welcomed but I would be concerned if for any reason the approach that has been taken did not prove to be possible.”

A period of consultation will now be undertaken by Council before they move to implement the lower speeds.

Rail crossing safety upgrade delays concern Selwyn MP

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:04:00 +1200

Selwyn MP Amy Adams is deeply concerned after learning safety upgrades to the Courtenay Road level crossing in Kirwee have been delayed by at least another year.

“This unprotected crossing is one of the busiest in Selwyn,” says Ms Adams. “On top of that, there is poor visibility due to track curving, it is located very close to a SH73 intersection, and is used frequently by buses and school children,” she says.

“I have personally witnessed a number of near misses, some of which have been such a close call, it has left me shaken.”

The Selwyn Electorate MP says she has raised safety concerns with Kiwirail on several occasions since her election in 2008, and was told the Courtenay Road crossing would have flashing lights and bells by June this year.

“I am now told other works have been done instead because of changes to rail networks in Wellington and Auckland, and the safety upgrade is at best 15 months away.”

“I appreciate priorities for safety upgrades are based largely on collision statistics, but my fear is that the Courtenay Road crossing is an accident waiting to happen,” Amy Adams says. “This work is needed urgently.”

Support the Cancer Society with a Daffodil

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:20:30 +1200

Amy Adams, MP for Selwyn, encourages you to donate to the Cancer Society in exchange for a Daffodil on Friday 27 August.

"This year is the 20th Anniversary of Daffidol Day, and reminds us that cancer affects one in three New Zealanders," says Amy Adams.

"Daffodil Day started in 1990 and is a major fundraising event for The Cancer Society. Donations received are crucial to helping reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in the community, and ensuring the best cancer care for New Zealanders.

"I will be wearing my daffodil as a symbol of hope for those who are dealing with cancer."

Donations can be made to any collector on the streets on Friday 27 August.

You can also call 0900 31 111 to make an instant $20 donation, or text ‘daffodil’ to 883 to make a $3 donation.

For more information and other ways to donate see www.daffidolday.co.nz

Selwyn MP Amy Adams invites all to benefit from 2011 Rugby World Cup national festival

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 06:42:55 +1200

The Lottery Grants Board has allocated $9.5 million funding for community events staged as part of the nationwide festival during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

“Rugby World Cup 2011 will be one of the largest events ever held in New Zealand," says Selwyn MP Amy Adams. "It’s a great opportunity for celebrating and showcasing what we have to offer in Selwyn,” she says.

With 23 centres around the country hosting games or teams, the fund is intended for community events and activities, including concerts, fairs, and parades. Funding can go towards management and operating costs, artists’ fees, publicity, and production costs.

The festival will boost regional economic opportunities, community involvement, and the New Zealand experience for 85,000 expected visitors.

“There will be plenty of time between games, so we want to encourage both international visitors and travelling Kiwis to take the long way around from one match to the next, see the country and meet the people,” says Ms Adams.
For more information visit the website dia.govt.nz.

Applications close on 18 September 2010. Successful applicants will be announced in early November.

Youthline service in Canterbury gets funding boost

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:52:41 +1200

Selwyn MP Amy Adams says the $28,000 boost to Youthline in Canterbury and the West Coast will help teenagers find support during difficult times.

"Life can be very confusing for young people, and having an impartial, confidential service can help teenagers find their way," says Ms Adams.

Youthline has been in Christchurch for nearly 40 years. The service links directly with young people, schools and community groups and has around 45 phone volunteers.

Since a free text service begun in 2004, young people frequently text the service with questions about sex, relationships, family and friends.

The funding comes are part of $539,000 injected into critical social services in Canterbury under the Government’s Community Response Fund.

“To date, the Community Response Fund has contributed over $1.8 million in the region to ensure 46 community organisations have support to provide social services,” says Ms Adams.

This is round three of the fund, established last year to help community organisations meet demand while under financial pressure from an economic recession.

