4 March 2011

Media Statement

Parata acknowledges energy companies support in Christchurch

Acting Energy and Resources Minister Hekia Parata today acknowledged and thanked electricity, gas and fuel companies for the hard work and support they are providing to the people of Christchurch.

“Long hours, under difficult conditions, have gone into reconnecting Christchurch and ensuring people are safe.

“Many of those workers have their own homes and families to worry about, but they have still worked tirelessly for the greater good of Christchurch.

“Infrastructure services such as gas and electricity are the backbone of our cities and our day-to-day lives. The Christchurch earthquake has brought that into stark reality for the whole country.

“I understand that in addition to the hard work these companies are putting in to restoring vital infrastructure, several have made significant donations to relief funds, or have offered, for example, free gas through retail outlets.

“I also commend the companies that have frozen prices over coming months, and those electricity and gas companies that have deferred bill payments.

“On behalf of the government I would like to thank all those workers in the energy industry who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help the people of Christchurch,” Ms Parata said.

ends

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Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>