Jacqui Dean MP

From the Dean's Office 14th May 2012

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:53:51 +1200

Last week I addressed over 100 delegates at Grey Power's national conference in Invercargill outlining the Government's local body reform policies. I said local body amalgamation could create greater efficiencies and give rural communities around Otago a stronger voice but any changes needed to be community driven. I also stressed it was crucial communities did not lose their representation.

Amalgamations can improve the efficiency of public service delivery by reducing duplication of services across communities. The sharing of services such as roads, auditing and financial services is already happening in some communities and it's having an effect on what comes out of ratepayers pockets. It's those sorts of savings communities across Otago deserve. It's about providing quality local infrastructure, public services and regulatory functions at the least possible cost to households and businesses.

With Grey Power national president Roy Reid.

During the past fortnight I also visited Christchurch where I and other MPs were briefed on that city's rebuild and then on to Fairlie to participate in a Breast Cancer fund raising event.

DOC Minister Kate Wilkinson, Hon Amy Adams, Paul Goldsmith and myself in Christchurch's CBD.

Consideration called for
The recent death of a 12 year-old Christchurch boy was a tragedy and waste of a young life. It does however focus on those who sell butane canisters to young people. We've seen it before with BZP party pills and herbal highs - where young people put their lives in danger, while some retailers appear happy to step back and allow it to happen.

These few need to be more responsible about what they sell and who they sell it to. While it's not illegal to sell butane, there are surely moral considerations which come into play when the purchaser is a young person. I suggest it doesn't take much to tighten up on these types of sales.

Crown Pastoral Rent Amendment Bill
The passing of the Crown Pastoral Rent Amendment Bill into law will bring fairness back into the rent-setting system for high country farmers. This new system for setting rents for crown pastoral land leases signals the end of a long bureaucratic battle for farmers and the beginning of a new era in management of the high country.

The legislation establishes a new system for setting rents on the 212 pastoral leases in the South Island high country, moving away from land and amenity values and introducing a production-based approach. We're giving farmers certainty that their operations can be profitable and this Government values their contribution to New Zealand's GDP, but also recognises their environmental stewardship.

Waste Minimisation reminder
Government has again called for organisations developing initiatives to increase the reuse, recycling or recovery of waste to apply to the Waste Minimisation Fund. Since funding opened in 2009, $20m has gone to more than 60 projects, many of which have gone on to establish themselves as businesses supporting our economy.

To receive funding, projects need to increase resource efficiency or reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Waste Minimisation Funds come from waste levies on material disposed of in landfills. Applications are welcome until 19 June. For more information visit www.mfe.govt.nz/wmf.

Congratulations and Well Done
• Mrs Sheila Anderson, 11 Cemetery Road, Tarras, on her 100th Birthday, May 29, 2012.
• Murray Jones, Oamaru, on recognition of 43 years’ service and dedication as St John secretary.
• Jibi Kunnethedam, Otago/Southland winner of this year's RSA Cyril Bassett VC speech completion.

Diary
• May 14 - 18: Parliamentary Duty.
• May 21: Auckland.
• May 22 - 23: Parliament.
• May 24: Budget.
• May 25: Parliament.
• May 28: Oamaru.

Authorised By Jacqui Dean MP, Macallan House, 42 Thames St, Oamaru

Jacqui Dean Column (May) - Timaru Column

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:12:01 +1200

Recently I had the opportunity to address over 100 delegates at Grey Power’s national conference in Invercargill to outline Government’s local body reform policies I said local body amalgamation could create greater efficiencies and give rural communities a stronger voice while also stressing any change had to be community driven.

Amalgamations have the potential to improve the efficiency of public service delivery by reducing duplication of services across communities. The sharing of services such as roading, auditing and financial services is already happening in some communities and it’s having an effect on what comes out of ratepayers pockets.

It’s those sorts of savings communities across our country deserve. Amalgamation is about providing good quality local infrastructure, public services and regulatory functions at the least possible cost to households and businesses.

In the period since 2002 rates have increased on average by 6.8 percent – more than double the rate of inflation - while local government debt has quadrupled in that time from $2 billion to $8 billion.

The proposed new reforms will streamline council reorganisation procedures with an emphasis on allowing proposed changes to be community focussed. Change must be driven by local communities. Amalgamation has to happen because the community wants it – it doesn’t work unless there’s a consensus.

A new provision within the Government reforms is to develop ward boundaries in rural areas, based around communities of interest rather as well as population which will ensure people still have a voice.

