This new site gives me the chance to keep you updated on local news and what’s happening in Parliament. It also gives you the opportunity to keep in touch with me.

The last month has been an incredibly busy one with hearings for the Auckland Local Governance Select Committee. Spending hundreds of hours hearing views about the Government’s proposed changes to local governance has given me a far better understanding of what people think is the best way to make Auckland greater.

My electorate office in Freemans Bay is incredibly busy, and my staff and I are working hard to help you.

Since I have been elected, over 2000 people have approached my office with various issues. I have helped constituents on a diverse range of matters including temporary housing, benefit entitlements, victim support, small business opportunities, and local governance queries.

I have been involved with some great local events recently, including the Smokefree Schools Rockquest at Auckland Girls Grammar, and the Great Barrier Black Tie Ball. I’m also looking forward to the upcoming launch of the Grey Lynn Farmers Market on Sunday 6 September.

I look forward to seeing you around Auckland City.

Nikki

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park expansion important for the future of Auckland

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye was delighted by the Minister of Conservation’s announcement that new parks and private land are to be added to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to mark its 10^th anniversary.

“This is an exciting development for the residents of the Gulf and a great gift to the people of Auckland.”

The marine park consists of 1.2 million hectares including marine reserves and more than 50 islands within the Gulf.

“Aucklanders love getting out in their boats, yachts, kayaks and other contraptions to enjoy the Hauraki Gulf.

The new additions feature over 300 parcels of land in Waitakere City Council coastal parks and reserves bordering the Waitemata Harbour, from Whenuapai in the north to Kelston in the south east. Forest and Bird have also signalled they wish to have three of their reserves on Waiheke Island vested into the park.

“This is great new recreational space and a real asset for all New Zealanders.”

“The Hauraki Gulf Forum has worked hard to achieve this, the collaboration of residents, local authorities such as Waitakere City and Forest and Bird demonstrates the wide support within the Auckland for the park.”

“With Aucklands population predicted to be 2 million by 2031, the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park will be an important part of ensuring the future quality of life of Aucklanders.”

“The continued protection of the park and issues as to how we strengthen peoples understanding of the park will be an ongoing discussion with the people of Auckland.”

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park expansion important for the future of Auckland

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye was delighted by the Minister of Conservation’s announcement that new parks and private land are to be added to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to mark its 10^th anniversary.

“This is an exciting development for the residents of the Gulf and a great gift to the people of Auckland.”

The marine park consists of 1.2 million hectares including marine reserves and more than 50 islands within the Gulf.

“Aucklanders love getting out in their boats, yachts, kayaks and other contraptions to enjoy the Hauraki Gulf.

The new additions feature over 300 parcels of land in Waitakere City Council coastal parks and reserves bordering the Waitemata Harbour, from Whenuapai in the north to Kelston in the south east. Forest and Bird have also signalled they wish to have three of their reserves on Waiheke Island vested into the park.

“This is great new recreational space and a real asset for all New Zealanders.”

“The Hauraki Gulf Forum has worked hard to achieve this, the collaboration of residents, local authorities such as Waitakere City and Forest and Bird demonstrates the wide support within the Auckland for the park.”

“With Aucklands population predicted to be 2 million by 2031, the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park will be an important part of ensuring the future quality of life of Aucklanders.”

“The continued protection of the park and issues as to how we strengthen peoples understanding of the park will be an ongoing discussion with the people of Auckland.”

Bird Cage Move Provides Public Square for Central Auckland

I am delighted by the New Zealand Transport Agency’s (NZTA) decision to invest in shifting the historical Bird Cage close to its original position. This will provide a key public space for the people of Central Auckland.

Six months ago I was approached by some key people in the community who wanted me to advocate for the shifting of the Bird Cage to provide a key public space, and better heritage and urban design outcomes.

This issue was first raised at the designation resource consent hearing in 2006 by Richard Reid. There has been wide community and local government support for this to happen and it is great that we can deliver this for the community.

I advocated strongly in an effort to make this happen, however this shift is the product of NZTA, the Victoria Park Alliance, and the community all working together to find a solution.

I am also pleased that the $2.5 million cost of this move has been able to come from the existing budget.

