David Bennett MP - News

Boost for Local Parenting Groups

nospam@example.com (David Bennett MP) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:41:46 +1300

Hamilton MPs David Bennett and Tim Macindoe are delighted that three local parenting groups are receiving a financial boost as part of a Ministry of Social Development initiative.

The Ministry of Social Development’s Strategies with Kids, Information for Parents (SKIP) Local Initiatives Fund supports communities to explore new ways to promote positive parenting.

Three Hamilton groups have received a boost in funding for up to 18 months. They are: the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society, Shama Hamilton Ethnic Women’s Centre Trust, and Pacific Peoples' Addiction Services.

“This is a great boost for our communities, and a step in the right direction for our families,” say the MPs.

“Parents of under-5s from all over the country are going to have access to a wide range of events that can boost their skills and confidence – including shows, courses and workshops,” say the MPs.

The funding was made available to those that have already delivered three or more successful SKIP Local Initiatives.

$8.25 million has been distributed through the Local Initiatives Fund to community organisations who are making parenting less stressful since SKIP began in 2004. The next SKIP funding round closes in March 2010.

Free Fruit for Schools Continues

nospam@example.com (David Bennett MP) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:38:30 +1300

Hamilton East MP David Bennett is delighted that four schools in the electorate will continue to receive Government funding for fruit for their students.

“When introduced, the previous government said Fruit in Schools funding would be for three years, and after that schools would need to source the fruit themselves. Schools agreed to that,” says Mr Bennett.

“For many schools nationwide that three years was up in June this year, but National agreed to roll the funding over for an extra six months pending a review.

"One of the issues being reviewed was the administration costs of the programme. Last year Fruit in Schools cost $12 million, with just over half of that actually spent on fruit."

“Now the review is complete and we've decided to keep the Fruit in Schools programme.

“This is great news for the participating schools in our electorate.”

Fruit in Schools will become part of the Health Promoting Schools programme run by DHBs, and this will save more than $4 million a year, which will be spent on other health services.

The other components of Health Promoting Schools are encouraging school children to be sun smart, smoke free and physically active.

Funding Boost for Local School

nospam@example.com (David Bennett MP) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:04:00 +1300

Berkley Normal Middle School is receiving a $887,537 funding boost to build new classrooms and facilities says MP for Hamilton East David Bennett.

This funding is part of a $29.8 million boost for new buildings at 27 schools across the country.

“National is committed to investing in our schools. We are very pleased to see this funding for a local school.” says Mr Bennett.

“These new buildings will really help Berkley Normal Middle School meet roll growth and provide better facilities for local students.

Youth Guarantee Delivers for Waikato Students

nospam@example.com (David Bennett MP) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:18:18 +1300

Local tertiary and training institutes have created 175 places to help 16- and 17-year-olds stay engaged in learning, say Hamilton MPs David Bennett and Tim Macindoe.

A total of 2000 places have been created across the country for youth at private training establishments, institutes of technology and polytechnics as part of our jump-start to the Youth Guarantee programme.

“Apostolic Training Centre, G & H training, NZ Management Academies, and Waikato Institute of Technology will provide young people with the opportunity to take part, free of charge, in courses like in tourism and travel, agriculture, building, plumbing, hospitality and catering next year,” say Mr Bennett and Mr Macindoe.

“Our Youth Guarantee scheme gives students who are more motivated in non-school settings an opportunity to re-engage with learning, and gain skills for future employment.
“The National-led Government is putting $52.7 million of funding into the programme over the next two years.

“We’re delivering on our promise to give young people the opportunities they need to succeed. It’s important that Waikato youth are given every chance to succeed.”

ENDS