I hope you're doing well. All my updates are below, but if you want to see what a normal day looks like for me, watch this. And if you can like and share my videos it really helps.
This month:
- Fuel
- Five local stories you'll love
- Milestones - first to 1000 doors ✅
- Celebrating our amazing producers
- Gala Fundraising Dinner
- Ō2NL Expressway progress
- Business After Five with Grant Elliott
- Weekly updates
- What's trending this month?
- Attention all fishers
- Over-60s Morning Tea with Katie Nimon
- Where I've been locally
- Come to a 'thank you' evening for our team
- Why I'm standing again this year
- Fixing the Basics in Kapiti
- Upcoming events
Fuel
Let's deal with this high-octane elephant up front.
In my February update the world was looking positive. Treasury were forecasting 3% growth, the best in a few years, and businesses were telling me about a great start to the year. Everything changed once again when Donald Trump took on Iran and the resulting conflict shut-down shipping routes for lots of the fuel we rely on.
We have not run out of fuel. We have normal levels in New Zealand still, and on Wednesday I met with a maritime surveillance company who showed me the live-track of all the fuel ships heading to NZ as expected. But there are two challenges.
Firstly, some people panic-buy (if you're big enough that you have your own tank to store it in). That can create the impression there is more demand than there really is, and that panic can spiral if it's not managed.
Secondly, although supply-lines are currently still assured, the price has gone up dramatically. We see that immediately at the pump and it can also flow through to other costs like food. Fuel was over $3 per litre in 2022, but it's still a big shock to see it back to those old levels.
We are acting to help. We're giving $50 per week to families through the In-Work Tax Credit. This will help 143,000 families. The reason it was targeted to these families is that unlike everyone on a benefit or pension, they don't get a weekly increase on April 1st.
We don't want to drive up prices. The 'cost of living' payments under Labour (the ones that went to dead people and backpackers) were from borrowed money, were not targeted, and ultimately led directly to higher prices; that hurt everyone in the long-term.
In contrast, by using money that was otherwise going to be spent in the budget this year anyway, our solution doesn't add extra stimulus (or demand) into the economy, so it doesn't drive up prices. The conflict in Iran is doing that already and we don't want to make it worse.
We are still feeling the pain of 2022/23 and so we are very wary of going too far and making it worse. But we also feel the same pain that everyone feels at the pump so we have to act responsibly.
This is all about balance and compromise.
Read these five stories: Fixing the Basics in Kapiti
There is a lot to celebrate and here are five stories from this month:
- Rosemary showed me the scar on her leg from where she got a new knee thanks to our work to speed up surgeries by funding public operations through private hospitals. It's all about getting patients the help faster and it is helping local residents in Kapiti.
- I met a woman this month who told me how much nicer it is having the new Breast Cancer clinic in Waikanae which we opened last year, instead of the old cold bus. Another local health investment we made.
- When I was at Plimmerton School they showed me some of the projects they were using their extra school property funding for and how this was helping their school. Very encouraging.
- This month a local school principal told me how "brilliant" it had been having a learning support coordinator for the first time. It's all about helping our children achieve at school.
- I've loved hearing from dairy owners relieved that ram-raids are a thing of the past. There were approximately 690 less victims of violent crime in our electorate last year compared to two years ago.
Milestones
I've knocked on the doors of over 1000 locals this year. I believe in hard work on the ground, while I'm up against some who believe that noise online counts for the same. I don't. The constant feedback I get is that people see me at every local event, on their doorstep, at their community group, in their business and they value that presence. With your support I will keep up this work-rate not just until the election, but beyond as I continue as your local MP.
Celebrating our amazing producers
I'm working hard to grow opportunities for local families. Part of this comes by supporting local business.
When I became MP I identified that our food and beverage producers were a key element of our community that were under-represented, not supported enough and not celebrated. It's pleasing to see others picking up this work now and also working to support them.
