Louise Upston MP

Taupo MP Louise Upston is pleased with the progress Lakes DHB and Taupo hospital have made over the past year.

Taupo Hospital has changed its heating system from the coal-fired boiler to a geothermal system which will have positive effects on improving air quality.

The coal boiler emitted levels of PM10 that exceeded health standards in winter.

“My Taupö surveys have shown me that air quality is important to Taupö residents and I’m happy to see the Hospital is dedicated to more environmentally sound heating methods” says Louise.

Lakes DHB also reported large improvements in key services over the last year. 

“Lakes DHB has improved its immunisation coverage from the lowest of all DHBs last year, to now exceeding the target of immunising 85% of two year olds” says Louise. “This shows the commitment of the Government and the DHB to a healthy community.”

Health Minister Tony Ryall announced that Lakes DHB made a modest surplus this year after predicting a loss.

“Healthcare is an important issue for this government and it is great to see some of the results in the community” says Louise.

ENDS

For more information contact Louise Upston 027 4767887

Posted by admin in Media Release at 08:47

Taupo MP Louise Upston is holding a constituent clinic in Mangakino next week.

“I have regular clinics in my electorate offices in Taupo, Tokoroa and Cambridge. These clinics have been successful in helping people with any problems they may be having with government departments.” Says Louise

“It is important that I have appointments available outside the main centres.” The clinic will be held at the Senior Citizen’s Hall in Mangakino on Friday 27th August.

“If you would like an appointment, please contact my South Waikato office on 07 886 5554,” says Louise.

END Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

Posted by admin in Media Release at 11:00

The NZTA Open Day was a great community success believes Taupo MP Louise Upston.

“A large number of Cambridge residents came out to learn more about the Cambridge Section of the Waikato Expressway.” Says Louise, “I’m excited to see the community support this project.”

The Waikato Expressway will provide 102km of continuous divided four-lane highway.   The Cambridge Section will reduce travelling times through the area and will provide a key transport corridor, connecting the Waikato with Auckland and the Bay of Plenty.

“The Expressway and specifically the Cambridge Section will greatly benefit the people of Cambridge” says Louise.

The Cambridge Section will link the Tamahere section of the Expressway to the existing SH1 south of Cambridge, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists as well as reduce traffic noise and congestion through the town.

“NZTA have worked hard to make sure the information is available to all residents – the posters and hand out materials worked really well at the open day” says Louise.

The feedback collected by NZTA at the open day will help the project team to finalise the resource consent applications later this year.

For further information about the Expressway contact the Cambridge electorate office on 07 8275572 or visit www.nzta.govt.nz

ENDS

Posted by admin in Media Release at 17:03 | Trackbacks (0)

Taupo MP Louise Upston is pleased to hear of the new project aimed at improving maternity services for women and their families in the Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino areas.

“I have worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Lakes DHB to ensure the community's concerns about maternity services in Taupo are being addressed,” says Louise.

The project aims to ensure a safe, sustainable and effective integrated primary maternity service is available for women in the Southern Lakes area.  One proposal being considered as part of the project is the Taupo Maternity Action Group's private birthing unit.

“There are many people in the community who want a positive solution for pregnant women and their families,” says Louise.

The National government has shown it is focused on greater safety and better quality in maternity services by boosting funding in the 2009/2010 budget and introducing voluntary student bonding for midwives.

“It is great to see this project getting off the ground with government support,” says Louise.

Lakes DHB is hosting public meetings in Taupo and Turangi to explain the project.

“I encourage anyone who is interested in maternity services in the area to get along to one of the meetings.  This is a great opportunity to clear up some of the public confusion around maternity services.”

“I look forward to working with the DHB in the future to help more Taupo mums.”

ENDS

Public meetings, 30^th August:

Turangi 10.30am, Taupo District Council Conference Room

Taupo 2pm REAP Centre, Titiraupenga Street

For more information contact Louise Upston 027 4767887

Posted by admin in Media Release at 16:38

Taupo MP Louise Upston and Youth MP Tay-Jana Brown are hosting a Youth Forum on Alcohol Reform.

The Law Commission has made 153 recommendations for alcohol reform and the government is considering all of them.  One of the major areas of concern is the harm caused by alcohol.  Much of this harm is felt by young people.

“I am currently in the active process of seeking feedback on the Law Commission’s recommendations for alcohol reform and it is important that I listen to young people’s views.” Says Louise.

“Alcohol is responsible for a lot of harm in our community, and I am interested in young people’s opinions on how we can reduce that harm,” says Louise.

The open forum will be held at the Tokoroa Community Link Centre, 8-10 Tophin Crescent on Monday 16th August, 7.00pm – 8.30pm. 

“This forum is an opportunity for youth to give me and Tay-Jana their views on the Law Commission’s recommendations.”

For more information about the Law Commission’s report or the Youth Forum please contact the South Waikato Electorate office on 07 886 5554 or upston.sthwaikato@parliament.govt.nz.

To complete an online survey on alcohol reform, please visit Louise’s website: www.louiseupston.co.nz

ENDS

For more information contact Louise Upston 027 4767887

Posted by admin in Media Release at 12:17