Michael Woodhouse MP

Michael speaking on the Employment Relations (Probationary Period Repeal) Amendment Bill - First Reading: 4 August 2010

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Michael speaking on the Infrastructure Bill - Committee Stage: 28 July 2010

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Diary 2-8 August

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This Week’s Diary: 2 - 8 August 2010

Monday, 2 August 2010

In Dunedin office

Tuesday, 3 August 2010

House sitting

Wednesday, 4 August 2010

House sitting

Thursday, 5 August 2010

House sitting

Friday, 6 August 2010

Waikouaiti Clinic

Diary 26 July - 1 August

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:41:37 +1200

This Week’s Diary: 26 July – 1 August 2010

Monday, 26 July 2010

In Dunedin office

ETS meeting with Hon Nick Smith, Coronation Hall, Mosgiel

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

House sitting

Wednesday, 28 July 2010

House sitting

Thursday, 29 July 2010

House sitting

Friday, 30 July 2010

Visits in Auckland

Michael Woodhouse MP - Video Update

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:20:47 +1200

Michael talks about the progress being made on the new stadium in Dunedin and the discussions currently under way over the neurosurgeons at Dunedin Hospital.

Marked increase in neurosurgery correspondence to MP’s office

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:00:32 +1200

MEDIA RELEASE

28 July 2010

National MP Michael Woodhouse has noted a significant increase in the volume of correspondence to his office in support of the retention of neurosurgeons at Dunedin Hospital.

When last asked for comment on this Mr Woodhouse had reported that just ten or so constituents had contacted him expressing their support but subsequent to that the correspondence now numbers in the hundreds.

“Not a single one of these submissions expresses any support for the consolidation of all neurosurgeons in Christchurch,” said Mr Woodhouse.

“All letters have been well considered and parochialism aside, the retention of neurosurgeons at Dunedin Hospital is supported by well reasoned arguments,” he said.

Much of the correspondence has been copies of letters sent directly to the Minister of Health Tony Ryall or the Director-General of Health Stephen McKernan. All of the correspondence has been forwarded to the Director-General’s office so that it may be considered by the Expert Panel Mr McKernan has convened to consider the issue.

Southern MPs Jacqui Dean, Eric Roy and Mr Woodhouse have also met with Tony Ryall updating him on the strength of support for the retention of the service and restating their strong support for that to occur.

“The Minister was very receptive to the arguments for retention of the service at Dunedin Hospital,” said Mr Woodhouse.

“While we all agreed that a regional service was appropriate, the main question to be answered was whether the “4+2” model was the best one.

“We left him in no doubt that that was our preference,” he said.

Notwithstanding the increase in correspondence, Mr Woodhouse encouraged members of the community to continue to make their views known to the Expert Panel, and was happy for people to write directly to him.

“This is definitely a case where the volume of correspondence will be important in reflecting the community’s views on this and I encourage people from Otago and Southland to continue to make those views known,” said Mr Woodhouse.

ENDS

MP urges locals to come up with festival ideas for Rugby World Cup 2011

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:05:47 +1200

MEDIA RELEASE

28 July 2010

Dunedin-based National MP Michael Woodhouse is urging Dunedin locals to come up with ideas for New Zealand’s biggest ever festival.

Today the Government announced a new $9.5 million Lotteries Fund to support community events and activities in every part of the country in the lead-up to, and during, the Rugby World Cup.

“The Rugby World Cup will be a huge event for New Zealand, and a great chance for us to celebrate as a region,” says Mr Woodhouse.

“Twenty three centres around the country are hosting games or teams, bringing widespread economic benefits. This fund will ensure that Dunedin can make the most of the opportunity.

“This fund will complement the investment regions are already making in the World Cup festival. There are already some great event and activity ideas out there. We want to hear more!”

Applications for the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund will open on July 27 and close on August 31. Successful applicants will be announced by the end of October.

New Zealand 2011 Office Festival Director Briony Ellis says Dunedin has already put forward some great ideas for the festival, and this fund will ensure that good ideas can be brought to life.

“Our locals know best how to show off what our region has to offer,” Mr Woodhouse said.

“The Rugby World Cup is more than just the matches. We want to make sure our visitors get to see our country, meet our people and have a great time in between the games.”

ENDS

For more information on the Fund, visit: www.dia.govt.nz

For more information on the Festival, visit: www.nz2011.govt.nz

Diary 12-18 July

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:21:57 +1200

This Week’s Diary: 12 - 18 July 2010

Monday, 12 July 2010

In Dunedin

Tuesday, 13 July 2010

In Dunedin

Wednesday, 14 July 2010

In Dunedin

Thursday, 15 July 2010

In Dunedin

Friday, 16 July 2010

Speaking at Nelson electorate lunch

National Annual Conference, Auckland

Saturday, 17 July 2010

National Annual Conference, Auckland

Sunday, 18 July 2010

National Annual Conference, Auckland

Blue&Gold: July

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:05:48 +1200

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.

MPs welcome funding for rescue helicopter service

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:55:06 +1200

MEDIA RELEASE

5 July 2010

“Almost $80,000 is being given to air ambulances in Otago thanks to extra funding from the National-led Government,” say Otago MPs Michael Woodhouse and Jacqui Dean.

“The Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust provides a vital service.

“We are privileged to be able to present a cheque today to further support their work in the southern South Island.”

Dunedin-based MP Mr Woodhouse and Waitaki electorate MP Mrs Dean presented the $78,159 in funding at Taieri Airfield where the helicopter is based.

