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44 Comments
09 October 2009
Key Notes No.58

In this issue I discuss our new action plan to tackle P, and I report on my visit to Samoa after the tsunami, and my trip to New York for the 64th United Nations General Assembly.

Watch my latest video diary here.

The Prime Minister in Samoa after the tsunami

The Prime Minister amid the devastation at Lalomanu following the tsunami in Samoa (see article below)

See more photos from the PM’s visit here.

TACKLING P

P, or methamphetamine, is wrecking lives, wrecking families, and fuelling crime. It’s hugely damaging to those who use it and to the people who care about them. It comes hand in hand with violence, and allows gangs and organised crime to flourish.

National will use every tool we have to fight it. That’s why, in a speech yesterday, I announced our action plan to tackle P. It includes:

Restricting access to precursor chemicals – Making it harder for people to manufacture P. This includes making pseudoephedrine a prescription-only drug. Up to 80% of the cold and flu medications sold in pharmacies use phenylephrine, a safe and effective alternative to pseudoephedrine.

Cracking down on P dealers – Setting up dedicated anti-drug taskforces at the border, and giving police more powers to intercept gang communications, search for evidence, take drug money from criminals and use this to fund anti-P initiatives.

Increasing addiction services – Providing $22 million over the next three years for extra P treatment. We will make treatment available to more than 3000 extra patients, instruct frontline government staff to refer P users to treatment, and give families the power to compel addicts to go into compulsory treatment.

Supporting families and communities – Working with voluntary organisations, promoting new drug guidelines for schools, and directing community programmes to focus on tackling P.

Providing leadership and accountability – Making government chief executives accountable for getting results.

Find out more about our action plan here.

RESPONDING TO THE TSUNAMI

I was in Samoa on Saturday to inspect the tsunami damage, see how we can help, and express the condolences of all New Zealanders.

The southern part of Upolu has been devastated. I went back to Poutasi village – where we visited in July – which is barely recognisable. All the wooden buildings have been flattened and many people were lost to the waves.

Fortunately, most of Samoa escaped the destruction, and recovery efforts are in full swing. We should be really proud of the work our defence force, police, health workers, and volunteers are doing. We have about 160 people on the ground including doctors and nurses, pilots, victim identification teams, counsellors, and engineers. Many of them had been working for 20 hours straight when I met them.

The Government has provided emergency funds and I want to thank those of you who have donated to tsunami relief charities. Cabinet is looking at how we can help the recovery in the longer term. Meanwhile, our hearts go out to the Samoan people, their relatives here, and the families of the seven New Zealanders who died.

WORKING ON THE WORLD STAGE

We had a really successful visit to New York. I spoke to the United Nations General Assembly and met a number of world leaders, including a couple of chats with President Barack Obama. There was a lot of interest in our push for a Global Alliance on agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Tim Groser and Murray McCully are in Washington DC following up on this and other issues at the third NZ-US Partnership Forum. See photos from my New York visit here.

IMPROVING ELECTORAL LAW

In our first 100 days, we delivered on our election promise to repeal the Electoral Finance Act. Now we’re working towards a fair, enduring, and workable framework for electoral finance. We’ve released a proposal document and we’re seeking your input. Consultation closes on 30 October. Get more details here.

OUT AND ABOUT

On Wednesday I met the locals in the Hawera Community Centre for the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters programme, and visited Pariroa Pa to commemorate its 115th anniversary. Yesterday I launched Global Entrepreneurship Week at Auckland University and enjoyed the NZ Music Awards. And today I’m in Hawke’s Bay visiting businesses, meeting iwi, and opening the new air ambulance service.

Tomorrow morning I’ll be in Takapuna as part of the march past and review to celebrate the exhibition “Passchendaele – the Belgians have not forgotten”, and in the afternoon I’ll be at the Diwali Festival of Lights at Viaduct Basin. On Sunday afternoon I’ll be opening the new St John ambulance station in Whenuapai.

