Nathan Guy MP

Budget 2010

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:31:58 +1200

Two weeks ago the government unveiled Budget 2010 which has been well received locally as fair and forward thinking.

It’s clear we need to grow the economy, lift incomes and create more opportunities for people in the Kapiti and Horowhenua regions.

This is why the government is reforming the tax system to create the right incentives for people to get ahead. We want to encourage work, savings and investment rather than borrowing and property speculation.

Tax cuts combined with the small rise in GST means that the average household on $76,000 a year will be better off by around $25 a week, or $1300 a year.

Beneficiaries will be compensated for the GST increase and on 1 October superannuitants will see an increase of around $11 a week per couple, or $560 per year.

Overall, this is the biggest structural change to the tax system in 25 years. 73% of income earners will be paying less than 17.5% in tax.

The health sector gets an extra $2.1 billion over the next four years. MidCentral DHB receives an extra $13 million and Capital and Coast DHB receives $24 million, which will help them in their challenge to balance the books.

In education there is an extra $1.4 billion over the next four years, including a large boost to operational funding which will help the many schools in the electorate.

There is more funding available for community law centres such as the one in Levin that provides an important service locally.

There is ongoing large investment in infrastructure, such as the Levin to Wellington expressway including Transmission Gully, and $250 million into upgrading KiwiRail.

I’m proud to be part of a National government which has successfully navigated the worst global recession in a generation. Forecasts show the economy will start growing again at around 3% for the next four years, which is great news and shows that our policies are working.

The 2010 Budget will now drive the New Zealand economy forward by focusing on investment and exports instead of debt and consumption.

You can find out how you’ll benefit from the tax package at my website www.nathanguy.co.nz.

Minister welcomes legislative protection for Archives and National Library roles

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:26:00 +1200

The Minister Responsible for Archives New Zealand and the National Library, Nathan Guy, has welcomed moves to protect the statutory roles of the Chief Archivist and the National Librarian.

“The State Sector Management Bill will be introduced within the next couple of months, and deals with the integration of Archives New Zealand, the National Library and the Department of Internal Affairs.

“Importantly, the independence and integrity of the Chief Archivist will be preserved. This position will be responsible to the chief executive of the new department and will be protected from any improper influence in performing his or her duties. This is important to maintain the principle of an independent check on government recordkeeping.

“The status and statutory role of the National Librarian will also be preserved. The Chief Librarian of the Alexander Turnbull Library will in future be appointed by the chief executive of the new department, on the recommendation of the National Librarian. The status of the Alexander Turnbull Library will be unchanged.

“Overall the legislative changes are largely technical and minimal. Separate Budget votes and Ministerial roles will continue, and the public will be able to have their voices heard through the select committee process.

“I believe these provisions will satisfy most of the issues raised by stakeholders over the last few months.

“The integration will combine expertise and resources while sharing back office costs and functions. All savings generated by this project will be redirected into frontline services for the public.

“Archives New Zealand and the National Library are important cultural institutions that will continue to be trusted and preserved for future generations.”

New funding for Government Digital Archive

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:22:00 +1200

The Government has provided $12.6 million in new Budget funding over the next four years to develop a Government Digital Archive, the Minister Responsible for Archives New Zealand and the National Library Nathan Guy says.

“This significant cash injection will provide a secure system to store, preserve and give access to important public records.

“This funding shows how seriously the Government values the work of Archives New Zealand and the National Library. This endorses the digitisation work already underway by both departments.

“The investment is crucial to preserve valuable government information and make it widely available to the public online. We need to keep up with technology and promote open and transparent government.

“Without this initiative, we run the risk of information becoming obsolete and unusable, and Archives New Zealand would struggle to meet its important statutory commitments.

“The new Digital Archive will be created by extending the National Library’s National Digital Heritage Archive system so that it can be used by Archives New Zealand and other agencies.

“This is a major investment to ensure that government records are available now and in the future.

