BUSINESS / EDUCATION & SOCIETY PAU L G O L DS MI T H
THE GIFT OF LANGUAGES Opposition has its frustrations, but we can still do something positive. Recently National gained support from the major political parties for Nikki Kaye’s second language learning bill which will ensure every child in years 1-8 has the opportunity to learn a second language. As a diverse country it’s important that we embrace second language learning. Speaking more than one language has enormous cognitive, cultural, social and economic benefits. In our own neighbourhood, where so many people speak other languages, it makes sense to give everyone the opportunity at a young age, when it is easier to start. We expect the languages that would be consulted on would include Mandarin, M ori, French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Pasifika and sign language.
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There is widespread support for the bill, with an Asia New Zealand Foundation survey showing 80 percent of New Zealanders think that school children should learn a language other than English. It’s been great to see a number of language specialists and leaders call on MPs to send the bill to select committee for wider debate. Education Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed the Labour Party will support the bill at First Reading. This would see a final list of 10 or more priority languages resourced for teaching by schools. The bill will now go to select committee so the public, organisations and communities can have their say. Issues that will be worked through at committee include details around investing in workforce development to ensure we have the teachers and ensuring adequate time is given for schools to implement this. This could be phased in over a number of years. School boards would consult with their communities to determine which of the priority languages will be taught at their school. Every school would be required to deliver at least one second language, but some may choose to offer more. This is a very significant step for greater support for the future of second language learning and our future. I am looking forward to a national conversation about this bill and how it can create smarter, more culturally aware New Zealanders who are better equipped to succeed in our globally connected world.
HON PAUL GOLDSMITH NATIONAL LIST MP BASED IN EPSOM PAULGOLDSMITH.CO.NZ / 09 524 4930 PAUL.GOLDSMITH@PARLIAMENT.GOVT.NZ
JUST R ENTAL S
2019: A YEAR OF CHANGES AHEAD Last year ended badly with a broken bone in my foot and having to wear a moon boot, and the new year has begun with me still in it. It’s hard to move around, walk upstairs and get out of the car. Five weeks later, and tomorrow is D Day—new x-rays and hopefully all mended. My twin also broke her ankle on the same side two days after I did, and she’s still in plaster. I do hope that is not going to happen to me. I need to be fit and feeling great for the year ahead. There will be big changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, covering 90 days’ notice, rent reviews, fixed terms, and landlords must not discriminate against tenants with pets. We need to keep abreast of this as it will affect tenants and landlords alike. Yes, a year of changes. The letting fee charge to the landlord has been a smooth transition. Landlords do realise that it is a fair ruling. Our casual landlords also realise that the work we do to find them a tenant is a charge they should be responsible for. Moving forward, the insulation ruling, which becomes mandatory July this year, has kept us busy organising quotes and arranging access. In some properties we have had to cut manholes in ceilings to enable the insulation people to get in, as well as remove rubbish from under houses so they can access the underfloor areas too. There is a fine of $4,000 for not having working smoking alarms, and also for failure to meet the insulation requirements. Landlord and investors will also face tax changes this year. New laws could affect the rental market with either prompt rent rises or a reduction of investment properties. Who knows for sure! What I do know for sure is that the family team at Just Rentals are up to date with all the changes, and private landlords should be considering using a property manager. It just makes sense! Long weekend ahead with lots of sunshine, cricket, and yachts in the harbour. What a great weekend it is going to be. Happy Renting
J U S T R E N TAL S LT D M R E I N Z 4 0 S T J O H N S R OAD, M E AD OW B AN K J U S T R E N TAL S . C O. N Z 09 5 28 48 17 O R 09 5 2 8 48 18 FA X. 09 5 2 8 48 16