As we move beyond the winter solstice, the days are slowly beginning to lengthen. In celebrating Matariki next weekend, the season is a reminder of the importance of community, connection, and taking time to appreciate the people and places that make our electorate such a special place to call home.
You may have heard a bit recently about the MICHELIN Awards. This year marks 100 years since the first MICHELIN Stars were awarded, although the famous guide began in 1900 when French tyre manufacturers André and Édouard Michelin published a small red handbook to encourage motorists to travel further wearing out more tyres! Since then, it has become the world's most influential restaurant guide, awarding one, two and three stars, while also recognising great value through the Bib Gourmand and sustainability through the Green Star.
New Zealand has joined the MICHELIN Guide for the first time, with 110 hospitality establishments recognised, including one two-star restaurant, 14 one-star restaurants, 35 Bib Gourmand recipients and three Special Awards. Tourism New Zealand estimates the guide will attract up to 36,000 additional international visitors and generate around $185 million in visitor spending from a $6.3 million investment. To build on this momentum, Tourism New Zealand has launched its global "Invitation to Dinner" campaign, showcasing our chefs, producers and regional food experiences to position New Zealand as a world-class culinary destination. The Inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 Restaurant Selection
There is another inaugural national awards programme worth celebrating, recognising excellence across New Zealand schools. The first New Zealand Education Excellence Awards were presented on 24 June, honouring schools, educators and initiatives that are delivering outstanding outcomes for learners and their communities. Congratulations to all of this year's recipients. 2026 winners – New Zealand Education Excellence Awards | Ngā Tohu Kairangi Mātauranga o Aotearoa - Ministry of Education.
Thank you to all of you who have offered to assist deliver letters around the electorate. We have another delivery coming up and we will be in touch.
As you’ll see throughout my newsletter there are many events coming up.
Join a team or bring your own to the Young Nats Quiz night, on Thursday 16 July.
Details…
As always, I will be holding clinics throughout July. 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.
Search and Rescue Awards with dogs Locky and Bandit at Parliament
‘Snag a Chat with your MP’ - Burnside Park
Fo Guand Shan Temple Festival – Riccarton Road
Donating Blood #NZBlood
NZ Food Network with MP Vanessa Weenink and National Candidates Alex Davids (CHCH East) and Tracy Summerfield (Wigram)
Braintree Ball with Carol.
6/7 Clinic
8 @6pm CCC Matariki Event. Art Gallery
9 Clinic
Matariki Star Observation
11 @10.30 Working on the BBQ to raise money for YouthLine at Bunnings Tower Junction with Wigram candidate Tracy Summerfield
Speaking at the Chinese Business Club SI – Official Launch Dinner
12 Delivering flyers
13 Clinic
14 On the National Party Stand at Canterbury University for O Week
16 On the National Party Stand at Lincoln University for O Week
MC for Young Nats Quiz
17 Hosting a Local Legends Morning Tea for people who do wonderful things for others in the electorate
Ronald McDonald House Visit
18 Multicultural Festival
19 Presenting a speech at the Extraordinary Asian Arts Festival
20 @6.30 Attending a Public Meeting – Future of South Island with Minister James Meager speaking at the Transitional Cathedral
24 Meeting with MSD
28 Attending the Opening of Heathfield Apartments at Holly Lea
31 Pop up
Riccarton House – Guided Tours. Discover the history of the Deans family on an immersive guided tour of Riccarton House this winter. Wander through more than 20 elegantly restored rooms, from the grand fine dining room to intimate bedrooms, and hear stories that bring 19th-century Christchurch to life.
Tours: Mon – Fri: 11.00am – 12.00pm only, Sunday: 11.00am and 2.00pm (walk in’s welcome depending on availability). Bookings are essential: https://www.riccartonhouse.co.nz/.
Orana Park Miniature Moo Experience 3-19 July Bring the kids to meet Barry the 2 yr old miniature belted Galloway cross.
Kids Fest 4-19 July, KidsFest : Christchurch City Council
Disney’s Fending Nemo Jr 7-14 July Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. » The Court Theatre
Monarch Community Garden. Meeting weekly, (excluding public holidays), Fridays at 10.30 – 11.00am, Monarch Community Garden, 46 Kendal Ave (opposite Plunket & just along from Fresh on Kendal). We’re growing our Burnside Gardening Volunteers, frost or shine. Simply come along and get your hands dirty or, sign up for our committee, join in the muddy good fun & plan our planting for spring, now! kate@citymission.org.nz
My office is a drop off point for The PJ Project. If you wish to help please drop off pyjamas for children in need, to help keep kids warm through winter—building on the 28,173 pairs of winter pyjamas donated in 2025
Government books reflect improving economy: The latest set of government accounts supports other evidence that the economy is strengthening. Core Crown revenue up $1.7 billion on the forecasts in the Budget and core Crown expenses $900 million lower than forecast. (Beehive PR)
Home test will unlock lower bowel screening age: A home test rolling out nationwide will mean more New Zealanders can get faster assessment of bowel symptoms, while also helping free up specialist capacity needed to safely bring down the bowel screening age. (Beehive PR)
Bill passed to tackle antisocial road users: The Government has delivered on its commitment to crack down on boy racers, fleeing drivers, and other antisocial road users, with Parliament passing the Antisocial Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill. (Beehive PR)
Landmark bill to improve the building system and boost growth: Building system reforms are set to make construction easier, faster and more affordable while also strengthening protections for homeowners (Beehive PR)
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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