Louise Upston MP - Media Release

Taupo MP pleased with Lakes DHB progress

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:47:30 +1200

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

Upston to hold Mangakino constituent clinic

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:00:01 +1200

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

NZTA Open Day a success, says Upston

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:03:43 +1200

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

Lakes DHB working hard for maternity, says Upston

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:38:18 +1200

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

Upston hosts Youth Forum on Alcohol Reform

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:17:46 +1200

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

Employment Law changes needed, says Upston

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:03:11 +1200

Taupo MP Louise Upston is pleased with the changes to Employment Law recently announced by Prime Minister John Key.

“As we continue to grow out of the recession, we need to have the right environment to create more jobs,” says Louise.

“Economic growth happens when a business sees an opportunity and is prepared to invest, expand, take risks, and hire new workers.”

National introduced the 90-day trial period in 2008 to encourage employers with fewer than 20 employees to take on new staff, and to expand job opportunities for people who often struggle to get work.

“A report into the 90-day trial has shown that it worked extremely well. National is extending the trial period to all employers so that every business and new employee can benefit from it.” Says Louise.

Extending trial periods is just part of the package of employment law improvements National is making.

National is committed to maintaining a fair and equitable system that protects the rights of New Zealand workers. This includes changing the personal grievance process to resolve employment problems more quickly, discourage poor practices, reduce costs, and improve confidence in the system.

National is also making changes to the Holidays Act. This will include giving employees the ability to trade one of their four weeks’ annual leave for cash. Cashing in the fourth week of leave can’t be raised in salary negotiations and can only be at the employee’s request. Maximum penalties will double for employers who don’t comply with the Holidays Act.

“National’s employment law package is pragmatic, credible, and effective. It’s one more step on the road to a growing economy and more jobs.” Says Louise.

ENDS

Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

Louise Upston supports putting victims first

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:28:54 +1200

National is working hard to put victims at the heart of the justice system, a move that is strongly supported by Taupo MP Louise Upston.

“Crime impacts on us all. It affects our communities. It affects our economy. But the biggest impact is on the victims of crime and their families. They have to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial effects of crime long after the event,” says Louise Upston.

“When I entered Parliament at the last election I advocated for justice reforms that focus on victims rather than offenders.”

Last week, (1 July) on-the-spot safety orders came into effect. They will ensure that victims of domestic violence get immediate protection from dangerous situations.

Police will now be able to remove an alleged violent person from the home for up to five days. This will provide a period of safety in which victims can consider their options.

“We are also looking at the financial and emotional costs that victims face,” says Louise.

From 1 July, all convicted offenders will pay a $50 offender levy. This levy will be imposed automatically on offenders at sentencing – regardless of the crime they commit. The levy will collect an estimated $13.6 million over the first four years. It will support additional entitlements and services for victims of serious crime.

These include:

Increased grants for families of homicide victims.
Assistance with expenses resulting from sexual violence.
A High Court attendance grant of $124 per person per day for up to five adult members of a homicide victim’s family.
Increases in travel, accommodation, and childcare assistance for victims attending court proceedings.
Funeral grants for families of homicide victims.

Victims of sexual violence will receive further support in courts. This service will give victims access to a trained adviser who understands the dynamics of sexual violence cases and victims’ needs.

Families of homicide victims will receive an enhanced service that will provide practical and emotional support to families.

“National is committed to addressing the impact of crime on victims. We can’t take away the pain of victims’ loss or injury, but we can help smooth the way,” says Louise.

“Our new on-the-spot safety orders, the new offender levy, and extra victim support will help ensure offenders contribute to addressing the harm their behaviour causes, and put victims at the heart of the justice system.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

Home Insulation warming up New Zealand

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:37:00 +1200

Louise Upston welcomes the retrofitting of more than 50,000 homes under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart home insulation and heating programme.

"When we kicked off the four-year scheme in July last year we had a target to make 27,500 homes warmer and healthier in the first year," Louise says.

"The scheme has been an outstanding success and we are well on track to meet our target of at least 188,500 homes insulated by 2013."

In the Waikato region more than 4500 households have been made warmer and drier in the first 11 months of the scheme, Louise says.

"Along with greater comfort and health benefits for occupants, the programme has had a positive economic impact during difficult times, creating valuable jobs in the Waikato," Louise says.

About 2000 new jobs are expected to be created across the country as a result of the programme.

"We are seeing good growth in the many businesses directly and indirectly involved," Louise says.

Under the $347 million scheme the Government is providing grants for all householders of up to $1300 for houses built before 2000 that need ceiling and under-floor insulation. Once insulation is up to standard, homeowners can get $500 towards a clean, efficient heating system.

