Nathan Guy MP - Press Release

Fire Service and Earthquake

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:27:45 +1200

The Canterbury earthquake over the weekend was a disaster and a miracle at the same time.

It was a disaster because of the damage, disruption and trauma caused for so many people, but it was also incredibly lucky that no-one was killed. The quake hit at 4:30am when the least number of people were out and about – a few hours earlier or later and we could have been facing a very different story.

As the Minister of Internal Affairs I have responsibility for the Fire Service who are doing an outstanding job in Canterbury. I spoke to the National Commander on Saturday who told me they’d dealt with 500 calls in Christchurch that day – to put in perspective, Levin deals with 400 in a whole year.

Additional firefighters from around the South Island are now in Christchurch, assessing buildings and helping residents deal with damaged chimneys and roofs.

On Saturday evening I spoke at the Levin Volunteer Fire Brigade. It was a sobering evening and our thoughts were with the firefighters down south dealing with a huge workload.

As so often happens in times like these, we’ve seen the community at its best as people rally to help. Volunteers from all walks of life have been helping others with food, shelter and comfort.

This has been a reminder of what an outstanding job volunteer firefighters do in the community. When the siren goes they have to put down their tools, their pens, their children, or whatever they are holding, day or night, and rush off to perform what can be very dangerous duties.

We’ve seen this week just how quickly natural events can impact on our lives with flash flooding around Levin and Otaki.

We have an Emergency Management Office in Paraparaumu and local councils have plans for dealing with emergencies, but responsibility lies with all of us to prepare for events like this.

Every household should have emergency food and water stored along with a radio, first aid kit and any medical supplies you might need. You can find more information on how to prepare at www.getthru.govt.nz.

Guy to vote for split alcohol age

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:28:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy says he will be supporting a split purchasing age for alcohol when a conscience vote is held in Parliament.

“I have given the purchase age for alcohol a lot of thought and after reading the Law Commission report and listening to the views of the public I’ve decided to support a split age for purchasing alcohol.

“This means 18 year olds will still be able to drink in pubs and restaurants but the age limit will be 20 to buy alcohol at bottle stores and supermarkets.

“I think this is the best solution at this point in time. We clearly have a problem with binge drinking in our community and this can cause a lot of harm. At the same time though we don’t want to punish the majority of people who drink sensibly.

“We’ve seen plenty of examples of the harm that excessive drinking can cause locally. Recently in Kapiti 100 teenagers at a birthday party trashed a house, attacked police and terrified local residents.

“Kapiti and Horowhenua police tell me they deal with binge drinking every weekend.

“Changing the law alone won’t change the binge drinking culture over night, but it will send a strong message.”

The Government is responding to calls for action with new legislation to reduce the harm caused by alcohol. Other measures include set closing times for bars, tighter rules around supplying alcohol to minors and more power for local communities over licensing.

“I believe these reforms strike the right balance between harm reduction and trusting responsible New Zealanders to make the right decisions about their drinking.”

Legislation is likely to be introduced to Parliament in October and passed into law next year. The public will be able to make submissions through the select committee process.

Identity Information bill introduced to Parliament

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:25:00 +1200

A new bill to help combat identity fraud has been introduced to Parliament today in the name of Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy.

“The Identity Information Confirmation Bill extends the use of the Data Validation Service to public and private sector agencies on a strictly 'need to know' basis," says Mr Guy.

“This allows agencies to check whether the identity information presented by a customer is consistent with that held by the Department of Internal Affairs through the citizenship registers, the passports database, and the various registers of the Births, Deaths, and Marriages registry office.

“This service will help ensure compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009, which requires banks and other financial institutions to undertake more comprehensive ‘know your customer' checks.

“This will be an important tool in preventing identity fraud and reducing compliance costs.

“At the same time we are mindful of privacy concerns. Any agency using this tool must have the consent of customers – it is up to individuals whether or not to give permission. The tool only confirms whether the information provided by customers is accurate and does not give out any additional information about the person.

"The Data Validation Service will be available only to organisations which meet strict security, privacy and integrity criteria. The Government has also agreed that the Privacy Commissioner will monitor this service.”

Rail Safety Week urges care around crossings

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:13:00 +1200

National Rail Safety Week is a timely reminder for all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to be aware of the dangers around rail tracks and level crossings, says Associate Minister of Transport Nathan Guy.

“New Zealanders need to take responsibility around level crossings and on rail tracks to stay safe, and take on the message to ‘stop, look and live’,” says Mr Guy.

"Over the last decade there were 55 deaths at level crossings and 97 people were been killed as a result of trespassing on train tracks.

"Already this year there have been 27 level crossing collisions and one fatality. These are sobering statistics and I urge everyone to exercise caution and common sense when approaching a level crossing.

