LOUISE UPSTON MP for Taupo

Video Update - Budget 2013

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:40:00 +1200

Video Update

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:34:00 +1200

Louise talks about recent events here in Parliament, her Taupo electorate and today's Budget announcement.

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.”

Video update

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:24:57 +1200

Louise covers several of the major issues Parliament is dealing with this week.

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.

Video Update

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:12:00 +1200

Louise talks about her appearance on the TV show Back Benches, youth sector trials in Tokoroa and progress on improving the lives of vulnerable children in New Zealand.

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.

Video Update

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:43:00 +1300

Louise talks about recent events in Parliament and around her electorate and wishes you all a happy Easter.

Taupo MP Louise Upston - Video Message

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:43:00 +1300