“We’ve made the commitment to ensure that groups providing vital social services can respond successfully to needs in their community.“

Other groups to receive funding include Presbyterian Support, SWAP Single Women as Parents, Brain Injury Association (Canterbury/West Coast) Inc and Christchurch Women's Refuge.

Applications for Round Four of the Community Response Fund opened in February and will close in July.

Young people can reach Youthline by calling 0800 37 66 33, email youthlinecsi@xtra.co.nz or free text 234.

ENDS

MP welcomes new Rolleston Police Station

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:38:41 +1200

Selwyn MP Amy Adams has welcomed the announcement that a new purpose built police station is to be built in the heart of Rolleston.

“This is great news, not only for Rolleston but for the whole Selwyn District. Rolleston is one of our fastest growing centres and this announcement recognises that” Ms Adams said.

Ms Adams says that as a resident of the area she had been aware for some time that the current Jones Road site wasn’t going to be sufficient to meet the needs of the community into the future and she has been campaigning for a new station since her election in 2008.

“Our local police are a central part of 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 station will be built on the Tennyson Road site next to ‘The Rock’ that Police have owned for some years and will accommodate up to 17 staff. In addition to providing a front counter for local Rolleston residents, the station will also house Road Policing and support for staff based at Akaroa, Lincoln, Leeston, Darfield and Arthurs Pass.

“Selwyn District was the fastest growing territorial authority in NZ in 2008-09 and this is the sort of infrastructure development we need. I’m confident the new station will be a facility we can be proud of.”

Construction project planning for the new building will begin by the end of this year and it is expected to be open by mid-2012.

Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust gets funding boost

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:36:42 +1200

Almost $80,000 has been given to air ambulances which service the West Coast and Canterbury thanks to extra government funding.

The money $78,159, presented by Selwyn MP Amy Adams to Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust on Friday July 9th, is part of a $1 million funding boost of air ambulances across New Zealand.

Amy Adams says the Air Rescue Trust provides a vital service.

"Air ambulance helicopters are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week," says Ms Adams. "The Government is working hard to ensure these critical, life-saving services continue to serve the community and save lives.”

The National led government has committed $48 million to implementing a New Zealand Ambulance Services Strategy over the next four years. The plan, announced in June last year, will see 100 extra paramedics and additional training for rural ambulance staff across the country.

Although air ambulances transport about three in every 100 ambulance patients, their costs represent two in every ten dollars of the $150 million spent by Health and ACC on ambulance services.

The Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust is one of 16 centres across New Zealand that provides life-saving service transport for critically ill or injured people to medical facilities.

"As the local MP for a large rural electorate, many of my communities rely on the services of the Air Rescue Trust, and I'm delighted to be able to present this extra funding to such a well respected organisation," Ms Adams says.

Canterbury topping alcohol-related deaths, not good enough

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:33:35 +1200

Selwyn MP Amy Adams says Canterbury’s record as the region with the highest alcohol-related deaths in the country shows how much alcohol abuse is affecting our communities.

Since 2000, the Christchurch coroner, who covers the South Island north of Timaru, has noted alcohol as a feature in 246 deaths. The rising death rate correlates with increased heavy drinking among Kiwi youth after the lowering of the buying age in 1999.

“Alcohol is a major issue for our communities,” says Amy Adams. “I have been out with St John Ambulances on a weekend night, and spent time in Christchurch’s emergency departments. I’ve seen the results of bad decision making and lack of respect for alcohol,” she says. "The 246 lives lost, while tragic, are just the tip of the iceberg of Cantabrians who have suffered the consequence of someone's abuse of alcohol."

The government is considering major alcohol law reforms following the April release of the Law Commission’s report Alcohol in Our Lives: Curbing the Harm. The report says Police are in no doubt that one of the key drivers behind the escalating levels of violent crime in this country is the abuse of alcohol.