Best wishes


John Key
Prime Minister


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#1 - John de Burgh 2009-10-09 19:27 - (Reply)

Hi Mr Key, You say that 1/3 of 'P' labs busted have PSE bought from pills sold at a Pharmacy; this means 2/3 are not. Just goes to show that stopping 'lawful' people form getting a relief from cold and flu symptoms will not really have much effect on the drug labs. I'm sure they will increase their avenues of supply from elsewhere. It's a bit like keeping the whole class in because a minority were naughty. The alternative cold/flu pills do not work as well - from my own experience. There is no need to punish 'average' people in this way. Talk about nanny state!! I'm very disappointed. John de Burgh

#1.1 - Carla 2009-10-10 12:00 - (Reply)

NZ needs more than 400 longterm rehab beds to truely rid us of this problem. Also, there is no protection for employees who discover they are working with or for a P user, except to try to get another job in these tough times. Richard's NO policy wont work in practice. Desparate people do desparate things and P users are known for that.

#1.2 - George Sanderson 2009-10-10 17:26 - (Reply)

You are so right, I cannot understand John Key's thinking or rather lack of it over this issue. It is not only the cold & flue remedies either its also painkillers and I hope Mr Key never gets (or perhaps I do) arthritis and is unable to use cox inhibitors as he will then see how unfair the whole thing is. Yet again we have someone going of half cocked and rushing to 'appear' to be doing something when in reality he is only hurting innocent people trying to get relief from their illness or pain. A great disappointment Mr Key and not the first one since you came to power and this from a National supporter of 28 years in NZ.

#2 - Maureen Sudlow 2009-10-09 19:35 - (Reply)

I can't agree with your plan to make cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine prescription only. Other remedies are NOT as effective and I do not see why we should be penalised because of the few who are using it in this way. I have no hope that this measure would be effective in slowing down the manufacture of P. Maureen

#3 - Sheree 2009-10-09 19:40 - (Reply)

Hi John, I am curious to know why the references to your grandparents being killed in the Holocaust were subsequently edited out of your U.N speech? I also wanted to say that your very attractive wife is not a hobbit. Regards Sheree

#4 - Jesse Hawkeswood 2009-10-09 19:48 - (Reply)

Brilliant Sir, I'm very interested in politics and love to see where you taking us as a country, on the world stage! It must have been amazing meeting President Obama.

#5 - Corinne 2009-10-09 19:59 - (Reply)

Congratulations on the measures you have taken to combat P. You're doing a great job!

#5.1 - john williams 2009-10-10 08:41 - (Reply)

All efforts are (as you describe) being made to limit the availability of P. BUt that is in-sufficient (as we well know) as the the main supply is from China, practically un-stoppable by out border people. So there is plenty of it out there. There are also plenty of people wanting it - and no amount of "education" will ever stop them from wanting it. My suggestion: make it legal for addicts (that means, anyone wanting P) to go to the correct place for a prescription (ie.. the doctor)and teh right place for the supply (ie.. the chemist shop) to receive (at my expense even!) their suppy. BUT (there's more) to0 prevent over-loading the medical practitioners with too many visitors, all such prescriptions are to be for two-month supply of the drug. YES, give them their entire two-month supply (I assume that means about 60 doses)and send them on their way. Result: they won't be back for any more - ever! The undertaking business will be out of any "recession" that may have been affecting them. The medical practitioners (after that initial one-month burst of activity) can spend more time on more-worthy patients.

#6 - Seamus Donegan 2009-10-09 20:17 - (Reply)

Dear Mr. Key, this plan does not go far enough. Get the AG to look at legislation developed in Hong kong to crack down on organised crime and triads. The time has come when it should be an offence to claim membership of gangs such as the Mongrel Mob and Black Power. Also if a person is charged with (say) three offences connected to the one criminal enterprise, there should be added a fourth offence of 'racketerring' that should on conviction result in comprehensive property confiscation and a mimum custodial sentence of 7 years.

#6.1 - Ron Carroll 2009-10-10 09:46 - (Reply)

Dear Prime Minister, Congratulations on your recent visit to the UN and meeting with the American President. In regard to 'P', please instigate a concerted effort to weed out and heavily punish(no pun intended) the main importers of this terrible drug. We shoould be relentless in our pursuit of these people?

#7 - Winton Allen 2009-10-09 20:24 - (Reply)

Mr Key, We elected your National Government because we were tied of being told. What light bulbs to use, What shower type to use. Etc, Etc.Now you want to dictate what Sinus medicine I can buy. The way to stop the manufacture of "P" Is to stop those who smuggle Pseudoephedrine by the crate load.... And shut down the gangs.