"This year National Rail Safety Week is focusing on the ‘Call It In’ campaign for reporting of near collisions at level crossings. I strongly support every KiwiRail, Tranz Metro and Veolia train driver in their efforts to report all near misses at level crossings around the country."

Rail Safety Week runs from 23 – 29 August and aims to improve safety at rail crossings and reduce trespassing on rail tracks. It is coordinated by KiwiRail and the Chris Cairns Foundation and jointly funded by the NZ Transport Agency, KiwiRail, Veolia, Auckland Regional Transport Authority, Tranz Metro and the Chris Cairns Foundation.

A billboard campaign, school visits and the display of a car wreck from a train collision are planned around the country.

“Rail in New Zealand has an exciting future with projects underway including the KiwiRail Turnaround plan and major upgrades to the Auckland and Wellington networks. More freight and passengers are predicted to use rail in coming years, making safety even more important.

“The Government contributes up to $1 million per year to upgrade level crossings with warning lights, bells, and half-arm barriers. This contribution is made up of $500,000 from the Crown and $500,000 from the New Zealand Transport Agency.

“Of course there is only so much the Government can do – the decisions that people make at level crossings are often the difference between life and death. A little patience and commonsense will help reduce these preventable tragedies.”

Guy congratulates Horowhenua College on 2nd place in 2010 Stage Challenge

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:32:40 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy has congratulated Horowhenua College for winning second place in the ASB 2010 Stage Challenge, a nationwide competition broadcast on TV3.

“To come second out of all the schools entering from throughout New Zealand is a great achievement.

“Congratulations to the students and teachers who worked so hard on this performance. They have done the local community very proud.

“Horowhenua College was chosen as a wild card entry by the TV judges as being exceptional and worthy of a place in the final, and they proved that with their strong showing.

“The judges described the performance Framed as “brilliant story telling” and that it was “impossible to go past the beauty of this piece.”

“Congratulations also to Year 12 student Caleb Jago-Ward who directed the performance. Caleb was my Youth MP in this year’s Youth Parliament and is clearly a talented name for the future.”

The Stage Challenge is a nationwide competition where schools put together a performance involving dance, drama and design. It is supported by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth Development.

Guy pays tribute to Sergeant McCarthy

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:03:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy has paid tribute to Levin Youth Aid Sergeant Stephen McCarthy, who tragically died last week.

“Sergeant McCarthy gave nearly 30 years of service to the Horowhenua community, particularly in Levin.

“Over the last 12 years he worked in the Levin Youth Aid section dealing with some of the most troubled young people and their families.

“He knew the tough side of our community but he always had faith in young people and was prepared to give them a chance. He was passionate about his work and was a real ‘people person’.

“Sergeant McCarthy had just recently taken up an important position at 'Life to the Max' in Levin and was excited about his new role in the community.

“I remember getting my drivers licence with him shortly after I turned 15. He made me feel very relaxed as he sat in the passenger seat and chatted away.

“This is a sad blow to his family, the community and the local police force. I’ve spoken to the family and to Senior Sergeant Willy Roy, offering my deepest condolences.

“He will be sadly missed.”

Guy heads to US on study trip

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:26:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy is heading to the US next week to study trade, agriculture and food safety policies.

Mr Guy is among 24 politicians and officials from around the world invited to take part in the study programme by the US State Department, who is meeting all the costs of travel.

“This is great opportunity to see how agriculture policy works in the world’s largest economy, and to study issues such as food safety, research, trade and regulation.

“The US is New Zealand’s third largest trading partner and agricultural trade issues are very important to our economy.

“This programme will give me a valuable insight into US politics and policy, and will provide an opportunity to build closer links with representatives in similar roles in the US and around the world.”

Mr Guy will be away for three weeks and will be keeping informed on local issues and events by his busy electorate offices in Paraparaumu and Levin.

World Cup festival presents opportunity for Kapiti and Horowhenua - Guy

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:38:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy is encouraging Kapiti and Horowhenua Councils and Nature Coast to make the most of new funding available for festival events during next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Last week the Prime Minister and Mr Guy, as Minister of Internal Affairs, launched the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund. $9.5 million is available for community events held during the Rugby World Cup, such as concerts, fairs, exhibitions, street markets and parades.

“Rugby World Cup 2011 will be the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand and we want to maximise the community involvement,” says Mr Guy.

“85,000 visitors are expected and there are seven games in Wellington and two in Palmerston North. This presents a real opportunity for Kapiti and Horowhenua to get involved in the spirit of the tournament, while showcasing our region to visitors.

“Running festival events locally will enable more Kapiti and Horowhenua people to feel a part of the Rugby World Cup.

“I’ll be meeting with Kapiti Mayor Jenny Rowan, Horowhenua Mayor Brendan Duffy and Nature Coast to discuss how our region could be involved. This may involve a joint proposal for events in our region being put forward.”

