Jacqui Dean MP - Column

January Column

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:19:00 +1300

Welcome to the New Year 2010. I hope you all enjoyed some time off over the festive season but one month on that's now all behind us. This year, for me at least, has started with a hiss and a roar and has included a five day course on peace and fragile government in the United Kingdom.

On the local scene however, it's back to school and with that perhaps a time when we need to get behind our local schools and maybe consider standing as a trustee in the May elections.

Boards of Trustees are elected every three years, and are responsible for the overall running of the school, including student achievement.

This is a very important election for our region's schools. Every three years, parents elect 15,000 trustees. The contribution made by ordinary New Zealanders may also benefit the trustees in their personal growth.

Boards of Trustees oversee the spending of more than $1.2 billion a year, as well as being held accountable for the performance of their students.

I want to encourage both parents and people from the wider community to consider standing as a Board of Trustees representative. If you care about the education our kids receive, this could be your opportunity to make a difference.

A trustee should be able to work well in a team, put plans in place for the schools' future, ask challenging questions and have good communication skills.

I strongly encourage people to contact their local schools to find out more about becoming a trustee. While it may seem like a thankless task, you will be making a valuable contribution to the future of our communities and our families.

January Column - Waitaki Herald

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:46:00 +1300

Welcome to 2010 and I hope you all enjoyed a good break.

As you are all no doubt aware, over the festive season the three proposed cubicle farming applications involving the Mackenzie High Country attracted considerable media attention.

As such and rightly so, I have been asked for my view on those farming operations.

I’ve said what I want to see is a robust consent process where all those involved get to have their say. I also want to see that process carried out in a timely, cost effective and robust manner.

And as you are all now probably aware, our high country water quality and allocation remains a major priority for me.

I know there is a high degree of anxiety within the district's community, but in the end we all have to wait for the consent process to take place. As your local MP I can not make any decisions or interfere with lawful process, even though my level of concern may also be considerable.

What I can and have done, however, is bring the matter to the attention of those Ministers whose portfolios oversee the matter.

Just last Sunday, I accompanied the Minister of Agriculture, David Carter, and Associate Minister of Conservation, Kate Wilkinson, on a visit to the Omarama, Twizel and Tekapo district. During that visit we had the opportunity to meet and talk with residents, and members of the farming and wider community, who shared their views and concerns about the proposals.

Of particular note have been the concerns raised about water quality, and the impact dairying could have on the Waitaki river. As water quality is of particular concern to me, I can assure you I'm keeping a close eye on the situation.

The Ministers and I have also taken on board the possible effects on tourism, environmental visual impact, concerns about animal welfare, and New Zealand’s reputation as having an excellent pastoral-based dairy industry.

I will monitor the situation closely.

January Column - Grey Power Newsletter

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:43:00 +1300

I hope you all had a restful period over the Christmas and New Year break. I say restful because with the weather we've experienced recently there hasn't been much chance to do anything else.

Here's hoping the rest of summer settles down.

One recent piece of legislation I want to bring to your attention is our THREE STRIKES policy.

National and Act together have agreed upon the policy towards ensuring our country's worst repeat violent offenders will receive the maximum allowable sentence for their crimes.
The new sentencing regime, to be included in our Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill, is a "three-strikes" policy targeted at violent offenders who show continued disregard for the law.

The first offence will bring a standard sentence and warning. The second offence will bring a jail sentence, in most cases, with no parole and a further warning.

The third offence or strike, will result in the offender being given the maximum sentence in jail for the crime, with no parole.

The new regime will help keep the worst repeat offenders behind bars for longer and will also help deter criminals from committing further crime for fear of escalating the severity of their sentences.

We are determined to make our communities safer for Kiwi families. We are determined to reduce the number of crime victims. And we are determined to make life tougher for violent criminals.

The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill is an important step towards that goal.

January Column - High Country Herald

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:36:00 +1300

Welcome to 2010 and I hope you all enjoyed a good break.

