http://nationalmps.co.nz RSS Web Feed for The New Zealand National Party (Generated by Feedity.com) Feedity/2.86 (+http://feedity.com) Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:50:19 GMT Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:50:19 GMT 60 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2019 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2019 Today I have been out on the streets celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day.  This is a celebration of the good in people as well as the first day of spring. This year I took a basket of Cadbury chocolates (thanks for the kind donations Cadbury), around the main streets of Hastings and Havelock North giving away chocolates. Mission accomplished as almost everyone gave a smile and thought about how they could do a Random Act of Kindness.   Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2018 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2018 Today my work experience took me on site with GEMCO: Great Experience Meeting Chippies Outside the office. I helped the team with Nimon’s new multi-million dollar building in Whakatu. I’m becoming quiet the chippie myself!   Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2006 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2006 Over the weekend the tiny town of Murchison population about 1,000 had the Parliament rugby team arrive. With half of the team arriving early afternoon on the Saturday allowing some to experience the beauty of this large region and its outdoor environment. Festivities proper kicked off with the wild foods dinner at the superb local rugby club with about 150 locals. The facilities for such a small town are amazing and some of the best we have played at in the country. Dinner with wild venison ... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2004 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2004 India is a huge multi-faceted continent and the home of well over one billion people, with different languages, different cultures, and different food. When you first visit you are almost overwhelmed by the energy, the excitement, the bustle and most of all the magnificent colours of India! This week, without even having to leave Christchurch, we can get a glimpse of all the arts, the crafts, the costumes, the culture and history of India. We can enjoy live dance and music, films/documentarie... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2003 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2003 Ronald McDonald House in Central Christchurch is a wonderful warm, welcoming home. In the last seven years over 2000 families who have been in the city for hospital care have spent time over 62,000 nights under its roof. It is a stressful time to be sick and in a strange city. But everyone at Ronald McDonald house, its staff and the families that stay there, are supportive of each other which helps make tough times just that little bit easier.   To increase capacity Ronald McDonald House... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2005 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2005 The Christchurch City Council Staff are in the process of moving into their new home- Te Hononga- Christchurch Civic Centre. The building is in the centre of the Cultural Precinct right opposite of the Art Gallery. The Kitchen Cafe which is in the foyer will be a great place for the public to mix and mingle with everyone who visits or works in the building.  I was lucky enough to be walking past early on Friday morning, when their brand new staff opened the doors for the first time. I go... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1984 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1984 I'm still getting many e-mails about the future of neurosurgery services, and one thing is very clear. People have serious concerns that those with acute head injury or stroke patients will have to travel to Christchurch instead of accessing services in Dunedin. I have many people including my friends who have contacted me with their own stories and experiences with living with a brain tumour, or stroke or head injury. I’ll continue to advocate for the people who live in my far-flung and some... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1969 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1969 The Christchurch Civic Building Te Hononga is complete and it’s wonderful! I went to the Karakia Whakaroa Dawn Blessing yesterday and marvelled at smart recycling, reusing and regeneration of Christchurch’s old Postal Centre. The building is a joint venture between Ngai Tahu and the Christchurch City Council, and a new model of ownership. 50% is owned by the people of Christchurch and 50% is owned by the 46,000 members of the Ngai Tahu iwi, so thousands of New Zealanders have a stake in this ... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2016 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2016   Nicky talks about the New Zealand democracy and the importance of running an electoral system everyone can count on. Last month, Nicky was an election observer in the Solomons as part of a UN team and she describes some of her experiences and responsibilities as a member of that team. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2017 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2017   Paul talks about the concentration of the National-led Government on the economy and some of the milestone gains we have made so far in making New Zealand a better place to live. He goes on to talk about gains in the war on 'P' and events happening in the electorate and the importance of a rural voice on the new Auckland City Council. