An update from Hon Amy Adams
MP for Selwyn

Selwyn towns in the running for second phase of UFB

Darfield, Rakaia, Leeston, Springston, West Melton, Islington, Kennedys Bush and Diamond Harbour are included on a long list of more than 110 areas being considered for inclusion in the next phase of the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) initiative. The list was issued as part of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the next stage of rolling out fast, reliable broadband to New Zealanders.

The Government understands that New Zealanders are keen for better connectivity and that is why we are extending the successful UFB initiative from a target of 75 per cent of New Zealanders to at least 80 per cent.

The long list is made up of the next largest towns not covered by the first phase of the UFB initiative, as well as some areas on the fringes of the first phase. These towns have been determined based on current population and projected population sizes in 2023 and informed by council submissions. However, it is important to understand that not all those places on the list will get fibre and that other areas that are not listed could also end up with fibre.

The RFP is a critical step in deciding which communities are next in line to get fibre and the companies that will deliver it as part of a competitive bid process.

Crown Fibre Holdings will assess bids, town-by-town, on a commercial basis to determine which areas will receive UFB.

China Southern Airlines to fly to Christchurch International Airport

China Southern Airlines has announced that it will commence year-round services to Christchurch in December 2015. China Southern Airlines is the world’s sixth-largest airline in terms of passenger numbers and has the largest fleet of any Asian airline.

This new service will provide direct access between China and the South Island to strengthen business relationships and assist the airport to continue to develop its role as the tourism gateway to the South Island.

HomeStart proving popular

Twice as many New Zealanders have been helped into their own home since the Government’s new KiwiSaver HomeStart package took effect on1st April this year. Across New Zealand, over 2,000 people have received this assistance in the first three months of the initiative. Here in Selwyn, 20 applications have been approved and 12 grants paid so far totalling $96,000.

The HomeStart scheme is the most generous support for first-home buyers in a generation. It provides grants of up to $10,000 for the purchase of an existing home, and grants of up to $20,000 for the purchase of a newly-built home.

Over the next five years, 90,000 people are expected to be given a helping hand into home ownership through this scheme. So if you are considering purchasing your first home in Selwyn and haven’t already checked whether you are eligible, it may be well worth your while to do so.
Click here for more information about KiwiSaver HomeStart.

Out and about in Selwyn

Lincoln University Student Volunteer Club forum

On Thursday 3rd September I enjoyed speaking at a forum on gender equality in the workplace hosted by Lincoln University’s Student Volunteer Club. I would like to offer my thanks to all who attended for their genuine interest in this topic.

Opening of new Malvern St John building in Darfield

I was pleased to be invited to attend the opening of the new St John building in Darfield in early September. The former St John facility in Currie St suffered earthquake damage so the organisation has been using a variety of other local venues to continue its administration, training and volunteer activities. It will be a great step forward for St John to be able to house all of its activities in the excellent new purpose-built premises in Bray St.

Speaking at the opening of the new St John building in Darfield

My Town - children’s design competition

On Friday 11th September I had great fun being a judge at an event called ‘My Town’, a children’s design competition organised by the Lincoln University Future Leader Scholars. The aim of the competition was to give children from the Selwyn District the opportunity to develop a creative proposal for a way in which they could make their town an even better place to live.

I was really impressed by the work that had gone into all of the proposals. The winning team was from Ladbrooks School with a proposal to spruce up the picnic tables at local parks by decorating them. As the winning team, they have earned funding to implement their idea.

Another team from Ladbrooks School earned third place for their plan to collect second-hand books to give to children who needed them, and read to students who do not have English as their first language.

Meanwhile a team from Leeston Primary School won second place for their idea for a maze for primary school-aged children, using native plants and having a native bird theme.

I welcome your thoughts and feedback on all matters so be sure to contact me at selwyn.office@parliament.govt.nz or like my Facebook page and tell me what's on your mind.

Kind regards,
Hon Amy Adams
MP for Selwyn

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