The funding has been allocated by the Lottery Grants Board, which distributes the profits of New Zealand Lotteries (including Lotto and Instant Kiwi) to various statutory bodies and distribution committees.

Applications for grants close on 17 September 2010.

Otaki MP and Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy speaks at the launch of the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund.

PQs: 11. Rugby World Cup-2011 Festival Lottery Fund
NewsRoom.co.nz Agency Story at 8:03 am, 05 Aug 2010

11. JACQUI DEAN (National-Waitaki) to the Minister of Internal Affairs: Why has the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund been created?

Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister of Internal Affairs): During the Rugby World Cup next year nationwide festivals will be held to celebrate New Zealand's culture, heritage, and national identity. The New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund is providing $9.5 million in funding to support these festival events. The Rugby World Cup is the biggest sporting event ever held in New Zealand, and we want to maximise the community's involvement. This funding will help communities and regions get involved in the spirit of the event.

Jacqui Dean: What kind of events can be funded?

Hon NATHAN GUY: This fund will support all sorts of events with a community purpose associated with the Rugby World Cup. This could include things like concerts, fairs, exhibitions, street markets, and parades. Applications are now open, and they close on 17 September. I encourage communities to come up with ideas and make their applications through the website of the Department of Internal Affairs.

Guy welcomes NZTA information centre at Coastlands

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:15:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the opening of NZTA’s new information centre at Coastlands shopping mall.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Guy welcomed the efforts by NZTA to communicate with local residents.

“The MacKays to Peka Peka expressway is a major development for the Kapiti Coast. This new centre has the latest information and staff available to answer questions on how the road will look and the process from here.

“As the local MP I’m looking forward to working with NZTA and the community on the location of interchanges. I’m also looking forward to progress on the other key part of this corridor from Peka Peka to Otaki.

“Over the last five years there have been 59 serious or fatal crashes on the stretch of road between Paraparaumu and Levin. We’ve known for years that improvements are needed on our roads and I’ve campaigned strongly on this issue.

“The MacKays to Peka Peka section is an important part of the Wellington Northern Corridor from Levin to Wellington Airport, which includes Transmission Gully.

“This is a $2.2 billion project which the government has earmarked as a Road of National Significance.”

Guy welcomes new beds for elderly care

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:19:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the opening of a new wing at Sevenoaks Retirement Village in Paraparaumu, housing ten new respite and palliative care beds.

“This new wing is a great asset for our region, and will make a real difference in the quality of life for many people.

“Three of the new beds will be used for short term respite care, thanks to $5 million in nation-wide funding announced by the government last year.

“Caring for older people can be a demanding job which is why it’s so important carers can have a break now and again.

“It was great to bring the Health Minister back here again after our visit in May when the construction was only partially completed.

“Congratulations to the Kapiti Retirement Trust who have won this tender from Capital and Coast District Health Board. They have done great work in our community for more than 50 years.

“In the Otaki electorate we have 16,000 people aged over 65. These beds are important because this number will increase over time as our population ages and the region grows.”

REAA report shows improvement needed

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:53:00 +1200

Associate Minister of Justice Nathan Guy has welcomed a report into the employment of Jonathan Moss at the Real Estate Agents Authority.

“As the Minister responsible for the REAA I am pleased they have undertaken this review of the processes surrounding the employment of Mr Moss.

“The review finds that there was no impropriety in the employment process and that full disclosure of the police investigation was made by Mr Moss.

“However I am concerned this situation was allowed to arise. I am disappointed that there were failures in best practice, and that there was no formal system for checking referees.

“I have received an assurance from the Chair of REAA that employment procedures are being reviewed and improved. The REAA has accepted the recommendation of the review and will adopt the recruitment policy of the SSC.

"The REAA has an important role to play in licensing real estate agents and providing help and support for the public. I want to see this good work continued."

Guy welcomes new paramedics for Otaki and Foxton

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:48:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed three new paramedics to the Otaki Ambulance station this week.

“These new paramedics will be a huge asset to our community, given that Otaki deals with around 1800 call-outs a year,” says Mr Guy.

“The government has announced $28 million in funding for new paramedics across the country. This included three new paramedics for Foxton and three in Otaki, all of whom are now in place.

“Double crewing has been a long standing issue in our region and these new paramedics will make a significant difference. They will help support Levin and act as strategic back-up.

“It is great news for the region following the recent dedication of a new $200,000 ambulance for St Johns in Levin.

“I’ve taken a keen interest in this issue because paramedics are so important to our community, especially with our high number of elderly people.

“Having a quick response time when people dial 111 is very important. Local people need to know that help is there in times of need.

