Brewer’s Brief – September
Cameron’s Column
By Cameron Brewer – MP for Upper Harbour
Unleashing our democratic rights are important, so make sure you’re enrolled at the right residential address, and you get to the ballot box this election. So many men and women have fought, and lost their lives, to ensure we have free and fair elections, and so let’s not disappoint them!
The Upper Harbour electorate loses most of Massey and some Wairau Valley this election. We pick up Westgate, Whenuapai, Herald Island, Schnapper Rock, and Rosedale. It’s a privilege to represent such a wonderful electorate, full of so many great hard-working people.
We’ve seen dozens of new classrooms built, or approved for construction, in the past three years which I’m really proud of. It’s also great to see the brand-new Te Pae primary school, just off Fred Taylor Drive, set to open for Term One, 2027.
Achievement among our local school students is lifting and truancy is falling. We’ve seen retail crime fall, ramraids all but disappear, serious assaults fall, and the presence of our police lift. We also recently opened the new Westgate bus station, and we’re committed to delivering the dedicated Northwest Busway into the city.
However, there’s still so much more work to do. Now as a Minister in the Coalition Government, I am continuing to advocate and advance all the infrastructure still required for our incredibly fast-growing area.
My team in my Hobsonville electorate office are first-class and they help so many locals on a wide range of issues. Please continue to reach out during this election period at upperharbouroffice@parliament.govt.nz or on (09) 416-3249. We will continue serving constituents on local matters right up to the 7 November election day!
Again, make sure you’re enrolled at your current address, with enrolment closing on 25 October and advancing voting starting from 26 October.
Upper Harbour News...
Westgate Bus Station is officially open!
The MP joined Minister of Transport Hon Chris Bishop, Hon Chris Penk, Paulo Garcia MP, Mayor Wayne Brown, NZTA Chair Simon Bridges, Auckland Transport Chair Andrew Richie, and elected council members to celebrate the opening of the Westgate Bus Station. This is the first piece completed of our dedicated Northwest Busway. The next build will be a Brigham Creek park and ride station.
Thanks Penky for being a great neighbour!
The Upper Harbour electorate was sad to see a favourite neighbouring MP, Hon Chris Penk, announce his decision to step down at the General Election.
“Penky has been a hugely supportive and effective presence in the Northwest of Auckland for nearly a decade. His strong advocacy has helped deliver the likes of new high school site in Huapai and our Government committing to a dedicated Northwest Busway,” says Cameron Brewer.
“I was there at Soljans winery in 2017 when he got selected to replace Sir John Key as National’s candidate in what was then the Helensville seat. Nine years later, I was given his Small Business & Manufacturing and Associate Immigration ministerial portfolios when he was elevated to Cabinet to be our Defence Minister earlier this year. I’ve long been a student of Chris Penk, and his dedication locally and nationally has been an inspiration.
“I’ve appreciated his support for me personally, but more importantly, the Upper Harbour electorate. We wish Chris, his wife Kim, and their kids every success and all the very best. New Zealand is a better place.”
Submissions on local roads now open
Due to government legislation, as of 1 October, Auckland Council will be responsible for Auckland's local roads rather than Auckland Transport. That means your Local Board Members and Councillors are gearing up and want to hear from you. The Mayor is asking Aucklanders to submit issues they are aware of from their commute, which they think can be fixed quickly. Council staff will assess the submissions, and if a submission is sensible, then it will be fixed as soon as practicable.
The Quick Fix programme is focused on early wins. That’s identifying and delivering practical transport improvements that reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and make it easier for people to get where they need to go.
Example of issues that can be fixed quickly include:
- On-street parking blocking traffic flow
- Road layouts causing congestion
- Traffic lights causing unnecessary delays
- Confusing road signs or markings disrupting traffic flow
- Buses and vehicles carrying multiple people experience delays on a short section of road
- Turning traffic causing delays
Walls go up. Classrooms calm down
Great news for schools here in Upper Harbour: Marina View and West Harbour schools are getting funding to fix its open-plan classrooms. Teachers have told us these open, wall-free spaces are noisy and hard to manage, so we're putting walls back in to help kids focus and teachers teach. It's a practical investment that backs our schools to do what they do best. (Read More...Beehive PR)
Greenhithe Sea Scouts clear land for new boatshed
It was a busy working bee on Kyle Road with the Tauhinu Sea Scouts who have cleared a piece of NZTA land for their new boatshed. To support this fantastic community project, visit: https://watershed.tauhinuseascouts.org.nz/en/
Hobsonville Point students learn about democracy
Hobsonville Point Primary School Year 6-8s are learning about the New Zealand government system and exploring how Parliament works and the roles people play within it. It was a fun, informative, and engaging presentation with the MP and the students.
Office Open Day sees many constituents pop in
It was a busy 'Office Open Day', with a stream of constituents through. Then Cameron and his boys caught up with Fabio of Wildfire Restaurant at West Harbour Marina. The very popular steakhouse celebrates a successful year here in the Northwest following 25 years on Princes Wharf in the CBD.
Northshore gathers to meet local MPs
Our local MPs meeting on the North Shore was well attended. Upper Harbour is so fortunate to have first-class neighbouring MPs on the North Shore, including Dan Bidois, Hon Erica Stanford, and Hon Simon Watts.
Indian Business Association hosts AGM
At the AGM dinner, the MP took the opportunity to praise the success of the New Zealand Indian Business Association for their hard work and advocacy with our Government. "Together," he said, "we’ve secured real wins on law and order, vocational training, immigration, and in trade." What's more, a recent report confirmed Indian businesses punch well above their weight on their GDP contribution.
Newsflashes...
Next steps on harbour crossing announced
The Coalition Government has made decisions on next steps for the Waitematā Harbour Crossing project. Next steps on Waitematā Harbour crossing | Beehive.govt.nz
29 October 1958 Auckland Harbour Bridge construction progress [Credit to archives.govt.nz)
Upper Harbour MP makes The Spinoff
For a bit of a laugh, read the article here: One MP, One Pint: Cameron Brewer on why being funny is the best skill an MP can have | The Spinoff
Upcoming events - 7 November – General Election
Upper Harbour electorate border changes are here for the 2026 Elections. The last day to enrol to vote is midnight, Sunday 25 October. Advance voting starts on 26 October, and election day is Saturday 7 November. If you live in Upper Harbour, make sure you are correctly enrolled or update your details here:
Enrol or Update your details now
If you need assistance with your enrolment, call freephone 0800 36 76 56, or contact the Upper Harbour electorate office on upperharbouroffice@parliament.govt.nz (09) 416 3249 for assistance on all matters.
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If you live in Upper Harbour and require assistance, contact my office on:
P: (09) 416 3249
E: UpperHarbourOffice@parliament.govt.nz
A: Unit 15/102c Hobsonville Rd
W: www.national.org.nz/team/cameronbrewer
Office Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm or by appointment
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