Community Services Card holders qualify for a 60 per cent subsidy for insulation and up to $1200 for a clean heat device. The scheme has also attracted about $15 million in additional funding in its first year from a range of community groups, health trusts, and other organisations.

"I am delighted to see this extra funding help those people most in need who can access the scheme for free, or at very little cost," Louise says.

ENDS

Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

Louise Upston welcomes cycle trail

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:59:19 +1200

Louise Upston, MP for Taupo welcomes funding for the Lake Track as part of Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

“The go ahead and Government investment of $2,264,000 is great news for the Taupo region,” Louise says.

The Lake Track is one of eight new cycle tracks to have its funding confirmed ahead of schedule. Funding of $18.85 million will go towards the construction of more than 1000 kilometres of track. Co-funding of $16 million for the eight tracks shows the significant commitment of the communities.

“We hope to see construction on the Lake Track well underway this summer,” Louise says.

“The Lake Track is an outstanding idea and encapsulates the spirit of the ‘Great Rides’ that will make up the national cycle trail, and take cyclists through some of New Zealand’s most iconic and picturesque country.

“The trail will showcase the best New Zealand has to offer. It will also support regional economic and employment activity.

“This means jobs for locals during the construction phase and more importantly long-term jobs through with accommodation and other support services.”

The Lake Track is part of phase two of the New Zealand Cycle Trail with the feasibility study submitted to the Ministry of Tourism in May.

“Our community put in an enormous effort to complete a quality feasibility study over the past few months. I can’t wait for construction work to begin,” Louise says.

ENDS

Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

MP views Cycleway progress

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:55:51 +1200

Taupo MP Louise Upston recently visited Waikato River Trails to view the progress on New Zealand’s first Cycleway, launched by Prime Minister John Key in November 2009.

“There is a great amount of work going in to ensure that these cycleways are built properly so they will be here for generations,” says Louise, “I want to extend a big thanks to those who are working tirelessly on the tracks, specifically the Waikato River Trails.”

The $3 million to complete the final two sections of the Waikato River Trails will be funded from the National Cycle Trail Fund.

The two sections funded under the National Cycle Trail Fund run from Waipapa Dam to Lake Karapiro, and from Whakamaru to Mangakino and will be completed in time for the Rowing World Cup at Lake Karapiro in October 2010.

The 41 kilometre section of the Waikato River Trail is the last section of a 100 kilometre cycle track that will follow the Waikato River, and pass five hydro lakes in some of the most scenic countryside in New Zealand. One of the benefits of this trail is that sections are accessible by wheelchair and so will enable a wide range of people to experience this scenery.

Louise visited Waikato River Trails with Manager Glynn XX to check out the construction.

“The final stages of the Waikato River Trail are the most complex in terms of construction. One example that I saw up close will take approximately one week to build and is 5 metres in length.” Says Louise, “Both sides of the track need to be retained to level the steep gradient to ensure that it is user friendly for a wide range of physical ability.”

“Taking care in building the tracks now will make them more enjoyable and usable for young and old, beginners and fitness fanatics in the future,” says Louise.

It is expected that 40 jobs will be created during construction. This brings much needed employment at a time it is needed most. Increasing visitors bring economic gains that benefit the whole community.

“My family and I are looking forward to using the new track.”

END

Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

MP's Education Bill makes it to Parliament

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:35:10 +1200

Taupo MP Louise Upston is delighted to see aspects of her Education Amendment Bill picked up by the Minister of Education. The Education Amendment Bill (No 2) will amend the Education Act 1989.

“Education is my top priority and I’m excited to see this Bill introduced to the House”

Most bills considered by the House of Representatives are government bills. However, members who are not Ministers can introduce their own bills, which are called ‘members’ bills.’

Louise’s original member’s bill focused on current enrolment schemes, specifically changing schemes to allow children of former students and children of current members of the board.

“Both these groups have strong connections to the school and I believe that this connection should be recognised in the enrolment scheme.”

The Education Act 1989 describes how schools are to prioritise applications for a place at the school from students who live outside the school’s home zone. The Bill amends the priorities for offering places to out-of-zone students by adding children of former students as the new fourth priority and making children of board employees the fifth priority and extending it to include children of members of the school board.

All other applicants will now be the sixth priority. The first three priorities remain unchanged with:
•         first priority given to students enrolled in a special programme run by the school
•         second priority given to siblings of current students of the school
•         third priority to siblings of former students of the school.
“I’m looking forward to some robust debate of these issues in the House,” says Louise, “it’s great to be working hard for education in our community.”

