Simon Bridges MP for Tauranga - Press Release

Simon’s survey results are in

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:54:00 +1200

Simon Bridges
National Party MP for Tauranga

Media statement
23 August 2010

Simon’s survey results are in

The results for Tauranga MP Simon Bridges’ annual electorate survey are now in. Over 5,700 households responded.

“They provide an interesting snapshot on the mood of Tauranga,” says Mr Bridges.

“Economically the survey paints a mixed picture. It’s heartening to know that over half of respondents (52%) are personally in as good or better position economically as they were last year despite fraught times globally.

“The Government’s top priority for the remainder of its term will be the continued implementation of its economic plan so that more feel better off over time. In this regard the Government’s tax package will make a real difference. I’m confident income tax cuts will be felt in the period after their implementation on 1 October.

“While people are split on the merits of an increase in GST off-set by income tax cuts, I am confident this will move to a situation where people are firmly in favour of the change following our tax package implementation on 1 October. People will feel the additional money in their pockets. About $2 billion in GST rises will be off-set by more than $4 billion in across-the-board personal tax cuts which will act as stimulus injected into the economy.

“The after tax earnings for an average household will increase about $25 a week and an average wage earner will be about $15 a week better off – even after the GST increase.

“In general, the survey shows strong support for what John Key’s Government is doing in such areas as health and education. In health we see Tony Ryall acting in the areas of most concern to people. His priorities align well with what people want – reduced waiting lists and less bureaucracy. There is clearly also broad based support for National Standards in schools.

“Lastly it is worth commenting on the questions regarding Council. There was majority support for the Council’s library decision and people are strongly focussed on keeping rates under control,” says Mr Bridges.

Notes

Every household in the Tauranga electorate received the multi-question survey and over 5,700 households returned answered papers. This return rate is higher than Mr Bridges received in his first annual survey in 2009.

ENDS

Support the Cancer Society with a Daffodil

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:45:41 +1200

Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga encourages you to donate to the Cancer Society in exchange for a Daffodil on Friday 27 August.

“This year is the 20th Anniversary of Daffodil Day, and reminds us that cancer affects one in three New Zealanders,” Mr Bridges says.

“Daffodil Day started in 1990 and is a major fundraising event for The Cancer Society. Donations received are crucial to helping reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in the community, and ensuring the best cancer care for New Zealanders.

“I will be wearing my daffodil as a symbol of hope for those who are dealing with cancer.”

Donations can be made to any collector on the streets on Friday 27 August. You can also call 0900 31 111 to make an instant $20 donation, or text ‘daffodil’ to 883 to make a $3 donation.

For more information and other ways to donate see www.daffodilday.org.nz

Bridges backs alcohol purchase age change – but wants to know what you think!

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:59:08 +1200

“I’m inclined to vote for an increase to the alcohol purchase age when MPs get a conscience vote on this” says local MP Simon Bridges.

“My clear inclination is to vote for either a change to a split age of 18 for on-licence alcohol sales and 20 for off-licences or for a complete increase to 20 years.”

Having said that, I want as much feedback from the public in Tauranga as possible on this. I have consistently said that I will be heavily guided by what the people of Tauranga want when it comes to conscience votes in Parliament and nothing has changed.”

In coming days I am going to set up a mechanism so that Tauranga people can advise me of their preference, I will be heavily guided by the views I receive,” says Mr Bridges.

New Courtrooms great news for growing city

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:37:58 +1200

Simon Bridges
National Party MP for Tauranga

“The announcement of six new courtrooms and four new conference rooms for Tauranga by Justice Minister Simon Power is great news for our city,” says Simon Bridges MP.

“Tauranga is a fast growing city and as we continue to develop increased courtroom capacity becomes more and more important.

“As a former court lawyer I have seen first-hand the pressure on courts in our region. This is also an issue that I talked about in the 2008 election campaign and that I said we needed to confront. I am delighted that Minister Power is addressing this.

“One of National’s key economic drivers for growth is infrastructural spending. Tauranga is doing very well when it comes to investment in roads, hospitals, schools and now justice infrastructure. We are becoming better and better placed for the future,” says Mr Bridges.