“Air ambulance helicopters are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Government is working hard to ensure these critical, life-saving services continue to serve the community and save lives,” the MPs say.

The funding boost is part of a $48 million commitment to implementing a New Zealand Ambulance Services Strategy over the next four years.

Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust is one of 16 centres across New Zealand that provides life-saving service transport for critically ill or injured people to medical facilities.

The $1 million plan, announced in June last year, will see 100 extra paramedics and additional training for rural ambulance staff across the country.

Though air ambulances transport about three in every 100 ambulance patients, their costs represent two in every ten dollars of the $150 million spent by Health and ACC on ambulance services.

“We are committed to supporting and furthering our health service sector in the years ahead,” Mr Woodhouse and Mrs Dean say.

The helicopter serves the emergency needs of the population of the lower South Island, spread over an area of 66,500 square kilometres.

The crew is made up of dedicated and highly trained staff. The primary crew is made up of an experienced pilot and an advanced paramedic rescue crewman. Dunedin Hospital's Intensive Care Unit doctors and St John Ambulance advanced paramedics support the primary crew.

For specialised missions there is a range of support teams including water rescue and cliff rescue squads, who are on standby.

The helicopter also transfers critically ill and intensive-care patients. It is also equipped with a specialised neonatal intensive-care incubator for transferring premature babies and their mothers from throughout the region to the neonatal unit at Dunedin Hospital.

ENDS

Diary 5-11 July

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:49:54 +1200

This Week’s Diary: 5 - 11 July 2010

Monday, 5 July 2010

Cheque presentation to the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Youth Parliament, Wellington

Wednesday, 7 July 2010

Youth Parliament, Wellington

Thursday, 8 July 2010

Steven Joyce in Dunedin

Friday, 9 July 2010

Steven Joyce in Dunedin

Diary 28 June - 4 July

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:14:31 +1200

This Week’s Diary: 28 June – 4 July 2010

Monday, 28 June 2010

In Dunedin office

Tuesday, 29 June 2010

House sitting

Wednesday, 30 June 2010

Dunedin visits with Tony Ryall

Thursday, 1 July 2010

House sitting

Friday, 2 July 2010

Waikouaiti clinic

MP welcomes 50,000 warmer homes

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:49:33 +1200

MEDIA RELEASE

1 July 2010

Michael Woodhouse welcomes the retrofitting of more than 50,000 homes under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart home insulation and heating programme.

“When we kicked off the four-year scheme in July last year we had a target to make 27,500 homes warmer and healthier in the first year,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“The scheme has been an outstanding success and we are well on track to meet our target of at least 188,500 homes insulated by 2013.”

In Otago more than 2391 households have been made warmer and drier in the first 11 months of the scheme, Mr Woodhouse says.

“Along with greater comfort and health benefits for occupants, the programme has had a positive economic impact during difficult times, creating valuable jobs in Otago.”

About 2000 new jobs are expected to be created across the country as a result of the programme.

“We are seeing good growth in the many businesses directly and indirectly involved,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Under the $347 million scheme the Government is providing grants for all householders of up to $1300 for houses built before 2000 that need ceiling and under-floor insulation. Once insulation is up to standard, homeowners can get $500 towards a clean, efficient heating system.

Community Services Card holders qualify for a 60 per cent subsidy for insulation and up to $1200 for a clean heat device. The scheme has also attracted about $15 million in additional funding in its first year from a range of community groups, health trusts, and other organisations.

“I am delighted to see this extra funding help those people most in need who can access the scheme for free, or at very little cost.”

ENDS

Dunedin Events - July 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:00:52 +1200

FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DUNEDIN IN JULY

New Zealand International Science Festival
6 - 11 July

The 2010 festival, themed "food for thought" will stimulate your senses, inspiring discussion on the intersection between food and science. From farm to fork, topics such as food production, nutrition and consumption will be on the menu. Be prepared to be challenged.

For more information and programme details visit http://www.scifest.org.nz/

NHNZ Film Screening: Bite Me with Dr Mike Leahy: Brazil
Thursday 8 July

From the back streets of Rio de Janeiro to the forests of the mighty Amazon River, Dr Mike learns how the tiniest and most innocuous looking animals can deliver the deadliest punch.

For more information visit www.nhnz.tv

Cadbury Chocolate Carnival
11 - 17 July

Held each year, during the second week of the July school holidays, this week long event just gets bigger and better every year.

With everything from chocolate therapy, a chocolate cooking class, chocolate frogs and lizards, chocolate sculpting, chocolate painting, through to the brand new Cadbury Dairy Milk Gala Day opening and Otago Peninsula experience, the activities aimed at celebrating winter in Dunedin with Cadbury chocolate.

For more information ont he various events around the city visit http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/events/festivals-in-dunedin/chocolate-festival

New Zealand International Film Festival
23 - 27 July

The annual New Zealand International Film Festival has long been the premier film event of the year, and the cultural highlight of the New Zealand winter.

The 2010 line-up will feature more than 80 titles including hot titles from the Cannes and Sundance film festivals.

All films, other than designated retrospectives, are New Zealand premieres (a key requirement for films in the programme) so that we can offer audiences their first-ever opportunity to taste a cinematic smorgasbord of titles not confined to the mainstream.

For more information visit http://www.nzff.co.nz/

Michael speaking in the Debate on Performance, Current Ops of Crown Entities - ACC: 29 June 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:33:08 +1200