August 2009
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Mon, 31/08/2009 - 8:39pm
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While visiting the US, Education Minister Anne Tolley will meet with District of Columbia Public Schools system chancellor Michelle Rhee - known for establishing the Opportunity Scholarship initiative, which provided 'vouchers' for 1,900 students from low-income families to attend private schools.
Approved by then US President George W Bush in 2004, the Opportunity Scholarship widens school choice and creates competition - which Rhee sees as part of the process of raising standards in the public school system.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Sat, 29/08/2009 - 7:20pm
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When in opposition I was contacted by Longbeach School in mid-Canterbury. They were having 'issues' with the local Ministry of Education office over too many students and not enough classrooms. I tried to help them get extra classrooms - through normal channels - for the best part of a year, unfortunately without success. In sheer frustration the school got in a shipping container for a classroom and invited me to cut the ribbon. TV3 was also invited. Eventually a happy solution was reached. The school has two new classrooms and the Ministry has an enrolment zone.
Perhpas taking my lead on the versatility of shipping containers, Corrections Minister Judith Collins this week announced that a container cell block is to be built at Rimutaka Prison. The block will be able to house up to 60 prisoners and will allow the Dept. of Corrections to evaluate whether container construction can be used more widely.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Wed, 26/08/2009 - 7:36pm
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My attention was caught today by the 'Dominion Post' front page article, which told of an Australian researcher who wants the public to help her identify Kiwi airmen depicted in over 100 photos found and retrieved from a military rubbish tip.
The airmen all belonged to the RNZAF No.6 Flying Boat Squadron, formed in 1942 and charged with hunting Japanese boats in the Pacific during WWII, and the search to identify them is being undertaken by Australian archivist Jenny Scott – whose father, Flight Lieutenant Alastair Scott, originally rescued the photos. Among the men photographed is Sir Edmund Hillary, who served as a navigator from 1944-45.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Wed, 26/08/2009 - 2:47pm
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After three years without a single Private Member's Bill being drawn, ACT has now had two pulled from the Ballot in a matter of days - Sir Roger Douglas' Voluntary Student Membership Bill last week and, today, John Boscawen's Crimes (Reasonable Parental Control and Correction) Amendment Bill.
This Bill - which could well be described as the Anti 'Anti-Smacking' Bill - is designed to give parents certainty under the law when it comes to the correction of their children and specifically sets out the conditions that a light smack for the purpose of correction can be used. It states that the use of force is defined as unreasonable:
'if it should cause the child to suffer injury that is more than transitional or trifling; or it is inflicted with any weapon, tool or other implement; or it is inflicted in any means that is cruel or degrading.'
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Tue, 25/08/2009 - 2:52pm
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I was very interested this week to read an article in the 'Marlborough Express' that reinforced my view that good old Kiwi ingenuity is still alive and kicking.
The article was about Adam Turnbull and Dan Melling - two aeronautic mechanics training at Woodbourne Air Force Base who, in an attempt to battle the lack of local nightlife and inspired by UK TV show 'Top Gear' - have built an amphibious vehicle in which to cross the Cook Strait.
And, so, what started out as a humble 4WD Toyota Town Ace has become - following modifications like fitting polystyrene to aid with buoyancy, and removing the driveshaft from the rear to run the propeller –'Roofliss', an amphibious van that can just top five knots at sea. It also appears that 'Roofliss' is designed to be more of a pleasure craft given that it has also been fitted with a stereo, a beer fridge and a microwave for heating pies.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Tue, 25/08/2009 - 2:39pm
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Legislation this week - August 25-27 2009
Government Bills:
Appropriation (2009/10 Estimates) Bill - Committee Stages
ACT to Support
Infrastructure Bill - First Reading
ACT to Support
Student Loan Scheme (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill - First Reading
ACT to Support
Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill - First Reading
ACT to Support
Taxation (International Taxation, Life Insurance, and Remedial Matters) Bill - Committee Stages
ACT to Support
A more detailed rundown of Parliament this week can be viewed by clicking on 'In The House' or at http://www.roy.org.nz/inthehouse
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Tue, 25/08/2009 - 10:00am
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In an age where consumers can purchase items direct from all over the global community, credit cards have become the norm.
