Local column – Tragic loss of local life
The few weeks have been a sad time for the local community with the senseless loss of two young men in the Kapiti Lights area.
My thoughts go out to the families and friends who are grieving.
In general, Kapiti is a quiet and peaceful area popular with young families and retired people. That’s why it is such a shock to have two murders in a short space of time.
It’s great to see the police and local community have come together to work on improving safety. Improved lighting and close circuit television cameras are two actions which can make a difference in the short term.
At a higher level, the Alcohol Reform Bill currently before Parliament will be an important step towards tackling the harm caused by alcohol in our society.
The recent vote on the drinking age received a lot of attention, but as I mentioned in this column a few weeks ago, it’s worth remembering that this is only one small part of the Bill.
Once in force, it will be an offence to supply liquor to under-18s without the permission of their parents.
Kapiti Coast, Horowhenua and other local districts will be given more power over the location and opening hours of liquor outlets, and there will be set closing times for bars and off-licenses.
There will also be improved education and treatment services for those who need it.
While most people drink responsibly, we know that many don’t and this often has tragic consequences – as we’ve seen in our community over the last month or so.
Legislation alone is not going to prevent these kind of tragedies, but it will be an important start.
From my diary
*Cabinet met on Monday and Parliament is sitting all week.
*On Tuesday I hosted Levin Intermediate on a visit to Parliament.
*On Wednesday I will be at a memorial service for Bomber Command veterans at the National War Memorial, followed by a function in Parliament.
*Friday I will be at a black tie dinner to celebrate the opening of the Te Takere community centre in Levin.
*Saturday I will be at the opening of the new sports pavilion at the Kapiti hockey turf in Mazengarb Park, Paraparaumu.
War pension coverage extended to Syria veterans
Members of the New Zealand Defence Force who served in Syria as part of the United Nations Supervision Mission this year will be eligible for war pensions and allowances, the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Nathan Guy has announced today.
Local column – Recognising service in Malaya
I’m proud to be the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs, making sure our veterans are looked after and properly commemorated.
Last Saturday I gave a reading to a ceremony in Wellington to mark the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Then on Sunday I gave two speeches to commemorate the first ever New Zealand Malayan Veterans’ Day.
This memorial day will become an annual event, and a chance to pay tribute to all those who served during these conflicts.
New Zealand forces from all three branches were involved in a series of conflicts in the region from 1948 to 1966. Twenty two New Zealanders paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in service.
It was very fitting to hold both services at the National War Memorial in Wellington, which will soon have a major upgrade. State Highway 1 will be put underground to create a new Memorial Park in time for the centenary of the Gallipoli Landings in 2015.
There will be major events happening around the country to mark the 100th anniversary of the World War One, which was a defining event in New Zealand’s history.
The Government has announced there will be $17 million in lotteries funding for commemorative projects around the country.
I’ve written to local RSA’s in Foxton, Levin, Shannon, Otaki, Tokomaru and Paraparaumu along with our local mayors, encouraging them to apply for funding.
There are two types of projects that can be funded – general funds for community events and smaller capital works projects, and funds for projects of a larger scale of national significance.
This could include things like memorials, exhibitions, restorations or publications. Priority will be given to projects which preserve our heritage and explain the impact the war had on our society and identity.
If you have any ideas, let my offices in Levin or Paraparaumu know or contact the local council. You can find more information about the fund at www.communitymatters.govt.nz.
From my diary
*Cabinet met on Monday and Parliament is sitting all week.
*Thursday I am in Rotorua for some forestry visits, and then to speak at the Forestry Industry Training Awards dinner.
*Saturday I hope to watch Horowhenua-Kapiti play West Coast in Levin as part of the Heartland rugby competition.
Inaugural New Zealand Malayan Veterans’ Day commemorated
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Nathan Guy has commemorated the first ever New Zealand Malayan Veterans’ Day in Wellington today.
Local Column - Celebrating the role of volunteer groups in our community
On Saturday, I attended the CACTUS graduation dinner at the Horowhenua District Council.
The programme, run by Levin Police, consisted of an 8-week itinerary involving about 26 students at Waiopehu College from Years 10-13. The course included a ‘boot-camp’ style physical element as well social and vocational mentoring elements, complemented by list of motivational speakers. I enjoyed addressing the pupils last month.
A cross section of pupils were selected with a variety of skills and social challenges and many told me that the biggest benefit of being on the programme was believing in themselves and having the confidence to achieve.
I also supported the fundraiser for the Kapiti Coastguard at Paraparaumu.
The fundraiser generated around $20,000 to help purchase a new boat. This follows on from the Waikanae Coastguard upgrading their fleet with a new boat a few years ago.
The Coastguard does outstanding work in our community and is run on a mostly voluntary basis.
Well done to the Levin Police and Kapiti Coastguard. Both need community support to do the important work they do. Thanks.