Louise Upston, MP for Taupo, says it is great news for Taupo viewers that free-to-air high definition digital television is now available through Freeview|HD.
 
“I’m pleased to see Freeview|HD here in time for the Rugby World Cup, “ says Louise.
 
‘’With a month before kick-off, it’s a great time for people in Taupo to switch to digital television. It offers better pictures, better quality sound, more channels, and features such as on-screen TV guides.
 
The existing digital terrestrial television (DTT) service has been extended to homes in Taupo, as well as Whangarei, Rotorua, Gisborne, Whanganui, New Plymouth, Wairarapa, Nelson, Timaru and Invercargill.

“This means more than 86 per cent of the population can now choose between the Freeview HD service, received with a UHF aerial, and the Freeview Satellite service, which requires a satellite dish,” Louise says. 

“The $5.5 million DTT extension is part of the National-led Government’s move to modernise New Zealand’s television broadcasting network by replacing the old analogue system with universal digital broadcasting.”  

Recent research shows that 79 per cent of New Zealanders have already converted to digital television.

Digital switchover will be phased starting with Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast in September 2012. The rest of the country will go digital in three stages between April and December 2013.

More information on going digital is available at www.goingdigital.co.nz or by calling 0800 838 800.
 

Taupo MP Louise Upston hosted Maori Affairs select committee chair and parliamentary colleague Hon Tau Henare in Taupo last Friday.

“Taupo leads the way in joint ventures with Maori particularly in the geothermal field, and I wanted to introduce Tau who is a former Minsiter of Maori Affairs to the exciting economic growth initiatives in Taupo being led by iwi, says Louise Upston”

St the meeting with Tauhara No2 Trust, discussions were about joint ventures with Mighty River Power. Nga Awa Purua Power Station which is 140MW - $430 million geothermal power station - the second development by Mighty River Power in partnership with the Tauhara North No 2 Trust. It is close to the existing Rotokawa geothermal power station and connects into existing 220kv transmission lines directly over the field.

Nga Awa Purua houses the largest single shaft geothermal turbine in the world and provides enough electricity to power 140,000 homes (equivalent to Taupo, Rotorua, Hamilton and Tauranga combined).

“Mighty River Power and the Tauhara North No.2 Trust are now working together on the Ngatamariki geothermal power station. At this stage, looks to be completed in late 2013” says Louise

The Ngatamariki geothermal field is located 17km from Taupo, and is one of more than 20 high enthalpy (that is, high energy content) geothermal systems within the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Exploration wells were first drilled in the field by the Crown in 1985-86, and Mighty River Power then drilled further wells in 2008-09. Wairakei Pastoral Ltd owns the land above the geothermal resource.

“Clean Energy is a major resource for Taupo. The Clean Energy Centre will help the Taupo economy to further diversify beyond forestry, farming and tourism, and the centre also aims to add value to existing industries, in partnership with iwi”.

“Unfortunately due to weather and late flights, planned visits to Miraka – new dairy factory and Tuaroapaki businesses at Mokai that utilise heat from the geothermal fields had to be cancelled but Tau is keen to be back in this part of the country soon,” says Louise

“I am proud to be the MP for the Taupo electorate. It is an electorate of diversity and of people who want to work together to make the most of our natural resources and skills.”
 

“The annual Fieldays at Mystery Creek next week are a great opportunity to look at the contribution our rural sector,” says Taupō MP Louise Upston.

“I am looking forward to attending what is now the largest agricultural showcase in the Southern Hemisphere,” Louise says.

“Farming is the backbone of our economy – for us locally and for the country. We rely on our rural sector to help deliver greater prosperity and opportunity for all New Zealanders.

“That’s why the National-led Government is investing in primary industry. We’re improving freshwater management, supporting research and innovation, and breaking down barriers to growth.

“Our Fresh Water Package, announced as part of Budget 2011, is about making the most of our economic opportunities to provide more jobs and higher incomes, while fulfilling our environmental responsibilities.

“We’re investing $35 million for the Irrigation Acceleration Fund to help get irrigation projects underway. The Government is also proposing future investment of up to $400 million of equity in regional irrigation projects.”

Louise says research suggests the funds could support 340,000 hectares of new irrigation, which could boost exports by $1.4 billion a year by 2018, rising to $4 billion a year by 2026.

