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Nikki's News- August 2010
Victoria Park Tunnel
Work is in full swing on the Victoria Park Tunnel project and I've had feedback that some of the businesses on
Appearing recently on the Good Morning show was one of my scariest moments as an MP. It's basically a running joke amongst my family and friends that I am the complete opposite of a domestic goddess!
However, after practising my spicy chicken enchiladas on the Bolton Hotel staff the night before, I was ready.
Visiting the Child Cancer Foundation was a very moving experience for me. I met many of the staff and volunteers as well as a parent of a child fighting cancer, and I learnt about some of the challenges faced on a daily basis by the organisation and families of cancer sufferers.
The Child Cancer Foundation has recently launched its "Stars for Courage" programme which will see each child diagnosed with cancer in
The Chartered
Last week I had the pleasure of addressing the CILT Annual General Meeting on the subject of transport in
Red Cross opens a new
Recently I opened the Auckland First Aid Training Centre for the Red Cross. It is my understanding that less people train in first aid in
I support the Red Cross in their aim to have more people training in first aid and I believe having a base in the heart of
The festival will boost regional economic opportunities, community involvement, and the
Funding is open to organisations wanting to showcase our regions, and will help them make the most of this great opportunity.
We're working hard to help our regions celebrate the Rugby World Cup, and make sure visitors experience the best of
Applications are now open, and close on 17 September.
National is targeting drink driving and dangerous drivers with a package of road safety messages announced this week.
Changes include:
- A zero drink-drive limit for repeat drink drivers
- A zero drink-drive limit for drivers under 20
- Tougher penalties for serious offences causing death and drink driving causing death
- Alcohol interlocks for repeat drink-drivers.
The Government will conduct
We are targeting the people most likely to break the law - those with a history of offending and young people. If we can get drink driving under control, we'll see a significant reduction in the overall road toll.
National is working hard to lift the long-term performance of the economy and create more jobs.
Our employment law package will reduce compliance costs, give businesses more confidence to take on new staff, and provide more choices for employees and employers.
We're extending the voluntary 90-day trial period to all employers so that every business and new employee can benefit from it. Changes to the personal grievance process will see employment problems resolved more quickly, costs reduced, and improved confidence in the system.
We're also looking at changing the law around sick days to enable employers, at their expense, to require a medical certificate from employees who take one sick day. Changes to the Holidays Act include giving employees the ability to trade one of their four weeks' annual leave for cash.
Our employment law package is one more step on the road to a growing economy and more jobs.
No land will be removed from Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act for the purposes of further mineral exploration or extraction.
Around 85 per cent of
The Government has also decided to undertake a significant aeromagnetic survey of non Schedule 4 land in Northland and on the West Coast of the
We will add 14 areas totalling 12,400 hectares of land to Schedule 4. In addition, all areas given classifications equivalent to current Schedule 4 areas, such as national parks and marine reserves, will automatically become part of Schedule 4.
This is an added layer of protection for
Ultra-fast broadband capability for more schools
The National-led Government is providing funding to a further 239 schools for network upgrades, getting them ready for ultra-fast broadband.
The latest $37.5 million investment is part of the National-led Government's $1.5 billion Broadband Investment Initiative. By the end of 2011 more than a third of state and state-integrated schools' networks will be ultra-fast broadband-capable.
Broadband provides a wider range of learning opportunities for both students and their teachers, and bring education into the 21st century. National is working to ensure 97 per cent of schools, covering 99.7 per cent of students, are on fibre in the next six years. This will make our education system one of the most connected in the world.
Balancing environmental responsibilities with economic opportunities
A moderate Emissions Trading Scheme is an important step in doing our fair share on climate change, balancing our environmental responsibilities with our economic opportunities.
From 1 July, transport, electricity and industry are included in the ETS. This will help drive investment in renewable electricity, forestry, and energy efficiency, and help reduce
Our changes to Labour's ETS halve the cost for the average household to an estimated $3.17 a week. The average household will be $25 a week better off from 1 October with our tax changes.
For all other news, photos and updates on my work around the electorate, keep an eye on my website www.nikkikaye.co.nz which is updated regularly.
My website is also an easy way to make contact with me. If you have any issues, let me know through the "Have Your Say" link on the homepage.
Best wishes,
Member of Parliament for
Working hard for Auckland Central
