“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.

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

The ‘Home for Life’ support package will provide New Zealand children in care with the security and love they deserve, says Johnsonville based National List MP Katrina Shanks.

“There are more than 5,000 children in State care at any given time and the National-led Government is determined to remove any barrier to finding them a permanent, stable home” Mrs Shanks says.