Out and about in North Canterbury
Diverse is the word I always think best describes the nature of my job as an MP. One day I am in Wellington working on select committees, the next I am in Blenheim, Kaikoura or North Canterbury tackling a whole range of issues on behalf of local people.
Recently I have met with constituents regarding the Waipara rail, health matters and many other business concerns. I have also spent time at North Loburn School discussing car parking and speed limits within the school zone – a diverse range of topics to cover all in one day.
My role is often one of providing a voice for community members, opening a door so they can be heard and taken notice of either at local council level or by Ministers in Wellington. And while I may not be able to win every time I step up to assist a person or group, all I can ever do is give something my best shot.
On a particularly positive note I have just met with the Minister of Conservation, Kate Wilkinson, and had the good fortune to join her on a helicopter ride from Hanmer into the St James Station.
We are currently looking at options for best managing the station. Some of those options include allowing some areas to revert to bush, stocking with cattle to modest levels and preserving a number of the wild horses – this latter option has proved to be an important issue for a large number of people.
Once the St James cycleway is opened later this year the whole St James estate will be another great attribute for the surrounding region. It will provide tourism and associated economic spin-offs that will help maintain and grow vibrant communities.
Changes to Employment Law
The new employment law package introduced earlier this month is a positive step forward in this Government’s aim of creating more jobs for New Zealanders. The changes will work for the majority of employees, especially those with a less than an ideal background seeking a chance to prove themselves and make a fresh start.
Paula Bennett, Minister for Social Development, Employment and Youth Affairs sees the changes as particularly advantageous for young people, opening up the way for more employers to give young people a go, which is important in what is still a tough economic climate.
Department of Labour statistics showed that almost half the employees hired in the trial period were aged 15 to 24. Evaluation showed that 74 per cent of people hired during this time retained employment. I think that’s a pretty good outcome that shows what people can do when they’re given a shot.
This new employment law package comes with other positive changes including the ability to exchange up to a week’s annual holidays for cash and a fair and equitable personal grievance system that protects employee’s rights.
As I have already pointed out, the changes will provide a win-win situation for employers and employees and I personally look forward to seeing the positive results of these changes.
Recently I have met with constituents regarding the Waipara rail, health matters and many other business concerns. I have also spent time at North Loburn School discussing car parking and speed limits within the school zone – a diverse range of topics to cover all in one day.
My role is often one of providing a voice for community members, opening a door so they can be heard and taken notice of either at local council level or by Ministers in Wellington. And while I may not be able to win every time I step up to assist a person or group, all I can ever do is give something my best shot.
On a particularly positive note I have just met with the Minister of Conservation, Kate Wilkinson, and had the good fortune to join her on a helicopter ride from Hanmer into the St James Station.
We are currently looking at options for best managing the station. Some of those options include allowing some areas to revert to bush, stocking with cattle to modest levels and preserving a number of the wild horses – this latter option has proved to be an important issue for a large number of people.
Once the St James cycleway is opened later this year the whole St James estate will be another great attribute for the surrounding region. It will provide tourism and associated economic spin-offs that will help maintain and grow vibrant communities.
Changes to Employment Law
The new employment law package introduced earlier this month is a positive step forward in this Government’s aim of creating more jobs for New Zealanders. The changes will work for the majority of employees, especially those with a less than an ideal background seeking a chance to prove themselves and make a fresh start.
Paula Bennett, Minister for Social Development, Employment and Youth Affairs sees the changes as particularly advantageous for young people, opening up the way for more employers to give young people a go, which is important in what is still a tough economic climate.
Department of Labour statistics showed that almost half the employees hired in the trial period were aged 15 to 24. Evaluation showed that 74 per cent of people hired during this time retained employment. I think that’s a pretty good outcome that shows what people can do when they’re given a shot.
This new employment law package comes with other positive changes including the ability to exchange up to a week’s annual holidays for cash and a fair and equitable personal grievance system that protects employee’s rights.
As I have already pointed out, the changes will provide a win-win situation for employers and employees and I personally look forward to seeing the positive results of these changes.
