Michael Woodhouse MP

OTAGO RESCUE HELICOPTER TRUST
Last Monday I had the pleasure of visiting the Otago Rescue Helicopter base at Taieri Airfield with Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean. 

Jacqui and I were there to present the Trust with a cheque for $78,159 of Government funding.

It was a great privilege to be able to present this money to a Trust to further support the work they do in the southern South Island.  The Trust is one of 16 centres across New Zealand that provides life-saving service transport for critically ill or injured people to medical facilities. 

It was a great afternoon where we got to meet the staff, be shown the air ambulance and helicopter base and I, along with two of my daughters, even had the opportunity to be winched up into the training helicopter.

DUNEDIN HOSPITAL
Health Minister Tony Ryall brought great news with him when he visited Dunedin last month.

The Minister confirmed funding for Dunedin Hospital’s new NICU as part of a $24.4 million development of the Southern DHB's Dunedin facilities.

The current unit is dilapidated and over-worked which is why I am so pleased that this funding has been confirmed.

I have been advocating to the Health Minister over the past few months the need for these upgrades so was very pleased to be with him when he made this announcement at the Hospital.

The total funding package is being invested in:

- NICU plus enabling project - $5.3 million
- Wakari developments - $15.2 million
- Infrastructure projects at Dunedin - $3.9 million 

YOUTH PARLIAMENT
On 6 & 7 July Parliament was overtaken by 122 Youth MPs.

I was in Wellington for the annual event which sees the Youth MPs from all around the country attend caucus meetings, select committee meetings, debate in the House and ask oral questions of Ministers.

My representative was Katya Curran from St Hilda’s Collegiate School.  I was extremely proud of Katya who represented Dunedin and me extremely well.

Katya was on the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade select committee and took a call in the general debate in which she delivered a great speech.

It was a fantastic couple of days and it was great to see the potential future leaders of this country debating current issues and learning how parliament works.

PARLIAMENTARY SPORTS
The parliamentary netball and rugby teams were hosted by National MP Hekia Parata in Porirua last weekend.

The parliamentary netball team consisting of MPs, staff and spouses played the Porirua Invitational Team at Te Rauparaha Arena. The locals proved too good, winning 25-19 at the end of what was a great game.

The parliamentary rugby team then took on the North’s Presidential team at Porirua Park.  I had a great time refereeing the game, where once again the locals proved too good – with the score 46-28 at the final whistle.

A fantastic weekend all round and a great way to raise funds for the Porirua Youth Grants Fund.

FRIDAY FORUMS
Last month I hosted the inaugural Friday Forum at Mornington Presbyterian Hall.  The forum was attended by MPs Chester Borrows, Tim Macindoe, Eric Roy and Jo Goodhew.

There was a great public turnout for the morning tea and discussion.

I will be hosting forums throughout the year, with the next one scheduled for:

Friday 23 July
10.00 – 11.30am
Mornington Presbyterian Community Centre, Maryhill Terrace

Guest MPs will be Melissa Lee and Jacqui Dean.
It would be great to see you there for a catch up or if you have any issues you would like to discuss with me and my colleagues.

Please RSVP to my office on 477 7330 or email blueandgold@parliament.govt.nz

Morning tea will be provided.

I hope to see you there.

ETS MEETING
The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) came into effect on 1 July.

There has been a lot of misinformation around the ETS and so I have invited the Minister for Climate Change Issues Nick Smith to a public meeting to discuss the scheme and what it means for you.

This is your chance to get all the facts and ask any questions you may have.

The meeting is on:

Monday 26 July
7.30pm
Coronation Hall, Gordon Road, Mosgiel

I look forward to seeing you there.

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BUDGET 2010: BUILDING THE RECOVERY
On Thursday 20 May Finance Minister Bill English delivered the 2010 Budget.

This year’s Budget focuses squarely on getting the economy growing faster.  It helps Kiwi families get ahead.  And it sets New Zealand on a path to turn back debt and return to surplus.

It delivers the biggest reform of our tax system for nearly 25 years.

Across the board, personal tax cuts and a package of tax changes will boost economic growth, make the tax rules fairer, and help hard-working Kiwis get ahead.

The tax reforms will leave someone on the average wage almost $15 a week better off.  A family on the average household income with two children will be about $25 a week better off.

Budget 2010 builds on our economic recovery and tilts the economy so that faster growth comes in the right places.

For too long New Zealand has relied on investment in property speculation, rising debt, and unsustainable increases in government spending.  The Budget takes action to encourage investment in the productive parts of the economy such as exporting.  It gives the vast bulk of Kiwis extra cash in their pockets so they have more choices.

It also continues this Government’s multi-billion dollar investment in infrastructure such as high-speed broadband, roads, rail, and schools.  It makes a substantial investment in research, science, and technology.

