After Michael Cullen spoke at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce today one of the diplomats present commented to me that this really is a very good Budget, specifically because of its coherence and balance. I agree, it has continued to invest in strong public and social services, and infrastructure, as well as provide tax relief to help ease pressure on household incomes. Continue reading ‘Budget reflections’
Archive for May, 2008
Pirie St shenanigans
May 22nd, 2008I am pleased that in the dispute over the Pirie St brothel the nearby residents are not putting the blame on the Prostitution Reform Act. I have spoken to a number of local residents and they accept the law provides a good framework for dealing with brothels.
There are some residents who have not had any issues with the business, but there are others who can detail quite specific problems, and they do need to be heard and considered. Continue reading ‘Pirie St shenanigans’
Wellington shows Christchurch the way
May 19th, 2008I see the Wellington Chamber of Commerce has put up the “full house” sign for Michael Cullen’s post Budget lunch on Friday. A case of Wellingtonians showing themselves to be as politically astute as ever, after the relatively poor effort from some Christchurch business folk last week. Let’s hope the Canes can continue to show up our southern friends the next day!
Massive Home Insulation Programme
May 16th, 2008Not that you would know it from the woeful coverage in the Dom Post this morning, but there was a great pre-Budget announcement made yesterday. All state houses are to be insulated over the next five years, at a cost of $53 million. This is a massive boost to the programme of insulation of state housing that began in 2001.
Many state houses were built before 1978 when insulation became mandatory. Over the last seven years 21,000 have been insulated. Under this new funding 12 homes a day will be insulated, nearly doubling the rate up to now.
I am really delighted about this announcement. In my working life I have spent a considerable amount of time supporting and developing the work of the He Kainga Oranga/Housing and Health Research programme based at Otago University’s Wellington Campus. Their studies have shown the terrific health benefits of insulating homes, including less visits to the doctor and less days off school. There is also an economic benefit with the study showing that for every dollar spent on insulation there is a two dollar saving in health costs. Ths is of course in addition to the obvious sustainability benefit in that having an insulated house is far more energy efficient. As Philippa Howden-Chapman the Director of He Kainga Oranga says, because of poor insulation, New Zealanders have been remarkably good at heating the outside of their homes!
This announcement is also a great example of cooperation with the Greens, who though not in any formal confidence and supply agreement with the government continue to play their part in promoting these important initatives.
The challenge is now out to private landlords to move more quickly to insulating their houses. There are subsidies already available to assist with insulation, and as time wears on I think tenants will become more aware of the importance of well insulated houses, and will start to avoid those that are not up to standard.
A Wellington Weekend
May 12th, 2008Friday night started at the Cake Tin. I admit I am one of those people struggling to get into rugby this year. My mind is elsewhere admittedly, but the Super 14 has been dreary from what I have observed. Are we all, players and fans alike, still caught in post World Cup malaise? Has the player drain gone past the tipping point in terms of quality? Have the EVLs actually lessened the spectacle rather than improved it? Not sure, but it just ain’t happening for me at the moment. The ‘Canes have not reached great heights this year which, in a twisted way, actually gives me more hope for their progress. Normally they have played a couple of blinders by now and are setting us up for a fall. Could this be the THE year?
Saturday, I spoke at the Fair Trade Food Fiesta event at TradeAid. This is part of Fair Trade fortnight, which is a series of events highlighting fairtrade and fairtrade products. I mainly spoke about the opportunity for Wellington, as part of being a sustainable city, to be known as a Fairtrade city. After all we are the coffee capital, and that is a key fairtrade product. There are over 50 cafes in Wellington making fairtrade coffee, and it would be great to see more. Also on Saturday I launched my quest to find the best fair trade long black in town. On the campaign trail I find myself drinking a lot of coffee, so it is the least I can do. Feel free to offer suggestions, and I will try them out.
Saturday evening I was at Alastair and Hamish’s ‘pre-civilisation’ party (the Civil Union equivalent of an engagement do). A fine night, and a chance to hear the synth-funk of the Harbour City Electric, who are in fine form. I retired before Rhombus came on, but from what I hear they were also on fire. Wellington’s music scene is still going strong.
Sunday, I braved the elements to do some door knocking up in Karori. I really enjoy this aspect of campaigning. People are generally friendly, no matter their political views, and many are glad of the opportunity to talk. My favourite moment of the day was meeting a woman who had lived in her street for 55 years who told me that I was the first MP or candidate who had knocked on her door in that time. She certainly knew her neighbourhood, and had heart warming tales about the support she is receiving from neighbours as her husband’s health deteriorates. Community spirit is alive and well in Karori.