I've just run my second TASTE event where we celebrate amazing local businesses, and we connect them with restaurants, cafes and supermarket owners from across NZ, with the intent of having their products picked up and sold. This has become such a highlight that this year the PM hosted it with me.
It was a huge success, and I'll share more stories of the local wins that came from it soon. Meantime, watch these videos to get a taste for yourself. HERE and HERE.
Gala Fundraising Dinner
I'd like to invite you to join us at a special Gala Dinner with Hon. Chris Bishop and me, and a few other MPs. I try and run most events free or $10, but this one is blatantly a fundraiser for the election this year. I need to raise some money to pay the bills so this one will be a big night. $200 each or $1500 for a table of 8, includes dinner and drinks and some great company. Contact me directly if you'd like to book, or if you have any questions.
Ō2NL Expressway progress
I recently went to check on progress building our new expressway to Levin. It's looking great!
National started this after Labour cancelled it back in 2018 and I'm so proud to see it full-steam ahead. You can see the video of my visit here.
NZTA are consulting on slowing down roads, having just sped them up. This is super frustrating and I have no idea why they're doing this. I've raised it with the Minister but in the meantime you can submit on the changes here.
Business After Five with Grant Elliott
We have three great BA5's coming up with:
- Kiwi cricket legend Grant Elliott,
- June 4th with economist Brad Olsen
- August 13th with Massey Chancellor Alistair Davis
I'm going to send a separate email about these as there may be a change in date for Grant Elliott (originally May 7th). More to follow soon.
Weekly updates
Have you seen I'm putting out a weekly video update, explaining one current issue each week? They come out every Tuesday at 5pm, they're only two minutes, and you can find them on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook.
Watch the last month here:
What's trending this month?
Here are a few stories that got lots of attention locally. If you missed them, have a look:
Labour deny seeing health warnings about Covid vaccines for children but the evidence shows they did
Attention all fishers
A New Zealand First Minister proposed some changes to fishing laws, and one of them was going to remove the minimum size for fish caught by commercial operators.
I oppose this and so do National.
Along with many other National MPs, I took the messages I received to Wellington, and the PM stepped in and spoke with NZ First. As a result those plans have been cancelled and minimum size limits will remain protected. This means fishing stocks will be protected for generations to come, and our kids and grandkids will have the same joy fishing our waters that so many Kiwis enjoy today. I've offered to meet with any local fishing clubs or groups that want to and that offer remains.
Over-60s morning tea with Katie Nimon
Join us on May 1st, 10am at the Raumati Bowling Club, for morning tea and a chance to speak with, and hear from, special guest Katie Nimon, MP for Napier. These are always popular events, and we'd love you to join us (even if you're under-60!). RSVP helps with catering numbers: email Lorraine pollockl@outlook.com.
You can also save these dates:
- June 5th, 10am
Catherine Wedd, MP for Tukituki
Plimmerton hall, 9 Sunset Parade
- July 3rd, 10am
Paulo Garcia, MP for Grey Lynn
Coast Community Church, Paraparaumu
- August 7th, 10am
Sam Uffindell, MP for Tauranga
Whitby Bowling Club
- September 4th, 10am
Stuart Smith, MP for Kaikōura
Venue tbc
Where I've been locally
The last month has been typically busy. I'm grateful for the constant feedback from people who notice I turn up where others don't; I'm proud to be busy, available, and present in our community. Someone told me last week that "no one else is working this hard for our region," and I take that as a compliment.
This month I went to:
- 6 schools,
- 12 community groups
- 21 community events
- 3 markets
- 13 not-for-profits
- 15 businesses and Government departments
- 4 radio interviews
- 10 select committee meetings
- 4 weeks of Parliament sitting
- and heaps of local constituent meetings.
Come to a 'thank you' evening for our team
I can't win this alone; please help me.
We are holding a special 'thank you' night for all our volunteers on Wednesday April 15th. It's free, with some great catering; you just need to email me to register.
