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.”

Taupo MP Louise Upston is happy with Government’s latest announcement to support small businesses getting ahead.

“The National-led Government understands the hard times that local businesses are facing coming out of a recession” says Louise “it is important we are there to encourage small businesses to prosper.”

The new-look government website launched in July last year by Small Business Minister Maurice Williamson has helped save small business owners time and money, says Louise.

Minister Williamson announced that entrepreneurs who use the www.business.govt.nz website to put a business plan in place could win a $60,000 prize package.

A competition launched today by www.business.govt.nz will seek out the best business plan and give it a kick-start for growth.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Taupo economy and I support any initiative that encourages businesses to start and grow,” Louise said.

“The government places great value in small businesses and recognises their important contribution to the economy.”

“The www.business.govt.nz  website is already a great first-stop-shop of advice and information for many business owners. This competition will make more business owners aware of the wide range of services, resources and online tools it offers.”

The Flying Start Business Plan competition is open to all businesses with less than $1 million annual turnover that have a business idea.

The supreme winner will receive $30,000 from ANZ to help grow their business, along with $10,000 in website and social media development, $10,000 worth of legal advice, $5,000 in education and training and $5,000 of advertising and editorial in NZBusiness magazine.

Regional winners will receive $1,000 in cash, $1,000 in web and social media advice, and $1,000 of legal advice.

The competition closes on Friday, 3 June and winners will be announced Tuesday, 26 July.

For more information, and to apply, visit www.business.govt.nz.
 

Taupo MP Louise Upston is delighted at the announcement that Waikato/Bay of Plenty is now the preferred bid for the Cycling Centre of Excellence.

“Waipa is the home of cycling in my eyes,” says Louise. “This centre will be a great addition to the high performance sport facilities we have in the area.”

Subject to the final process being completed, the new centre will be built in Cambridge and provide world class training facilities for New Zealand and international cyclers. 

“The Government is committed to high performance sport, and this centre will serve generations of national cyclists” says Louise. “The government contribution will be $7 million.”

“The Centre will be a huge boost for regional economy,” believes Louise, “the Home of Cycling Trust report estimated that the financial contribution to the area would reach more than $14 million during construction.”

The report concluded that an additional $11.5 million would be contributed to the economy annually once the centre was operational.

The centre is expected to bring more than 100 athletes, coaches, sports scientists, operational staff, and others into the region.

There were two bids for the Cycling Centre of Excellence from the Taupo electorate.

Taupo District Council put forward one of the 7 bids from across New Zealand, and when they were not shortlisted they put their support strongly behind the Waikato/BOP bid to help the centre stay in the central North Island.

“It is great to regional cooperation and close work between the councils involved.”

“Cambridge is making its mark as a hub for high performance sport, with the completion of the Rowing High Performance Centre completed in 2009.”

The Rowing Centre in Karapiro was home to the 2010 World Rowing Championships and gained international attention as a world class venue.

“There are well known parallels between cycling and rowing, and I’m excited to watch this project grow over the next few years.”

Taupo MP Louise Upston believes the good turnout at Maternity meetings in Taupo and Turangi show that the issue continues to be important to women and their families in the community.

“I have worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Lakes DHB to ensure the community's concerns about maternity services in Taupo are being addressed,” says Louise.

The recent meetings were an opportunity for the public to learn more about the developing Taupo Primary Maternity Services Project, announced in August last year.

The project aims to ensure a safe, sustainable and effective integrated primary maternity service is available for women in the Southern Lakes area, including Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino. 

“There are many people in the community who want a positive solution for pregnant women and their families,” says Louise.

“Taupo remains a hard to staff maternity area, so it is important we keep the public informed” says Louise, “The government Voluntary bonding scheme means Taupo remains an attractive place for young midwives to practice.”

The voluntary bonding scheme encourages health graduates to establish careers in hard to staff specialties and communities in New Zealand by offering student loan write offs or cash incentives over three to five years.

“I would like to thank the DHB for their hard work in this area and their on-going consultation with the community.” Says Louise.

Louise Upston welcomes changes to Employment law, set to take effect on April 1, which will be good for the economy and people of Taupo.

“National is focused on creating jobs and providing the right conditions for economic growth in Taupo,” Louise says.

