6 November 2013 Kia Orana and welcome to my October e-newsletter.

Highlights of October: 7 Oct: I opened the Pacific Sexual Diversity (PSDN) Communications Workshop in Auckland. The key objectives were to build skills and share information in regards to communications (social networking, websites, working with the media), and develop an overal PSDN communications strategy. The workshop attended by representatives from Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji, Cook Islands, and New Zealand was organised by PSDN secretariat and executive, Fi'aailetoa Ken Moala, Joey Joeline Mataele and Resitara Apa. 7-11 Oct: It was an honour to open the inaugural Fiji Language Week in Parliament on behalf of Minister Hekia Parata. The theme for Fijian Language Week was Noqu Vosa, Noqu i Yau Talei: My Language, My Treasure. The highlight of the event was the lavish traditional kava ceremony that took place with its distinct protocol, language, cultural ware, and rituals -the epitomy of Fijian respect and hospitality bestowed to guests and dignitaries. It was an overwhelming rich cultural experience. This was followed by Fijian dance and exhibits of Fijian arts and crafts, culture, and food. Other similar events celebrating the week were also organised by Fijian communities across the country. As 10,000 Fijians reside in New Zealand they are the fifth-largest Pacific group in the country.

PSDN workshop

Fiji Language Week

Fiji Language Week

World Vision Scholarship Week Debate 8 Oct: I spoke on behalf of Hon Minister Paula Bennett at the Children in Crisis conference, held at Waikato University, Hamilton. I spoke about our Children's Action Plan which targets support and services to our most vulnerable children through more than 30 new initiatives which were introduced in the White Paper. The Children's Action Plan is the most significant advancement in child protection this country has seen. Recently, National's Vulnerable Children Bill received support across Parliament at its first reading. The legislation will bring in greater government accountability, better screening and vetting of people working with children, and stronger guardianship and child protection laws. Get more information at: www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz 9 Oct: Panel discussion at World Vision scholarship week debate: Poverty is a Myth. My key points focused around this Government's consistent approach to tackling poverty and encouraging people to get off welfare and into work, while protecting vulnerable children, maintaining support for lowincome households, and strengthening the economy. This Government has formed a Ministerial Committee on Poverty to address the barriers to improving the lives of low-income New Zealanders and their families. There are also a range of targeted assistance packages available for low-income earners, especially those with children, to supplement their incomes and ensure they don't face undue hardship. 10 Oct: I spoke on TV Ones Breakfast show to debate with Labour MP Chris Hipkins on housing, retirement and other issues. Also it was awesome to meet actor Temuera Morrison in the Green Room. Click on this link to watch: Alfred Ngaro on Breakfast 13-19 Oct: As part of Niue Language Week, I was the keynote speaker at the Niue Constitution day celebrating 39 years of self-governance. I acknowledged the progress of Niuean led early childhood Centres like Nukutukulea and the Rise up Trust as one of the first partnership schools to be set up in Mngere. I also congratulated the team behind the Niuean Conceptual Framework for Violence and Walter Togiamua's success in being elected on to the Mngere-Otahuhu Board again. These are all great examples of Niueans achieving aspirations and being pro-active in local government and community development initiatives.

with Temuera Morrison

Niuean Language Week

with Penehuro Lefale

Diwali Festival 15 Oct: It was an honour to meet with Penehuro Lefale a Scientist/Manager for International Cooperation and Development for the Meteorological Service in Wellington. He is Samoa's first Nobel Peace Prize winner. He won in 2007 as a member of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on climate change (IPCC). Penehuro was the Lead Author for the Small Islands Chapter of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), released in 2007. IPCC together with former US Vice President Al Gore were awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize "for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change" Click this link for further information: Penehuro Lefale Nobel Prize

18 Oct: I attended the 2013 Consumer Credit & Financial Literacy Forum opened by Consumer Affairs Minister Craig Foss. The theme for this year's forum was "Responsible Lenders, Informed Borrowers". Financial literacy is key to ensuring borrowers are informed and make the best decisions for their individual situation. Responsible lending is equally as important. The Credit Contracts and Financial Services Law Reform Bill which targets loan sharks will strengthen protections for borrowers and make wide-ranging changes to consumer credit and repossession laws. The Consumer Law Reform Bill is also being progressed. It will promote confident, well informed consumers. Much of the debate focused on credit challenges and legislative reform but it was also good to hear from people who had benefited from financial literacy initiatives and worked with community organisations to get their financial affairs in order. 19 Oct: I attended Diwali, the festival of lights at the Auckland Aotea centre with my colleagues Minister Judith Collins, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Simon O'Connor, and Jian Yang. This event is celebrated by Indians around the world and signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. All New Zealanders can relate to its significance - it's a time of festivity, goodwill, and renewal. It is a time to acknowledge the importance of relationships, particularly with friends and family. 23 Oct: The Pacific Parliamentary Friendship group were happy to host a luncheon for 2 Prime Minister's Fellows from Samoa and Tonga: Sheree Stehlin - President of prominent Samoa's Women in Business Development Inc (WIBDI) and Tafatu Toma Moeaki, CEO of the Ministry of Finance and Planning in Tonga. The aim of the fellowship scheme is to enhance understanding of the bilateral relationship among potential leaders in both countries, to develop personal relationships, to create opportunities for dialogue and enhance bilateral cooperation. Each year, a Fellow is nominated by the Governments of Samoa and Tonga for consideration and final approval by the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Stehlin, Moeaki

