23 DECEMBER 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Christmas will be a time for family and friends to come together and reflect on their shared values, and love for each other. It is also a time to reflect on the year past and to think of the coming year.

There is no doubt that this year has been challenging for the nation.

The men and women of the Defence Force had to deal with our first combat loss in Afghanistan. There was also the loss of the crew in the ANZAC day crash of the Iroquois helicopter and in the CT4 Air Trainer crash. The loss of 5 young people will be sorely felt by their own families, and by the wider Defence family.

This year has seen the bedding in of fundamental reform in both my portfolio responsibilities. There will be a lot more work to do in 2011.

The Defence White Paper provides a clear path for our military, planning ahead for the New Zealand Defence Force’s needs in the coming decades.

Science and Innovation are central to the Government’s economic agenda. The changes that have been made in the last two years will simplify and streamline the science system. Crown Research Institutes have a key role in driving our economic growth and the changes brought about by the Task Force report ensure they have clear missions and are properly funded.

In 2011 the new Ministry of Science and Innovation will lead a strong, well-integrated science and innovation system that will improve our economic performance.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a great summer break.

Hon Dr Wayne Mapp

MP North Shore

© Scoop Media