There is no stronger economic policy than fixing our education system. When we lift student achievement in our schools, we lift opportunity for our kids, confidence for parents and the productive capacity of our nation.
That’s why Education Minister Erica Stanford is taking the tough but necessary decisions to deliver a real step change in education performance, with a clear focus on nailing the basics, greater accountability and results.
Here's what the Coalition government has delivered so far in education:
- Cell phones banned in schools so students can focus on learning
- An overhaul of NCEA to restore credibility and rigour
- A mandated hour of reading, writing, and maths every school day
- A refreshed curriculum with clearer expectations
- School boards refocused on education achievement
- Charter schools reinstated to give students failing in mainstream education a better chance, and
- Attendance services boosted to get kids back into classrooms
- After strong advocacy, Chelsea Primary School is finally getting a brand-new school hall. This is welcome news for parents, children and staff. The old hall has been out of action for years and had become an eyesore in the community. This investment restores a facility the whole community can be proud of.
- From July this year, the school maintenance funding base rate will increase significantly for Birkenhead College, Northcote College, Glenfield College, Birkdale North, Northcote Intermediate, Verran Primary, and Willow Park School. This is the first time since 2010 that the school maintenance budget has been adjusted and will mean more warm, dry, modern classrooms for our students!
- From this year, the following schools will have dedicated funding for a Learning Support Coordinator to support with children's learning needs: Birkdale Intermediate, Birkdale North, Birkdale Primary and Verran Primary
This is all positive, but we know there's a lot of work to do to improve our education system.
If you want to play a part in shaping the future of our kids, consider getting involved at your local school, whether that’s volunteering as a coach or standing as a parent representative on the school board. Thank you to the many parents who give up their time to serve in leadership roles in schools across our local community.
As always, I look forward to seeing you out and about soon!
Second Harbour Crossing
There’s been a lot of media about a suggested $9 toll on the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge. First, nothing has been decided. The toll is one option put forward by an Independent Infrastructure Commission, as part of its analysis on how we might fund the second Waitematā Harbour Crossing. The reality is that this major infrastructure has to be paid for, and we are already in huge debt as a country, so the government is assessing all options and the fairest and most sustainable way to fund the crossing. As your local MP, I have told the minister my view that if a toll is to be seriously considered, $9 per trip is too high for our community. Read my full post on Facebook here
Onewa Road
After 8 years of advocacy to Auckland Transport, I am pleased that Onewa Road is now permanently a no-parking road! This is a practical change that will improve safety and traffic flow. It’s already having a big impact on weekend traffic flows. Thanks to everyone who got behind our petition campaigns over the past few years, and thanks to our Councillors and the Kaipātiki Local Board for working collaboratively on this issue. It is a good reminder that sustained local pressure does make a difference!
Hornet Eradication
Efforts to eradicate the yellow-legged hornets on the North Shore have stepped up with an additional $12 million funding boost for the next 6 months! However, they need your help. They are now using advanced tracking technology to locate and destroy nests before they spread. Most queen hornets have been found with nests. Public vigilance is crucial. I encourage you to keep checking your properties for hornets or nests, set traps and report any sightings to MPI online at report.mpi.govt.nz, by phone 0800 809 966 or by email at info@mpi.govt.nz
- Transport Public Meeting
We are holding a public meeting on transport with Transport Minister Chris Bishop. Come along, ask questions, give us your views and hear more about where things stand with the second Waitematā Harbour Crossing and what comes next. Let’s keep focused on getting the best outcome for our community! Here are the details below:
📍 Northcote Rugby Club
📅 Tuesday 17 March
🕔 5:00pm
- Northcote Super Blues – Friday 27 February - 10 am – Northcote Bowling Club, Little Shoal Bay - Join us at our first Super Blues Event for 2026. Come and hear from Dan and our Neighbouring MP Cameron Brewer. RSVP: Northcote@national.org.nz
- Northcote Electorate AGM - Monday 2 March - 6pm - Northcote War Memorial Hall, 2 Rodney Road, Northcote Point.
- 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 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.
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I look forward to seeing you out in our community soon.
Regards,
Dan Bidois
MP for Northcote
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