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Dear john, As I write this New Zealand has just had our third case of coronavirus confirmed. This is very concerning and I’m sure you join me in wishing our medical authorities every success in their attempts to stamp-out the disease. I have also been concerned about a lack of clarity about who can and who can’t be tested for the virus at Wellington Hospital. For the latest guidance from the Ministry of Health please see this website. National will continue to advocate for New Zealanders' right to receive updated information on the virus as quickly and effectively as possible. All of us share a focus on reducing the impact of this disease on our communities and loved ones. We are also conscious of the economic impact the virus will have on our country and the mounting pressure on many businesses. We are encouraging the Government to respond with an immediate small-to-medium-sized business support package, as National did in response to the GFC and Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes. You can read more about it here. Read on for the latest on my work inside and outside of ParliamentWellington Transport Public Meeting
I want Wellingtonians to have quicker lower-emission car journeys, more reliable bus services and safer walking and cycling options. That’s why I’m advocating for an expansion and upgrade of the Mt Victoria tunnel – a project the Government has delayed for a decade or more. National will deliver a better deal for Wellington by reworking the “Let’s Get Wellington Moving” transport proposals. We want your input. Come to my public meeting on 9 March, at 6pm at St Mark’s Chapel on Dufferin St to have your say on our transport future, with National's Transport Spokesperson Chris Bishop MP as guest speaker. Round the Bays
Congratulations to Sport Wellington for hosting a brilliant Round the Bays fun run / walk, with around 16,000 Wellingtonians taking part and $23,000 raised for the Mental Health Foundation. National had a big squad of supporters complete the race – aged four years-old through to 86 years-old. Fantastic day. Wellington Water
I share community concerns about the environmental and public health challenges resulting from problems with Wellington storm and wastewater systems. I’m advocating for transparency, a plan of action and for proper health warning signs at polluted urban waterways – like Karori Stream (pictured). I wrote an opinion piece for the Dominion Post on what I think we should do next to address these challenges, read at the link below. Lantern Festival
It was just brilliant seeing the Wellington Waterfront lit up for the Lantern Festival. Full credit to Lily Kao and her team who’ve grown the festival from small beginnings on Cuba St in 2015 to an extravaganza of food, music, dance and community today. Our kids loved it. I am looking forward to the festival continuing to grow from strength to strength. 10 Years of the Thorndon Farmers' Market
I joined stall holders and locals for the recent 10th birthday celebrations of the Thorndon Farmers’ Market. It’s a great place for businesses to reach new customers and a special part of our community. I especially enjoyed meeting former refugee Yishi Tate, who started her Ethiopian sauce business “Mamia’s” at the Market and is now selling in commercial volumes across the country. A great story of entrepreneurial effort! Wellington Housing ChallengesMany of you have spoken to me about housing problems in Wellington: dramatically rising rents, growing public housing waiting lists and homelessness worse than ever. I recently joined National Party colleagues on visits to local front-line organisations responding to these challenges, DCM Wellington, the Wellington City Mission and the Wellington Company. Great to get their ideas and feedback as National finalises our election policy. You can read more about our ideas and have your say in these two discussion documents: Holocaust Remembrance Day
I joined hundreds of Wellingtonians to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day recently in a sombre and reflective ceremony. I’ve been heartened to see how people have rallied around our Jewish community following the abhorrent graffiti at Temple Sinai earlier this year. Wellington says no to hate. Holi Festival
Happy Holi! So much fun at Wellington’s Festival of Colour. Wellington is incredibly lucky to have a thriving community of cultures from all around the world, and I love getting to attend events like this that celebrate the different communities in our city. Harbourside Market
I regularly host a stall at the Harbourside Market. It’s a great chance to get feedback from you and to keep up to date with community concerns, so do come and say hi. Upcoming stalls will be on 19 April and 31 May. Volunteer to help change the GovernmentWe have less than 200 days left to change the government. |
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