Lets talk about the Governments decision to no longer proceed with the proposed education reforms.

In my opinion, this was good policy hampered by a poor pitch. It will probably taint any possible education reform for the remainder of this term. The backdown is a prudent way to manage a situation that had been blown way out of control. There's no reason why improvements to teacher quality have to put on the back burner, it's just the money will have to come from somewhere else now. It might be unfortunate, but in reality there are a few touchstone issues which middle New Zealand will rally against changes to. One is education, especially if they narrative is one where any changes will be bad for children. Others are health, and law and order. Im sure no Government wants to be the ones who have to promote losses of front-line cops and doctors. This week were off to Gore for the Regional Policy Day where well pitch a couple of our more palatable policies to the Regions members.

A Sporting Chance, and A Chance For Sport

It was a pleasure to join the Parliamentary Rugby and Netball teams at the Southern Cross Hotel on Saturday evening to help raise money for Sporting Chance Otago. Sporting Chance is a charity helping children overcome barriers to playing sport. The evening was topped off by a comprehensive win by the All Blacks enjoyed by all present.

Sunday was a chance for some sport as the Parliamentary Rugby and Netball teams took on the Otago Police teams at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. It was one each as the Police took out the netball and the Parliamentarians the rugby. A solid game by our own Michael Woodhouse in at halfback and first five, with Eric Roy in the commentary box. A nice follow up win by the South team over the North in the main event.

Regional Policy Day June 16

The Regional Policy Day is this Saturday in Gore. A full days worth of activities and speakers are lined up, with our own chance to pitch policies to the membership. Its hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister and there are still a few places left, check out the registration forms and contact Rachel Bird to register.

Octacan Charity Food Drive Progress

This week were on the phone to businesses and dropping off our collection boxes, ready for pick up next week. Mark Currie is organising our team, so drop him a line and help out. The Octacan is the annual mid-winter can appeal in Dunedins Octagon, run by Presbytarian Support Otago. Last year they broke their record for cans donated, and now in its fourth year its looking like itll get close to the total of 6,484 cans donated. This year the drive is on June 21 in the Octagon.

Special General Meeting

We intend to hold a Special General Meeting on Wednesday June 27 at 6:00pm, venue to be confirmed. An agenda and invite will accompany next weeks newsletter. The central purpose of this SGM is to confirm delegates to the Young Nationals Conference and the Annual Conference in July, and also to confirm the nominees for the National Executive at the AGM portion of the Young Nats Conference. The meeting will also be asked to consider a mid-year review of the Strategic Plan and Standing Orders. For more information please email us at southernyoungnats@national.org.nz.

Virtual Tipping
A three week break for the Super Rugby leaves the stragglers plenty of time to sort out how theyre going to cut down current break away leader John Brinsley-Pirie. More of the same in the NRL as Steveman clings on to a slim lead over the Southern team.

Next Meeting
The next Southern Young Nats meeting will be held on Wednesday June 27 at 6pm, venue TBC. This meeting is likely to be a Special General Meeting in order to confirm delegates and nominations for the NZ Young Nationals Annual Conference. Cheers, James Meager Chair Young Nationals Southern Region
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