Paul outlines the Government's new initiatives on combatting rheumatic fever, the larger framework for Budget 2012, mixed ownership of some assets, the alcohol reform legislation that is about to come up for debate (he asks for your input), and his upcoming trip to Israel and Palestine.

Follow the link below to download the newsletter for April

Parliamentary Prescriptions - Newsletter from Dr Paul Hutchison - April 2012

In this video blog Paul talks about the latest developments in the use of renewable power use in the Hunua electorate, as well as the progress being made towards the government's aim to have 90% of New Zealand's power produced by renewable energy by 2020. He then goes on to talk about the current state of the Emissions Trading Scheme and the adjustments made to it recently. Paul finishes off by talking about the importance of the government delivering a balanced budget by 2014/15.

“It is very exciting to officially open New Zealand’s largest solar power plant situated in Drury, South Auckland,” says Hunua MP, Dr Paul Hutchison.

Dr Hutchison says the government has a target of having 90% of our electricity generated from renewable resources by 2025.  In 2008 renewable energy contributed 65% of electricity needs. It is now over 79%.

‘What Power Crisis’ (whatpowercrisis.com) is a local firm specialising in solar energy through photovoltaic panels.  It has grown exponentially over the last few years despite the world economic crisis.  ‘WPC’ not only supplies in New Zealand but also the Pacific Islands.  They offer a complete package of installation, modelling and monitoring and boost New Zealand’s largest grid connection of 68 kw.  If businesses or homes have excess power it can be sold back through the grid.

Dr Hutchison says it is a particular pleasure to switch on the solar power at a local engineering business in Drury, S.A.F.E (critical engineering solutions).  They have estimated they will generate 70% of their electricity needs through their solar panel array and that the return on capital amounts to about 9 per cent.  Meridian Energy is negotiating to buy back the surplus power.

“Solar energy is becoming increasingly cost effective as the cost of photovoltaic technology is reducing.  There are huge opportunities for New Zealand to gain expertise in this area and ‘What Power Crisis’ are to be congratulated for their leadership and the building of our largest solar array plant so far,” says Dr Hutchison.

“Legalising euthanasia or assisted suicide would be a giant step backward for New Zealand,” says Hunua MP, Dr Paul Hutchison.

“Despite a recent survey that suggests a greater support for voluntary euthanasia, this may well be a sympathetic response to individuals such as Lesley Martin who was jailed for five years and more recently Professor Sean Davison (sentenced to five months home detention), as well as long running campaigns with national and international voluntary euthanasia organisations.”

Dr Hutchison says euthanasia and assisted suicide are complex areas where there are grey zones in law and in practice.  However, modern care and knowledge, along with significant advances in technology, provide huge help.  

“As a clinician when I worked in cancer wards, both in New Zealand and England and helped care for women dying with terminal cancers of the cervix and ovaries which spread to the bowel, bones and bladder, I never once had a patient or their relative who even enquired about euthanasia.  I am sure that expert supported care can make an enormous difference.

“This month ‘Hospice New Zealand’ has published a ‘Quality Review Programme and Guide 2012’ of standards for palliative care.  It describes the unique and interwoven roles of primary care services and specialist palliative care services to provide high quality palliative care and end of life care to all people in New Zealand.

“I vividly remember Peter Brown’s private members bill which was narrowly lost in the Parliament in 2003.  Peter spoke passionately and sincerely regarding the awful time his late wife had during her terminal illness.  However, on talking to him, I couldn’t help think that if he and his wife had received the skilled services that are available today, their suffering could well be far less.”

Dr Hutchison says that deep concern has been raised regarding the euthanasia laws in the Netherlands and Belgium where required safeguards have allegedly not been adhered to, resulting in significant numbers of people being euthanized without proper informed consent.

“Like anything as definitive as capital punishment, it is always possible for error to occur,” says Dr Hutchison.

“It has astounded me how a society can over time be subliminally immunised against deeply held values that lead to erosion of concepts such as the sanctity of life.”

Labour MP Maryan Street’s ‘End of Life Choice Bill’ is couched in terms that may sound liberal and hopeful.  However, Dr Hutchison says her proposal could set New Zealand on a slippery slope.  It could also deprive many New Zealanders and their families from taking advantage of the wonderful facilities, compassion and expertise that are available to them during a terminal illness, when the greatest human qualities so often shine through.