Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

Parliament has been in recess for the last fortnight and so work has taken me all over New Zealand rather than just to Tauranga and Wellington and back. One of the most interesting trips has been to Christchurch, especially given that one of the Government's four priorities is rebuilding Canterbury as a result of the earthquakes.

As Minister of Labour, my message to everyone I met there was simple. The rebuild can't just be on time and on budget, it must also be safe. An inspiring example of a safe building project comes from the London Olympics where the build was indeed on time and budget and also, with 80 million hours worked, safe. No one lost their life.

In Christchurch if we do nothing to improve health and safety in the rebuild we could see one or two people die a year. So far, no one has died in the rebuild zone and I was impressed by the Government and business people I met down there who are working hard to see that good record continue.

Sticking with Labour portfolio matters, I also announced last week a significant employment law reform, the Employment Relations Amendment Act. Of the many things it will achieve, one will be to ensure faster decisions on employment disputes.

Once the law is passed, except for in exceptional circumstances, the Employment Relations Authority will need to make all of its decisions within three months following a hearing. As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied and so this change should be good for employers and workers alike.

Among other changes the law will make, are changes to collective bargaining between unions and employers, extensions of flexible working arrangements for employees, and more flexibility in regard to rest and meal breaks. All in all, the bill aims to increase efficiency, flexibility and fairness.

Back at home, it was good to attend the ANZAC civic ceremony at Mount Maunganui. A little rain didn't keep people away and in fact the crowds seem to get bigger every year as we remember those who have served and sacrificed so much for us at war.

Finally, my heartfelt congratulations to Seumas Beedie, Lucas de Rijk, Cameron Apeldoorn, and Kenly Cowles from Otumoetai College who won at the Robotics World Championships recently. These young men should be very proud of themselves. I know we will hear their names again in the future.