I live in a small community myself and have been a district councillor and deputy mayor. I understand the issues and see myself as an advocate for small communities - across the region. I understand it is crucial communities do not lose their representation.

Finally, Government has again called for organisations developing initiatives to increase the reuse, recycling or recovery of waste to apply to the Waste Minimisation Fund.

This is a chance for electorate based organisations with an innovative project to apply for support from the Government to give their development a kick start. Since funding opened in 2009, $20m has gone to more than 60 projects, many of which have gone on to establish themselves as businesses supporting our economy.

Video Update - 08 May

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:30:36 +1200

In her latest video, Jacqui talks about a fund raising breakfast she attended in Fairly. She then goes on to talk about the Grey Power conference she attended in Invercargill where she talked about local government reform. Jacqui then finishes up by discussing the resent passage of the Crown Pastoral Lease Act.

Dean - Wants Retailer Responsibility Over Solvent Sales

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:53:46 +1200

The MP who led the fight against BZP party pills has now backed calls for retailers to take more responsibility over the sale of solvents to young people.
Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said retailers needed to take a long hard look at themselves and consider their responsibilities.
“It’s can’t be money at all costs. Retailers are working at the cliff face and if they can make a difference when it comes to young people using these substances then I really believe they should.”
Mrs Dean’s comments come in the wake of the death of a 12 year-old Christchurch boy on Friday night.
“This is such a terrible tragedy and such a waste of a young life. However, it also puts the focus on those who are selling butane canisters to young people.
“We’ve seen it before with BZP party pills and herbal highs – where young people put their lives in danger, while some retailers appear happy to step back and allow it to happen.
“I think retailers need to be more responsible about what they sell and who they sell it to.
“While it’s not illegal to sell butane, there’re surely moral considerations which come into play when the purchaser is a young person.
“I acknowledge that retailers are running a business and often have staff managing their shops, but surely they must take more responsibility.
“I’d suggest it doesn’t take much to tighten up on these types of sales and hopefully, in the future, saves some lives.”
Mrs Dean campaigned against the sale of BZP party pills, after the industry grew rapidly from 2000, until 2008 when the Government criminalised BZP.

Dean - Local Body Amalgamations Have Potential in Otago

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:51:45 +1200

Local body amalgamation could create greater efficiencies and give rural communities around Otago a stronger voice, Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said, but she stressed any change had to be community driven.

Mrs Dean addressed over 100 delegates at Grey Power’s national conference in Invercargill last week, (4/5/12) outlining the Government’s local body reform policies.

“Amalgamations have the potential to improve the efficiency of public service delivery by reducing duplication of services across communities.

“The sharing of services such as roading, auditing and financial services is already happening in some communities and it’s having an effect on what comes out of ratepayers pockets. It’s those sorts of savings that communities across Otago deserve.

“This is about providing good quality local infrastructure, public services and regulatory functions at the least possible cost to households and businesses.”

In the period since 2002 rates had increased on average by 6.8 percent – more than double the rate of inflation - while local government debt has quadrupled in that time from $2 billion to $8 billion, Mrs Dean said.

“The new reforms will streamline council reorganisation procedures, allowing proposed changes to be community focussed.

“However, change must be driven by local communities. Amalgamation has to happen because the community wants it – it doesn’t work unless there’s a consensus.”

And she felt it was crucial that communities did not lose their representation.

“I live in a small community myself. I’ve been involved in local body politics and I understand the issues. I also see myself as an advocate for small communities across the region.”

A new provision in the Government reforms was to develop ward boundaries in rural areas, based around communities of interest rather as well as population, she said, which would ensure people still had a voice.

Dean - Rent Setting Law Breakthrough for High Country Farmers

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:45:38 +1200

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said the passing of the Crown Pastoral Rent Amendment Bill into law last week would bring fairness back into the rent-setting system for high country farmers.

“This new system for setting rents for crown pastoral land leases signals the end of a long bureaucratic battle for farmers and the beginning of a new era in management of the high country.

“This legislation establishes a new system for setting rents on the 212 pastoral leases in the South Island high country, moving away from land and amenity values and introducing a production-based approach.

“We’re giving farmers certainty that their operations can be profitable and this Government values their contribution to New Zealand’s GDP, but also recognises their environmental stewardship.”

Mrs Dean said she had worked closely with pastoral lease holders, in areas like Central Otago, over many years as they lobbied for change.

“The Government has consulted with the High Country Accord group and I am delighted that their voices have been heard, with leaseholders, farm managers, and independent experts’ views also being taken into account.

“High country farmers can now move ahead and get on with the business of running their farms in a more transparent and certain environment.