Local MPs welcome early construction for Tauranga Eastern Link

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:12:45 +1200

Hon Tony Ryall, MP for Bay of Plenty
Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga
Todd McClay, MP for Rotorua

Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall, Tauranga MP Simon Bridges and Rotorua MP Todd McClay welcome news that construction of the Tauranga Eastern Link road will start up to 7 years earlier than previously possible following the Government’s approval for the route to be tolled.

“The link, one of the country’s seven roads of national significance, is one of the biggest construction projects in the region and is valued at $455 million,” Mr Ryall, Mr Bridges and Mr McClay say.

“The link will create a 24 kilometre, four-lane highway from Te Maunga (near Baypark Stadium) in Tauranga to the existing junction of State Highways 2 and 33 (the Rotorua and Whakatane highways) near Paengaroa.

“It will contribute significantly to the Bay of Plenty’s economic and social well-being by reducing travel times for commercial vehicles accessing the Port of Tauranga and beyond.

“As well as shortening the journey for motorists and reducing transport costs for business, greater efficiencies and access to the Port of Tauranga will help increase the volume of exports and in turn the growth of the region.

“The link will also improve safety for residents along the current route of State Highway 2 and open up access to new developments planned for Papamoa.

“Extensive community consultation on tolling to bring forward construction resulted in significant community support for the idea. 92 per cent of respondents said they conditionally or unconditionally supported advancing the project through tolling during the 2009 public consultation.

“Work will begin early next year and is due to be completed in 2016.

“Tolls are proposed to be no more than $2 per trip for cars and motorcycles and no more than $5 for heavy vehicles. It is estimated that all borrowing will be repaid within a toll operating period of 35 years, after which tolls will be removed.

“The existing State highway 2 route through Te Puke will remain as a free alternative route once the Tauranga Eastern Link is completed.”

To keep residents informed a dedicated website and an on-site visitor centre will open early next year. More information about the link can be found on the NZ Transport Agency’s website www.nzta.govt.nz

Locals urged to come up with festival ideas for World Cup 2011

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:08:00 +1200

Simon Bridges
MP for Tauranga

Simon Bridges is urging Tauranga locals to come up with ideas for New Zealand’s biggest ever festival.

Today the Government announced a new $9.5 million Lotteries Fund to support community events and activities in every part of the country in the lead-up to, and during, the Rugby World Cup.

“The Rugby World Cup will be a huge event for New Zealand, and a great chance for us to celebrate as a region,” says Tauranga MP, Simon Bridges.

“Twenty three centres around the country are hosting games or teams, bringing widespread economic benefits. This fund will ensure that Tauranga can make the most of the opportunity.

“This fund will complement the investment regions are already making in the World Cup festival. There are already some great event and activity ideas out there. We want to hear more!”

Applications for the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund will open on July 27 and close on August 31. Successful applicants will be announced by the end of October.

New Zealand 2011 Office Festival Director Briony Ellis says Tauranga has already put forward some great ideas for the festival, and this fund will ensure that good ideas can be brought to life.

“Our locals know best how to show off what our region has to offer,” Simon Bridges said.

“The world up is more than just the matches. We want to make sure our visitors get to see our country, meet our people and have a great time in between the games.”

ENDS
For more information on the Fund, visit: www.dia.govt.nz

For more information on the Festival, visit: www.nz2011.govt.nz

Simon in Shanghai

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:08:23 +1200

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges and MP for Rotorua Todd McClay are to represent Government as part of the Bay of Plenty Exporters Delegation visit to the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. Both MPs will be in China for the week starting 19 July.

Mr Bridges says the Expo is a fantastic opportunity for Bay of Plenty businesses to promote commercial development with China and to strengthen key trading relationships.

“New Zealand’s Expo Pavilion is innovative, high quality and distinctive. It will offer businesses from Tauranga and the surrounding area a great platform to engage with key contacts in the Chinese market,” says Mr Bridges

Mr Bridges said that he was approached earlier this year by Export NZ to join the delegation and strengthen the region’s representation.

“Todd McClay and I made a case to the Prime Minister who agreed that our representing Government in Shanghai would add weight to an already impressive list of participants.

“The Prime Minister said that the Government has put considerable taxpayer funds into the Expo.

“This Bay of Plenty Exporters mission is part of a coherent strategy to leverage off that investment.

“An estimated 7 million visitors are expected to visit the New Zealand Pavilion during the Expo. This is simply a brilliant opportunity to showcase our region’s trade, tourism, education, and people to people capabilities,” says Mr Bridges.

