Louise Upston MP

Video Update

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:16:58 +1200

Taupo MP pleased with Lakes DHB progress

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:47:30 +1200

Taupo MP Louise Upston is pleased with the progress Lakes DHB and Taupo hospital have made over the past year.

Taupo Hospital has changed its heating system from the coal-fired boiler to a geothermal system which will have positive effects on improving air quality.

The coal boiler emitted levels of PM10 that exceeded health standards in winter.

“My Taupö surveys have shown me that air quality is important to Taupö residents and I’m happy to see the Hospital is dedicated to more environmentally sound heating methods” says Louise.

Lakes DHB also reported large improvements in key services over the last year.

“Lakes DHB has improved its immunisation coverage from the lowest of all DHBs last year, to now exceeding the target of immunising 85% of two year olds” says Louise. “This shows the commitment of the Government and the DHB to a healthy community.”

Health Minister Tony Ryall announced that Lakes DHB made a modest surplus this year after predicting a loss.

“Healthcare is an important issue for this government and it is great to see some of the results in the community” says Louise.

ENDS

For more information contact Louise Upston 027 4767887

Upston to hold Mangakino constituent clinic

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:00:01 +1200

Taupo MP Louise Upston is holding a constituent clinic in Mangakino next week.

“I have regular clinics in my electorate offices in Taupo, Tokoroa and Cambridge. These clinics have been successful in helping people with any problems they may be having with government departments.” Says Louise

“It is important that I have appointments available outside the main centres.” The clinic will be held at the Senior Citizen’s Hall in Mangakino on Friday 27th August.

“If you would like an appointment, please contact my South Waikato office on 07 886 5554,” says Louise.

END Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

NZTA Open Day a success, says Upston

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:03:43 +1200

The NZTA Open Day was a great community success believes Taupo MP Louise Upston.

“A large number of Cambridge residents came out to learn more about the Cambridge Section of the Waikato Expressway.” Says Louise, “I’m excited to see the community support this project.”

The Waikato Expressway will provide 102km of continuous divided four-lane highway. The Cambridge Section will reduce travelling times through the area and will provide a key transport corridor, connecting the Waikato with Auckland and the Bay of Plenty.

“The Expressway and specifically the Cambridge Section will greatly benefit the people of Cambridge” says Louise.

The Cambridge Section will link the Tamahere section of the Expressway to the existing SH1 south of Cambridge, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists as well as reduce traffic noise and congestion through the town.

“NZTA have worked hard to make sure the information is available to all residents – the posters and hand out materials worked really well at the open day” says Louise.

The feedback collected by NZTA at the open day will help the project team to finalise the resource consent applications later this year.

For further information about the Expressway contact the Cambridge electorate office on 07 8275572 or visit www.nzta.govt.nz

ENDS

Lakes DHB working hard for maternity, says Upston

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:38:18 +1200

Taupo MP Louise Upston is pleased to hear of the new project aimed at improving maternity services for women and their families in the Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino areas.

“I have worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Lakes DHB to ensure the community's concerns about maternity services in Taupo are being addressed,” says Louise.

The project aims to ensure a safe, sustainable and effective integrated primary maternity service is available for women in the Southern Lakes area. One proposal being considered as part of the project is the Taupo Maternity Action Group's private birthing unit.

“There are many people in the community who want a positive solution for pregnant women and their families,” says Louise.

The National government has shown it is focused on greater safety and better quality in maternity services by boosting funding in the 2009/2010 budget and introducing voluntary student bonding for midwives.

“It is great to see this project getting off the ground with government support,” says Louise.

Lakes DHB is hosting public meetings in Taupo and Turangi to explain the project.

“I encourage anyone who is interested in maternity services in the area to get along to one of the meetings. This is a great opportunity to clear up some of the public confusion around maternity services.”

“I look forward to working with the DHB in the future to help more Taupo mums.”

ENDS

Public meetings, 30^th August:

Turangi 10.30am, Taupo District Council Conference Room

Taupo 2pm REAP Centre, Titiraupenga Street

For more information contact Louise Upston 027 4767887

Upston hosts Youth Forum on Alcohol Reform

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:17:46 +1200

Taupo MP Louise Upston and Youth MP Tay-Jana Brown are hosting a Youth Forum on Alcohol Reform.

The Law Commission has made 153 recommendations for alcohol reform and the government is considering all of them. One of the major areas of concern is the harm caused by alcohol. Much of this harm is felt by young people.