#8 - Richard Goodall 2009-10-09 20:26 - (Reply)

How about a "NO" policy to users who buy drugs and encourage the dealers. No bail. No legal aid. No diversion. No home detention. No community service. No parole. No cash benefits. No free medical aid. No insurance. These advantages available after 6 months testing free of any drug use. Make the user pay, not the innocent public.

#9 - Gary Westwood 2009-10-09 22:11 - (Reply)

Good evening Mr Key, Overall, I agree with your P initiatives, however, have two issues. The restriction on selling pseudo-ephedrine based medication is pure window dressing and will achieve very little & serves only to aggravate those of us who thought that the day of the 'nanny state' was long gone. Only a small proportion of the pseudo ephedrine used in P manufacture is of pharmacy origin and of that the majority is not obtained by a beneficiary purchasing a pack of Sudofen for on-selling, rather it comes from burglary or dodgy pharmacy staff. As the medications will still be stocked by pharmacies the effect of your legislation will be minimal. Finally, good news on the justice front from Justice Baragwanath in increasing the non-parole period for the two convicted smugglers to 25 years. The penalties do exist in current legislation and it is time for Simon Power to pass a 'message' to the judiciary about what is expected from them by the electorate. We don't mind that prison beds are short & the prison officers are not happy with double-bunking. That is Barry Matthews problem & his job as CEO to fix.

#10 - Greg 2009-10-09 23:07 - (Reply)

Mr Key, I regularly applaude your appearances and releases. Certainly I applaude the fact National's serious about going hard against P, the gangs and others who ruin the lives of many fellow citizens with this insidious drug abuse. That said, I DON'T agree with your proposed plan re making Pseudoephedrine based medicines cost more and make it more difficult for law abiders to acquire when it's needed. Punishing the many for the acts of the few, appeared to be a favourite Govt ploy in past years of Labour. Please be more democratic and use smarter measures i.e. tackle the baddies not the goodies. Having had a few NASTY flus this year (from fellow sick workers not staying at home - another issue) Night & Day with Pseudoephedrine in it has been the only relief that made these ills bearable. Going to the Doctor and making these remedies more expensive just becomes unfair and draconian. There's no one wonder drug for everyone when sick and there are others that the druggies go after. We can't and shouldn't ban them all. Please please MAKE the crims pay and the penalties harder by acting as REAL deterrents. Letting them out early is wrong. Don't give luxury conditions (albeit detained behind bars) when in prison. Protect us - YES, however don't make the cure sacrifice yet another of our freedoms - i.e. the right to use a medicine that actually works for many. Currently as a law abider I feel the victim of Govt policy instead of a protected citizen by Govt policy. I'm sure National's more innovative and democratic than Labour - surely. Good luck in your efforts and generally keep up the good work.

#11 - Natalie Perzylo 2009-10-09 23:07 - (Reply)

October 9, 2009 Letter to the Editor National Peddles to Police PM J.Key may be entertaining at listing the Top 10 on David's TV show, but his siding with the police on 'combating' the nation's meth / P problem is ill-advised. The Failed Drug War is costing our nation each person and today we see just how close it has come to our pockets. The way in which we are discouraged (through time and cost) to acquire an effective flu drug is draconian. There are other ways of 'fighting gangs' and that is by taking the profit out of drugs. By changing our drug laws to regulate all of our drugs within the health system and by being conservative in our approach will make our nation a safer and more productive place rather than the liberal approach of letting gangs be in charge of the nation's toxic meth drug. Natalie Perzylo

#12 - Mike Cotton said:
2009-10-10 08:52 - (Reply)

John,your new action plan on P is an excellent start, the part of making government CEOs accountable for getting results if monitered seriously should keep the pressure on. Serious pressure on gangs would also produce results.

#13 - Anne 2009-10-10 09:07 - (Reply)

John you are doing a great job..do whatever you have to to rid this country of P. Our family has been affected for 10 years and believe me it's hideous! Labour talked about how bad it was for years and did nothing.You're doing something and it's great!

#14 - Anne 2009-10-10 09:13 - (Reply)

Maureen we are a community of people here in NZ and we need to help each other. When one family member gets into trouble it affects all of us and we all pull together to help. What John Key is doing in making psuedoephedrine a prescription drug may not be the whole answer but it's a good start and will make a difference believe me! If you had ben personally affected I'm sure you'd feel differently.