“These St Johns paramedics will complement the Wellington Free Ambulance pilot in Kapiti, which is reducing trips to hospital with paramedics supporting patients in their own home.

“I also want to thank the volunteers who serve. Otaki St Johns has a special culture that helps attract volunteers, with a pool of around 15. They are the lifeblood of St Johns because many of them enjoy the experience and become professional, full-time paramedics.

“The other good news for the Otaki community is the recent launch of the St Johns Health Shuttle that will transport patients to Palmerston North for their appointments.”

From left to right: Nathan Guy MP, Jacinta Rangi, Sarah Hale, Debbie Faith

$153 million in lottery funding to benefit the community this year

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:44:00 +1200

$153 million in lottery funding will be pumped back into the community this year, the Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

“I’m very pleased that the Lottery Grants Board has allocated the same amount of money for 2010/2011 as it did last year.

“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 iconic organisations as Age Concern, St John, Barnardos, Plunket, Women’s Refuges and Cancer Societies.

“Environmental causes also benefit, with funding to save the kakapo in Fiordland and preserve our wetlands in Hawke’s Bay.

“Churches, marae and toy libraries for our kids all keep going with the help of lottery grants.

“New Zealand’s sporting talent is getting a big helping hand with a grant of almost $31 million to Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC).

“$10.8 million has been allocated to the New Zealand Film Commission and $23.2 million goes to Creative New Zealand.

"As I've travelled around the country I've seen just how important lottery funding is in building strong, sustainable communities in New Zealand. Many organisations would struggle without this help."

A full breakdown of the allocation is attached below.

Lottery Grants Board 2010/11 Allocations

2010/11
$ Creative New Zealand
23,250,000

New Zealand Film Commission
10,850,000

Sport and Recreation New Zealand
31,000,000

Total Statutory Bodies listed in Gambling Act 2003
65,100,000

Lottery Regional Community Committees
Northland
1,420,074

Auckland
7,723,886

Waikato
2,881,033

Bay of Plenty / Gisborne
2,360,754

Taranaki
850,732

Hawke's Bay
1,303,310

Manawatu / Whanganui
1,706,717

Wellington / Wairarapa
2,449,093

West Coast / Nelson-Marlborough
1,411,418

Canterbury / Kaikoura
2,989,861

Otago / Southland
1,817,714

Total Lottery Regional Community Committee allocations 26,914,592

Other Lottery allocations
National Community Committee
13,943,875

Community Facilities Committee
13,000,000

Community Sector Research Committee
1,750,000

Environment and Heritage Committee
9,148,059

Health Research Committee
3,186,696

Individuals with Disabilities Committee
4,415,317

Marae Heritage and Facilities Committee
6,885,007

Outdoor Safety Committee
8,277,941

Minister's Discretionary Fund
315,000

Lottery grants GST contingency
600,000

Total other 61,521,895

Total allocations to distribution committees / funds and GST 88,436,487

Total Lottery Grants Board Allocations 153,536,487

Caleb does Otaki proud in Youth Parliament 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:37:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy says his representative at this year’s Youth Parliament, Caleb Jago-Ward, has done a great job.

“Caleb is a confident young man and he’s done a great job representing myself and the Otaki electorate in Parliament.

“It’s always a bit daunting for a student to come down here and take part in what is a major event, but he’s handled himself superbly.”

Horowhenua College student Caleb Jago-Ward says it was a rewarding experience.

“Probably the highlight has been meeting the other Youth MPs from around the country. I’ve met some extremely intelligent and dedicated people here.

“It’s been great to meet other young people who are just as interested in politics as me.”

Caleb gave a speech to Parliament on the need to support students in their career development, and attended a select committee hearing on copyright law.

“One day I might be interested in standing for Parliament, but not till I’m a bit older,” he says.

Otaki MP Nathan Guy and his Youth MP Caleb Jago-Ward outside the Parliamentary debating chamber.

Guy welcomes broadband boost for local schools

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:33:00 +1200

Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the news that seven local schools will receive government-subsidised network upgrades, in preparation for ultra-fast broadband.

“This year’s Budget announced $37.5 million in funding to upgrade school networks, as part of our $1.5 billion investment in rolling out broadband across the country.

“This is great news for the seven local schools who are taking part in this programme. Connecting to the internet is vital for education these days, and we want to make New Zealand schools among the most connected in the world.

“The internet helps schools connect with other schools, share new ideas in education and network around the world.”

The seven local schools are Horowhenua College, St Joseph's School (Levin), Kapanui School, Kapiti College, Otaki College, Paraparaumu Beach School and St Patrick's School (Paraparaumu).

“Next year more schools will be invited to upgrade their networks and I’m hopeful more schools in Kapiti and Horowhenua will benefit.

“The government is working to have 97 per cent of schools, covering nearly all students, on fibre in the next six years.”