Welcome to 2026! I hope you and your family had a great summer break and were able to spend some quality time together.
A big thank you to everyone who worked through the holidays to keep New Zealand moving. From health workers and emergency services to those keeping shelves stocked and services running, your efforts don’t go unnoticed, thank you!
As we head into an election year, there’s a famous line from Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign that still rings true: “It’s the economy, stupid.” The message was simple then and it’s just as relevant now. For families and businesses, nothing matters more than jobs, wages and the cost of living, especially after the tough few years we’ve all been through.
The good news is that 2026 is shaping up to be a much better year for our economy.
The economy is expected to grow by just over 2 percent, wages are set to rise a little faster than that, prices are easing back toward normal levels, and more people are likely to find work.
These are all encouraging signals, but we know that statistics alone don’t make life easier. What really matters is whether people feel that progress in their own homes, pay packets, and businesses.
That’s why our focus this year is simple: making sure the recovery is real, practical, and genuinely felt in everyday life. We want all New Zealand families and businesses to see and feelthe difference of a National led government.
When Labour says they “have your back” on the economy, it’s worth remembering what they left behind:
- Public debt more than doubled to $155 billion
- Inflation hit a more than 30-year high of 7.3 percent
- One of the largest budget deficits, as a share of the economy, in the developed world, and
- An over-reliance on government as the source of truth and prosperity.
National has a different view. We know it’s people and businesses who create economic growth, not politicians. We know that when the government focuses on the basics and gets out of the way, communities are stronger, wages rise and opportunities grow.
That’s what we’re about; fixing the basics and building our future together!
On a personal note, I’m proud to share that I’ve been confirmed as National’s candidate for our great electorate of Northcote. I’ve loved serving our community and I’m looking forward to the campaign ahead to secure our community's support for another term.
If you’d like to help me continue serving our community and our country, I’d love your support. You can volunteer to be part of our campaign by clicking here. Every conversation and every helping hand makes a difference.
I look forward to a positive year ahead fighting for our community and country!
Community News
Onewa Road Update
After years of advocacy to improve Onewa Road, Auckland Transport are making improvements to improve traffic flow and improve safety along this corridor. The work being undertaken includes no-parking lines for all of Onewa Road which starts this week and should be completed in the next 10 days. You can read more here:
PM's State of the Nation Address
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nation address yesterday outlined National’s desire to continue bold reforms to build a future that will provide more opportunities for New Zealanders.
This includes reform in three big areas – KiwiSaver, NCEA and the RMA. But we won’t be stopping there.
National is focused on our plan to fix the basics and build the future for all New Zealanders. That plan is working and we need to stick with it so that all New Zealanders can get ahead and have the opportunities they deserve. It reinforced this Government’s focus on discipline, delivery and backing people who want to invest and work hard. You can watch the full State of the Nation address here:
Upcoming Events - Get Involved!
- Northcote Doggie Day out – Saturday 24th Jan from 10 am – till 2 pm at Greenslade Reserve. Bring your dog down for some furry fun through obstacle courses, dog photographer, and a great day out.
- Northcote Markets - The regular Saturday morning markets in Northcote Town centre are back in the main carpark off Lake Road. 8 am -2 pm New stalls, more bargains, and a new community market section. Shop local, catch up with friends. For other Northcote town centre events please check out: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GpZTaF8eg/
- Chinese New Year Celebration at Takapuna Beach. – Sunday 22 Feb from 10 – 6 pm at The Strand Takapuna. Festivities include Dragon dance at 10.30 am, cultural performances at 11.00 am and market food and art stalls throughout the day.
- Chinese Lantern Festival - Sunday 22 Feb 2pm - 4.30 pm at Westlake Girls High School, 2 Wairau Road Takapuna. This year's theme is Creating the Future – 25 years. This is a celebration event complete with entertainment and lantern lighting.
Dan Bidois
MP for Northcote