“The budget allocated includes $9.7 million for Archives New Zealand and $2.9 million for the National Library over four years,” says Mr Guy.

Horowhenua Health Beds and Budget 2010

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:41:00 +1200

Great news last week that the Horowhenua Health Centre will be retaining all 24 beds at the current level of service.

I’m pleased that MidCentral DHB have listened to the concerns raised by myself and the community over this issue. I spoke at a large public meeting in Levin last week and told MidCentral their plan was not acceptable.

Many people I have spoken to were concerned and confused about any changes to the beds, and angry at services being downgraded. I know from visiting the Health Centre that these beds are nearly always full, and we need them in our community for the elderly and the general public.

Removing these beds would have been like removing the engine from a car, and downgrading them would have been like using a smaller engine.

It is good news that the Horowhenua Health Centre will work towards becoming an Integrated Family Health Centre which could be a one-stop shop for local health services.

I’m hopeful that more doctors may choose to locate at the Health Centre in the near future which will help it realise its full potential.

The Government has increased the MidCentral District Health Board's funding by around $13 million in this year's Budget which will help them in their challenge to balance the books. Capital Coast DHB received an extra $24 million in funding.

In total, the 2010 Budget allocated an extra $2.1 billion for healthcare over the next four years. This is important for the Otaki electorate because we have a large elderly population (16,000 people over 65) who rely heavily on our public health system.

That’s one reason why in Kapiti the Urgent Community Care Pilot has been a huge success. Patients who dial 111 are assessed and can be treated by paramedics in their home - reducing ambulance trips to Wellington hospital by over half so far.

Next week I’ll talk more in more detail about the Budget and what it means for our community, particularly for retired people. Tax and GST changes mean a boost for Superannuitants of around $11 a week per couple, or $560 per year.

In the meantime you can view the tax cut calculator at my website www.nathanguy.co.nz.

Guy welcomes fast-tracking for Transmission Gully

Sun, 23 May 2010 11:44:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy says its great news that Transmission Gully could be fast-tracked through the resource consent process.

“There is no doubt in my mind this is a road of national significance with major importance to the Wellington region and our state highway network.

“The National Government has streamlined the consent process for projects of national significance, allowing for quicker consents and less delays.

“Groups and individuals with any concerns will still be able to make a submission and have their say which is an important part of the process.

“There has been decades of talk, but finally the National Government has the guts and vision to commit to building Transmission Gully.

“Once completed it will mean safer, quicker journeys and be a real boost to the regional economy.

“I’ve campaigned for years to get Transmission Gully built and I will continue to push for progress,” said Mr Guy.

Guy welcomes Horowhenua bed decision

Fri, 21 May 2010 16:39:18 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the decision by MidCentral DHB to retain all 24 beds at the Horowhenua Health Centre at the current service level.

“I’m pleased that MidCentral DHB have listened to the concerns raised by myself and the community over this issue. I have fought to keep these beds and I’ve made it clear to MidCentral their plan was not acceptable.

“Many people I have spoken to were concerned and confused about any changes to the beds, and angry at services being downgraded. I know from visiting the Health Centre that these beds are nearly always full, and we need them in our community for the elderly and the general public.

“Removing these beds would have been like removing the engine from a car, and downgrading them would have been like using a smaller engine.

“I also support plans to develop an Integrated Family Health Centre at the Horowhenua Health Centre, to eventually create a one-stop shop for local health services.

“I’m hopeful that more doctors may choose to locate at the Health Centre in the near future which will help it realise its full potential.

“The Government has increased the MidCentral District Health Board's funding by around $13 million in the 2010 Budget which should help them in their challenge to balance the books.”

Guy welcomes Budget boost for Electorate

Thu, 20 May 2010 08:56:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the 2010 Budget and tax cuts for local residents, in particular for senior citizens.

“Budget 2010 creates a fairer tax system, rewards hard working people in the Otaki electorate and helps families get ahead. This is the biggest change to the tax system in 25 years,” says Mr Guy.

