Living Life to the Max
Last Friday I hosted the Health Minister Tony Ryall for a visit to Levin to see some great work being done by local health and social providers.
We visited the Horowhenua Community Practice, based at the Horowhenua Health Centre, which now has around 8,500 patients.
They have had a challenging time in attracting GP recruits, but it is very pleasing to hear another four GPs are on their way which will help relieve the pressure.
We also visited “Life to the Max”, which is wrap-around service for at-risk young people who might otherwise slip through the cracks.
This service is one of several “high trust” contracts signed around the country where the Government enables local groups to provide local solutions.
Life to the Max now has two fulltime drug and alcohol counsellors, and have formed strong partnerships with other Government departments and local community groups. Among their activities have been a literacy programme and outdoors activities.
Already this is making an impact. Fewer students are skipping class and making a nuisance of themselves in town, and Levin Police are starting to see a real reduction in youth offending which is good news.
This is a three year trial which has allowed Life to the Max to be more flexible with their day to day decision making and funding decisions.
From my diary
*Cabinet met on Monday and Parliament is sitting all week.
*I’ve had a very busy two-day Ministerial trip to Australia on Tuesday and Wednesday. I’ve been in Canberra and Sydney to meet with the Australian Minister of Immigration, the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
We’ve discussed issues facing both countries such as illegal migrants, logging, and the 2015 Gallipoli commemorations in Turkey.
*Thursday I am in Hamilton representing the Government at a water rights forum, along with the Prime Minister and other senior Ministers.
*Saturday I hope to watch Horowhenua-Kapiti play Poverty Bay in Levin, in the opening round of the Heartland rugby competition. Good luck.