April has come to a close and what a month it was! Te Kaha One NZ Stadium hosted Super Round which was such an incredible event. Thousands of people flocked to the Christchurch CBD to watch 3 action-packed days of rugby — businesses were busier than ever, the atmosphere was awesome, and the Crusaders won! The event showed Christchurch is back on the global stage for hosting major events, and I look forward to more major events coming to the city to boost our local economy.
It was great to see so many people turning out for the numerous Anzac Day events held across Christchurch. It was a privilege for me to lay a wreath at the Cathedral Square dawn service with the Prime Minister. As a veteran, I believe it is important we continue to honour the sacrifice and courage of those who have served to protect and defend New Zealand on Anzac Day. Preserving the legacy of service ensures that a major part of our history and national identity are not forgotten for generations to come.
April was also a historic month for New Zealand as we signed a Free Trade Agreement with India. This is a massive opportunity for New Zealand and businesses on the Banks Peninsula who now have access to a market with 1.4 billion people. The deal we have struck and the relationship we have built will deliver deep and lasting benefits for generations to come.
Opening night of Super Round with Minister James Meager, and MP for Ilam Hamish Campbell.
- It was a pleasure to feature on Real Life with John Cowan where we talked about my early years, military service, and political career. You can listen to the episode on the Real Life website.
- I attended various Anzac Day events, including the dawn service at Cathedral Square, and events at Sumner, Woolston, and Redwood Primary School.
- I hosted Minister Mark Mitchell in the electorate. We went and checked out the operations at Sumner Coast Guard and were lucky enough to be taken out on the harbour. A big thank you to Sumner Coast Guard for taking the time to show us all the amazing work they do. Did you know the first permanent rescue service was established at Sumner in 1898?
- I hosted the MP for Waikato, Tim Van de Molen in the electorate. We went and inspected the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre. Tāwhaki is a partnership between the New Zealand Government and the indigenous people of Kaitorete–Wairewa Rūnanga and Te Taumutu Rūnanga. The Centre at Kaitorete is a multi-use facility in one of the world’s best locations to take flight, and launch. We also checked out the amazing work being done at Kea Aerospace who are developing a solar-powered, remotely piloted aircraft that will fly continuously in the stratosphere for months at a time to collect frequent high-resolution aerial images. It’s an exciting time for the aerospace sector in New Zealand, with so much happening right here on the Banks Peninsula.
- I featured on Chris Lynch to debate some topics with Labour MP Tracey McLelland. You can read about the debate on Chris Lynch's website.
- Myself, along with other MP's, accepted the Swim4TheOcean petition from Live Ocean on the steps of Parliament. The petition calls for an end to bottom trawling on all seamounts by the end of 2027.
- I have been knitting a peggy square for Premmie Knitting Club's Peggy Square Project - Stitching Together Aotearoa. Premmie Knitting Club are a virtual tribe of knitters knitting for premature babies and fundraising for preemie related causes. The club will donate all peggy square blankets to hospitals around New Zealand.
Laying a wreath with the Prime Minister at the Cathedral Square dawn service
National Health and Energy Spokesperson Simeon Brown will be in Christchurch on Thursday 7 May to host a public meeting on the future of energy. The meeting will be held at Christchurch Transitional Cathedral starting at 6:30pm. Come along and learn about the future of energy in New Zealand. Hint: It's electrifying. More details can be found on the Future of Energy event Facebook page.
I’ll also be hosting some morning teas for seniors around the electorate throughout June and July. I’ll be giving updates on what National is doing in a number of areas, including law and order, health, and energy so please come along! It would also be great to hear from you about what’s working and what needs improving, as well as what is happening in the local area. Keep an eye out on my Facebook page or the local papers for details of the morning teas.
At Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre with MP for Waikato Tim Van de Molen
Accepting a petition from Live Ocean at Parliament
Fisheries Amendment Bill update and survey:
The Primary Production Committee decided to extend the deadline for submissions on the Fisheries Amendment Bill by one week. The new closing time for submissions is 11.59pm on Wednesday, 6 May 2026. If you haven't submitted yet, please do so!
I also have a survey up on the Bill that I encourage you to fill out to help inform the submission I will be making: vanessaweenink.nz/survey
Fishing along the Coastal Pathway
1. Historic NZ-India FTA signed in New Delhi: New Zealand and India have today signed a once-in-a-generation Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which will lead to more jobs and higher incomes for Kiwis. (Party PR)
2. Expanded role for community pharmacists: From June, it will be easier and more affordable for parents to get treatment for their children for a range of common health conditions, with expanded services proposed to be delivered through community pharmacies. (Party PR)
3. WoF and CoF A changes to save Kiwis billions: New Zealand’s Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Certificate of Fitness A (CoF A) light vehicle inspection requirements will soon be significantly reformed, saving Kiwis time and money. (Party PR).
4. Additional 90 million litres of diesel coming: The Government has secured an additional nine days’ of diesel supply to boost New Zealand’s fuel reserves and help shield the country from the global oil shock. (Party PR)
5. New Zealand tourism continuing to rise: Our tourism sector continues its strong growth, with over 408,000 overseas visitors choosing to visit New Zealand in February 2026, over 53,000 more than the same time a year ago. (Party PR).
6. Nationwide expansion of cancer treatment services: Thousands more New Zealanders will be able to access life-saving cancer treatment closer to home, with a nationwide expansion of community infusion services underway. (Party PR).
Collecting for Poppy Day
- I was collecting for Poppy Day at Ferrymead. A massive thank you to everyone who stopped to chat and donate for such an important cause.
- It was awesome to attend the NASA event as Diamond Harbour School where sixteen students held a live Q&A session with NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Organized via ARISS, the event allowed students to ask questions directly to space, with the connection lasting several minutes.
- I attended the Te Kori a te Kō Nature Symposium at Ōnuku, Akaroa to collaborate with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, and local community groups to develop a climate change adaptation plan for Akaroa Habour.
- I was at the regional heats for the New Zealand Certified Builders Association Apprentice Challenge. Congratulations to all the participants and to the winner who will now represent Canterbury at the national finals.
- I held a Pub Politics session in Ferrymead. Thanks to those who dropped by to have a chat.
- I spent a lot of time out door-knocking in April. I received a lot of positive feedback on National's policies, like expanding the roles of community pharmacists or reducing WoF requirements. I look forward to doing more of it and hearing from you throughout May.
Knitting for Premmie Knitting Club's Peggy Square Project