“I’m sure this will come as a great relief to many farmers and will allow them and their families to continue to do what they know best – managing our South Island high country.”

Mrs Dean said farmers had been struggling under the previous rent setting system, at the hands of the Labour Government, with this new law “a breath of fresh air for the high country.”

Week 7th - 13th May

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:38:18 +1200

Mon 7	Waimate
Tue 8	Parliament
Wed 9	Parliament- Law and Order Select Committee
Thu 10	Parliament- Local Government and Environment Select Committee
Fri 11	Overseas
Sat 12	Overseas

From the Dean's Office - 30th April 2012

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:12:08 +1200

Greetings. Last week I attended and spoke at Cromwell's Anzac Day service. It was glorious Central Otago day with around 1,000 people of all ages in attendance to mark the solemn occasion. I'd like to extend my thanks to that wider community for the invitation to be with them as they remembered their kinfolk's sacrifices both past and present. It was a moving and fitting ceremony.

I also got to experience another highlight with two Senior Citizen's meetings held in Oamaru. The first, the previous week, was a morning tea with deputy Speaker Lindsay Tisch and then on Thursday just past, an afternoon tea meeting with North Dunedin List MP, Michael Woodhouse. The attending seniors weren't afraid to test our visitors with lively questions ranging from asset sales, health issues, electricity charges through to cigarette taxes. I again extend my thanks to the visiting MPs for staying on after the meetings to talk with individuals on matters concerning them.

This week the House resumes following the Easter break so on Monday it's back to Wellington to my duties at Parliament followed by a quick visit to Invercargill on Wednesday to speak on Local Body policy at the Grey Power AGM.

A glimpse of last Thursday's well attended Senior Citizen's afternoon meeting.

Action plan to reduce farm injuries
I'm pleased with government's new action plan to bring down the "unacceptable" number of workplace injuries in the agriculture sector. The Agriculture Sector Action Plan targets four priority areas that account for at least half of all injuries and deaths in the sector, including: use of agricultural vehicles and machinery; the physical and mental health/wellbeing of agricultural workers; slips, trips and falls and animal handling.

The action plan, developed in conjunction with industry and stakeholders, was launched at Parliament last week and sets out how the agriculture sector and the government will work together over the next two years and beyond to reduce the work toll and outlines specific actions. There are action plans targeting the five sectors with consistently high levels of workplace injury, disease and fatalities - agriculture, construction, manufacturing, forestry, and fishing.

Broadband Services for Windsor
A fixed line broadband service is to be supplied to Windsor School sooner than was originally thought. Over the past few weeks engineers have worked on fibre cables at Enfield and as a result have freed up an additional cable to be used to feed broadband equipment in the Windsor exchange. A more powerful laser and circulator to boost capacity will also be installed. Work on this should now be completed and broadband services should be available soon. I'm also pleased our more isolated schools such as Makaoroa will be supplied with wireless connections. Our kids won't miss out.

May 24 - Budget
Right now Cabinet is putting together our fourth Budget which will strike a balance between investing in New Zealand's future, protecting our vulnerable and getting Government's finances back in order. We've targeted support to areas where we can make a difference. For example, our $1.4 billion investment in early childhood education has seen participation rates increase. We also want to ensure our kids have access to the healthcare they need, including free immunisation services. We're very close to hitting our target of having 95 per cent of all under twos immunised with three scheduled vaccinations.
From July we're resetting that target to ensure 95 per cent of all eight-month-old kids get their three vaccinations on time. Another area where we've maintained support, despite tough economic circumstances, is through Working for Families payments. On 1 April these payments were adjusted by 5 per cent, meaning higher payments for most Kiwi families.

Congratulations and well done:
• Mr George and Mrs Lorraine Harvey, Geraldine, on their Wedding Anniversary on May 10, 2012.
• Wanaka Fire Brigade, for their success this year in winning the John Rogers Trophy.
• Lake Hawea Fire Brigade, for success in winning the C-Dax Trophy at the same event.
• Gillian Wilson and Marr Connell, Bannockburn, on receiving the Hill Laboratories Harvest and Waterforce Integrated Management Awards at the Otago Ballance Farm Environment awards.
• Suzanna Lind, Waitaki Girls High School, on her Zonta scholarship award.

Diary:
• May 1 and 2 - Parliament.
• May 3 - Invercargill - Grey Power AGM forum.
• May 4 - Oamaru Clinic and Fire Service presentations.
• May 5 - Pink Ribbon Breakfast, Fairlie.
• May 7 – Waimate Clinic.
• May 8, 9 and 10 – Parliament.
• May 11 - Auckland.

