News In Brief

Pre-employment drug testing welcomed

MP for Northland, Mike Sabin has warmly welcomed the recent announcement by Social Development Minister Paula Bennett that beneficiaries with work expectations will face sanctions if they refuse to apply for drug-tested jobs.

Under the current welfare system an unemployment beneficiary can decline to apply for an available drug-tested job – because they won’t pass the test without consequence.

“The reality is that thousands of working New Zealanders are in jobs requiring they be clean of drugs and it is reasonable to expect someone looking for work to do the same.”

Those on benefits with full or part-time work obligations will be sanctioned if they refuse job opportunities which require a drug test or if they fail a test.

The new pre-employment drug test requirements come into effect in July 2013.

 

Donors asked to roll up their sleeves

Every week three children are diagnosed with cancer. Last year 14882 people were told they had some form of cancer. What can you do to help? Just roll up your sleeve.

The NZ Blood Service will be at the Wellsford Community Centre on Monday September 10 for donors to give blood and new donors to start a good habit to help those who need it.

Up to 42,000 people will need blood in NZ this year but less than 4% of the population donate blood. One donation can save up to three lives. 

 

Band needs good Vybes

Local rock group The Vybes are looking for your support. Representing Otamatea High School the band consists of past Mangawhai Beach School pupils Elias Giles, James Finlay, Thomas Macdonald and Matthew McRae.

The boys came third at the Smokefree Rockquest Northland final and are set to open at the national final but they need your support. 

Simply text ‘thevybes’ to 5678 to register your vote. Everyone who votes goes into the draw to win a Skinny Mobile prize. You can check out The Vybes at www.facebook.com/thevybesband or www.youtube.com/user/thevybesband.