2 October 2008

Labour delivering for the good people of Mana

Mana MP Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said she is extremely surprised by comments made by National Party candidate Hekia Parata today about Labour not delivering for the good people of Mana.

"Perhaps she is out of touch with the good people of Mana and the enormous achievements that our local community has made under the Labour-led government.

"Labour’s policies, including cheaper health care, income-related state house rents, Working for Families, and 20 hours free early childhood education, are making a real and positive difference for our families.

"Cheaper doctor's fees and prescription costs means our families no longer have to think twice about taking their kids to the doctor. Every kindergarten in Mana is now offering 20 hours free early childhood education, saving local families more than $70 a week per child. Our workers now receive four weeks annual leave and paid parental leave giving them more time to spend with their families.

"We have seen increased employment opportunities and a dramatic decline in unemployment in Mana. In 1999, 3195 people in Porirua received the unemployment benefit. This is compared to 562 in March 2008, and in Kapiti this figure has reduced from 1060 to 108.

"The Labour-led government's $18.5 million investment in the redevelopment of Porirua College is another example of our commitment to ensuring our young people realise their enormous potential.

"Essential social services delivered by community groups like Cannons Creek Fanau Centre and Kapiti Women's Refugee now have more certainty in funding.

"Only yesterday the Labour-led government continued to deliver for Mana, with initiatives coming into effect putting more money into the pockets of local people. I spent the day out in the electorate and heard that tax cuts and boosts to Working for Families will benefit our workers, families and superannuitants.

"Our older residents are also among 54,500 SuperGold cardholders in the Wellington region who are now eligible for free off-peak public transport. These concessions will make a real difference for our older citizens and I think this is fantastic.

"Under Labour, many of our people today are faced with an exciting new dilemma. Instead of looking for jobs and worrying about how to put food on the table, people are thinking about the opportunities available in modern apprenticeships or tertiary study, starting new businesses, buying a home, or saving for their retirement.

"Labour is most definitely delivering for the people of Mana. I am committed to working with the people of Mana, for the people of Mana, and am proud to be part of a government that can be trusted with the future wellbeing of our local community," Laban said.

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