Authorised By Jacqui Dean MP, Macallan House, 42 Thames St, Oamaru

Week 30th April - 6th May

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:50:48 +1200

Mon 30	Fairlie
Tue 1	Parliament
Wed 2	Parliament- Law and Order Select Committee
Thu 3	Invercargill
Fri 4	Oamaru
Sat 5	Fairlie

ANZAC DAY Cromwell – 2012

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:51:23 +1200

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, thank you for your invitation to speak with you this morning.
I too am here to honour sacrifices made in the past and to acknowledge the role our defence forces continue with today.
Like many of you I too have close family serving today. Our son Lance Corporal Michael Dean is today parading at Linton wearing his Grandfather’s medals.
ANZAC Day is our national day of remembrance – a day when we pay homage to those who left our shores in defence of our country and way of life.
A sad but true fact is that a good number never returned. More still were wounded and disfigured while others came back changed people.
It was terrible losses at Gallipoli that first bought home to our country the consequences of war but these casualties were soon eclipsed by the terrible life-wasting European front battles.
That however wasn’t the end of the struggle.
When the fighting finally ended a second unspoken phase of the war followed - a phase borne in homes both here and around the world.
What followed was a long period of adjustment, an adjustment outwardly described by some as a time for reflection and contemplation.
Beneath the surface however a different type of silence lurked on the farms and in villages and towns – post war feelings of fear, failure, loss, emptiness and death.
Feelings that, because of the way we were could and would not be publicly articulated.
The Great War, described as the ‘War to End all Wars” didn’t last. Just 21 years later, the world was once again plunged into another man-made dark place and again our younger men and women were called upon.
And just as before, they too joined to serve their country, see the world and experience some adventure. Eventually, after five years of huge loss our way of life managed to prevail with those who survived becoming the parents of my own generation.
But for them and many others the grief of loss following this Second World War never went away.
Here in our district, I know many older residents still mourn for brothers, sisters, cousins and mates who never returned.
They endure what writer Joan Didion described as “unending absences”.
War is bad business and even today, while mercifully elsewhere, concepts of conquest continue to occupy irrational minds.
It is therefore important we remain prepared to contribute to any challenge should it arise and towards this I honour and thank the men and women who today work in our country’s defence.
I also acknowledge and honour the work and sacrifice our forbears and the veterans present made during times of conflict and madness.
And to you who have endured the pain of loss and still quietly grieve - I salute you. The legacy handed to you has surely been the longest.
Lest we forget.

Oamaru Courthouse repairs

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:48:12 +1200

Work towards making Oamaru's neo-classically designed courthouse safe is still some months away. The Minister for Courts, the Hon Chester Burrows, said any remediation approach would be based on information formed by the decisions the Justice Ministry will take in respect of the Dunedin courthouse. The Minister added until that remediation approach was finalised, the Ministry would not be in a position to instruct engineers to proceed with detailed design work and costings for the Oamaru courthouse. As the planning work was expected to take several weeks it was likely remediation work on the Oamaru courthouse would not commence before the end of this year, the Minister said. "Current operational arrangements would continue for the medium to long term while remediation options for the courthouse were considered," he said. Meantime the wheels of justice have not stood still. Courthouse collections hearings will commence at the Oamaru Opera House this week as work on finalising signage to be placed outside the Oamaru courthouse and at the Work and Income building shouldbe completed in the next couple of weeks. Oamaru Court has been based at the Work and Income building since 9 March 2012 with the temporary facility opened for service 19 March. Family and Criminal hearings are now being heard at the Oamaru Opera House following the first Family Court sitting at the Oamaru Opera House on 4 April 2012. The Family Court Judge reported that the space worked well and was ideal as a temporary court. Following the Canterbury earthquakes the Ministry contracted engineering experts (Opus) to undertake a preliminary seismic assessment of all Ministry of Justice owned properties based on the age of the buildings, seismic location and building construction. On 30 November 2011 the Ministry received advice from Opus that seven of those buildings were assessed as at high risk of partial or full collapse in a significant seismic event. These included six courthouses (Masterton Combined Court and the Balclutha, Feilding, Oamaru, Rangiora and Upper Hutt District Courts) and the unoccupied Greymouth court building. Upon receipt of that advice, the Ministry decided to vacate these buildings to ensure the safety of staff and court users. The Opus report quantifies the risk and the remedial work required. Unfortunately, this work cannot be done while buildings are occupied. Following the closure of the Oamaru courthouse, criminal cases were transferred to Timaru. New custody arrests were dealt with in Dunedin. There was no change in the process for custodial cases which have always been heard in Dunedin. Family Court was also transferred to Dunedin. Oamaru court staff were relocated to Timaru District Court with one team member based at the Oamaru Police Station. Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said the temporary operational arrangements implemented following the court closures late last year were operating successfully. Mrs Dean said the Ministry had been working to identify longer term sustainable and fit for purpose solutions for the provision of court services whilst the planning of the earthquake strengthening programme of work is completed. "I'm pleased our town's fine courthouse building is to be made safe without changes to its classical features," she said. The Minister for Courts, Mr Burrows, will be in Oamaru this Thursday.

