hekia parata - epanui may 2014
TRANSCRIPT
May 2014 We are well on our way to a wet and windy Wellington winter. I hope that
you all had an enjoyable and safe Easter weekend.
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of Anzac
Day. It is a time to reflect and pay tribute to our Anzac veterans. It is also
a day to remember those who have served in conflicts since that time.
This year on Anzac Day the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) had
around 250 personnel deployed on 11 peacekeeping operations, United
Nations missions, and defence exercises around the world.
ANZAC day is close to my heart as my father, my husband, my brother,
uncles, nieces and nephews have served and some continue to serve in
New Zealand’s armed forces. I emphasise the importance of celebrating
and acknowledging the sacrifices made by the many men and women who
serve our country selflessly for the freedoms we all enjoy.
Lest we forget.
I had the great pleasure of meeting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
but, alas, not the very cute Prince George. The picture featured below is
of the young Royals visiting the New Zealand Police College in
Papakowhai. They were able to visit and engage with the dog handlers
and police dogs that serve our communities so faithfully.
Porirua Grand Traverse 2014
I was really inspired by all the competitors in the Porirua Grand Traverse
and very much enjoyed celebrating their achievements at their prize
giving. All ages and lots of families (more than 1000 entries) do these
tough events just for the fun of it, with a huge number of sponsors all
getting behind this. Will have to train myself up to give it a go next year
(umm… I think!). Well done all of you!
April School Visits I was honored to open the Taeaomanino Village Play Group. It looks
absolutely fantastic! I got to visit Aotea College, speak to some bright
year 13 students, the Board of Trustees, teachers and of course their
principal, Kate Gainsford. I also recently sent a letter of congratulations to
Aotea for raising achievement across NCEA 1, 2, and 3 by more than ten
percent over the past two years. Outstanding!
I visited Te Puna Reo o Ngati Toa. They'd only been open a few weeks
and were already in full swing! Great community support! I then ended
the day with a discussion with the Porirua Foundation and Partners
Porirua on the Porirua Youth Awards, which I started in 2010. It’s
important that we keep recognising outstanding young people from
Porirua. An all-round excellent day!
Education
Merging of Phillipstown and Woolston Schools
After a period of continued consultation and fresh consideration of
the merger proposal, I recently made a new decision that these schools
will merge in Term 1, 2015. It is now more than 18 months since I first
announced my proposal that these schools merge. That is a very long
time for the children, staff and communities of Phillipstown and Woolston
to deal with uncertainty about their schools.
I am glad to be providing certainty to them now. The reasons include the
surplus of primary places in the local school network, Phillipstown’s small
roll for a city school, and significant earthquake and other property
related issues at both schools.
Investing in one merged school gives us the opportunity to provide kids
from Woolston and Phillipstown with the very latest and best in modern
technology and resources, with a budget of $11.8 million to achieve
this.
The merger date of Term 1, 2015 provides the least disruption and
most certainty. It also means there’s time for thoughtful and creative
integration by both communities. It provides a chance for the strengths
of the two schools to be combined in the new merged school.
Our Government is absolutely committed to the communities of greater
Christchurch, and our ten year renewal programme with an investment
of $1.137 billion represents that.
To see me speaking in the House visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--XnavCewXc
NZ Primary Principals Federation
I recently talked with the NZ Primary Principals Federation, together with
Peter Hughes, the Secretary of Education. It was great to have the
opportunity to bust a few myths and clarify a few facts with their
members. They were deeply engaged and I’m optimistic that they will
Out and about
Hutt Valley visits to Avalon Intermediate School, Naenae College, Imagine
Childcare. Ka rawe
Stay in touch
For any messages, suggestions of events or feedback please don’t hesitate to
contact my office at [email protected]
Please feel free to visit my website www.hekiaparata.co.nz; where you will find
my press releases and other key information. It could trigger you to provide
comments or ask questions which I encourage you to do.
I update my social media pages regularly with photos, press releases, questions
and comments.
Please follow me or add me as a friend on www.facebook.com/hekia.parata or
Twitter www.twitter.com/hekiaparata.
Please feel free to forward my newsletter to others who may be interested.
Ka mutu…..
Hon Hekia Parata National List MP based in the Mana Electorate Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Hekia Parata MP, Level 1, 20 Parumoana Street, Porirua.
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