“Changes to the Holidays and Employment Relations acts, due to take effect on April 1, give greater certainty and flexibility at work for our local businesses and employees.

“The National-led Government has worked hard to produce an employment package that encourages employers to hire, reduces compliance costs, and gives employees greater choice with how they take their holidays.

“Key changes taking place include extending the 90 day trial period for new staff to all businesses.

“We want to see people in Taupo in work. We want to make sure that employers have the confidence to take on new staff and to expand job opportunities for people who struggle to get work. That’s why we’re extended the 90-day trial period to all businesses,”
Louise says.

Further changes include allowing employees to negotiate the transfer of a public holiday to another day, improving pay calculation, and doubling the penalties for employers who don’t comply with the Holidays or Employment Relations acts.

“Along with encouraging employment growth, these changes bring great flexibility into local workplaces by allowing employees to make decisions on their holidays that suit their personal circumstances.

“This is one more step on the road to growing the economy, helping people in Taupo find work, and encouraging employers to hire new staff.”

Taupo MP Louise Upston is looking forward to the nominations for the 2011 Green Ribbon Awards which honour the outstanding contributions New Zealanders make in caring for the environment.

“As a member of the Bluegreens I am encouraged by the commitment of the people in Taupo to environmental issues” says Louise.

In the past 12 months Louise has familiarised herself with green initiatives around the Taupo electorate.

“I loved getting involved with E-day in Cambridge, where people can recycle unwanted electronics,” says Louise.

“I have visited the community gardens in Tokoroa and Turangi which highlight a local commitment to our environment.  It is important that care of our environment starts in our communities”

Initiatives to reduce nitrogen in Lake Taupo are having an impact through the hard work of Lake Taupo Protection Trust, Tuwharetoa and Taupo District Council.

“The Green Ribbon Awards recognise those who are taking practical action to deal with environmental challenges such as climate change, air and water quality, biodiversity and waste,” says Louise.

“I encourage people to take the time to nominate those individuals or groups that they know are working hard in these areas and deserve recognition.

Environment Minister Nick Smith believes "it takes initiative and dedication to tackle environmental issues and I welcome the opportunity at the 21st Green Ribbon Awards to honour the people and organisations that are committed to protecting and improving New Zealand’s environment.’”

“The Green Ribbon Awards are categorised into six areas of environmental endeavour and six different types of groups to recognise the different ways people contribute to the environment. There is also a supreme winner to recognise the best overall nomination.”

The six categories of endeavour are:

Protecting our coasts and oceans
Caring for our water
Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions
Minimising our waste
Protecting our biodiversity
Improving our air quality
The six categories of groups are:

Small businesses making a difference
Environment in the media
Community action for the environment: volunteers and not-for-profit organisations
Community action for the environment: Young people
Environmentally responsible large organisations
Central and local government stepping up
Nominations are open to all individuals, businesses, community organisations, media and public sector organisations that demonstrate visible results from their commitment to the environment. Nominations close on 15 April 2011 with winners announced on 9 June 2011.

For more information and to access the Green Ribbon nomination form, visit www.mfe.govt.nz/green-ribbon.

Taupo MP Louise Upston is seeking submissions from senior secondary school students on their thoughts on increasing participation in democracy.  The essay competition is organised through the Association of Former Members of Parliament.

The 2011 essay topic is:

How would you increase the understanding and participation of young people in our democracy?

“The essay contest is aimed at increasing young peoples’ understanding of how our democracy works by gaining knowledge about the structures of government, the legislative process and the effects of this on our citizens,” says Louise.

Democracy plays a very important part of New Zealand’s society and this is reflected in voter turnout of around 85% at elections.  This essay contest is a serious attempt to engage and encourage young New Zealanders to see the relevance of these issues and as a consequence, to promote our democratic, parliamentary and other institutions that are important in a free and democratic society.

“Education is my top priority and I’m looking forward to reading the arguments put forward by our senior school students.” Says Louise.

“Our democracy works because enough New Zealanders want it to, and they work hard to make it happen in Parliament, in government departments and, amongst the public throughout the country in political parties and elsewhere.”

Essays will be judged on originality, creativity and substance and, should be no longer than fifteen hundred words, typed on one side of each page.

