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Dear John In this issue:
New GovernmentIt's official—our new government was sworn in by Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro at Government House on Monday.
Back on track—on the way to Government House Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will lead the National/ACT/New Zealand First coalition government. Hon Winston Peters will be Deputy Prime Minister for the first 18 months of the parliamentary term, and David Seymour will take the role for the second 18 months. It is great to be back in the driving seat where we can make a real difference to the lives of New Zealanders, beginning with the Government's 100-day Plan announced this week. I’m keen to get started in my ministerial and cabinet roles. I am Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Minister for Social Development and Employment, and I'm Minister responsible for Child Poverty Reduction. Port Waikato by-electionCongratulations to Andrew Bayly on winning the Port Waikato seat in the recent by-election which has enabled Nancy Lu to enter parliament as a National list MP, bringing the total to 123 MPs. House sitting scheduleCabinet has already started meeting so we can begin delivering on the promises we campaigned on. The 54th Parliament will decide on a new sitting programme in coming weeks. Electorate NewsOlam Food Ingredients (OFI) openingI was thrilled to be invited to the official OFI opening in Tokoroa in mid-November. OFI is New Zealand's newest dairy plant and has created alternative markets for our dairy farmers and employment opportunities for the South Waikato district. OFI is planning further investment and development which can only be good for our agriculture industry and local economy. Pūkenga Rau openingI was also invited to the opening of the South Waikato Trade Training Centre building, Pūkenga Rau. SWDC Mayor Gary Petley and I cut the ribbon.
This is a great step forward for South Waikato rangatahi and older students who will no longer have to leave the district to train. Congratulations to all involved in bringing the project to completion for their vision, cooperation, commitment and dedication, and their spadework—both literal and figurative. It is a real gift to the community—one that will keep on giving long into the future. Armistice DayIt was an honour to lay a wreath along with our Cambridge sister city friends from Les Quesnoy at the Cambridge celebration on Armistice Day. It was great to see so many young people there. Keeping the memories alive for future generations will hopefully promote peace into the future. Les Quesnoy delegation visits Parliament
I hosted the Les Quesnoy delegation when they visited Parliament. The House of Representatives chamber is a dedicated memorial to WWI. One of the 12 carved wreaths on the balcony commemorates New Zealand's 3rd Infantry (Rifle) Brigade liberating Les Quesnoy. Youth Advisory BoardI'll be running another Youth Advisory Board for 14–18-year-old students in 2024. It is an opportunity for them to learn about Parliament and democracy and how they can have their voices heard. Please email [email protected] for details. International Volunteer Day 5 December 2023I'd like to give a shout out to all the volunteers who help keep our communities connected and strong. Over 20 per cent of New Zealanders volunteer each year, contributing about 159 million hours of formal volunteer labour with an estimated value of $4 billion. Thank you! Citizenship Ceremony
It was lovely to welcome our new citizens at the recent ceremony at South Waikato District Council in Tokoroa. Cambridge Bowling Club quasquicentennial
Congratulations to Cambridge Bowling Club on your 125-year milestone. It's great to see the club in such good heart. Roadworks As we head into summer, Waka Kotahi is making the most of finer weather to complete roadworks. There are several work sites across the electorate. Use the Waka Kotahi NZTA Journey Planner to find out where road works are, and allow extra time for your trip if needed. Blue Springs Walkway closure It is disappointing that a rockfall has forced the South Waikato District Council to temporarily close the Blue Springs walkway while repairs are undertaken. It has been necessary to take this step for public safety, and I support their decision. The walkway is a great resource for locals and brings many people to the district, so hopefully it won’t be closed for too long. Taupō Women's Institute 90th birthday Congratulations to Taupō Women’s Institute which celebrated its 90th birthday recently! The Institute has provided vital community support to women across the decades. Upcoming Engagement OpportunitiesElectorate Clinic AppointmentsClinics are by appointment, so please call the office for available slots in February next year. Tokoroa: Friday 2 February 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please call 07 8865554 for an appointment. Taupō: Friday 9 February from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please call 07 3765563 for an appointment. Cambridge: Friday 16 February from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please call 07 8275572 for an appointment. Friendly Forums are planned for March. Facebook LiveJoin me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the second Tuesday of each month. My next live chat will be: Tuesday 12 December 8 p.m. Electorate AssistanceIf you need help from my team, please get in touch. Phone 07 8275572 or email [email protected] Phone 07 8865554 or email [email protected] Phone 07 3765563 or email [email protected] Kind regards, Hon Louise Upston |
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