And it's not just through the internet; many people use the plastic for every purchase - preferring to put even small day-to-day purchases on their card and paying the bill when it arrives at the end of the month.
But what many people don't realise is that there is an added cost involved, with retailers required to pay a fee for every credit card transaction - a credit card interchange fee - which they are currently prohibited from charging the relevant card-holding consumer. In order to offset this, retailers average out the cost of that fee across every item or service they provide - resulting in higher prices across the board that are then paid by all consumers whether they pay by credit card or not.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Fri, 21/08/2009 - 9:03pm
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Kiwis have spoken. 87.6 percent of the 1,622,150 New Zealanders who participated in the Anti-Smacking Referendum have exercised their right to democracy and voted ‘NO’ (full provisional results). Now it is time for the politicians to listen.
ACT is the only Party that has opposed the anti-smacking legislation since it was introduced to parliament over two years ago and the only Party prepared to listen to Kiwis. We are calling on John Key and the National party to do the right thing. They cannot just ignore over 1.4 million New Zealanders.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Fri, 21/08/2009 - 12:08am
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There was jubilation today in the ACT parliamentary office when the Educaiton (Freedom of Association) Bill was drawn from the Private Members Bill Ballot. The bill is in the name of Sir Roger Douglas and will go on to the order paper for debate on the next members day. It is the same bill that was in the ballot in my name prior to the last election and which I've written about many times on this blog.
This is the first step in liberating students from the flawed and out-dated law that forces them to join their local student association. Workers don't have to join a union - only around 15% of workers choose to do so - and Student Associations are one of the few organisations in New Zealand that can compel membership.
Compelling students to join and pay its fees provides associations with a guaranteed stream of income. There are many cases of misappropriation of these funds and a lack of accountability to properly manage the pool of money this income generates.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Thu, 20/08/2009 - 11:48pm
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Longevity is something many aspire to and the good news for those in this camp is that we continue to live longer. Statistics New Zealand can always be relied upon to provide interesting facts and figures. This week the country's Births and Death figures for the June 2009 quarter were released.
According to Stats NZ there were 62,960 live births in the year to 30 June 2009, down from 64,140 in the previous year – this drop was largely the result of fewer babies being born in in the Auckland region. The birth rate was an average 2.1 births per woman, and women aged 30-34 years had the highest fertility rate – 123 births per 1,000 women.
A total 28,960 deaths were also registered for the June 2009 year – 270 more than the 28,690 in the June 2008 year. In spite of this, the population continues to grow with births exceeding deaths by 34,000 in the June 2009 year.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Wed, 19/08/2009 - 3:18pm
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In my capacity as Associate Minister of Education, I today released the Terms of Reference for the Government's Review of Special Education. This reflects the Government's expectations and aspirations for special education.
With these expectations and aspirations in mind we aim to ensure that Special Education policies and processes are fair and consistent, reach those most in need, make the best use of existing Government funding - such as the Ongoing and Reviewable Resourcing Schemes (ORRS) funding - and make the best use of the expertise needed to support children with special education needs.
Our current Special Education policy was developed in the 1990s, and a lot has changed since then. The Government is now working to ensure that special needs students receive the support they need – but to do this, I first need to know what's working well and what needs improvement.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Mon, 17/08/2009 - 11:22pm
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A recently released OECD report has found that people in the developed world now spend 20 percent more on communication services – such as cellphones and internet – than in 1995, highlighting the increasingly vital role that technology plays in our lives and in society as a whole.
