Backing the Bay

National puts victims first

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:14:01 +0000

Craig Foss MP for Tukituki says “National is working hard to deliver on our election promises in law and order to make families feel safer in their homes and communities. As part of that we’ve introduced a range of initiatives to put victims at the heart of the justice system. These include on the-spot safety orders, an offender levy, and more support for victims.”

“Family must come first,” said Craig. “With these latest measures that is exactly what we are saying. Victims have been neglected for long and I for one am delighted that this will no longer be the case.”

“Crime affects our communities, our society, and our economy. But most of all it affects the victims of crime and their families. They have to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial effects of crime long after it’s been committed.
On 1 July the National-led Government introduced a range of measures to improve services for victims of crime. We all need to be realistic about what is happening in our communities and I believe that this is the start of addressing these issues.”

For more information visit:

http://national.org.nz/web/Victims_onepager.pdf

“As always I and my team are there to help you and our community. I can be contacted on 06 870 3480.”

MP urges rugby fans to support the Magpies

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:16:49 +0000

Magpies Fluffy Dice

Craig Foss supports the Magpies by proudly hanging a ‘Magpies fluffy dice’ in his Ute.

Local MP Craig Foss says “Our Hawke’s Bay Magpies are a great team and I show my support whenever I can. I have bought a pair of Magpies fluffy dice from Mitre 10 Mega.”

“I encourage all Magpies fans to go out and buy their own dice. Not only do they look good but they send a clear message to the other rugby unions; the Magpies mean business!”

Craig said “The following quote of Mickey Delamar’s is a classic “It is just a roll of the dice. Nobody knows how it is going to turn out, we just have to wait and see.” The ITM series is just that …a wait and see game but my money is on the boys from The Bay.”

Hawke’s Bay Magpies kicks off the series against Canterbury at the AMI Stadium Christchurch Friday 30th July which is plenty of time for people to go out and buy a pair of fluffy supporters dice.

“As always I am “Backing the Bay” and our boys in the Black and White strip; the Magpies,” said Craig.

“Come on The Bay”

Craig Foss backs HB Environmental Awards

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:38:38 +0000

Craig Foss MP for Tukituki said “It is that time of the year again when we celebrate our environment with the Hawke’s Bay Environmental Awards. These awards recognise people and organisations that care for the environment. They acknowledge individuals or groups deserving recognition for environmentally sustainable work. I encourage people to back this initiative and celebrate the people who go that extra mile for our environment.”

“Hawke’s Bay Environmental Awards recognises community projects and people showing leadership in caring for our wonderful environment of all that is our region; our cities, our towns, our reserves and our country areas, “ Craig added.

“I am 100% supportive of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Napier City Council and Hastings District Council who make this event possible,” Craig said. “And I’m proud of the people who are doing amazing things to care for our natural environment. I thank you all.”

The Hawke’s Bay Environmental Award 2010 ceremony will be on 9 October at Lindisfarne College.

For further information go to:

http://www.hbrc.govt.nz/Home/tabid/36/ctl/View/mid/4042/Id/82/Default.aspx

Moko should be buried in Mahia say locals

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:52:57 +0000

Napier MP Chris Tremain has been approached by Mahia locals over the prospect of bringing Moko back to Mahia to be buried.

“I think it’s a great idea” says Chris Tremain. “The Mahia people built a very strong bond with Moko while he was in the area and it seems only right that he be returned to Mahia to be buried”.

“It would be good if the many people from Hawke’s Bay who enjoyed Moko, can also pay their respects in Mahia, part of Hawke’s Bay” says Craig Foss.

Moko is currently at Massey University being examined by scientists to establish the cause of his death.

“I have asked Minister of Conservation, Kate Wilkinson, to see if this is possible. The Minister has indicated that she will see if the request is possible”.

Mahia leader and community member Bill Blake initiated the idea. “I’ve had 24 voice mail messages alone wanting Moko back here in Mahia. I think it’s important that locals be able to pay their respects and to have Moko buried at the place he loved”.

