One common phrase that I get often when out and about in our community is “the government needs to fix this”.
It’s a fair statement and often said out of a genuine concern for our community and country. It also reveals something deeper about how New Zealand has changed. Somewhere along the line, we’ve come to expect that our government should be solving every problem.
When we rely too heavily on government – any government – we risk losing the autonomy, self-reliance and pioneering spirit that made New Zealand a successful country.
Now there’s no doubt our country faces serious challenges and that government has a role to play is helping New Zealand navigate them. However, now more than ever, we need to revive the independence of spirit that made New Zealand great and that is still part of our Kiwi-DNA. The belief that individuals, families and communities shape their own destiny - not some government official from MBIE.
As I mentioned in my last bulletin, it’s that same spirit that has helped countries like Singapore, Switzerland, Ireland, and South Korea pull themselves up and thrive.
These countries are richer, more productive and offer their citizens a better standard of living than New Zealand.
What these countries share isn’t just smart policy by government. It is a shared cultural mindset of what makes their people thrive and prosper:
- They value hard work and equal opportunity
- They back themselves to succeed
- They view government as an enabler rather than the saviour
- They strive for a hand-up not a handout
That’s the kind of New Zealand we are striving for, and this is reflected in our policy priorities whether its law and order, education, welfare, or the economy.
Our policies reflect these values above. They are the reason why I joined the National Party, and these values are at the heart of locals right across the Northcote electorate.
I know times are tough now for many. But let's not lose sight of the bigger picture of what it will take to ensure our country can thrive and prosper well into the future. For me, as a proud father to my son, I couldn't think of anything more important.
This is the future I believe in for New Zealand. A New Zealand where the government plays its part but where New Zealanders lead the way to a better, brighter and more prosperous future.
Community News
Inaugural Northcote Community Safety Forum held
Last month my office launched the Northcote Community Safety Forum. This initiative brings together local police, business leaders, and key stakeholders to collaborate on practical solutions to improve safety in our area. The Forum focused on two pressing issues: retail crime and community surveillance. It marks an important step in building a safer, more connected Northcote. I look forward to continuing this momentum and working together to make our community safer.
My new member's bill to lower the cost of vehicle repairs
I recently lodged a new member’s bill in Parliament that, if passed into law, will improve the speed and cost of vehicle repairs across New Zealand. The Commerce (Motor Vehicle Information Scheme) Amendment Bill establishes a market for repair information to be shared from manufacturers to repair businesses, enabling vehicles to be repaired quicker and cheaper. Thanks to local business Auto Super Shoppe Birkenhead for originally championing this issue with me a few years ago.
Become a JP
Are you interested in becoming a Justice of the Peace? A voluntary position we are particularly looking for younger and diverse candidates to become a JP. Pop into my electorate office in Birkenhead if you would like more information or pick up an application form.
Congratulations to winter sport codes
Congratulations to the Takapuna Rugby Prems team who recently played in the North Harbour Rugby Premier Final against North Shore. North Shore took the title 33-15. The Northcote Tigers Premiers are into their semi-finals round of the Sharman Cup Saturday 9th August – good luck! Birko are currently 2nd in the Northern League Premier Division. Crucial games coming up to take the top spot! The Women’s Championship team have had a great season sitting currently sitting third in the league. And the Northern Rovers FC Men’s First team have had a successful season currently sitting 4th in the Men’s Championship Division!
An end to open-plan classrooms
Minister of Education Erica Stanford recently announced an end for open-plan classrooms, prioritising spaces that improve student outcomes. All new classrooms will now be built using standard, flexible room designs that are warm, dry and safe. Importantly, schools will still be able to operate their existing open-plan classrooms, and this applies to several of our local schools that have them.
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