LOUISE UPSTON MP for Taupo - Media Release

Public urged to make Psychoactive Substances Bill submissions

nospam@example.com (Louise) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:36:56 +1200

MP for Taupo, Louise Upston, is urging members of the public to make submissions to the Psychoactive Substances Bill to help control the sale of ‘legal highs.’

“There has been a large level of concern from the community about party pills and synthetic cannabis products that some retailers are selling,” Louise said. “You can now have you say on this issue, so I’m encouraging people to make a submission to the select committee . We want to see a wide range of views represented.”

The Psychoactive Substances Bill regulates psychoactive substances, or “legal highs”, so products have to be proved low-risk before they can be sold.

At the moment, these products are unregulated, with no control over ingredients, place of sale, or who they can be sold to.

If the bill is passed it will be illegal to sell any product which has not been through an assessment. There will be strict restrictions on where products can be sold, the purchase age, and marketing restrictions. Manufacturers of legal high products will have to prove their product is low-risk before it can be manufactured and sold.

Cleaning up the “legal high” industry is part of Government’s drive to deliver better public services.

Louise has had the issue of legal highs raised by many constituents, and believes there has been pressure on those who sell it from the community.

“I have heard from constituents who have used synthetic products, and those who have been affected by friends or family taking them. There is a crippling negative impact for many people who use these drugs, and you can be exposed to significant dangers while experiencing the effects of these substances. Most people I have spoken to want the sale of these drugs more heavily regulated, which is what this bill is all about.”

Louise said New Zealanders deserve to know that products available to them are safe and that they’re not being put in harm’s way with untested, risky substances.

To make a submission go to www.parliament.nz and search for ‘Psychoactive Substances Bill.’ Submissions close on Wednesday, 1 May.

More heart patients receiving care in Taupo Electorate

nospam@example.com (Louise) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:06:02 +1200

MP for Taupo, Louise Upston, is thrilled that heart patients in her electorate are receiving care faster than they have in the past.

Health Minister Tony Ryall announced yesterday that there has been real improvement in the quality of care patients receive.

“Data shows that 18 months ago only 33% of people in the central North Island were receiving an angiogram within 72 hours of presenting with serious chest pain – one of the lowest intervention rates in the country,” Mr Ryall said. “Now, 70% or more patients regularly receive an angiogram within 72 hours, which is important because this medical imaging enables blood vessels and the heart to be viewed.”

The improvements are due to a partnership between the New Zealand Cardiac Network and the Lakes and Waikato Midland District Health Boards.

“The more patients who are receiving angiograms sooner means less patients who are likely to have a heart attack because their condition can be diagnosed early,” Louise said. “We are now getting patients to special care quicker which is great news for everyone.”

The Midland Acute Coronary Syndrome Project focused on ensuring patients who have serious heart symptoms are assessed promptly and at least 70% of those who should undergo an angiogram receive this within three days. Also those assessed as lower-risk receive further evaluation within 48 hours of presenting with symptoms.

Louise applauded the Lakes and Waikato DHBs for having achieved faster, better care for patients through innovative changes in clinical practice.

For more information visit: www.midlanddhbs.health.nz

Government invests a further $3 million to protect Lake Taupo

nospam@example.com (Louise) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:05:22 +1200

Local MP Louise Upston has welcomed the announcement that $3 million will be invested to protect the quality of Lake Taupo’s water.

Environment Minister Amy Adams made the announcement yesterday and said extra funding will be used to achieve a 20 per cent reduction in nitrogen in the lake.

“Lake Taupo has significant economic, cultural and environmental value for New Zealanders,” Minister Adams said. “It is important that we continue to restore the lake’s water quality so that people can make the most of this unique environment in the years to come.”

As the MP for Taupo, Louise has strongly advocated to ensure further protection of Lake Taupo’s water quality.

“I’ve worked with farmers, the Lake Taupo Protection Trust, local and regional councils and other stakeholders to ensure the quality of water in New Zealand’s largest lake is among the best in the world,” Louise said.

To date the Lake Taupo work programme has been successful in significantly reducing the amount of nitrogen getting into the lake by getting land owners to change farming practices. High nitrogen levels in lakes and rivers can harm micro-organisms and cause algal blooms

The Government has already committed $35.5 million to ensure Lake Taupo’s water quality is protected long term. Together with funds provided by Environment Waikato and Taupo District Council, this forms a joint fund of $75.4 million.

