Christmas feels as if it’s just around the corner. I have been busy focusing on being out in the community before the festive season begins.
October Update:
- Joined Chris Bishop Minister for Transport and the new Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon at the State Highway 1 Rolleston Access Improvements project to turn the sod. The first stage involves a new roundabout at the Dunns Crossing and Walkers Road intersection along State Highway 1. This project is part of the government’s $7 billion of infrastructure projects starting by Christmas.
- Hosted Matt Doocey Minister for Mental Health in the Banks Peninsula electorate. Matt came along to my members morning tea and spoke to people about the positive changes the Government are making in the mental health space for New Zealanders.
- Celebrated Diwali in Christchurch and in Selwyn. The Indian Festival of Lights signifies the victory of good over evil. Both events were great family filled days with colour and delicious food.
- Joined the local National MPs at the at the Canterbury Home Show, meeting heaps of people from all over. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat to myself, Nicola Grigg and Hamish Campbell.
- Hosted Simeon Brown Minister for Health at my member’s breakfast. Simeon spoke to members about the Government's health policies and the difference they are making to thousands of New Zealanders. 21,000 more elective procedures will be performed within the next year through our Elective Boost programme.
- Joined Chris Bishop Minister for Housing to celebrate the opening of Three Lanes, Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust's latest development in Somerfield. These 43 homes offer a mix of one-to four-bedroom social housing and affordable homes, with over half being one- and two-bedroom units.
Community Updates:
Since Christmas is nearly here. My office will be closed from December 24, 2025, until January 12, 2026, so my team can have a well-deserved break. However, please call my office on 03 384 5717 if you would like to meet or discuss anything before the end of year.
Last month, I had a Pub Politics in Governors Bay, and two Community Drop-In Sessions in Sumner and Diamond Harbour. All had a good turn out with a variety of topics that were discussed from healthcare, energy policies, and local Policing. On that note, this month, I will be having my last Pub Politics of the year on Thursday November 27 from 5.30-7pm at The Halswell. If you would like to come along, please email Vanessa.Weenink@parliament.org.nz to register.
While up in Wellington at Parliament, I joined Education and Workforce Select Committee for hearings into online harm earlier last month. Questions such as what harms are young New Zealanders experiencing online? What is Meta and Tik Tok doing about it? Would an online regulator be helpful in reducing those harms? These questions were all being asked. In August, I also sent out a survey asking Banks Peninsula constituents their thoughts on banning social media for 16 years and under. I have received over 800 surveys back so far, if you have any feedback please submit it here: https://forms.microsoft.com/pages/responsepage.aspx... I'm keen to hear your thoughts on what should be done to prevent online harm.
More classrooms for Cashmere High School. Minister for Education Erica Stanford has announced 82 new classrooms to be built across New Zealand, including 14 new classrooms for Cashmere High School - Te iringa o Kahukura. I met with school Principal John Stradwick a few days after the announcement, who was thrilled about the new development announcement.
More state housing is on the way. More than 65 new social homes will be delivered in Canterbury by Community Housing Providers. These homes will be in Linwood, Merivale, and Somerfield. Four of the homes have already been delivered by the Christchurch Methodist Mission, and over 60 others will be delivered from early 2026 by Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust working in conjunction with construction partners of their choice.
Relief for Rural Banks Peninsula Communities. Last year, I helped to advocate for more water tanks around Banks Peninsula to be installed for emergencies. The Christchurch City Council has announced two new water tanks will be installed this year in Birdlings Flat, and another in Pigeon Bay to help fight future rural fires.
After considering staff and community feedback, the Canterbury Police will not proceed with their proposed district review. The Police decision not to change services reflects the community sentiment that I shared with police leaders from feedback I received from the local community.
I was honoured a few weeks ago to place my new members bill Rates Rebate (Rate-paying Occupiers) Amendment bill in the biscuit tin. The Bill will enable occupiers of residential properties who are responsible for paying rates—but are not the registered ratepayers—to qualify for rates rebates, provided they meet the new criteria. Currently, when one partner who owns the property passes away, the surviving spouse/partner —although liable for paying the rates—is unable to access a rebate. These changes will help ease that financial pressure during what is often a very difficult time for widows and widowers.
National News:
- Refreshed national curriculum to raise achievement: The Minister of Education released the full draft of New Zealand’s new Year 1–10 curriculum, another significant step toward delivering a world-leading education system for every learner in New Zealand.(Beehive PR)
- Work accelerates on ambitious land transport reforms: The Government is working on modernising New Zealand’s land transport rules, with public consultation beginning on three significant areas of work including the frequency of WoFs. (Beehive PR)
- Pet bonds for renters start 1 December: The Government has confirmed that from 1 December 2025, changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will give tenants with pet’s greater choice when looking for a rental property. (Beehive PR)
In the Media:
Out and about in Banks Peninsula:
- Checked out the Black Tin Shed in Horotane Valley. This hidden gem has local produce to baked goods and much more.
- Popped into the new BookBarn next to The Tannery Boutique Shopping, Dining & Arts Emporium. Huge selection of books and much more. Worth a visit.
- Went along to the Sumner School PTA fundraiser. A great night filled with some fabulous outfits worn by locals.
- Had a stall at the Governors Bay Fête. This year’s Governors Bay Fête was once again a brilliant event, thanks to the Community Association. I even got dunked a few times! Thank you to all the people who also stopped by my stall to say hello.
- Went along to celebrate the Sumner Fire Brigade team. Brilliant to acknowledge the dedication of the volunteer fire team and all they do to keep the community safe.
- Visited Orton Bardley Park. Fantastic to catch up with Ian and hear about all the hard work leading up to their famous Orton Bradley Park Spring Fair.
- Met Vinny and Hamish from the Brooksfield team in Sumner. Great to hear they have nearly sold all the 6 townhouses on Marriner Street with a corner store. They have already built beautiful developments in Somerfield, another superb suburb in my electorate.
- Joined the Sumner community at the public meeting to discuss ways we can continue funding the after-school programmes at FUSE youth group. Wonderful to see many people who use to attend FUSE show their support for keeping it going.
- Visited Thorrington, Cashmere, Mt Pleasant, and St Anne's Schools to speak with staff about the new education announcements.
- Drove over to Akaroa to visit the Saturday Farmers Market and was honoured to be a guest at the Great AngusNZ No Bull Weekender. 30 incredible hard-working women - learning, bonding and even starting the day with yoga by the sea.
- Volunteered for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ at Woolworths in Ferrymead. It was great to also speak about National extending the breast screening age, with women aged 70 and 74 now eligible for free screening.
- Celebrated Cashmere High School students at the school's prizegiving. I also was honoured to be a part of the graduation celebration. Special congratulations Anouk Hector-Taylor who was Dux, Naomi Wilson who won Proxime Accessit and Cameron Mitchell who won the All-Round Excellence Award. Cannot wait to see what they all achieve next!
