PHIL HEATLEY MP for Whangarei

It's April already - I've just had my birthday, and the year is flying by! I've got plenty to keep me busy in the electorate at the moment. Education has been a focus - I've been getting around local schools so I can report back to Wellington regarding Novopay issues, see how National Standards are bedding in and viewing a large number of capital projects that are modernising Whangarei schools.

I'm also keeping an eye on State Highway 1 developments. The four lane-ing around Mander Park is nearing completion with work on the Maunu/Western Hills Drive intersection and other key parts of State Highway 1 still in the pipeline. Once completed these improvements will make a big difference to traffic flow into and through Whangarei.

Whangarei MP Phil Heatley says the release of the latest National Health Targets show continued improvements to frontline health services in Northland.

“Across New Zealand, patients continue to receive better healthcare, and Northland is no exception,” Phil Heatley says.

MP for Whangarei, Phil Heatley has welcomed the official declaration of ‘a state of drought’ in Northland by the Minister for Primary Industries, Hon Nathan Guy.

“Having taken time out to drive the rural areas bordering Whangarei this last week, it was crystal clear to me that farmers and stock are under increasing pressure. I assured the Minister that it was well worth a visit to the North and am relieved that he has now seen for himself the challenge to local farmers,” Mr Heatley says. 

Energy and Resources Minister Phil Heatley has announced three appointments to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

Tom Campbell has been appointed Chair of the Authority. Mr Campbell has had a long-standing interest in improving energy efficiency from roles at Rio Tinto, including as Managing Director (NZ and UK) of Comalco and General Manager of the Tiwai Smelter.

Housing Minister Phil Heatley and Auckland Mayor Len Brown today announced the appointment of a seven-member Board with a strong mix of community, urban development and business skills to lead the Tamaki Redevelopment Company.

The Tamaki Redevelopment Company is New Zealand’s first urban redevelopment company and aims to transform Tamaki (including Glen Innes, Point England and Panmure) in Auckland over the next 20-25 years through co-ordinated economic, social, and housing initiatives.

“I’m delighted to have a Board with this level of talent and experience to lead the Tamaki urban development programme through its first years,” Mr Heatley said.

Investment in oil and gas exploration will receive a significant boost with the award of 10 exploration permits, announced by Energy and Resources Minister Phil Heatley today.

Seven of the 10 Block Offer 2012 permits are in the Taranaki Basin, two in the Pegasus Basin and one in the Great South Basin. The permits are equally divided between onshore and offshore areas.

“Strong interest in the Block Offer 2012 permitting round proves that New Zealand is a key destination for both domestic and international investment in oil and gas exploration.

We are very fortunate in New Zealand to have an abundance of energy and minerals resources.

These provide us with unique opportunities to grow our economy, ensure we have a secure supply of affordable energy, and respond to the global challenge of climate change.

The oil and gas sector is already a major contributor to our economy. It’s our fourth-largest export and directly and indirectly supports around 7,700 jobs.