Welcome to my Website
I am proud to have been Ilam's MP since 1996. Ilam is a great electorate and still an enjoyable place to live study and work. As a city we face challenges but we are working hard on a local and national level to make good progress.
This Government is working hard to rebuild and strengthen the country to give New Zealander's a brighter future. Re-creating Christchurch is a top priority and we are totally committed to the reconstruction of Canterbury and are determined to see that momentum is maintained.
My Ministerial responsibilities and role as Leader of the House means I do have to spend a lot of time in Wellington. However, if you live in the Ilam Electorate and have an issue I can help with or something that you think I should know about please get in touch – my office and I are here to help.
Electorate Office; 283 Greers Road, Bryndwr, Christchurch 8053
Phone: 359 0582 Email: ilam@parliament.govt.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/HonGerryBrownlee
Budget 2013
Last week Finance Minister Hon Bill English presented this Government's fifth Budget. Click on the link below for details .
http://www.national.org.nz/budget2013.aspx
New Residential Advisory Service to support Cantabrians.
I have announced today that a new Residential Advisory Service is now available to all property owners having difficulty with insurance and other repair or rebuilding challenges. The free phone number is 0800 777 299, and will be available Mon - Fri 8am to 5pm starting on Thursday 15th May.
Call centre staff will immediately begin setting up appointments with independent advisors but cases will be triaged by the call centre and placed with advisors based on the specific nature of issues. The first advisor/property owner meetings begin on Monday 20 May at one of 15 locations around greater Christchurch
This service has been designed using real case studies and consulted on extensively with community groups, insurers and the legal fraternity – including Community Law Canterbury – to deliver results.
We know that some Cantabrians have gone too long living in uncomfortable, and in some cases unhealthy houses, and it’s time to put that right as quickly as possible.
The Residential Advisory Service independent advisors are professional people working in the field in greater Christchurch across the areas of engineering, building, geo-technical expertise, real estate and insurance.
More information can be found at www.advisory.org.nz
Riccarton House
I had the pleasure of a look through Riccarton House this week, along with the Chair of the Riccarton Bush Trust, Charles Deans and the manager Rob Daly.
The historic and beautiful home, affected in the quakes, has received funding from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust along with its insurance payment and is now being repaired, strengthened and renovated. The walls and fireplaces have been stripped back for reinforcing to go in and then the house will be returned to its former glory.
In one room this wall painting has been uncovered. Charles was able to tell us that this had been the nursery where his Grandfather would have played.
I was impressed by the genuine care and detail of the restoration by Simon Construction. Completion is planned for December 23rd.
Youth Parliament for 2013 - Gul Agha Alizadah
I am delighted with the selection of Gul Agha Alizadah as Ilam’s Youth Parliament representative. We had a strong line-up of candidates and it was difficult to select one representative, but I am confident Gul Agha will make the most of the opportunity and give the role 100%.
Gul Agha is in year 13 at Burnside High School and will be studying for a degree in political science and economics next year at Canterbury University. Ultimately he wishes to be a Member of Parliament.
Originally a refugee from Afghanistan, Gul Agha knows the importance of having ‘a voice’. He is very enthusiastic about the role as Ilam Youth Parliamentarian, “I’m passionate about politics and service to humanity. I'm very confident that I will fully commit myself to the issues and views of young people, and will strive to carry their voices to be heard and responded to.” 2013 Youth Parliament will be held on the 16 and 17 July.
The 2013 Energy Awareness programme - Christchurch
Christchurch Agency for Energy (CAfE) is a local charitable trust that exists to raise awareness of energy, energy use and energy options in Christchurch and promotes energy efficiency initiatives and the use of renewable energy.
.
The 2013 Energy Awareness programme aims to showcase energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities for Christchurch. The highlight of the month of activity is the mini expo “Our Energy Future” but there's also a celebrity debate, tours of Christchurch energy sites and SWITCH - the award-winning movie on the future of energy. There’s something for everyone - Christchurch residents, families, students, businesses and decision-makers.
Click on the link to see what the 2013 Energy Awareness programme has on offer and when. To find out more or to make a booking, visit www.energyaware.co.nz
The Government is making it as easy as possible for you to be protected from the flu virus.
Influenza immunisation is available FREE for those who:
- are pregnant
- regularly use an asthma preventer
- have diabetes
- have heart disease
- have kidney problems
- have cancer
- have a serious medical condition
- or are aged 65 years or over
- and for Cantabrians under 18 years
Even if you do not have one of these eligible conditions, you still benefit from an influenza immunisation available, at a small cost. Influenza immunisation is normally available between March and the end of July every year.
Some interesting facts about the Flu:
· You cannot get influenza from the vaccine. The vaccine stimulates the immune system and contains protection against circulating flu viruses.
· The flu is contagious. If you are infected with the flu you are contagious from a day before you feel sick until your symptoms have resolved (usually about 1 week for adults, but can be up to 2 weeks for children).
· The flu virus can have you bed ridden. If you are healthy and fit you are still at risk of getting the flu.
· Each year the flu virus is different so just because you had the vaccine last year doesn't make you immune - they keep changing. The vaccines are made each year based on the most common flu circulating. The 2013 seasonal influenza vaccine offers protection against three strains of influenza:
1. A/California/7/2009(H1N1)pdm09-like virus
2. A/Victoria/361/2011(H3N2)-like virus
3. B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.
· It is best to be vaccinated early in the season as it can take up to two weeks following the vaccination for the body to build antibodies.
For more information, phone 0800 Immune (0800 466 863) or visit Fight Flu.
Please protect yourself. Protect your family. Protect your community.
Southern Response video on Foundations and rebuilding in Christchurch
While this video particularly relates to the work Southern Response does, it also gives insight as to working out the best foundation solution for a new build. It looks at the TC3 category which will be helpful to many living in the Ilam electorate.
This video includes a snap-shot of one of Southern Responses' 'foundation solution' meetings. I think it gives useful insight into some of the early technical challenges for rebuilding in Christchurch
http://www.southernresponse.co.nz/news/foundation-options-video/