During the weekend, I wrote my latest edition of Heather Roy's Diary (www.roy.org.nz/diary/heather-roys-diary-10) about just how crucial IT is becoming to the education of our children. As an example I mentioned the Computer Clubhouse Network – a global initiative started by MIT in the US to provide children from under-served communities with access to technology and mentors they would not otherwise be able to obtain for themselves. Last week I visited the Computer Clubhouse in South Auckland which caters for young people from low-income homes.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Mon, 17/08/2009 - 11:07pm
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An article in the Manawatu Standard caught my eye this weekend, reporting that Roslyn (primary) School in Palmerston North is bucking the political correctness trend by allowing its boys to play tackle rugby and bullrush. Bullrush has been banned in most schools aroundt the country.
Both these games were staple playground fare when I was at school and, I have to say, neither I or my classmates were any the worse for it.
Over the years, however, a disturbing trend of wrapping kids up in cotton wool pervaded our schools – lolly scrambles became lolly handouts in case a child was hurt by a flying sweet, and risk and challenge were eliminated from schoolyard games. This may have removed the chance of injury, but it also left childtren bereft of adventure.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Sun, 16/08/2009 - 11:48pm
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Just five days left to vote on the referendum regarding parental rights to discipline their children. Don't think the result is a foregone conclusion - democracy rests on people making sure they have their say, and this issue is all about democracy. Over 300,000 people signed a petition to say they wanted a referendum on the anti-smacking isssue. It's not easy to get this many people to sign up to anything other than lotto - a sad reflection on our society perhaps but true all the same.
Politicians need to learn to listen to the people and this is one of the few opportunities you will have other than at general election time. If your voting papers are still sitting in your in-tray or on your bench, fill them in now and send them off. The referendum closes this Friday, 21 August. Have your say.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Sat, 15/08/2009 - 2:29pm
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While writing the previous blog post (Banning texting while Driving) I mentioned Sir Robert Peel's 9 Principles of Policing. It's a while since I've looked at them but they are worth revisting frequently - refreshing to see a pricipled base.
Sir Robert Peel, 2nd Baronet (5 February 1788 – 2 July 1850) was twice Prime Minister of the UK from 10 December 1834 to 8 April 1835, and again from 30 August 1841 to 29 June 1846. He helped create the modern concept of the police force while Home Secretary and is often referred to as the father or founder of modern community policing. He oversaw the formation of the Conservative Party which arose out of the shattered Tory Party.
Sir Robert Peel's Nine Principles of Policing
1. The basic mission for which the police exist is to prevent crime and disorder.
2. The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public
approval of police actions.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Fri, 14/08/2009 - 10:53pm
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Between 2003 - 2008 there have been 25 fatal accidents involving the use of cellphones. The worst accident I've ever come across was one where a young driver reached across to get a lolly out of her glove-box, veered across to the wrong side of the road and had a head on collision, killing herself and injuing the elderly couple in the oncoming car. This was on a long stretch of straight Canterbury road on a fine day with excellent visibility. Drivers do some very silly things.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Thu, 13/08/2009 - 7:24pm
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It can sometimes take a long while to work through issues constituents ask for help with but, as a Member of Parliament, it is great to be able to see a project successfully through to the end.
About three years ago, a relative of New Zealand war hero Brigadier Reginald Miles approached me to ask for help a longstanding problem his family was having replacing a number of his lost medals. As an Opposition MP, I followed process by writing to the Minister of Defence, who then passed me on to the New Zealand Defence Force to 'discuss' the issue – not much help given that discussion on the issue had already been ongoing for years.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Wed, 12/08/2009 - 10:52pm
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Recess weeks give MPs the opportunity to pursue issues and make visits away from parliament. I've spent the past three days with my education hat on, visiting schools with Special Education facilities (Takapuna Grammar, Wilson School and Mt Roskill secondary, intermediate and primary schools). Macleans College and Glen Taylor hosted the ACT/National/Maori Party Inter-party Working Group on School Choice which I chair - we were looking at the impressive assessment programmes both schools have put in place to improve the quality of teaching and education overall.
