In The House with Carl
The National-led Government is focused on making the country safer for New Zealanders, and on supporting our Police. Parliament recently passed the First Reading of the Policing Amendment Bill, which clarifies the powers of Police to use images and video. The Bill also gives them more powers and technology to deal with incidents such as recent anti-social road user events around the electorate. As part of the Justice Committee, I look forward to hearing submissions on this Bill. Here is my speech from the First Reading debate.
Recently, Air Chathams has reduced services to and from Whanganui and Whakatāne due to the challenges created by current international events. My colleague Dana Kirkpatrick (East Coast) and I have written to Associate Transport Minister Hon James supporting Air Chathams application for support from the Regional Infrastructure Fund because they provide a vital link for businesses and residents of our respective regions. Advocacy such as this is a key component of an Electorate MP’s role.
Around and about the electorate
With more than 200 entrants, many from out of town, the annual Wanganui Easter Boat Fishing Contest benefited from great Easter weather. For the first time in seven years, boats got out to sea on both days. Events like this are great for Whanganui. So is tourism, and I recently met Susan at Ruapehu Distillery in Ohakune, where she is making premium gin from carrots. It is an interesting place to check out for visitors and locals alike. Domestic tourism is important for regions like ours and it is pleasing to see both established events and new initiatives being supported.
Whanganui’s Relay for Life was a standout event. On a perfect Saturday afternoon and evening, participants raised more than $50,000 to support the work of the local Cancer Society. There’s news of another Government cancer initiative in the next section. Another event enjoyed by everyone who attended was the IHC Summer Holiday Ball. Guests arrived in vintage cars and hot rods, and everyone had a fantastic time. You will note my mismatched socks; a show of support for Down Syndrome awareness as it was World Down Syndrome Day (with shorts so you could see them, if you are wondering)!
Getting Ministers to the Whanganui Electorate is one thing but getting them into workplaces is better still. Building and Construction Minister Hon Chris Penk had a constructive meeting with tradies on his recent visit. It is also important to have a good working relationship with local Mayors, and the Whanganui Electorate will have a fourth Mayor, Weston Kirton after November when the Ruapehu District becomes part of Whanganui. Whanganui will also include a small part of the Taupo District, so Taupo Mayor John Funnell will make it five!
Delivering for you
The National-led Government maintains on creating a better future for New Zealanders. This week, Health Minister Hon Simeon Brown announced a nationwide expansion of community infusion services to enable many cancer patients to be treated closer to their homes.
The services at Whanganui and Taranaki Hospitals have already been expanded, however a new service will be established in Hāwera that will save large numbers of trips for patients to New Plymouth. This will be in place by 2028 and is great news for cancer patients in South Taranaki and Stratford, and their whanau.
The National-led Government continued to maintain a strong focus on fuel supply. We cannot control global oil prices, and we cannot control conflict in the Middle East. What we can control is how we respond – and it is our responsibility as a Government to do so in a careful, deliberate, and measured way.
In recent weeks superannuitants and beneficiaries have received an increase in their payments, 143,000 eligible families with children are receiving up to $50 per week extra by way of an in-work tax credit and home and community support workers will receive a temporary 30 per cent increase to their mileage rates.
Coming Events
- Friday 17 April – Farmer meetings at Opunake
- Saturday 18 April – Whanganui River Traders Market
- Sunday 19 April – Community Connect at Whanganui East Club
- Saturday 25 April - ANZAC Day Services
- Tuesday 5 May – Hon Nicola Grigg visits Whanganui
Links to recent news items
- NZ Women’s Weekly – MP Carl Bates introduces his beautiful baby girl Bonnie-Ann (Down Syndrome Awareness Day)
- River City Press – A new and credible school qualification (P15)
- Opunake and Coastal News – Another win for rural New Zealand (P8)
- Ruapehu Bulletin – Restoring the Chateau, sweeping away broom (P4)
- Pātea-Waverley Press – Supporting rural New Zealand (April issue - P3)
I look forward to seeing you around the Whanganui Electorate!
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