Nikki's News: July 2015

In this issue: Whanganui Floods - SuperGold Card
- Cycleways package - School Developments in Auckland Central - Visits in the Electorate

Hon Nikki Kaye MP for Auckland Central

July 2015

Whanganui Floods

States of Emergency were declared in Taranaki, Whanganui and Rangitikei after recent severe flooding in these areas.

The areas hardest hit by the storm, resulting in significant damage, were Taranaki, Whanganui, Rangitikei, and Westland. As the Minister of Civil Defence I visited the region several times to see the effects of the flooding and meet many of the people who have been affected, as well as several amazing volunteers.

Within these areas, some locations were affected more than others, so the speed of recovery will differ for each area.

The current estimate provided by the Horizons Regional Council is that the cost of the storms will be in the vicinity of $120 million.

This figure will undoubtedly change, as it’s only based on some infrastructure and housing costs, and not all assessments have yet been undertaken. However, it does give some idea of the severity of this event.

In situations like this, the costs are shared between central government, local government and private insurers, so communities can be assured that most of the costs should already be accounted for within our existing system.

Based on past experience with similar events, the Government is likely to meet at least 60% of these costs.

The Government will work with local mayors regarding any additional needs they may have, and potential further contributions.

Our thoughts are with those affected, particularly those who have still not been able to return home because of flood waters.

Agencies and local authorities are working hard to help communities get back on track, and I extend a big thank you to everyone involved in response and recovery efforts.

SuperGold Card

The outcome of the recent review of the SuperGold Card Scheme is great news for cardholders who use the Waiheke Island ferry services.

The SuperGold card is one of the additional services older New Zealanders have. In the past, the scheme did not allow for fair competition on the Waiheke Island ferry service. I presented a petition on behalf of the Island community asking the Government to give Explore Group ferry service to Waiheke access to the SuperGold Card subsidy. The Government has listened – the moratorium on new services entering the scheme will be lifted from 1 September and a tender will be set up for the Waiheke Island service. As a result, Explore Group will operate on a more even playing field by being a part of the tender. I will be working with local ferry operators, Auckland Transport and the public to confirm the tender process.

Ensuring this entitlement continued was a key election commitment of mine and I’m pleased the recent review has resulted in SuperGold Card holders having continued access to the scheme in a fairer way, now and into the future.

School Developments in Auckland Central

The $7.5 million redevelopment at Bayfield School is due to be completed in the next few weeks. The substantial project, which addresses weather tightness and structural issues, will provide the school with 12 new teaching spaces – built to innovative learning environment standards, a larger hall, a new library, staff facilities, an administration area and a music suite.

I want to acknowledge the school leadership throughout this period, and I give special thanks to the school community, its board and principal Sheryl Fletcher for their patience during this process, given the issues that occurred with asbestos. It will be great to see the school operate in these new buildings from the start of term three.

I know that many of you are frustrated with the progress on the various rebuild and redevelopment options for Western Springs College. The process has largely been delayed due to the size of the project – potentially one of the largest and most complex school projects ever undertaken in New Zealand. The board asked for additional time to ensure the options in the business case could be presented to the community prior to Cabinet consideration.

The Board of Trustees recently held a public meeting in association with the Ministry of Education to cover the history of the projects, the conditions of the existing buildings and the development options. I can assure you that Western Springs is a priority and we are committed to creating a superb, modern school for the Western Bays. I am expecting a decision in the next few months.

Cycleways package

The Prime Minister, and Transport Minister Hon Simon Bridges recently announced a massive $88 million package of cycleways benefiting Auckland.

This package is a massive leap to making us a City of Sails and Cycleways. The network of Cycleways in central Auckland will in my view be a big step in enabling people to cycle safer in the city and change the way people see Auckland. The number of people who live here but also visit will in the future have much better choice as to how they get around the city.

Several packages were announced, including the city centre network. This package of separated cycleways and intersection treatments will connect key parts of Auckland’s central city, including Quay Street and the waterfront, Karangahape Road and Upper Queen Street, and a number of east-west connections. The cycleways will also connect with the city’s other key cycling corridors, and link workplaces, shops, schools and tertiary institutes within the central city.

Particular attention will be paid to intersections and junctions so cyclists can enjoy a safer and more comfortable journey through the city centre.

The package will provide a safer and more connected cycling network throughout the city centre, with a variety of routes that are largely separated from traffic and pedestrians. It will also link the inner suburbs with the central city and provide more transport choice for Aucklanders coming into the city centre, whether for work, leisure, study or shopping. It is primarily aimed at people living within 5 to 8km of the city centre.

Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2015 and be completed by mid-2018.

Events in Auckland Central

Visit to Catwalk Trust Research Facility

I visited the Catwalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust research facility at Auckland University. It was fantastic to be there with founder and amazing New Zealander Catriona Williams, Health Minister Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman and international patron of the trust Zara Phillips.

While there, we heard about their latest research using the mimetic peptide to regulate gap junction channels for spinal cord injury repair. If this work or even part of it progresses to real commercial application, the benefits and uses could be significant in terms of rehabilitation and mitigation of injuries. The Government is currently working through a number of agencies to improve services for people with spinal cord injuries.

Westpac Women of Influence Awards Launch

I had a great evening with Westpac at the launch of the “Women of Influence” programme and awards. There were some amazing people in attendance, from different backgrounds including sport, culture, television, business, education, social services and philanthropy. It was fantastic to see such diversity. Previous award winners include recent Queens Birthday honours recipients Lesley Elliot and Dame Therese Walsh.

ends

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