MP Foss joins Fourth Estate

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:51:42 +0000

Craig Foss MP for Tukituki continues his “Work Experience “ this Thursday 15th July at the offices of Hawke’s Bay Today.

“I’m really looking forward to this latest “Work Experience” opportunity. Hawke’s Bay Today have given me the chance to see firsthand how the production of a newspaper comes about,” Craig said.

“It will be an experience that will be very enlightening. I’m normally at the receiving end of an interview, ” Craig said. “ I’m looking forward to being the reporter, writing the interview up and publishing it. It’s a good way to get my name on one of those articles that normally writes about me! “ Craig adds.

“I will have to be careful not to misquote myself when interviewing my local MP!”

Craig Foss will be at Hawke’s Bay Today this Thursday from 10.00am to 12.00noon.
“ If you have any breaking news stories don’t hesitate to call in and ask for the newest reporter, Craig Foss., “ he said.

Auditor General to audit fresh water management

admin — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 20:16:33 +0000

Local Tukituki MP Craig Foss is very pleased that the Controller and Auditor General is proposing to start a performance audit on Freshwater quality in New Zealand: (the) Eﬀectiveness of management responses.

“The stunning rivers of Hawke’s Bay are treasures. The Tukituki River has been under stress in recent years due to droughts, grazing, nutrients and pollution. We must be constantly vigilant that to ensure that all parties are doing their fair share to maintain the Tukituki.”

The AG has stated that: Deteriorating fresh water quality has been widely identiﬁed as one of the most critical environmental issues for New Zealand. This deterioration creates economic risks, social and cultural risks, and environmental risks. Regional councils are responsible for managing freshwater quality through administering the Resource Management Act. The audit will examine the eﬀectiveness of management responses designed to maintain or enhance water quality.

Craig Foss says “I look forward to the beginning and findings of this audit. Whatever the outcome of the audit, I am sure that all involved will re-focus their attention of ensuring the Tukituki is able to be enjoyed by our children as many of us have enjoyed it in the past.”

Chris Tremain noted: “I have been concerned about changes to water quality at the headwaters of the Mohaka River. I welcome this initiative by the Auditor General as an additional tool for accountability to help protect our Hawke’s Bay rivers.”

Putting Victims First

admin — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 02:18:32 +0000

I’m sure I speak for most in Wairoa when I say how disappointed I was to read about the recent gang attack. Wairoa is such a great community and it does not deserve to be in the national headlines reinforcing a false “Gangland” stereotype about this great little town, perpetuated by just a small few.

I wanted you to know that I only ever tell the good stories about Wairoa. I love talking about the Lake to Lighthouse race, the Wairoa Races, the “Longest Day” in the Cactus Program, the High School Stage Challenge Team, the Wairoa Ross Shield Team, the Anzac Service at Kaiuku, the A&P Show, the hundreds if not thousands of great things that go on day in day out in Wairoa which are not portrayed in the national news.

I recall campaigning in Wairoa at the last election. I’ll never forget the friendly way I was greeted at each place that someone was home. Even if people didn’t care for National Party politics, they gave me the time of day, said “Gidday” and smiled. Many front doors were open as I walked up proof that people felt safe in their community. It reminded me of growing up in Taradale when we all used to leave our windows and front doors open.

While we can talk about the great side of the community we have to deal with crime because it impacts on us all. It does affect our community. It does affect 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 it’s been committed.

Victims have been neglected for too long. So I am pleased that our Government is putting victims at the heart of the justice system.

Two weeks ago, (1 July) on-the-spot safety orders came into effect. These 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 a period of up to five days. This will provide a period of safety in which victims can consider their options.

National is also improving services for victims of violent crime. These include a range of initiatives that will help address the financial and emotional costs that victims face.

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.

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 to smooth the way.

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.

This aside – let’s all focus on the many positive things that occur day in and day out in Wairoa. We know it’s a magic town. Rest assured I’ll be doing my bit to tell the world.

Chris Tremain – MP Napier/Wairoa

Hawke’s Bay to be $1,303,310 better off

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:18:49 +0000

Hawke’s Bay MPs Craig Foss and Chris Tremain today are rapted that Hawkes Bay will benefit by $1,303,310 thanks to lottery funding.
“The Minister for Internal Affairs, Nathan Guy, has released National wide funding figures today and Hawke’s Bay has been one of the main areas to benefit,” said Craig.

