World leaders have real local influence

The past week has seen President Obama re-elected in America and this will mean business as usual in New Zealand's relationship with the US.

This stability is a very good thing for us, given the current state of the world economy.

This week sees the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in New Zealand and visiting the Rangitikei electorate today. This is a great boost to our region and certainly for Feilding, as it focuses the international press on us for a few hours, and gives us the opportunity to show off our region to the world.

It is also very important for our country, as the Prince of Wales is the heir to the throne, and the Queen, through her representative, the Governor General, is our head of state. The stability the monarchy has provided for democracy in our country should not be underestimated, and it sits steadfastly behind much of what we stand for as a nation.

Positive news for one part of our region is good for all of us.

For example, extra jobs in Wanganui have a positive effect on Marton, as they create more opportunity for people who live in surrounding areas to take up the jobs that others in their hometown may have vacated.

Transport in rural New Zealand is an issue that challenges our ability to access jobs away from our home towns.

It also creates challenges in accessing health, education, and recreation services.

It is time to take up the challenge and have some serious discussion about this topic in our local communities, and to discuss how to make the most of the Government's increased infrastructure investment.

There are more opportunities available to us now but it will need discussion and planning at a local level to make the most of the opportunities that the greater investment offers.

One last thing: The White Paper for Vulnerable Children has been released by Minister Bennett, and I will be holding a meeting in Marton on Monday, November 26 at the Valhalla Cinema in Broadway at 5pm.

This meeting is open to anyone wishing to attend and Dr Cam Calder, one of our White Paper champions, will also be speaking.