Despite the tight fiscal environment, we are helping families and the most vulnerable by investing hundreds of millions of dollars more in priority social services such as hospitals, schools, and safer communities.

We are tackling rising debt, and Kiwis will see a return to surplus in the government accounts three years sooner than forecast last year. 

From 1 October this year, personal taxes will be cut. GST will increase a small amount to 15 per cent. Superannuation, Working for Families, and benefit rates will all increase to compensate for the GST rise.  As National promised, most Kiwi households will be better off.

Next year the company tax rate will fall to 28 per cent, ensuring New Zealand is competitive internationally.

We’re investing $321 million over four years in new initiatives in science, research, and technology – a key driver for a faster growing economy.

We’re putting an extra $2.1 billion into frontline healthcare over the next four years, and an extra $1.4 billion for better schools and early childhood education services.

Across government, we have identified $1.8 billion of low-priority spending to be freed up for priority areas such as healthcare, education, and keeping New Zealand communities safe.

We owe it to hard-working Kiwi families to provide them with the financial security, opportunities, and higher incomes that allow them to get ahead in this country.

Budget 2010 does those things and sets out a path to build on our economic recovery.

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Boosting science to help faster economic growth

- $321 million for new initiatives, including $234m for supporting business research and development, including technology development grants for firms doing R&D

HEALTH
Improving frontline health services for patients

- $2.1 billion extra for health priorities, including $512m extra for 2010/11
- $1.4b extra for District Health Boards
- $59.5b for extra Elective Surgeries
- $93m extra for Disability Services
- $24m for a national Bowel Cancer screening pilot programme
- 20 new Doctor Training Places
- $80m extra for Medicines

EDUCATION
Ensuring young New Zealanders have the opportunity to reach their potential and succeed

- $1.4 billion extra for better schooling and early childhood education, including $417m extra for 2010/11
- $107m extra for Early Childhood Education and continued funding for 20 hours ECE – to a total of $1.3b in 2010/11
- $155.9m new Operational Funding for Schools
- $349.3m in new operating and capital funding for School Property
- $48.1m for the Youth Guarantee Scheme
- $48.3m to build Ultra-fast Broadband Support for schools
- 765 extra places at Universities
- 455 extra places at Technology Institutes and Polytechnics

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Better frontline support for those in need

- $90.5 into a fund for Non-Government Organisations to deliver extra high-quality services
- $134.3m for Whanau Ora to help families in need
- $14.9m invested in services for Teenage Parents
- $26.7m in 2010/11 to expand Job Opportunities programme

HOUSING
Growing the supply of affordable housing for families

- 20m to extend the Housing Innovation Fund, including $16m for grants and loans to support Social and Affordable Housing
- $350,000 new Welcome Home Loan limit raised from $280,000 for first home buyers in higher priced areas

INFRASTRUCTURE
Unclogging the arteries of growth, creating jobs, and getting our economy moving

- $1.45 billion for projects in 2010/11 – the second year of a 5-year $7.5b infrastructure programme
- 200m for the roll-out of Ultra-Fast Broadband, plus $48m more for broadband in schools
- $500m for upgrade of Auckland Rail, and $250m for the wider rail network and rolling stock
- $337.4m to lift Prison Capacity and manage justice sector pressures
- $177.4m for New Schools and School Property
- $10.7b over 10 years for State Highways. $3.3b over 5 years to upgrade the National Grid

OTHER KEY INITIATIVES
- $75.9m for a new Joint Border Management System to replace ageing border clearance systems run by MAF and Customs.
- 40,000 Kiwi households have joined Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart. We are investing $347.3m to retrofit more than 180,000 homes with insulation and clean heating.
- 350 extra Police already on the street towards 600 new frontline police by the end of 2011.

FRIDAY FORUM
Come along to my Friday Forum to discuss current issues with myself and caucus colleagues Jo Goodhew MP,
Tim Macindoe MP and Jackie Blue MP.

Friday 18 June
10.00 – 11.30am
Mornington Presbyterian Community Centre, Maryhill Terrace

Morning tea provided.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 15:28

JEWELLED GECKOS RELEASED
Last month I had the privilege of helping release the 16 jewelled geckos that were stolen by a German tourist from the Otago Peninsula in February.

The geckos, which are considered to be in gradual decline, were released back to their original homes with the help of University of Otago student Carey Knox.

I was impressed by the work the Otago Peninsula community and the Department of Conservation are doing to make sure our wildlife is protected and that the theft of our wildlife is prevented.

YOUTH MP SELECTED
I am delighted to have found a fantastic young leader to be my representative at this year’s Youth Parliament.  Katya Curran from St Hilda’s Collegiate School was chosen after writing an essay and being interviewed. 

I was extremely impressed all of the applicants from a number of secondary schools in Dunedin and it just goes to show the calibre of our young leaders in this city.