“This money will be pumped back into our community and it’s great to see our local community groups benefiting, especially when times are tough,” added Chris.

“The money raised from games like Lotto, Instant Kiwi and Daily Keno plays an enormous role in building stronger communities. This funding helps communities help themselves, with grants to such organisations as Age Concern, St John, Barnardos, Plunket, Women’s Refuges and Cancer Societies,” stated the MPs.

“Environmental causes such as saving the kakapo in Fiordland and preserving our wetlands in Hawke’s Bay having already benefitted. This is great news for our local projects that are already underway,” said Craig

“Many organisations would struggle without this help and we know that our Hawke’s Bay community groups will benefit from this government assistance,” said Chris.

MPs pleased that Tourism outlook still positive

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:18:07 +0000

Craig Foss MP for Tukituki and Chris Tremain MP for Napier are delighted with the latest Ministry of Tourism forecasts, which show that overall, the sector’s future looks positive.

International visitor numbers are predicted to reach 3.1 million over the next seven years. By 2016 arrivals will likely grow by 27%, which will equate to an additional 669,000 international visitors each year.

“Hawkes Bay is where you will find ‘ Wine Country’. We believe we can be the tourist capital of New Zealand,” says Chris Tremain MP for Napier. “With the airport extension happening this statement will become a reality.”

“Long hot summers and mild sunny winters makes Hawke’s Bay the perfect year round holiday destination,” adds Craig Foss MP for Tukituki.

“We have fabulous regional facilities such as the Hawke’s Bay Museum, the Regional Sports Park, the New Zealand National Aquarium and a Napier Port that accommodates the cruise ships. These all boost out tourism prospects,” Craig adds.

“The numbers show that the tourism sector is highly resilient and has weathered the recession,” Chris Tremain says. “We are one of only a small group of countries whose international arrivals are holding steady and with the Rugby World Cup just around the corner; we can look forward to some good growth. Hawke’s Bay bid for rugby games has paid off already.”

“Government continues to actively support the sector with an additional $30 million to feed into tourism marketing. This follows on from an extra $20 million for Tourism New Zealand last year. Hawke’s Bay has already benefited from this and will continue to do so,” says Craig.

“Given the tight fiscal nature of this year’s budget, this further funding is a huge vote of confidence in New Zealand tourism,” says Chris “These forecasts set out a solid starting point, but I believe that the sector will outperform them.”

By the end of 2010 arrivals should grow by 3.7%. 2011 predictions are for a 6.8% increase in arrivals—a product of both the Rugby World Cup and an improved global economic outlook.

For further information on the latest forecasts and publication please visit:
http://www.tourismresearch.govt.nz/Data–Analysis/Forecasts/2009—2015-Forecasts—Regional/Regional-Forecasts-Key-Data/ <http://www.tourismresearch.govt.nz/Data–Analysis/Forecasts/2009—2015-Forecasts—Regional/Regional-Forecasts-Key-Data/>

Local National MPs welcome 2956 warmer Hawkes Bay homes

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:29:56 +0000

Hawke’s Bay MPs Craig Foss and Chris Tremain welcome the retrofitting of over 2956 Hawke’s Bay 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 set target to make Hawke’s Bay homes warmer and healthier in the first year,” Chris Tremain says. “We have achieved this and some.”

“The scheme has been an outstanding success and we are well on track to meet the 2013 target of retrofitting unhealthy, cold homes with insulation,” adds Craig Foss. “The 2956 Hawke’s Bay households that have been made warmer and drier in the first 11 months of the scheme speaks volumes of the schemes success,” said Craig.

“Along with greater comfort and health benefits for occupants, the programme has had a positive economic impact during difficult times, creating valuable jobs in Hawke’s Bay,” Chris adds.

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,” Craig 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.

“We are delighted to see this extra funding help those people most in need who can access the scheme for free, or at very little cost,” said Chris Tremain.