Simon Bridges MP for Tauranga

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:49:24 +1200

Bayfair Shopping Center (Outside farmers), 2pm-4pm ! Simon Bridges MP will WAX HIS LEGS as a part of his fundraising for Canteen this year

- come down & show your support! Canteen was established to ensure that no young person in NZ living with Cancer should ever feel alone ... Let's make sure that this dream stays true so come down and support me on Saturday 23 October! I'll Need it!~

Help my personal fundraising for Canteen - Click here to donate now!

Archived : August 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:25:49 +1200

- a peek at what I got up to in August ...

Date	Event	Location
02 August	Constituent Meetings	Electorate Office, 184 Devonport Rd - Tauranga
03-05 August	Parliament in Session, Wellington	Government Caucus, meet with Ambassador of Japan, MA Select Committe in Taupo, J&E Select Committee in Wgtn, Infratil Luncheon, Speaking in the House, Vodafone briefing...and more.
06 August	Port Hills Luncheon with Hon David Carter	I am the Guest Speaker for Hon David Carter in his Electorate, Port Hills, Christchurch, at a luncheon event.
09-13 August	Recess - A week in my Electorate, Tauranga	I am visiting a number of primary schools within the area this week! I will be hearing oral submissions in Rotorua for the MA Select Committe. I am excited to have Hon Jonathan Coleman, Minister for Immigration speaking at a luncheon with Settlement Support, Tauranga on Wednesday 11 August and a Regional Councils meeting. This will be an action packed week.
15 August	Mount Farmers Market	...always a favourite!
16 August	Hamilton Westn Coffee Morning with Tim MacIndoe MP	I am the Guest Speaker at Tim MacIndoe, MP's Electorate Coffee Morning. I have Constituent meetings in the afternoon in Tauranga.
17-19 August	Parliament in Session, Wellington	Question Time, Select Committees, Speaking in the House, briefings, meetings and hopefully I am able to attend the Momentum Kiwifruit Industry Conference Dinner in Rotorua! Of course, tune in 7.20am TV1 for Young Guns on Breakfast.
20 August	Tauranga	Hon Anne Tolley, Minister for Education will visit Mt Maunganui College, then I am on the judging panel for the TGC Kaipakihi Ranga Wairua Business competition, then off to Comivta to celebrate the 100th birthday of their founder Claude Stratford.
23 August	Friends of the Environment Centre, Tauranga	I am chairing the inaugural Friends of the Environment Centre meeting with Nikki Kaye MP.
24-26 August	Parliament in session, Wellington	Briefing from DairyNZ & Fonterra, Speaking in the House, a Sensible Sentencing Trust Conference, Select Committees, Question time, TVNZ Breakfast Show and more...
27 August	Youth Breakfast in Timaru hosted by Jacqui Dean MP	I am Guest Speaker at the Youth Breakfast event hosted by Jacqui Dean, MP for Waitaki - I can't wait for this!
28 August	Bethlehem College Art Exhibition	I hope to be able to visit Exhibition Cafe' at Bethlehem College Performing Arts Centre - so much talent!
30 August	Export NZ Lobby Group visit	I meet bi-monthly with a group of ExportNZ Businesses and discuss a variety of topics and issues that are relevant to this group.
31 August	Film BeTWEEN- Greenstone Pictures, Auckland	Greenstone pictures guest for the politics themed TVNZ6 show - the series tackles issues that "tweens" have said are relevant to them. This year everything from the environment and what it really means to be green to the media and understanding how it shapes the world tweens see, is covered.

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:50:50 +1200

SurveyResults2010.pdf

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

Weekend Sun Column

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:56:36 +1200

High tea with your MP?

So that I can stay in touch and let people know what the Government is doing in our area I have started morning teas with all retired residents in the Tauranga electorate. It may take me a while to invite you all but if you are over 65 expect an invitation from me in the future.

It won’t quite be high tea but I hope if you come you will enjoy an informative conversation with me and others in our community over a good hot cuppa. You will also have an opportunity to ask any hard questions you have been saving up for an MP.

So that the young don’t feel left out I’m also scheduled to visit every primary school in the electorate before the end of this year. In the past couple of weeks I’ve got a lot out of seeing teachers and children at Greerton Village, St Mary’s and Matua primary schools. Our teachers do a great job – we are blessed with great schools in Tauranga.