“Improving the quality of our freshwater is important to all New Zealanders, especially in the Taupō electorate with our great lake and the Waikato River. That’s why we’re committing $264 million to help clean up lakes, rivers, and aquifers,” Louise says.

“National is also helping our primary industries work smarter.”

The Primary Growth Partnership is a government-industry initiative to boost growth through science and innovation. Projects are underway across a range of our key sectors.

In less than two years, the partnership has pledged $477 million to primary sector innovation. “This is the largest-ever funding injection in this area, and shows National’s commitment to boosting productivity,” Mrs Upston says.

“These initiatives are being supported by moves to break down barriers to growth, such as improving the tax system, cutting red tape, and building better infrastructure.

“We’ve cut the company tax to 28 per cent and implemented across-the-board personal tax cuts. We’re making changes to the Resource Management Act to make it easier to do business.

“And we’ve committed to investing around $4.5 billion over 10 years for rural infrastructure to improve connections and services for our rural communities.”

Louise talks about Volunteers Week and what she's been doing in support of it. "Over a million New Zealanders are involved in voluntary work," she says. She also talks about developments in the one-stop-shop Community Links effort.

Louise talks about what her Youth Parliamentarian, Forest View High School student Tay-Jana Brown, will be doing during the Youth Parliament event.

Taupo MP Louise Upston recently visited Waikato River Trails to view the progress on New Zealand’s first Cycleway, launched by Prime Minister John Key in November 2009.

“There is a great amount of work going in to ensure that these cycleways are built properly so they will be here for generations,” says Louise, “I want to extend a big thanks to those who are working tirelessly on the tracks, specifically the Waikato River Trails.”

The $3 million to complete the final two sections of the Waikato River Trails will be funded from the National Cycle Trail Fund. 

The two sections funded under the National Cycle Trail Fund run from Waipapa Dam to Lake Karapiro, and from Whakamaru to Mangakino and will be completed in time for the Rowing World Cup at Lake Karapiro in October 2010.

The 41 kilometre section of the Waikato River Trail is the last section of a 100 kilometre cycle track that will follow the Waikato River, and pass five hydro lakes in some of the most scenic countryside in New Zealand.  One of the benefits of this trail is that sections are accessible by wheelchair and so will enable a wide range of people to experience this scenery.

Louise visited Waikato River Trails with Manager Glynn XX to check out the construction.

“The final stages of the Waikato River Trail are the most complex in terms of construction.  One example that I saw up close will take approximately one week to build and is 5 metres in length.” Says Louise, “Both sides of the track need to be retained to level the steep gradient to ensure that it is user friendly for a wide range of physical ability.”

“Taking care in building the tracks now will make them more enjoyable and usable for young and old, beginners and fitness fanatics in the future,” says Louise. 

It is expected that 40 jobs will be created during construction.  This brings much needed employment at a time it is needed most.  Increasing visitors bring economic gains that benefit the whole community. 

“My family and I are looking forward to using the new track.”

Louise Upston, National's MP for Taupo, talks about the Mystery Creek Fieldays event and the National-led Government's programmes to assist the rural sector. She goes on to talk about Volunteers' Week and her activities in support of the initiative and the "volunteering spirit" so on display in her electorate.

Taupo MP Louise Upston is delighted to see aspects of her Education Amendment Bill picked up by the Minister of Education.  The Education Amendment Bill (No 2) will amend the Education Act 1989.

“Education is my top priority and I’m excited to see this Bill introduced to the House”

Most bills considered by the House of Representatives are government bills.  However, members who are not Ministers can introduce their own bills, which are called ‘members’ bills.’

Louise’s original member’s bill focused on current enrolment schemes, specifically changing schemes to allow children of former students and children of current members of the board. 

“Both these groups have strong connections to the school and I believe that this connection should be recognised in the enrolment scheme.”

The Education Act 1989 describes how schools are to prioritise applications for a place at the school from students who live outside the school’s home zone. The Bill amends the priorities for offering places to out-of-zone students by adding children of former students as the new fourth priority and making children of board employees the fifth priority and extending it to include children of members of the school board.

All other applicants will now be the sixth priority. The first three priorities remain unchanged with:

• First priority given to students enrolled in a special programme run by the school
• Second priority given to siblings of current students of the school
• Third priority to siblings of former students of the school.

