We also won the Party vote with 16,543 for National in Tukituki. The future is so bright. John Key and our National team will continue our hard work towards an even better Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand.

Chris and I will continue to ‘Back the Bay’, every day, both here and down in Wellington, ensuring we get the best possible outcomes for the people of Hawke’s Bay.

 We both donned a new shirt, tie and apron for the occasion!

 It was great fun getting amongst the crowd pouring wine and passing round pre-dinner nibbles. We then meet the challenge of dishing out the main meals head on. ‘We served the people’.

 The comments were classic!

Thanks to Dish for the ‘Work Experience.’

I have to admit to being more than a tad nervous throughout most of last week. While we were undoubtedly favoured to win I recall the many occasions, where in this position, the indomitable Australians have come through to win on the night. But not last night. An absolute stunner and a victory to savour.

While man of the match was Cory Jane (and he was a hero under that high ball) if I’d been given the opportunity to select the best player it would have been Kevin Mealamu. He had a huge game taking the ball across the advantage line again and again and again. He wanted to win in front of his home crowd and he and the rest of the tight five showed a dominance which was the making of the game.  Absolutely awesome!

During last week I travelled down to and back from Dannevirke to watch my son play in the Ross Shield. Congratulations to Hastings West who dominated the tournament with a very well coached team. Well done to Wairoa who picked up the Ron Pierce memorial trophy. In the final speeches of the tournament, HB Junior Rugby Chairman, Mr Taafe, reflected on the quality of players who turn out at the Ross Shield tournament.

Just a few short years ago All Black fullback Israel Dagg had played at number 8 while in the same tournament Zac Guildford played wing. Israel had a wonderful game on Sunday looking like he would open up the Aussies every time he got the ball and returning deep  kicks well into the opposition half. Thanks to both Israel and Zac for giving us all that Hawkes Bay connection.

Of particular interest to me was the side bet between New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Following on from the Grand Final bet which required the loser to do a press conference with the others flag draped in the background this bet had a far stronger relevance for the Bay. The deal is that the losing Prime Minister must eat an apple from the opposing country proclaiming the quality of the fruit.

As a result of this bet local grower, Ross Beaton, organised a special carton of HB Apples to be packaged. Entitled the “The J & J Challenge – The Big Crunch” he delivered these to me to take to Auckland on Saturday. I did this and personally taxied them to the PM’s residence on Sunday morning. My hope is that these apples are the ones that Ms Gillard has to sink her teeth into when she delivers on her side of the bet in coming days.

Like I say a real HB connection.  Chris Tremain

With the RWC2011 in full swing our theme at this year will be of course rugby.

At every show, year we have a challenge for young and old, from gumboot throwing to golf. This year we have put the goal posts up and the challenge will be to kick a goal.

Get the ball over and as with any rugby game there is the chance of a win.
Come and see us at the show, and give it a go.

The roll out of ultra-fast broadband-enabling fibre to schools is progressing well and 14 local schools will benefit from this Governments investment in technology,” said Tukituki MP Craig Foss.

 “Over 4,750 students locally will benefit by this UFB rollout, “said Napier MP, Chris Tremain. “Across the country 97 per cent of schools will receive ultra-fast fibre enabling speeds of 100 Mbps plus over the next five years. The remaining 3 per cent of schools, which are in the most remote locations, will receive a high speed wireless or satellite connection. No schools will miss out.”

 “This is an exciting time for schools and for students. This technology means that students anywhere in New Zealand can have access to the best teachers and online resources anywhere in the world, “said Craig Foss

And in a smaller corner of the world another tournament kicked off on Monday with teams from across the Bay competing for the Ross Shield. My own son will be playing in the competition against many of your sons. While Parliament finished last week and we’re supposed to now be out campaigning for the election please forgive me if I spend most of this week down in Dannevirke. I will see many of you there. I figure that life is pretty short and this is a priority for me. No one’s really interested in politics with the RWC at its pinnacle. And when it comes to supporting one’s family I can’t think of a higher priority.

The Ross Shield tournament has an amazing history. It’s a melting pot of local age grade talent which has founded more than a few All Blacks. Our own Israel Dagg and Zac Guildford just two of the more recent protégés.
Many moons ago I was fortunate to be selected for the Napier side to play in the 1978 Ross Shield Tournament at Lambton Square in Wairoa. I was billeted just around the corner with my Taradale mate James Aranui (halfback) with his cousins (if I recall correctly) in Apatu Street. I have vivid memories of our week in Wairoa. I was so proud of the cap and the uniform I had been given. Greg Cooper was playing at fullback and went on to become an All Black. Ross McLeod, the smallest guy amongst all 6 teams, was honoured with the title of player of the tournament. Ross was a prolific goal kicker, even at 13, and went on to 1st class honours with Hawkes Bay, Manawatu and NZ Universities. He now coaches the Hastings West side.

Best of luck to all teams this week. In a strange twist of fate my son will be playing for Hastings East, while my electorate includes Napier and Wairoa teams.

