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Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe is delighted that his second attempt to attract the Parliamentary rugby team to Hamilton to raise funds for the region’s new Alzheimer’s support organisation has succeeded.

The Parliamentary Sports Trust organises rugby, netball and cricket teams comprising MPs, media and others with Parliamentary connections, to host games for charitable purposes throughout the country. MPs lodge bids with the cross-party committee of MPs on behalf of causes in their regions. Last night it was announced that a joint bid in the names of Mr Macindoe and Hauraki-Waikato MP, Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, has been successful, with both rugby and netball fixtures allocated to Hamilton in October of this year.

Mr Macindoe has already secured the support of the Waikato Rugby Union for the rugby to be played at Waikato Stadium. He hopes the game will be played as a curtain-raiser to the Waikato vs Hawke’s Bay NPC match that month.

Two years ago Mr Macindoe made an unsuccessful bid for the rugby team to play in Hamilton in support of Alzheimer’s Waikato. This time he approached Ms Mahuta about making a joint bid suggesting that the Labour MP arrange a netball fixture to boost the appeal of the fundraiser.

‘I was very pleased that Nanaia readily agreed,’ Mr Macindoe said, ‘and I look forward to working with her and the wonderful team at Alzheimer’s Waikato in the next few months to ensure that the event is a great success.’

The MPs will be recruiting high-profile Waikato celebrities and sports people to challenge the Parliamentary teams, and they are confident that the games will attract plenty of interest. ‘It’s early days but already there’s lots of enthusiasm for the idea,’ said Ms Mahuta.

The MPs praised the considerable efforts of the Alzheimer’s New Zealand Waikato staff since the new branch was launched two years ago.

‘Along with many local people, we were very concerned when the previous Alzheimer’s Waikato organisation collapsed three years ago, as the services provided by people with expertise and understanding in this area are vital. Demand for their support will increase considerably in the next 20 years as our population ages and grows rapidly.

‘The ANZW staff are currently operating out of a small office in St Stephen’s Church in Melville and need all the help that our community can offer as they rebuild local services. It’s a really important cause and we’re thrilled to have this opportunity to throw our weight behind their efforts.’

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On Tuesday 1st November 2011, Prime Minister John Key again visited Hamilton. He saw the significant progress that is being made on the Te Rapa bypass (and other Waikato Expressway projects). He also addressed a lunchtime meeting at a city restaurant and announced further details of National’s proposed changes to the benefits system.

Building a stronger economy
Budget 2011 builds a strong platform for growth, sets a credible path to surplus, and helps lift national savings. It also protects vulnerable families, boosts investment in health and education, and helps rebuild Canterbury.

Back to surplus faster
Surplus in 2014/15. Thanks to Budget 2011, the government is forecast to be in surplus a year earlier than forecast last year. This will reduce net borrowing from $380 million a week to $100 million a week, before we start repaying debt from 2014/15.

Building savings and investment
We’re encouraging individual and national savings with the following changes, which will take effect after the election:
• Mixed ownership – more savings opportunities
Mixed ownership of 4 state-owned energy companies, and reducing our stake in Air NZ, while keeping majority control.
• KiwiSaver – increasing private savings
Greater individual and employer contributions, with less call on government debt. KiwiSaver funds will reach $60b by 2022.
• Working for Families – targeting families in need
Focusing on lower income families to keep costs sustainable. WFF costs have gone from $1.5b in 2005/6 to $2.8b this year.
• Student Loans – keeping loans interest free
Encouraging personal responsibility and better value for taxpayers, by reducing lending to those less likely to repay.

A strong platform for growth
• 4% economic growth forecast in 2012.
• 170,000 new jobs forecast by 2015, with wages growing faster than inflation.

Building better public services
• $5.2 billion freed up over 4 years for frontline public services and paying off debt.
• *Health *– $2.2b more over 4 years. $14b total in 2011/12 – the most ever.
• *Education *– $1.4b more over 4 years. $12.2b total in 2011/12 – the most ever.
• Law and Order – $157m more over 2 years to help make communities safer.
• Infrastructure – $1.6b more. Broadband, schools, and the KiwiRail turnaround plan.
• Youth Employment Package – $55.2m to support young people into jobs.

Rebuilding Canterbury
• $5.5b Earthquake Recovery Fund over six years to provide certainty for rebuilding Canterbury.
• 4500 extra places for construction-related training, including 1500 new places worth $42 million.
• $10m social support to rebuild lives and communities.
• $25m over 2 years for the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.

Ministers Press Releases and One-pagers are now available on the National website as part of the Budget 2011 feature page.
These can be found at: http://www.national.org.nz/budget/

I was very pleased to be present and asked to speak at the presentation of Silver Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards in Hamilton on Tuesday night. Congratulations to all the deserving recipients who have completed the demanding but very worthwhile programme. I wore my gold award tie and badge proudly (perhaps not quite as flash as Mayor Julie’s chains) but the width and length of the tie probably gave away the fact that I earned them more than a few years ago!

It was pleasing to have large crowds at both of yesterday’s ANZAC Day services at the cenotaph in Hamilton’s Memorial Park despite inclement weather. It’s wonderful to see people of all ages paying respect to the fallen and to all who have served in the defence of our nation. Special thanks to the Hamilton City Brass Band and Rivertones Choir for performing so well in the rain!

Integrated Family Healthcare – the official opening of North Care, Pukete Road by Health Minister, the Hon. Tony Ryall. Present at the opening was Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe, who, unlike Tony Ryall, decided not to find out what his blood pressure was!

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