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Collins’ Courier

Delivering results for Papakura

Information from

DECEMBER 2013 Inside this issue:

Local businesses shine Page 2

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s a great time to reflect on what we’ve achieved this year and make plans for where we’ re headed in 2014.

Over the past year, the Government has made excellent progress.

New Zealand’s economy is growing. We’re on track for two to three per cent annual growth over the next few years – which will put New Zealand among the five or six fastest growing developed countries in the world.

ACC has turned its performance around, enabling us to signal significant levy cuts for the upcoming year possibly with more to follow after that.

Business and consumer confidence is improving as New Zealand companies become more competitive. Exports are growing and we have been listed by the World Bank as the best country in which to start a business.

Our crime rate is now at its lowest level in 33 years and the number of people appearing in our courts continues to fall.

We’re also making excellent progress locally. Papakura is the latest South Auckland community to be included in the rheumatic fever school-based prevention programme – taking the number of participating schools in South Auckland to 61.

Our local businesses are thriving. With

Ella Takes on ParliamentPage 3

Community effort encourages youth Page 5

Ethnic diversity is an asset Page 2

Judith Collins MP FOR PAPAKURA

award-winning leadership and the strength of Papakura’s diversity, our community is contributing to New Zealand’s reputation as a first-rate place to do business.

The positive, ‘get-up-and-go’ attitude of so many people and organisations in Papakura is inspiring and I applaud our community spirit and determination to succeed.

Judith Collins MP with Takanini station fire fighters Mathew Orton (left) and Kelly Remkes (right) while they were fundraising at the local gym.

Whether at home, work, school, church or on the sportsfield, I encourage you all to keep striving for excellence.

It’s a privilege to be your MP and to work alongside you in the electorate.

Thank you for your kindness, support and hospitality during the year.

I look forward to meeting many more of

Judith Collins is working for Papakura

you over the coming months.

Merry Christmas, I wish you a safe holiday season.

Hon Judith Collins MP FOR PAPAKURA

Judith Collins is working for Papakura

Local businesses shine with vibrancy and enterpriseIn September, Judith Collins MP delivered the key note speech at the Westpac Auckland South Business Awards ceremony in Manukau where three businesses from the Papakura electorate were nominated for awards.

“South Auckland is home to so many successful businesses and it’s always a

Judith Collins MP visits Drury Lane Pharmacy with owners Richard and Vicki Coelho. Judith Collins MP with the Takanini Pryors Apparelmaster team, co-winners of the Small

Business Leadership Green Ribbon Award.

“These awards recognise the outstanding achievements of these businesses and particularly the skill and experience of the teams behind them.

“I also congratulate Takanini Pryors Apparelmaster on jointly winning a Green Ribbon Award earlier this year for Small Business Leadership. I commend

privilege to meet local business people and hear their success stories,” says Ms Collins.

“I was absolutely thrilled to see local businesses Best Bars Ltd, Happy Valley NZ Ltd and Spookers Ltd nominated for the Westpac Auckland South Business Awards.

the team for their innovation and practical approach to environmental challenges.

“Our local business community continues to show resilience, flexibility, vibrancy and enterprise and I’m so proud to celebrate your success with you. Congratulations!”

TOP: Hon Judith Collins hosts a parliamentary celebration of Diwali and is

pictured with Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key, President of the New Zealand

Indian Central Association Harshad Patel, and Miss Thea Thomas.

BOTTOM: Hon Judith Collins celebrates Moon Festival in Auckland with

Chinese Consul-General Niu Qingbao and Jami-Lee Ross MP for Botany.

Ethnic diversity is an assetJudith Collins MP encourages all New Zealanders to think about the benefits of diversity in the workplace and in leadership positions in our community.

This year Ms Collins spoke at events across the country and overseas about the unique opportunities diversity brings to New Zealand’s social and economic landscape.

“New Zealand’s innovation, productivity and access to international markets can be improved with the skills and experience that many of our ethnic communities offer,” says Ms Collins.

“Diversity in the workplace, the board room and in local and central government brings innovation and expertise to all levels of decision-making and strengthens our local and national economies.

“Papakura in particular boasts a very diverse population – we must use this diversity to our advantage.

“I encourage ethnic leaders to step forward, both to lead their own communities and to lead and inspire all New Zealanders on the national and international stage,” Ms Collins says.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs has a number of resources for people looking to step up and for businesses and boards looking for diverse candidates. For more information visit their website www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz.

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Ella takes on Parliament Earlier this year ACG Strathallan student Ella Palsenbarg learnt first-hand what it’s like to be a Member of Parliament, representing the Papakura electorate in New Zealand’s Youth Parliament.