New Zealand police statistics show that young people 17-19 comprise the highest proportion of offenders who have consumed alcohol prior to committing an offence.

The report also found a large number of the population are binge drinkers, the worst pattern of drinking for health and inflicting damage on others.

Amy Adams believes alcohol abuse is a community wide issue and says parents play a vital role in not only managing how and when their children are introduced to alcohol, but also in modelling responsible alcohol use.

“We all have an interest in ensuring that our young people reach their potential without the hindrance of alcohol abuse,” she says. “The government has an interest in ensuring that the taxes we direct to hospitals, police cells and prisons are not spent on preventable alcohol-related cases.”

Ms Adams says while no law can ever control how people drink, it can ensure the law governing how alcohol is promoted, sold and supplied recognises the risks associated with alcohol.

"Alcohol and the effects it is having on our communities is a mammoth issue," Amy Adams says. "There is no single fix for this, and we all have a part to play in reducing the damage that alcohol is causing in Canterbury."

Adams supports smoking ban in prisons

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:30:35 +1200

Selwyn MP Amy Adams says a ban on smoking will make prisons safer and healthier for both staff and prisoners in the Selwyn electorate.

At present, smoking in prisons is allowed in cells and designated external areas at Christchurch Women's Prison, Christchurch Prison, and Rolleston Prison.

Studies of air quality in United States prisons have shown that staff and prisoners can be exposed to 12 times the levels of second-hand smoke than in the home of an indoor smoker.

“The high level of smoking in our prisons poses a serious health risk to staff and prisoners,” says Ms Adams.
Two-thirds of prisoners are smokers and the most common health risk factor reported among prisoners is tobacco smoking. Prisoners have triple the rate of smoking as the rest of the community.

“Quite simply, making prisons smoke-free is the responsible thing to do,” says Ms Adams. “It will reduce the health and safety risks to prisoners and staff.”

Under the current law, prisoners may also possess lighters and matches.

Evidence shows that tobacco, matches, and lighters in prisons create risks. Lighters are used to melt toothbrushes and plastic utensils into dangerous weapons. Prisoners also light balls of toilet paper to throw at Corrections staff and set fire to Corrections property.

“Staff shouldn’t have to put with this,” Ms Adams says.

The new policy will mean there is no need for prisoners to have lighters or matches, therefore making prisons safer.
A 12-month campaign to help prisoners kick the habit will precede the ban which is expected to take effect from 1 July next year.

This campaign to help prisoners quit smoking will include information, education on smoking, and smoking cessation support.

As is currently the case for prisoners that want to quit, prisoners will be offered an eight-week course of nicotine replacement patches.

“Many prisoners enter prison with addiction to drugs or alcohol. If we’re serious about helping them beat these problems we shouldn’t have addictive substances of any kind in our prisons,” says Ms Adams.

Five local schools amongst 239 to start broadband upgrade

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:27:06 +1200

Halswell School, Templeton School, Okains Bay School, Darfield High School and Tai Tapu School are among the next 239 schools to receive government-subsidised network upgrades, in preparation for ultra-fast broadband.

Selwyn MP Amy Adams says students will directly benefit from ultra-fast access to online content and services at schools.

“Access to ultra-fast broadband is a basic tool for schools to operate, improving student achievement and providing a much wider range of learning opportunities for both students and their teachers,” says Ms Adams.

Ms Adams says 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. To prepare students to go out as confident and competent learners, we must prepare them for a rapidly changing world," says Amy Adams.

"I look forward to seeing further Selwyn schools upgrade in the future," she says.

As announced in Budget 2010, $37.5 million will be invested in this latest phase of the School Network Upgrade Project, which is part of the government's $1.5 billion six-year Broadband Investment Initiative.

Learn more about Emissions Trading Scheme, Darfield Thursday, July 8

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:51:26 +1200

Amy Adams is pleased to invite the public to learn more about the Emissions Trading Scheme in Darfield, Thursday July 8th.