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2014 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2014   Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2015 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2015   Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2012 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2012   Colin talks about the Freedom of Association Bill - affecting the payment of fees to student associations - and the Government's new actions to curb alcohol abuse inNew Zealand. He encourages viewers to make submissions on the alcohol legislation as it makes its way through Committee to the Floor. For more information on the proposed alcohol abuse legislation and extensive background papers, follow this link    Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2013 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2013 Louise talks about the Government's newly proposed legislative initiative to combat alcohol abuse in New Zealand. For more information on the proposed alcohol reform legislation and extensive background papers, click here and for the quick quide National Party "one pager" at http://www.national.org.nz/web/alcohol_onepager.pdf. In the electorate, Louise talks about the Taupo 'rebranding' as Great Lake Taupo and the campaign to pronouce Taupo (toe-paw) correctly. In the northern part ... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2007 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2007   Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2008 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=2008 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1998 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1998 Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak. I am delighted to be here on behalf of the Honourable Dr Nick Smith who is unfortunately unable to be here tonight, having prior climate change business in Australia this evening. I want to start by congratulating the Glass Packaging Forum members on behalf of the Government for the leadership they have shown in achieving voluntary product stewardship accreditation under the Waste Minimisation Act. While the Forum received its official accredi... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1880 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1880 Good afternoon.  I really appreciate the opportunity to visit one of the Philippines’ top universities, and talk to you about what I think is an increasingly important relationship both for New Zealand and the Philippines. Its great to be back in Manila in this warm, vibrant and colourful city. I’ve just stepped off the plane from the midst of New Zealand’s winter and driven straight into the city to be here.  The main reason for my visit is tomorrow’s inauguration of President-elec... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1767 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1767 Thank you for inviting me here today- thank you for the interesting and intriguing invitation. I bring Best Wishes from the Hon John Key, Prime Minister who is well aware of the St Thomas’s Young Enterprise schemes - he really enjoyed the time he was able to support one of the schemes. And has followed the St Thomas success in this arena ever since. And I will make sure he knows about this one.  I said it was an interesting and intriguing invitation- the invitation was interesting becaus... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1781 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1781 Good evening. It’s great to see you all here tonight. When we went to the polls in November 2008, we asked the public what they thought were the main law and order issues that we should address as government. The message we received was loud and clear. Many people believed the criminals were getting the upper hand in this country. They were concerned that violence, dishonesty and drug offences have been increasing. They were concerned about the rise of organised crime and the spread of metham... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1716 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1716 It is a real honour to stand here today as the Member of Parliament for Taupo and see Taupo receive accreditation as an International Safe District. I’d like to acknowledge Dr Caroline Coggan, director of Safe Communities Foundation NZ and Mayor Rick Cooper.  I’d like to thank the Representatives here from the World Health Organisation, Lakes District Health Board, ACC and the Police.  It is wonderful for Taupo to be recognised on this scale.  The Taupo District Council has don... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1646 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1646 It is wonderful to see so many familiar faces and meet other members of the Cambridge community. For those of you who won’t know me, I am Louise Upston, the Member of Parliament for Taupo. I was elected in 2008 and have well and truly found my feet in the political world. I live here in Cambridge with my husband Craig and three children. It is an absolute pleasure to be here tonight to celebrate the launch of the ‘Cambridge Connections’ Health and Social Services community Directory. Healthca... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1579 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1579 Before I make some general comments about Maori in general seats, can I begin by noting where I whakapapa to? My background in itself I believe sheds some light on some of the differences between Maori in general seats today and Maori in Maori seats. My mother’s history is simple. She comes from British stock who came to New Zealand and were dairy farmers in Waikato. My father’s background is more exotic. His father was a Pakeha plasterer, Alf Bridges, also of British stock, but his mother wa... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1614 http://nationalmps.co.nz/NationalNews/NewsArticle/tabid/233/Default.aspx?ArticleID=1614 Introduction Good morning – it is great to be here on behalf of Transport Minister Steven Joyce to welcome you to the ‘Paving The Way For Greener Roads’ conference 2010 . While Steven was disappointed he was unable to attend, he sends his best wishes for what will no doubt be a very enlightening and enjoyable conference here in Taupo. Roading is very topical in Taupo at the moment with construction of the East Taupo Arterial (ETA). The highway is really starting to take shape. We have four ma... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT