By Cameron Brewer – MP for Upper Harbour
We were about to send out this newsletter, then I got a bit busy!
After a normal day in Parliament last week, including chairing the Finance & Expenditure select committee, I was strolling up The Terrace back to my Wellington flat at about 10.30pm, when the Prime Minister called me.
To cut a long story short, he’s appointed me Minister of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Minister of Small Business & Manufacturing, and Associate Minister of Immigration.
With just seven months until the General Election, these portfolios present wonderful opportunities and challenges for me to get my teeth into.
Given the ongoing fuel crisis, and subsequent price inflation, I will be doing my hardest to visit as many businesses, stakeholders, and advocates as possible. Wellington wants and needs to know what’s happening on the ground.
After over a decade in business – firstly as a community newspaper founder and secondly running a comms consultancy – I’m looking forward to my interactions. Other useful experiences include having been the CEO of the Newmarket Business Association during the Global Financial Crisis. I also chaired Auckland Council’s Business Advisory Panel when I was a councillor.
Regardless, this takes me to a whole new level. There is a lot of work to do, which I’m looking forward to. Upper Harbour remains a priority, and rest assured, I will be out in the community as much as I can in the coming months. I love engaging with locals and keeping close to the many community issues.
Keep in touch with my office via UpperHarbourOffice@parliament.govt.nz or give them a call. More than ever we also need your eyes and ears out there – so don’t be afraid to share your observations or feedback. It’s really important we hear it.
We are here solely to represent you and help you where we can. I am full of gratitude to be the MP for Upper Harbour and now a Minister of the Crown. They are responsibilities I take incredibly seriously, even if I don’t always take myself too seriously!
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Cameron.
Brewer and Butterick get sworn in
Cameron and the MP for Wairarapa, Hon Mike Butterick, were sworn in as Ministers this week by Her Excellency the Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, at Government House in Wellington. Also in attendance were the Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Hon Nicola Willis, and Hon James Meager.
Scott Point meeting draws a good crowd
This week’s public meeting on Scott Point transport issues, organised and hosted by our electorate office, was very well attended at Scott Point School. Residents heard from Auckland Transport, the Hobsonville Settlers’ Church, Albany councillor John Watson, and electorate staff Linda Cooper and Alexia Mesnage. To seek information from that meeting or for any transport questions on Scott Point (and surrounding neighbourhoods), please email: UpperHarbourOffice@parliament.govt.nz
Youth Advisory Panel elects new chair
The Upper Harbour Youth Advisory Panel has a new Chair! Portia Cliffin was elected by her peers with Brodie Hole, her deputy for 2026. It was a very productive meeting, which included confirming survey questions on online harm to locally test key recommendations from a Parliamentary Inquiry.
Judith Collins speaks to business club
Retiring MP and long-serving Minister, Hon Judith Collins KC, was on great form last month during a wonderful evening with Upper Harbour's Business Club.
West Harbour couple host MP at the drags!
West Harbour constituents and competitive drag racers, Cathy and Roy Bingley, hosted Cameron and his boys at the Meremere dragway for the New Zealand Nationals.
Waitakere Indian Association hosts Cameron Holi Mela
The MP enjoyed celebrating Holi Mela at the Trusts arena, hosted by the Waitakere Indian Association.
Cameron cools off with the Patriots
Scott Point's flash new diamond is home to North Shore City Baseball Club. Cameron recently enjoyed catching up with some of their Patriots cooling off at Tea Talk!
Poor road surfaces get chased up
The MP visited West Harbour’s streets and roads to check out some poor surfacing and loose metal. He has since contacted Auckland Transport with a ‘please explain’.
Grateful West Harbour residents have this week reported that AT has since been to sweep the streets.
Waitakere College's School of Business opens
Education Minister, Eric Stanford and Cameron attended the official opening of Waitakere College's School of Business, made possible by the generosity of Tony Falkenstein. Cameron met some fantastic Year 13 students - budding entrepreneurs keen to learn more about business!
Life Jackets bill reopens for submissions
Cameron's compulsory life jackets for kids' Member's Bill has re-opened for submissions to test the public appetite for widening its scope to all Kiwis on small boats. Have your say!
To read more: Click here
Many families set to receive relief
National is keen to keep support during the fuel crisis temporary, targeted and timely to avoid the extra inflation witnessed during Covid.
To check eligibility on the $50 extra in-work tax credit, scroll to fact sheet: Click here
NCEA to be replaced
National is fixing the basics and building the future. We’re replacing NCEA with a new qualification that is clearer, more consistent and internationally comparable. That means more emphasis on reading, writing and maths, and less focus on chasing credits. For families, it means more confidence that your child is being set up for success.
To read more click here
Seniors' Morning Tea with Hon Chris Penk
If you live in Upper Harbour and are over 60 years, come along for a free cuppa, morning tea, and Q+A with our special guest speaker.
Our new guest speaker will be historian and most published author in New Zealand and Hobsonville local, Professor Paul Moon (PhD, DLitt) who will be speaking on nostalgia and how it shapes our thinking. Professor Moon is a professor of History at Auckland University of Technology, and specialises in nineteenth-century colonial history. He is currently writing a book on the 1835 Declaration of Independence.
Congratulations to Hon Chris Penk who will now be in Cabinet on Mondays!
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If you live in Upper Harbour and require assistance, contact my office on:
P: (09) 416 3249
A: Unit 15/102c Hobsonville Rd
Office Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm or by appointment
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