Over the last few weekends, Christchurch has really come alive. Between car racing and rugby and all the other sports, arts, and events there’s been a great buzz around the city. Tourism and hospitality have had a much-needed boost. ChristchurchNZ estimates the racing alone brought in about $16 million in visitor spending.
With winter around the corner health comes clearly in to focus for kiwis. Results show steady progress: shorter ED waits, quicker specialist appointments, more elective treatments done on time, and improvements in cancer treatment timing and childhood immunisations. There’s still more to do.
From June, it’ll be easier and cheaper to get care for common conditions through expanded pharmacy services. Pharmacists will be able to help treat things like pain and fever, conjunctivitis, and provide emergency contraception saving people time and easing pressure on the wider system.
Vaccination also plays a big role. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines (often free) help prevent serious illness and hospital stays, especially for older people, kids, and those with underlying conditions.
And simple things still matter, especially heading into colder months. Staying warm and dry, eating well, and acting early when you get sick can help prevent bigger issues later.
As always, I will be holding clinics throughout May. If you would like to book an appointment. Please email Hamish.Campbell@parliament.govt.nz or contact Leanne at 03 359 3665 to secure a spot.
I welcomed representatives of many cultural groups into the Ilam office to discuss issues and solutions over a cup of tea.
Steam Extravaganza at McLeans Island
Quiz night at the Merrin Street Pub. If your keen to join the team – let me know!
Visit of the Holocaust Centre
Running the Routeburn track: Routeburn Classic
National St John Youth Festival at Willowbank
Te Ora Hou with Min James Meager. Ilam-based Te Ora Hou has received $750,000 from taxpayers to deliver a 26-week minimum early intervention programme for 300+ young people with potential to disengage from education.
Opening of One NZ Stadium was a fantastic night for Cantabrians
Laying a wreath with PM Christopher Luxon and MP Vanessa Weenink: ANZAC Dawn Service
1st “Snag a Chat’ – holding a sausage sizzle by Jellie Park to meet local residents
Visiting ChCh Airport and Aero Club with Minister for South Island James Meager
7th Public Meeting in Transitional Cathedral with Hon Simeon Brown
8th Politics Panels ZB with John McDonald and on Chris Lynch
8th Collecting for Red Shield. Salvation Army Appeal
8th CCC Mother of all Clean ups with Ilam Office team – Mona Vale river and railway
Visiting businesses – Avonhead and Upper Riccarton
Visiting two Retirement Homes
17th Coffee Catch up – Coffee Culture Merivale 235 Papanui Rd, ChCh
22nd Collecting for the Aviva Street Appeal. Aviva supports people of any age, gender, sexuality or experience of violence to not only become safe, but achieve a fulfilling, violence-free life.
23rd Attending the Sparkle for Hope Ball raising funds supporting children with cancer, and their families.
Hosting Medbury School in Parliament
“Once upon a One More Time” – Rangi Ruru Musical Production
May 5-9th. At Merivale Lane Theatre | Rangi Ruru Girls' School, 10 Merivale Lane https://events.humanitix.com/once-upon-a-one-more-time-senior-production
If you haven’t been through Riccarton Bush since the boardwalks have been replaced it’s well worth a visit. It is now wheelchair and pram friendly. Riccarton Market is there every Saturday 9-12 noon.
Open Christchurch | Discover Ōtautahi through architecture Mona Vale and College House are included
Community Day at One NZ Stadium One NZ Stadium Open Day | One New Zealand
Community pharmacy changes https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/expanded-role-community-pharmacists
NZ-India Free Trade Agreement https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/historic-nz-india-fta-signed-new-delhi
At-risk Canterbury youth to benefit from new fund https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/risk-canterbury-youth-benefit-new-fund
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