Rimutaka campaign gets into gear
Over the past few days the first of our election signs went up around the Hutt Valley, the first really visible sign that an election is rolling around the corner. I'd like to extend a great big thank you to all the volunteers who put so many hours into constructing the most robust hoardings we've seen in a long time!
We're still on the lookout for more fences in prominent places so that we can literally 'paint the town red'. If you live on a busy road and you'd like a Labour/Hipkins sign on your fence, please do let us know. We've also got signs opposing National's plan to sell assets, promoting our plan to take GST off fresh fruit and veges, and promoting our plan to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. You're welcome to have one of those on your fence too.
As I've said before, campaigns cost a lot of money these days and we'd welcome any contribution you can give, whether it's $5 or $500, every little bit helps. If you'd like to make a donation, please contact Ginny Andersen ([Email]).
With just under 9 weeks to go until polling day, we've got a lot of work to do!
Chris Hipkins
MP for Rimutaka
Two fundraisers coming up
We've got two fantastic fundraising events coming up over the next week. On Saturday night we'll be repeating our hugely successful Rimutaka Labour Quiz Night. It starts at 6pm at the Silverstream School Hall (earlier this time so that you can get away in time for the rugby). Tickets are $15 each or $80 for a table of 6. It would be great to see you there.
On Monday night we continue our regular movie fundraisers. This week we've got a screening of The Help, a fantastic new film that has received rave reviews. As usual we'll get together at the Ascot Cinema in Upper Hutt from 7.30pm for an 8pm screening. Tickets are $20 and everyone is welcome.
Reaching for the stars
Recently Labour released our plan for lifting student achievement in primary schools, Reaching for the Stars - Whakamaua Nga Whetu. We want to make sure that every child has the chance to reach their full potential, and that starts with restoring a relationship of professional trust between boards of trustees, principals, staff, parents and students. Over the past three years I've been a regular visitor to our local primary schools and some of the most common concerns people have raised with me have related to national standards. They've been poorly thought through and rushed in without being trialled first. That's not good enough.
Labour has made it clear that we won't force schools to implement National's one-size-fits-all standards. Instead we will require schools to report regularly in plain English to their parents about how kids are doing and what their next learnings steps should be. At the centre of our education policies is a commitment to do what is best for children's learning. The feedback I'm already getting from our local schools suggests they heartily endorse that approach.
Stay in touch with Chris and Labour online
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