#15 - David Wilkins 2009-10-10 11:22 - (Reply)

Dear Prime Minister, Your attempts to combat methanphetamines are admirable but have one flaw. As others have pointed out making drugs containing pseudoephedrine prescription only is going to penalise a lot of genuine lawful people in that they will now have to pay a prescription fee on top of what they already pay at the moment. Many people suffer from hay fever, my wife included and need things like sinutab or coldrex for relief. I think it might be better for the pharmacies to insist on identification eg drivers license and obtain a signature at point of sale. It seems to me that making them prescription only is a quick fix that will not work as intended. David Wilkins

#16 - Susan 2009-10-10 11:28 - (Reply)

I have to wonder why you think that making pseudephedrine a prescription only med will help to solve the so-called "P problem". Most of the precursor is imported in large amounts. Limiting availability here might stop the little guy but will do nothing to stop the problem. I applaud your efforts to support treatment for people suffering the disease of addiction but effective treatments are not readily available in this country. Put some money into training for health care professionals so that they can develop the skills needed to be really effective.

#17 - Andrew Atkin said:
2009-10-10 12:51 - (Reply)

How about creating a law prohibiting politicians from receiving ANY donations? All it can do is protect us from undue corporate interests, and level the playing field. You can get your message out on the internet (as you do). Why on earth not?

#18 - Chris Taylor 2009-10-10 14:08 - (Reply)

Re: Pseudoephedrine being made a prescription only drug. This is a good move. We have to start somewhere, and at last someone is doing something. Banning cough and cold products containing pseudoephedrine from supermarkets etc is no big deal. After all these products are not a cure; they merely help to alleviate cold and flu symptoms, but there are plenty of alternatives.

#19 - rick said:
2009-10-10 15:12 - (Reply)

Well done John Key, get rid of P at ALL costs, as for those people who feel inconvenienced get over it and start contributing to a meaningful society. Bust up the gangs and be unrelentless in their pursuit.

#20 - Ian Stephenson 2009-10-10 16:44 - (Reply)

Dear Mr Key, Congratulations on your initiative to combat this country's P problem, but I for one do not think that making cold medicines a presription item is going to alleviate the situation entirely. I would like to see the your government set aside a special prison for drug maufacturers/dealers that would be so draconian and with a minimum ten year plus sentence with no parpole. Such a prison would be so harsh that the offenders lives would not be worth living. After all this is what they are inflicting on their users. The word would soon get around that this would be worse than a death sentence and we would not have to reintroduce capital punishment and be condemmed by the likes of the United Nations and their ilk.

#21 - paul w 2009-10-10 18:23 - (Reply)

So, Flu remedies have been classified to Prescription drugs. Am I mistaken, or did Auntie Helen NOT lose the last election?

#22 - Malcolm MCcarthy 2009-10-10 18:31 - (Reply)

Hi again John, I know you are trying hard to find a solution to the p. problem, you are getting a lot of opposition to your fix it scheme, I dont envy your position, you are being better advised from the top sources so hopefully you are doing the right thing, also thanks for your imput on the Rugby world cup tv coverage Ex Labour voter, Malcolm MCcarthy

#23 - Barry Adams 2009-10-10 19:33 - (Reply)

Hi John Congratulations on your efforts so far in Government. On the "P" problem I would like you to consider taking attack along the following lines: "An Octupus will kill its prey by squeezing the life out of it; cut the tentacles off and it is defenceless" Take out the users and the suppliers will not have a target. Take all the assets off the users, take all their financial reserves off them; don't put them in prison, only use that for the suppliers, and then do the same to them as well-remove all their assets and finances. John we are fed up with the softly softly approach by government, Judiciary and police. Just get on with the job.

#24 - Arthur Kebbell 2009-10-10 21:27 - (Reply)

Great to see you having a a go at "P" - it is a huge problem which is ruining this country. Anything you try to get rid of it has got to be good.