"73 percent of the population will pay no more than 17.5% tax, which is great news.

“The Budget includes across the board tax cuts and a small rise in GST which takes effect from 1 October 2010. Beneficiaries will be compensated for the GST increase and superannuitants will be better off by around $11 a week per couple, or $560 per year.

“This is good news for our region because Kapiti and Horowhenua have 16,000 people aged over 65, one of the highest numbers in the country.

“A family on the average household income of $76,000 will be around $25 a week better off, or $1300 a year, as a result of the changes to income tax and GST.

“An extra $2.1 billion is being provided for health over the next four years, which is great news. Health spending is now at the highest level it has ever been in New Zealand’s history. MidCentral DHB receives an extra $13 million which will help them in their challenge to balance the books and Capital and Coast DHB receives $24 million.

“For education there is an extra $1.4 billion over the next four years, including a large boost to operational funding which will help the many schools in my electorate.

“National’s promise to deploy 600 new police is well on track, and more funding is available for community law centres, such as the one in Levin.

“There is ongoing large investment in infrastructure, such as the Levin to Wellington expressway including Transmission Gully, and $250 million into upgrading KiwiRail.

“The National government has successfully navigated the worst global recession in a generation. This Budget will now drive the New Zealand economy forward by focusing on investment and exports instead of debt and consumption.”

“I encourage people to find out how they will benefit from tax cuts at my website www.nathanguy.co.nz.”

Developing local tourism

Wed, 19 May 2010 09:37:00 +1200

This Budget is delivered this week in Parliament and I look forward to updating you with the contents in my next column.

Prime Minister John Key has already announced $30 million in new funding for tourism, most of which will go on marketing overseas. $5 million will go to joint ventures around the country and I’m hopeful that some of this money will benefit our region.

We have the right conditions for developing tourism here with great attractions and thousands of vehicles passing through every day. The challenge for us is to convince more people to turn off SH1 and spend more time here.

Prince William’s visit to Kapiti Island has really put it on the map as a tourist destination. The amount of national and international coverage the visit received was priceless, and the Department of Conservation is gearing up for more visitors to the island as a result.

Last week I attended the launch of an exciting plan to build a giant sculpture of several humpback whales on the Kapiti Coast. Local men Gavin Bradley and Mike Fuller have been pushing the idea, which would be the largest sculpture in New Zealand – about the size of a rugby field.

Otaki’s retail strip is buzzing and has become a real destination, and the same goes for Shannon which has seen a real transformation. I’m looking forward to opening the new market which begins on Queens Birthday Weekend that should attract even more visitors to Shannon.

Foxton has ambitious projects underway with plans for a unique centre that will complement the De Molden Windmill, and other attractions like trolley buses, historic movies and murals.

Paraparaumu airport is a fantastic project that will open up our region to even more domestic tourists, once completed.

The biggest opportunity for us will be the Rugby World Cup next year, which will be a huge occasion with 85,000 visitors expected. We should see plenty of campervans staying locally with two games in Palmerston North and six in Wellington.

There’s plenty happening in our region – it’s up to all of us to ‘talk up’ this great part of New Zealand we live in.

$55m package for problem gambling announced

Thu, 13 May 2010 15:36:15 +1200

Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy and Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne have announced a new funding package and plans to tackle problem gambling today.

“The Problem Gambling Levy, which is imposed on gambling operators, has been set at 0.9% of the forecast $5.9 billion gross profits from gambling over the next three years,” says Mr Guy.

“This $55m in funding goes to the Ministry of Health to fund problem gambling services and minimise the harm caused in communities. It will be used on frontline counselling, including dedicated services for Maori, Pacific and Asian communities.

“It will also be used on prevention activities that encourage safe gambling practices and on scientific research and evaluation.

“Cabinet has decided that the weighting formula will remain the same as for the previous three years. Pokie machine operators will continue to pay the highest share of the levy, as this is where most problem gambling is associated.”

