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Last weekend National hosted its 87th Annual Conference. It was fantastic to spend a few days with the heart of the National Party: our grassroots volunteers and supporters. 

We are determined to change the direction of this country by electing a National Government that will fix our economy and put New Zealand back on track. Why? Well, you can watch Christopher Luxon explain here.

Fixing our economy

In my speech to our National Party Conference, I shared the seven specific steps National will take to fix New Zealand’s economy and get it back on track:

1. We will stop wasteful spending, move resources to the front line and get the books in order.

2. We will reduce the income tax you pay on the wages you earn.

3. We will cut red tape and complex regulations that are strangling our economy and making it too hard for New Zealanders to get things done.

4. We will grow skills and attract talent.

5. We will drive technology and innovation to solve problems and create more value.

6. We will build infrastructure for growth.

7. We will encourage trade and investment.

You can read my speech below to see what specific things we will be focusing on as a part of each of these steps. 

Recession confirmed 

Data released by Statistics NZ a few weeks ago confirms the worst: we are in a recession.

Our economy is now incredibly fragile. Excessive inflation, high interest rates, a severe balance of payments deficit and now recession: this is a dangerous combination that threatens New Zealanders’ livelihoods.

While Labour continues to make excuses, the data does not lie: New Zealand is now in worse shape than many of the countries we compare ourselves with including Australia, Canada and the US, all of which have faced similar global challenges but none of which face the toxic economic predicament we now find ourselves in.

Now is the time for a return to the fundamentals of disciplined economic management, with a National government that backs the workers and businesses New Zealand needs to help grow our economy out of its current mess.

Law and Order Public Meeting

Mark Mitchell and I hosted a public meeting to discuss community safety concerns in Newlands last week. It was clear that a lot of people are fed up with the out-of-control crime we are seeing in our own communities, and around the country, and that it is time for real consequences for offenders. 

Over the weekend Christopher Luxon announced our new measures National would implement real consequences for crime. These include:

1) Stronger sentences for criminals;

2) More support for victims; and

3) Proper rehabilitation for remand prisoners.

Johnsonville Rugby Club

I had a great time at the Johnsonville Rugby Club Old Timer’s Day recently. Was good to see the Premier Reserves get a win!

Small businesses in Ōhāriu

Our kids loved the amazing treats courtesy of Michele from Tawa’s Urban Eatery. Michelle is hard-working, a great employer and her cafe is a much-loved part of our community. A small business owner who just quietly gets on and does her thing despite all the challenges that come her way. A local hero.

Can you help?

My amazing campaign crew and I have been pounding the pavements and knocking on doors all across Ōhāriu - delivering over 40,000 letters to voters over the last month. 

But there's so much more to be done, and we need all the help we can get if we want to turn this red-seat blue. 

If you want to volunteer on my campaign, help change the Government and help turn Ōhāriu blue, then click the link below:

Out and about around NZ

I have been busy getting out and about across New Zealand campaigning for National's Party Vote. I had a wonderful day a few weeks ago up in Otaki with our candidate Tim Costley. The awesome crew at the Paraparaumu fire station put me and Tim Costley through our paces, and we hosted a public meeting as part of National's Back on Track tour.

Waka of Caring

This is Debbie Monroe from Manurewa’s “Waka of Caring”, an organisation she founded to help people in need in her community.

Recently I visited Debbie along with National’s candidate Siva Kilari for Manurewa. Siva has been doing what he can to help Debbie and her crew of volunteers find new premises for their food bank and drop-in centre.

Debbie talked with us about the growing need she is seeing as people struggle to keep up with the growing cost of living. I’m so grateful NZ has big-hearted people like her who give so much to help others. They will always be needed.

Even so, I’m determined the next National Government will strengthen our economy so we can reduce the cost of living, lift incomes for all and deliver the quality public services people expect and need.

Here’s to all the Debbies who do so much for others across our country. They are the best of us.

Upcoming events

26 July 2023: Back on Track Tour Public Meeting with Christopher Luxon, Johnsonville Community Centre, 6:00 pm.

27 July 2023: Save the date: Nicola Willis' Ōhāriu Campaign Launch, 7:00pm. 

If you have any issues you think I may be able to support you with in my role as a List MP, or have ideas on where we can improve as a city, I would love to hear from you.

I’m continuing to enjoy getting out and about in the Ōhāriu community and I’m always keen to be involved in local events. If you know of any local community events I should attend, please do not hesitate to let me know.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you.

Kind regards

Nicola Willis