“Lake Taupo is important to the people of Taupo as well as the thousands of visitors who spend time in the region each year,” Louise said. “Not only is the lake a source of drinking water, but it is a jewel in New Zealand’s tourism crown and a popular holiday destination for Kiwis year-round.

“The benefits of keeping Lake Taupo’s water protected are important for our economy and the environment,” Louise said. “That is why the Government has committed substantial funding towards cleaning up New Zealand’s most iconic waterways, of which Lake Taupo is one.”

Local MP impressed by Tongariro/Rangipo Prison

nospam@example.com (Louise) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:37:19 +1200

MP for Taupo, Louise Upston, has been impressed by the work being undertaken at Tongariro/Rangipo Prison. The Department of Correction facility, which is located near Turangi, is a working prison holding up to 540 low-to-medium security male prisoners.

Louise visited the prison last week as part of a Safer Communities site visit, and was impressed by what she saw.

“Tongariro/Rangipo Prison is the perfect example of a working prison,” she said. “Work is a fundamental part of rehabilitation and the training these inmates are undertaking will help to make our communities safer.

As a working prison, Tongariro/Rangipo is involved in the Government’s plan to focus on enhancing prison operations to help reach the target of a 25 per cent reduction in reoffending by 2017.

Included in this plan was the introduction of Department of Corrections Prison League Tables, which provide accurate monitoring and evaluation of prisons’ performance. Prisons are now measured on their performance against each other in a range of areas including security, assaults, drug tests and rehabilitation programmes. They are then categorised in four performance grades, with the resulting tables released quarterly.

Tongariro/Rangipo is one of six prisons that are exceeding expectations, the facility has been graded as an ‘exceptional’ prison.

“This is testament to the prison staff who are doing a great job,” Louise said. “Corrections and Police work closely together, from planning for offenders to come back into their communities, through to supporting and monitoring them. I commend them on the great job they do in helping to keep the community safe.”

During her visit to the prison, Louise also witnessed inmates working towards qualifications which will help reduce reoffending.

“If we can give prisoners access to an education while inside the wire, they will be able to make a positive contribution to society. By learning literacy and numeracy skills and earning qualifications they will be more likely to hold down jobs instead of returning to crime.”

Social Sector Youth Trials to extend further into South Waikato

nospam@example.com (Louise) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:28:17 +1200

The Social Sector Youth Trials, a community involvement scheme for youths, is being extended further into South Waikato communities after its successful debut in Tokoroa.

Louise Upston, MP for Taupō, announced the expansion of the successful trials at a meeting at Tokoroa’s Youth Media and Music Hub last week.

The expansion is part of a nationwide programme for youth which offers advice and support for young people while facilitating them to make good decisions on their own. The programme is aimed at increasing participation in education, training and employment through decreasing truancy, youth offending and drug and alcohol abuse.

The trials were originally rolled out in Tokoroa for a two year period and will now extend to Tirau and Putaruru until 2014 on the back of the encouraging response the programme has received.

“The Tokoroa community can be proud of itself for taking ownership of this scheme and making it work,” Louise said. “This is a great example of what can happen when a community comes together with the aim to achieve and I’m proud that due to the success of the trials in Tokoroa they will be introduced in ten new locations around New Zealand.”

At the announcement of the expansion, Louise said it was great to see such a positive, central government initiative being rolled out in the community and making such a huge difference to young people’s lives.

“We’re starting to see a reduction in truancy, we’ve got more young people in education, training and employment, and a large number of local young people have made structured plans to help themselves to succeed.

“I’m looking forward to even more young people taking part in the Youth Trials as they extend and expand into the great South Waikato region,” Louise said.

More information on the Youth Trials can be found at http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/social-sector-trials/index.html

Waikato MPs welcome new contract for the Tamahere-Cambridge Section of the Waikato Expressway

nospam@example.com (Louise) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:27:24 +1200

Local MPs Louise Upston and Lindsay Tisch have congratulated HEB construction after they were awarded the contract to build the Tamahere-Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway.

Since it was advanced as one of the Government’s Roads of National Significance in 2009, three sections of the expressway have now reached the construction stage and one is complete. The Te Rapa section was completed and opened to traffic in December 2012; the Ngaruawahia section will be opening towards the end of 2013 and both the Rangiriri and Tamahere-Cambridge sections will be under construction by the end of 2013.

“That’s an impressive achievement in just over three years,” said Lindsay Tisch, MP for Waikato.

Along with enabling people to save 35 minutes on a journey between the Bombay Hills and Tirau, this project will also provide a more effective transport network between the business centers of Waikato, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty.