“The highlight of my time in the debating chamber was the opportunity to deliver my speech in opposition of a mock bill. Nothing can compare to that feeling of accomplishment,” says Ella.

Ella had a valuable experience living the political life of local MP Judith Collins,

Papakura Youth MP Ella Palsenbarg visits the Judith Collins’ office at Parliament in Wellington.

sitting in her debating chamber chair and spending time in her ministerial office.

“I’m extremely proud of Ella’s achievements. She is a brilliant role model for her peers and has a bright future ahead of her,” Ms Collins says.

During the next few months Ella will complete a tenure project for the Ministry of Youth Development in Papakura and next year hopes to undertake Law and Arts degrees.

Crime continues to fall in Counties Manukau

Lead Justice Sector Minister Hon Judith Collins with Police and Corrections Minister Anne Tolley and Courts and Associate Justice Minister Chester Borrows.

Recorded crime in the Counties Manukau Police District has dropped 6.8 per cent in the last financial year following a consistent downward trend over the last three years. Judith Collins MP says this is positive news for the district.

“This Government has been tough on crime and now we’re getting smarter on crime by focussing on prevention and the underlying causes of offending,” says Ms Collins.

“I’m pleased our efforts are paying off – with New Zealand experiencing its lowest recorded crime rate in 33 years.”

Ms Collins, also Minister of Justice, says increased teamwork between the Ministry of Justice, New Zealand Police, Corrections and Courts is achieving great results.

“Justice sector agencies are collaborating more closely and effectively than ever before. This means we can get the best results in protection, prevention and detection,”

says Ms Collins.

“The sector is well on track to achieving

our Better Public Services targets by

2017 – to reduce overall crime by 15

per cent, violent crime by 20 per cent,

reoffending by 25 per cent and youth

crime by 25 per cent.

“Latest BPS results to June 2013 show

the total crime rate is down 12 percent,

the violent crime rate is down 8 per

cent, the re-offending rate is down

11 per cent and youth crime is down

significantly by 19 per cent.

“But we’re not resting on our laurels.

Our progress to date puts us in a strong

position to improve the efficiency and

accessibility of our court system.

“I thank the Ministry of Justice, Police,

Corrections, Courts and my Justice

sector ministerial colleagues for their

continued and unrelenting focus on

reducing crime, making New Zealand

safer for us all.”

Judith Collins MP with Pukekohe Court Manager Sue Kirk seeing first-hand the amount of filing and paperwork handled for court cases on a daily basis.

Judith Collins is working for Papakura

Prime Minister reads to St Mary’s students

Earlier this year Judith Collins MP hosted the Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key in the Papakura electorate where he read to Rooms 9 and 10 at St Mary’s School.

“The students were excited to welcome the Prime Minister and it was fantastic to see students so engaged as he read ‘Herbert the Brave Sea Dog’,” says Ms Collins.

“I thank Principal David Tennent, teachers and especially the students for the wonderful reception and for being such brilliant hosts.”

Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key reads ‘Herbert the Brave Sea Dog’ to Rooms 9 and 10 of St Mary’s Primary School.

Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key and Judith Collins MP are welcomed by students at St Mary’s Primary School.

More Papakura school leavers have NCEA Level 1, Level 2 and University Entrance qualifications.

Qualifications pave way for success in PapakuraNew Zealand’s young people are increasingly succeeding at school – and the support they get from family, the community and the Government is contributing to their success.

“I’m extremely proud of our students from Papakura schools where last year those achieving NCEA Level 2 or equivalent increased by 6.4 per cent from the previous year,” says Ms Collins.

“It’s wonderful to see these improvements and I hope this year’s exam results will follow the same trend.”

“This Government has already established 21 trades academies and 26 service academies across the country making space for 4,300 new students.

“This is alongside a Youth Guarantee scheme giving fees-free Level 1 and 2 qualifications at tertiary institutions, trades and services academies for students at risk of dropping out of the education system.

“Every young person can succeed no matter what their skills, background, or career ambitions– and we are investing in their futures with fantastic results!”

Judith Collins MP with Rosehill School Board of Trustees Deputy Chair Jenny Redmond at the Satellite Unit opening at Kereru Park Campus.

New special needs unit at Kereru Park Campus

Kereru Park Campus is now home to a new special needs satellite unit opened by Judith Collins MP earlier this year.

The unit is run by Rosehill School and has two specially designed classrooms to accommodate between 15 and 20 special needs children within the Kereru Park Campus grounds.

“It’s fantastic to see our community dedicated to our students. I congratulate everyone involved including Rosehill School’s Principal Glenn Nicholson and Kereru Park Campus’ Principal George Ihimaera,” says Ms Collins.