I believe that good urban design is a crucial part of Auckland’s future, and the outcome today is a good example of this.

Public spaces in Central Auckland are precious, and to be able to deliver another great space is good news for the people of Central Auckland.

This square provides a western gateway to the CBD and it starts to structure Central Auckland to very sound urban design principles.

I look forward to seeing the designs that Boffa Miskell Architects come up with for this public square.

Bird Cage Move Provides Public Square for Central Auckland

I am delighted by the New Zealand Transport Agency’s (NZTA) decision to invest in shifting the historical Bird Cage close to its original position. This will provide a key public space for the people of Central Auckland.

Six months ago I was approached by some key people in the community who wanted me to advocate for the shifting of the Bird Cage to provide a key public space, and better heritage and urban design outcomes.

This issue was first raised at the designation resource consent hearing in 2006 by Richard Reid. There has been wide community and local government support for this to happen and it is great that we can deliver this for the community.

I advocated strongly in an effort to make this happen, however this shift is the product of NZTA, the Victoria Park Alliance, and the community all working together to find a solution.

I am also pleased that the $2.5 million cost of this move has been able to come from the existing budget.

I believe that good urban design is a crucial part of Auckland’s future, and the outcome today is a good example of this.

Public spaces in Central Auckland are precious, and to be able to deliver another great space is good news for the people of Central Auckland.

This square provides a western gateway to the CBD and it starts to structure Central Auckland to very sound urban design principles.

I look forward to seeing the designs that Boffa Miskell Architects come up with for this public square.

Nikki’s News - February 2010

 

Government Initiatives

Below are some recent announcements that we have made:

There’s a balancing act between the ability for businesses and consumers to pay an increase, and the potential loss of jobs.

The increase in the minimum wage to $12.75 is in line with the Consumer Price Index.

We don’t want to see people losing their jobs or having their hours reduced because employers can no longer afford to pay their workers.

We don’t want to see workers priced out of the market, but we also don’t want to discourage businesses from taking on new staff.

Last year we raised the minimum wage from $12 to $12.50.  This further increase shows our commitment to helping people who are on low incomes to tackle rising living costs.

In the current fiscal climate, raising the minimum wage by $2.50 an hour would have put thousands of jobs at risk.

Labour increased the minimum wage by $5 over nine years of global economic growth, but they wanted us to increase it by $2.50 in one year during tough times, which was unrealistic.  

All New Zealanders have the right to feel safe in their homes and in their communities.

One reason National was voted into office was because people trusted us to take a hard line on criminals.

We are delivering on our law and order promises. In our first year we passed a raft of legislation designed to protect law-abiding Kiwis while cracking down on the people, and criminal activities, which cause the most harm to our families and our communities.

We start our second year with legislation that will ensure the worst repeat offenders receive the maximum allowable sentence.

The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill will uphold National’s election pledge of no parole for the worst repeat violent offenders, and incorporates significant aspects of ACT’s three-strikes policy.

National is determined to hold serious repeat offenders to account. We are determined to improve public safety. And we are determined to provide a greater measure of justice and closure for victims.

The new sentencing regime will target the small number of repeat violent offenders who show continued disregard for the law and contempt for society. 

Offenders who commit violence and sex crimes with a maximum jail term of seven years or more will come under the new regime.

The first offence will bring a standard sentence and warning. The second offence will bring a jail sentence – in most cases – with no parole and a further warning. On conviction for a third offence, the offender will receive the maximum sentence in jail for the crime with no parole.

We have allowed for a rare occasion when such a sentence would be regarded as manifestly unjust. If the court believes it would be unjust not to allow parole, then it can make an order for parole.

Three strikes will only apply to serious crime offenders aged 18 and over. And it will not be retrospective – it will only apply to offences committed after the law comes into force.

The new regime will help keep the worst repeat offenders behind bars for longer. It will also deter criminals from committing further crime by escalating the severity of their sentences.

National is determined to make communities safer for Kiwi families, reduce the number of crime victims, and make life tougher for violent criminals. This new law is yet another step towards that goal.

