As we come out the other side of winter and get ready for spring to arrive, I've been working on a few community issues over July: 

• Hosting Minister of Social Development and Employment Louise Upston in Christchurch for the day was an honour. We visited some fantastic organisations, including Trees For Canterbury, Hohepa Canterbury, and Kilmarnock Enterprises. Louise was impressed by each organisation and the amazing work they do to empower the disabled community.
• A new Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities housing development in Sommerfield was another highlight. Great mahi from James and his team at Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities. James took me for a tour through two of the units, which have been carefully designed using the universal design concept. It's exciting to see more of these housing projects progressing throughout the year.
• Joining Minister of Transport Simeon Brown along with Ilam MP Hamish Campbell in Christchurch was productive. After announcing the Government’s crackdown on road cones, we met with Canterbury Mayors and checked out Dawn Aerospace’s workshop. Simeon was impressed by the incredible aviation and energy technologies being developed in Christchurch.
• A visit to Mackwell Locomotive, where Sam and his team specialize in advanced steam technology to generate clean energy from biomass, was intriguing. This business venture aligns with my role as Deputy Chair on the Economic Development, Science, and Innovation select committee. Watching this company grow will be fascinating.
• Joining Ilam MP Hamish Campbell for a visit to St John's frontline team showcased the amazing job they do in taking care of people in need. A visit to Hillmorton Hospital highlighted the hard work the Specialist Mental Health Service Units have been doing.
• Previewing the documentary film MARIMARI in the Beehive Theaterette with the New Zealand Parliamentarians' Group on Population and Development Chair Catherine Wedd MP for Tukituki and Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa was moving. Meeting Papua New Guinea human rights defender Evelyn Kunda, the film's central figure, was an honour. The film, which follows Evelyn as she fights to rescue and rehabilitate survivors of sorcery violence, will feature in this year’s New Zealand International Film Festival and is a must-watch.
• Hosting a National Women’s event with special guest National Party President Sylvia Wood was inspiring. It was great to see new faces and discuss the importance of women having a place at the centre of politics and change.
• Spending a few days with Whanganui MP Carl Bates in his beautiful electorate was enjoyable. Carl took me to New Zealand Glassworks, where we watched internationally acclaimed Katie Brown in action. The arts community in Whanganui plays an important role in the town's economy and identity. I'm looking forward to exploring more of the region in the future.
• If you're visiting Parliament soon, be sure to check out the exhibition of Parliamentary staff and MPs' hidden talents. A painting I did earlier in the year is on display as well.

Community Update:

So far, the State Highway 75 speed limit survey has received over 1500 submissions and remains open. Around 75 percent of respondents believe SH75 should return to a 100km speed limit from Halswell to Little River.

A public meeting in Akaroa on the survey results at the start of the month was well-attended. Concerns and recurring issues from the community were heard.

A letter has been written to NZTA about the feedback, requesting more information to be shared with the community. This letter is posted on my Facebook page.

Minister of Transport Simeon Brown will be hosted in November to see the developments in Halswell and SH75 regarding speed limits. 

National’s News:

• Budget tax cuts mean an average household in Christchurch will receive around $2639 in tax relief. The tax changes took effect on Wednesday, allowing you to keep more of what you earn. Visit budget.govt.nz/taxcalculator to see how much you'll save.
• Five hospitals, including Christchurch Hospital, will trial a new mental health and addiction peer support service in their emergency departments. This initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to increasing access to mental health and addiction support for New Zealanders.
• Efforts to repair potholes on our state highways within 24 hours are underway, including State Highway 75. The promise made during the election to reverse untargeted blanket speed limit reductions where safe is also being delivered.
• The Military Style Academy pilot began on 29 July to support serious young offenders in turning their lives around.

Out and About in Banks Peninsula:

• Congratulations to the scholarship recipients and community groups awarded grants from the Sumner-Ferrymead Foundation. The celebration and presentations earlier this month were a joy to be part of.
• A morning spent catching up with staff and pupils at Sumner School coincided with ‘take your grandparents to school’ day. It was fantastic to chat with several grandparents.
• Members from the Halswell Community Hub shared updates on their great community projects and some concerns for the community. Collaborations to address any issues the Halswell community may face now or in the future are being explored.
• Pest Free Banks Peninsula is seeking more residents and bach owners to help remove possums in Akaroa and surrounding areas. If interested in hosting a bait station, email
  [email protected] for more information.
• A meeting with Ministry of Development Commissioner Blair focused on enhancing job seekers' opportunities within the Banks Peninsula electorate.
• A day in Akaroa and the Bays included a visit to Wainui Park Camp run by The Kind Foundation. The team runs fantastic school camping programs centered on adventure-based learning.
• Additionally, meeting Jess from Peninsula Flowers, who specializes in proteas, was inspiring. Jess’s passion for her business is evident.
• Visits to the Mt Pleasant market and the Lyttelton market offered an abundance of choices.

Community Drop-In Sessions:

I am pleased to announce my next community drop-in sessions on Friday August 23. Please do come along to the following sessions if you are in the area:

• Diamond Harbour at Two Thumbs Harbourside from 1-2pm
• Akaroa at The Common – Café & Garden Bar from 3.15- 4.15pm
• Little River at The Little River Inn Pub from 5-6pm

Media:

•  An article written by Star Media on State Highway 75 speed limits: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68754222/bay-harbour-july-17-2024

To keep up to date with everything on a day-to-day basis, follow me on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VanessaWeeninkBanksPeninsula Instagram: @vanessaweeninkbankspeninsulamp

With the cold weather and snow sticking around the Banks Peninsula, wrap up warm and take care if you are driving.