Dear John 



Parliamentary News from Louise



The latest school attendance and achievement figures show that New Zealand education is in crisis. Watch my video here <[link removed]>.



<[link removed]>



School attendance and labour shortages



Erica Stanford MP for East Coast Bays, Spokesperson for Education and Immigration is visiting Taupō on Wednesday 2 November. We will be discussing National's solutions to issues like opening our borders to essential workers (including nurses and doctors) to fill the current dire labour shortages, and the student attendance crisis facing our schools.







The rate of attendance has been steadily dropping. Nationwide less than half (46.1%) of students attend school 9 days out of 10 or more. Attendance at secondary schools is much worse than for primary and intermediate schools.



This crisis can’t be blamed on Covid 19. It is a significant area we will focus on – as well as achievement levels which go hand in hand with attendance and have plummeted to shocking levels <[link removed]>, with two-thirds of students not getting the basics.



This is despite the Government spending an extra $5 billion on education every year since it came into power. We owe our children a better future.



Into Work Workshops



During Parliament's recent recess period, I hosted a series of Into Work Workshops throughout New Zealand, including in Otaki, Rotorua, Timaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill.



I met with employers, jobseekers and agencies who help jobseekers to find work. It was heartening to see the effort and care of agencies offering wrap-around support to help jobseekers build their skills and mana, particularly those who have been on a benefit long term.



This is the way forward if we are to get the 170,000 people able to work off welfare <[link removed]> and into work while there are so many vacancies to be filled. There are nearly 50,000 more people on the benefit now than in 2017, yet businesses everywhere are desperate for staff.



This is a golden opportunity for people to regain their independence. Let’s not waste it.







Local elected representatives



Congratulations to the new mayors and councillors who have been elected to serve their towns and districts. I look forward to meeting the new representatives and working with returning representatives on projects that concern our communities.



I’d also like to pay tribute to all departing representatives. You have made a wonderful contribution to our communities.







Out and about



It was great to see the many people celebrating the Hawke’s Bay farming, horticulture and equestrian events at the A&P Show in Hastings 19–21 October.



Leader Christopher Luxon attended the show and says New Zealand needs to support its farmers who are being treated like ‘villains’. He says they’re ‘the world’s best’ and we should back them ‘like they’re the All Blacks’. Show-goers told us they’re worried about the cost of living crisis, rising interest rates, and the huge problems caused by gangs and crime in the area.



Some of these concerns were echoed at our September South Waikato Friendly Forum in Putaruru. People are also concerned about the lack of housing (including safe emergency housing), access to primary healthcare and the appalling state of our roads, amongst other things. A number of business owners in town I visited afterwards share the frustration of not being able to find staff.



This Saturday, I will be helping with Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand's annual Pink Ribbon Street Appeal in Cambridge. Each day in New Zealand, nine women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 650 of them die each year.



About 25 men are also diagnosed with the disease annually. If a collector rattles a tin at you on Saturday, give generously. It might be you, or a woman—or man—you love, who will benefit from education and awareness programmes, early detection, targeted treatment, and support paid for with the help of your donation.



Upcoming events



I’m looking forward to the BDO Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge on 26 November. As the largest cycling event—and probably the largest participation event—on New Zealand’s sporting calendar with around 5000 riders and 7000 supporters, it is always such a buzz.



All types of Kiwis come together to participate in all kinds of events, from the Enduro, a 320km double circumnavigation of the roto, to the Kids Pedal Power Ride and entertainment for non-riders.



Upcoming engagement opportunities



If you have issues you would like to discuss with me, there are several options for making contact below. I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather and longer evenings.  



In a break from winter tradition, Fieldays begins at Mystery Creek on 30 November. It is always a fun event, and I hope to meet some of you there.



Facebook Live



- Tuesday 8 November 8 p.m. I’ll be live on Facebook @louiseupstonmp for our regular chat. Join me to discuss the issues that currently concern you.



Electorate Clinic Appointments 



Clinics are by appointment, so please call the office for available slots.



- Cambridge – Friday 4 November, 07 8275572

- Taupō – Friday 25 November, 07 3765563



Kind regards,



Hon Louise Upston

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National Party Taupo - New Zealand

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