#24.1 - Stuart Goudie said:
2009-10-12 14:49 - (Reply)

Hi John, Last Wednesday I attended the funeral of Perry Knight who died as a result of a cycling accident in the Czech Republic 18 Sept-If you want an example of what to do about gangs an P. suggest you have a look at what this incredible man was doing about the problem- In conjunction with Mongrel Mob members wanting to get off P he was working with them to setup "camps" to help them go "cold turkey" He endevoured in conjunction with the Salvation Army to setup a camp on Rotoroa in the Hauraki Gulf- This was unsuccessful so he has assisted financially in setting up a similar camp near Taumaranui. Such was the esteem he was held by the Mongrel Mob they performed a Haka when his coffin was carried from the church. My attitude toward the Mongrel Mob has certainly changed on witnessing this and with respect would suggest you perhaps try working with these members who obviously are trying to do something about their addiction to this abhorrent drug.

#25 - Phil L 2009-10-11 21:54 - (Reply)

Hi John I am delighted that you are personally taking this P issue seriously. The answer is complext but stopping the influx of ingredients, adopting a zero tolerence attitude and ensuring the drug dealing doesnt pay must be the foundation of the solution. GET TOUGH and GET INTOLERENT !!

#26 - Marion herbert 2009-10-12 09:34 - (Reply)

Hi Mr. Keyjust heard this morning that ACC is cutting back more on payouts and again is increasing their premiumwhy do we not do what all the other countries do?1. car insurance is mandatory for all we are now paying out for all the accidents for the unisured that do not pay ACC as part of the insurance premiums2.Why do we cover injuries outside the job - no other country does!if people do sports, let them carry private insurance why should we pay for rugby injuries, ski accidents  etc and people that need surgery or treatment to get back into the workfoce have to wait and suffer and some get never seen too -I am talking from experience it took us nearly 28 years to acutally have ACC do right (in part) by a family memberIt has been an uphill battle for us as a familyACC is totally wasteful and mismanaged   - any good housewife that needs to work to a budget can do a better job it is simple: money in - money out - if more goes out than in, then wastage is adressed- a hosuewife does not cut out food to feed a family if you get my pointit is time that we have private insurance take over private injuries and road accidents and work injuries are covered by our ACC contributionAll other countries do itTime to make a massive change and clean up the wastage and look at where the money goes - south!!!!!!

#26.1 - Lesley Kelly 2009-10-12 11:29 - (Reply)

I totally agree with Marion. Why are we carrying the sports injuries? Do the All Blacks who get a huge salary also get ACC when injured? Surely sports injuries are a risk that the sports people know about before undertaking the sport. Why should they be covered? Also, if you cause injury through drugs, violence or drunk driving etc you should not be eligible for ACC if injured in the process of committing a crime. Also, if you are sent to prison, you should waive all righs to ACC and any other public funded assistance while in prison, and also when you are released, not eligible for any injuries sustained in prison. It is time that the working people were the only ones eligible for ACC instead of increasing the load on the employers again. Common sense really.

#27 - David Harris 2009-10-12 21:44 - (Reply)

While supporting the initiatives against P. I do not support the proposal to stop over the counter sales of pseudoephidrine based cold remedies. Please stop restricting the rights of the legitimate consumers. I find the alternative products to be far less effective. I would support any proposal to increase penalties on those who misuse the products.

#28 - Chris Stephens 2009-10-14 19:14 - (Reply)

ACC charges on Motorcycles Cars etc: 1) I collect and restore Motorcycles - i have around 30.. all road worthy , all needing some riding albeit minor Kilometers per year 2) I understand that ACC is based in Risk not Fault (rightly or wrongly) Thus as a motorcyclist I'm a higher risk ( perhaps because of someone else fault).( follow that through and one could argue cyclists are even greater risk and at times not at fault) 3) However i an only one risk .. I'm a SINGLE RISK: if i own 30 motorcycles and 4 cars I an still a single risk and only ever the maximum risk on the motorcycle 4) I have 1970's motorcycles many over 500ccc that have no where near the power of modern motorcycles. 5) To ride these motorcycles could cost $15000 per annum - surely this alone demonstrates an anomaly - A single risk at 54 years old cant cost 15,000 in any insurance book As i said earlier correspondence attached. I did finally rcv an answer from Ms Dyson's staff which accepted the anomaly exists but had no answers. That is how it is? I'm sure this is a government intent on reining in ACC but also would want logical regulations and enforcement. Dyson's answer was weak a) the example above will hit collectors hard b) there are other more accurate ways of covering risk - against peoples drivers licenses, against petrol given that petrol related causes the injury (since cycles arent charged anyway) ACC need reining in and while its RISK rather than FAULT mandate is one issue, Govt and ACC do need to demonstate their can formulate sensible charging under the current setup.