As you are all no doubt aware, over the festive season the three proposed cubicle farming applications involving the Mackenzie High Country attracted considerable media attention.

As such and rightly so, I have been asked for my view on those farming operations.

I’ve said what I want to see is a robust consent process where all those involved get to have their say. I also want to see that process carried out in a timely, cost effective and robust manner.

And as you are all now probably aware, our high country water quality and allocation remains a major priority for me.

What I can and have done, however, is bring the matter to the attention of those Ministers whose portfolios oversee the matter.

I will monitor the situation closely.

Christmas Column - Twizel

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:28:00 +1300

It's that time of year again, Christmas and New Year. For many it is holiday time. For a few it will be work as usual. For most of us it will be a time of increased family activity, for a few others however, it will be as quiet as ever.

If I can do anything this season, it would be to ask you all to keep a look out for anyone who may be in that predicament at this time and if you are able, to offer them a word of cheer.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you all very much for the courtesies extended to me whenever I’ve been in your part of the woods.

They've all been memorable occasions that included morning teas, meeting with the community's volunteers, holding clinics and attending the more formal functions such as the opening of new school buildings and the new DOC centre at Mt Cook.

Your district looks set to have much happening in the future and I can assure you I will keep close watch.

But for the next few weeks, it’s annual break time and as such I hope your thriving and active community receives an influx of free-spending tourists and holidaymakers.

For those required to work or are on standby I hope you get some time off. Either way I wish you all a safe and very merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful 2010.

December Column - High Country Herald

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:41:00 +1300

We've come through a long and difficult year to be greeted on Monday with the news the recession is officially over.

While this will be welcomed throughout the country the same news release stated problems caused by financial woes will be with us for the some time and I guess managing those problems will take up much of the next year.

Here in the Waitaki however, our glass isn't half empty, it's half full and should fill thanks to a number of major projects which should soon be realised.

These include Glenavy's proposed dairy factory, wide-spread irrigation and proposed energy schemes, the advancement of manufacturing and business projects not forgetting privately driven enterprises.

I know from talking with business leaders, farmers and the community at large there already is renewed optimism and this augurs well for our future.

I'm pleased we can put this year behind us and look forward to the next. As such I want to thank you all very much for the courtesies extended to me over the past year whenever I’ve been with you. I remain proud to be your representative in Parliament.

On behalf of my electorate office staff and myself I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year and to stay safe.

Have a refreshing holiday and if you're one who has to work or be on duty make sure you get some time off to be with family and friends.

December Column - Waitaki Herald

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:38:00 +1300

For some reason, at this time of the year, there are more good news stories around than normal. Long may they reign!

In the last few days we’ve found out Finance Minister Bill English confirmed we're officially out of the recession and now into recovery mode, our students have graduated, some with honours, and can now look to their next stage of learning and that Oamaru's 'Toot for Tucker' once again revealed the depth of generosity within our community.

Other good news revealed fertiliser price drops for farmers, the release of endangered native fish into our clean waterways as well as a generous response by community bike riders, some from as far away as Gore and Ashburton, towards raising funds for a youngster in need of an overseas operation.

All of these coupled with associated events such as Strawberry Fare and Santa’s Parade are indicators our district remains in good heart.

I know however, it takes a lot to knock North Otago people and that's what's makes representing this area a pleasure. As such I want to thank you all very much for the courtesies extended to me over the past year whenever I’ve been with you. I remain proud to be your representative in Parliament.

I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year and to stay safe. Have a good and refreshing holiday and if you're one of those who has to work or be on duty make sure you get some time off to be with family and friends.

December Column - Waimate Advisor

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:33:00 +1300

It's that time of year again, Christmas and New Year. For many it is holiday time. for a few work as usual.

For most of us it is a time of increased and happy family activity but for a few others it will be as quiet as ever.

If we as a community can do anything this season, it should be to keep a look out for any of our neighbours in such a predicament and if we are able, offer them a word of cheer.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you all very much for the courtesies extended to me whenever I’ve been in your part of the woods.

