The phrase "When America sneezes, the world catches a cold" is a commonly cited economic motto highlighting the global influence of the U.S. economy.
Today, the world is deeply impacted by rising fuel costs, as tensions continue in the Middle East. Here in New Zealand, this ongoing conflict puts further pressure on household budgets.
In response, from 1 April, more than a million New Zealanders saw extra support in their pockets. Key changes include:
- Superannuitants: NZ Superannuation for a married couple who both qualify will increase by more than $50, bringing their fortnightly payment to $1,708.
- Low-to-middle-income working parents: These families will receive an additional $50 a week from the in-work tax credit for up to a year, benefiting 143,000 families, with 14,000 more now eligible.
- Working for Families: Changes here will give about $14 extra per fortnight, on average, to 142,000 families.
- Family tax credit, benefits, and student allowances: All these will rise from 1 April, ensuring more support for those who need it most.
The months ahead may be unpredictable, but New Zealanders can be reassured this Government has a plan and is acting both carefully and decisively, to support people and protect New Zealand’s future.
A huge thank you to the 30+ people who assisted in delivering letters around the electorate. Your efforts resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response, with many surveys filled out and a lot of insightful feedback. This invaluable input helps me better understand the needs and views of our local community.
As always, I will be holding clinics throughout April. If you would like to book an appointment, I have availability on the 9th and 13th of April. Please email Hamish.Campbell@parliament.govt.nz or contact Leanne at 03 359 3665 to secure a spot.
Walking for Dementia with my daughter
Pop up ‘Chat with your MP’ at Fendalton Mall
Pride Week Market
Collecting for Child Cancer
Attending the fantastic Importance of Being Earnest with Carol @ The Court Theatre
Running the City to Surf and volunteering in the information tent
Opening the World Clay Target Championships- McLeans Island
Some of what I’m doing in April
There’s so much on the horizon for April and I’m excited to be involved in several events
Four days door knocking in the Ilam electorate
Four Clinics in the office
10th Chris Lynch Political Panel
Visiting Styx Living Lab Trust
Hosting a Cultural Morning Tea with all the different cultural groups in our electorate
11th Steam Extravaganza – McLeans Island
12th National St John Youth Festival
14th Attending Canterbury University Graduation
25th Attending ANZAC Dawn service, Cathedral Square Anzac Day Dawn Service at Cathedral Square : Christchurch City Council
Hosting Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visiting several businesses and functions in Ilam
Competing in a Pub Quiz (Hamish Campbell & the masterminds) at Merrin Street pub
Joining the PM at the opening rugby game at One NZ Stadium, Te Kaha
Burnside Park sits in the Waimairi Ward, to find out more about that part of the electorate click here: Waimairi
Here are some April events in the Ilam electorate that may interest you:
Friends of Nepal Reserve Working Bee (Burnside) : Christchurch City Council For gardeners and nature lovers
The Corner Merivale – Talk by Rick Harvie Co-Producer/Co-Director of the film “Maurice and I”
Tuesday 21st April 2026 10.30 am - 12.00 pm at The Corner, 30 Church Lane, Merivale.
Talk including Morning Tea. Donation / Koha Appreciated suggested $5.00
Good parking is available in the carpark or front of the building.
RSVP 021 222 7543 or email: thecorner@allsouls.org.nz https://www.facebook.com/thecornerchch
Friends of Crosbie Park Streamside Working Bees : Christchurch City Council For gardeners and nature lovers
Rotary BOOKarama 2026 : Christchurch City Council popular 3-day annual book sale Bishopdale
Her City: Three Women Who Shaped Christchurch : Christchurch City Council Full day event visiting the homes of three Christchurch women who changed the city
The Big Bike Film Night 2026 | Charles Luney Auditorium : Christchurch City Council Something for the cyclists – best cycling short films!
Jellie Park Temporary Closure
The Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre will be undergoing scheduled maintenance, renewal and strengthening work from April 2026. The centre will close temporarily from Tuesday 7 April, reopening of the outdoor pools, gym and group fitness area is planned for November 2026, and the indoor pools are expected to reopen within the first quarter of 2027.
Public Consultation: Open for submissions
Government’s key announcements
Please Share the News!
Feel free to share this email with friends and family who might like to stay in touch and connected with the community.
My Ilam office is in the Fendalton Village (cnr Ilam and Clyde Rds) and is open Mon-Fri from 9am – 3pm. You are welcome to pop in.
To make an appointment to meet me, call Leanne 03 3593665 or email hamish.campbell@parliament.govt.nz
Thank you for staying engaged and for continuing to share your views. I always welcome your feedback, whether in person, by email, or at community events.
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Kind regards
Hamish Campbell