Climate Change Minister Nick Smith will talk about how the ETS works, its effect on households, farms and businesses, and how it will curb emissions.

“I have found New Zealanders want to know more about how the scheme works, understand why it is better to make a modest start to address climate change now, and how they can become more energy efficient,” says Dr Smith.
“The ETS is complex, but is the right response to ensuring New Zealand does its fair share on curbing greenhouse emissions and addressing climate change,” Dr Smith said.

For the average Kiwi household it is estimated it will cost $3 a week through increases in electricity and fuel costs. 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.

Selwyn MP Amy Adams says she is aware that there is debate in the community about the Emissions Trading Scheme.
“I believe our moderate emissions trading scheme will help us reduce emissions in ways that result in the least cost to society and the economy,” says Ms Adams.

“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,” Ms Adams says.

“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.”

“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,” says Ms Adams.

“The sooner New Zealand starts that process, the easier the transition will be rather than waiting and having to go harder later,” she says.

Dr Nick Smith says there has been a huge focus on costs associated with the ETS, but he would like New Zealanders to understand the opportunities from new energy technologies, from planting trees and from insulating their homes.

The evening starts at 7:30, Thursday July 8, at Darfield Recreation Centre, North Terrace, Darfield. All welcome.

To view the brochures online go to:
http://climatechange.govt.nz/emissions-trading-scheme/about/what-it-means-for-me/brochure-householders/
http://climatechange.govt.nz/emissions-trading-scheme/about/what-it-means-for-me/brochure-farmers/index.html
http://climatechange.govt.nz/emissions-trading-scheme/about/what-it-means-for-me/brochure-sme/

Selwyn District Council backs call to reduce school speeds

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:25:00 +1200

At the presentation of more than 4000 signatures today, Selwyn District Council mayor Kelvin Coe said he will support school speed zones for rural schools.

Selwyn MP Amy Adams launched a petition six weeks ago to reduce the speed limit outside schools in the Selwyn District to no more than 50 km/h during pick up and drop off times.

Mayor Kelvin Coe recognised speed outside schools was of huge concern to the community, and said the petition had forced the issue.

"I'm delighted to support this petition. The safety of children around schools has got to be something we are all concerned about. When I look at this and see that on the open roads you have to slow down to 20km/h to pass a school bus, I can’t see the logic of not having something similar around the unloading and loading of children at schools,” said Mayor Coe.

Amy Adams noted that there is a process to work through to bring in the reduced school zone speed limits, but said she was pleased the council has committed to begin that process.

"It’s great that the Selwyn District Council is getting behind the wishes of its community," says Ms Adams. "It's my view that lower speeds do have a part to play in safeguarding our rural children as they go in and out of their school gates, and having Council today confirm they'll do all they can to put variable speed zones in place is great news.”

Amy Adams says the 4,173 signatures collected for a petition to reduce speed outside schools sent a strong message to the Selwyn District Council.
"The number of signatures collected shows the huge concern amongst Selwyn communities about the dangers of speed outside schools," says Ms Adams.

"Since taking up my position as MP for Selwyn, I have been approached by many in the community with their concerns about speed limits outside schools. The launch of this petition brought out even more stories of children involved in near misses," says Ms Adams. "Teachers, parents and grandparents will be relieved to hear the council is taking this seriously," she said.

Broadfield, Weedons, Greenpark, Greendale and Windwhistle schools are five schools in the Selwyn District with speed limits of 100 km/h outside their school gate. There are several other schools in the district with speeds of 70 km/h.

Weedon’s school principal Kathy Bell was on TVNZ’s Close Up this month after student Ian Souness wrote to the programme. She told Close Up she believed a fatal accident was inevitable unless the 100km/h speed limit outside her school was reduced.

