Cameron's Column
I survived Scrutiny Week! Just. Since January, I’ve been the chairperson of the Finance & Expenditure select committee. June saw every Parliamentary committee scrutinise Ministers and Government departments on their planned expenditure delivered to them in Budget 2025.
In our large committee, we had appearances by Finance Minister Hon Nicola Willis, Revenue Minister, Hon Simon Watts, and Regulation Minister, Hon David Seymour. Let’s just say it took a bit of meeting management, with the Opposition naturally keen to dominate!
Another thing the Finance & Expenditure select committee has been working on is the Banking Inquiry, with a particular focus on improving competition in business and rural banking. We are getting closer to drawing our conclusions and making recommendations.
However, the best time spent in any given week is meeting with Upper Harbour constituents in my office and around our community. As a locally-elected MP, I am in Parliament to represent your views, so keep them coming.
I’m always keen on meeting locals, visiting businesses, attending events, and learning more about our many community organisations. So please reach out to my team and request an appointment or visit. I’d really appreciate that! upperharbouroffice@parliament.govt.nz
Look after yourselves!
Cameron
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Fun Indian night in Hobsonville Point
Our MP had a lot of much fun attending 'Yeh Shaam Mastaani' in Hobsonville Point. Led by the Upper Harbour Indian Association, it was a high energy and hilarious Indian song and dance competition, with the 'Desi Rockstars' team declared winners.
Greg Fleming popular at SuperBlues
SuperBlues was a huge success last week with the hardworking MP for Maungakiekie, Greg Fleming telling attendees about his experiences in Parliament. Next guest speaker is Mike Butterick, MP for Wairarapa – 10.00am, Monday, 1 September. Put it in the diary! Our SuperBlues events are going well, and anyone of any age is most welcome to join us.
Colwill School hosts open day
Cameron recently attended a community open day at Colwill School in Royal Heights. He took the opportunity to congratulate long-time local principal Rob Taylor for overseeing a massive rebuild of the primary school. The almost entirely new school is warmly welcomed by the local community.
WW2 veteran graces the office
Our MP was delighted to meet Unsworth Heights resident Mr David Gilbert, and his daughter Carol, in his office recently. Mr Gilbert turned 100 in February and served in the Pacific for the RNZAF in World War Two, after training at the Hobsonville base. Cameron told him told him he will be in touch to ensure he's involved in a local ANZAC Day service next year!
Q&A features MP’s life jacket bill
Great news! Cameron’s member’s bill to make life jackets mandatory for children under 15 on small boats is now making its way through Parliament. Last month he was interviewed at Catalina Bay, by TV show Q&A.
Watch the interview here: 1 News Q+A: MP wants life jackets compulsory on children in small boats
Out and about
Constituent clinics held around community
Cameron was thrilled to catch up with Upper Harbour constituents at each of his clinics in Hobsonville, Greenhithe, Unsworth Heights, Bayview, and at Te Manawa Library. He got plenty of feedback and several jobs. He will do these every few months, during the week and at the weekends.
Croatian night always fun
The MP had a wonderful evening at the Croatian Club in West Auckland celebrating their national day, with Dame Naida Glavish and Sir Bob Harvey no less!!
Fieldays was a great success
Farmers are feeling positive again and confidence is at a decade high! The farmgate milk price is $10 (kgMS), interest rates are falling, and proving very popular is National's Investment Boost (where all businesses can claim back 20% of the cost of a new asset). According to a Federated Farmers poll, 54% of farmers would vote National.
I.Lead Conference well attended
Cameron joined the I.Lead Conference 2025 recently in the Beehive. He caught up with Auckland great Sonia Thursby - CEO of YES Disability in Albany and CEO of Shore Junction in Takapuna - and a passionate youth and disability advocate. While talking with sector leaders, it was made clear to the MP that the $1 billion of additional funding over four years, announced in the Government’s Budget 2025, for Disability Support Services has gone down very well and will make a real difference.
Newsflashes!
Local boards bill now in biscuit tin
Cameron’s second member’s bill has now been added to the member’s ballot. It would reduce the number of Auckland local boards from 21 to 15, making local Government in Auckland more efficient and cost-effective. Read more on: https://www.national.org.nz/news/20250612-cameronbrewer-members-bill-reduce-number-of-auckland-local-boards
More money for GPs
New Zealanders depend on local GPs as their first point of care for health concerns, but far too many New Zealanders have faced long waits or struggled to get appointments. Good news: The National-led Government has committed to the largest-ever funding boost for general practice. Read more on: GPs to receive record funding boost
Economy grows in first quarter
New GDP data confirms the economy is turning a corner, with growth up, mortgage rates down, and rents at their lowest since December 2023 – all helping ease cost-of-living pressures for Kiwi families. Read more on: Economic surprise great news for Kiwis
If you live in Upper Harbour and require assistance, contact my office on:
P: (09) 416 3249
A: Unit 15/102c Hobsonville Rd
Office Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm or by appointment