May 2014 We are well on our way to a wet and windy Wellington winter. I hope that

you all had an enjoyable and safe Easter weekend.

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of Anzac

Day. It is a time to reflect and pay tribute to our Anzac veterans. It is also

a day to remember those who have served in conflicts since that time.

This year on Anzac Day the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) had

around 250 personnel deployed on 11 peacekeeping operations, United

Nations missions, and defence exercises around the world.

ANZAC day is close to my heart as my father, my husband, my brother,

uncles, nieces and nephews have served and some continue to serve in

New Zealand’s armed forces. I emphasise the importance of celebrating

and acknowledging the sacrifices made by the many men and women who

serve our country selflessly for the freedoms we all enjoy.

Lest we forget.

I had the great pleasure of meeting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

but, alas, not the very cute Prince George. The picture featured below is

of the young Royals visiting the New Zealand Police College in

Papakowhai. They were able to visit and engage with the dog handlers

and police dogs that serve our communities so faithfully.

Porirua Grand Traverse 2014

I was really inspired by all the competitors in the Porirua Grand Traverse

and very much enjoyed celebrating their achievements at their prize

giving. All ages and lots of families (more than 1000 entries) do these

tough events just for the fun of it, with a huge number of sponsors all

getting behind this. Will have to train myself up to give it a go next year

(umm… I think!). Well done all of you!

April School Visits I was honored to open the Taeaomanino Village Play Group. It looks

absolutely fantastic! I got to visit Aotea College, speak to some bright

year 13 students, the Board of Trustees, teachers and of course their

principal, Kate Gainsford. I also recently sent a letter of congratulations to

Aotea for raising achievement across NCEA 1, 2, and 3 by more than ten

percent over the past two years. Outstanding!

I visited Te Puna Reo o Ngati Toa. They'd only been open a few weeks

and were already in full swing! Great community support! I then ended

the day with a discussion with the Porirua Foundation and Partners

Porirua on the Porirua Youth Awards, which I started in 2010. It’s

important that we keep recognising outstanding young people from

Porirua. An all-round excellent day!

Education

Merging of Phillipstown and Woolston Schools

After a period of continued consultation and fresh consideration of

the merger proposal, I recently made a new decision that these schools

will merge in Term 1, 2015. It is now more than 18 months since I first

announced my proposal that these schools merge. That is a very long

time for the children, staff and communities of Phillipstown and Woolston

to deal with uncertainty about their schools.

I am glad to be providing certainty to them now. The reasons include the

surplus of primary places in the local school network, Phillipstown’s small

roll for a city school, and significant earthquake and other property

related issues at both schools.

Investing in one merged school gives us the opportunity to provide kids

from Woolston and Phillipstown with the very latest and best in modern

technology and resources, with a budget of $11.8 million to achieve

this.

The merger date of Term 1, 2015 provides the least disruption and

most certainty. It also means there’s time for thoughtful and creative

integration by both communities. It provides a chance for the strengths

of the two schools to be combined in the new merged school.

Our Government is absolutely committed to the communities of greater

Christchurch, and our ten year renewal programme with an investment

of $1.137 billion represents that.

To see me speaking in the House visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--XnavCewXc

NZ Primary Principals Federation

I recently talked with the NZ Primary Principals Federation, together with

Peter Hughes, the Secretary of Education. It was great to have the

opportunity to bust a few myths and clarify a few facts with their

members. They were deeply engaged and I’m optimistic that they will

have walked away with some good food for thought.

Good news!

Out and about

Hutt Valley visits to Avalon Intermediate School, Naenae College, Imagine

Childcare. Ka rawe

Stay in touch

For any messages, suggestions of events or feedback please don’t hesitate to

contact my office at hekia.parata.mp@parliament.govt.nz

Please feel free to visit my website www.hekiaparata.co.nz; where you will find

my press releases and other key information. It could trigger you to provide

comments or ask questions which I encourage you to do.

I update my social media pages regularly with photos, press releases, questions

and comments.

Please follow me or add me as a friend on www.facebook.com/hekia.parata or

Twitter www.twitter.com/hekiaparata.

Please feel free to forward my newsletter to others who may be interested.

Ka mutu…..

Hon Hekia Parata National List MP based in the Mana Electorate Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Hekia Parata MP, Level 1, 20 Parumoana Street, Porirua.

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