“I’m looking forward to some robust debate of these issues in the House,” says Louise, “it’s great to be working hard for education in our community.”

Taupo MP Louise Upston is holding a constituent clinic in Turangi next week.

“I have regular clinics in my electorate offices in Taupo, Tokoroa and Cambridge.  These clinics have been successful in helping people with any problems they may be having with government departments.” Says Louise

“My recent Turangi clinic generated a lot of interest and it is important that I have appointments available outside the main centres.”

The Clinic will be held at the Taupo District Council offices in Turangi on Monday 28th June.

“If you would like an appointment, please contact my Taupo office on 07 376 5563,” says Louise

While in Turangi Louise will visit the Police Station, St Johns and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Local MP Louise Upston is proud to support our community volunteers.  To celebrate Volunteers Week 2010, which runs from 20th June to 26th June, Louise will be visiting different volunteer organisations in the community.

Volunteers Week this year focuses on Volunteering across Generations.  “Volunteers contribute to many areas of the community - sporting, cultural and social events.”  Says Louise. 

The theme of the week is to encourage people to get involved with volunteering.

“I am always encouraged by young people who volunteer their time,” says Louise, “You see young people volunteering anytime you watch Saturday sport as they coach and umpire children’s sport.”

Last year Louise hosted a morning tea at her electorate office.

“This year I am taking the opportunity to get out and meet volunteers in the community,” says Louise, “I am looking forward to learning more about the volunteer organisations in Cambridge and saying thanks for their work.”

Louise will be celebrating Volunteers Week in Taupo on Friday 25th June.

Visits will include the Salvation Army Family Store, Waikato Hospice, St Johns and the Foodbank.

For more information about Volunteers Week or how you can get involved, visit www.volunteeringnz.co.nz or contact the Taupo Electorate office on 07 376 5563 or upston.taupo@parliament.govt.nz

Local MP Louise Upston welcomes a high performance sport initiative for the Taupo region.

Lake Karapiro is part of a $40 million plan to develop a network of satellite high performance facilities throughout the country.

“With the World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro in October, the Government wanted our rowers focused on winning medals, not running cake stalls to raise funds.”

“The recently-built high performance facility at Karapiro provides world-class gymnasium facilities, sports medicine, and sports science expertise all in one place, and just for our rowers,” Louise says.

The first priority for the high performance strategy was to fully fund the remaining $1.8 million debt on the facility through a direct $1 million Government grant, a $300,000 contribution from SPARC and a $500,000 contribution from Mighty River Power ahead of the Rowing World Championships, which will be held at Lake Karapiro in October this year.

Providing Canoe Racing New Zealand with a high performance centre is the next priority after the 2012 Olympic Games.

“The collaboration between Rowing New Zealand, Mighty River Power, and the Government, is an example of the kind of partnerships we want to create to leverage investment from the private sector, local government, and philanthropic funders.”

The Government's major re-shaping and expansion of high performance sport announced today (11 June) aims to make New Zealand consistently one of the most successful sporting nations in the world.

The most significant-ever funding injection into high performance sport in New Zealand amounts to new Budget funding of $10 million in 2010/11; $15 million in 2011/12, and $20 million annually after that. By the 2012/13 year, total funding for high performance sport will be over $60 million annually, compared to the current annual allocation of $42 million.

Taupo MP Louise Upston wants to hear your views on the 2010 Budget and other important local issues.  Louise has sent surveys to households in the South Waikato.

“I want to hear your views on the Budget.  I appreciate the opportunity to understand your views on important issues” says Louise.  “This Government is working hard to ensure New Zealanders are better off.”

Budget 2010 focuses on lifting long-term economic growth to create jobs, boost incomes, raise living standards and provide world-class public services to help Kiwi families get ahead.

Louise’s recent cafe meetings around the South Waikato helped answer some questions from residents.  The topics we discussed included across-the-board personal tax cuts and a package of tax changes will boost economic growth, make the tax rules fairer, and help hard-working Kiwis get ahead.

The tax reforms announced in the Budget will leave someone on the average wage almost $15 a week better off. A family on the average household income with two children will be about $25 better off.

The Budget also continues this Government’s multi-billion dollar investment in infrastructure such as high-speed broadband, roads, rail, and schools. And it makes a substantial investment in research, science, and technology.