“This is such an important key to unlocking the economic potential of this region,” Lindsay said. “Transport networks which perform well for businesses, importers, exporters, tourism and commuters help to stimulate economic growth.”

As well as boosting the economy of the local region, the expressway will also make the popular journey safer for road users.

“Between 2000 and 2012 there were 12 fatal and 43 serious injury crashes on the current section of SH1 between Hamilton and Cambridge,” MP for Taupo, Louise Upston said . “The construction of this section of expressway will help to prevent many of these crashes and the extremely high human and social costs associated with these.”

Both MPs are thrilled that construction of this section of the expressway will have very real immediate benefits locally for the people and businesses of Cambridge.

“Those employed directly by the project will have the security of employment and local companies will soon notice extra business being generated due to the expressway,” Louise said. “We can expect very real economic benefits for both the Waikato region and nationally from key infrastructure like the Waikato Expressway.”

HEB Construction were awarded the contract for the project last week and will now work with NZTA to complete the Tamahere-Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway as quickly as possible.

Louise Upston, MP for Taupo and Lindsay Tisch, MP for Waikato.

Recorded crime down 7.5% per cent in Taupo Electorate

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:50:16 +1200

Louise Upston, MP for Taupo, is pleased by new figures showing recorded crime is dropping in the local community.

“The Waikato’s annual crime statistics show recorded crime has dropped 7.5 per cent in the past calendar year,” Louise said.

“And nationally, recorded crime is down 7.4 per cent. This is the third consecutive year crime has fallen.

“These results are great news for our local communities and they reflect the hard work of our police force. As well as this they reflect National’s commitment to tackle crime and make our families safer in their homes and communities.”

In the Waikato district Robbery was down 26.7% for the 2012 calendar year. Along with the rate of unlawful entry lowering by 5.5%, the trend for theft-related incidents is down by 15%.

Louise said the 70 per cent increase in police foot patrols, the continuing work of Neighbourhood Policing Teams, the Prevention First Strategy, and the 600 additional frontline officers delivered by this Government are all contributing to our falling crime rate.

“The introduction of smartphones and tablets this month will save more than half a million hours of Police time. This time is being reinvested in frontline crime prevention to keep Kiwis safer. National will continue to ensure our front-line Police are able to spend more time on the streets preventing crime, and building safer communities.”

Louise met with police officers from her electorate this week to congratulate them on their fantastic work, and to discuss what else can be done at a central government level to ensure that these crime stats continue trending down.

“We are well on our way to reaching our Better Public Services targets of an overall reduction in recorded crime by 15 per cent, violent crime by 20 per cent, and youth crime by 5 per cent by 2017,” Louise said. “This will mean 45,000 fewer crimes in our communities every year from 2017.”

Participation in 2013 New York Marathon no April Fool’s Joke

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:22:42 +1300

MP for Taupo Louise Upston will be pushing herself outside her comfort zone in November when she competes in one of the most famous running events in the world – the New York Marathon.

Louise announced the news of her intention to complete the 42km challenge on April 1, and as she suspected, many thought she was playing an April Fool’s Day prank.

“Most people would look at me and think I couldn’t run a marathon. No doubt a lot of people thought I was having a laugh when I told them. But this isn’t an April Fool’s joke. This is a serious challenge for a serious cause,” Louise said.

Louise entered the New York Marathon to raise money for the CatWalk Trust, a charity dedicated to raising funds for research to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. After recently visiting a spinal injury rehabilitation unit, Louise has witnessed first-hand what those with spinal injuries are dealing with.

“I met patients who are unable to hold their babies or hug their families due to losing the feeling in their limbs. Often their injuries were sustained by simply slipping or falling over, or participating in activities common to many Kiwis. It made me realise this could happen to anyone.

“For me, the motivation to run the New York Marathon is about raising money to help find a cure to bring greater mobility to people with spinal injuries.

“Taking part in an event of this magnitude is going to challenge me in a way I’ve never been challenged before. But I believe it is nothing compared to the challenges those who are dealing with spinal injuries have to go through on a daily basis.”

Louise plans to participate in the Huntly Half Marathon in May, and in three Taupo-based half marathons in the lead up to the event. This weekend she will participate in the Moonshine 10km fun run in Upper Hutt.

Local MP thrilled by planned Tokoroa Hospital upgrades

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:21:51 +1300

MP for Taupo Louise Upston has welcomed the news the Waikato District Health Board has approved a $1.9 million investment at Tokoroa Hospital.

