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Wairarapa has been very lucky to escape the devastation that our near neighbours have fallen victim to, but there are still those in our area who have been hit hard.
The Government has increased the rates of emergency payments to disaster victims and approved on-going financial assistance for flood affected farmers in the lower North Island, including Wairarapa.
Flood affected farmers are now eligible to receive rural assistance payments equivalent to 75 percent of the unemployment benefit for the next 6 months. This assistance can be extended if there is ongoing need.
Payments have also been approved under the Civil Defence Scheme to assist evacuees with their immediate needs. The level of assistance available under this scheme has also been increased to recognise the increase in costs since the rates were last adjusted in 1991.
These payments are available for farmers who have been forced off their land as well as those whose income and housing has been affected by the crisis and cover housing, clothing and food expenses. These payments can be made without an income or asset test.
People who have lost their job due to the flooding may also be eligible for an Emergency Benefit. If they can't find work for an extended period they will be entitled to the Unemployment Benefit. Any person affected by the flooding, including those not evacuated from their homes, can apply for assistance under the standard hardship programmes.
For further information about how to access rural assistance, call the Government Flood Helpline 0800-779-997.
Federated Farmers has put out a call for any spare feed for animals who cannot get back on to paddocks and any donations will be gratefully accepted by Wairarapa president Jim Weston.
My offices have been in contact with our local councils and Department of Work and Income to gauge the level of help needed, which I have relayed to my colleagues, and Inland Revenue has designated John Ford (04 802 8069) as the contact for anyone wanting advice or help through the department.
Transfund will be helping with the costs of roading repairs, including bridges.
What has happened in the wake of the Brash speech has been very hurtful to me and the Māori community in Wairarapa and around the country. We are New Zealanders too who want to do our best for this country. We are proud of our contributions to building this country and defending its interests - reflect for a minute on the role of the Māori Battalion. That said, it has become obvious some New Zealanders are fed up with what they perceive as an over emphasis on the needs and wants of Māori. At this time in our nationhood, we face some uncertainty and confusion.
Many people growing up in New Zealand rarely, if ever, had anything to do with Māori families. Basically, Māori were seen but not heard and this gave an impression New Zealand enjoyed the best race relations in the world. That was not how Māori saw it. Finally, consecutive governments realised Māori had become economically and socially disadvantaged.
Policies were introduced, not to give Māori special privileges but to provide a hand up. Funding specifically targeted to improve outcomes for Māori in health and education account for less than 2 percent of the many billions of dollars spent. Under Labour, Māori are catching up.
PHO funding is based on the needs of the community that it services. Factors such as age, gender, ethnicity and relative level of poverty are taken into account for funding. This is because the health needs of these groups will mean they will have greater need for services. However, we know Māori life expectancy is lower than Pakeha, and therefore this is a relevant factor in funding. In the same way as Māori are targeted for funding on need, so are the over 65-year age group. Are there going to be objections to that too?
The Prime Minister has signaled that this year's Budget is very much a Budget for the battlers - of all races. This government is very focused on meeting the needs of low and modest and middle-income families. We are about providing equality of opportunity but recognise that one size does not fit all.
It is not separatism to deliver services in different ways but a response to a diverse society. We want to ensure all people have the opportunity to participate and contribute. No country can get ahead if a significant portion of its people is being left behind.
Māori work, pay taxes, contribute towards the economy, vote and hope their kids get good education just like other New Zealanders. Māori also have a vision for everyone living in harmony, enjoying what all cultures have to offer. Sadly, the Orewa speech has made it ok to take a pot shot at Māori.
Debate is fine but some of Don Brash's statements are totally wrong and therefore feeding ill-informed comment. For example, Don Brash suggested he would hire a Pakeha over a Māori of equal merit because Māori could claim "unlimited tangi leave." The new Holidays Act has no reference to tangi leave, no differentiation of entitlement on the basis of race.
The Labour-led government is working hard to build a nation where we can all work together, appreciating and celebrating our shared history and our diversity. We have also signalled a preparedness to listen to all New Zealanders as we shape this crucial stage in our nationhood.
Finally, the time is just about upon us again for School Boards of Trustee elections.
Rolls close on Tuesday, nominations open Thursday and close on March 19. Voting papers will be issued before March 24. Polls close noon on April 2 and results are declared on April 8.
Remember - Stand and Be Counted (E Tu Tangata).
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