#29 - Chris Bredesen 2009-10-15 07:21 - (Reply)

Good morning Prime Minister. I have some concerns regarding ACC Levies. Until we stop both suppliers and receipients of ACC rorting the system we are never going to win. The Doctors, Specialists Physio's see this as a cash cow. Incresasing their income without any apparent checks. A part charge would make both sides think, before automatically accepting a service. Share the costs. As a small business, the increases are going to effect our business with levies on wages and fuel. My own business has never made a claim and neither have I. I know of people who are required to exercise as part of their treatment, but don't, and still receive an ACC payout. We have highly paid sportsmen & women who have injuries funded I believe by ACC. Is that right?

#30 - kelly anderson 2009-10-16 11:28 - (Reply)

I am sorry Mr Key but is your government that naive that you dont see the role alternative education plays in reducing potential youth offending? Lack of education is one major trajectory many offenders follow. Read any research and even your govenrments reports around both adult and youth offenders and it screams the importance education plays in promoting or avoiding future offenders. Research and reports also show the disproportion of Maori in the figures around offenders and students leaving school with no naional qualifications and not gaining success in school. Your own government has stated numerous times that mainstream is not for all. Thus the trade academies were established and the tertiary high school in Maunkau. So I ask you why then has your Minister of Education been so reluctant in announcing the renewal of the alternative education contracts? Her year long review of Ae is now causing damage to a system that picks up the youth offenders and behaviour kids that the mainstreams have excluded. Where are these kids to go next. Ms Tolley may know what she will do but the problem now lies in that the providers who educate these kids have to make the decision to close their doors as they have employment obligations to give their staff a months notice of terminating employment. As it stands the AE contracts end in Dcember. A month out is November. Two weeks away. So Mr Key if your statements around reducing youth offending and providing education for all have any substance, you will intervene and ask your Minister of Education to make an announcement one way or the other so we can transition our students somewhere if AE is ended or keep our good providers if Ae continues. Maybe the left hand needs to talk to the right hand. Maori tv maybe important but so is the educational future of the 1800 kids nationwide who access AE as their last and only chance at education.

#31 - Lynda Cleave 2009-10-19 16:35 - (Reply)

Hello Mr Key. Strong feelings regarding the proposed new acc levies to motorclycles. How can you justify the proposed new levies when other sectors are ripping off the system. I am speaking of the hundreds(or thousands) of people getting paid huge amounts in lump sums for unconvicted (supposed) rape cases.I know of one recipient who gets $20,000.00 each 5 years as well as a top up in her weekly benefit, never worked in her life, never paid acc levies, the accused was never convicted and is still out and about.The other issues I would like to see addressed are sports injuries, recreational sports of many varieties that are not levvied at all.This planned levy will force motorcyclists underground and we will see more and more unregistered motorcycles on the road.I am aged 59, enjoy riding, never broken the law,never had an accident, never had an acc claim in my life. I have worked since age 16 and paid heaps of levies to acc. Surely this calls for a user pays, whereby I would be given the opportunity to pay insurance (private) in the unfortunate instance of an accident. My policy would be no insurance-bad luck for me. This would at least be my choice. Finally, I invite all National MPs to see some common sence on this one and moderate the proposed increase. Thanks for listening to me.

#32 - Johnny said:
2009-10-19 17:39 - (Reply)

Hello Mr Prime Minister, As many others have pointed out the planned ACC levy on motorcyclists is typical of the politcal steamroller approach perfected by the last govt and now employed by National. the premise this is built on is flimflam and mis information, mis use of statistics to suit your desire to fleece a smallish part of the community for a few million dollars. I urge you to rethink this plan, Motorcyclists will NOT take this lying down, and we have long memories. As a motorcyclist of 40 odd years I and many tens of thousands of riders already pay well over the odds in ACC levys for our cars and bikes and wont pay more.