Travelling with the MPs are many business people as well as educationalists and local body dignitaries from across the Bay of Plenty.

$1m funding boost for air ambulances across New Zealand

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:26:49 +1200

Simon Bridges, National MP for Tauranga - Press Release

“Almost $60,000 will be given to air ambulances in Tauranga this week thanks to extra funding from the National-led Government,” says Simon Bridges MP.

“Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter provides a vital service. I am privileged to be able to present a cheque today with Hon. Tony Ryall, MP for Bay of Plenty, to further support their work in the greater Tauranga region.

“Air ambulance helicopters are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Government is working hard to ensure these critical, life-saving services continue to serve the community and save lives.”

The funding boost is part of a $48 million commitment to implementing a New Zealand Ambulance Services Strategy over the next four years.

Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter is one of 16 centres across New Zealand that provides life-saving service transport for critically ill or injured people to medical facilities.

The plan, announced in June last year, will see 100 extra paramedics and additional training for rural ambulance staff across the country.

Although air ambulances transport about three in every 100 ambulance patients, their costs represent two in every ten dollars of the $150 million spent by Health and ACC on ambulance services.

“We are committed to supporting and furthering our health service sector in the years ahead,” says Simon Bridges.

A cheque will be presented by Simon Bridges and Hon. Tony Ryall to Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter at 1pm at the Ian Pain Memorial Hangar, Tauranga Hospital, Tauranga.

Regions where the funding is being distributed:

Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, New Plymouth, Hastings, Gisborne, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Greymouth, Dunedin and Queenstown.

Bridges congratulates all involved in Applied Powder Metallurgy Centre

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:49:16 +1200

Simon Bridges - National Party MP for Tauranga

“The opening of the Applied Powder Metallurgy Centre is a great day for Tauranga and I want to congratulate all who have worked hard to make this happen” says Simon Bridges MP.

“This development is very exciting, and the potential from titanium for our region and New Zealand is massive. International consultants have predicted that a titanium applications industry could be turning over $700 million by 2020.

“Special acknowledgement should be made of Tauranga local, Ian Macrae, Chief Executive of Titanox. I know he could have made a lot of money just selling his titanium powder off-shore. He has wanted more than that though. He has wanted to see this industry develop high value products and become something that sees young kiwis into good jobs and creates wealth for Tauranga and New Zealand.

“Central Government has also played a significant role. The Government has contributed significant money to make today and the emergence of a titanium industry possible. It has also committed future funds.

“Tauranga is and will continue to be the hub of the New Zealand titanium industry. It should play a part in the strong economic story Tauranga will be able to tell in years to come.”

Notes

- The Centre will be officially opened at 10.30am, Friday, 2 July 2010, by Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, Minister of Defence, Research, Science and Technology, and Associate Minister of Economic Development and Tertiary Education. Mr Bridges will accompany Dr Mapp.
- The Centre is located at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.
- The Centre will combine traditional and high tech engineering with titanium and will see people trained into both apprenticeships and PhDs.
- The centre will also provide a facility where companies will be able to develop innovative new products for export using the impressive array of tools and equipment available to them.
- New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), in partnership with the private sector, has helped fund the establishment of the Titanium Industry Development Association (TiDA) which is leading and coordinating the industry development activities. NZTE has also committed three-years of funding to the Applied Powder Metals Centre.
- The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology has invested approximately $5.3m from 2000-2012 primarily with the University of Waikato and Titanox. A further $300,000 TechNZ investment was recently awarded to TrioDent.
- Additional sums of Government assistance are also under consideration.

Animal welfare bill passes into law

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:46:00 +1200

Media Statement
Hon David Carter, Minister of Agriculture
1 July 2010

Animal welfare bill passes into law

Agriculture Minister David Carter has welcomed the unanimous passing today of legislation that significantly raises penalties for cruelty to animals.

The Animal Welfare Amendment Act will increase the maximum sentences and fines for animal ill-treatment and neglect, and redefine the way some offences are described.

“This legislation sends a clear message that serious offending against animals will not be tolerated,” says Mr Carter.

“The unanimous support it received in Parliament reflects the fact that New Zealanders want strong laws to protect animals from harm.”

The Act expands the threshold for the offence of wilful ill-treatment – the most serious animal welfare offence – and it adds a new offence of reckless ill-treatment.

