AMY ADAMS MP for Selwyn

Ultra-fast broadband comes to Invercargill and Hawera

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:19:00 +1200

The Government’s world-class ultra-fast broadband initiative continues to gather pace throughout New Zealand, with work starting in Invercargill and Hawera, Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams says.

Work to build an Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) network got underway in Invercargill today, while deployment starts in Hawera on Monday.

When work begins in Hawera, UFB deployment will have commenced in 20 towns or cities.

Ms Adams says the rollout of UFB is an innovative programme that will see New Zealand leapfrog its competitors to become one of the most connected countries in the world.

Continue reading "Ultra-fast broadband comes to Invercargill and Hawera"

Government welcomes new fresh water report

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:02:54 +1200

Primary Industries Minister David Carter and Environment Minister Amy Adams are welcoming further progress in New Zealand’s fresh water management with the release today of the Land and Water Forum’s second report.

The report on fresh water governance and setting limits continues the work on water reform initiated by the Government in 2009 and builds on the Forum’s first report released in 2010.

“This second report will help establish clearer national direction on how councils set objectives and limits for fresh water quality and quantity, in line with the National Policy Statement introduced by the Government last year,” Mr Carter says.

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Amy In Action - May 2012

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:04:16 +1200

It has been a busy few months with visits around Selwyn, Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City, but I have enjoyed catching up with old and new friends and constituents. I am thrilled to be the new Minister for the Environment, despite being sad to leave some good stuff behind in Internal Affairs As Minister for Communication and IT I have made some exciting announcements in the last few weeks also with broadband being extended in our rural communities.

Weedons School gets a new classroom block

It was a privilege to open a new classroom block at Weedons School, made possible by funding provided by the Ministry of Education. The school is thrilled to have the extra space and it is putting it to great use with a new classroom, a music room and teacher aide facilities. Thanks to the Weedons children for the warm welcome and the beautiful singing.

St John’s new regional facility

The Prime Minister and I visited the new St John’s regional facility and spent time in the Southern Communications Centre. We were shown some of the mass casualty equipment purchased by St John using the $2.8 million grant provided by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.

Thousands of people from all over the world generously donated to the Appeal and it is so heartening to see their donations now helping charities like St John to continue to support Cantabrians when it is needed.

Energy efficient homes for Christchurch

It is obvious to everyone who lives here in Canterbury that the task of rebuilding is a challenging one.

More than 100,000 homes (or approximately half the housing stock of Christchurch) have been damaged during the last 18 months of earthquakes and aftershocks. 7,000 homes have been red-zoned and the Government has purchased them or is the process of purchasing them. More than 3,000 of the 5,000 businesses in the CBD have been displaced and more 1,300 buildings in the CBD must be demolished or partly demolished.

So the job ahead is large. But with every challenge of this nature also comes opportunity. We can build smarter, safer, stronger, warmer homes for our families. The perfect time to make your home warm, comfortable and cheaper to run is when you are building or renovating. It is your opportunity to go back to the drawing board and really think about how you can incorporate energy efficiency into your home's design.

Last month I officially opened a brand new Stonewood home built in Lincoln. This new showhome is the very first 7 star Homestar showhome in New Zealand and will be taken as a given that homes will meet this standard in the future. It is a home which makes the most of its location, with excellent thermal efficiency to save you long term heating and cooling costs. They have also used specified materials which ensure low maintenance costs and products that will perform efficiently for years.

Good energy efficient design needn't cost much more, but you'll enjoy the benefits for many years to come. You can make a big difference to the warmth and comfort of your home, save yourself money and help our environment by managing the way you use energy every day.

More schools, hospitals, and libraries to be connected to faster broadband

As a Member of Parliament for a largely rural area, and also as Minister for Communications and Information Technology I was thrilled to announce that more schools, hospitals, and libraries will be connected to faster broadband in the final phase of National’s $300 million Rural Broadband Initiative.

We all know how important it is to have easy access to good, fast communication. Having faster broadband will break down the barriers of distance that rural communities face. By introducing it into our schools, our hospitals and our libraries we know that students will be able to video conference with specialist teachers, doctors and nurses will be connected to training sessions in big cities and communities will have access to information and job-seeking tools through broadband in public libraries.

Across the country, this phase of the Rural Broadband Initiative will see a further 193 provincial schools, 183 rural public libraries, 37 rural hospitals and 10 Health Centres receiving Ultra-Fast Broadband fibre connections of up to 100 Megabits per second. National is also upgrading 57 remote schools to faster broadband. This is in addition to phase one of Rural Broadband Initiative which is already underway, and means every one of our schools will be able to access better, faster broadband.