National’s Economic Plan to Create Jobs and Boost Incomes

The economy is recovering. But this recovery will be different from those we’ve had before.

It must be built on exports and investment, not the debt and spending we saw over the past decade. That’s the only way to create the sustainable jobs and higher incomes that hard-working Kiwis deserve.

Because of this, the recovery might appear a bit patchy at times, as the global economy remains uncertain and as households and businesses pay off debt. Although things are looking up, some local families and firms will find the going tough.

On top of that, New Zealand’s recession started earlier than other countries and we have to work harder to shrug it off. Our exporting industries shrank between 2005 and 2010, when New Zealand spent too much and saved too little.

It’s going to take a lot to turn things around. And it won’t be a short-term job. It will need a relentless and long-term focus.

That’s why National has a comprehensive economic plan with six drivers to get faster economic growth, create jobs, and boost incomes. These drivers are:
• Strengthening our tax system,
• Providing better, smarter public services,
• Reforming regulations,
• Improving education and skills,
• Promoting business innovation and trade, and
• Investing in smart infrastructure.

We’ve already made good progress.

On 1 October, every earner will receive a tax cut. This will make the average family $25 a week better off after GST changes. Find out how the tax changes affect you at www.taxguide.govt.nz.

We’re improving the frontline public services that you rely on – such as health, education, and law and order – and the way public assets are funded and managed.

We’re reforming regulations such as the Resource Management Act, the Building Act, and employment law to boost jobs and growth.

We’re lifting achievement in schools with National Standards and more frontline funding.

We’re working with businesses to add value to our exports through the Primary Growth Partnership and other science, research, and development projects.

And we’re unclogging the growth arteries by investing billions in roads, broadband, the electricity network, and rail, as well as upgrading schools, homes, and hospitals.

This is just a start. You’ll see more from the Government in the months ahead as we make ongoing improvements to get faster growth, create jobs, and boost incomes.

Only a strong economy can provide financial security for families, real opportunity for young people, safer communities, and the high-quality education and health services all New Zealanders need.

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

Video update

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:56:25 +1200

Continue reading "Video update"

The Bridges Brief - August 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:30:10 +1200

World Expo – Shanghai, China

At the end of July I was privileged to attend the Shanghai World Expo with a large Bay of Plenty delegation made up of over 50 business people, educationalists and other civic leaders such as MP Todd McClay, Mayor Stuart Crosby, EBOP Chair John Cronin, and Councillor Bill Faulkner. Much was achieved and I enjoyed a busy and fascinating trip to a remarkable country.

In contrast to expectations, Shanghai was clean, green, highly organised and prosperous. This wealth is growing a burgeoning middle class that is fuelling strong trade with New Zealand.

Shanghai: The old and the new

Indeed, on one set of figures I have seen the Chinese middle class – those earning at least 80,000 yuan (approximately NZ$16,500) annually – will reach 700 million, or 48 percent of the country’s population, by 2020. Most in this class live in economically go-ahead regions and big cities such as Shanghai, which currently has a population of around 20 million people.

Asia-wide there are today 3 million millionaires, 26 percent more than a year ago: this means a region, in which China is the leading power house, that controls more wealth than Europe and is closing in quickly on North America. As an example of this prosperity, that sees the Asian rich control $9.7 trillion in assets, think of this mind-boggling number: Chinese millionaires spent $830 million on fine art last year. That’s some pretty valuable paintings!

Of course this expanding group of middle class and very wealthy citizens are providing a ready market for all manner of goods and services increasingly from our country.

As you will probably know, New Zealand was the first developed country to negotiate and then complete a free trade agreement with China in 2008. The importance of this cannot be overestimated.

Stemming from our FTA, China has gone from well back in New Zealand’s trade pack to recently overtake the USA as our second biggest trading partner behind Australia. In the darkest days of the recession in the 2009 calendar year our exports to China increased a massive 43 percent.

It is estimated that China will very soon be our largest trading partner and when our PM John Key recently met with the Premier of China, Wen Jiabao, it was agreed in principle that our nations would work together to double our annual $10 billion in trade to $20 billion by 2015. Out of this figure, we hope to treble New Zealand’s exports from $4 to $12 billion and a large quantity will be in education, tourism and, of course, quality New Zealand produce.

