Vanessa Weenink - September Update

Spring is finally here, and I am enjoying seeing Christchurch's iconic cherry blossoms and daffodils in full bloom.

September Update:

Visted EcoStock Supplies ltd in Auckland. I visited the team as they are bringing their solution for green waste management to Christchurch. It will solve a problem for the city and provide exciting opportunities for economic growth.
Joined in commemorating the 34 Police officers who have given their lives in pursuit of keeping our communities safe on Police Remembrance Day.
Hosted Rima Nakhle MP for Takanini in the Banks Peninsula electorate. Rima came along to my members morning tea and spoke to people about her background in law and social services.
Joined the New Zealand Model Parliament 2025 Panel at Canterbury University as a panel member. Brilliant to speak to students about different political perspectives.
Went along to the Rural Nats Forum in Rangiora. This was a great opportunity for people to engage with Ministers and MPs on some of the big issues across rural New Zealand.
Joined Nicola Grigg Minister for Women at the Rural Women’s and Young Farmers event celebrating the 132nd anniversary of Suffrage Day, a moment to honour the courage, determination, and vision of the women who fought for the right to vote in New Zealand.

Community Updates:

A few months ago, I wrote to Minister for Education Erica Standford asking for confirmation on when Milns Road Primary School will open. I’m pleased to share that Minister Stanford has confirmed the school will welcome students in 2027, catering to Years 1–8 with an initial roll of 250. The school will also be governed by an Establishment Board, which will work with the Ministry of Education and the local community to prepare the new school for opening. Both the Minister and I know the Halswell community is experiencing high population growth, and the new school should help relieve the pressure on existing local schools and families. Recently, we have also announced 101,000 Year 1-8 students and their teachers will benefit from the skills and support of a Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) working in their school from next year.

This month, I will be having my next community drop-in session at Two Thumb in Diamond Harbour from 3-4pm on Friday October 24.

On that note, I joined the community meeting Quieter and Safer Roads hosted by Dave Dunlay Council candidate for Banks Peninsula regarding boy-racer activity in the inner Bays. It’s been a problem for decades and a very tricky problem to solve. It has been affecting locals who have broken sleep and are worried about road safety. Good to hear of the community initiative to raise funds for a mobile detection camera. The Police cannot be everywhere at once. A similar programme has been effective in reducing burnouts in Belfast. I am looking forward to working with Dave whether he’s elected or not in local elections as he’s vowed to keep driving this forward.

National News:

1. More diagnostics tests and faster answers for Kiwis: Delivering an additional 75,000 diagnostic procedures this year through its $65 million Diagnostic Improvement Plan, aimed at reducing wait times for critical diagnostic procedures such as MRI scans, colonoscopies. (Beehive PR)

2. New residence options to bolster workforce: More Kiwi businesses will soon be able to attract and retain the workforce they need, with the Government’s introduction of two new skilled migrant residence pathways. (Beehive PR)

3. Supercharging school infrastructure: The Government is accelerating $413 million of investment in school infrastructure to improve classrooms and provide a significant boost for builders and tradies across New Zealand immediately. (Beehive PR)

4. $100 million boost to upgrade hospitals nationwide: The Government is delivering a major $100 million investment to accelerate improvements across New Zealand’s hospital facilities. (Beehive PR)

In the Media:

Government confirms new primary school for Halswell: Government confirms new primary school for Halswell - Chris Lynch Media

Is Christopher Luxon’s leadership crumbling? Our local politicians discuss with surprising answers: Facebook

Out and about in Banks Peninsula:

Spoke at Redcliffs Probus group. I talked about my time as a GP and as a medic in the New Zealand Army.
Hang out at Mt Pleasant Farmers Market. Great to chat to locals about issues that interest them including conservation and energy.
Celebrate Naval Point Yacht Clubs opening day. Plenty of people were out on the water sailing. The team officially started the season with a bang (literally—with a cannon blast!)
Visited Lyttelton and Heathcote Valley Schools to speak to staff about the new education announcements.
Went door knocking around Halswell to find out which issues matter most to residents.
Drove over to Akaroa for the opening of Caldera Estate Winery. Fantastic to also catch up with other business owners in Akaroa and hear about their plans heading into the summer season.
Went along to Little Gems Cocktail Party for Cholmondeley as a part of the charity fundraiser events. A fantastic event for a great cause providing short-term emergency and planned respite care for Canterbury Tamariki.
Celebrated Durga Puja and Bathakammu-Dussera. Thank you to the Bengali association and the Telugu association for the invitation. Jai mata Durga Di!
Visited the volunteers at the St Martins Menz Shed. It was great to check out their great facilities and projects.
Went along to the Governors Bay AGM. The focus of the meeting was on progress on the jetty restoration project.
Celebrated Armadillos opening night in Lyttelton. They have taken over the lease of the Top Club in Lyttelton and breathed a new lease of life into the venue.
Spent the afternoon in Rapaki for Untouched World Foundation Whakaraupo. It was inspiring to see young leaders and hear about their ideas for sustainability.
Went along to community connection event in Woolston. Brilliant to speak to the team at Tangata Atumotu Trust, Canterbury's longest-serving Pacific health provider.