Mr Dunne has welcomed the release of the Ministry of Health’s Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm Strategic Plan 2010/11-2015/16, and the Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm Service Plan 2010/11-2012/13.

“Gambling harm continues to have a significant impact on New Zealand communities, but the funding package and measures announced today build on the Government’s commitment to address this issue,” says Mr Dunne.

“These strategies, along with the levy, will help us combat the harm caused in communities by problem gambling.”

The plans are available online at http://www.moh.govt.nz/problemgambling

Questions and Answers

How does the weighting formula for the Problem Gambling Levy work?

There is a 10 percent weighting on the amount of money lost gambling and 90 percent weighted on the number of people presenting to problem gambling providers.

What consultation has there been?

The process for developing this package has included wide consultation with key stakeholders, including the general public, problem gambling service providers, and the gambling industry. The process has also included an independent review by the Gambling Commission, which concluded that the funding package is “appropriate and strikes the correct balance”.

Who does the levy apply to?

The levy applies to the profits of casinos, non-casino gaming machines, New Zealand Lotteries Commission and the New Zealand Racing Board.

How will the Problem Gambling Levy be spent over the next three years?

$25.5 million will go to front-line counselling services to treat those with gambling problems. This includes a range of services at a national, regional, and local level, including dedicated Maori, Pacific, and Asian services. It also includes a multilingual Gambling Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

$20.8 million will go towards awareness and education programmes and resources, work with gambling venues to promote safe gambling environments, and work with organisations to adopt policies that support the reduction of gambling harm.

$6 million goes towards independent scientific research and evaluation to improve the Government’s understanding of the impact of gambling on high-risk populations, risk and resiliency factors relating to the incidence of problem gambling, and the effectiveness of the Government’s response to problem gambling.

When does the levy come into force?

1 July 2010.

Local Government Reforms

Wed, 12 May 2010 15:41:00 +1200

As local MP I have a good working relationship with both the Horowhenua District Council and the Kapiti Coast District Council. It helps that I understand what’s involved, having served for eight years as a Horowhenua councillor.

It’s important that I understand local issues and how central government can help (rather than hinder) local government in what they do.

For this reason, I was pleased to see Parliament take an important step towards improving local government last week.

The Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill passed its first reading and is now open for public submissions. It aims to improve the transparency, accountability and financial management of local councils.

This bill says that local bodies should focus on core activities and operate within a defined fiscal envelope.

It will require councils to put out pre-election reports, using plain English and easy to understand, explaining all the major issues facing the local authority. This will include financial risks and issues like population growth and land use.

Red tape will be cut by removing unnecessary consultation and auditing which can hold things up.

The playing field will be levelled to allow the private sector to provide local services, where appropriate. Restrictions on private sector involvement in water provision will be reduced, but at the same time privatising water supplies will not be allowed.

These changes should help to inform voters and give them a clearer picture of the big issues.

Local elections are coming up later this year and I encourage you to cast your vote. Electing local councillors and a Mayor to make decisions on your behalf is an important democratic right.

I know it’s easy to criticise decisions made by councils that you may not like, but it does take courage to stand and put your name forward for election.

Local government plays an important role in our communities, but it needs good governance to help it perform.

Submissions on the bill should be received by 18 June, either online at www.parliament.govt.nz or writing to Local Government and Environment, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

Minister launches 'Last Choice' road safety campaign

Thu, 06 May 2010 15:44:00 +1200

Associate Transport Minister and Otaki MP Nathan Guy today launched a powerful road safety campaign for the Wellington region.

Greater Wellington Regional Council are using the wrecked car of 26 year old Richard Chambers, who was unfortunately killed in a crash on the Paekakariki Hill road last year, as an educational tool in the campaign.

“The car has been given to the police by the family in the hope that its message will prevent further tragedies,” says Mr Guy.

“This horrific wreck is a graphic example of what can happen when drivers make bad decisions, especially when speed and alcohol is involved.

