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The deadline for this column was Thursday morning so events may well overtake it by the time it goes to press, but I want to say a few things about my stance on the Government's proposed foreshores and seabeds legislation.
Last Tuesday I told the Labour Caucus that I was considering seeking leave to abstain from voting on the bill, subject to the Government having adequate support from other parties in the House.
I have not said I will vote against the Government but I may withhold my vote in support.
As I have said, I have struggled with this but feel that if the Government has the support from other parties, this should satisfy the general Wairarapa constituency who want Crown ownership.
I have until April 27, when Caucus next meets, to declare my final decision on this matter.
We know it is better to prevent illness and to tackle health problems early than to only concentrate on secondary services like hospitals.
That's why better access to primary healthcare is a top priority, and we're seeing real change.
April 1 2004 was a milestone for health in New Zealand. On 1 April 10 new Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) began, bringing the total number to 68 PHOs operating around the country. Less than two years after the first PHO was created, more than 3 million kiwis are enjoying the benefits of being in a PHO. From April 1 prescription charges are also getting cheaper.
This government is committed to making primary healthcare more affordable and accessible. From October last year all those under 18 enrolled with PHOs were eligible for low cost health care. This has helped to ensure families can afford to provide their children with the best of care. We know a fence at the top of the cliff makes more sense than an ambulance at the bottom.
Extra Government funding also means that from July 1 this year older New Zealanders (over 65yrs) enrolled in PHOs will be funded to receive low-cost health care.
April 1 also heralds the introduction of cheaper pharmaceuticals. From April 1 almost one in three New Zealanders, those enrolled in Access-funded PHOs and all under 18-year-olds enrolled in all PHOs, will be able to access prescribed medicines for no more than $3 a prescription item. From July 1, all New Zealanders aged 65 and over enrolled in all PHOs will also be entitled to the $3 prescription fee.
But PHOs are doing a lot more than just saving money for patients. They are delivering primary health care to their population in new, exciting and innovative ways. This includes PHOs operating free GP clinics in low decile schools, practices having free access to on-site telephone interpretation services, mobile nurses making home visits and tattoo removal initiatives.
PHOs offer us our best chance yet to improve health. The logic is obvious. At present about 30 percent of hospital admissions for those aged under 75 are avoidable. Two thirds of these, or more than 60,000 hospital admissions, can be avoided through earlier access to effective primary health care.
Every DHB now has at least 1 PHO, and a national publicity campaign is now under way to make sure that people understand the changes taking place. A 0800 number (0800 252 464) has been set up to help answer your questions.
Details of the aid package for flood-affected farmers and crop growers have been confirmed.
People who earn 51 percent or more of their income from farming and cropgrowing within the boundaries of the Tararua, Masterton, Carterton, South Wairarapa, South Taranaki, Wanganui, Ruapehu, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Horowhenua, Kapiti and Central Hawke's Bay local authorities are eligible for assistance through the Government's agricultural recovery programme.
The key aim of the programme is to enable farmers and crop growers to re-establish their businesses as quickly as possible.
It isn't possible to make the effects of this go away for people. The impact of February's storm is such that people will continue to see the effects on their land, particularly in the hill country and in their balance sheets, for many years to come.
But this package will help people get on with their lives and their businesses.
The assistance through the Agricultural Recovery Programme will be in two key areas: essential infrastructure, which is eligible for 75 percent government assistance; and crop re-establishment, which is eligible for 90 percent government assistance.
Assistance to affected forestry will be through facilitating the use of skilled labour and equipment to enable wind throw harvesting to be undertaken.
Farmers will have to meet a threshold of $10,000, being the first $10,000 worth of expenditure on qualifying items. This will be assessed on the first payment request - not on each payment request that is made.
There is no cap to government funding for eligible items.
MAF have contracted the following Agricultural and Forestry Recovery Facilitators in the storm-affected areas to assist in the implementation of the Agricultural Recovery Programme. They are available to assist in completing an application form, advise on the contents and criteria of the Programme and other forms of assistance that may be available.
| Tararua |
Chris Southgate |
06 374 9862 |
| Wairarapa |
Bruce Watkins |
06 378 6895 |
| Dairy |
Steve Barr |
0274 499 648 |
| Forestry |
Kelly Coghlan |
0274 488 067 |
Application forms for the Government assistance package will be available from the agricultural recovery facilitators and it is expected that application forms will be available after Easter.
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