Yesterday I was invited to open the independent Westmount School's new senior school building in Auckland. Westmount is a Brethren school - readers may recall the outrageous attack on this community by the Labour party over the 2005 election.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 6:06pm
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As part of a busy day in Christchurch yesterday I visited three schools, all of which cater for students with special needs.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Fri, 07/08/2009 - 10:57pm
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We are frequently reminded that Willie Apiata and Sir Peter Blake are the amongst the most respected kiwis and most would agree (I think) that they make worthy heroes. A quick glance at the magazine rack in supermarkets or reading our newspapers though tell a different story. The thing that sells is gossip about film stars and the NZ version - newsreaders and television reporters - every detail of whose lives seem to have caused some sort of fascination with the NZ public. It seems we're not alone. The piece below has done the rounds recently and makes the same point but in the US. Here is a real hero :
Ed Freeman
You're a 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Na Drang Valley, 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam. Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Wed, 05/08/2009 - 11:59am
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Today, in my capacity as Associate Minister of Education, I was delighted to announce the introduction of new scholarships that will enable young people from low-income families to attend independent schools that their families otherwise wouldn't be able to afford.
In this year's Budget the Government allocated an additional $10 million a year to independent schools – the first increase they have seen since 2000. Of that $10 million, $2.6 million will be used to provide students from low-income families with a scholarship – as well as an allowance to cover uniform and other school-related costs – to attend an independent school.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Tue, 04/08/2009 - 5:56pm
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I received my voting papers for the anti-smacking referendum yesterday, which asks: "Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?" I myself will be voting 'no'. If the various polls that have been taken recently are correct - all show around 80% support for the 'no' vote – most of the country will be voting the same way.
It certainly appears that most of the country sees a need for the law to be changed – but this can only happen if people exercise their right to democracy and actually vote in the referendum. While postal ballots have historically generated a notoriously low turnout, more than 300,000 people joined together to force this referendum – and we mustn't miss this opportunity to have our say.
Voting papers need to be returned by 21 August so vote now.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Tue, 04/08/2009 - 12:54pm
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Legislation this week - August 4-6 2009.
Government Bills:
Crimes (Provocation Repeal) Amendment Bill - First Reading
ACT to Support to Select Committee
Road User Amendment Bill - Second Reading
ACT to Support
Limitation Bill - First Reading
Act to Support
Search and Surveillance Bill - First Reading
ACT to Support
Cultural Property (Protection in Armed Conflict) Bill - Second Reading
ACT to Support
Taxation (International Taxation, Life Insurance, and Remedial Matters) Bill - Second Reading
ACT to Support
Electricity (Continuance of Supply) Amendment Bill - Second Reading
ACT to Oppose
Appropriation (2009/10 Estimates) Bill - Estimates Debate (eight hours)
ACT to Support
A more detailed rundown of Parliament this week can be viewed by clicking on 'In The House' or at http://www.roy.org.nz/inthehouse.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Mon, 03/08/2009 - 8:23am
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60 years ago today - 3 August 1949 - a referendum on CMT gained 78% support and through the 1950's some 60,000 kiwi men served under Compulsory Military Training.
A ceremony this morning (11am at the National War Memorial in Wellington) will mark the occasion. I'm deligted to have been asked to be the Government's representative at the ceremony and lay a wreath in honour of those who served.
I frequently come across those who served under CMT. The reports of their time in uniform are remarkably similar to my own experience - hard physically and psychological but enourmously enjoyable and worthwhile, and for many probably the most valuable experience of their lives.
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Submitted by Heather Roy on Sat, 01/08/2009 - 12:08am
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New Zealanders should exercise their right to democracy and take part in the Anti-Smacking Referendum - voting papers will begin arriving in letterboxes from today.
Postal ballots have historically generated a notoriously low turnout but given the publicity around this issue and numerous polls showing that around 80% of kiwis don't agree with the anti-smacking laws and the interference by govenrnment into the way people can discipline their children I expect the turnout to be better than with other postal ballots. More than 300,000 people joined together to force this referendum and I hope that New Zealanders won't miss this opportunity to have their say.
The intent of this law was to stem the country's rising tide of abhorrent child abuse. Instead, we have Government intrusion into the lives of law-abiding parents - and 13 children have been killed as a result of abuse since the law was passed two years ago.
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