Connecting with Carl Bates- May 2024

Issue #6, May 2024

In the House with Carl:

The coalition Government continues to deliver on its promises. There has been a particular emphasis on education, crime and social development. Parliament has only sat for two weeks since the last newsletter, with the school holiday recess, and a further recess this week before two sitting weeks leading up to the Budget.

On Thursday 30^th May, Hon Nicola Willis will deliver her first Budget. In a pre-Budget speech last week she confirmed that the savings requested from government agencies have been achieved, and that more than 80% of New Zealanders will relieve modest tax relief. I was especially pleased to hear the Finance Minister’s announcement of a new stand-alone Social Investment Agency, to drive positive change for the most vulnerable New Zealanders.

Our Budget is focused on the delivery of frontline services, putting money where it will deliver the results that matter for you.

Around and about the Electorate:

The last week of April was an exceptionally busy week with ministerial visits, ANZAC Day and on the Friday, a visit from the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had a busy afternoon in Whanganui. He visited the Kimiora Infusion Unit at Whanganui Hospital, Whanganui Collegiate School where local business Fleet Line Markers demonstrated their robotic line marker on the sports fields, eHaus Whanganui’s Tasman Estate subdivision where a number of sustainable, energy-efficient homes are under construction and a stop at the St John’s Club where he chatted with a number of Club members before attending an evening function.

Hon Melissa Lee had been first arrival of the week, visiting businesses, attending a breakfast with ethnic communities in Whanganui, holding a public meeting in Pātea and opening the South Taranaki ECO.

Hon Todd McClay was next, with a well-attended Woolshed Roadshow just east of Eltham and coffee with farmers in Waverley, whilst Hon Andrew Hoggard officiated at an excellent Roadshow event at Fordell, along with Rangitikei MP Suze Redmayne.

On the same day as the Prime Minister's visit Cameron Brewer, MP for Upper Harbour, spent time in Stratford and Hāwera, where he was born and raised, and had some excellent engagements with locals.

Among other things I have attended Lanterns on the Awa and the Chinese Costume Day in Whanganui, the Rita Angus exhibition at the Percy Thompson Gallery in Stratford, Carl’s Community Connects in Manaia, Kaponga, Stratford and Eltham, Taranaki Federated Farmers AGM, ANZAC Day observances at Rawhitiroa, Pihama and Whanganui and the Aotea Utanganui Museum in Pātea’s 50^th anniversary celebrations which began at the exact time the museum opened in 1974.

Pātea Petition launched

Our petition for improved mobile connectivity in Pātea and along mobile black spots on State Highway Three is a continued focus. We have had some excellent support from people in the South Taranaki District including social media and several newspaper articles as well as people in the community actively promoting the petition.

You can sign the Let’s Get Pātea and SH3 Connected petition here: https://www.national.org.nz/getpateaconnected

Opening of Offices:

Our Hāwera Electorate Office was officially opened by Hon Melissa Lee on Tuesday 23^rd April. Among those in attendance were local mayors Phil Nixon (South Taranaki) and Neil Volzke (Stratford) whilst the office was blessed by local kaumatua Aroha Wharemate.

Both offices open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9.30am to 12 midday and from 12.30pm to 3.00pm. Mondays and Fridays are by appointment only. Amy Langford is in the Whanganui ECO and Linda Weterman operates from the Hāwera ECO. Contact details are as follows:

Whanganui ECO: 200B Victoria Avenue, Whanganui Phone: 06-348-1029

Hāwera ECO: 44 Victoria Street, Hāwera Phone: 06-278-2180

You can email either office at [email protected]

Coming Events:

Friday 17^th May – Hon Paul Goldsmith visits Whanganui
Friday 24^th May – Carl’s Community Connect at Parnell’s Café, 349 Victoria Ave, Whanganui at 10am
Monday 27^th May – Carl’s Community Connect at Hakeke Library, 85 Hakeke Street, Whanganui at 10am
Thursday 30^th May – The Budget 2024. Watch out for a special Budget newsletter next day
Wednesday 5^th June – Carl’s Community Connect at Hind Quarters Café, 57 Weraroa Road, Waverley at 9am