David Bennett MP - Local

Hamilton City North Newsletter - June 2008

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:38:31 +1300

An update from David Bennett, MP for Hamilton East

Winter has well and truly arrived and we hope you all enjoy the long weekend and have the chance to get away for Queen’s Birthday.

As you will be aware things are picking up as the General Elections are nearing – while a date has yet to be set we are working hard drawing up policy and drafting Bills to make sure the National Party is prepared to be the next Government.

National has recently announced its promise to invest up to $1.5 billion to drive the roll out of a ‘fibre to the home’ ultra-fast broadband network. New Zealand has fallen behind its global competitors when it comes to broadband. As a result, we are missing out on the opportunities of this century’s leading technology – the Internet.

Fibre will deliver huge economic benefits for our country in terms of enhanced productivity, improved global connectivity, and enhanced capacity for innovation. We know that this will benefit you directly.

We believe this is an investment that will help deliver the economic step change that New Zealand needs to significantly lift average incomes over time. Increasing incomes is an important way to provide relief to New Zealander’s feeling the pinch of rising prices of food, fuel and basic commodities.

As always, we are happy to hear your concerns and help with your inquiries. If you need our assistance please contact the Electorate Office on:

Ph: 07 834 3407

Email: davidbennett@xtra.co.nz

Kind regards,

David Bennett

MP for Hamilton East

Hamilton City North Newsletter - September 2008

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:33:52 +1300

An update from David Bennett, MP for Hamilton East

We have recently released our Benefits Policy which has been met with significant public support. We believe in a benefit system that is a genuine safety net in times of need. We, however, will place a major focus on getting beneficiaries back into employment.

National will extend the part-time work obligation to two groups of beneficiaries – DPB recipients, once their youngest dependent child is aged six or over, and people on sickness and invalid benefits who have been assessed as being able to work part-time. About 5,600 sickness and invalid beneficiaries have been categorised as capable of working right now.

These beneficiaries will have to be available for part-time work (at least 15 hours a week) and either be trying to find work or in job-related training. The system will exempt parents who have full-time carer responsibilities, because, for example, their child has a physical or intellectual disability.

The policy will also target long-term unemployed by requiring them to do what it takes to secure employment. This may include practical training, attending a basic skills course, or attending drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

These policies are designed to provide the right signals and incentives - we want to encourage people into training and work where possible.

As always, we are happy to hear your concerns or inquiries. If you need our assistance or would like any policy information please contact the Electorate Office on:

Ph: 07 834 3407

Email: davidbennett@xtra.co.nz

Kind regards,

David Bennett

MP for Hamilton East

Hamilton City North Newsletter - August 2008

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:29:03 +1300

An update from David Bennett, MP for Hamilton East (August 08 Edition)

Hamilton traffic was hugely congested last month when truckies locally and throughout New Zealand protested an announced increase in road user charges. I joined the truckies as they drove through the city in support of their plight.

The increase in the road user charge of about 7% for a typical truck comes at a time when the trucking industry is really struggling with higher fuel costs. These costs will eventually be passed on to all New Zealanders in the form of higher prices for food, clothing, and every other essential good that gets transported by road.

The hike in the road user charges for diesel vehicles came on the same day that Labour hiked the ACC levy on petrol and increased vehicle registration fees.

These new costs for motorists and truckies were introduced just before Michael Cullen admitted that Labour paid a "premium" to buy the railway assets of Toll.

Hiking transport costs just when people are struggling with higher living costs and when Labour has paid far too much for the trains and the ferries, is a slap in the face for every Kiwi road user, consumer, and taxpayer.

As always, we are happy to hear your concerns and help with your inquiries. If you need our assistance please contact the Electorate Office on:

Ph: 07 834 3407

Email: davidbennett@xtra.co.nz

Kind regards,

David Bennett
MP for Hamilton East

Hamilton City North Newsletter - July 2008

nospam@example.com (Staff) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:24:09 +1300

An update from David Bennett, MP for Hamilton East (July 08 issue)

Winter is well and truly upon us and as winter bites, power bills are growing. The cost of living is rising and this time of year is the hardest time to cut house-hold costs.

The cost of living in New Zealand is becoming too high for many of our people. High commodity and hence high food and fuel prices combined with high interest rates and low wages are hurting New Zealander’s budgets. We need a strong economy delivering growth and hence increased wages to maintain our purchasing power.

National is committed to a strong economy. This is the only way we can pay for the rising commodity prices. Having good infrastructure is crucial to encouraging growth and creating a strong economy.

The National Party knows that modern, efficient and reliable infrastructure can lower the cost of producing and transporting goods, lessen the impacts on the environment, and help reduce pressure on the cost of living. That’s why addressing infrastructure issues is a key part of our 5 point plan for the economy.

As always, we are happy to hear your concerns and help with your inquiries. If you need our assistance please contact the Electorate Office on:

Ph: 07 834 3407

Email: davidbennett@xtra.co.nz

MP Bennet gets bald-er on campus

nospam@example.com (David Bennett MP) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:18 +1200

Click the image for a full-size PDF of this story by Andrew Neal