MP seeks higher standing and more resources for Tupapa Maraerenga
Since being elected Member of Parliament for the country’s largest constituency, Tupapa Maraerenga (T-M), George Magee Angene has probably put more hours and effort into his constituency than any other MP.
Every day, he can be seen around his patch, working, talking to people, fixing things up, making improvements and seeing to the installation of new facilities.
Recently a new free fresh drinking water dispenser has been installed at the Tupapa meeting house with assistance from the NZ High Commissioner John Carter.
Now Magee is turning his attention to putting right a political anomaly. He wants to ensure that the country’s biggest electorate gets the political attention and also the resources it deserves in terms of facilities and funding.
He cites the case of Mangaia which has far less voters on its roll than T-M (367 at 2010 election) yet gets $24,000 in constituency funding because it has three MPs. Magee gets just $8,000 and for a constituency with 1,113 on the roll at the 2010 election.
Magee also feels that if the MP for the constituency is a member of the ruling party in parliament, the member should be accorded a senior status within parliament such as a Ministerial or Speaker position. Magee holds the position of Chief Whip.
Magee says he came into parliament for the Party with backing by a large number of voters (434) and it is the loyalty of those voters which needs to be rewarded.
Magee feels his electorate does have a case to take to government to justify getting a fairer share of resources and funding. He says a case can be developed for the following reasons;
1. The significant size and continued growth of the T-M electoral roll.
2. The considerable tract of Rarotonga, which comprises the T-M constituency.
3. The substantial burdens on the political representation of T-M as a result of the aforementioned (see box).
4. The need to align adequate provision of financial resources equitably and fairly with political representation.
5. The need to foster economic growth and long term security in T-M for broader national benefits.
Magee says he will push for more status and recognition for T-M. He will continue to press government for the following;
• Ministerial appointment to the Cabinet
• Office Holder post as Speaker of the House
• Roll-over Capital Investment allocation for T-M each Financial Year, catering for major works
• Social Responsibility Fund allocation for T-M increased to $30,000 each fiscal year
• Representation on each of the State Owned Enterprise Boards, including TCI
• Dedicated representation on all Government ‘think tanks’, policy development committees, and selection panels, including the Budget Support Group, Economic Task Force, and Executive Appointments Committee
• Government support for the establishment of a Resource Development Plan that addresses T-M issues and concerns to advance social and economic well-being, and public sector leadership. -Charles Pitt

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
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