The conflict in the Middle East is putting pressure on New Zealanders, including through higher fuel prices. But through all this we have to stay focussed and work hard on fixing the basics to build a better future.
While we can’t control global oil markets or international conflicts, the Government can respond in a measured and responsible way. That’s why we’re providing timely, temporary and targeted support to low‑ and middle‑income working families who are feeling the squeeze. This support is temporary lasting for up to one year, or until fuel prices ease helping households manage rising costs without pushing inflation higher or adding to government debt.
In terms of the economy. For us, it’s all about growth, and we’re seeing encouraging signs that things are starting to turn the corner. Inflation is now at 3.1 per cent, down from 7.3 per cent under Labour. For the average mortgage holder, that’s a saving of around $10,000 a year. By no means are we out of the woods just yet, and I know it’s still tough for many Kiwis, but we are heading in the right direction. We’re going full tilt to grow the economy.
New Zealand’s two‑way international trade has also topped $61 billion, creating more higher‑paying jobs. If New Zealand is going to get wealthier, we need to be trading with the world — which is why our Free Trade Agreement with India is so important.
Another major area of progress is law and order. Under National, there are now 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime, well ahead of our target of 20,000. There’s also been an 85 per cent drop in ram raids, which will be a relief for many local businesses. These results are the direct outcome of putting more police on the beat, cracking down on gangs, restoring real consequences for crime, and banning gang patches.
There’s also been a lot happening in education and it is amazing how quickly we have seen positive results. The number of new entrants achieving at the expected level in phonics has increased from 36 per cent to 58 per cent, students are making 12 months’ progress in maths in just 12 weeks, and teachers are reporting better focus in classrooms.
There’s much more to come this year, so watch this space.
As always, I've been having a great time out and about in the community. The Balloons over Waikato and Homegrown were fabulous events that really showcased our vibrant city.
At the Night Glow with Tama and The Boss
At Homegrown with Marie
Supporting the Young Nats at O Week
I get a selfie with one of my rugby heroes
Our next branch meeting is Monday 13 April, 6:30pm at Settlement Centre, 46G Boundary Road.
I encourage you to come along.
Thanks to all of you who attended the AGM. and special thanks to the team who have signed onto the committee for another year, especially Sarkaw, Ron and Katie for taking on their roles. Also thank you to my wife Marie for taking on the role of campaign chair, we'll have a busy year.
Congratulations to Barb Harrison on being elected Chair for Waikato Superblues and to Josh McNamara for being elected Chair of CNI Young Nats, it's great to see the party thriving across the age range.
You will have received an email inviting you to consider helping with the campaign. We are getting our planning and preparation underway so that when the campaign formally starts, we can hit the ground running. Marie can be contacted on marie@hamilton4hamilton.co.nz . The Party asks all volunteers to complete a brief online form to ensure everything is consistent; you will find it here:
Thank you to all of you who have renewed your membership. The Party has moved from a common renewal period for all members, to renewal on the date you joined the party, so you will get reminders around the anniversary date of joining.
It is so easy! You can click the renewal button to find out whether you are a current member of the National Party and renew your membership online.
The party has a range of interest groups that are set up for members to share ideas on areas of common interest. Whether it is advocating for women, issues that matter to Maori, environmental, cultural or other interests, you might find team feels just right for you.
Please feel free to contact me to if you have any issues where you think I can help navigate or if you have any concerns about our community. I promise I will listen to you.
My Senior MP Support team are Carina Fraser, Yan Liang and Lya Haveman. We can all be contacted on 07 853 5640 or Ryan.Hamilton@parliament.govt.nz .
Follow me on Facebook. In the search bar enter Ryan Hamilton 4 Hamilton East.
You can Like my page and directly get my posts on matters that affect you,
the electorate and the nation.
Thanks to all of you who attended our AGM. and special thanks to the team who have signed onto the committee for another year, especially Sarkaw, Ron and Katie for taking on their roles.
Electorate Chair: Sarkaw Randhawa sarkaw@hillcrestspinal.co.nz
Electorate Secretary: Ron Williams hamiltoneast@national.org.nz
Membership: Anne Aitken anne@stillaitken.co.nz
Treasurer: Katie Simpson katie.simpson@auctus.co.nz
Campaign Chair: Marie Hamilton marie@hamilton4hamilton.co.nz
Kind regards,
Ryan Hamilton