It’s been a big couple of months, and I get the feeling it’s only going to get busier from here!
Somehow, we’re already just 80 days out from the election. Things have been ramping up both locally and in Parliament, so here’s a quick update on what’s been happening, including a few announcements you may have missed.
Some exciting news for our local schools
500 schools across New Zealand have been selected to receive solar technology as part of the Government’s $30 million Solar on Schools programme, and several of them are right here in Maungakiekie. In fact, the announcement was made at Te Papapa School, the first school to have solar panels installed as part of the pilot.
Panmure Bridge School, Sommerville School, One Tree Hill College, Stanhope Road School and Onehunga High School are also set to benefit. It’s a practical investment that will help schools reduce their energy costs and become more resilient, freeing up more of their budgets for where we want it: educating our kids.
More choice for mums and dads
National also announced that, if re-elected, we will gradually extend paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks by 2029, beginning with 27 weeks in next year’s Budget. Just as importantly, we want to give parents more choice over how they use that leave.
At the moment, the rules can get in the way of parents sharing their paid leave in the way that works best for their family. Our plan would give parents and caregivers more flexibility to divide their entitlement and make those decisions for themselves.
Every family is different, and I think parents are best placed to decide what works for them and their baby.
City Rail Link is nearly here
After years of construction, City Rail Link is set to open on 13 September. That means faster, more direct connections across Auckland for people living and working in Maungakiekie. Once open, journey times include:
- Sylvia Park to Karangahape Road – 26 minutes
- Panmure to Karangahape Road – 23 minutes
- Penrose to Karangahape Road – 19 minutes
After all the disruption that has come with building the CRL, I’m looking forward to seeing Aucklanders finally getting the benefits from it.
A few things that went under the radar...
There have also been a few announcements recently that perhaps haven’t had as much attention, but I reckon deserve the spotlight.
More certainty for mental health services
From 1 July, there’s $34 million in additional annual funding for mental health and addiction services, helping community providers keep delivering essential support.
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is also moving the vast majority of providers onto three-year contracts. When we came into Government, around 80% were operating year-to-year. It might not grab headlines, but giving these organisations more certainty to plan, retain good people and focus on delivering care is a practical change that matters.
What could KiwiSaver changes mean for you?
We’ve also launched a new KiwiSaver calculator following National’s announcement that a re-elected National Government would make KiwiSaver compulsory for workers from 1 July 2028 and gradually lift combined default contribution rates to 12% by 2032.
Retirement can feel a long way away…until suddenly it isn’t! The calculator gives you an idea of what the proposed changes could mean for your own retirement savings compared with the status quo.
Check out the KiwiSaver calculator HERE.
Around Maungakiekie
Over September and October, I’ll be getting out around the electorate for another series of Street Corner Chats. These are pretty informal, no appointment needed. Just come along, say hello and have a chat about whatever is on your mind.
Below are the upcoming locations and times. If there’s one near you, click “Going” on the event and you’ll get any updates or reminders.
- Ellerslie, Saturday 29 August
- Mt Wellington, Tuesday 8 September
- Onehunga, Saturday 12 September
- One Tree Hill and Greenlane, Saturday 26 September
- Panmure, Saturday 3 October
- Epsom and Royal Oak, Saturday 10 October
Videos of the month
And finally, something a little lighter from the past couple of months...
July – Mānawatia a Matariki:
For Matariki, I thought I’d put my knowledge to the test. Turns out my son may have schooled me. Watch the video HERE.
August – The great Maungakiekie pie competition:
We put some of Maungakiekie’s recently awarded pies to the test. Tough job, but someone had to do it! See how it went HERE.
As always, thanks for taking the time to read my update. With 80 days until the election, there’ll be plenty happening over the coming weeks, but I’ll keep doing what I’ve always tried to do - stay accessible, listen to what matters, and turn those conversations into action.
If there’s something you think I should know about, or something I can help with, please get in touch.
Have a great rest of the week.
Solar on Schools Programme Announced at Te Papapa School
Doorknocking, doorknocking and more doorknocking
I’ve really enjoyed getting out on the doors these past few months and having some great conversations about all sorts of issues. In Mt Wellington, I met Niroshi and Kamila, originally from Sri Lanka, who have become permanent residents, and made sure they were enrolled to vote!
Minister Nicola Willis visits Maungakiekie
There’s no substitute for getting out and hearing directly from the people on the ground. We had a brilliant day hosting Finance Minister Nicola Willis in Maungakiekie, visiting Ellerslie Village, speaking to a packed room at Edmund Hillary Retirement Village, and spending time with our hardworking business associations across the electorate.
Woolworths' new fast-charging infrastructure
Earlier this month, I joined Woolworths Managing Director Sally Copland at the Penrose eStore to launch its new fast-charging infrastructure and expanded electric home delivery fleet. The site is on track to have a 42-vehicle electric delivery fleet next year, making Penrose Woolworths’ first New Zealand location with dedicated commercial fast charging!
Opening Parkside Village's new Care Home
It was a privilege to officially open the new Parkside Care Home at Metlifecare’s Parkside Village in Hillsborough. The new facility will provide rest home, hospital-level and specialised dementia care, giving local residents access to quality care close to home. A fantastic addition to our community!
Another great Coffee with a Cop
We had another great Coffee with a Cop, bringing locals and our local Police together to talk about what’s happening in the community. We covered everything from Police visibility and community safety to the recent Police and Customs operation targeting illegal cigarettes.
It was especially encouraging to hear from an Onehunga resident who said she feels safer today than she did a year ago, thanks to a more visible Police presence in the area.
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