“The power of this campaign is that it’s visual. This car will provide a chilling message to young people, far more effective than any speech or lecture given by a politician.

“The government is working hard on bringing the road toll down and has already passed a new rule on cell phone use while driving, and new laws on drugged driving and illegal street racing.

“As part of the Safer Journeys plan Cabinet has approved raising the driving age to 16 and making the restricted test more difficult. Other initiatives in the pipeline include a zero drink drive limit for drivers under 20 and further consideration of the adult drink drive limit.

“All drivers need to take responsibility for their actions on the road.”

The vehicle will be on demonstration in the Kapiti region throughout the month of June.

Good Progress on local Transport

Wed, 05 May 2010 15:58:00 +1200

Good news last week with NZTA calling for tenders to develop the Peka Peka to Otaki section of the expressway.

It’s great to see things are moving quickly. This new section will include a new four lane expressway including a new bridge over the Otaki river and a bypass of the retail strip.

The physical work includes earthworks, pavement construction, drainage, road surfacing and landscaping.

As everyone in our region knows, Otaki is one of the worst choke points in the lower North Island during weekends and public holidays. Traffic can back up all the way to Levin and down south, causing real frustration for motorists.

It also has an impact on the economy, because any delays cost time and money. Poor roads mean poor productivity.

As MP for Otaki I’m looking forward to working with NZTA and the community on this project, in particular to make sure the interchanges allow retail shoppers and locals to easily access the expressway.

I believe that Otaki has now become a very successful retail destination and shoppers will continue to visit with their credit cards.

This section is an important part of the expressway from Levin to Wellington airport. The government has identified it as a road of national significance with over $2 billion in funding committed, including Transmission Gully.

On top of the economic and social gains, the finished road will mean safer journeys and fewer tragedies on our roads.

I’m looking forward to the announcement of the successful bid for the other Kapiti section of the expressway soon with the McKays Crossing to Peka Peka section.

Good news for rail too, with construction starting on improvements to Paraparaumu and Waikanae stations this month.

At Paraparaumu a second platform will be built on the other side of the tracks, and an underpass will connect the existing road subway with the new platform.

In Waikanae a new 200 metre long platform will be built. A second car park will be created to the east of the tracks, with a new pedestrian level crossing connecting it to the new station.

Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill

Tue, 04 May 2010 09:49:00 +1200

First Reading

Hansard Direct Link

Hon NATHAN GUY (Acting Minister of Justice) : I move, That the Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. At the appropriate time I intend to move that the bill be referred to the Electoral Legislation Committee, which has been established to consider this bill and the Electoral Referendum Bill. Electoral finance law is fundamental to New Zealand’s democratic system. The regime must be impartial, fair, and transparent so that the people of New Zealand have confidence in our elections. I also add that as far as possible, electoral law should also be the product of cross-party consensus as this is the path most likely to lead to enduring solutions.

As part of this Government’s pre-election platform, the Electoral Finance Act 2007 was repealed within our first 100 days in office. An interim regime was put in place and we began a consultative process. It started with a scope paper published in April, and this was followed by an issues paper released in May and a proposal document released in September. We also held public forums in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. This bill is a result of that consultative process and it is the fourth bill in the Government’s electoral reform programme.

As the title suggests, the bill is divided into two primary areas: finance reform and advance voting. The primary purpose of this bill is to amend electoral finance law in areas where there is broad-based consensus for reform. This bill will provide certainty to electoral agencies, political parties, candidates, and the public.

It aims to improve the understanding and application of electoral law. To recognise the impact of new technology and media, the bill updates the definition of “election advertisement” to cover advertising by all forms of media.