Dean - Community Should Capitalise on Wanaka Challenge Success

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:10:48 +1200

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said the Wanaka community should build on the success of the Challenge Wanaka triathlon festival capitalising on the economic benefits it brings to the town.

Research shows the festival brought at least $6.3 million worth of direct economic benefits to the region, up from the estimated $3.37 million last year.

“I think these figures are exciting for the Wanaka community and reinforce the importance of this event, and others like it, in attracting visitors to the area.

“Events tourism is a growing market for many regions around New Zealand and Wanaka continues to build its reputation as a place which can handle large numbers of visitors and ensure that they have a fantastic time in the area.

“I believe Wanaka has a huge untapped potential and I encourage the community and its business to get behind events like this to ensure that they grow and flourish into the future.”

Dean - Time to Reflect on Anzac Spirit

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:03:45 +1200

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said she hoped people would reflect on the spirit of Anzac day this Wednesday and take time to participate in a commemorative event.
“Anzac day is one day in the year when we can recognise our veterans, who gave so much for us, along with acknowledging the young men and women who serve our country today.
“As time goes by I think it’s all the more important that we respect the Anzac message and keep it alive for our children, acknowledging the sacrifice of our forefathers.
“To me it’s all about showing our respect for the past, honouring the soldiers who fell in battle, while paying tribute to those Kiwis who are helping build a better world today.
“In our school and in our offices, at home and in town, I hope that on Wednesday we can join together and celebrate the Anzac spirit, acknowledging the kiwi attitude that makes this country great.”

Dean - Central Otago Schools, Libraries Get Connected

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:35:51 +1200

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said she was delighted communities around Central Otago would gain access to ultra-fast broadband, with libraries and schools around the region set to be connected.

“It’s great news for Central Otago communities that better and faster access to information technology will be available on their doorsteps with the Government’s latest phase in its Rural Broadband Initiative.”

Ultra-fast broadband will be available at libraries throughout Central Otago, including Roxburgh, Maniototo, Cromwell, Alexandra, Omakau, Millers Flat, Clyde, Wanaka and Hawea.

“I think it’s so important that libraries have this faster internet service. It means that families and individuals who don’t have access to a computer at home, can still enjoy access to the latest in technology at their local libraries.

“For the elderly, for job seekers, for migrants worker and visitors, having ultra-fast broadband in the local library will be a big step forward. I think it’s great.”

Schools in the region who will also be connected include Cromwell College, Cromwell Primary School, Goldfields School, in Cromwell, Holy Family School, in Wanaka, Roxburgh Area School and St John’s School, in Ranfurly.

“Bringing high speed intent to these rural schools will ensure they have access to the same information opportunities as their urban counterparts.

“This is extremely important for these schools, as education around New Zealand and globally becomes more technology dependent.

“Rural children in this region will have an important role to play in New Zealand's future growth.
“With agriculture underpinning New Zealand's economic stability, it’s important these young people are not disadvantaged in their education because of where they live.”

Invitation to Waitaki Youth

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:51:44 +1200

Waitaki youth wishing to become more politically aware or active are invited to attend a Young Nats meeting this coming Friday.
The New Zealand National Party’s Waitaki Electorate is holding a ‘Join the Conversation’ evening and extends a warm welcome to young people who may wish to join their organisation.
In attendance will be Young Nats from Dunedin together with Waitaki members who will meet, greet and host potential members. Other guests will include MP Michael Woodhouse and (Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean).
Organisers are hopeful those thinking of joining along with those who may be mildly interested will come with questions relating to the Young Nats organisation, its functions and how new entrants can actively participate.
Membership of the organization will allow participation at all levels of the Young Nats and the National Party from standing for local, regional or national positions, to helping to develop policy, candidate selection and involvement in election campaigns. The joining fee is $5.
The evening will be held at the North Otago Club, Friday, April 20 at 5.30pm.