I am back at Parliament again this week but have managed to meet constituents, hear their concerns and attend some sporting events at home in between.

It was fantastic to catch up with World Champions Hannah Hunt and Meaghan Broad from the U21 Junior Paddle Ferns who are off to China in October to defend their world title.

There have been some great announcements about how our government is going to get our economy back on track, and support struggling Kiwis.

There's no denying there is a cost-of-living crisis, and we are doing what we can to stop wasteful spending, focus on strengthening our economy and reducing the cost of living so we can improve our public services.

It is also New Zealand Sign Language Week. Here's a handy and timely video about how Parliament works- https://youtu.be/bNVPg6vkKF0

 Here you can see my brother Jeremy with me at Parliament for my maiden speech. 

He has never been able to talk and as kids we learnt some sign language to communicate with him.

---

OUT & ABOUT:

I had the privilege to attend and meet some of our World Champion Junior Paddle Ferns at the National League Tournament in Hawke’s Bay.

Canoe Polo is a rising sport in NZ and Internationally and Hawke’s Bay punches well above its weight with many players in the top National Teams.

We have the only world-class purpose-built canoe polo facility in the Southern Hemisphere which is a big draw card for our region. There were approximately 6000 people at Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park cheering them on.

I also celebrated International Day of the Midwife, and I commend all our midwives who do such an incredible job, supporting women and bringing our precious babies into the world.

I was recently fortunate to spend time with the Chief Midwife, at the International Confederation of Midwives, Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent while I was in Norway at an International Conference which highlighted the importance of our midwives and the work they do around the world and how we as parliamentarians can help support this work.

---

WINTER HAS ARRIVED- SUPPORT OUR BLANKET DRIVE:

Our blanket drive starts next week, Monday, May 13.

We are partnering up with Christian Lovelink and our aim is to get at least 150 blankets to help the charity's dwindling stocks, coming into winter.

Blankets can be dropped off at our office at 129 Queen St east, from 9am to 4pm.

---

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Proud to be the 194th female member of the NZ Parliament:

I officially become the 194th Female Member of our NZ Parliament, elected in the 54th Parliament. I received my Camellia on May 7. It is the symbol of Women’s suffrage. I stood alongside our East Coast Chairs of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians New Zealand Group- Dana Fitzpatrick MP for East Coast, and Cushla Tangaere- Manuel MP.

$1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime:

New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity.

Our government is serious about restoring law and order. Our plan means that all New Zealanders can have confidence they will be safer in their homes, workplaces and communities.

Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households:

The government is modernising insurance law to protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster and this is especially important for our region as it recovers from the cyclone.

Under this Bill, there will be no more guesswork for consumers. It will be insurers responsibility to ask the right questions, which will reduce insurers’ ability to void cover or refuse to pay claims.

EDUCATION:

I love it when our local Tukituki Schools come to visit Parliament!

This week I was excited to host students from Sherwood School and Lindisfarne College.

Get immunised, get your jab:

I got my flu jab, and with winter closing in, it is important to note getting a shot not only helps individuals, but the frontline health system as a whole.

Influenza and other respiratory illnesses have a massive impact on the health system over winter and we can do more to prevent this by taking action now, by getting vaccinated, preparing our homes and having a plan to help stay well through the colder months.

Eligible groups can get their free flu vaccination from their local pharmacy, doctor, nurse or healthcare provider.

In the media:

Here's a link to my op-ed- 

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-tday/central-hawkes-bay-mail/tukituki-mp-catherine-wedd-we-need-to-let-the-farmers-farm/WDUMIC4EYFAUTDMXMODTY3ET3Q/

Spread the Word!

Please take a moment and forward this email to friends and family who might like to stay in touch. We appreciate your help staying connected with the community and there's no time like right now!

If you received this newsletter from a friend or family member and would like to subscribe to future newsletters, please hit the subscribe here button below and fill out the "Get Updates" form at the bottom of my Catherine Wedd webpage.

I look forward to seeing you out in our Tukituki community soon.

Regards, Catherine

 

Catherine Wedd | MP for Tukituki

 

You can follow regular updates on Facebook Catherine Wedd for Tukituki | Facebook