2012 year in review
This is my last column for 2012 and a chance to say thank you to everyone for their feedback and support this year.
It’s been another year of good progress on improving our transport infrastructure. Transmission Gully has received the green light from a Board of Inquiry with construction set to begin in 2014, and completion around 2020.
The Kapiti expressway is currently going through the same process and I’m looking forward to a decision early next year.
Te Takere has opened in Levin and is a fantastic community asset. I’ve been to a number of events there and it has really been embraced by most locals.
We’ve also had the hockey pavilion open in Kapiti and the Airport Business Park continues to grow. The new aquatic centre and council building are also starting to take shape in Kapiti.
A low point of the year was the two senseless murders in the Kapiti Lights area. This was a major shock for the community, but there has been a strong response with new safety and security measures in place. Thank you to our police who do a great job.
Another low point was the vandalism at the Horowhenua Rowing Club, but the way the community rallied together as a result was inspiring. The Olympic rowers who visited Levin helped to raise around $5000 and gave a unique coaching lesson to local rowers.
As a Minister it’s also been a very busy year. I’m particularly proud of the $60 million package I announced with Prime Minister John Key a few months ago to improve the support we give to war veterans.
It was also a great honour to attend the Anzac commemorations in Gallipoli this year. Speaking at the Dawn Service with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was a moving and memorable experience.
Over the Christmas break I’m looking forward to visiting the beach at Waitarere and doing a bit of camping with my family to recharge the batteries.
Stay safe on the roads and have a great break. All the best for 2013.
New rules for foreign fishing workers take effect from today
Afghan interpreters offered resettlement
New Refugee Resettlement Strategy unveiled
Immigration Minister Nathan Guy has today launched the Refugee Resettlement Strategy, aimed at delivering better outcomes for refugees settling in New Zealand.
Youth issues
Recently I’ve had several groups of local students come and visit me at Parliament. I’ve really enjoyed talking to students from Poroutawhao School and Levin Junior Neighbourhood Support about my role and the issues I deal with.
I’ve also recently met with Education Horowhenua and ministry officials to discuss how our students are achieving at a national level.
We do pretty well overall when you consider our demographics, but there is room for improvement, particularly at University Entrance level.
This is why the Government has set important targets on improving performance across the country. We want to see 98% of all children taking part in early childhood education, and 85% achieving at least NCEA Level 2.
National Standards will be an important tool in achieving this. It’s crucial that parents and teachers know how each student is achieving, and target those most in need of extra help.
There are already a number of great local projects happening locally to support young people. In Horowhenua Life to the Max is providing a wrap-around service for at-risk youths who might otherwise slip through the cracks.
At my old school Waiopehu College, the Cactus programme run this year involves the very successful boot-camp style sessions. The school also has Blake House providing health services, and a teen parent unit is on the way.
Kapiti Youth Support (KYS) provides a free, confidential health service for young people and recently opened a new premise in Otaki.
I was very impressed with Olympic rower Joseph Sullivan and the words of advice he had for students on his recent visit to Levin. He told them the importance of resisting peer pressure, saying no to drugs and above all, having the passion and determination to succeed. It was great advice.