The Banks Peninsula and the Selwyn region are both set to benefit greatly from our Rural Broadband Initiative. The Akaroa, Leeston, Darfield and Lincoln Maternity Hospitals and the Darfield, Akaroa and Little River libraries will be connected to ultra-fast broadband in the coming years. In addition two remote schools on the Peninsula – Le Bons Bay School and Okains Bay School – will be connected to faster broadband using point to point wireless technology. National is delivering on its promise that no school will miss out. Many of these schools have relied on satellite broadband and have managed with small data caps and low speeds. The improved broadband for remote schools will be light years ahead of where they are today.

We are ensuring that our rural communities will be well connected with the latest technology. Connecting all communities to fast and ultra-fast broadband over the next few years is a key plank of National’s goal of creating a more competitive and productive economy. I’m proud to say that we are delivering on that goal.

I’m looking forward to the brighter future it will bring to our communities and our local economy.

Focus on families and young children

National is focused on supporting parents and families. In tight economic times we have preserved income support entitlements for families. We are identifying the things that are important to families and making comprehensive changes that are helping.

Working for Families payments have been adjusted by 5 per cent, meaning higher payments for most families. We’re spending 40 per cent more since 2008 on Early Childhood Education to ensure the youngest Kiwis get an opportunity for the best start in life. We’re maintaining paid parental leave at 14 weeks – despite tough economic times. And we’re fully-funding PlunketLine 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It’s also important that we get back to surplus and get debt under control. A growing economy creates more jobs, higher wages, and the better standard of living that New Zealand families deserve.

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New unit for rebuild of central Christchurch

Rebuilding Christchurch is one of National’s four priorities for this term in Government, and this week we took another step with the announcement of a new business unit to focus on rebuilding the city centre.

The Christchurch Central Development Unit, which sits inside the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA), will provide clear leadership for the rebuild of the CBD and work in a positive partnership with Christchurch City Council, which remains the consenting authority.

This is another milestone as we get on with rebuilding Christchurch. It marks a shift in focus from demolition to building the new, vibrant, distinctive, and green central city the people of Christchurch told their council they wanted.

The new unit’s first task will be to prepare a blueprint to implement the Central City Plan within 100 days. The blueprint will give property owners, developers and business sectors a lead on how the city will look and how they can be involved.

Click here for more information

I welcome your thoughts and feedback so be sure to contact me and tell me what's on your mind.

Kind regards

Amy Adams MP

Lifting student achievement

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:52:33 +1200

Despite tight economic times, National is increasing spending on education for the fourth budget in a row. We are investing an extra $512 million over the next four years.

We want all our kids to be leaving school with the skills they need to reach their potential in the modern economy.

At the moment, four out of five of our kids are successful in our education system. National’s plan is for five out of five.

We will invest more into teaching development, collaborate on an appraisal system, provide stronger mentoring, and introduce new qualifications for teachers and principals.

Funding ratios will remain the same for new entrants at one teacher to 15 pupils. In the crucial NCEA years 11-13 the ratios will standardise to 1:17.3 – which is almost the lowest point of what they are now. In years 2-10 the funding ratio will standardise to 1:27.5 from the existing range of 1:23 to 1:29. This will free up just over $43 million, on average, in each of the next four years.

Our changes are about better teaching not more teachers.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38507

Green Ribbon finalists announced

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:27:53 +1200

Environment Minister Amy Adams has today announced 35 finalists for the 2012 Green Ribbon Awards, which honour outstanding contributions to protecting New Zealand's environment.

“The awards reflect the broad range of environmental challenges that New Zealand faces and the actions being taken to address them,” Ms Adams says.

“Tackling environmental issues is not easy. It takes initiative and dedication. “The awards pay homage to the incredible efforts being undertaken in homes, schools, communities and workplaces to address the environmental challenges we face.”

There are 12 award categories that recognise individuals, businesses, communities and youth, as well as larger organisations.

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Tackling rheumatic fever

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:10:05 +1200

This week the Government announced we are doubling our spending in Budget 2012 from $12 million to $24 million, to significantly reduce rheumatic fever in vulnerable communities. This is targeting 35,000 at-risk children in seven regions across the country.

Rheumatic fever is an entirely preventable third-world disease that can have serious consequences for children throughout their lives. Tackling this disease is a key part of the Prime Minister’s better public service challenge.

National is growing and protecting our public health service. We have invested an extra $1.5 billion into health over three years. There are an extra 800 doctors and 2000 extra nurses in our district health boards, we’re delivering record results in elective surgery and immunisations, and we’ve reduced waiting times at emergency departments and for cancer radiation treatment.

More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/budget-2012-taking-rheumatic-fever

Stronger bail laws to protect communities

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:36:43 +1200

New Zealanders deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities. National’s bill to strengthen bail laws and improve public safety has now had its first reading in Parliament.

The Bail Amendment Bill makes it harder for people accused of serious crimes to get bail, and improves the integrity and operational effectiveness of our bail system.

The bill achieves the right balance between the public’s right to safety, and the right of alleged offenders to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

National is building a safer New Zealand by delivering better public services to protect our communities, and put victims at the heart of our justice system.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38466

Christchurch education renewal programme released for consultation

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:00:23 +1200

National has taken another step in our plan to rebuild Christchurch.

