Collins' Comments: 7 December 2015

Hon Judith Collins
MP for Papakura

I am always excited to see that visitor numbers to New Zealand are increasing, especially in the summer months

Our bustling tourist trade
I am always excited to see that visitor numbers to New Zealand are increasing, especially in the summer months. It shows that as well as more people coming to our great little country, they are spending more and staying here longer too. In fact their spending was up 28 per cent in the year to August 2015 to over $8.7 billion. This is more than any other export except dairy.
Tourism is expected to keep growing by 4 per cent per year to 3.75 million visitors by 2021. Visitor numbers from United States and Australia are growing, and there has been a 35 per cent increase in visitors from China.
All this activity equates to more jobs for New Zealanders in all parts of the country and currently there are 168,000 jobs in tourism and climbing, with another 128,000 indirectly employed.
Papakura has many diverse activities to entertain visitors from the rest of the country and overseas starting with tours of the NZ Bloodstock Karaka (Horse) Sales Complex, Spookers and Asylum Paintball in Kingseat, many great restaurants, country cafes and farmers markets, Ardmore Airport and farm stay opportunities.
Attractions in our electorate also include the Hawkins Theatre, Papakura Museum and Papakura Art Gallery, small concert venues in Takanini and Papakura, golf, canoeing and walking tracks to name just a few. Our electorate is full of recreational facilities and opportunities for the sort of adventure people are looking for and there is always room for more!
The National-led Government has invested an unprecedented $600 million to help support overseas promotion and marketing work in both emerging and established markets. Money has been invested to promote individual attractions that will be a drawcard for international visitors through the Tourism Growth Partnership too.
The effect of all of this is that through the Government’s efforts, New Zealand is on track to reach the ambitious target of generating $41 billion in tourism revenue by 2025.
Tourism is going from strength to strength and provides opportunities for both the many who can use their skills and training to create new tourism businesses and for the many more people looking for work in the area. I wish our local tourism operators all the best for a busy and successful summer period.

Jonah Lomu
It was very sad to learn of the untimely passing of rugby great Jonah Lomu on 18 November. As we all know, Jonah was a very kind man who was always polite and respectful. He loved rugby from an early age and declared at primary school in Mangere that he wanted to be an All Black. As a larger than life person and an international rugby hero, he was a magnet for people’s attention all over the world but he remained humble and gentle and always knew where he came from.
From his first year at Wesley College here in South Auckland, Jonah’s talent as an athlete was easily seen and he is remembered with enormous pride at his old school for his achievements. I remember my brother who taught there, calling me to come and see this amazing young athlete in action. In rugby there is no equal and his incredible ability and courage is remembered with awe by all involved in the sport.
To his wife and two sons I offer deepest sympathy as we all mourn the loss of Jonah Lomu a real Kiwi legend and hero on and off the rugby field.

Paint the Cells - a wonderful opportunity for artists and interior decorators
I am excited to be involved with the judging of the great example of thinking outside the square that Counties Manukau Police personnel have come up with. It is a project called “Paint the Cells”. Police Inspector Tracey Phillips advertised a competition for creative people to apply with designs for painting some of the cells at the Manukau police hub.
The cells are used to house a range of people, including those awaiting their first court appearance, those in breach of the Immigration Act and mental health service users. Currently the cells are dingy and unpleasant for the police to work in and for the users who are held in them for between one and 48 hours.
Ten cells have been targeted for a paint job and artists were asked to apply by submitting designs and ideas by 30 November.
I am delighted to be part of the judging team who decide who the ten winners are. They will be supplied with the paint to make their designs come to life and this will brighten the lives of both police and cell occupants.

Christmas at the Pa
It was great to welcome Tony Kake from the Papakura Marae to the Electorate office recently to discuss various matters relating to the Marae and its whanau. The Marae runs many welfare activities including its medical centre and social workers in the community.
Tony invited us to Christmas at the Pa that will be held at the Papakura Marae on Wednesday 9 December at 5pm. We are all welcome and the entry is free, at this no-alcohol event.

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