Optimistic outlook encouraging

Ian McKelvie, Photo/File

Over the past couple of weeks I have really enjoyed the opportunity to attend events throughout the electorate. In particular I was able to spend a bit of time in Taumarunui. This included a visit to the Taumarunui Show, which was a great little event attended by a good number of local people.

The show scene is a particularly competitive environment, with Taihape and Cambridge hosting horse shows on the same day.

While in Taumarunui, I also took some time to meet with constituents. I can report that I am greatly encouraged by most people's optimistic outlook.

The Rangitikei is definitely in great heart compared with this time last year, when we were suffering the effects of a serious drought. This summer has been a good one for the farmers with record milk production, increasing lamb prices, beef and wood holding their own - and crops of all sorts looking great.

Tourism numbers are holding up in the north too with the cycle trails, Tongariro Crossing, Whanganui River and the Forgotten World Adventures rail tours all contributing to a growing summer season for those involved in the adventure tourism industry throughout the region.

It's great to see businesses from various sectors throughout the Rangitikei doing well.

While we're on the subject of doing well, there is also good news on the education front, according to the provisional release of last year's (2013) NCEA results.

Essentially, the data show that more students are leaving school with better qualifications. As a government, we set ourselves a goal that by 2017, 85 per cent of 18-year-olds will have achieved NCEA Level 2 or an equivalent qualification. This, in turn, has encouraged schools and communities to set their own targets and really focus on achieving them - and the provisional results from last year are a testament to this.

Last year, 76.8 per cent of students left school with at least NCEA Level 2, which is up from 74.3 per cent in 2012, and 66.5 per cent in 2008. This represents an increase of 10.3 per cent.

At the same time, the provisional data show that nearly 72 per cent of Pasifika students achieved at least NCEA Level 2 last year - up from 55 per cent in 2008; and nearly 59 per cent of Maori students achieved at least NCEA Level 2 last year - up from 44 per cent in 2008. These results are outstanding.

They reflect the great work being done in our schools to raise student achievement, particularly among Maori and Pasifika students.

Of course, there's still more to do. Last month, we announced that the next stage in our plan to raise achievement is to recognise excellent teachers and principals, keep good teachers in the classroom and share expertise across schools.

With government, schools and communities working together like this, we are confident we're on track to reach 85 per cent, which is great for our young people and indeed great for New Zealand.

One last thing - Congratulations to Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum on a sensational performance at the Basin Reserve, which culminated in his record-breaking 302-run innings. An outstanding achievement that was enjoyed and celebrated by many New Zealanders.