The maximum sentence for wilful ill-treatment of an animal increases from three to five years and the maximum fine will double to $100,000 for an individual and $500,000 for a body corporate.

Penalties also increase for a range of other neglect and ill-treatment offences and the Act expands the law relating to forfeiture of animals and disqualification from having custody of animals.

Zespri factory workers chat to PM

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:50:46 +1200

www.sunlive.co.nz Workers at Zespri's Te Awanui packhouse in Mount Maunganui were clamouring to catch a glimpse of Prime Minister John Key when he visited on Thursday morning. The visit was part of a one day visit to Tauranga - the second since he became Prime Minister. (To read more and to watch this video on SunLive click here...)

PM Breakfasts in Tauranga - Acorn Foundation

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:26:15 +1200

http://www.sunlive.co.nz Prime Minister John Key celebrated the Acorn Foundation's 100th donor at a special breakfast in Tauranga on Thursday morning. John Key celebrated the milestone at a breakfast at Classic Flyers in Mount Maunganui with over 400 invited guests. (Read more...)

Prime Minister John Key had 300 Probus Club members in fits of laughter

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:16:28 +1200

www.sunlive.co.nz Prime Minister John Key had 300 Probus Club members in fits of laughter during his speech at Bureta Park Motor Inn on Thursday morning. The laughter came after he compared himself with Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, who was voted New Zealand's second sexiest politician earlier this year while John ranked number one. (Read more...)

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:53:31 +1200

Survey in the City 2

“This year’s Tauranga electorate survey covers a lot of ground, ranging over people’s economic circumstances post-Budget 2010 and their attitudes on health, education and mining,” says Simon Bridges.

“I have also asked a couple of questions about our Council given that it is local body election year and given the controversy that has surrounded library book charges.

“While the prospect of library book charges has gone for now, we have been one of the only areas in New Zealand that has proposed something like this, so I hope that by asking the question and then making the results public I will be providing valuable information for ratepayers and councillors for the future.”

The survey also provides room for comment on any other issue that the people of Tauranga believe is of particular concern or significance.

“I will try and respond personally to everyone who comments. Both the responses to the questions and the comments are going to be very useful and interesting to me. They will allow me to understand to a much greater extent what our community is thinking. I will make sure that any patterns that emerge from both the survey questions and comments are made public so we can all be aware of what is going on,” says Mr Bridges.

“This survey is about listening, staying connected in the middle of the electoral cycle, and gathering useful and interesting information for both me and also for the people of Tauranga,” says Mr Bridges.

Notes

Simon Bridges surveyed the Tauranga electorate last year, making this the second since his election. He intends to conduct the survey every year he is MP for Tauranga.

Last year’s survey asked questions about the economy, law and order and the environment. Strong trends in relation to law and order prompted Mr Bridges to strongly back the Three Strikes law that Parliament passed earlier this year. 86% of the over 5,000 respondents backed a three strikes regime. Mr Bridges made the survey results on law and order widely known to his National Party colleagues at Parliament.

Last year’s survey results can be viewed at:
http://www.simonbridges.co.nz/index.php?/archives/31-Simon-Bridges-Survey-Results-2009.html

As with last year’s survey, over 30,000 go out by post today and tomorrow to every household in the Tauranga electorate.

Simon Bridges MP congratulates Green Ribbon finalist

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:13:50 +1200

Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga congratulates the Environmental Education for Resource Sustainability Trust, who was selected as one of 27 finalists in the annual Green Ribbon Awards. This local organisation was among 143 organisations, individuals, businesses and communities nominated for this year’s 12 award categories which honour outstanding contributions to protecting New Zealand’s environment.

“The awards pay homage to those who have contributed positively to addressing environmental issues and inspired others to take action,” Mr Bridges says.

This year marks the 20th Green Ribbon Awards. During this time more than 100 environmental champions have been awarded for their initiative, commitment and dedication to tackle environmental issues.

“The finalists contribute to the Government’s emphasis on practical initiatives that make a real difference to environmental challenges such as climate change, water quality, the protection of nature, and reducing waste,” Mr Bridges says.

“These problems won’t be solved by Government agencies such as the Environment Ministry or the Department of Conservation alone, but by businesses, communities and individuals showing local leadership.”

The 2010 Green Ribbon Awards will be held at Parliament on the 3rd June, where the winners of each category, and an overall supreme winner, will be announced.