Recently, I attended the annual Fieldays event at Mystery Creek. Despite having a stepfather who is an ex-dairy farmer, it was my first ever Fieldays experience! And I enjoyed it.
There was a confidence and positivity in the air that I have not seen in New Zealand for some time. I saw this first-hand that rural New Zealand is bouncing back thanks to strong export prices and international demand. Our farmers and agri-sector are helping carry our economy forward.
This sentiment reflects wider good news that, under our government, our economy has now turned the corner. New Zealand has come through the worst economic recession since 1991. We’ve had two consecutive quarters of economic growth, GDP per capita is rising again and forecasters are predicting stronger growth ahead in 2025.
However, this growth is uneven. Not everyone is feeling the recovery. While our rural and agricultural sectors are feeling the benefits of growth, we know that there are many sectors still struggling. This is most acute in cities like Auckland. Construction has stalled, real estate is flat, and sectors like retail, hospitality, manufacturing and other services continue to struggle to survive.
This is the reality of a long covid-hangover, where government spending rose dramatically, public debt was doubled, inflation went through the roof and interest rates followed.
We’re under no illusion that there's a lot more work to do. But the work is underway:
- Invest New Zealand is now law, bringing clarity and confidence to overseas investors.
- Our Investment Boost Policy will make it easier for local businesses to invest, grow and hire.
- Cutting back the red tape and bureaucracy that slows everything down so people can get things done faster and with less hassle.
We’re focused on creating the right conditions for growth. That means smaller government, smarter regulation and backing New Zealanders to get on with the job.
I've said it before, I'll probably say it a hundred times more, the government doesn’t create prosperity - people do!
The lesson from smart, richer and more successful economies like Ireland, Singapore and Switzerland is simple: get the bureaucracy out of the way and unleash your people to create growth. That’s exactly what we’re doing so that Northcote’s families, workers and businesses can succeed and feel the benefits of economic growth.
Community News
Public Meeting on Crime
Last month, over 200 residents attended a public meeting on crime in Northcote, joined by Police Minister Mark Mitchell and senior police leadership. The event provided a platform for locals to voice concerns, ask questions, and hear directly from those working to keep our communities safe.
In response to the feedback received, the Northcote Crime Taskforce is being launched to bring together police, business leaders, and stakeholders to track crime data and drive real action. While progress is being made across Auckland, this initiative aims to ensure continued momentum and community involvement in making Northcote safer.
Advocating for a Balanced Solution at AF Thomas Park / Takapuna Golf Course
Recently, Simon Watts (MP for North Shore) and I wrote to Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team regarding the proposed flood mitigation works at AF Thomas Park in the Wairau catchment.
We’ve urged Healthy Waters to work collaboratively with the Kaipātiki Local Board and other stakeholders to find a practical, balanced outcome that protects homes and businesses from flooding and preserves affordable, accessible recreational spaces like the golf course.
You can read more about this here:
Onewa Road Update
I am excited to share an encouraging update on the proposed clearway for Onewa Road. Auckland Transport (AT) has completed its community consultation, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
While there are still a few steps to go before implementation, the feedback has set a clear direction with the majority of respondents expressed strong support for the clearway. AT is now working through the final stages of planning and coordination. If all goes well, the clearway is expected to be introduced over the Christmas period, aligning with other scheduled works such as the remarking of Onewa Road.
Youth Parliament
Northcote Youth MP Lily Foster, is currently participating in Youth Parliament in Wellington. A two -day in person event this is an opportunity for her and other young New Zealanders to learn first-hand about New Zealand’s democracy and to replicate the Parliamentary process.
In order to assist her in preparing for her time in Wellington we have set up a Youth Forum bringing together high school students from across the electorate to support her ideas, giving insight and feedback.
I am sure Lily will enjoy her time in Wellington and we look forward to the reports from the Youth Press Gallery.
Kings Birthday Honours
The recent Kings Birthday honours saw two of our community's finest recognised:
- Suzy Cato for services to music, television and education
- Eddie Eeles JP for over 60 years' of services to the Pipe Band community
Congratulations to them both and thank you for your service to our community.
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