“Weaving a safety net for the most vulnerable families in the community,” is how Katrina Shanks, the Ohariu based National List MP, describes the work of those involved in running the Newlands Food Bank. 

For years now, the food bank has been an integral provider of support for families in need, but now Mrs Shanks is urging local businesses to support it.

“The food bank, which is run by a charitable trust, needs more donors. It’s a great cause, which directly impacts on the health and wellbeing of our locals,” Mrs Shanks says.

“Last year the food bank gave 320 food parcels and this year they expect this to climb to 450 parcels. They have already noticed an increase in people that have contacted them.
 
“All of these families who receive food parcels give something in return. For example, one family mows lawns for retired clients who can no longer mow their own lawn.”

Food bank director Michelle Rowe describes it as a win-win situation for all: “One family has been given seedlings and they are growing vegetables for their family. When they have too much they bring the rest to the food bank.”

Last year the food bank cost $12,000 to run. This year the cost is expected to be around $18,000. “This doesn’t include the seedlings committee members donate or the veges they grow themselves,” Michelle Rowe says.
 
They hold sausage sizzle fundraisers and quiz nights to help with this cost.

The food bank is run out of Newlands Community Centre which encourages locals to get more involved in their community.

“Our communities are safer and happier as a result,” Mrs Shanks says.

“A donation to the food bank really is an investment in our community.”

If you are interested in meeting with Katrina Shanks to discuss donating to the food bank appeal, please email katrinashanks.mp@parliament.govt.nz or call her office 04 478 0351.

It’s about time we talked about last night, New Zealand.

You’re great, but it’s time you ditched those mates of yours.

Shouty New Zealand, annoying New Zealand, fall over New Zealand, violent New Zealand, almost get arrested New Zealand – they’re not welcome at our parties anymore.

Binge drinking has become an accepted part of our culture and it cannot continue.

The harm caused by alcohol not only affects individuals, it affects their families, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, and society as a whole.

Alcohol plays a part in 30 per cent of all offences, 34 per cent of family violence, and is a factor one in every two homicides.

Around 1000 deaths each year are estimated to be caused by alcohol.

It is time to admit that we have a problem and it is time we ditch our mates.

The public has told us that alcohol laws aren’t tough enough and we have responded with a comprehensive alcohol law reform package that zeroes in on the harm.

We are focusing on minimising alcohol related-harm, including crime, disorder, and public health problems.  Measures include giving local communities the power, through local alcohol policies, to decide how many alcohol outlets they have, where they are, and what time they are open.

We’re giving parents more tools to manage their children’s access to alcohol, and requiring people to be more responsible when supplying alcohol to minors. 

This package is a pledge from the Government towards a better future for our children and for our grandchildren.

I encourage everyone to get involved in the process and to make a submission when the bill goes to Select Committee. In the mean time, I welcome your letters and am happy meet with you as we work together to change New Zealand’s binge drinking culture.

We know that legislation alone will not turn binge-drinking around.  But these reforms can, and will, support a culture change by helping to control the availability and proliferation of alcohol.

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.

So go on New Zealand, ditch your mates.

Ohariu-based National List MP Katrina Shanks welcomes the Government’s comprehensive alcohol law reform package to address alcohol-related harm.

“The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, and this package does exactly that,” Mrs Shanks says.

“The misuse of alcohol has caused too much harm in our communities. National has stepped  up do something about it.

“We want a better future for our children, for our grandchildren, and for their children.”

Alcohol contributes to 1000 deaths a year, and is a major driver of crime, being implicated in 30 per cent of all police recorded offences, 34 per cent of recorded family violence, and 50 per cent of all homicides. 

“I have been a strong advocate for change within the Ohairu electorate and have continued to listen to and take on board the views of our community,” Mrs Shanks says.

“This package focuses on minimising alcohol related-harm, including crime, disorder, and public health problems, and zeros in on where harm is happening – particularly around youth.

“Over the coming weeks, I will be talking to students, and getting their response to the  reforms.

“I am happy for anyone to contact me about this issue and I encourage everyone to make a submission when the bill goes to select committee. Now is the time for us to work together to change New Zealand’s binge-drinking culture.”

The Government hopes to introduce legislation to Parliament in October, and plan to have the law in place by the end of next year.

Further information can be found on the Ministry of Justice website at www.justice.govt.nz and on the Beehive website at www.beehive.govt.nz