Rheumatic Fever launch

Dr El-Shadan Tautolo, Dr Joe Williams, Stephanie Tautolo, Dr Rob Woonton 25 Oct: I attended the official launch of the Auckland sore throat drop-in clinics at Ruapotaka Marae in Glen Innes as part of the Government's $45million Rheumatic prevention campaign. Eight sore throat drop-in clinics have recently opened across the Auckland region. Another 60 more nurse-led drop-in clinics will open in greater Auckland and Porirua over the next few months. By the end of the year, over 28,000 children in around 70 schools in the greater Auckland region will be able to get their sore throat checked at school. In Budget 2013 the National-led Government invested an additional $21.3 million to fight rheumatic fever, including $11.25 million over four years for sore throat drop-in clinics. Get your kids and families checked and share the information with others. 28 Oct- 4 Nov: Tokelau Language Week. Tokelauans across the country celebrated the

importance of their language and the importance of speaking it. The theme for this year's celebration was "Ko te au o mtua, ko fnau: At the core of a parents heart, are their children." The majority of Tokelauans live in New Zealand, with smaller communities living in Australia and the USA, as well as about 1,500 on the Tokelau Islands themselves. Key issues in Parliament: More apprentices through National's reboot More people have signed up as apprentices through National's apprenticeship reboot subsidy. The subsidy gives the first 10,000 new apprentices enrolled since 6 March 2013 access to $1,000 towards their tools and off-job costs, or $2,000 for priority trades. Employers receive the same amount. Between March and October this year about 8,000 apprentices signed up - a 67 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. This reboot will help more people gain a Level 4 apprenticeship qualification, supporting our Better Public Services target of 55 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds gaining a Level 4 or above qualification in 2017. High-quality workplace-based training produces more highly-skilled workers, and helps build a more competitive and productive economy - one of National's priorities. More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=42306 Giving patients more of a say National will give patients a better opportunity to have their say on the hospital care they receive. A new national patient survey is being developed and will be rolled out to all public hospitals from mid-next year. The survey will allow patients to provide feedback on four key areas - communication, partnership, coordination, and physical and emotional needs. Patient feedback helps paint a picture of how well health services are performing. National has invested an extra $500m in public health every year since being elected, and this investment has delivered for patients with faster, better treatment and shorter wait times Patient surveys are the latest step taken by National to provide better, sooner, more convenient healthcare - a key part of our drive to deliver better public services. More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleID=42307 National supporting victims of financial crime Victims of financial crime will be better supported under National, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and Victim Support. The MoU will see the two agencies working together to promote and deliver victim support services, and to keep victims informed about their cases. Financial crime can have a devastating impact on its victims, often for the rest of their lives. SFO and Victim Support having a closer working relationship will ensure everything possible is done to support victims of financial crime. National promised to deliver better public services for New Zealanders, and we are keeping that promise.

More information: http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=42310 Columns/PRs: Oct 1: Protecting communities from psychoactive substances Oct 6: Mori and Pacific Trades boosted from 600 to 3000 places Speeches/Debates: 16 22 22 23 23 Oct: Oct: Oct: Oct: Oct: Housing: Question on Special Housing Areas Veterans Support Bill Human Rights Ammendment Bill Social Security Amendment Bill Care of Children Law Reform Bill

Video Blog 24 October Alfred fills us in on what he's been doing at Parliament and in the electorate area. Events and activities in November Nov: MPIA Power-up workshops Nov 1-4: Tokelau Language Week Nov 11: White Ribbon Ambassador Meeting, Auckland Nov 14: Arts Pasifika awards 2013, Wellington Nov 15: Samoa Trade Fair, Mngere Arts Centre Pacific Blues Event Nov16: Prostate cancer Foundation Nov 19: CPA Regional Conference Nov 22: Mayoral Forum, Auckland Nov 22: Counties Manukau Police Nov 23: Pacific Sports Awards Nov 24: White Ribbon Day Nov 27: International Drug Policy Symposium Special Acknowledgement: Congratulations to Dr El-Shadan Tautolo in his appointment as Director of the Pacific Island Families Study at AUT Manukau and Stephanie Erick Tautolo's appointment as Director of ASH. I look forward to meeting you at the community events I will be attending over the coming weeks. If there is an issue you wish to discuss with me please ring to book an appointment.

Phone: 04 817 8396 or 09 275 8761 Email: Alfred.ngaro@parliament.govt.nz or ngaro.auckland@parliament.govt.nz Website: www.alfredngaro.co.nz Facebook: facebook.com/alfred.ngaro Twitter: http://twitter.com/AlfredNgaroMP

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