Mel in Mt ALBERT, March 2013

P A R L I A M E N T A R Y S E R V I C E

OUR PRIORITIES Responsibly managing the governments finances Building a more competitive and productive economy Delivering better public services Rebuilding Christchurch

M A R C H

2 0 1 3 ,

I S S U E

A brighter future for Pasifika families

Talofa lava, Kia orana, Malo ni, Bula vinaka, Fakalofa lahi atu, Malo e lelei, Taloha Mauri
New Zealand is proudly a nation of the pacific. Many New Zealanders identify as Pacific, and Pacific culture plays a big role in New Zealands diversity. Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world and the vibrant colour and sounds of Pacific life can be found across New Zealand. National is committed to supporting Pacific communities to get ahead in Mt Albert and New Zealand. We are working hard in a range of areas to deliver a brighter future that Pacific families, and all New Zealanders deserve. National is achieving for Pacific families

National Standards in place at Primary and Intermediate schools 67% of Pacific students leaving school with level two NCEA or higher

children fully immunized and free doctors visits and prescriptions for under-sixes

$24 million to reduce rheumatic fever in vulnerable communities 135,000 privately-owned homes insulated, 50,000 state houses upgraded $145 million over four years to ensure 500,000 more children are enrolled at school in the Pacific

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

With Hon Hekia Parata, National MPs and Pacific Blue members at Pasifika 2013

Every New Zealander deserves the opportunity to succeed. We are working hard across the board to support Pasifika families.

Ethnic Update Welfare Reform Novopay Update M-chat @ local cafe Clamping down on Fraud Autism Auckland Pasifika & Ethnic snippets Public meeting

$6million Pacific Innovation Fund to improve the health of Pacific people $6million Pacific Trades Training Initiative, for 300 fees free places in trades training for Pacific young people.

Melissa Lee MP

Over $110 million for more vulnerable children to attend early childhood education.

90% of eight-month old Pacific

Locals pleased CIP to be relocated

Wairere Ave residents would be happy with Local Board decision. At the February Albert-Eden local board meeting, the local board recommended that Watercares proposed Central Interceptor project at the Mt Albert War Memorial Reserve be moved to the lower car park area of the reserve. Last year, local residents contacted my office concerned after hearing that the project may be located in the green space of the reserve and in close proximity to their houses. Watercare have submitted a new notice of requirement to designate land required for the works in the revised location to Council. Council will formally notify adjacent landowners and occupiers and submissions could be made as part of the statutory process. I would like to hear your thoughts and feedback on the location change or any part of the next process. Please contact my office 09 8150278 or drop me an email MPLee@parliament.govt.nz

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Ethnic Affairs Minister in Switzerland

Justice and Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins recently returned from Switzerland where she presented a report on behalf of the New Zealand Government on New Zealands progress in tackling racial discrimination and inequality
these would be recommended to other countries. The Committee specifically observed that New Zealand has put in place valuable programmes such as Better Public Services, Addressing the Drivers of Crime, the Youth Employment Package, the Alcohol and Other Drug Courts and the New Zealand Police ethnic strategy, aimed at improving ethnic relations and raising multi-cultural awareness. As an active player in the UN system, we are committed to meeting our obligations under the human rights treaties we are party to. New Zealand values diversity and prides itself on being an inclusive society. The convention mirrors the natural desire in every New Zealander to see that everyone is given a fair go. The Committees full report is available at
http://bit.ly/13yX94t

The United Nations Committee noted New Zealands efforts to combat racial discrimination represented many examples of best practice globally and that

and the press release is available at

http://bit.ly/13yX4gY.

The $43.7.million initiative to provide Gateway Assessment for children in care is making a difference. Targeting the right services children need

Social Welfare Reform

Established in Budget 2011, Gateway Assessments assess the health, mental health and educational needs of children in state care and we are picking up issues, never before diagnosed and then ensuring the child gets the services they need to address the issue. About 230 children in care are receiving Early Childhood Education (ECE) as a result of this initiative and every district health board is now implementing the Gateway Assessments. There are more than 4,000 children in care at any one time and more than 2,000 children go into care every year all are eligible for Gateway Assessments. Children in care have it tough enough before you add developmental delay, mental health and health problems to a background of abuse something tangible to chances. Without the these children grow up and at greater risk. we are doing improve their right services disadvantaged 15 per cent developmental delay 14 per cent skin problems 13 per cent speech and language problems 25 per cent and alcohol problems with parents 19 per cent mental health issues with parents Early data from teachers is showing us they found 25% of children have literacy problems, 24% have numeracy problems,19% comprehension issues and 11% have a higher than average level of school absence. These issues are now all being addressed, which shows why this is such a valuable investment for children whove had a rough start to life. We are determined these children get the services they need and deserve, weve gone ahead and direct-purchased health and educational services through the Ministry of Social Development. Almost 1,700 children in care have now been assessed, with an average of more than 3 needs per child identified. Gateway Assessments of these children have found the following: 51 per cent emotional, behavioural or mental health needs. 26 per cent dental issues

Novopay update
I have met with several school principals to hear their concerns and frustrations. Hon Stephen Joyce releases a weekly update and this information is sent to all school offices or the principals. We appreciate the ongoing issues have been frustrating for Principals, teachers and other staff in the school sector, and we thank all staff for their patience and efforts. Talent2 will release three planned software upgrades which are designed to address the most significant bugs in the system.
2013

My office will continue to keep Principals up to date as further information becomes available. If there is anyway I can help, or youd like to discuss particular issues at your school, please get in touch.