“It’s wonderful that these children are able to have the specialised attention and care they need while not missing out on the benefits of being part of a mainstream school environment.”

This unit is a welcome addition to the existing Rosehill School satellite structure in Papakura with units already established at Rosehill Intermediate School and Rosehill College.

Increased Level 1, 2 and UE achievement in Papakura

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More Papakura school leavers have NCEA Level 1, Level 2 and University Entrance qualifications.

Community effort encourages youth

The Papakura Cadet Unit recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary and its patron Judith Collins MP says this is a significant achievement for an organisation she is proud to support and be a part of.

“The accomplishments of this Unit prove that our investment in young people should not stop at home or at the classroom door,” Ms Collins says.

“Some of the most important skills in life are learnt through involvement in community groups like the Cadet Unit or involvement in activities at facilities like Bruce Pulman Park.

Ms Collins refers to the working relationship between Bruce Pulman Park Trust and AUT University as another positive example of collaboration for positive results.

“I’m very proud of the way our Papakura community has come together to help give our youth the skills, discipline and encouragement they need to succeed.”

Judith Collins MP joins the Papakura Cadet Unit to celebrate its 25th Anniversary at the Papakura Military base.

More land in and around Papakura for affordable housing

Papakura has been singled out as one of five Auckland electorates to be a part of the Government’s Special Housing Areas.

“The Government is working in conjunction with Auckland Council to allow 500 new sections for 500 news homes to be built in Papakura,” says local MP Judith Collins.

“The key to affordable housing is to make sure that we free up land so that

more sections are available to build on,” says Ms Collins.

Two similar Special Housing Areas will also be established in neighbouring Pukekohe and one in Manurewa which will further help to bring house prices down in the area.

“This is brilliant news for first home buyers in our vibrant and growing electorate,” Ms Collins says.

Papakura’s special community spirit

Judith Collins MP says everyday she is reminded why it’s a privilege to be the MP for Papakura.

“No matter where I go in the electorate, it’s wonderful to see the dedication of our local people who are out in the community doing what they can to make a difference,” says Ms Collins.

“I thank our Police, Safer Papakura Trust, Maori Wardens, our councillors and local board members, school leadership teams and all the volunteers and community organisations that make Papakura a great place to live.

“When everyday people step up and take positive action it helps us build a community we are all proud of.”

Judith Collins MP chatting with Takanini Fire Station Officer Ian Adolph.

Judith Collins is working for Papakura

LRDG Lifetime Membership an honourThis year Hon Judith Collins was awarded an Honorary Life Membership to the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) for her association and support of veterans, widows and descendants of the group.

The LRDG was a World War Two Unit under the British Army, largely made up of New Zealand volunteers. LRDG is acknowledged as a forerunner of New

Zealand’s Special Air Services (SAS) and a memorial stands here at Papakura Military Camp, the home of New Zealand’s SAS.

“I’m truly humbled to accept this Life Membership to a group that does a wonderful job honouring the dedication and legacy of such brave New Zealanders,” Ms Collins says.

Hon Judith Collins with the Long Range Desert Group Patron Major Dave Hopkins at the High Wire Charitable Trust complex in Papakura.

The results of the Local Government elections were announced recently and Judith Collins MP congratulates the successful candidates elected to represent Papakura on the Auckland Council.

“I congratulate our elected Papakura local board members and re-elected Councillors Calum Penrose and Sir John Walker for the Manurewa-Papakura Ward,” says Ms Collins.

“I look forward to working alongside Calum, Sir John and our local board members – Bill McEntee, Graham Purdy, Katrina Winn, Michael Turner, Stuart Britnell, and Brent Catchpole.”

Judith Collins MP with recently re-elected Manurewa Local Board Chair Angela Dalton, local Councillor Calum Penrose and Manurewa Local Board Member Simeon Brown.

Local Government elections

Papakura MP Judith Collins says the Government is working to ensure that we have a world-class system of accident compensation.

Currently ACC is undergoing a major change programme aimed at increasing public trust and confidence. Part of this includes taking onboard feedback about client experience across the claim and entitlement process.

“When New Zealanders are injured they should feel confident turning to ACC, knowing that it will be fair and do what’s in their best interest. I know that most people have positive experiences with ACC but there is always room for improvement.

“It’s also important that ACC is run effectively and efficiently so that it’s fair for levy payers who fund the scheme,” Ms Collins says.

ACC has seen constant improvements in its performance over the last year and as a result the Government recently signaled substantial levy cuts for New Zealanders with more to come in the following year.

“Everyone pays ACC levies in one way or another so this is fantastic news for all

New Zealanders,” says Ms Collins.

