Safety at major intersections can never be overstated. Right now I am working on getting the Minister of Transport, Gerry Brownlee, involved in discussions surrounding safety at the junction of SH 1 and SH 7 – the turn-off to Hanmer and Lewis Pass.

This high speed junction has some fundamental flaws and I hope to get the minister to consider possible changes before there are any fatalities. The history of collisions, near misses and loss of traction is of increasing concern I recently discussed with Hurunui mayor Winton Dalley, the owner of the garage sited at the junction, and a local driver who could easily have become the first fatality if not for some good luck. 
There is general consensus that something needs to be done and I will be advocating for improvements. 

Staying on the subject of transport, Gerry Brownlee is inviting the agricultural sector to have its say on proposed changes to transport regulations for agricultural vehicles.  Last year the government announced the need to ensure these rules were protecting safety without imposing unnecessary red tape.

The primary concern is whether the current rules properly take account of the realities facing the industry and how they compare to those in other developed countries.

It’s my hope that those in the agricultural sector will engage in the discussion while it is taking place because I would hate to see good intentions result in the burden of more red tape and an undesirable situation being made worse. I urge everyone involved in the agricultural sector to be involved to ensure the rules are suited to the sector.

The proposed changes should improve safety, reduce compliance costs for industry and make the law easier to understand and enforce.

A position paper setting out the proposed changes as well as information on how to make a submission is available on the Ministry of Transport website: www.transport.govt.nz

The government began the year with a heavy workload ensuring greater access for our goods in overseas markets. As a food producing economy it’s important that local businesses, farmers and growers have good access to their overseas markets.

This year we have led successful trade missions to China, South Korea, Indonesia and Singapore. These missions are part of our plan to raise the profile of our exporters in rapidly expanding consumer markets. They have helped develop our networks and open doors in these markets, reinforcing the importance of Asia to the future of New Zealand.

The deputy prime minister and senior ministers have been in Australia furthering the single economic market. Economic development minister, Steven Joyce, has just returned from the Middle East where he led a delegation promoting New Zealand’s profile as a destination for international students.

Trade minister Tim Groser has led a mission of trade companies to China and attended the G20 trade ministers meeting in Mexico.

A lot of hard work is going on behind the scenes; unfortunately much of it has low priority in the media as it isn’t sensational news, just vitally important to our future prosperity.  

Maisie meets her star, Angelina Ballerina

Angelina the ballerina became a feature of our lives recently. The mouse that aspired to become a dancer was part and parcel of having our granddaughter, Maisie, to stay over the school holidays.

Maisie’s mum, Laressa, was meant to bring her south from Auckland for a few days but the family dog, Patch, threw a spanner in the works, injuring a cruciate ligament and requiring some major surgery.

Laressa was faced with two options, a $2,000 operation or a more comprehensive ‘fix’ at $4,500. Due to the dog’s advancing years the family opted for the 2k job, which should provide Patch with adequate mileage. 

The big blow wasn’t so much the dog requiring surgery as the fact that Laressa had to stay at home while Patch was recovering, missing out on a break away and some special time with daughter and grandparents.    

Two year old Maisie was popped on a flight out of Auckland and arrived in Blenheim the real little jetsetter.

Lynnette picked her up and brought her home – she was rapt at the prospect of having unbroken access to this special little girl for a few days although the excitement came with a few concerns over safety.

The flight of stairs in our house had to have barriers installed top and bottom, and then there was the need to move all precious breakables out of reach.

The house was soon both safe and childproof, and a new regime quickly established as we adjusted to the needs of our little girl. We also began to realise that inside this precious wee package called a grandchild there was a short fuse and we were occasionally only moments away from a meltdown!

Angelina Ballerina day was warm, sunny and golden – ideal weather for a girl all dressed up in fairy gear and off to the theatre to see the show.

Closer to the theatre we joined a tide of children dressed as fairies and princesses, accompanied by mums, grandmothers and the occasional dad or grandad thrown in for good luck.

The show connected immediately with its young audience, the kids were drawn into the plot as Angelina attempted to qualify for the dance academy. At half time we took Maisie to the Wisheart Room for a break where she immediately began practicing her ballet steps that looked like a cross between a haka and some back kicks.

The second half brought a moment of drama and a flood of tears as Maisie decided it was a good idea to join the cast on stage. It took some quick talking and consolation to convince her that she was there as part of the audience.

Angelina made it into the academy to the delight of everyone and the curtain came down to the disappointment of the young audience. We then waited to for a special meeting with Angelina Ballerina and some of her friends. To see Maisie’s face lit up with happiness as she met Angelina was priceless – and will be an enduring memory for Lynnette and I. 

I also hope that Maisie, although still very young, will harbour fond memories of her trip to Marlborough to stay with her grandparents. We enjoyed some wonderful times together in the glorious golden autumn weather. Back in Auckland I hope Laressa caught up on some sleep and Patch is, well...all patched up.

Nicki Bennett General Manager of the Churchill Trust with Colin breaking the ground on the new hospital site.

The offical gathering for the groundbreaking ceremony and blessing of the site of the new Private Hospital and Specialist Centre ay Churchill Private Hospital Trust took place in Blenheim this morning.

Address by Colin King given at 8.00am Monday 7 May 2012

Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa,
Mōrena and Good morning to all.

Let me acknowledge the work and leadership of General Manager of the Churchill Private Hospital, Nicki Bennett and John Peters, our CEO of the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board.

It is an honour to be addressing you this morning as we gather to bless this site which will begin a new chapter in the 18 year tradition of quality health provision to the people of Marlborough.

This hospital is providing quality health care services in Marlborough for Marlborough.

The work of the Churchill Private Hospital Trust is a real testament to public private health provision in New Zealand, providing effective and flexible health services to our community.

In the last year 1400 patients came to this hospital, that’s 3% of the Marlborough population.

The work of the Churchill Private Hospital Trust here in Blenheim, through this new location will make a profound difference to the health and well-being to the people of wider Marlborough.

As a community we will benefit greatly from the work of this fantastic trust as it meets the medical needs of patients by providing the choice of quality health care in their home province and to ensure we are attracting and retaining specialists at Wairau Hospital, the Private Surgical Opportunities provided by this hospital will ensure Wairau Hospital remains a viable, community based asset. This means reduced waiting times on public lists. It is the Churchill Private Hospital Trust that meets this challenge.

As a charitable trust the hospital reinvests its profits to maintain and improve services and facilities for the people of Marlborough whether funding the purchase new equipment for both Churchill and Wairau Hospitals or promoting the wider education, health and well being of our community.

Public Private Hospitals seem to be becoming a way forward for health care services in New Zealand.
If it were not for the people and vision behind the Churchill Trust’s contribution to our Health Services, the Wairau rebuild may have not gone ahead.

I am looking forward to the blessing of the completed building and how it will continue in its tradition of enhanced health services providing and creating an even more effective service at the Public Hospital and the 3rd Theatre for the people of Marlborough. Thank you.