Thankfully they've all been memorable occasions that have included social functions, meeting with the community's volunteers, holding clinics and attendance at more formal functions.

Waimate is fortunate at this time with your area set to grow in the future if planned developments go ahead.

For the next few weeks however, it’s annual break time so I will take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and very merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year and I look forward to representing your interests in 2010.

December Column - Timaru Courier

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:53:23 +1300

As the end of a challenging year draws near its good to hear Ravensdown and Ballance Agri-Nutrients have dropped the price of manufactured phosphate products by 20 percent or around $80 a tonne, a move that will be welcomed by the country’s rural sector.

I know farmers constantly face increased farm input costs so it makes a pleasant change for something to actually decrease in price.

Other positive events having a direct impact on our community have included the investment by Government of $140m into the newly set up Primary Growth Partnership and the ongoing work towards easing consent processes for projects including irrigation.

Conservation values have also advanced with the release of skinks into safe havens and the resiting of threatened native lowland longjaw galaxias into healthier and life-sustaining waterways while for residents, home warming projects and electricity supply reform processes got underway.

And who can forget the inclusion of the Mackenzie’s clear night sky for consideration as a reserve by UNESCO.

We also saw the introduction of broadband to some rural schools, of which others will eventually benefit, while solid planning towards rail and walking trails are also well underway.

For the next few weeks however and for most of us it’s time for our annual break and as a number of the Courier’s readers live and work in major tourist areas I wish you all an influx of free-spending holidaymakers.

I also thank you for the courtesies extended to me whenever I’ve been in your part of the woods. I sincerely hope you all have a safe and very merry Christmas accompanied by a happy and peaceful New Year.

December Column - Timaru Courier

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:36:00 +1300

I know farmers constantly face increased farm input costs so it makes a pleasant change for something to actually decrease in price.

And who can forget the inclusion of the Mackenzie’s clear night sky for consideration as a reserve by UNESCO.

We also saw the introduction of broadband to some rural schools, of which others will eventually benefit, while solid planning towards rail and walking trails are also well underway.

December column - Maniototo Leader

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:32:00 +1300

It may have been a difficult year but we can take some comfort in the knowledge our district has not been as badly affected by financial market vagaries as has other parts of the country. Fortunately, here in the south, we have even been able to advance in some areas despite tight times.

Only the other day a major European based bank with branches throughout New Zealand reported the dairy industry's outlook remained solid for the foreseeable future with wool, meat and crops also finding markets. This is good news as our agricultural industry remains our main export earner.

To balance the books, so to speak, we have also continued to make advances towards the preservation and enhancement of our rare and threatened flora and fauna as well as the land.

Over the next few weeks most of us will take our annual break and if you do need to work I'm sure you'll get some time off. Towards this I sincerely hope you all have a safe and very merry Christmas accompanied by a happy and peaceful New Year.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you all for the courtesies extended to me whenever I’ve been in your part of the woods.

November column - Greypower

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:41:27 +1300

First I want to thank you for your petition seeking my support towards retaining the services of Oamaru Hospital.

In regard to this I met with both the Waitaki District Health Services Board and the Otago District Health Board and advised them of Grey Power concerns.

I want you to know that I will do all I can to retain and enhance Oamaru Hospital's health services for the benefit of the entire community. I'm as interested as you are in maintaining our services and as such I maintain regular contact.

Thankfully, as far as I am aware at this time there are no moves to change any of the regular services.

I also want to again remind you of the Government's Warmer Homes programme.

We've just experienced a very long winter, with October the coldest for decades, so it's an opportune time to

contact with your local power authority or district council and apply for assistance towards warming your home.

I'm also sure Grey Power will have all the information you need. to make your application.

Finally, and as if we need reminding, its only weeks to Christmas, time not only for families and festive fun but also an occasion to spread some cheer.

Check out your friends and fellow club and society members as to who will be spending Christmas weekend alone and make a point of at least contacting them to show they aren't forgotten.

Regardless of the divisions that may separate us during the year, Christmas is a great time for all to get together.

