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Congratulations to Masterton and Carterton district councils for getting behind a programme that should help them protect our environment at the same time as delivering efficiency and financial gains from taking action on climate change.
The Communities for Climate Protection programme helps councils audit their energy use, transport provisions and waste management arrangements. It then helps them draw up and complete a plan to improve efficiency and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
This approach delivers multiple benefits to the communities the councils serve. The immediate benefits are in terms of the councils becoming more efficient and reducing energy bills compared with business as usual. The long-term benefits come through reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and the contribution that will make to preserving the Kiwi way of life for generations to come.
Masterton and Carterton district councils were among those who had their progress recognised at an event in Wellington last week.
The Government has targeted an extra $40 million funding for cancer control in the first phase of the Cancer Control Action plan.
The plan takes account of the clear advice from the Cancer Control Taskforce that cancer must be tackled on a number of fronts and that is why the new funding is right across the spectrum from prevention to treatment, palliative care, support and rehabilitation, and research.
I am particularly pleased the package includes new funding of $8.6 million for prevention initiatives, including an exciting extension of the successful fruit in schools programme.
The plan also includes nearly $6 million to top up existing palliative care, support and rehabilitation, and $4 million more for cancer treatment drugs, an increase of 11 percent, to fund new drugs and widen current access.
From July the Ministry of Health will offer eligible primary schools the chance to apply to be part of the free fruit scheme, where all students will get one piece of fresh fruit each day at their school. The first criteria is to be a Health Promoting school with programmes in all four cancer prevention areas - nutrition, physical activity, SunSmart and smokefree. The funding is designed to increase the number of Health Promoting schools right across New Zealand, although schools will have to provide a well-reasoned case based on the benefits they will receive from participating in the scheme, with an initial emphasis on high-need schools.
This scheme makes it easier for children from all backgrounds to make healthy choices and that will have long-term positive spin-offs in many health areas, not just cancer prevention.
Wairarapa schools taking part include Elsthorpe, Hillcrest Pahiatua, Pahiatua School, Martinborough, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Wairarapa and Douglas Park.
Last week was Volunteer Awareness Week.
Volunteers give time freely and work in every facet of our community - from meals on wheels, to sports clubs, volunteer fire fighters and surf lifeguards, and running of marae - volunteering is enriching and part of the kiwi way of life.
It would be just great if we each took time each week to say thank you to one of the legion of volunteers, not just one week a year. This person may be someone you didn't even realise was a volunteer, thanks is a great small word that gives genuine appreciation.
I personally say thank you to all those volunteers who give their time and expertise freely out of a commitment and passion to assist others and to make New Zealand a better place for everyone.
A great example of the work made possible by volunteers is the Dannevirke Health Shuttle, which takes people to and from appointments in the town and Palmerston North.
At present there are about 20 volunteers involved, including drivers and helpers, and this great service is made possible through St John.
I would like to thank you all for your passion, enthusiasm and unfailing support to others. Without this contribution our communities would be much poorer in wealth and spirit.
Environment Minister Marian Hobbs is again calling for nominations for the 2005 Green Ribbon environment awards, recognising New Zealanders making a real difference to the environment.
In a nation that prides itself on being committed to environmental sustainability, certain people lead the way and inspire others through their actions. It's these heroes the Green Ribbon Awards recognise.
The Green Ribbon Award winners show us all how anyone can make a huge difference through their commitment and hard work.
The categories for this year are: urban sustainability, rural sustainability, sustainable business, young people making a difference, caring for our water - fresh and sea water and community action for the environment.
Nominations close March 24 and the winners will be announced in June.
More information and Green Ribbon nomination forms are on the Ministry for the Environment's website: www.mfe.govt.nz or by calling 04 917 7400.
Congratulations to Wairarapa District Health Board in achieving accreditation for the next three years. I heard from Health Select Committee members that the DHB made a presentation to the committee recently and members were impressed by their professionalism and integrity.
Last week I spoke to students at Rathkeale College about my views on spirituality and politics. I thank the students and staff for inviting me - I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.
Finally I was pleased to join Ikaroa-Rawhiti MP Parekura Horomia at the Juken Training Awards Presentation evening on Friday. This evening provided an opportunity to celebrate success and achievement of nationally-recognised qualifications in the Wood Technology / Manufacturing arena and included celebration for those who had completed their apprenticeships.
I was honoured to be asked to present trophies at the conclusion of dinner. My thanks to the organisers and congratulations to all who took part.
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