Around the electorate
I enjoyed visiting the 2025 National Dog Show held at Rangiora's Mainpower Stadium, to check out some of the 1000-plus dogs of all different shapes and sizes strutting their stuff. It was great to have something of that scale in the Waimakariri, bringing so many visitors to our district for the four days. We are certainly lucky to have such a fantastic venue to attract these types of events, and I hope our local businesses benefitted from the extra people in town last weekend.
I am continuing to host my over-60s coffee mornings to hear concerns, thoughts and suggestion from constituents. Thanks to all those who came along to the Kaiapoi Club on Saturday, where we had a lively discussion about immigration settings, health, and the growing pains of growth, and I look forward to seeing more of you there this coming Saturday. No topic is off the table, so if you are over-60, look out for a letter inviting you to come and have your say.
As New Zealand’s first Minister for Mental Health, I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage you all to think about your own mental health this Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme is Top Up Together, focusing on the five ways of wellbeing - connect, give back, be active, take notice, and keep learning. Check in with your friends and family, and head to the Mental Health Foundation website to find other Mental Health Awareness Week initiatives you may like to try.
Lastly, thanks to Ravenswood developer Paul Croft for showing me around the latest stage of the development. It’s great to see a pharmacy and new GP practice being built, alongside existing and future businesses, and I have no doubt the area will continue to create job opportunities for locals but also provide a comprehensive retail hub for North Canterbury.
Given the population growth in the region, particularly around Woodend, Pegasus and Ravenswood, it is exciting to see the commercial and retail possibilities growing to match. Once the Woodend Bypass is completed it will be quicker and easier for residents of Christchurch to also come and shop here, which will be another boost for the region.