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I have said many times in the past that I do not go in for the "tit-for-tat" kind of politics that seem the staple diet for others.
With this said I feel there are some things said by the National candidate that need answering, simply because of the misinformation he is spreading.
Labour does care about our rural sector - this has been borne out many times over the past five years.
Among many positive initiatives, Labour has facilitated major reforms in the dairy, pipfruit, hops, kiwifruit industries, wine, wool, and meat industries (supported throughout the primary industry).
Success has been met through the sustainable farming fund - we're backing innovative projects - there was real and rapid assistance in aftermath of floods (not just photo opportunities).
The Doha Round of trade talks is back on track following a breakthrough deal to end export subsidies on agricultural goods and to cut domestic subsidies. For this Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton and Tim Groser were praised by everyone from opposition members to Federated Farmers.
Another issue raised is immigration.
Now more then ever, with unemployment down to a record low of 3.6 percent and an increasing elderly population, we need immigration to enable our country to continue to grow. While ensuring that New Zealanders are given top priority in fill any job vacancies, the reality of it is that we are now in an enviable position of having too many jobs and not enough people.
Immigrants to new Zealand are a valuable part of our country - not a political football.
Immigration facilitates the supply of skilled migrants in line with New Zealand's needs. This Government believes in increasing the capacity of New Zealand through the participation and contributions that our migrants have offer New Zealand society and the economy. This means that migrants must be able to participate in, and make contributions to, New Zealand economy and society.
To achieve a better fit between NZ and migrant, this Government introduced the Skilled Migrant Category in 2003. This change has moved us from being a passive acceptor of migrants to an active recruiter of the skills and talents we need. The SMC is a win-win for both migrants and New Zealand because it means the migrants coming here have a relevant job offer and are therefore more likely experience positive settlement.
In 2003-2004 applicants granted residence under the Investor Category alone intended to invest approximately $851 million in New Zealand.
Immigration comes to the fore as an essential tool for economic development, because we need the skills and talents new New Zealanders bring but the benefits of immigration can be realised only if the host community is welcoming and well informed.
With low natural birth rate, this country is absolutely dependent on immigration to provide enough workers to pay for superannuitants. An inflow of young people and families with children will improve the ratio of working age people to retired people and thus assists the affordability of supporting elderly people.
New Zealanders left to their own devices would shrink in numbers, perhaps not into oblivion but certainly into serious economic difficulties because we do not reach the required 2.1 births minimum rate that holds a population steady.
This Government is strongly committed to the health and wellbeing of older people in New Zealand.
A significant amount of additional money (over $50 million) has been put into aged residential care (rest homes, dementia units and continuing care hospitals) since December 2002.
When DHBs took over aged care planning, a one-off risk pool of $14.3 million was set up by the health ministry in case the projected demand exceeded funding. This one off pool was intended to provide funding only for the 2003/04 year, not two years.
DHBs receive an amount of funding every three years that is decided upon as part of Vote Health and is adjusted to allow for changes in the population. Each board now sets its priorities and allocates funding on this basis.
Age related residential care contracts are managed by DHBs using a nationwide approach. They are committed to working together to annually review the contract.
We have recently given DHBs an additional $18m in funding for aged residential care.
Despite the best efforts of many service providers, caregivers have generally been undervalued, underpaid and in many cases undertrained for work that is becoming increasingly demanding. The Government has recognised this, and last year set up a Quality and Safety Project, led by the Ministry of Health with input from a sector reference group, to
look into the safety and quality of support services delivered in the community and residential care settings.
Some of the concerns raised have been reviewed by the Quality and Safety project team. The team looked at funding and service delivery and travel costs for caregivers. A national foundation training qualification has been developed, together with a comprehensive profile of the carer workforce and advice on the best way to link qualifications with pay rates.
I assure you that this Government acknowledges and appreciates the work performed by health care professionals in New Zealand's hospitals, rest homes and communities, often in difficult conditions. The Government has a commitment to fair pay. I hope the example set by Government in promoting pay and employment equity in the public service, public education sector and public health sector will flow through to other sectors, such as the aged residential care sector.
So enough time spent on misinformation.
Last week marked a year since the floods that devastated many parts of the country, including here in the Wairarapa electorate. Our thoughts are still with the many families affected by both the February event and the subsequent August deluge.
Last Saturday saw the opening of Stonehenge Aotearoa on the hills at Ahiaruhe and I was very happy to be able to be present. The wind was particularly gusty on the day but it didn't affect the proceedings too much.
Congratulations to all who donated their time to such a spectacular project.
I was disappointed to hear the Castlepoint races have been cancelled again, due to lack of sand. It is always a great day out so I wish organisers better luck for next year.
I met Transport Minister Pete Hodgson last week and we discussed several issues of importance to Wairarapa, including the Waiohine Bridge and Muldoon's Corner.
He was fully appraised of the Hill Road Committee's concerns about the Transit draft 10-year plan, as it affects the Wairarapa.
I was pleased to receive a good hearing and the Minister is keen to be kept informed.
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