I want all those who are volunteering time, energy, and support to join me so I can thank you in advance for all your help this year. This is also a great time to come and learn more about what volunteering involves, so if you're even slightly considering this, please join us!
If you are still thinking about it, that's ok. Come anyway! I'm looking for people from Whitby out to Judgeford and Moonshine, from Plimmerton and Camborne, from Pukerua Bay and Paekākāriki, across Raumati and Paraparaumu, Waikanae and Te Horo and all the way to Ōtaki.
- If you like hiding behind the scenes, I need help
- delivering a few flyers later this year,
- making a few phone calls,
- offering fences I can put a sign up on come September, or help put them up and take them down.
- If you like being part of a big team we need people to
- stand on a street corner with us waving signs later in the year,
- join us at local events,
- walk with me as we knock on doors.
Secondly, I'm asking people to join the National Party. Local members get invites to extra events, can meet other MPs, and get to be part of the fun and exciting journey this year. You can do it online here or just message me.
Finally, some people like to donate just a little towards the cost of a campaign. You're very welcome to. I'll send you the bank details if you're interested, but as a guide you can cover the cost of:
- party membership - $5
- fence signs - $25
- large signs - $50
- a bundle of flyers - $100
- newspaper ads - $300
There is no pressure but it costs around $50,000 per campaign and we're grateful for all the support.
Why I'm standing again this year
It’s been an absolute privilege to serve as our local MP, and I’m asking you to give me three more years at the election this year.
I’m motivated by people, by community, by our country, and by service. They are what matter to me the most.
I’ve always said that I know I can’t change the world but I can make a world of difference to the people I meet each day in our region. I think of the woman who came to my office with nowhere to live, and had keys to a house that afternoon. I think of the gentleman who had been waiting years for an operation and I got him the appointment. I think of the young mum who needed a bit more support at home, or the boy who couldn’t get transport to school on time. You won’t know who they are walking down the street, but I know the difference that my advocacy and support made in their lives. I believe that all adds up and slowly changes our community for the better.
I believe our country is at its best when our community is at its best. It’s an honour for me to visit so many groups and organisations that do amazing things in our community. I don’t believe that government holds the answers to every problem. We hold so much potential in our region, we just need to unlock it and that’s where Government can often step in. I’ve supported initiatives from the new mini golf to charities like coastguard and hospice, and I regularly put my own time, energy, money and sweat into helping local causes. We have the best community here and we should celebrate it more.
My 23 years of military service at home and in conflict zones around the world leave me with a deep passion for New Zealand. There is no other place I want to raise our family, or to live. We may face challenges but I’ve seen enough other places on earth to know that where we live is the best little country on earth. I’ll continue to dedicate my life to serving this place we call home.
And service really does drive me. It could be the Air Force, it could be the charity I founded, it could be the school board, or it could be as MP. My life revolves around service and always will.
It is our country, our community, and our people that matter most to me, and that’s why I want to keep serving as your local MP.
Upcoming events
- Seniors Morning Tea
May 1st, 10am
Katie Nimon, MP for Napier
Raumati Bowls Club
- BA5 with Grant Elliott
May 7th, 5.30pm
Kapiti Boating Club, $10
- BA5 with Brad Olsen
June 4th, 5.30pm
Kapiti Boating Club, $10
- Seniors Morning Tea
June 5th, 10am
Catherine Wedd, MP for Tukituki
Plimmerton hall, 9 Sunset Parade
- Campaign Gala Dinner
Friday June 26th, 6pm
Hon. Chris Bishop and others
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
- Seniors Morning Tea
July 3rd, 10am
Paulo Garcia, MP for Grey Lynn
Coast Community Church, Paraparaumu
- Seniors Morning Tea
August 7th, 10am
Sam Uffindell, MP for Tauranga
Whitby Bowling Club
- BA5 with Alistair Davis
August 13th, 5.30pm
Kapiti Boating Club, $10
- Seniors Morning Tea
September 4th, 10am
Stuart Smith, MP for Kaikōura
Venue tbc
That's it for this month.