It has been a big few weeks for education, with some great news for the North-West of Auckland announced.
I was delighted to attend the sod-turning for a brand new 600-student primary school in the Red Hills/Westgate area, with its entrance off Fred Taylor Drive. It aims to be open for Term One 2027, with this area proposed to be in the Upper Harbour electorate after next year's election.
Also, fast-growing Scott Point School is set to get a new two-storey 10-classroom block! Construction will start this year, and it too will open for Term One 2027. A big thanks to Education Minister Hon Erica Stanford, Principal Pam King, and Board of Trustees chair, Erica Wills, for their ongoing advocacy to keep expanding Scott Point School given the unrelenting growth surrounding it.
The Minister of Education was back on 9 May to speak at my Business Club over breakfast and then attended our regular Principals’ Forum in my electorate office boardroom. This provided another opportunity for our local primary and secondary school principals to raise any issues directly with the Minister and her officials.
A couple of other announcements made last week have also gone down well.
Our Government is backing our hard-working teachers by fully funding their registrations and practising certificates. Starting 1 July, teachers will save up to $550 when registering or renewing their practising certificate.
Our Government is also making financial literacy part of the core curriculum. Students will learn real-world skills like budgeting, saving, understanding tax, and how to avoid scams. This is something many of you have asked to see for years. (Banning all prisoners from voting has also gone down very well locally!).
Finally, thank you to those who have renewed their party membership. For those who haven’t, or would like to show your support for our local team, visit https://www.national.org.nz/join
Out and about
Upper Harbour at three Anzac Day services
Cameron once again attended the ANZAC Day services at Hobsonville and Greenhithe and was well represented by his electorate chairman, Stephen Franklin, in Glenfield. Lest We Forget.
Success for ‘Business After 5’ in office
The Upper Harbour 'Business After 5' with new Small Business Minister, Hon Chris Penk, drew a good crowd and some great Q&A. National is reducing costs and compliance, and will fix the consenting regime.
Bowling club packed for Seniors’ Morning Tea
Over 120 attended Upper Harbour’s Seniors' Morning Tea to hear from new National Minister, Hon James Meager - a fantastic speaker followed by some great Q&A. Cameron was pleased to assure attendees that amendments to the 2003 Retirement Villages Act have been brought forward - now set for 2026.
Youth MP announced
Harveer Talwar has been announced as Upper Harbour’s new Youth MP. Harveer hit the ground running, attending ANZAC Day services and he’s now planning a Youth Advisory Panel meeting for later this month. Harveer is in Year 13 at Massey High School and is looking forward to taking the views of our young Upper Harbour locals to Parliament in early July.
MP supports Abilities Group
After the devastating fire in Wairau Valley, Cameron met with Abilities Group Managing Director, Peter Fraher, Kaipātiki Local Board Chair, John Gillon, and neighbouring MP for Northcote, Dan Bidois Abilities is a much-loved recycling charity that provides employment to over 100 disabled people. Peter's team has launched an urgent fundraising campaign which will support staff, help replace essential equipment and find a new temporary location. To help rebuild Abilities, please donate at: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/abilities-group
Newsflashes!
MP’s Member’s Bill drawn
Cameron’s Private Member’s Bill was drawn on 10 April! It will make life jackets mandatory for children under 15 when on a boat six meters or less. He welcomes your input as it now goes through the parliamentary process. To read more, visit: National MP’s Bill would protect children on the water | National Party
NZTA endorses Northwestern Busway!
Faster, more frequent, and reliable public transport for the North-West is a step closer, following a decision by the NZTA Board to endorse the Northwest Rapid Transit investment case, Transport Minister, Hon Chris Bishop, announced. The investment case recommends a busway alongside SH16 between Brigham Creek and the city centre, with seven stations connected to the local bus and road network. For more information on its staged construction, visit: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/.../northwest-busway-takes...
Whenuapai hosts big announcement
More good news for the North-West. This time for our defence personnel, families, and local RNZAF base. New maritime helicopters and almost a billion dollars for much-needed defence force operational costs. For more information, please visit: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/.../new-helicopters...
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