March was another busy period with plenty happening both here in New Zealand and globally. It was incredible to see the new One NZ Stadium officially opened on time and on budget! This amazing facility will be huge for local businesses and the people of Christchurch, as we can now host more major events like concerts and regular All Blacks matches.
I would like to acknowledge the challenges Kiwis are currently navigating due to the fuel supply shock stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. One thing I can say for certain is that Cantabrians are a resilient bunch, and I have no doubt that we'll navigate our way through this crisis just as we have those in the past.
National has been managing the economy well, and we are in a far better position to handle the current uncertainty than we would have been if Labour were in charge. We know higher fuel prices are hitting families and businesses hard, so we announced targeted cost-of-living relief for low- and middle-income families.
The previous Government responded to COVID-19 through irresponsible spending and racking up debt. Some people have not learned from this and have called for this Government to make the same mistakes. We have made clear though, that our response will be timely, targeted, and temporary.
The opening of the new One NZ Stadium
Fisheries Amendment Bill update and survey:
A number of people on the Banks Peninsula have reached out to me about their concerns over the changes proposed by the Fisheries Amendment Bill. National has made it clear: if Select Committee changes don’t reflect key voices across the sector, we won’t support the Bill at Second Reading.
I believe there are broader issues within the Bill that need to be addressed. I will be making a submission on this Bill during the Select Committee phase that reflects my concerns and also those of residents on the Banks Peninsula.
I have developed a survey aimed at better understanding the views held by Kiwis on the proposed changes to be made by the Fisheries Amendment Bill. Below is a link to a survey that I encourage to you to fill out to help inform my submission: vanessaweenink.nz/survey
Visiting Birdlings Flat
March:
- National released updates to the National Fuel Plan to respond to fuel supply uncertainty driven by the conflict in the Middle East. Ensuring New Zealand has the fuel we need to protect jobs, livelihoods and the wider economy is our priority in managing the impact of global fuel disruption. You can read more about the plan on the National Party website.
- Commemorations were held on March 15 to mark the 7th anniversary of the Christchurch Mosque attacks. Matt Doocey and I laid a wreath at the incredibly sombre and beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives, were injured or bereaved by the tragic event. A service at the Peace Bell in the botanical gardens started with a minute's silence, followed by the names of the 51 victims and the laying of wreaths.
- The COVID-19 Inquiry was released on March 12 which found that restrictions were initially balanced, then went too far, and that economic warnings were not heeded with around half of Labour's $60 billion being spent on non-COVID related projects. This pushed up inflation and cost of living pressures still being felt today.
- I sat on the National Committee for Addictions Treatment cross-party Mental Health Group panel in Wellington for their Addictions Leadership Day. It was a great opportunity to discuss how we can strengthen and develop leadership in the addiction sector.
- I travelled to Napier for the SuperBlues event hosted by MP for Napier, Katie Nimon. It was good to chat with some local members about all things politics and what is happening in the local area.
- The Culture Galore event was held at the Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre. Culture Galore is a multicultural festival that celebrates our city's diversity with food, arts and crafts, and music and dance performances from more than 30 cultures that call Christchurch home. It was great to see so many performances ranging from Japanese drummers to colourful traditional dances and songs from Indonesia, Korea, Philippines, Poland, China, Fiji, Thailand, Mexico, Bangladesh and many more.
- It was a privilege to attend the annual Kiwi Indian Excellence Awards. This event recognises the exceptional achievements of individuals within the Kiwi-Indian community across New Zealand.
Laying a wreath with the MP for Waimakariri, Hon Matt Doocey, at the 7th anniversary of the Christchurch Mosque attacks
Community Update:
My survey on the SH75 Halswell bus lane upgrades closed recently and it received 791 responses. The results were clear that many locals aren't happy with the current bus lane situation. 518 respondents wanted the lanes changed to either T2 or T3, or removed completely.
I wrote to the New Zealand Transport Agency with the results, however, they have responded that they won't be making any changes until all works on Lincoln Road have been completed. They have said that this is so they can more accurately monitor and determine the effectiveness of the bus lanes.
I don't see the bus lanes making any improvements to the traffic situation once all the works on Lincoln Road are complete. It is clear many locals who use the road don't want the bus lanes either, so I will continue to press the NZTA to make the changes that local road users want.
In other news, the Establishment Board has been finalised for the new Milns Road School. Construction will now commence later this year which is very exciting news for the area!
I'd also like to give a huge shoutout to the Cashmere High School rowing, mountain bike, and volleyball teams who put in huge performances over the last week of March with plenty of medals to show for it. Congratulations to all the athletes who competed!
Over the coming months, you’ll be seeing me out and about a lot more door-knocking and holding street corner meetings. It would be great to chat with you, whether to talk politics or what is happening in the local area!
Kiwi-Indian Excellence Awards with Hamish Campbell - MP for Ilam
National news:
1. $50 a week for lower-income working families: The Government is moving quickly to provide extra support for low-to-middle-income working families as conflict in the Middle East drives up fuel prices and adds pressure to household budgets. (Party PR)
2. 1 April boost for superannuitants, families and other Kiwis: Superannuitants, working families, students and beneficiaries are among the New Zealanders who will receive additional support from 1 April, as conflict in the Middle East continues to impact Kiwi wallets. (Party PR)
3. Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill to hold people to account for serious offending: The Government will introduce the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill to Parliament this afternoon, a package of practical and targeted changes to strengthen New Zealand’s immigration system and ensure it remains fit for today’s challenges. (Party PR).
4. Hipkins must explain his decisions to team of five million: Chris Hipkins must explain to Kiwis why he left Auckland in lockdown longer than was necessary, and why Labour embarked on a massive spending spree that New Zealanders are still paying for today, following the release of the COVID-19 Inquiry, senior National MP Simeon Brown says. (Party PR)
5. Mental health workforce target exceeded: New Zealand will host its first-ever State of Origin match next year at Eden Park, a major event expected to draw thousands of international visitors and deliver a significant economic boost. (Party PR).
Presenting my dear friend Margaret Moir with her white camellia brooch that all female MPs get.
Out and about in Banks Peninsula:
- I featured on NewstalkZB's Canterbury Mornings to debate with Labour List MP, Tracey McLellan, about the situation in Iran, social media bans, and the Dux de Lux building. You can listen to the debate on NewstalkZB's website.
- We had the Southern Spice event with SpicyBoys in Ferrymead which is the biggest spice event in the South Island. There was plenty of great music and food on offer!
- I was collecting for the Child Cancer Foundation at New World Woolston. Child Cancer Foundation provide support to New Zealand children and families on their cancer journey, helping them to overcome challenges and maintain control of their lives.
- I was at the Canterbury A&P Showgrounds for the Relay for Life. It was so great to see all the teams walking and running around the track to raise money for people affected by cancer.
- My National Party stall was set up at the Mount Pleasant Markets. Thanks to all those who came up and had a chat.
- I held a Pub Politics session at The Brickworks in Cashmere and a Drop-In Session as Cocoa Black St Martins.
- I was out door knocking in St Martins and Halswell and will be out and about a lot more over the coming months.
Collecting for the Child Cancer Foundation