Welcome!

Welcome to the Central North Island (CNI) Young Nats Website ... where regular updates will keep you informed of what the 'younger' members of the National Party, and supporters, are planning, thinking and doing in the Central North Island, primarily in the Waikato, yet reaching across the entire CNI region, where National won ALL the electorates in the 2008 election.
We're here to encourage open political debate and action to ensure this country is free for each individual to be responsible, respected and succeed in life.
Gone are the days of a repressive socialist regime ... we have freedom to express ourselves and move this great country forward, seeing each individual reach their full potential.
We're now free to choose our own light-bulbs, enjoy more than a mere 2 minute shower, and not be arrested where good parenting may mean smacking a child.
Come join us as we move toward another great success in Election 2011, and 2014, and 2017 and beyond.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Merry Christmas!

Hi To You All

I am back!!! Still recovering from surgery however am alive and well!
I just thought I would pop you all a note to say have an awesome break and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I will be contacting you all in the early new year to begin our 2009 journey together!

Keep safe and enjoy being!

Annie

Thursday, December 18, 2008

SHOULD THE DRINKING AGE BE RAISED?
This issue has been discussed constantly in the media as drinking related deaths increase in NZ, and as a society we must balance the 'rights' of the individual to drink at a young age, against the 'responsibility' to behave and not endanger lives.

If you're under 20 are you willing to sacrifice your rights to ensure a safer society, or do you want to see further deaths, so that you can drink?
What do 18-20 year olds gain by being able to drink?
Must our society continue to pay a high cost for this 'right' for a few?
What have 18-20 year olds done for society to warrant this 'right' to drink?

These articles were published in the media just this morning;

Drinking age should be raised - top cop
NZPA 19 December 2008 05:07am
Incidents like the tragedy in which two girls were run down and killed outside a booze-fuelled Christchurch party are a clear message to raise the drinking age, a top police officer says.
Canterbury district Commander Dave Cliff was commenting following the release of a n Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report yesterday into the handling of the incident by police.
Hannah Rossiter and Jane Young, both 16, were killed and 17 others injured when Lipine Sila, 23, drove into them after having been involved in a fight outside the party in Edgeware Rd on May 5 last year...

Warning issued after booze-fuelled brawl
NZPA Wayne Drought 19 December 2008 09:35am
Hamilton police today warned they would be taking a "zero tolerance" approach to breaches of the city's liquor ban over the festive season after a brawl erupted overnight involving about 60 people.
Police were forced to form skirmish lines to disperse the crowd outside two bars on Alexandra St in the central city about 3.15am.
Three people were arrested and police have issued a stern message to those celebrating the end of the year
...


What are your thoughts?
Are you willing to accept that the old age limit of 20 being reinstated will mean more responsible consumption of alcohol?

Is this an issue Young Nats need to canvas opinion on, and push our government for action?

Saturday, December 13, 2008

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND CHRISTMAS LUNCH : 12 December
A number of our Young Nats CNI Branch were delighted to be invited to the CNI Christmas Lunch last Friday, and not only increased our local membership at the time, but launched a concept to establish one person at each college and tertiary institution within the CNI area for distributing information and as a local contact.
Our first such 'recruit' from Te Aroha was at the lunch and conversation was incredibly positive about growth for the Young Nats, where Chad had given the first CNI Young Nats report on our extremely successful past 2 months.
Yet the highlight of the lunch of course was catching John Key in a more relaxed moment, and hearing personally his thoughts on the first weeks in Government.
>>> Here Chad & Sarah meet with John after the lunch.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Christmas Party BBQ
Originally anticipating few were going to be there last night ... quite a crowd eventuated, and thanks to Annie for a superb evening, complete with fireworks, even the locals joined the party.
Of those who joined us in the local park for the fireworks it was fantastic to hear that being their first election they voted National, as we are seeing a definite move by young Kiwi's to the centre right.
Awesome evening organised by Annie ... no doubt there will be plenty more.
Kevin (CNI Policy Chair)

Monday, December 1, 2008

Christmas Party!

Hi To You All

I have had a poor response to the CHristmas BBQ...can you please let me know by tomorrow night if you want to come and how many friends you want to bring?

It would be great to catch up before Christmas...just need to know numbers!

Thanks Kevin for the conference reminder - it is a marvellous opportunity for all! Let me know if you want to register your interest for group transport and accommodation!

