David's Digest - September 2024

06 Sep 2024

David Macleod

Kia ora,

It's been a very eventful time in the electorate over the past month!

I've had the pleasure of hosting three Ministers since the beginning of August with jam-packed agendas while they have been here. We’ve met with businesses doing impressive things, listened to the challenges felt amongst industries, and engaged with organisations who work hard to support our communities. I’ve taken every opportunity to show off our fantastic part of the country and I’ll continue to do so with a number of special guests lined up for the last quarter of the year.

There is so much going on in our community - Our people are resilient, and our organisations work tirelessly to support those in need. I have to give special mention to On the House, The Cancer Society, New Zealand Blood Service, Volunteering New Plymouth, Grey Power New Plymouth, The Salvation Army and Building Wellness Taranaki who I have met with recently - Your work and advocacy never stops, and I am always learning through these visits and opportunities to connect. Thank you for all that you do.

I am on track with my goal of visiting every school and rest home in the electorate. It’s a big commitment with the sometimes-limited time I have out of Parliament, but the conversations are always valuable and interesting. I recently spoke with the senior students at St Joseph’s Ōpunake about Parliamentary process, and I was very impressed at the calibre of their questions and interest. One student in particular asked me how I deal with hate and negativity which is something our young people face on a daily basis. I shared some advice my father once told me: Breathe through your nose so you talk less and listen more.

Much conflict can be de-escalated when we have the patience to listen to each other.

I would like to acknowledge all those who took the time to participate in the Disability rights demonstration today. I had planned to meet with you but unfortunately, due to a bereavement, I was unable to be at the office.

Students from a number of our schools have also visited parliament this year via our Parliament Education Team - If your kids are at school I strongly encourage you to check this out: https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/educators-and-students/planning-your-visit/

Funding options are also available to support school visits.

The end of year is fast approaching and I have just another four recess weeks left in 2024 when I am in the electorate. If you would like a meeting with me, or would like me to visit your business, organisation or school, please get in touch.To see when I am back home or in Wellington, please view Parliament's sitting calendar here: https://www.parliament.nz/en/calendar

Below is a montage of images and captions that paint a picture of our recent engagements and activities in the New Plymouth electorate:

Minister Bayly Visit

Above: Hon. Andrew Bayly (MP for Port Waikato, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Minister for Small Business & Manufacturing, Minister of Statistics.)

Pictured with: McKechnie Aluminium Solutions, Jean Lewis celebrating her 104th birthday, Juno Gin, Rivet and Meat to You.

Minister Penk Visit

Above: Hon. Chris Penk (MP for Kaipara Ki Mahurangi, Minister for Building & Construction, Minister for Land Information, Minister for Veterans, Associate Minister of Defence, Associate Minister of Immigration).

Pictured: Engaged in a number of meetings with local businesses and organisations.

Minister Doocey Visit

Above: Hon. Matt Doocey (MP for Waimakariri,Minister for ACC, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Minister for Youth, Associate Minister of Health, Associate Minister of Transport).

Pictured: Speaking at the Building Wellness Taranaki Tools to Talk event.

School Visits

Above: Visits to Best Start Early Childhood, Waitara Central Primary School, St. Joseph's Ōpunake, Oakura School and Ōmata School.

Resthome Visits

Above: Tainui Rest home and Jean Sandal Retirement Village.

Community Engagement

Above: Volunteering with Marian for the 2024 Daffodil Day street appeal, attending Salvation Army open day, Promoting NZ Blood Donor Week and attending the regular Grey Power New Plymouth coffee catch up.

Business Engagement

Above: Attending the opening of Nexans Solar Farm and a quick stop to Ōpunake Auto Repairs who helped fix my leaky tyre in my recent trip down the coast... thank you!

Cheers,