While my Parliamentary Truck has “Backing the Bay” emblazoned down the side of it at times like this one is forced to be somewhat more parochial. I’m sure on this occasion you’ll forgive me for cheering for Hastings.

I have no doubt that the RWC will leave memories for us all. More importantly for our sons the Ross Shield Tournament in Dannevirke will leave them with memories for a lifetime.

Chris Tremain

Local Hawke’s Bay MPs Craig Foss and Chris Tremaincongratulate their Local Government Councils for processing more resource consents on time in the past two years.

“Our Councils are now approving more consents on time,” says Napier MP Chris Tremain. “Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has increased from 79% to 100%, Wairoa District Council from 77% to 100%, and Napier City Council from 88% to 93%.  These are fantastic results!”

Tukituki MP Craig Foss says “I am rapt to see that Hastings District Council has seen an increase in on time consent processing from 81% to 95%, and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has improved from 96% to 98%.”

“It is great to see our local councils stepping up to the plate to process consents in a more timely manner. This has a huge impact on compliance costs, saving money across our community,” says Chris Tremain.

“We commend our Councils for this good result in reversing what was a concerning trend under the previous Government.It wasn’t good enough that councils were breaching statutory timelines or extending timeframes in over half of all resource consent applications,” the MPs say.

“Delays on resource consents frustrate homeowners and businesses, not to mention the unnecessary costs they add.It’s great to see our councils providing process certainty and efficient service delivery to Hawke’s Bay ratepayers,” says Craig Foss.

The figures are part ofthe 2011 Report on Local Authorities administration of the Resource Management Act (RMA)released by Environment Minister Nick Smith.

“The nationwide results show that over the past two years, 95% of resource consents were processed on time – the highest ever. This is a vast improvement from 69% in 2007/08.

“National’s reforms to simplify and streamline the RMA, including imposing a financial penalty on councils that fail to process consents on time, have provided the incentive for this turnaround in performance,” the MPs say. “This is another demonstration of National reducing red tape and building better performing public services.”

Local MPs Chris Tremain and Craig Foss are rapt with the latest agreements enhancing China –NZ relationships especially in regard to apple access.

 “Five new agreements recently signed show the growing relationship between China and New Zealand and one of them gives Hawke’s Bay apple growers greater access”, said Craig Foss.

 “It is excellent to see these agreements in place supporting the Hawkes Bay apple industry. This will remove compliance, freight, and other costs, meaning local growers getting more for their apples. This helps our local economy to employ more people and to provide better wages over time,” said Chris Tremain.

  “Also of interest to Hawke’s Bay is the agreement to boost scientific cooperation on fresh water management and protection. The knowledge and expertise from scientists from both counties can only help with our clean green image” said Craig.

 “Hawke’s Bay has a long standing relationship with China; these agreements will only enhance what we already have,” said Chris.

Craig Foss MP for Tukituki and Chris Tremain MP for Napier are rapt with funding being made available for cycle trail continuation.

 Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council have confirmed funding for a new Wineries Ride in Hawke’s Bay.

“Our Hawke’s Bay cycle trail dots are now joined. From commercial gains for our tourism industry through to recreation for locals. This is yet another reason to visit and live in The Bay” said Craig Foss.

 “It is great to see the HB Trifecta of rides completed” said Chris Tremain. “The HB Wine ride was always set to be a winner and will add to Te Mata Peak’s “Landscapes Ride” and Ahuriri’ s “Water Ride”. Together we have a stunning additional attraction for tourists and locals alike, “ said Chris Tremain.

 “It’s awesome that our Councils are all working off the same page for the betterment of our region. It’s exciting and the economic benefits for the Bay keep on growing” added Chris Tremain.

 “Visitors to Hawke’s Bay have a mounting awareness that the Bay is an excellent place to cycle. With the RWC in full swing and many extra visitors to the Bay, this news couldn’t come at a more appropriate time.”

 C’mon the Bay!

Chris Tremain and Craig Foss, National MPs for Napier and Tukituki, welcome the news that the Hawke’s Bay’s new EIT Trades Facility will also be one of the Government’s new Trades Academies from next year.

 “The new Trades Academy will be a fantastic link between school and apprenticeships. It is part of National’s solution to help the current levels of youth unemployment,” Chris Tremain says.

 ”This is great for young people here in Hawke’s Bay.”

 “Our new Trades Academy will offer 150 places for 16- and 17-year olds at the new Eastern Institute of Technology, opened by the Prime Minister last year,” Craig Foss says.

 ”EIT will partner with local schools including Wairoa College, Taradale High School, Flaxmere High School, and Tamatea High School. I expect more schools to partner with the Trades Academy over time.

 “Students are still enrolled in school but can study at other sites, and earn NCEA and tertiary qualifications, thanks to partnerships between schools, tertiary providers, employers, and industry training organisations,” Chris Tremain says.

 “National’s approach to learning for 16- and 17-year-olds will lead to better qualifications, practical skill training, and ultimately better job opportunities for young people here in the Hawke’s Bay,” Mr Tremain and Mr Foss say.

 Courses available at EIT for Trades Academy students from next year will include hospitality, agriculture and carpentry, as well as automotive and electrical skills.