“We have been trying for a number of years to get the speed limit reduced outside our school. I’m pleased the council is taking this on board, " she said. "It should be about minimising the risk for children. An increase of traffic in recent years, especially large trucks, has made the situation even more dangerous. While teachers and parents work hard to ensure the safety of our students, children are unpredictable and the chances of a child surviving if hit by a car travelling 50km or more are not great.”

Amy Adams MP for Selwyn applauds two Green Ribbon Award winners

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:14:08 +1200

Bank Peninsula Conservation Trust and Landcare Research, Lincoln were two winners from across New Zealand were named on Thursday at the 20th annual Green Ribbon Awards, for their outstanding contribution to protecting the environment.

Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust won the category for Protecting our Biodiversity with its work with landowners to conserve biodiversity on private land. Landcare Research won the Reducing our Carbon Emissions division, for its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas levels through the carboNZero programme.

Selwyn MP Amy Adams was delighted to be present at the ceremony and to present both groups with their awards as their local MP. She congratulated the two local winners for their part in protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment.

“I’m thrilled the hard work of these two organisations has been recognised for their part in taking action to deal with environmental challenges,” said Ms Adams.

Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust (formed in 2001) is a community-based group that works with landowners to conserve biodiversity on private land. The Trust has 42 registered covenants, totalling 360 hectares. The covenants represent a range of habitats and allow ecosystems to regenerate. These areas have been fenced and the Trust advises owners on management of weeds and pests. The Trust has worked with private land owners, particularly farmers, to protect biodiversity on their land while ensuring the land owner’s activities remain economically viable.

In 2009 and 2010, the Trust led the translocation of tui to Banks Peninsula, as tui had largely disappeared from the peninsula in the last 20 years. Seventy-two tui were reintroduced and 14 new fledglings established in the first summer. They will play an important part in regenerating ecosystems through their role as pollinators and seed dispersers.

The project received much local support and funding, and was run in partnership with the Department of Conservation, Lincoln University, Christchurch City Council, the Josef Langer Trust and Ngāi Tahu.

Landcare Research is New Zealand's foremost environmental research organisation, specialising in sustainable management of land resources, optimising primary production, enhancing biodiversity, increasing the resource efficiency of businesses, and conserving and restoring the natural assets of our communities.

The carboNZero programme run by Landcare Research is a world leading greenhouse gas emissions management and reduction certification scheme. It is the first greenhouse gas certification scheme to be accredited to ISO 14065 and the first certification programme for New Zealand.

The carboNZero programme helps facilitate significant environmental benefits through enabling organisations to measure, manage and mitigate their emissions. Since the launch of the carboNZero programme in 2001, 12 million tonnes of CO2e footprint has been verified and 180,000 tonnes of CO2e has been offset through the programme.

The carboNZero programme is a credible certification scheme that can be used by New Zealand businesses to promote and market their products internationally. Oxford University has identified the carboNZero programme as one of the top three programmes of its type in the world.

Two Selwyn groups amongst Green Ribbon Award finalists

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:04:49 +1200

Local organisations Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust and Landcare Research, Lincoln, are among 27 finalists for the 2010 Green Ribbon Awards.

This is the 20th year individuals, businesses, communities and larger organisations have been honoured for their contributions to protecting New Zealand’s environment.

Selwyn MP Amy Adams acknowledges the two organisations for their initiative, commitment and dedication to tackle environmental issues, and wishes them the best of luck.

The carboNZero programme, from Landcare Research in Lincoln, is an internationally accredited greenhouse gas certification programme, providing tools and resources to help measure, manage and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

The Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust is a non-profit organisation that works with landowners and agencies to promote the conservation and enhancement of indigenous biodiversity and sustainable land management on Banks Peninsula. They have been acknowledged for their achievements, in particular the Tui Restoration Project.

The winners of each category and an overall supreme winner will be announced by the Minister for the Environment, Nick Smith, during an awards ceremony at Parliament on Thursday 3 June.