Dear John,

Following the tragic shooting in Auckland’s CBD recently, I extend my sincere sympathy to the victims and their families. To the Police and first responders thank you for your brave actions in a very volatile and dangerous situation.

The two innocent victims were from Auckland south and they were men who were just going to work to support their families. They are both a big loss to the community and we honour their memory.

New Zealand needs leadership at a ministerial level that demonstrates the highest standards of behaviour. Leaders need to walk the talk and clearly model that all people have a responsibility to ensure the safety of others and that lives are not put at risk.

National will get Mill Road Back on Track.

A National Government will start the first stage of Mill Road, from Manukau to Alfriston, as a Road of National Significance.

I was excited to be in the Electorate with Simeon Brown, Spokesperson for Transport, Chris Bishop, Andrew Bayly and Daniel Newman, Auckland Councillor, when we announced this in Alfriston last weekend.

The whole National policy is called the Transport for the Future plan which will deliver new Roads of National Significance, better public transport and will rebuild regions and improve transport resilience.

Up-grading Mill Road to a four-lane, 21.5km highway between Manukau and Drury is at the top of the list.

The project, which will cost an estimated $1.3bn, will be completed in stages. National will begin construction of the first stage in our first term. National will also progress designation of the corridor from Alfriston to Drury.

The Mill Road corridor will be four-lanes and will provide a safe and resilient alternative to State Highway 1. It will reduce congestion for all motorists to and from Auckland’s CBD. It will unlock housing growth by increasing the roading connections between future houses and South Auckland’s town centres.

Stage one of the Mill Road Corridor from Manukau to Alfriston will be funded through the National Land Transport Fund and additional Crown capital and will begin construction in National’s first term.

National has a track record of delivering high quality roading infrastructure and, if elected, my fellow politicians and I will continue to invest in the roading infrastructure the country needs.

What is happening to our Education System?

I was interested to receive information that Rosehill College has just advised students going into Year 12 that they will only be able to select 5 subjects in 2024 as the school is introducing a compulsory Manakitanga subject.

Constituents have written to me in desperation about their children’s educational prospects. For example, a child in Year 12 who has clear goals for University study and is required to take 6 specific subjects to gain entry to say Medical school will not meet this criteria if they have to include Manakitanga in their year 12 study.

If this subject is compulsory at Rosehill College, how many other secondary schools are also imposing this on their students?

How do we ensure that our Universities particularly medical schools, have enough students who are capable and willing to become doctors in the future if they can’t complete the entry requirements at school?

What is the Minister of Education doing about this?

Next question parents are asking is what is the reasoning behind the ‘gone soft’ curriculum approach to Stem Subjects – Science Technology Engineering and Maths? How do children without the hard knowledge of Chemistry’s periodic tables, Physics’ essential theories and Biology’s study of living things, go on to study the complexities of STEM subjects at a tertiary level?

As the National Spokesperson for Research, Science and Technology, I have spoken to many tertiary providers of STEM subjects and I am very aware of their importance in supporting young New Zealanders to become our scientists, IT innovators, engineers and medical specialists in the future. We need these people urgently. We need them to be able to complete their tertiary training efficiently and quickly so they can join the workforce and be part of getting New Zealand back on track.

Help shape Papakura Local Board Plan: Give Feedback

Papakura Local Board want your feedback on the local plan by 4pm on 14 August 2023. Local board plans are strategic three-year plans that are developed based on community feedback.

The Papakura Local Board makes decisions about services and facilities in our area. They want to understand what matters most to you and your community.

Before giving your feedback, look at the Draft Papakura Local Board Plan.

I encourage you to give feedback online here.

Best wishes and keep warm,
Judith Collins