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Autism NZ Inc branch in Mt Albert

Left to right

Evenings

Rosemarie Bailey, Karen Lonergan (Manager) and Jo Lloyd

In February, Autism New Zealand Inc opened its Mt Albert based Auckland branch. Mission Statement To improve the quality of life for people with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, those with associated conditions, their family/ whnau and those who support them. The Auckland Branch covers the area from Warkworth to Pokeno and provides the following services:

Extended family/ whanau evenings Training programmes FANZ/Way To Play and Early Bird Monthly Newsletter

their family/whanau, caregivers and professionals working with them. Autism Auckland branch is based in Mt Albert. 642 New North Road Morningside Phone 09 846 0913 www.autismnz.org.nz

2013 training dates FANZ 8-9 July Way to Play 18 March Early Bird beginning in May and August The Auckland Branch of Autism New Zealand Inc provides support, training, resources and information on autism spectrum disorders to those with these conditions,

Outreach Service 5 Support Groups Lending Library Parent Information

M-chat @ local caf

M-chat is a community chat with me at a local caf. On the last Monday of each month, I will M-chat at a local caf. Each month M-chat will be held at a different caf and I will have surprise guests and local community speakers on the odd occasion. Im keen to hear your thoughts on local issues in Mt Albert and national issues in government policies. A group of ladies will arrange which caf each month, but for most part I want to get out and about the various suburbs in the Mt Albert electorate to meet and hear from constituents. next M-chat caf date 10am Mon 25 March @ Lodge Caf,
201 Carrington Road, Mt Albert

I want to get out and about the various suburbs in the Mt Albert electorate to meet and hear from constituents

Clamping down on Welfare Fraud

National promised to clamp down on welfare fraudand as part of our programme to deliver better public services to New Zealanders, were delivering on that promise with three new initiatives to prevent, detect and catch those ripping off the welfare system. The vast majority of beneficiaries are honest and do the right thing, but a small group take advantage of the welfare system. Our first initiative will create a new offence targeting partners or spouses of beneficiaries who are convicted of fraud. Relationship offending last year cost taxpayers more than $20 million, comprising one-third of welfare fraud prosecutions. The second initiative introduces new ways of working with beneficiaries who have previously been dishonest with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). These new measures include greater verification of information and less access to self-service transactions, and will cover about 1000 beneficiaries each year. This approach will give MSD a package of tools which can be tailored to target the way an individual has been dishonest in the past The third initiative will formalise information-sharing links between ACC, Inland Revenue, Housing New Zealand Corporation, New Zealand Police, and the MSD. Sharing information between government agencies will allow us to detect or catch welfare fraud sooner. Bringing these key agencies together will also help catch high-value fraudsters whose deception extends across multiple agencies. Governments of the past werent strong enough on fraud, but the National-led Government has promised to do better, and is delivering on that promise.

Pasifika
Chinese Acrobats Lantern Festival

&

Ethnic
Snippets
Below Traditional dancer,Rumi Sasaki at Japan Day

Elizabeth McEwan, Fia Turner & Monique Poirier @ Pasifika

at
Above Kimchi Club and Consul General Below L-R Elizabeth McEwan, Jian Yang MP, Tau Henare MP, Hon Hekia Parata, Fia Turner, Jules Lotu-Iiga, Alfred Ngaro MP, Sam Lotu-Iiga MP

Kenton Chambers Exec, Ken Oh at Japan Day

Above L-R Dr Anne Perera, Cherry Weir and Ranjith

Below South Auckland ALL-GIRLS

Above L-R Kanwal Singh Bakshi MP, Hon Nikki Kaye, Alfred Ngaro MP, Jami-Lee Ross MP, Jian Yang MP at Lantern Festival Aucklandi

Hon Hekia Parata at Prosperity stage, Cooks Island village

Above: Bevan Chuang and Ataur Rahmann at Japan Day

Slip, slop, slap at Pasifika Above Hon Steven Joyce and Young Nats at O Week, Auckland University

L - Jenny ODonoghue at Japan Day.

For more photos go to https://www.facebook.com/mpmelissalee

Lets talk about

As part of the World Autism Awareness day and in association with Autism NZ Inc - Auckland branch, Jackie Blue MP and I will co-host a public meeting. 10am Tuesday 2 April Fickling Centre, Mt Roskill. The purpose is to celebrate World Autism Awareness, create It is also opportunity to learn more, provide support and encourage volunteers to be part of Autism New Zealand as well as meet Jackie Blue and myself. WELCOME to all, FREE morning tea, mix and mingle ph 09 8150278 or email MPLee@parliament.govt.nz for more details.

Community Notices
25 March M-chat @ 10am Lodge Caf,201 Carrington Road, Mt Albert ph 09 8150278 Age Concern Auckland are looking for RELIABLE volunteers with good English. Needed, one hour a day, one day a week for ONE year. Please call 09 820 0184 Age Concern Auckland looking for someone to teach elderly to text and use a laptop or computer. Please call 09 820 0184 If you have any government issue I meet with constituents most Monday afternoons. Phone 09 8150278 to make an appointment World Autism Awareness Day, 10am Tuesday 2 April, Fickling Centre, Mt Roskill, co-hosted with Jackie Blue MP, special guests, Autism NZ Ltd Auckland branch and friends of Autism NZ

the opportunity for people who work and live with Autism everyday to tell their stories, their way.