I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year. I know for many the start of the year has been extremely tough. My thoughts are with those who have been deeply affected by the weather events in the North Island last month.
January:
- Volunteered at The Longest Run at Malvern Park. I was also joined by Hamish Campbell MP for Ilam. A fantastic yearly event run by the Crusaders Rugby Team to raise money for The Child Cancer Foundation. Great to see the community come together to run laps of the park, who aimed to raise $300,000.
- Celebrated Lohri Mela. Every year the Punjabi festival marks new beginnings, harvest, and community spirit. A fantastic event filled with colour and dancing.
- Hosted Tama Potaka Minister for the Environment in Banks Peninsula. We spent an hour out on the water in the Akaroa Harbour on the DOC vessel, skippered by Tom MacTavish, who was named DOC Ranger of the Year, for his efforts in marine conservation, including patrolling, and conducting surveys. After we spent time with the local rūnanga at the Onuku Marae. On the way back to Christchurch, we meet with Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust and Tāwhaki staff, who spoke about the amazing mahi they have been doing including pest free programmes and their impact on biodiversity, and plans for the future.
- Went to the National Party Caucus Retreat. Fantastic to spend time with other MPs and get geared up for the coming election on November 7. We also hit the pavement in Wigram to help support National Tracy Summerfield Candidate for Wigram.
- Hosted Chris Penk Minister for Building and Construction, and Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing in Banks Peninsula. We visited the team at Formance in Woolston. They make Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs which are high-performing building material for energy efficient homes. After, we headed to Spicy Boys, a local hot sauce company that’s sauces definitely clear your sinuses! Spent the afternoon at Bowron Sheepskins, who have been making quality NZ-made wools since 1879. In the evening, we spent time with National Party Members at the SuperBlues.
Community Update:
My office team and I have hit the ground running and are back into full swing.
Last year, I had a few constituents reach out about their concerns about the new bus lanes along SH75 in Halswell. I raised these concerns with NZTA, and they’ve since come back asking for broader community feedback. In response, I’ve launched a short online survey, which will be open until the end of February. All feedback will be collated and sent through to NZTA. I’ll also be hosting two opportunities to discuss this in person. A Community Drop‑In Session at the Red Café on Saturday 14 February, 12–1pm as well as a Pub Politics Session at The Halswell on Thursday 26 February, 5.30–7pm. Alternatively, you’re welcome to email me directly at Vanessa.Weenink@parliament.govt.nz with your views. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, so please follow the link to have your say: https://vanessaweenink.nz/survey.
I also had a brilliant turn out at my Community Drop-in Session at Zeroes Café over the weekend as well. I spoke to Cashmere locals about PMH and the 14 new classrooms being built thanks to National at Cashmere High School.
A special thank you to those who came along to my Pub Politics Sessions in Redcliffs and Heathcote last month, it was great to have Tracy Summerfield National Candidate for Wigram come along to the one at the Valley Inn Tavern as well.
National News:
1. Government gears up to help storm-hit regions: Supplies and funding have been made available for those affected, and ministries are supporting the health, wellbeing, financial, and housing needs of individuals in need. (Beehive PR).
2. Collins to leave politics to head Law Commission: Minister and National MP for Papakura Hon Judith Collins KC will leave politics in mid-2026 to take up the role of Law Commission president. (Party PR).
3. Raglan to make waves with World Surf League Tour: New Zealand will host the fourth stop of the World Surf League’s Championship Tour from 15 – 25 May. The event is being supported through the Government’s Events Attraction Package. (Beehive PR).
4. First specialist schools in 50 years to be built: The two schools in Palmerston North and South Auckland will support children with high and complex needs. (Beehive PR).
5. Budget date announced: Budget 2026 will be delivered on 28 May. (Beehive PR).
Out and About in Banks Peninsula:
- Went along to the Mt Pleasant Farmers Market and Lyttelton Farmers Market. Great to see people out enjoying the sunshine and support locals.
- Joined the Halswell Community Hub’s Coffee and Yarn Session. Fantastic to connect with Halswell locals and chat about my bus survey.
- Volunteered as a Marshal at Halswell Parkrun. Brilliant to see the community connecting through a shared passion for running.
- Went to enjoy the live music in Diamond Harbour. Live at The Point have an array of local musicians play over the summer for people to come listen to music in the sun. Great to also see heaps of people using the tap-n-go system on the ferry from Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour.
- Spent the day at the Duvauchelle A&P Show. Congratulations to the committee and to the winners of all the various competitions.
- Went to Orton Bradley Park to check out the Resonate Festival. A perfect location for a wellbeing festival.
- Hit the pavement door knocking houses in Huntsbury and St Martins. Great to connect with locals and ask them about the matter most to them.