A draft programme has been released to guide the renewal of the education network in greater Christchurch following the earthquakes.

Given the significant damage and population movement, the sector cannot be returned to how it was. However, this means we’ve had an opportunity to address inequalities and create a locally relevant, best practice education system. It will equip learners with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the 21st century.

The programme also puts emphasis on the relationship between education and the regional economy. Tertiary education will play a key role, providing the skills and knowledge needed to help get Christchurch back on its feet.

The proposal is online: www.shapingeducation.minedu.govt.nz. Submissions close 31 May.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38463

$60 million saved with mobile service contracts

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:55:29 +1200

National expects the government to save about $60 million over the next five years after signing all-of-government procurement contracts for mobile, voice, and data services. These contracts cover all voice minutes and data used on mobile phones held by government employees.

The new contracts are part of our ongoing procurement reform programme, which is making government buying as efficient as possible and reducing cost. The programme includes all public sector agencies, councils, and up to 2500 schools.

The latest contracts mean we are on track to achieve a total saving to the Government and taxpayers of $350 million.

Each dollar saved can be reinvested in improving public services and essential infrastructure in order to help grow the economy.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38446

Korea, Australia and NZ to discuss digital futures

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:39:40 +1200

Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams tomorrow travels to Seoul for the 2012 Korea Australia and New Zealand (KANZ) Summit, and the World Information and Communications Summit.

The summits, in Seoul from May 14-16, bring together Government, industry, research and policy representatives to share insights into their experiences in broadband and to explore joint ventures and research partnerships.

“With the development of the National Broadband Network in Australia and Korea’s world-leading broadband network, it will be interesting to hear about their experiences,” Ms Adams says.

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Welfare investment to reduce long-term dependency

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:08:46 +1200

National is allocating $287.5 million over the next four years for the first phase of the Government’s welfare reforms. Providing this up-front investment will support young New Zealanders off welfare and into work, helping to save taxpayers $1 billion over the next four years.

National’s reforms are focused firmly on reducing the long-term social and financial costs of welfare dependency. This will help to build a more productive economy.

We’ve made a commitment to provide investment to ensure that fewer people are on welfare long-term. This spending is focused youth services, which includes intensive case management and individual wrap-around support. We’ve got to ensure these young people, are in education, training, or work-based learning, so they can build brighter futures.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38443

Environmental programme benefits schools

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:06:52 +1200

Budget 2012 will provide $7.6 million over the next four years for an education programme that gives schools and children a hands-on approach to looking after the environment, Environment Minister Amy Adams and Māori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples announced today.

Enviroschools and Te Aho Tu Roa (the Maori immersion approach) encourage children, their schools and their families to think and act sustainably – at school, at home and in everyday life.

“I’m pleased that, in tight economic times, we can provide substantial funding for this valuable programme as a result of the Government’s confidence and supply agreement with the Māori Party,” Ms Adams says.

“The Government is committed to improving and maintaining the quality of our environment and this funding will provide a valuable contribution towards the support of the Enviroschools programme.”

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Deterring people smuggling

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:46:52 +1200

National is taking a firm stance on illegal immigration ventures and people smuggling. An attempt to illegally arrive in New Zealand by sea would be dangerous, and would put the lives of those involved at great risk. We want to discourage anyone from taking that risk.

Equally, we believe queue jumpers should not be able to push in front of genuinely needy refugees.

The Immigration Amendment Bill, which had its first reading in the House this week, sends a strong message that New Zealand is not a soft touch. There are formal, transparent, and well-established processes by which people can, and should, seek to reside in New Zealand as refugees or asylum-seekers.

The Government remains committed to upholding our international good citizen obligations through the refugee quota and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 (BORA).

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleId=38387

Government website launched for share offers

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:19:09 +1200

A website to provide New Zealanders with information about the Government’s mixed ownership programme has been launched.

The website, www.governmentshareoffers.govt.nz, gives New Zealanders information about the proposal to sell up to 49 per cent of four State Owned Enterprises – Mighty River Power, Genesis Energy, Meridian, Solid Energy – and a further stake in Air New Zealand.

The website provides information about the share offer programme including what mixed ownership means, why the Government is undertaking the programme, and how a public share offer works.

The Government expects to receive $5 billion to $7 billion in proceeds. This will help control debt and allow us to invest in new infrastructure, such as schools.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38427

Better information sharing to stop welfare fraud

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:51:36 +1200

National is expanding information sharing between Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development to deliver better public services.

From the middle of this year, relevant client information will be shared automatically, rather than being provided on specific request, as happens now.

Last year fraudsters stole $22 million, and 658 people were prosecuted for benefit fraud. It is vital we stop these criminals as quickly as possible. Enhancing information sharing between government agencies is the next step to deliver on National’s commitment to crack down on welfare fraud.

For more information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38389