19 November 2013

Collins Comments

Local economy boosted  

It was fantastic to have a guided tour at the brand new Takanini Warehouse with Store Manager Stuart McFarlane recently. Stuart, who has worked for the Warehouse for 22 years, showed me the 7,500 square metre first stage, which will double in size by the end of stage two. The store has become a significant employer in our area with 103 employees, included 53 who transferred to the store from the Papakura Warehouse.

This development highlights our economic outlook is improving – this Government’s sensible economic policies are steadily helping increase employment with the creation of 53,700 new jobs this year. Business confidence is also at its highest in 14 years and economic growth in the year to June 2013 is 2.5 per cent. New Zealand is now one of the top countries for growth in the developed world.

Diwali Festival of Light

As Minister of Ethnic Affairs it was my pleasure to host the colourful celebration of Diwali at Parliament recently. Diwali, the Festival of Light, gives all Kiwis opportunity to celebrate the tremendous contribution Indian Kiwis make to our nation at all levels and in many sectors of our society.

It was great to speak at the Diwali Festival in Auckland which was a huge event both for performers and the thousands of spectators.  I encourage all New Zealanders to embrace opportunities like Diwali to participate in, enjoy and enhance understanding of other cultures and their traditions.

ACC Minister’s Award for Excellence
This month I visited ACC’S Manukau branch to present the Minister’s Award for Excellence. I congratulate Malia Pitolua who has made an outstanding contribution to promoting workplace safety since 2009.

Ms Pitolua overcame a work-place accident herself, and speaks about the importance of workplace safety to a number of South Auckland employer groups including Tano’a, a Pacific Employer forum. I thank Ms Pitolua for her efforts in promoting workplace safety.

Gigatown Competition

Don’t forget to keep tweeting the Papakura Gigatown hashtag codes #gigatownpapakura and #gigatownppk as part of the Gigatown Competition.

Gallipoli 2015
The ballot is open for New Zealanders who want to attend the 100th Anniversary of Anzac Day in Gallipoli in 2015. The ballot is open until 31 January 2014 and will be randomly drawn.

I urge anyone who is interested in attending to visit www.Gallipoli2015.govt.nz for more information.

Hon Judith Collins
MP for Papakura

ENDS

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