Hon Judith Collins, MP for Papakura

Helping Kiwi families cope with winter

I am glad to be part of this National Government that is concerned about the well-being of families, particularly as we approach the depths of winter.

At this cold time of year, funding is being provided to District Health Boards including Counties Manukau DHB, to allow for free home insulation for private tenants and homeowners who have Community Service Cards and live in pre-2000 homes, under the Warmup programme. To obtain access to the Warmup programme phone 0800 RU COLD (0800 782 653), visit www.warmupnz.co.nz or text WARM to 878.

Also in a couple of weeks from 1 July, children up to the age of 13 will receive free prescriptions from their doctors.

Promoting employment and education for young people and Papakura Careers Expo

This year’s Budget is investing in the future of young New Zealanders and youth unemployment and dis-engagement from school or job training is being addressed in wider Auckland. I fully support the initiatives being taken by Auckland Council and employers including major companies like Fletcher Building, Intercontinental Hotels Group and Skycity and hundreds of others, to provide first employment and development opportunities for young Aucklanders.

As part of this and following on from a successful Careers Expo last year, the Sir Edmund Hillary Library is holding another Expo in the foyer on 25 June from 10am to 4pm. There were a number of success stories from last year and I know many job seekers, school leavers and others found the Expo inspiring and a source of real access to networks and job opportunities. So I encourage you and your young people to visit the Expo as the right connections can really make a difference to job prospects.

Congratulations for two South Auckland organisations

It was exciting to learn of the success this week of the Mangere Bridge Kindergarten which won the Education Focus Award at the 2015 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards.

The teaching team at the kindergarten aim to improve children’s learning outcomes and focus on helping children and families in the move to school, using liaison with schools and teachers, school visits and a buddy system as some of the activities undertaken to achieve these goals. The children remain in contact with the kindergarten and there is better engagement by families in their children’s learning and the community. I extend my congratulations to the teachers and leaders at the Mangere Bridge Kindergarten for their dedication and excellent results.

It also makes me proud to see the Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust leading the way in beautifying this part of Auckland and giving the communities in it more reasons to work together and enrich the whole suburban and rural environment.

The Trust has been awarded a 2015 Green Ribbon Award recently for the work it has done to promote and support projects to beautify and protect the South Auckland environment. The Award recognises the community leadership the Trust has provided to more than 500 volunteers in just 18 months and its wide range of “practical environmental programmes and services and unique education initiatives“. These include the highly successful Eye on Nature event that has evolved from an organisation that was created to remove graffiti and maintain town centres. Now it aims to protect, enhance and beautify the whole South Auckland region.

Best wishes, and stay warm.

ends

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