Leaders' blog: Thursday, October 23, 2008

Helen Clark's log: 23-10-2008

My visit to Taupo yesterday saw me visit Taupo Nui-A-Tia College.

Principal Peter Moyle took me on a tour of the school grounds as we talked about the college's planned $2.85 million development project, which includes extending the gym.

This is an example of the kind of project which could be brought forward under our stimulus package, which will be announced in December.

Capital works in education and other parts of the public sector play an important role in providing greater continuity of work in the building sector, and can be a boost to economic activity, as worldwide recession impacts on our regions.

While in Taupo, I also spoke to a community gathering at the yacht club. It was a good chance to cover a huge range of issues and to talk to people one on one over a cup of tea.

It was also a great opportunity to call into the Lake Taupo primary health organisation (PHO) where they had a fantastic team of nurses, a dietitian, a smoking cessation team, and the two high school students who work with teens to highlight the effects of alcohol.

Last stop for the day was a cup of tea with Taupo Museum's Karen Williams, staff and friends.

Media following my campaign were particularly interested inmy thoughts on daft comments made by Lockwood Smithabout the characteristics required for seasonal workers from overseas.

Such remarks are simply unacceptable.

What to watch out for today: More news on the huge success of KiwiSaver.

Helen Clark



John Key's log: 23-10-2008

There were two distinct parts to my visit to New Plymouth yesterday.

In the morning I visited an Irish-designed dairy facility called "Supershed" in rural Taranaki. It's an impressive state-of-the-art milking facility that includes a viewing theatre so people can watch the cows being milked.

They even have video cameras (and a webcam) to monitor the milking operation.

I spoke to a group of more than 80 people there about National's vision for New Zealand, including issues of particular concern to farming communities like the emissions trading scheme.

I told the group that while we must play our part in the fight against climate change, we shouldn't be the world leader, because that will come at the expense of our economy.

That's why we will amend Labour's emissions trading scheme (ETS) so that we balance our environmental responsibilities with our economic opportunities.

It's a simple principle, but an important one. I see no sense in New Zealand exporting emissions - and jobs - to another part of the world.

But at the same time, we must play our part and that's why National supports a sensibly designed ETS.

After the visit, I travelled to the grounds outside the NewPlymouth courts to announce National's policy on parole, bail and sentencing.

Features of our plans include a much tougher approach to home detention, bail, and sentencing for particularly horrific murders and crimes of violence, abuse and neglect against children.

These policies are driven by one concern over all others - the need to put public safety first.

Today I'm on the campaign trail in Hawkes Bay.

 John Key