National List MP Dr Jackie Blue encourages you to donate to the Cancer Society in exchange for a Daffodil on Friday 27 August.

“This year is the 20th Anniversary of Daffodil Day, and reminds us that cancer affects one in three New Zealanders,” Dr Blue says.

“Daffodil Day started in 1990 and is a major fundraising event for The Cancer Society. Donations received are crucial to helping reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in the community, and ensuring the best cancer care for New Zealanders.

“I will be wearing my daffodil as a symbol of hope for those who are dealing with cancer.”

Donations can be made to any collector on the streets on Friday 27 August. You can also call 0900 31 111 to make an instant $20 donation, or text ‘daffodil’ to 883 to make a $3 donation.

For more information and other ways to donate see www.daffodilday.org.nz

Posted by admin in Press Release at 20:54

National’s new approach to help lift student achievement is an exciting and innovative way forward for education, says Jackie Blue.

“We’re changing the way the Ministry supports teachers and pupils, with targeted funding and support for children identified as needing extra help,” Dr Blue says.

“I’m excited that expert practitioners will be working closely with our local schools to help support learning.

“These specialists will work with teachers throughout the Mt Roskill to develop learning plans designed to improve student achievement.”

At least 50 practitioners will be appointed to work closely with schools or clusters of schools to lift educational performance.

The Government is also investing $36 million to help children who need extra support in reading, writing, and maths, while refocusing professional development for teachers and principals towards lifting student achievement.

“These changes will build on the information provided by National Standards and will see more education resources being moved to the frontline,” Jackie Blue says.

“This is good news for our local children and the economic and social wellbeing of Mt Roskill.”

Posted by admin in Press Release at 10:19

Jackie Blue is urging Mt Roskill locals to come up with ideas for New Zealand’s biggest ever festival.

Today the Government announced a new $9.5 million Lotteries Fund to support community events and activities in every part of the country in the lead-up to, and during, the Rugby World Cup.

“The Rugby World Cup will be a huge event for New Zealand, and a great chance for us to celebrate as a region,” says Dr Blue

“Twenty three centres around the country are hosting games or teams, bringing widespread economic benefits. This fund will ensure that Mt Roskill can make the most of the opportunity.

“This fund will complement the investment regions are already making in the World Cup festival. There are already some great event and activity ideas out there. We want to hear more!”

Applications for the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund will open on July 27 and close on August 31. Successful applicants will be announced by the end of October.

“Our locals know best how to show off what our region has to offer. We have one of the most diverse electorates in the country” Jackie Blue said.

“The world up is more than just the matches. We want to make sure our visitors get to see our country, meet our people and have a great time in between the games.”

“This is a chance to show-case Mt Roskill”.

For more information on the Fund, visit: www.dia.govt.nz

For more information on the Festival, visit: www.nz2011.govt.nz

Posted by admin in Press Release at 23:49

Jackie Blue welcomes the retrofitting of more than 50,000 homes under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart home insulation and heating programme.

“When we kicked off the four-year scheme in July last year we had a target to make 27,500 homes warmer and healthier in the first year,” Dr Blue says.

“The scheme has been an outstanding success and we are well on track to meet our target of at least 188,500 homes insulated by 2013.”

In Auckland more than 9812 households have been made warmer and drier in the first 11 months of the scheme, Jackie Blue says.

“Along with greater comfort and health benefits for occupants, the programme has had a positive economic impact during difficult times, creating valuable jobs in Auckland,” Jackie Blue says.

About 2000 new jobs are expected to be created across the country as a result of the programme.

“We are seeing good growth in the many businesses directly and indirectly involved,” Jackie Blue says.

Under the $347 million scheme the Government is providing grants for all householders of up to $1300 for houses built before 2000 that need ceiling and under-floor insulation. Once insulation is up to standard, homeowners can get $500 towards a clean, efficient heating system.

Community Services Card holders qualify for a 60 per cent subsidy for insulation and up to $1200 for a clean heat device. The scheme has also attracted about $15 million in additional funding in its first year from a range of community groups, health trusts, and other organisations.

“I am delighted to see this extra funding help those people most in need who can access the scheme for free, or at very little cost,” Dr Blue says.

Posted by admin in Press Release at 10:15

A further $791,000 is being injected into critical social services in South and Central Auckland under the Government’s Community Response Fund.

“To date, the Community Response Fund has contributed almost $3.4 million in the region to ensure 74 community organisations have the support they need to provide social services,” says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

This is round three of the fund, established last year to help NGOs meet critical demand while under financial pressure from an economic recession.

“We’ve made the commitment to ensure that groups providing vital social services can respond successfully to needs in their community.

“Applications were assessed by a regional panel with community representation. The panel has made sure that we’ve got the mix right. We trust communities to know themselves best and where support is needed most,” says Ms Bennett.

Community organisations apply for funding under two criteria: financial crisis and increased demand, including innovative ways to meet increased demand.

Round Three has seen an easing in the grants for crisis and demand, together with an increase in innovative solutions.

“The increase in innovation tells me that given support and opportunity, communities are smart and resourceful, well able to solve their own issues.

“We’re seeing greater collaboration and more sharing of back office functions among providers who continue to improve as a result,” says Ms Bennett.

The Community Response Fund has provided $25 million to 479 organisations across the country.

Applications for Round Four of the Community Response Fund opened in February and will close in July.

Media contact: Jackie Blue 021 224 1347

Posted by admin in Press Release at 10:14