“This will make a real difference in the Tokoroa community,” she said. “I know many of my constituents have been asking for an upgrade to health services at Tokoroa Hospital and I’m proud the Waikato DHB have been able to approve the spending to make this happen.”

The investment means a number of health providers will be relocated to Tokoroa Hospital, creating a health hub for the town. Two wards which are currently not in use will be leased to primary health and non-Government organisations as long-term tenants.

Three GP practices will lease another ward and the DHB’s blood collection service and amalgamated community pharmacies will move from the town centre to the hospital. Independent midwives and other health and social service providers have also expressed interest in occupying remanding space at Tokoroa Hospital.

Upgrades to current rooms will improve facilities and changes to the layout of wards will be carried out to suit Midlands Health Network’s GP practice requirements.

“This work is set to be completed by October this year which means the Tokoroa community will soon be able to take advantage of what is set to be a fantastic health care facility for the town.”

A governance group is in place to oversee the transition to integrated services.

Government declares drought in Waikato

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:48:50 +1300

A state of drought has been officially declared in Waikato by the Minister for Primary Industries Hon Nathan Guy.

The decision to declare the drought was made on Wednesday and follows an announcement of drought in Northland last week.

“This is recognition that we are now beyond what is a normal dry summer, and into an extreme climatic event,” said local MP Louise Upston. “The entire North Island is extremely dry and the rural sector in the Waikato needs our support.”

Agriculture is one of the biggest sectors in the Waikato, and this declaration means extra Government funding will now be available to coordinate support through local organisations like the Rural Support Trusts. In extreme cases there will also be Rural Assistance Payments (RAPs) available to farmers in severe hardship.

This drought decision was made after the Government received advice from the Ministry for Primary Industries, including soil moisture data from NIWA, and in consultation with the local community.

“I know local farmers have been taking practical steps to deal with the dry conditions, such as destocking and switching to once a day milking, but it’s important to plan ahead and to ask for help when needed,” Louise said.

“I strongly encourage farmers to contact IRD if they need help or flexibility with making tax payments and note that standard assistance is available from Work and Income.

“This is a tough time for Waikato farmers but I know you are all resilient and will make it through this.”

More information is available at http://www.mpi.govt.nz/environment-natural-resources/funding-programmes/primary-sector-recovery/droughts/dry-conditions-2012-13-faqs

Local MP supports combating welfare fraud

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:42:40 +1300

MP for Taupo Louise Upston has welcomed the announcement by Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows of three new initiatives to prevent, detect and catch welfare fraud.

In 2011/12, fraud worth $23.4 million was recovered following 714 convictions.

“I’ve had many members of the community come into my offices to raise concerns about possible welfare fraud,” Louise said. “They have been frustrated that they are working hard to provide for their families while others are ripping the system off.

“I know the vast majority of beneficiaries are honest and do the right thing, but a small minority take advantage of the welfare system,” she said. “Welfare fraud is a crime that costs taxpayers a lot of money. We will be tough on those who persistently lie to New Zealanders and commit welfare fraud.”

The first initiative will create a new offence that targets partners or spouses of beneficiaries who are convicted of fraud. Prosecuting partners who profit from welfare fraud will ensure both parties who profit from the crime are punished, and will help the taxpayer recover lost money faster.

The second initiative introduces new ways of working with beneficiaries who have previously been dishonest with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) These new measures include greater verification of information and less access to self-service transactions, and will cover about 1000 beneficiaries each year.

The third initiative will formalise information-sharing links between ACC, Inland Revenue, Housing New Zealand Corporation, New Zealand Police, and the MSD.

Louise urges constituents to continue to provide information about possible welfare fraud to her three Electorate Offices in Taupo, Tokoroa and Cambridge or call 0800 556 006 to report a suspected fraud.

“National promised to clamp down on welfare fraud as part of our plan to deliver better public services and these new initiatives will help reduce who are taking advantage of the welfare system.”

Local MP looking for young person to represent the Taupo Electorate in Wellington

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:32:18 +1300

Can you see a future for yourself as an MP? Or are you are just curious about how parliament works? Here is your chance to have your voice heard and to experience first-hand how decisions are made that impact all of New Zealand.

Young people are now invited to apply to be a part of Youth Parliament 2013.

If successful, you will join 121 other Youth MPs when they take over New Zealand’s Parliament on 16 and 17 July. Louise Upston, MP for Taupo, is seeking applications from young people aged 16-18 to be included in the Youth MP selection process.

