Time for action on fire at Owaka Pit
It is time for Environment Canterbury to take action and issue an abatement to assure locals that the fire that has been burning at the Owaka Pit for a month will be extinguished, says Labour Wigram MP Megan Woods.
Ditch the Palace, move to the Coast
If Solid Energy is serious about focusing on its core coal mining business then it should shift its head office to the West Coast, Labour MP Damien O’Connor says.
“The company is cutting another 105 jobs as part of its restructuring plan, leaving just 87 people working at the company’s Christchurch headquarters, dubbed ‘the Palace’.
No need for secrecy around charter schools
The Government should lift its veil of secrecy surrounding the establishment of charter schools and be up-front with the public about who has applied to set them up, says Labour’s Education spokesperson Chris Hipkins.
Winter warmth a huge relief
News that Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has approved changes to Christchurch’s Air Plan to allow ultra-low emission wood-burners in new homes is fantastic, says Labour MP for Port Hills Ruth Dyson.
Parata’s Budget announcement dodges real issues
Education Minister Hekia Parata still hasn’t explained how the government is going to fill the $114 million hole left in the education budget as a result of her backdown on bigger class sizes, Labour’s Education spokesperson Chris Hipkins says.
Petition calls for inquiry into forestry safety
Forestry workers will continue to be killed on the job unless something is done to improve safety on the forestry industry, Labour’s Health and Safety spokesperson Darien Fenton is warning.
A petition in the name of Darien Fenton and presented by Green MP Denise Roche has been tabled in Parliament today asking the government to conduct an inquiry into forestry safety.
Labour calls for nominations for Ikaroa-Rawhiti by-election
The New Zealand Labour Party today opened nominations for its candidate for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti by-election. Nominations are scheduled to close at 5PM on Wednesday, 22 May 2013.
Moira Coatsworth, President of the Party, said today:
Animal testing opponents get short shrift
Animal welfare advocates, concerned that animals could be used to test ‘legal highs’, have been gagged by Government health select committee members, Labour’s Associate Health spokesperson Iain Lees-Galloway says.
Budget for John’s mates not your mates
John Key is spending more time looking after vested interests than the interests of hard-working New Zealanders who aren’t able to get ahead under National, says Labour Leader David Shearer.
Speech: Putting people first
A few weeks ago a woman contacted me asking for help.
She and her partner both have jobs. They pay their bills. They keep up with the mortgage and are raising four children.
But they’re struggling to get by from week to week.
She told me their situation is desperate. Her partner even went to Christchurch to try and earn a bit more.
