Hon Judith Collins
MP for Papakura

Congratulations

It was a great day when the Pulman Arena opened a couple of weeks ago. I must congratulate and thank Bruce Pulman, his family and his team who have worked to make this amazing space available to the community of Papakura and beyond. It is a huge gift for the future as well as today such is the quality of the Arena’s build and the thought and planning that has gone into completing it.

Energy and Transport

Last week, I lead a petroleum sector trade delegation to Texas and an electricity sector trade delegation to Silicon Valley. It was a very rewarding trip and a great opportunity to showcase New Zealand and to bring back learnings that we could look into here.

In Houston, our delegation, which consisted of representatives from NZ Oil and Gas, Todd Energy and the Petroleum Exploration and Production Association, attended the American Association of Petroleum Geologists annual convention and exhibition.

In Silicon Valley, we visited in Tesla, Siemens, Volkswagen, Enphase (an energy technology company, Plugshare, Solar City, Pacific Gas and Electric, Wrightspeed and California State Regulators. Our delegation of representatives of the electricity sector included; Mercury, Contact Energy, Vector, Power Systems Consultants and Genesis Energy.

Rapid change is occurring in the electricity sector overseas and New Zealand companies will benefit from learning about emerging technologies, meeting representatives of US companies and finding out who might become partners in the sector. On the Government’s agenda is the need to encourage Electric Vehicle and other technology manufacturers to enter our market.

Green Ribbon Awards

I am pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the 27th annual Green Ribbon Awards.

These Awards recognise outstanding work to protect and enhance the environment by individuals, communities and organisations. The Awards showcase an impressive array of initiatives making a difference to our natural assets and wildlife.

"The 10 categories include biodiversity, resilience to climate change, waste minimisation, caring for freshwater, coastal and ocean protection, leadership, philanthropy and partnerships, and the Supreme Winner category.

There will also be an additional award for outstanding contributions to the protection of our unique flora and fauna.

The finalists attend an awards banquet at Parliament that celebrates conservation achievements and enable people to network with others who share their enthusiasm for protecting New Zealand’s natural environment.

The Awards raise the profile of environmental initiatives and honour our environmental leaders.

“If you or anyone you know would like to nominate a person or group for a Green Ribbon award, more information can found at www.greenribbonawards.org.nz,”

Entries close on 10 May with the finalists to be announced in Parliament on June 8.

Best wishes to all,

Hon Judith Collins
MP for Papakura

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