Kokako return to Mt Bruce
Kokako are once again flying free in the Mount Bruce Scenic Reserve, following the first-ever release of pairs to the mainland. Rereahu iwi from Te Kuiti handed over the birds to Rangitaane O Wairarapa at a ceremony at Mount Bruce last Thursday, attended by over 100 people. This is a first step towards re-establishing a new North Island population in the wild. This achievement is nationally significant because it exemplifies the work that DOC is doing to restore endangered species to the wild. It will also benefit overseas visitors because Mt Bruce is one of the only accessible areas in New Zealand where people might hear the call of the kaka, kokako and kiwi in the wild.

Low Unemployment/High Job Growth in our Region
The Labour Department's latest report is excellent news for the Wairarapa. The report shows unemployment in the Central Region, which includes Wairarapa, at 4.7 percent for the year to March. That's the third lowest regional rate in the country. Solid job growth in our region has helped unemployment numbers, with most of the new jobs drawing people in to the primary sector, construction, trade and hospitality. Jobs in the central region have expanded at the highest rate in the country, averaging 4.8 percent. It's cheering midwinter news that the region is buoyant and well-placed to handle the predicted international economic downturn.

Police, defence personnel and aid for Solomons
New Zealand will contribute police, military personnel and enhanced aid to assist the Solomon Islands government. 35 Police officers, including the 10 officers currently in the Solomons, would be deployed for two years. A contingent of 105 Defence Force personnel will include four helicopters and associated personnel; headquarters support staff, logistics, communications, an engineering element and a small medical group. An infantry company will also be placed on standby to assist if required.

Emission Tax
Climate change is a reality. For a country as dependent on primary production as ours, doing nothing would be gross negligence. The proposed Agricultural Emissions Research levy is an investment in the future of pastoral farming. It enables pastoral agriculture, the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in our country, and the most obvious direct beneficiary of successful research, to help find ways to mitigate the level of emissions. In return, farmers will be exempt from emissions charges for at least the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. These emissions charges, which will apply to other industries, would have cost farmers many times more than the rate of the levy. Farmers have an opportunity to direct research into areas that will deliver the most benefit for them and their livestock. That is what the current round of meetings have been about, and what the consultation document is centred around. The consultation document is available here. Hard copies are available from Sustainable Resource Use Policy, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 2526, Wellington. I acknowledge the grave concerns expressed by many Wairarapa farmers, and I have made a commitment to them that I will reiterate their concerns at caucus tomorrow.

Well done to Norsewood writer Lyn McConchie for her continuous recognition for her work in the Beast Master series of stories. It certainly has been great to hear of all the wonderful achievements from many talented residents of the Norsewood district.