Welcome to my September Newsletter!
Can you believe it’s already spring? The first signs are all around us with cherry blossoms lining the streets and daffodils popping up in parks. At our place, our daughters and I have been busy planting vegetables, an apricot tree and two grape vines. Fingers crossed for fruit next summer!
Last Saturday, I hosted a Café Catch-Up in Avonhead. We spread the word with 2,500 flyers, and some local social media posts, and it paid off. People came by to chat about local issues, share their ideas, and talk through what matters most to them. It’s always encouraging to see how engaged our community is.
If you missed it, don’t worry, I’ve got another coffee catch-up planned for Saturday 20 September at 11.30am at Crisp Café, Fendalton Village. I’m also putting on a Seniors’ Morning Tea on 13 September, 9.30am at All Souls Church, Merivale Lane and would love to see some familiar (and new) faces there too.
As I continue talking with residents, the cost of living comes up time and again. It’s a real pressure for many. That’s why our Government remains focused on growing the economy because more growth means more jobs, better wages, and ultimately, a bit more breathing room for Kiwi families. This week we announced measures to boost foreign investment, our UAE free trade agreement comes into effect, and we are slashing red tape to boost aquaculture, all steps in the right direction to making New Zealand the best small, advanced country.
Did you know September is New Zealand’s busiest birth month? And a fun fact - September 27 is the most common birthday in the country! Every month I send out, or hand deliver, cards to Ilam constituents celebrating milestone birthdays (100 years and over) and wedding anniversaries (50th, 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th and over) It’s a small way to honour big achievements. If you know someone hitting one of these amazing milestones, you can arrange an official congratulatory message through the link below: on Congratulatory messages | New Zealand Government
Click here to see my latest Star column Full text
Wishing you a wonderful start to spring!
Kind regards,
August’s highlights in Ilam
August 29 Daffodil Day. Left Collecting outside Fresh Choice, Fendalton Village. Centre With Sylvie the retriever outside the Cancer Society, and Right inside, with the PM, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and CE of Cancer Society Nicola Coom with some of the 100’s of daffodils
Visiting the Black stilts/ kakī aviary, at the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust.
At Kōwhai Park Solar Farm is a 170MWdc solar farm adjacent to Christchurch Airport, on land owned by both Christchurch International Airport Limited and ECAN. It will connect to Orion’s 66kV distribution network, producing electricity so the Airport achieves its electrification and decarbonisation goals.
Meeting Kamili, the giraffe, at Orana Park
What’s coming up in September
September is “Motorbike awareness month” which is an initiative held to raise awareness of the importance of staying safe on our road. I plan to visit Mike Pero's Motorcycle Gallery, which is a museum located at 1 Hawthornden Rd, Avonhead in the electorate. It showcases a collection of over 60 Japanese classic motorcycles from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
On Saturday 6th September Young Nationals are delivering flyers for a Café meeting coming up on Saturday 20th September at 11.30 am ‘Crisp’ Café. I am very grateful for their help with this.
Then later on the 6th at 12 noon I’ll be collecting for MS/Parkinsons at Fendalton Mall.
I’m hosting my annual School Leaders’ breakfast for the seven high schools in Ilam. I very much enjoy engaging with yr 13 students to hear their thoughts and concerns.
Everyone is invited to my Senior’s morning tea at 9.30am Saturday 13 September
Monday 22 September, my office team and I will be taking part in a clean-up in the Ilam electorate as part of ‘Clean up week -Keep NZ beautiful’
I’m also looking forward to attending a Christchurch Citizenship Service
Reminder of the 2025 Local Government Elections
Voting documents for the local election will be delivered to your letter box between 9 September and 22 September and voting closes at noon on 11 October. Final results announced by October 19
If you have any questions, please contact the deputy electoral officer at: elections@ccc.govt.nz click here.
Recent Key Announcements:
The long-awaited second Ashburton Bridge is a step closer with the signing of a key agreement, Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced
Fresh data released today shows international visitor arrivals and spending are continuing to climb, giving a boost to our tourism sector and economy, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
The Government is making changes to New Zealand’s universities to give students the best possible opportunities, develop the skilled workforce New Zealand needs and drive cutting-edge research that powers economic growth.
The Government is continuing to track ahead of its violent crime reduction target as Police prepare to roll out more officers on the beat, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
Coalition parties have agreed that overseas-based investors with a New Zealand investor residence visa will be allowed to buy a house here, to encourage more investment to grow the economy.
The Ilam office is open Mon-Fri from 9am – 3pm and you are welcome to pop in. To make an appointment to meet with me, call Leanne 03 3593665 or email hamish.campbell@parliament.govt.nz
Weekly JP Clinic is on Thursdays between 12-1pm in the Ilam office. Call first 03 3593665.