Students interested in applying for this position will be required to submit a written application to Louise. The applications should showcase why you would be a positive addition to the Youth Parliament and include a cover statement of 200 words. A shortlisted group will participate in an interview and deliver a brief speech on what their priorities would be if they were Minister of Youth Development.

“I want to hear from young people who are willing to get out and engage with the youth in their community to gather their views and represent them in Parliament” Louise said.

Youth Parliament 2013 is a significant opportunity for young New Zealanders to share their views and the views of their peers with the country’s decision-makers. Held once every parliamentary term, Youth Parliament gives young people the opportunity to understand and participate in Parliament and the decision-making process.

Nominated Youth MPs will hold the title from 1 May to 31 December 2013. They are expected to engage with their community during this time, so all New Zealand youth have the opportunity to have their voice heard.

Youth Parliament 2013 is organised by the Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Office of the Clerk, the Parliamentary Service and New Zealand’s 121 Members of Parliament.

Anyone interested in becoming a Youth MP should contact Libby O’Brien on 04 8178231 or libby.obrien@parliament.govt.nz

Ends

Authorised by Louise Upston MP, 66 Paora Hapi Street, Taupo.

Raising achievement for our kids

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:31:18 +1300

Louise Upston, MP for Taupo, has welcomed the progress National is making to ensure the children of Taupo get a better education.

As a mum to three children, Louise has recently joined many parents around the district preparing for the 2013 school year.

“The new school year is a great time to reflect on what the Government has done to help our children,” Louise said.

“We have set Better Public Service targets at early childhood and secondary school, and have also set a target at the critical bridge of National Standards in between.”

National are investing $1.4 billion into ECE, of which $49 million is targeted to communities where participation is low.

“We want to see 98 per cent of all school entrants having participated in early childhood education (ECE) by 2016, and 85 per cent of all 18 years olds having achieved NCEA Level 2 or an equivalent qualification by 2017,” Louise said.

At primary and intermediate school level the Government is aiming to get 85 per cent of kids at, or above, the National Standards in 2017.

The Government has also set up taskforces to work with many Taupo schools and their communities with the aim to improve teaching quality and leadership.

“I regularly meet with Board of Trustees members and school principals and I will continue to do this to ensure our children in Taupo are achieving and doing well at school.”

Taupo schools have already moved towards using technology more in their teaching and ultra-fast broadband will help to improve each child’s learning even more.

“Nearly $200 million will be spent connecting schools to ultra-fast broadband and by 2016, 97.7 per cent of New Zealand schools will have broadband connections,” Louise said.

Louise believes education is a passport to a better life for our children.

“That’s why National is focused on raising achievement for all our kids.”

Ends

For more information contact Louise Upston 0274767887

Authorised by Louise Upston MP, 66 Paora Hapi Street, Taupo.

Rural school safety programme great news for South Waikato

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:47:54 +1300

Louise Upston, MP for Taupo has welcomed news a variable speed limit sign trial is likely to be extended to include Tokoroa’s Amisfield School.

“By the end of the year the speed limit outside Amisfield School will be marked by an electronic sign,” Louise said. “During school drop-off and pick-up times, the speed limit will likely drop from 80km/h to 60km/h.”

After concerns about the speed limit outside the school were raised by the school’s Principal, Louise, along with other rural MPs, started working towards implementing strategies to make schools on state highways safer for children and their families.

“The section of State Highway 1 near the school is clearly a safety concern, especially at busy times of day,” Louise said. “Each school day children are hopping out of cars or biking and walking to school and they’re usually too close to high speed traffic.”

NZTA will also begin work with the Education Ministry, local councils and Police to assess road safety risk around all rural and semi-urban schools, and will be developing a High Risk Rural Schools Guide to further improve road safety at rural schools.

Louise said the initiatives will protect our kids and ultimately help reduce crashes in the South Waikato area.

“This is very reassuring news for children, parents, and the wider South Waikato community and I’m extremely proud that the hard work I have put into these initiatives has paid off,” Louise said.

Seven schools across the country are currently involved in the variable speed limit trial, and a further 16 are scheduled to be included by the end of 2013.

“The trials have so far proved extremely successful in reducing speeds and improving safety outside school gates. I am pleased the NZTA has listened to the concerns of local communities, and recognised the need to target schools like Amisfield School directly,” Louise said.

The trials began early last year and are a key part of the Government’s Safer Journeys strategy.

Raising achievement for our kids

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:47:34 +1300

Louise Upston, MP for Taupo, has welcomed the progress National is making to ensure the children of Taupo get a better education.

As a mum to three children, Louise has joined many other parents around the district preparing for the 2013 school year this week.