Simeon Says! Email Newsletter 

I am pleased to announce that I have been re-selected as National's candidate to contest the Pakuranga electorate at next year's general election.

Serving as a local MP is a great privilege and it is humbling to have received the support of the people of Pakuranga at the past three elections, and to represent the electorate for the last eight years in Parliament. It is something I never take for granted. I have always worked hard to represent your values and ensure the voices of this community are heard on the issues they care most about.

I am also proud to be part of a National Government which is working hard to get our country heading in the right direction. We are fixing the basics and building the future. Our policies are making a real difference for the people for Pakuranga. We are rebuilding the economy to drive growth and opportunity, delivered tax relief, reduced inflation, and mortgage rates are down, saving hundreds of dollars each fortnight for Kiwi families.

Locally we have delivered the Reeves Road Flyover and reversed the speed limit on Pakuranga Road. We are investing in more classrooms at local schools and delivering a safer community with violent crime and ram raids on the decline as we implement tougher consequences for crime. We cannot take any of this for granted. That is why I will be asking for the support of the Pakuranga electorate at the next election to continue as your local MP, and for their Party Vote for National to keep New Zealand going in the right direction.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the last eight years. I hope to earn your support again next year to continue as your local MP for Pakuranga.

National's KiwiSaver announcement

Durable long-term savings will always be important to deliver financial security in retirement. Earlier this year, the Government agreed to lift KiwiSaver contributions for employers and employees from 3 per cent to 4 per cent, to encourage Kiwis to set more money aside for retirement.

Over the weekend, National Party leader Christopher Luxon announced that a re-elected National Government would continue to increase contribution rates for employers and employees, so individual balances grow faster and people have more money to support themselves in retirement. Those additional increases will start from 1 April 2029, rising by 0.5 per cent per year until 1 April 2032, to a 6 per cent contribution rate for employers and employees.

This means National will double KiwiSaver contributions, and it will mean a combined rate of 12 per cent, matching Australia. This will mean a substantial savings increase for hardworking Kiwis, providing for a comfortable and secure retirement.

You can read more about this announcement by clicking here.

Reeves Road Flyover intersection update

I wanted to give you an update on the Reeves Road Flyover intersection with Pakuranga Road, which I know has been causing a lot of frustration for drivers, particular during the evening peak. These delays are primarily being caused by the reduction in the number of lanes for traffic travelling from Panmure to Howick through the new intersection of Pakuranga Road and the Reeves Road Flyover, as well as the sharp left-hand turn.

People are rightly upset with both the delays they are seeing on their trip home, and with the safety of the intersection, with a higher than usual number of accidents and near misses.

I am pleased to advise that Auckland Transport have agreed to reinstate the third lane travelling from Panmure to Howick, allowing more traffic to move through, and will be improving the efficiency and safety of the intersection. The reason Auckland Transport wanted to remove the third lane was to replace it with a cycle lane. This of course makes no sense, and I hope we can get to a common-sense solution which prioritises the tens of thousands of people who travel to and from work in their cars every day. 

There is still a lot of work going on in the general area as well, including the works along Ti Rakau Drive near the old intersection with Reeves Road Flyover, which will continue into the New Year. Please take care over the next couple of months when driving in the area, and hopefully we will have some good news about the Flyover intersection soon.

National Party membership renewal

I also wanted to remind you that, if you're a member of the National Party, your term of membership has changed and now runs on a 12-month cycle from your renewal date. We’ll send you reminders when it’s time to renew, but it may be worth checking yours to see if you need to do so soon! To manage anything to do with your National Party membership, please go online to www.national.org.nz/my/sign-in and sign in to see your profile. 

Thank you for all your support. If you need any assistance from me as your local MP for Pakuranga, my office is available to help - you can contact us at 09 572 0000 or by email at PakurangaMP@parliament.govt.nz.