The bill also sets up a regulatory regime for third-party promoters that emphasises transparency, rather than restrictions on the freedom of expression. It requires third-party promoters to register with the Electoral Commission if they spend, or intend to spend, over $12,000 on election advertising in the regulated campaign period. The bill does not include an expenditure limit for third-party promoters. The register of information on third-party promoters will ensure that the public know who is funding political campaigns. In addition to getting authorisation from candidates or political parties for positive advertising, all promoters will have to disclose their name and their residential or physical address on all types of election advertisements. Campaign spending limits for candidates and parties were last changed in 1995. Under this bill, they will be allowed to increase at the rate of inflation to ensure that they are not set at levels that have become unrealistic over time.

This bill clarifies how expenses can be apportioned where advertisements serve a dual purpose, such as advertisements for both a candidate and a political party. Although these expenses have historically been apportioned between the party and the candidate, the decision in the Peters v Clarkson case suggests that those expenses should count in whole against both the party and the candidate. This bill reinstates the historical position that advertising expenses are to be apportioned between candidates and parties based on each one’s coverage in the particular ad.

Many aspects of the donations regime in the Electoral Finance Act have been retained. However, this bill improves the transparency of donations to political parties by adding two features. It introduces a new requirement for political parties and candidates to disclose in bands their total income from donations. It also includes an associated entity test to stop companies closely associated with each other from making separate donations to get around the disclosure requirements.

The bill also makes changes to the regulated campaign period. We propose that the regulated campaign period be no longer than 3 months, rather than up to 11 months as under the Electoral Finance Act. The Minister of Justice signalled this change to the Speaker to ensure that amendments to the Parliamentary Service Act with regard to election advertising would be consistent with the Electoral Act. Following the Speaker’s consultation with parliamentary parties, it was agreed that the regulated period should no longer apply retrospectively and is possible under the current law. This means that there needs to be a trigger for the regulated period where an election is called less than 3 months from polling date. Therefore, this bill provides that the regulated campaign period will now start 3 months before the last possible date of an election where an election has not been announced before that date, or 3 months prior to polling day where an election is announced more than 3 months prior to polling day, or from the date that the election is announced where it is announced less than 3 months from polling date.

The Government is also using this bill as an opportunity to implement one of the Justice and Electoral Committee’s recommendations from its inquiry into the 2008 general election with regard to advance voting. The committee asked the Government to consider removing the existing restrictions on advance voting and the requirement to complete a written declaration in advance. This bill amends the Electoral Act accordingly. I hope that this will remove a potential impediment to those who may consider casting their vote in advance.

I thank the electoral agencies for their valuable advice, parliamentary parties and the public for their input, and submissions that were made during the development of this bill. Given the importance the Government has placed on consultation and consensus in the development of this bill, it has proceeded with only those reforms that have broad-based support. However, the select committee process is an opportunity for the public to persuade parties from across the House that there may be other areas where reform to our electoral finance laws is desirable, and I think we should approach those submissions with a very open mind. I commend this bill to the House.

Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill

Tue, 04 May 2010 09:49:00 +1200

First Reading

Hansard Direct Link

Guy welcomes progress on Peka Peka to Otaki expressway

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:20:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the call for tenders from NZTA on developing the Peka Peka to Otaki expressway.

“It is great to see things are moving quickly. This section will include four laning, a new bridge over the Otaki river and a bypass of the retail strip.

“The Otaki roundabout creates one of the worst choke points in the lower North Island during weekends and most public holidays. Traffic can back up all the way to Levin, causing real frustration for motorists and resulting in poor productivity.

“I look forward to working with NZTA and the community on this project, in particular to ensure the proposed interchanges allow retail shoppers and locals to easily access the expressway.

“I believe that Otaki has now become a very successful retail destination and shoppers will continue to visit with their credit cards.

“This section is an important part of the expressway from Levin to Wellington airport, which the government has identified as a road of national significance. Once completed, this will bring real economic gains to the region. It will also mean safer journeys and fewer tragedies on our roads.

“I’m looking forward to the announcement of the successful Alliance bid for the other Kapiti section of the expressway with the McKays Crossing to Peka Peka section soon,” said Mr Guy.