“I am currently in the active process of seeking feedback on the Law Commission’s recommendations for alcohol reform and it is important that I listen to young people’s views.” Says Louise.

“Alcohol is responsible for a lot of harm in our community, and I am interested in young people’s opinions on how we can reduce that harm,” says Louise.

The open forum will be held at the Tokoroa Community Link Centre, 8-10 Tophin Crescent on Monday 16th August, 7.00pm – 8.30pm.

“This forum is an opportunity for youth to give me and Tay-Jana their views on the Law Commission’s recommendations.”

For more information about the Law Commission’s report or the Youth Forum please contact the South Waikato Electorate office on 07 886 5554 or upston.sthwaikato@parliament.govt.nz.

To complete an online survey on alcohol reform, please visit Louise’s website: www.louiseupston.co.nz

ENDS

For more information contact Louise Upston 027 4767887

New announcements to help lift student achievement

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:18:30 +1200

National’s new approach to help lift student achievement is an exciting and innovative way forward for education, says Louise Upston.

"We’re changing the way the Ministry supports teachers and pupils, with targeted funding and support for children identified as needing extra help," Louise says.

"I’m excited that expert practitioners will be working closely with our local schools to help support learning.

"These specialists will work with teachers throughout the South Waikato region to develop learning plans designed to improve student achievement."

At least 50 practitioners will be appointed to work closely with schools or clusters of schools to lift educational performance.

The Government is also investing $36 million to help children who need extra support in reading, writing, and maths, while refocusing professional development for teachers and principals towards lifting student achievement.

"These changes will build on the information provided by National Standards and will see more education resources being moved to the frontline," Louise says.

"This is good news for our local children and the economic and social wellbeing of the Taupo electorate."

ENDS

For more information contact Louise Upston 027 4767887

Upston delighted to open Early Childhood Education Centre

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:44:42 +1200

Taupo MP Louise Upston was delighted to open the Early Childhood Centre at Tirohanga last Friday (30th July). The centre was opened after a year of community fundraising efforts.

“This centre shows the dedication of the community to having accessible education for young children” says Louise.

Set up as a Charitable Trust the centre will cater for children from Tirohanga, Mokai, Marotiri, Whakamaru and Mangakino areas.

“With the backing and support of these communities this centre will no doubt enjoy success in its set up years and beyond.”

The National-led Government is aware of the huge impact that education has on a child’s life and is committed to ensuring New Zealand has a first class education system, from early childhood right through to tertiary education.

“We know that early childhood education builds a strong foundation for a child’s ongoing education, learning and development and we know that early childhood education gives children the opportunity to learn new skills, building on those they learn at home from their families and whānau,” says Louise.

ENDS

For more information contact Louise Upston 027 4767887

Video Update

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:22:27 +1200

Continue reading "Video Update"

Employment Law changes needed, says Upston

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:03:11 +1200

Taupo MP Louise Upston is pleased with the changes to Employment Law recently announced by Prime Minister John Key.

“As we continue to grow out of the recession, we need to have the right environment to create more jobs,” says Louise.

“Economic growth happens when a business sees an opportunity and is prepared to invest, expand, take risks, and hire new workers.”

National introduced the 90-day trial period in 2008 to encourage employers with fewer than 20 employees to take on new staff, and to expand job opportunities for people who often struggle to get work.

“A report into the 90-day trial has shown that it worked extremely well. National is extending the trial period to all employers so that every business and new employee can benefit from it.” Says Louise.

Extending trial periods is just part of the package of employment law improvements National is making.

National is committed to maintaining a fair and equitable system that protects the rights of New Zealand workers. This includes changing the personal grievance process to resolve employment problems more quickly, discourage poor practices, reduce costs, and improve confidence in the system.

National is also making changes to the Holidays Act. This will include giving employees the ability to trade one of their four weeks’ annual leave for cash. Cashing in the fourth week of leave can’t be raised in salary negotiations and can only be at the employee’s request. Maximum penalties will double for employers who don’t comply with the Holidays Act.

“National’s employment law package is pragmatic, credible, and effective. It’s one more step on the road to a growing economy and more jobs.” Says Louise.

ENDS

Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

Louise Upston supports putting victims first

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:28:54 +1200

National is working hard to put victims at the heart of the justice system, a move that is strongly supported by Taupo MP Louise Upston.

“Crime impacts on us all. It affects our communities. It affects our economy. But the biggest impact is on the victims of crime and their families. They have to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial effects of crime long after the event,” says Louise Upston.

