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Normally I don't respond to articles written in the various newspapers but I feel a recent story regarding the use of media releases needs clarification. I am a backbench, constituency MP and not a minister, therefore I do not have the use of a large staff to organise, research and write media releases. My staff and I work very hard for the people of Wairarapa and I choose that we dedicate our time to this, rather than spend hours writing media releases that mostly the newspaper would opt to ignore. Yes, many of the releases I use are put out from Wellington. I choose to use the resources available through the parliamentary machine rather than my electorate budget, which is spent entirely on Wairarapa. This electorate is one of the very few that is always run within budget and I am very proud of that. We are not wasting taxpayers' money on generating hundreds of media releases each year, such as some other parties do. I make no apology for that, I am just surprised that the newspaper is surprised by it.
A public sector cadetship programme for school leaves has been announced, reinstating the state sector reforms of the 1980's. One hundred cadets are to be taken on by the Ministry of Social Development's Work and Income service to be trained as case managers. The scheme provides young people with a career path in the public sector throughout the country. Young people interested in applying to become cadets with Work and Income should call 0508 CADETS or 0508 223 387.
People producing, trading or distributing objectionable material such as child pornography will face up to 10 years' jail under tough new penalties introduced to parliament last week. The Films, Videos and Publications Classification Amendment Bill is in response to the explosion in internet-based child pornography. The tougher penalties reflect the abhorrence with which society regards such offending. Radical changes to existing laws were needed because the internet has made it frighteningly easy for sexual images of children to be traded anonymously and cheaply around the world. I strongly support this legislation.
The Māori Farmer of the Year competition for 2004 is underway following the success of the 2003 competition. Meat New Zealand has introduced this competition as an effective way of encouraging excellence while recognising the challenges that Māori levy payers face, for example governance issues that arise because of the special nature of many Māori farm business structures. There are 3 regional competitions to find the finalist for the Ahuwhenua Trophy. The regional prize package will include farm product and /or cash up to the value of $7,500 and will be presented at a Field Day to be held on the winner's farm. That national winner will receive an additional package up to the value of $30,000 and the prestigious title and trophy of Māori Farmer of the Year. To find out more call 0800 647 000 or www.meatnz.co.nz
If you are applying for a lottery grant for Youth, Welfare or Seniors (Social Sector committees) you can log on at www.cdgo.govt.nz to make an application for meetings to be held in 2004 or you can still apply on paper application by calling 0800 824 824. COGS funding has been online for some time now and you can still log onto www.cdgo.govt.nz and select COGS option on the homepage. COGS customers who also want to apply for a Lottery Social Sector grant will need to register separately for the new Lottery online service. Applying for lottery grants for Marae Heritage and Facilities, Environment and Heritage, Individuals with Disabilities, Pacific Provider Development, Health Research, Minister's Discretionary Fund and General and not yet online, therefore you will need to continue to use the paper application forms, again call 0800 824 824.
With the holiday season almost upon us it is a time when most New Zealand families take to the roads, and I would like to highlight the issues regarding the imperative need to use child seats and restraints, and that they are used/fitted properly. Common mistakes when fitting seats are failure to thread seat belts correctly, seat belts that are too loose and not having the tether straps in place and some children are in seats that aren't suitable for their age. Please ensure you take the time to ensure your children are safety strapped in. Children should never be held in a car and children should never stand in a car. For more information and guidelines please contact your local branch of New Zealand Plunket Society.
Don't burn this Christmas holiday - when selecting a Christmas tree this year please remember the danger of real trees, a dry tree will not tolerate the temperatures of Christmas lights or other electrical powered decorations you may wish to put on it. The fresher the tree the better, run your fingers through the needles or shake the tree, if the needles come off easily the tree is probably drying out so choose another. If you are buying a pre-cut tree, make a new cut approximately 3cm from the bottom, this will help it absorb water. Make sure your tree has lots of water - treat your Christmas tree like your favourite pot plant. And most importantly secure the tree so it can not be knocked over by children or pets.
Lastly, the Cancer Society recommends using a sun protection factor (SPF 30+) sunscreen for the greatest possible protection, particularly for children. Remember to reapply sunscreen every few hours, sunscreen washes, rubs or sweats off so swimming or strenuous sports mean more sunscreen is needed. Wear protective clothing, wear a sunhat, glasses and stay in the shade as much as possible between 11am and 4pm. Be a good role model - Slip Slop Slap and Wrap.
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