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Last week Wairarapa Community Primary Health Organisation held its first annual meeting and I was disappointed I was not able to attend as the House was under urgency.
Instead Jo attended on my behalf, as I believe the setting up of the PHO system is such an important achievement of this Government.
Under PHOs we have seen cheaper doctors visits for our young and older citizens, we have $3 prescriptions and we have new and innovative initiatives, such as the mobile youth service running in South Wairarapa.
PHO enrolments continue to increase as more people are made aware of this service and the benefits that are available.
It has been over a year now since I first met Tararua PHO Administrator, Sandra Lester, in Dannevirke to congratulate her on her appointment. The PHO has since moved from Dannevirke and is now based in the main street of Pahiatua.
I am very pleased to hear the Tararua PHO numbers are increasing, as are the Wairarapa ones.
My thanks to everyone who has made the PHOs such a success.
Labour in government has made New Zealanders feel proud of their country again.
Let us not forget what life was like under previous governments.
This Government came into office five years ago with a programme of change and has delivered on its promises.
A growing economy, more jobs, greater opportunities for future generations, and international recognition for our films, music, sportspeople, businesses and other high achievers have given us real pride in who and what we are.
A strong economy makes other things possible. Unemployment has this month hit a new low of 3.8 percent and workforce participation is at a record high. More than 200,000 new jobs have been created since Labour came into government.
Education spending is up nearly 40 percent over five years. Extra spending on skills training, such as apprenticeships, is an investment in the future of our country.
Extra funding for areas such as primary education and research, and greater support for tertiary students, is about keeping the focus on quality and excellence.
More treatments in the public health sector are being funded and primary healthcare more affordable and accessible. More funding in improving law and order is getting results, with the crime rate at its lowest since 1983. There are more police than ever. Justice reforms have resulted in less bail, less parole, and longer sentences for serious offenders.
This Government is putting the needs of families first. After four budgets that focused on investing in growth, public services and infrastructure, the Government is now addressing families' needs in a responsible and sustainable way.
Substantial targeted tax relief is coming for 300,000 households with dependent children. Families earning between $25,000 and $45,000 a year will be on average $95 to $100 a week better off. These changes will greatly cut child poverty levels. They are changes that make a difference for hardworking families.
This Government is also introducing four weeks' annual holidays for every worker and by the end of next year paid parental leave will be extended to 14 weeks. Initiatives such as decent labour laws, holidays, paid parental leave and quality and affordable early childhood care will help boost participation rates in employment and boost prosperity.
This has to be great for our nation as a whole.
On a slightly different note, in just under a fortnight we will be celebrating a day set aside to recognise the unpaid workers of our community.
In 1985, the United Nations designated December 5 as International Volunteer Day. This day celebrates the efforts of those who have made an important contribution to society by giving their time as volunteers.
The United Nations invited governments and organisations in all countries to undertake and promote activities each year on December 5 to thank the volunteers and to stimulate a greater awareness of their contribution.
This day is already marked in more than half the countries of the world.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers working in our electorate for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
Though this special kind of work has many rewards, we need to remember that volunteers are giving up their own personal time and often resources.
Many, many thanks.
Finally a few words on last week's passing of the Foreshore and Seabed Bill.
This Bill/Act has been one of the most vexed matters to come before the Parliament.
I had reservations, well reported at the time, and I considered seeking to abstain from voting on its first reading.
My reasons were more personal as a Māori and a concern that a judicial process was being subject to Government intervention.
However I had a clear message from the Wairarapa electorate to vote in favour of the Bill and of course my Caucus desired the same.
I have done my duty and put aside my personal preferences and voted in favour of the Foreshore and Seabed legislation.
Crown ownership is confirmed and traditional rights of public access are safeguarded.
Groups will be able to secure customary rights orders protecting their right to continue any activities, uses and practices they have been exercising substantially uninterrupted since 1840. This does not include customary fishing rights as these were provided for separately in the fisheries settlement.
All the legislation does is codify into statute existing common law rights. Nothing more, nothing less.
More information can be found on the Beehive website: www.beehive.govt.nz.
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