“It is great to discuss important issues in the local community,” says Louise, “feedback from the meetings was positive.”

Louise will be hosting meetings as important issues arise. 

“Hearing your views makes it easier to represent you.  We are currently planning meetings to hear your views on alcohol reform.”  Says Louise.

Look out for the survey in your mailbox.  The survey is also on the website, so if you want to send one in, visit www.louiseupston.co.nz”

National MP for Taupo, Louise Upston talks about the tax reforms in the Governmnet's 2010 budget and changes to the health system.

Taupo MP Louise Upston is hosting a number of Post Budget Forums throughout the Taupo Electorate to discuss Budget 2010.

“Last year National was busy concentrating on getting the government’s finances under control”, says Louise, “this year, we are squarely focused on the economy and building the recovery so hard working New Zealanders can get ahead.”

The forums are available for people who want to learn more about the budget and discuss some of the changes with Louise.

“Almost every household in Taupo will be better off with the changes announced last week” says Louise

Budget 2010 will help build faster and more sustainable economic growth and it will contribute to rebalancing the economy. Faster growth leads to more jobs, higher incomes and better living standards.

From 1 October this year, personal taxes will be cut. GST will increase a small amount to 15 per cent. Superannuation, Working for Families, and benefit rates will all increase to compensate for the GST rise.

Budget 2010 Forums

Come along to discuss the 2010 Budget with Louise Upston.

Tuesday 8th June

Poppies Café, 34 Main Road, Tirau 9.00-10.00am

Crazy Cow Café, 30 Tirau Road, Putaruru 10.30 – 11.30am

Scoffers Café, Rosebery Street, Tokoroa 3.30 – 4.30pm

Wednesday 9th June

Cambridge 7.00 – 8.30am

Cambridge Chamber of Commerce is hosting a breakfast with Louise Upston to discuss the 2010 Budget. Contact: Julie Epps, ceo@cambridgechamber.co.nz

Rhubarb Café, 6 Arapuni Road, Arapuni 2.00pm – 3.00pm

Contact Vivian Rikona 07 886 5554 or upston.sthwaikato@parliament.govt.nz

Taupo 5.00 – 8.00pm

HER business Taupo is hosting Louise, Kylie Hawker from Town Centre Taupo and Mayor Rick Cooper to discuss the Budget and Taupo businesses. Contact: Lyn Young, lyn@sentiero.co.nz

Friday 11th June

Taupo 12.00pm – 2.00pm

Taupo Chamber of Commerce is hosting a lunch at the Lake Taupo Yacht Club with Louise on Friday 11th June to discuss Budget issues. Cost is $35 for members and $50 for non members. Contact: Penny Lyons, plyons@mediaworks.co.nz

The Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill, passed through Parliament this week, will ensure the worst repeat violent criminals have less chance to reoffend, Taupo MP Louise Upston said.

“This Bill puts victims ahead of criminals which is something I strongly believe in,” says Louise.

“When I delivered my maiden speech to Parliament 18 months ago I talked about the importance of addressing law and order issues in our society. I’m glad that this Bill focuses on the rights of victims and their families and keeping our streets safer.”

The Bill denies parole to repeat serious violent offenders and to offenders who are guilty of committing the worst murders. It also imposes maximum terms of imprisonment on persistent repeat offenders who continue to commit serious violent offences.

“This Government is sending a strong message that we are serious about reducing crime in the community,” says Louise, “people in our community have campaigned for a safer community and National is taking law and order issues seriously,”

The new regime will apply to 40 serious violent offences which are punishable by a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment or more. It will apply to people over 18 and will not be retrospective.

At stage 3 Police will refer all charges that qualify for the mandatory maximum penalty to the Crown Solicitor for review either pre-charge or by second appearance.

In addition, all cases involving offenders on a final warning, who are subsequently charged with committing a serious violent offence, will have their cases heard in the High Court. Only the High Court, the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court will be able to sentence an offender for a stage 3 offence.

“The government has passed a number of pieces of legislation in law in order that I’m particularly proud of especially legislation with a focus on victims” says Louise.

Last year the government passed several law and order bills including the Sentencing (Offender Levy) Amendment Bill, to compensate victims through a levy paid by criminals.