8 JUNE 2011

GETTING ULTRA-FAST BROADBAND
Many of us have been frustrated by slow or unreliable internet connections and the limitations they place on us. The Government’s announcement to roll out ultra-fast broadband to 75% of New Zealanders where they live, work and study by 2019 is excellent news.

North Shore has over 26,000 businesses. This represents 5.3% of all businesses nationwide. For them, ultra-fast broadband will enable better connections with their markets both in New Zealand and around the world. At the same time, professionals such as accountants, lawyers, and advisors will be able to offer their services to national and international clients.

Similarly, our local schools will be able to share resources - for example, physics and IT teachers. Students will be able to learn remotely with tools such as high definition video-conferencing. North Shore Hospital and other health providers will be able to send information and X-rays in seconds, rather than days. This will save time, money, and ultimately, lives.

Ultra-fast broadband for the North Shore will provide a variety of opportunities for business, education and health organisations. Developing this infrastructure is a key part of National’s plan to build a stronger economy, lift wages, and provide the world-class services families and communities need.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT GROWTH
Last week Auckland Transport released new public transport figures. The Northern Express bus passenger service has grown considerably in the last 12 months. At the end April passenger numbers topped two million with over 172,187 trips occurring in April 2011 alone, which is a 9.6% increase on the same time last year.

Constellation Drive and Albany have functioned as highly successful Park & Ride stations and are frequently used to capacity. Auckland Transport recently announced construction plans to extend the Albany facility in November 2011. Since May more buses have been operating at peak times across the busway to meet increasing demand. Connecting to hubs situated in Smales Farm, Akoranga and Sunnynook has made public transport more accessible and links to Auckland’s CBD more efficient.

A long-awaited integrated ticketing system was launched in May and is in the process of being introduced. The NZTA and various transport organisations have expressed support for this new arrangement, which is being steered by successful tenderer Thales. The "Hop Card" allows users to transfer between buses, trains and ferries throughout the region with one swipe card.

The North Shore’s unique location engages a variety of public transport options. These include popular ferry operations in Devonport and Bayswater, local bus networks and the Northern Express. Overtime, those commuting to and from the Shore will undoubtedly value multi-modal travel options all on a single transport card. This will also be a great advantage for visitors to our patch during the Rugby World Cup 2011, now with fewer than 100 days to go!

VISIT TO CRETE
Recently, I travelled to the Greek island of Crete and joined the moving 70th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Crete. The Battle of Crete commenced on 20 May 1941. It was a costly event of World War II, claiming the lives of hundreds of New Zealand soldiers, wounding many more, with over 2,000 captured as prisoners of war.

This was a significant milestone and to honour our veterans the Defence Force made grants of $2000 per person to help qualified veterans attend the celebrations. These veterans served our country with great distinction in the most arduous circumstances. The 70th anniversary of this landmark confrontation was possibly one of the last chances many of them had to pay their respects to their comrades who did not come home – and for us, in turn, to pay our respects to the survivors.

Particularly poignantly, the Member of Parliament for Waitemata from 1935 to 1941, William Lyon, was called to duty in World War II. He served as an Army captain in the Battle of Crete where he was sadly killed in action. All those who fought in this historic battle stood ready to give up their lives to preserve our freedom.

Hon Dr Wayne Mapp
MP North Shore
ENDS

© Scoop Media