ENDS

Contact: Louise Upston 0274 767887

Louise Upston to hold Turangi Clinic

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:23:24 +1200

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

“My recent Turangi clinic generated a lot of interest and it is important that I have appointments available outside the main centres.”

The Clinic will be held at the Taupo District Council offices in Turangi on Monday 28th June.

“If you would like an appointment, please contact my Taupo office on 07 376 5563,” says Louise

While in Turangi Louise will visit the Police Station, St Johns and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

END

Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

Louise Upston out and about for Volunteers Week

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:21:00 +1200

Local MP Louise Upston is proud to support our community volunteers. To celebrate Volunteers Week 2010, which runs from 20th June to 26th June, Louise will be visiting different volunteer organisations in the community.

Volunteers Week this year focuses on Volunteering across Generations. “Volunteers contribute to many areas of the community - sporting, cultural and social events.” Says Louise.

The theme of the week is to encourage people to get involved with volunteering.

“I am always encouraged by young people who volunteer their time,” says Louise, “You see young people volunteering anytime you watch Saturday sport as they coach and umpire children’s sport.”

Last year Louise hosted a morning tea at her electorate office.

“This year I am taking the opportunity to get out and meet volunteers in the community,” says Louise, “I am looking forward to learning more about the volunteer organisations in Cambridge and saying thanks for their work.”

Louise will be celebrating Volunteers Week in Taupo on Friday 25th June.

Visits will include the Salvation Army Family Store, Waikato Hospice, St Johns and the Foodbank.

For more information about Volunteers Week or how you can get involved, visit www.volunteeringnz.co.nz or contact the Taupo Electorate office on 07 376 5563 or upston.taupo@parliament.govt.nz

ENDS

For more information contact Louise Upston 027 4767887

High Performance Rowing Hub for Lake Karapiro

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:27:00 +1200

Local MP Louise Upston welcomes a high performance sport initiative for the Taupo region.

Lake Karapiro is part of a $40 million plan to develop a network of satellite high performance facilities throughout the country.

“With the World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro in October, the Government wanted our rowers focused on winning medals, not running cake stalls to raise funds.”

“The recently-built high performance facility at Karapiro provides world-class gymnasium facilities, sports medicine, and sports science expertise all in one place, and just for our rowers,” Louise says.

The first priority for the high performance strategy was to fully fund the remaining $1.8 million debt on the facility through a direct $1 million Government grant, a $300,000 contribution from SPARC and a $500,000 contribution from Mighty River Power ahead of the Rowing World Championships, which will be held at Lake Karapiro in October this year.

Providing Canoe Racing New Zealand with a high performance centre is the next priority after the 2012 Olympic Games.

“The collaboration between Rowing New Zealand, Mighty River Power, and the Government, is an example of the kind of partnerships we want to create to leverage investment from the private sector, local government, and philanthropic funders.”

The Government's major re-shaping and expansion of high performance sport announced today (11 June) aims to make New Zealand consistently one of the most successful sporting nations in the world.

The most significant-ever funding injection into high performance sport in New Zealand amounts to new Budget funding of $10 million in 2010/11; $15 million in 2011/12, and $20 million annually after that. By the 2012/13 year, total funding for high performance sport will be over $60 million annually, compared to the current annual allocation of $42 million.

ENDS

For more information contact Louise Upston 027 4767887

MP Seeking Feedback

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:30:00 +1200

Taupo MP Louise Upston wants to hear your views on the 2010 Budget and other important local issues. Louise has sent surveys to households in the South Waikato.

“I want to hear your views on the Budget. I appreciate the opportunity to understand your views on important issues” says Louise. “This Government is working hard to ensure New Zealanders are better off.”

Budget 2010 focuses on lifting long-term economic growth to create jobs, boost incomes, raise living standards and provide world-class public services to help Kiwi families get ahead.

Louise’s recent cafe meetings around the South Waikato helped answer some questions from residents. The topics we discussed included across-the-board personal tax cuts and a package of tax changes will boost economic growth, make the tax rules fairer, and help hard-working Kiwis get ahead.

The tax reforms announced in the Budget will leave someone on the average wage almost $15 a week better off. A family on the average household income with two children will be about $25 better off.

The Budget also continues this Government’s multi-billion dollar investment in infrastructure such as high-speed broadband, roads, rail, and schools. And it makes a substantial investment in research, science, and technology.

“It is great to discuss important issues in the local community,” says Louise, “feedback from the meetings was positive.”

Louise will be hosting meetings as important issues arise.

“Hearing your views makes it easier to represent you. We are currently planning meetings to hear your views on alcohol reform.” Says Louise.

Look out for the survey in your mailbox. The survey is also on the website, so if you want to send one in, visit www.louiseupston.co.nz”

ENDS

Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887