“When I entered Parliament at the last election I advocated for justice reforms that focus on victims rather than offenders.”

Last week, (1 July) on-the-spot safety orders came into effect. They will ensure that victims of domestic violence get immediate protection from dangerous situations.

Police will now be able to remove an alleged violent person from the home for up to five days. This will provide a period of safety in which victims can consider their options.

“We are also looking at the financial and emotional costs that victims face,” says Louise.

From 1 July, all convicted offenders will pay a $50 offender levy. This levy will be imposed automatically on offenders at sentencing – regardless of the crime they commit. The levy will collect an estimated $13.6 million over the first four years. It will support additional entitlements and services for victims of serious crime.

These include:

Increased grants for families of homicide victims.
Assistance with expenses resulting from sexual violence.
A High Court attendance grant of $124 per person per day for up to five adult members of a homicide victim’s family.
Increases in travel, accommodation, and childcare assistance for victims attending court proceedings.
Funeral grants for families of homicide victims.

Victims of sexual violence will receive further support in courts. This service will give victims access to a trained adviser who understands the dynamics of sexual violence cases and victims’ needs.

Families of homicide victims will receive an enhanced service that will provide practical and emotional support to families.

“National is committed to addressing the impact of crime on victims. We can’t take away the pain of victims’ loss or injury, but we can help smooth the way,” says Louise.

“Our new on-the-spot safety orders, the new offender levy, and extra victim support will help ensure offenders contribute to addressing the harm their behaviour causes, and put victims at the heart of the justice system.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

Home Insulation warming up New Zealand

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:37:00 +1200

Louise Upston welcomes the retrofitting of more than 50,000 homes under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart home insulation and heating programme.

"When we kicked off the four-year scheme in July last year we had a target to make 27,500 homes warmer and healthier in the first year," Louise says.

"The scheme has been an outstanding success and we are well on track to meet our target of at least 188,500 homes insulated by 2013."

In the Waikato region more than 4500 households have been made warmer and drier in the first 11 months of the scheme, Louise says.

"Along with greater comfort and health benefits for occupants, the programme has had a positive economic impact during difficult times, creating valuable jobs in the Waikato," Louise says.

About 2000 new jobs are expected to be created across the country as a result of the programme.

"We are seeing good growth in the many businesses directly and indirectly involved," Louise says.

Under the $347 million scheme the Government is providing grants for all householders of up to $1300 for houses built before 2000 that need ceiling and under-floor insulation. Once insulation is up to standard, homeowners can get $500 towards a clean, efficient heating system.

Community Services Card holders qualify for a 60 per cent subsidy for insulation and up to $1200 for a clean heat device. The scheme has also attracted about $15 million in additional funding in its first year from a range of community groups, health trusts, and other organisations.

"I am delighted to see this extra funding help those people most in need who can access the scheme for free, or at very little cost," Louise says.

ENDS

Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

Louise Upston welcomes cycle trail

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:59:19 +1200

Louise Upston, MP for Taupo welcomes funding for the Lake Track as part of Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

“The go ahead and Government investment of $2,264,000 is great news for the Taupo region,” Louise says.

The Lake Track is one of eight new cycle tracks to have its funding confirmed ahead of schedule. Funding of $18.85 million will go towards the construction of more than 1000 kilometres of track. Co-funding of $16 million for the eight tracks shows the significant commitment of the communities.

“We hope to see construction on the Lake Track well underway this summer,” Louise says.

“The Lake Track is an outstanding idea and encapsulates the spirit of the ‘Great Rides’ that will make up the national cycle trail, and take cyclists through some of New Zealand’s most iconic and picturesque country.

“The trail will showcase the best New Zealand has to offer. It will also support regional economic and employment activity.

“This means jobs for locals during the construction phase and more importantly long-term jobs through with accommodation and other support services.”

The Lake Track is part of phase two of the New Zealand Cycle Trail with the feasibility study submitted to the Ministry of Tourism in May.

“Our community put in an enormous effort to complete a quality feasibility study over the past few months. I can’t wait for construction work to begin,” Louise says.

ENDS

Media Contact: Louise Upston 027 4767887

Video Update

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:20:13 +1200

Louise talks about Volunteers Week and what she's been doing in support of it. "Over a million New Zealanders are involved in voluntary work," she says. She also talks about developments in the one-stop-shop Community Links effort.

On Youth Parliament

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:19:22 +1200

Louise talks about what her Youth Parliamentarian, Forest View High School student Tay-Jana Brown, will be doing during the Youth Parliament event.