The winner of the essay contest will receive a prize of a trip to Parliament for a day, including a Parliamentary Tour and visits to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Leader of the Opposition’s Office, the Parliamentary Library, the Select Committee Office, the Debating Chamber, Bellamy’s Restaurant for lunch and a discussion with the President and members of the Former Members Association who will present a certificate and prize.

“I have contacted the secondary schools in the area and asked them to seek student submissions and encourage students to talk to their teachers about this opportunity.”

Students who would like to enter the essay competition need to submit their name, age, full contact details and the name and address of their school to the Taupo electorate office at upston.taupo@parliament.govt.nz by 11 April 2011.

Taupo MP Louise Upston is asking for Taupo constituents to offer beds or homes for Christchurch families or tourists.

“This is an opportunity for people in Taupo to assist people wanting to get out of Christchurch.  I have already been contacted by people in Cambridge, Tokoroa and Taupo offering assistance.

“My office will act as a point of contact for people who have space to offer and those who need help.”

“If you have beds or homes to offer, please contact my office on 07 3765563, text 0212417918 or upston.taupo@parliament.govt.nz. 

Air New Zealand is offering $50 flights to anywhere in the domestic network until 8am on Friday.  These flights can be booked through the Air New Zealand website and call centre number 0800 737 000.

For people who are unable to offer accommodation but want to help out financially you can contribute to the Mayoral fund or Red Cross.

“I know the people of Taupo want to help out in any way they can, and this is a chance to offer some relief to Christchurch families.”

The Government is coming through on its promises to deliver better healthcare services for Taupo, says Taupo MP Louise Upston.

“Lakes DHB has greatly improved its immunisation rates for under-2s, with the latest figures showing an increase to 88% in 2010/2011 up from 64% in 2008/2009.” Says Louise.

“Lakes DHB has worked really hard to meet and exceed immunisation targets, and this is a testament to their commitment to the community”

Immunisation is important providing individual protection. It can also provide protection in the wider population by reducing the incidence of diseases which stops them spreading to vulnerable people.

Health Minister Tony Ryall thanked GP clinics, community groups and DHBs for working towards these improved rates.

“The government’s billion-dollar-investment in health has delivered similar results across New Zealand, with immunisation rates reaching record levels of 88%.”

Around 100 farmers attended a meeting in Tirohanga today to hear Agriculture Minister David Carter discuss dairy industry restructuring.

The meeting was organised by local MP, Louise Upston, in response to farmers’ concerns about the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIRA) and the ability of competitor processors to access Fonterra milk.

Mr Carter acknowledged the time is right to review the rules and assured the meeting that a discussion document will be released by the middle of the year.

The meeting recognised the need for DIRA and was reminded by the Minister of the legislation introduced by the Government in 2009 which more accurately priced the milk supplied by Fonterra to other processors.

"When Fonterra was formed in 2001, it was never envisaged that it would have to supply cheap milk.  When I became the Minister, I moved quickly to provide a fair pricing mechanism as I did not believe Fonterra farmers should have to subsidise competitors,” said Mr Carter.

"I now acknowledge that it is timely to review the rules around raw milk and I assured farmers at today’s meeting that this would be done as soon as practicable.”

“Farmers are often accused of being apathetic but today’s large turnout is a sign that these farmers are well and truly engaged with their industries and the issues they face,” said Louise.
 

Taupo MP Louise Upston is encouraged by the level of public interest and discussion around the Alcohol Reform Bill, which is currently open for submissions.

The Alcohol Reform Bill, introduced into Parliament last year, aims to reduce alcohol related harm, especially among our young people.

“Last month I hosted nine coffee catch ups around the Taupo electorate and one of the reoccurring issues was alcohol reform.”

“It is great to see people engaged in the submission process.  I hope others will take the opportunity to submit to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee before submissions close on 18 February,” Louise said.

The vote on alcohol purchase age will be a conscience vote and Louise wants to hear your views.

“As an elected representative, it is important that I consult the people in Cambridge on this important issue”

Louise has conducted several surveys both online and through the post.

“The data from my surveys indicates there is a preference for raising the age young people can purchase alcohol.”

To let Louise your know views visit her website www.louiseupston.co.nz.

The government hopes to have the bill passed into law before the end of this parliamentary term. It’s anticipated that most changes will be in force within a year of the legislation being passed.

To make a formal submission to the Justice and Electoral Committee on the Alcohol Reform Bill visit www.parliament.nz.

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.