Ms Collins says the Corporation’s performance also means it’s better placed to take a more dynamic but sustainable approach to injury

prevention.

“ACC is increasing its focus on injury prevention because this is always the best option. It actually has the potential to be world leader in this field,’ says Ms

Collins.

“ACC is doing a better job for all New Zealanders and is well on track to building its reputation as more than just an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff.”

An ACC that works for all New Zealanders

Hon Judith Collins MP promoting ACC Safety Week with ACC Chief Executive Scott Pickering.

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Rheumatic Fever programme goes live in local schoolsAfter announcing expansion of the Mana Kidz Programme into the Papakura electorate earlier this year, Judith Collins MP says it was a privilege to officially launch the programme in local schools.

“The Mana Kids Programme will raise awareness about rheumatic fever and other common health issues and provide free school-based sore throat clinics for children aged 5-14 years,” says Ms Collins.

“In Counties Manukau alone we had 51 unique cases of acute rheumatic fever admitted last year. It’s critical that we promote sore throat checks to ensure that both children and parents, especially those in high risk communities, are well informed.

“As a result of this wider Government approach almost 25,000 students in South Auckland are now part of the prevention programme. This is wonderful news.”

Judith Collins MP presenting Cathie Currie of Papakura West Kindergarten (left) a cheque on behalf of the NZ Glass Environmental Fund with Fund manager Penny Garland. New Zealand’s economic

growth among best in OECDNew Zealand’s economy has improved vastly over the last few years. This comes after having faced the worst global recession for generations and numerous events beyond the Government’s control.

The Government’s deficit is reducing and our economy grew 2.5 per cent last year – one of the highest rates in the OECD. Judith Collins MP says the Government’s sensible economic management has turned the New Zealand’s economic situation around.

“Between June last year and June this year, the NZ Income Survey shows the median weekly wage and salary income increased by 4.8 per cent,” Ms Collins says.

“If we stay on this track, as the International Monetary Fund has forecast, New Zealand will have the fifth highest rate of growth among the 35 developed countries – our small country should be very proud,” says Ms Collins.

“What’s more important is that business confidence is increasing and as a result businesses are becoming more competitive, turning over more exports and creating more jobs for Kiwis.

“While there is still more work to do and jobs to create, it’s great to see the Government’s efforts are paying off.”

Hon Judith Collins speaks at the 2013 Institute of Public Administration New Zealand (IPANZ) award ceremony where the Justice Sector received the ‘Working Together for Better Public Services’ Award.

Police Officers in Counties Manukau, including Papakura, have received the largest allocation of smart devices nationwide.

Judith Collins MP says the roll-out of the devices will allow officers to spend an extra 30 minutes per shift on the frontline – amounting to over half a million frontline hours nationwide.

“The amount of frontline hours freed up by this initiative is equivalent to 48 Police Officers here in our own Counties Manukau policing district,” says Ms Collins.

“Police are now able to spend more time in our communities, protecting New Zealanders and preventing crime.”

Judith Collins MP congratulates Takanini Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Kelly Brown on the Counties Manukau District receiving 1344 smart devices, the largest allocation nationwide.

Technology gives Police more time on the beat

Judith Collins MP presented Papakura West Kindergarten with a cheque on behalf of the New Zealand Glass Environment Fund for development of their monarch butterfly tagging project.

“Projects like these teach our children to value and take care of their environment from an early age

through hands-on activities,” says Ms Collins.

“I’m sure the children are excited to get moving with their new butterfly enclosure and I congratulate Papakura West Kindergarten and Cathy Curry for their efforts in this meaningful and innovative project.”

Kindergarten butterfly project receives boost

Practical environmental policies supporting growth

How to Contact Judith Collins MPPapakura MP Judith Collins is available to assist Papakura electorate residents.

Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Judith Collins MP, Roselands Shopping Ctr, 98 Great South Road, Papakura

Roselands Shopping Centre, 98 Great South Road, Papakura | Phone: 09 299 7426 | Email: office@judithcollins.co.nz

www.judithcollins.co.nz @JudithCollinsMP Find me on Facebook

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Returning to surplus by 2014/15 More elective operations and shorter hospital waiting times

Rolling out ultra-fast broadband, and investing in roads and rail

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Rebuilding Christchurch

More children in early childhood education, especially in areas of highest need

Reducing long-term welfare dependency, with a focus on work

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An ACC that’s fair and performs for both claimants and levy payers

Tougher sentencing, parole, and bail laws

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Owner of Kidicorp Ltd Wayne Wright and First Steps Tironui Manager Morin Singh with Judith Collins MP launching the Daycare Centre’s Jump Jam programme.

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