Mayor Stuart Crosby and I roped into the Haka at World Expo – hundreds of adoring Chinese look on

While in Shanghai I got to see both the future potential but also the already proven success of our produce going to middle class Chinese willing to pay top dollar (or yuan). On a day with local representatives of Tauranga-based success story Zespri, I learned that Shanghai alone consumes 400,000 trays of kiwifruit a month.

Year-to-date growth is a staggering 66% and demand for gold kiwi is so strong we simply can’t supply enough. Chinese love the Gold kiwifruit for its sweetness and nutrition and unlike with the green variety, in the Gold market Zespri does not face competition.

Perhaps most interesting is who the target market is. Given what I have already said, you will appreciate that it is from amongst the rising middle class and the rich. But the primary target audience is even more specific: young women eating kiwifruit because they care about their health and beauty and with China’s one child policy they care about their child’s health.

Zespri kiwifruit is known in China by the slogan, “small fruit, big nutrition.” In one plush inner supermarket I visited, Zespri Gold kiwi were selling for - wait for it - $5 a piece.

The kiwifruit story is by no means the only good news for the Bay of Plenty coming out of China. Many other businesses on our trip developed and deepened relationships while I was there so that discernable advances could be seen.

The Bay of Plenty Aquaculture delegation in Shanghai with me realised trade and investment opportunities beyond their best expectations. In particular, meetings with Oriental Ocean, the number one seafood business in China, has resulted in its President coming to New Zealand next month. He will in all probability conclude arrangements that will see our green lipped mussels processed in Tauranga before heading to Oriental Oceans’ high value seafood stores throughout China.

There also remains the potential for us to export further sea produce through Oriental Ocean such as sea cucumbers (a delicacy in China), scallops, and other fish, sourced mainly from the Eastern Bay of Plenty, but set to be processed and shipped from Tauranga.

Sea cucumbers in the water and ready for sale in Shanghai

Out and about

In addition to attending to my parliamentary duties this month, I have greatly enjoyed visiting nearly every primary school in the Tauranga electorate. Before the end of the year I will have visited all of our schools (some several times). Our teachers and principals do a wonderful job for us and ensure that our children get one of the best educations in the country.

My vision is our city’s students will be able to put skills learned to great use in our region in the future. Perhaps they will be involved in the science needed to keep our horticulture and aquaculture businesses at the cutting edge worldwide, so that affluent Asians of the future will continue paying a premium for our top quality nutritious produce.

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.

Weekend Sun - 06 Aug 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:18:30 +1200

Greerton’s Got Talent!

As a new MP I constantly learn to do all sorts of things I never thought I had the aptitude for. Judging talent contests is one of my new found skills!

Last weekend I really enjoyed judging ‘Greerton’s Got Talent’ as part of the Greerton Senior Citizens Club’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. The Crowd at the hall were treated to a variety of music and dance styles including rock, classical and tap and ballet.

The skills on display by young and not so young were impressive. Susan Boyle and Paul Potts eat your hearts out!

While on the subject of talent, I also enjoyed attending this year’s ‘Tauranga Dancing with the Stars’. Going as a member of the crowd rather than a dancing participant (as I was last year) is much less stressful. Congratulations to all dancers – I was particularly impressed by Councillor Bill Grainger’s Cowboy routine.

Coming up I am looking forward to the Tauranga Environment Centre’s AGM at 7pm Monday 23 August at the Historic Village Hall. To support the environment locally and to come along to the AGM all you need to do is become a friend of the centre by visiting www.tgaenvcentre.org.nz. I became the Environment Centre’s first friend not so long ago and I know the AGM will be worthwhile. My colleague Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye is guest speaker. Nikki is an authoritative and passionate advocate on environmental issues.

Improving Employment Law

As we continue out of the recession, we need the right environment to create more jobs. Economic growth happens when a business sees an opportunity and is prepared to invest, expand, take risks, and hire new workers.

Our Government is committed to giving businesses of all sizes the confidence to do these things.

We introduced the 90-day trial period in 2008 to encourage employers with fewer than 20 employees to take on new staff, and to expand job opportunities for people who often struggle to get work.

It’s working extremely well. A Department of Labour report found that the vast majority of people employed on a trial period have remained employed.