The 122 Youth MPs will take over Parliament for two days in July and will get to debate legislation, ask ministers oral questions, attend caucus meetings and sit on a select committee.

BACK BENCHES
The TVNZ7 political show Back Benches came to Dunedin this month.  I was part of the panel alongside fellow MPs Clare Curran, Heather Roy and Metiria Turei.  We debated issues such as the value of education, the Dunedin student culture and accommodation and employment.

A great crowd turned up to the Robbie Burns pub for what was a fantastic night.

You can watch the full episode at:
http://tvnz.co.nz/back-benches

CANBERRA VISIT
Last month I visited Canberra as a member of the Health Select Committee as part of the annual joint exchange with the Australian Parliament.

The trip was an opportunity to meet with our Health Committee counterparts in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.  Our Committee is conducting inquiries into the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer, improving childhood rates of immunisation and into how we can create an environment to support more clinical trials.   The Australian Government has also addressed these issues and it was helpful to compare approaches.

We were also interested in funding structures and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made some major announcements about future changes to their system that caused quite a stir in the health sector.

ASPAC CONFERENCE
Last month I was privileged to speak on behalf of Finance Minister Bill English at The Asia Pacific Network of Science & Technology Centres (ASPAC) conference opening dinner.

The conference, held at the Otago Museum, emphasised the importance of growing the science and technology industry in the Asia Pacific region.  It is an industry that is also very important to New Zealand’s economic development.

It was a great night where I met world leaders in the field and even met Japan’s first astronaut Professor Mamoru Mohri.

ANZAC DAY – PROUD AND TRAGIC
It was an early start to ANZAC Day with the dawn service at the Cenotaph in the Queen’s Gardens in Dunedin, followed by the parade and service in Mosgiel and the service in Outram where I was the guest speaker.  There were excellent turnouts at all events.

The day was marred by the tragic news of the Iroquois crash at Pukerua Bay north of Wellington.  Many members of my extended family have served in the Air Force including a brother who flew Iroquois.  The Defence Force will be badly affected by the tragedy but the courage, resilience and comradeship that was first forged at Gallipoli will no doubt sustain them in this difficult period.  RIP.

WEBSITE VIDEOS
You can now see videos of speeches I make in the House as well as regular video blogs detailing what I’ve been up to.

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WELCOME BACK
I trust you are all relaxed and energised after the holiday break.  2010 will be a busy one for the Government and I’m really looking forward to it.

PRIME MINISTER’S SPEECH
The Prime Minister opened this year’s Parliament with his statement outlining the Government’s priorities for 2010. 

The Government is focused on a number of issues including improving education and skills for young people, making communities safer by addressing the drivers of crime and providing better and faster healthcare and social services for New Zealanders.

The Prime Minister also outlined the Government’s focus on growing the economy through boosting infrastructure, reforming regulations, encouraging innovation and tax reform.

More details will be revealed in the Budget on May 20th.  The Government is considering an increase in G.S.T. and the Prime Minister has committed that any rise will have commensurate adjustments to tax and benefit levels to ensure spending power is maintained.

Click here to view the Prime Minister's full speech.

NATIONAL STANDARDS
Ensuring our children deserve the best possible start in life is one of the Government’s priorities.  One way we are doing this is through National Standards.

National Standards were introduced at the start of term one and will be rolled out over the year for Year 1 to 8 students.  The Standards are going to help student achievement and help the one in five children who currently leave school without adequate reading and writing skills.

There has been some confusion over National Standards and I am pleased to be holding a public meeting to which the Minister of Education Hon Anne Tolley will attend.  This is a chance for parents to come and listen to the Minister on her goals for National Standards and also have the opportunity to ask questions.

I encourage you to let anyone that may be interested in attending know of the details:

NATIONAL STANDARDS MEETING

DATE:  Monday 29 March
TIME:  7.30pm
PLACE: Port Otago Lounge,
 Edgar Centre
 116 Portsmouth Drive
 Dunedin

If you would like to attend please RSVP to blueandgold@parliament.govt.nz

I look forward to seeing you there.

MASTERS GAMES
Earlier this month Dunedin hosted the 2010 New Zealand Masters Games.

I was fortunate enough to go along to some of the events and see what a tremendous success the Games were.  Congratulations to the organisers, volunteers and especially to all competitors who I hope were not too sore following their exertions.

On a personal note, the highlight of my weekend was getting to meet a boyhood hero and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Dick Taylor who is one of the Games Ambassadors.

HOSPITAL DEVELOPMENT
Having come from a strong health background, I am always keen to see development in the sector to ensure Dunedin has the best healthcare facilities.

That is why I recently had a meeting with Health Minister Hon Tony Ryall to ask for capital funding to be made available for Dunedin Hospital’s paediatric inpatient capital development project.

