Welcome to my October Newsletter!
With the warmer weather I am enjoying meeting more people out and about in the electorate.
In September I held a Seniors’ meeting at All Souls Merivale, a Coffee meeting at Crisp Café in Ilam and a breakfast in Merivale at Brigitte’s for school leaders of the seven secondary schools in Ilam.
I appreciate people coming out engaging and sharing with me their concerns and comments. If you missed the Coffee meeting, I’ve got another on Sunday 2 November, 11.30 at Black & White Coffee Cartel, 3A Tiger Moth Road, Harewood.
October also brings a vibrant series of cultural events. I’ll be attending several festivals and celebrations — including Bengali, Hindu, Diwali, Chinese, Filipino, and Taiwanese gatherings. These events are a great reminder of the richness of our community. If you see me there, please don’t hesitate to say hello — whether it's Namaste, Ni hao, Kamusta, Li ho, or simply a wave!
On the economic front, Business Canterbury’s latest Quarterly Survey (August 2025) reports cautious optimism:
· 64% of Canterbury businesses expect economic conditions to improve within the next year
· 55% plan to hire new staff
· 59% are preparing to invest in property, plant, or equipment
Key challenges remain consumer confidence, productivity, inflation, compliance costs, and cashflow pressures.
As a government, we know the pressures many households and businesses are under. That’s why we’re focused on setting the groundwork for long-term, sustainable growth encouraging investment, hiring, and innovation. One key move is the upcoming reform of the Commerce Act, to be introduced before Christmas. These long-overdue changes will bring more competition to markets that have, for too long, been dominated by a few major players. Greater competition means more choice, better pricing, and stronger innovation - all essential for a fairer, more dynamic economy.
We’ve also launched two new skilled migrant residence pathways, helping businesses attract and retain the people they need. This is especially important in regions like Canterbury, where growth needs to be supported by a skilled and stable workforce.
As the weather gets warmer, here are some local events coming up in October:
Thank you for staying engaged and for continuing to share your views. I always welcome your feedback, whether in person, by email, or at community events.
September’s highlights in Ilam
Monday 22, my office team and I took part in ‘Clean up week -Keep NZ beautiful’. We were allocated the stream and pond at Jelly Park. I discovered the stream to be deceptively deep at some parts!
I really enjoyed catching up with Mike at Mike Pero's Motorcycle Gallery. Open to the public, this museum is located at 1 Hawthornden Rd, Avonhead and showcases a collection of over 60 Japanese classic motorcycles. Click here: Motorcycle Gallery to find out more!
Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsons are organisations very close to my heart, so I was pleased to help collect money for them both at their annual Appeal
It was a pleasure to launch the Child Cancer Foundation publication ‘Trauma Informed Care in Paediatric Oncology’ in Parliament. September was Child Cancer Awareness Month.
What’s coming up in October
I’m looking forward to hosting several classes from Kirkwood School up in Parliament throughout the month.
I’ll be on the National Party Stand at the Canterbury Home Show 17/18/19 October at Wolfbrook Arena.
I’ll be at the Ilam School 75th year Jubilee on 31 October – 1 November. Register here… Jubilee75 | Ilam School
Also, a massive congratulations to Fendalton school as they celebrate 150 years over Labour Weekend! Register here… 150th Jubilee - Register now What a fabulous achievement!
Recent Key Announcements:
New investment in diagnostic services
The Government is making changes and investing $65 million more in diagnostic procedures such as radiology procedures, colonoscopies, cardiac tests etc which will help reduce delays and stress.
Supercharging school infrastructure
The Government is accelerating $413 million of investment in school infrastructure to improve classrooms and school facilities, this will also provide a significant boost for builders and tradies across New Zealand.
Investment in hospitals across New Zealand
The Government is delivering a $100 million investment to accelerate improvements across New Zealand’s hospital facilities, we are backing hospitals with the upgrades they need to ensure that facilities are fit for purpose.
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