#33 - Kevin Finnerty 2009-10-19 18:26 - (Reply)

I think the proposed ACC levy on motorbikes is unfair. I don't have a problem paying my share,but I think it should be spread between those who do use it.Bikes on farms rugby netball hockey race bikes push bikes the list goes on.I think if you use it you should help pay for it. Cheers Kevin

#34 - Chris Steadman 2009-10-19 21:48 - (Reply)

Mr Key, I must add my voice to those expressing dismay at the proposed ACC levy increases to motorcyclists. I voted for your government on the basis that you offered tax relief to the most emburdened sector of our society... The average Kiwi salary and wage earner. So far I have seen nothing but increases, tax on fuel and rising prices running rampant. Now these unbelievable increases in already excessive ACC charges on vehicle registrations. I guess motor cyclists and drivers are an easy target, however I can never again support a government or party that acts in this totally unfair manner. Please restore my faith in your government by modifying or scrapping these charges, alternately allow private insurance and the option of opting out of ACC. Regards, Chris Steadman

#35 - wayne dorset 2009-10-20 14:19 - (Reply)

my thought on the proposed acc levies is why not deal with those convicted of drink driving the same as boy races,confiscate their vehicles auction them off and proceeds go to acc,also increase fines that money also going to cover emergency hospital,fire services etc and i don't believe they should have time payment schemes for these villians

#36 - Gary King 2009-10-20 17:03 - (Reply)

Mr Key, I am rather dismayed at this further unfair proposed levy, lots of accidents happen on push bikes, they must be next, skiing, rugby,league, motocross, motor racing, where is it going to end Sir? I am almost 60years old and have been a National supporter and voter for the entire time I have been able to vote, if you continue down this path Sir then NZ first will be my choice with labour getting my party vote, please don't make me do it. Sir it is my wish that you be more than a one term government, at this time I cannot see it happening, please look at a fairer way and to spread these costs across all ACC users, not just the easy targets because you will find we will not be that easy and you do not want to be seen as a male version of Helen Clarke do you Sir. Kindest regards Gary King

#37 - N Attridge 2009-10-21 00:21 - (Reply)

In regards to the travesty that you are proposing with the increased ACC levy on motorcyclists, you should reconsider this and find a fairer way of covering the shortfall because of the mismanagement of this government department. Apart from putting a levy on sports to cover the huge claims made for sports related injuries, the quickest and easiest way would be to put a toll on any single occupant car going into any major city centre and have a levy on this. Instead of victimising and already victimised group of road users, victimised by both already higher taxation than any other road users and by police revenue gathering. The fact that motorcyclist supposedly cost ACC huge amounts for treatments isn’t because they are bad riders it’s because of the horrendously poor driving standards in NZ. For example police cars doing u turns on a blind corner injuring 2 motorcyclists, why because he wanted to issue another motorcyclist a speeding ticket. Just to give an idea of why a say this I was both a British military and police driver instructor, I am a member of the International Institute of Advanced Motorists for motorbike car and HGVs I have every European driving licence and permit that you can hold including STGO (150 tonnes) and public service vehicle. So when I say the standard of driving in NZ is poor I mean it’s abysmal, so don’t make motorcyclists pay for this make the car, 4x4 and the likes pay. I have voted national for the last 10 years however neither me my wife or my 28 family friends and neighbours that are all motorcyclist will vote for you again if this goes ahead. I will even go against everything I stand for and vote for Winston Peters and NZ1st instead of national.

#37.1 - Chris Stephens 2009-10-21 09:54 - (Reply)

I was the first poster here abot the M/cycles ( see 28) thanks for yr support: The crux of the problem is that ACC base everything on RISK not FAULT. We are obviously a greater risk and often not at our fault. The ACC tend to forget this and attempt to charge us based on our risk. ACC keep no records on FAULT so i really cant understand how they can formulate preventative policy let alone a fair charging regime. Ludicrous in that my 30 M/cycles are stung 30 times and i can ride one at a time. Yet on my dirt bike in the forest i pay nothing. The challenge for this government is NOt to follow 9 years of ill conceived liberal nanny state legislation with 3 years of more.. because it will be their last 3 years and I dont want to see that. You comment about NZ drivers.. I have 3 now 20 plus kids who all learnt to ride dirt and road from an early age. I can attest as a result they are excellent car drivers. They know the true dangers of impact. The value of life and limb. Too many drivers are cacooned in steel and know not the responsibilties they have.


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