A belated Happy New Year. Perhaps like you, I’ve found myself reflecting on how quickly this year has shifted - from time spent with family to events that have brought real loss and grief to communities across the country.
Over the summer, I was lucky to celebrate a family milestone. My wife, Kirstin, and I marked 32 years of marriage — and by coincidence, the music she walked in to all those years ago (Gabriel’s Oboe) was the same piece our son Willis waited for his bride, Eleanor. It was completely unplanned, and a moment of real joy and thankfulness for our family.
My thoughts continue to be with everyone affected by the recent storms and tragic landslide at Mount Maunganui and on Welcome Bay Road. The loss of life has been devastating, and the grief felt by families and communities across the country runs deep.
The Prime Minister has announced the first stage of Government support to help with recovery. An extra $1.2 million is going directly into Mayoral Relief Funds, providing practical help where it’s needed most. The Temporary Accommodation Service has also been activated to support those displaced from their homes. These steps are a start, and more support will follow as damage assessments continue.
What’s been happening here in Onehunga
Closer to home, Onehunga has faced a difficult start to the year following the fire on Onehunga Mall. My heart is with our neighbours who have lost so much.
My electorate office was impacted and is temporarily closed, but my team and I are still very much here for you - by phone, email, social media, or meeting locally. If you need support, please reach out. We will meet you where you are.
Onehunga now, more than ever, needs our support. Where you can, I encourage everyone to continue shopping local and backing the businesses that are still open.
Earlier this month, there were also crime concerns in Onehunga. I’m in contact with Police and am awaiting further updates, which I’ll share as soon as I’m able. I know this has caused worry for many - whether you’ve been directly affected or are simply feeling unsettled - and your concerns are completely valid. If you’d like to talk things through, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me or my team.
The Hill Development, Ellerslie
This week, I hosted a community gathering on Derby Downs focused on community concerns around The Hill development and how the construction process is impacting neighbours. Things like damage to nearby homes, disruption from night works, and the need for traffic calming so Ellerslie can keep moving safely and easily.
We were joined by Steve Evans, Fletcher Living’s CEO who heard concerns firsthand. This direct engagement is essential if issues are to be resolved.
Next steps: I’ll meet with local Councillor Desley Simpson to see how we can work together with the Auckland Council Group, including Auckland Transport and Watercare, to provide some practical relief.
Watch this space for further updates.
A parliamentary first I’m proud of
For the first time ever, a private member’s bill has bypassed the ballot thanks to genuine bipartisan support, with National and Labour working together to fast-track legislation addressing modern slavery and extreme worker exploitation.
Why does this matter? Because modern slavery isn’t a distant problem. It can be tied to the things we buy and use every day.
This bill would require large businesses to be upfront about how they identify and address modern slavery in their supply chains, create a public register so this information is out in the open, and strengthen support for victims here in New Zealand. It also introduces real consequences for companies that refuse to report or choose to mislead the public.
At its heart, this legislation is about dignity, transparency, and fairness, making sure people aren’t exploited behind closed doors while others profit.
I’m grateful to colleagues across the House for recognising the urgency of this issue and to MP Camilla Belich for co-sponsoring this bill.
Big news beyond our borders
New Zealand and India have concluded a Free Trade Agreement, opening up unprecedented access to 1.4 billion consumers.
The agreement reduces or removes tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s exports, creating significant opportunities for our exporters and supporting New Zealand’s goal of doubling the value of exports over the next decade.
I was fortunate to visit India in December as part of a New Zealand parliamentary delegation. Among many highlights, we also marked 36 years since the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I even took a small piece of home with me - a Te Papapa Sports Club hoody, which made the moment extra special.
Looking ahead
I’m raring to go for the year ahead and plan to keep you updated on a monthly basis. As always, I genuinely welcome your feedback - what you like, what you don’t, and what you’d like to hear more about. Just fire me an email.
If you see me out and about, please say hi. I’m always keen for a yarn.
Thanks for taking the time to read, and I look forward to keeping in touch!
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