Before getting into local updates, I want to acknowledge the unsettling events currently unfolding in the Middle East. I know many in our community have friends, family and connections in the region, and these moments can feel heavy and uncertain.
We know that many thousands of New Zealanders are in countries affected by the recent strikes. At this stage, there have been no reports of New Zealanders harmed. The situation remains fast-moving, and the Government continues to monitor developments closely.
Watch the Prime Minister's statement in Parliament HERE.
As many of you know, my team and I are still working without a physical office. Following a recent inspection, the building was deemed unsafe to move back into without significant repairs, so for the foreseeable future we’ll continue operating remotely.
That said, nothing changes when it comes to being accessible. We’re still available on phone, email and social media, and we’re working just as hard for you as ever.
In fact, because we don’t currently have a fixed office space, we’re making more of an effort to get out and about. This month we’re hosting street corner chats, bringing the conversation to a street near you. It’s a chance to raise any issues you’re facing or share what’s on your mind. We’re also continuing to hold community pop-ups and Coffee with a Cop so there are more opportunities to chat in person.
You’ll find the dates and locations below:
This week we hosted a public meeting on crime in Onehunga, in response to recent incidents in the area. It was important to me that residents and business owners had the opportunity to hear directly from the key agencies involved and ask questions face-to-face.
We heard from representatives from New Zealand Police, Onehunga Community Patrol, and the Onehunga Business Association. Encouragingly, crime in the area over the past 12 months has decreased significantly, but we also know that how safe people feel matters just as much as the numbers.
There was strong encouragement to call 111 if you see suspicious behaviour and not to second-guess yourself. Concerns were raised about loud bikes on our streets, antisocial behaviour along Onehunga Mall, and restoring confidence so families feel comfortable shopping locally again.
One way the community can play a real role is through the Community Patrol – we have one in Onehunga, Ellerslie and Mt Wellington. They are the eyes and ears of Police, and it takes just three hours a month to volunteer — a small commitment that makes a real difference. If you’re interested in joining or finding out more, you can do so HERE.
Last week we were also pleased to welcome the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to Stanhope Road School. They announced the rollout of new Maths, English and Science resources aimed at lifting student achievement and making learning more engaging in the classroom.
We had the chance to see new science kits in action, created by Chris Duggan from House of Science. Chris and her charitable trust have built a fantastic partnership with the Government to get hands-on science resources into classrooms across the country.
Through a $40 million investment, these kits will be rolled out nationwide, with full national coverage by early 2027 to align with the new science curriculum. It’s all part of ensuring our kids are inspired, engaged, and exposed early to STEM subjects — an area full of future opportunities.
Watch more about the announcement and my thoughts HERE.
Finally, we’ve started delivering our electorate-wide Summer Update. If it’s landed in your letterbox, I’d genuinely love your feedback. These updates are for you, so please let me know what you’d like to see covered in future editions.
There’s a short survey included, and I’d really appreciate you taking a few minutes to fill it out. Your input helps shape the work we focus on and the information we share.
As always, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whether it’s at a street corner chat, a pop-up, or via phone or email — I’m here and ready to listen.