It said most employers viewed dismissals during the trial period as an unfavourable outcome, and actively tried to avoid them.

The voluntary 90-day trial is a win-win for employers and employees. That’s why we’re extending the trial period to all employers so that everyone can benefit.

Extending trial periods is just part of the package of employment law improvements we’re making.

National is committed to maintaining a fair system that protects the rights of New Zealand workers.

We’re changing the personal grievance process to resolve employment problems more quickly, discourage poor practices, reduce costs, and improve confidence in the system.

We’re also looking at changing the law around sick days. Employers will be able to require a medical certificate from employees. This will be at the expense of the employer.

Employers aren’t going to waste their time and money asking every employee for a medical certificate when they take a day off sick. This option is about the ability to question those who may be abusing their leave. Common sense tells us it will be used sparingly.

There will also be changes to the Holidays Act. This will include giving employees the ability to trade one of their four weeks’ annual leave for cash. Cashing in the fourth week of leave can’t be raised in salary negotiations and can only be at the employee’s request. Maximum penalties will double for employers who don’t comply with the Holidays Act.

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

Video Update

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:10:08 +1200

Simon talks about his visit (with Todd McClay MP for Rotorua) to the Shanghai World Expo as part of the Bay of Plenty business delegation, the New Zealand pavilion at the Expo and his impressions of Shanghai

Continue reading "Video Update"

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

Weekend Sun Column – 23 July 2010

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:25:16 +1200

Air Ambulances boost

Tony Ryall and I really enjoyed handing over a cheque for nearly $60,000 on behalf of the National-led Government to the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter service in Tauranga a couple of weeks back. Pilot Liam Brettkelly accepted the money at the helicopter hangars at the Tauranga Hospital for this vital service.

Air ambulance helicopters are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, saving lives. All the workers involved deserve our debt of gratitude.

Roof top gardening

While on worthy matters related to Tauranga Hospital, a great project is underway to create a beautiful landscaped garden on the Hospital’s roof for patients and visitors. Thanks to early public support, park benches have been purchased, but you can help out, as I will be, by sponsoring a durable plant for $5 which will be planted in the Spring. Thanks to Grasshopper Construction for their help with this. If you are interested in helping contact Paul Stanbridge as follows – email paul.stanbridge@bopdhb.govt.nz or phone 579 8000 or by post to Paul Stanbridge, BOPDHB, Private Bag 12024, Tauranga 3143. Cheques can be made out to Bay of Plenty District Health Board.

Putting victims first

Crime impacts on us all. It affects our communities and our economy. But the biggest impact is on the victims of crime and their families. They have to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial effects of crime long after it’s been committed.

Victims have been neglected for too long. National is putting victims at the heart of the justice system.

A couple of weeks back on-the-spot safety orders came into effect. These ensure that victims of domestic violence get immediate protection from dangerous situations.

Police will now be able to remove an alleged violent person from the home for a period of up to five days. This will provide a period of safety in which victims can consider their options.

National is also improving services for victims of violent crime. These include a range of initiatives that will help address the financial and emotional costs that victims face.

From 1 July, all convicted offenders will pay a $50 offender levy. This levy will be imposed automatically on offenders at sentencing – regardless of the crime they commit. The levy will collect an estimated $13.6 million over the first four years. It will support additional entitlements and services for victims of serious crime.

These include:
Increased grants for families of homicide victims.
Assistance with expenses resulting from sexual violence.
A High Court attendance grant of $124 per person per day for up to five adult members of a homicide victim’s family.
Increases in travel, accommodation, and childcare assistance for victims attending court proceedings.
Funeral grants for families of homicide victims.

Victims of sexual violence will receive further support in courts. This service will give victims access to a trained adviser who understands the dynamics of sexual violence cases and victims’ needs.

Families of homicide victims will receive an enhanced service that will provide practical and emotional support to families.

And all victims of crime will now have access to more information about the justice system by way of a DVD, support material, and a redesigned victims’ website.

National is committed to addressing the impact of crime on victims. We can’t take away the pain of victims’ loss or injury, but we can help smooth the way.

Our new on-the-spot safety orders, the new offender levy, and extra victim support will help ensure offenders contribute to addressing the harm their behaviour causes, and put victims at the heart of the justice system.