As New Zealand emerges from recession the National-led Government’s focus for 2010 has firmly shifted towards significantly lifting our economic performance.

Economic growth matters because it creates jobs, lifts incomes, and improves the living standards of New Zealand families. Only through lifting our economic growth can we close the gap with our trading partners and create new jobs to replace those lost during the recession.

Heading into 2010, we have a good platform. Economic growth is stronger than expected and unemployment lower, thanks to a more stable global economy and the Government’s success in managing New Zealand through the recession.

New Zealand is on the road to recovery, but we still face risks. Global growth may yet weaken again and there are multiple challenges in our own economy.

Unless we can create the right environment for New Zealand businesses to compete on the world stage, we will not achieve the sustained increase in incomes to which National aspires.

We have identified six key areas as potential drivers of growth. These are investment in productive infrastructure; removing red tape and improving regulation; supporting business innovation and trade; improving education and lifting skills; lifting productivity and improving services in the public sector; and strengthening the tax system. 

Budget 2010 will feature initiatives across these areas.

We have also set some of the best minds in the country the task of coming up with ways to lift growth. Among the groups to report back to the Government recently is the Tax Working Group.  This report on ways of improving New Zealand’s tax system will contribute to our Budget decision making.

Equity and fairness for households and the economy will guide our consideration of options identified by the tax group. The only thing we have ruled out is a capital gains tax on the family home.

In considering any significant changes to the tax system National believes the benefits must clearly outweigh any potential difficulties. We will consider proposals that are fiscally neutral.

National believes tax policy can play a role in increasing growth and productivity. We want to ensure our tax system rewards people for hard work, encourages them to save, and helps Kiwi families to get ahead.

A message from the organisers:

Did you know it can take 1000 years for the plastics in your old running shoes to break down in your local landfill? It’s time for you to do your bit to keep you and your planet healthy.

Dig out your old sports shoes from the back of the wardrobe and bring them to the Great WORKOUT| ZONE Sports Shoe recycling project run in conjunction with the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays on Sunday March14^th 2010.

WORKOUT|ZONE- skin care for active people is packaged in minimal and recyclable packaging. With us you get exactly what you see and feel- great skin care and minimal waste. Which is why, we have organised this initiative in association with SAVEMART, NIKE Re-Use a Shoe, Les Mills Auckland and stuff.co.nz. Working together we can do something big!

We want you to drop off your old shoes (tied together) to Les Mills, Victoria Street………before the event, but if you forget bring them, (tied together) to the marked bins at the start of the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays.

Your shoes will be sorted by SAVEMART and the wearable shoes will be sent for re-use to Papua New Guinea. NIKE Re-Use-a-Shoe will collect the “Completely-Past-It” shoes for grinding down to make sports ground surfaces.

For more information go to www.workoutzone.co.nz and click on the icon.

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,

Funding boost for Auckland social services

Auckland Central will benefit from a funding boost for five local social services organisations.

The National-led Government has announced the recipients of the second round of the Community Response Fund, which has granted almost $11 million to 184 community groups around the country.

It has been a very tough year for some local social services groups, who are critical to our communities.

I hope this funding offers a welcome relief as we know some of them are struggling to keep up with demand.

We want them to concentrate on supporting families and organisations, not having to turn people away, or worry about whether they can keep their doors open.

The total number of groups funded through the initiative is now 344, including the National Collective of Women’s Refuges.

The fund was established in May as a response to the economic downturn. It assists those groups providing vital social services which are under severe financial strain or experiencing increased demand.

Up to $104 million is being made available over two years.

Auckland Central organisations have received $274,000, which will make a huge difference to the groups dealing with the day to day impact of the economic downturn.

Groups such as Auckland City Mission and Auckland Refugee Council are vital to our community, and I’m really pleased that this initiative is supporting these services through the recession.

Auckland Central groups that have received funding in the second round are:

Auckland City Mission
Catholic Family and Community Services Kelmarna Centre (Ponsonby)
Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust
Auckland Refugee Council Inc
Grey Lynn Community Trust

I recognise Christmas can be a really demanding time for these groups and the families they help.

I look forward to continuing to work with the many social service providers and community groups that help so many Aucklanders.

ENDS