Have an awesome week!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

REMINDER : REGISTER NOW
INTERNATIONAL YOUNG DEMOCRAT UNION CONFERENCE : WELLINGTON 2009
As Annie has mentioned last month the IYDU International Conference for 2008 (now this is where it can be confusing) is happening in Wellington 14-17 January 2009, returning to their usual end of year timing at the end of 2009.
This event is FREE to member organisations (ie; Young Nats) which includes almost everything but transport to Wellington and accommodation, so for a minimal investment this opportunity to experience the international conference in our own country within months of the National victory simply cannot be missed.
Contact Annie, Chad or myself for more details, or check the IYDU website http://www.iydu.org/
Kevin

Monday, November 24, 2008

BREAKING NEWS!

I just thought I would give you an update...Kevin has agreed to take on the role as Policy Chair for our region!

This means:

CNI Chair - Annie
CNI Deputy Chair - Chad
CNI Policy Chair - Kevin

I will send out contact details for each person through an email.

Thanks AGAIN!

Update!

Hi Everybody!

Sorry I haven't posted earlier, have had a fairly busy few days!

I have a few things to let you all know...

Firstly in order to get the Central North Island up and running I have been asked to find a Deputy Chair, Policy Chair and a Secretary in order to support me as the CNI Chair. Basically this is the way we can run the Young Nats, all taking a part of the load and commitment ensuring smooth sailing and huge "fireworks" in the Young Nats relaunch! I have approached people within the group to take on each of the roles within the leadership of the CNI Young Nats. I have Chad in support of taking on the role as my Deputy Chair! Thanks Chad! I have approached another member to take the role of Policy Chair...so watch this space! I would like to see members all taking on an area of their own interest to keep close eye on media and policy in that area. This allows everybody to take on a role within our region and provides the leadership team with support. Please let me know if you support this and what areas/role you would be happy to take on?

Secondly, I have received an invitation from Nathan, the Young Nats National Policy Chair to attend the following conference in January. This is a tremendous opportunity for all of us as it is held in Wellington this year with members attending from all over the world. I am keen to attend and would be happy to look at travel and accommodation options with others who would be interested. Again, please let me know ASAP.

IYDU Conference

The New Zealand Young Nats Executive invite you to attend the 2008 International Young Democrat Union Council Meeting to be held in Wellington 14 - 17 January 2009.

WHAT IS THE IYDU?
The International Young Democrat Union is a global alliance of centre right political youth organizations united by a common desire for greater freedom and less government. Member organizations cover the world with 80 organizations from 50 countries. IYDU has four core values, democracy, respect for human-rights, free markets, and free trade.


Please keep an eye on your e-mails for upcoming events....there is a list to mark off in your diary!

Lastly, I want to Thank You All for your support! I realise this is a busy time of year for everybody. Thanks to those who attended the Cock and Bull meet, it was great to begin to get to know each other better and discuss the current events! I am energised by the strength of the group we have to start with and positive we have huge potential with the team effort beginning to emerge!


Have a great week - Look out for your emails!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

First Meet!

Hi To You All
I just thought I would post a reminder about our first meet on Friday at 5:30pm, Cock and Bull!
It will be an awesome chance for us all to catch up and get to know each other better as individuals being the make up of the CNI Young Nats!
I have had a fairly busy week, but in the back of my mind ideas are ticking over for the big Young Nats Boom about to happen within the region! I encourage you to think of ideas to get us started! We are finally placed on the Young Nats website again with a core in the Central North Island! It is great to see we are on the map again!
Have a great end to your week and I look forward to seeing you all on Friday!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

The Challenge!

Hi Everyone

Kevin sent me an email over the weekend with an article from The Dominion Post published on Friday, 14 November 2008 (THANKS KEVIN!!!!). I thoroughly enjoyed reading and reflecting upon it as I grappled with my own questions of education, opportunity and equality - I have been asking these questions over and over since I was yay high! Has Labour engineered some degree of social injustice? I think this is an awesome launching point for us as Young Nats to begin to listen, challenge and question ourselves and society!

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4761237a1861.html

I encourage you to click on the link and have a read. Post on the blog any thoughts or responses you may have, any questions you may have raised or any opinions of your own. Let this be a priceless opportunity for us to begin to understand, grapple and discuss the underlying values of our party!

Have an awesome week!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

YOUNG NATS CHRISTMAS BBQ

What better time to get together and get to know each other as we begin to discover the value of each and every one of us with the Young Nats! After spending the day putting up Christmas Trees (More than one or two) and hanging christmas lights throughout the garden I have decided to throw a Christmas Party for all who would like to come together!

Friday 5th December 5:00pm onwards!
Bring your togs if you are keen for a swim or spa and bring something to drink!

I will send out more details closer to the time, if you are keen please let me know in order for me to get idea of numbers etc.

I trust you are all well in the wind down of the year and the wind up for Christmas! I look forward to celebrating life and the journey of the National Party with each and every one of you!