Column – Judith Collins
Although not all New Zealanders are rugby fans it is hard not to be proud of our wonderful All Blacks and their brilliant win at Twickenham in the early hours (NZ time) of 1 November. I had to watch despite my exams for my Health and Safety diploma …
Collins’ Comments: 9 November 2015
Collins’ Comments: Success in Sport and Trade
It is hard not to be proud of our wonderful All Blacks and their brilliant win at Twickenham in the early hours (NZ time) of 1 November.
Hon Judith Collins
MP for Papakura
Collins’ Comments: Success in Sport and Trade
Although not all New Zealanders are rugby fans it is hard not to be proud of our wonderful All Blacks and their brilliant win at Twickenham in the early hours (NZ time) of 1 November. I had to watch despite my exams for my Health and Safety diploma looming a few days later. The All Blacks showed why they are number one in the world with a hard-fought but well-deserved win.
Continuing with the winning theme I was pleased to see that, for the second year in a row, the World Bank has declared New Zealand the second easiest place in the world to do business.
Trade is vital for creating more jobs and higher incomes for New Zealanders. This year the Government has made significant progress on several trade deals which will unlock a wide range of opportunities for our country.
Following on from the conclusion of the Korea FTA Bill and the TPP negotiations, the Prime Minister and European Union (EU) leaders recently announced that negotiations will begin on an EU-NZ free trade agreement as soon as possible.
The total GDP of the EU is in excess of NZ$20 trillion and it is home to a sophisticated consumer market. Already an important trading partner, with trade between New Zealand and EU totalling $19 billion, the commitment to start Free Trade negotiations is an important first step.
Improving access to international markets is a key component of the Government’s Business Growth Agenda. Creating new opportunities for our exports is crucial to growing jobs and incomes in New Zealand and the National-led Government is keeping up the momentum on trade.
It’s certainly been a big few months on the trade front and I totally agree with Trade Minister Hon Tim Groser who recently described our trade negotiators as the All Blacks of international trade policy.
Updating the Education Act – Public Consultation now open
As you know I am a great believer in education being the key to our children realising their potential. Every child should be able to count on a quality education. I also believe that learning should continue throughout our lives. Helping children to get the very best education is of enormous importance to our Government too.
The Education Act 1989 is now 26 years old and it is time to take stock – to assess what is working and what isn’t and to bring the Act into the 21st Century.
The Government wants to hear from you about what you want from the education system so it meets the needs of learners today and into the future.
Some topics you might consider include:
• What is needed for children whose educational needs are different?
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• priorities and goals for education; and
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• priorities and goals for boards of Trustees;
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• How should schools report to their communities and the public and how could reporting be improved?
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Public consultation on revamping the Education Act 1989 is now open online until 5pm on 14 December.
Click here for more information and for a copy of the discussion document.
The reform of the Education Act 1989 is important for the future of our children and of New Zealand and I urge you to participate.
Volunteers needed for new Counties Manukau Consumer Council
Our Counties Manukau District Health Board is constantly looking for ways to better serve our community and it’s currently seeking volunteers for the new Consumer Council whose task is to contribute to the vision of providing care that is truly patient and family / whanau centred.
The Patient and Whanau Centred Care Consumer Council will cover Middlemore Hospital and satellite hospitals. This includes Manukau Surgery Centre and Ambulatory (Outpatient) Care services including Manukau Super Clinic.
The chosen volunteers will bring a consumer and family/whanau perspective to the development of Counties Manukau Health plans, policies, publications and operational decisions, related to hospital and outpatient care.
If you have passion for helping make a difference to the people of our community and would like to apply please contact Renee Greaves:renee.greaves@middlemore.co.nz / Ph: 09 2760044 ext 8895 or 021 661 407, before 26 November.
One final word – my best wishes for success to all the students sitting exams this month. Go well.
ends
Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
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