The Minister was very receptive and I am optimistic about funding being made available.  I will continue to work towards making sure the funding is made available for this important project.

In other health news, I was pleased to hear that the Minister of Health approved the decision of the Otago and Southland District Health Boards to merge.  The new Southern DHB will consist of four representatives from Otago, three from Southland and three Government appointees.

The merger will enhance services and operations across the two regions and help reduce administrative costs.

DCC DIGITAL STRATEGY
I recently met with members of the DCC Digital Strategy project team.   The team is charged with providing a long-term vision for Dunedin and its digital communications.  The strategy will address more than just broadband or fibre in the ground, covering components such as relevant content, capability and confidence.  If you have an interest in how the city plans to position itself for a digital future I encourage you to participate at:

http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/business-development/digital-strategy/digital-strategy-consultation-questionaires

FRIDAY CLINICS
I have restarted my Friday clinics in Waikouaiti and also at the University.

Upcoming clinics at Waikouaiti are on:
19 March and 23 April
10am – 12pm
East Otago Events Centre

University of Otago clinics are on:
26 March and 30 April
10 – 11am
Clubs and Societies Building

If you or anyone you know would like to come and discuss anything with me at the clinics, please contact my office for an appointment.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 09:40

STADIUM VISIT A BIG SUCCESS
Last Friday I accompanied the Prime Minister on a tour of the construction site of the Forsyth Barr Stadium at the University Plaza.  The stands are growing virtually before our eyes and the pace of progress is both pleasing and exciting.

Project managers are confident that the stadium will be completed in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup

I’ve been a huge stadium supporter from the start, not just because of the great asset the city will be left with, but also because of the significant fiscal stimulus it is providing the city during these recessionary times.  It was hugely exciting for me to observe first-hand the project unfolding and I look forward to watching its progress.

ONE YEAR ON – STRONG LEADERSHIP, STEADY PROGRESS
National was voted into office a year ago.  So much has happened in that time, space doesn’t permit a full rundown of the achievements, but here are a few:
• the 27 actions of the 100-day plan were all  implemented
• National Standards in numeracy and literacy have been implemented.
• Bureaucracy in health has been tackled.
• 12 month course of Herceptin funded.
• Repeal of the Electoral Finance Act.
• Launch of the Voluntary Bonding Scheme to encourage graduate doctors, nurses and midwives to remain in New  Zealand.
• Implementing of an infrastructure plan.
• Legislation to tighten bail laws, parole conditions, clamping down on criminal gangs and the drug trade and  levying criminals to fund the Victim Compensation Scheme.

The Jobs and Growth strategy of the Government is starting to have an impact on economic growth and employment statistics but next year will no doubt be as challenging.  You can be sure that the caucus remains energetic and determined to lead New Zealand through this recessionary period.

ETS MODIFIED
Last week saw the passage of the Climate Change Response (Moderated Emissions Trading) Amendment Bill.  Despite the emotive debate and often polarising views on both sides of the argument around anthropogenic climate change, I believe the Government has successfully balanced the need to fulfill its environmental responsibilities set out in the Kyoto Protocol with the imperative to improve our economic performance.

Maintaining the ETS introduced by the previous Labour government would have imposed significant taxes on households and the National-led Government’s amended scheme is designed to be fiscally neutral while encouraging carbon emitters to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

SCHOOL VISITS
It has been great to get out visiting local schools and seeing first-hand the great things that are happening for our kids.  Recently I have visited Waikouaiti School, Balaclava School, Tomahawk  School, North East Valley Normal School, Macandrew Intermediate School, Sarah Cohen School and Taieri College.  I also had the opportunity to visit the University of Otago with the Minister of Research, Science and Technology, Hon Wayne Mapp.

On another education note, I am pleased that the Government has recently introduced National Standards for Years 1 to 8.  These numeracy and literacy standards will make it easier for parents to understand how their children are performing at school and will enable them to work with teachers to get kids on the right track early and reaching their full potential.

PARLIAMENTARY RUGBY TEAM
Last week I refereed a game the Parliamentary rugby team played against the Diplomats.  It was a fantastic event which saw the Parliamentary team win 27-0 and also saw a few members of the team displaying limps and bruises the next day.  It was a great game and one the Spanish Ambassador, Marcos Gomez, is keen to make an annual event.

NEW WEBSITE
The National Party has launched a new website profiling its MPs.  It can be found at www.nationalmps.co.nz.  Here you can access the latest National MP news, video updates, an MPs blog and it also provides the opportunity for you to give us feedback on how the Government is doing and I would encourage you to use this facility.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
As this is my last newsletter for 2009 I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support during the year and to wish you all a very merry Christmas, a restful break, and a happy and prosperous 2010.

My office will be closed from 23 December to 11 January.  I look forward to being able to catch up with you in the New Year.

Posted by admin in Newsletter at 08:40