So as such I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and I look forward to helping you with the challenges that will no doubt confront us all next year.

November column - Waitaki Herald

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:24:00 +1300

A number of highlights over the past month have continued to mark our district’s progress even in these financially tougher times.

These included the opening of the Kurow Winery Estate and the Waitaki Valley Lakes and Rivers enhancement project at Otematata while earlier, I also visited St Kevin’s College Fonterra Science Show and the WW2 Interactive Memorial at Timaru.

Our own provincial rugby side managed to finish their season with a hard-won trophy while our younger residents continued to collect educational and sporting trophies.

Recently I spoke with new Environment Canterbury chair Alec Neill who assured me he intends to steer the authority away from being one that was presumptive to one that will enable.

He was also confident many Waitaki water management and allocation consents presently before ECan should be resolved before this Christmas. These decisions I know are eagerly awaited by applicants.

I came away from that meeting with Mr Neill with a feeling Waitaki residents who fall inside ECan’s area could well be entering a new phase of co-operation with the authority. I will continue to watch with interest.

Staying with positive themes I want to invite all interested residents to our Bluegreen Environment Forum to be held at Totara School, on November 28.

Guest speakers include Minister for the Environment, Dr Nick Smith who will talk on local Environmental Issues, Alan McLay, on Intensive Farming and the Environment, MP Nicky Wagner on Green Business and Marion Shore on Waste Minimization.

Dunedin based MP Michael Woodhouse and Otago regional councillor Doug Brown will also be in attendance as will Waitaki District Council's Gerry O'Neil who will end the forum speaking on council's Waste Minimisation programme.

The forum runs from 8.45am to noon and will be a wonderful opportunity to hear about and keep up with changing environmental practices.

Central Otago News - November column

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:20:00 +1300

MMP referendum at 2011 election

National is honouring an election promise with the announcement of an MMP referendum. At the 2011 general election voters will be asked two questions - if they want to change the system, and what alternative voting system they would prefer.

If a majority of voters want a change, a further referendum will be held in 2014 asking voters if they prefer MMP or the alternative voting option that receives the most votes in 2011. The 2017 general election will be held under the alternative system if more people prefer that option.

After five parliamentary terms under MMP, it's important that New Zealanders get a chance to have their say about which electoral system they prefer. By holding the referendum at the same time as the 2011 election, the Government expects a higher voter turnout to help more accurately reflect the public's views.

I hope the people of the Waitaki electorate take up this opportunity.

November column - High Country Herald

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:24:00 +1300

I must congratulate the team who have driven Tekapo-Aoraki and Mt Cook’s bid to have their night sky declared a United Nation’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural organisations’ night sky reserve.

That the bid has made the shortlist out of five applicants that include Austria, Spain, Chile and Hawaii is not only an excellent boost to the team but also the district.

If successful, Tekapo’s skies could be hailed as the world’s first night sky reserve within the next two years. Couple that with the proposed Alps to Ocean cycle trail and for the Mackenzie the sky definitely would be the limit.

In the meantime good luck to them when they make their pitch in Brazil next year.

I'm also pleased the Hook, Waituna and Makakihi areas were recipients of a Government grant towards the total cost of making drinking water improvements in their area.

The Capital Assistance Programme funds have been provided as a subsidy following assessment by a technical panel who then made recommendations to the Minister of Health.

Another innovation I'd like to recommend follows the setting up of a new online rural discussion group designed to keep farmers in touch with each other.

Established by North Otago Federated Farmers, a group has been set up to allow farmers to discuss rural issues without having to leave home and attend meetings.

While it might not have suited farmers a few years ago, the idea of online discussion groups is perfect these days as farmers take advantage of new technology. I see this as a perfect form of communication in this day and age.

I believe the North Otago online group is a first for New Zealand,. I urge other areas to follow suit and set up similar programmes. By doing so you will be able to share experiences, advice and occasionally highs and lows, with a peer group who not only talk the talk but walk the walk.