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Dear John In this issue:
In the HouseThis is the final day of the Coalition Government's 100-day Plan to get New Zealand back on track, and as promised, we have delivered.
We've ticked off the 49 changes we wanted to make, including extending free breast screening to women aged 70–74. As the Acting Minister for Women, I was thrilled to be part of sharing this wonderful news with women across New Zealand (pictured above). We have focused on rebuilding the economy, easing the cost of living, restoring law and order, and delivering better health and education. New Zealanders voted for change. These changes are only the beginning. We have much more work to do. Already I'm hearing anecdotal evidence that our policies are making a positive impact – jobseekers are dusting off their CVs, Government departments are implementing savings, and the learning environment in schools has improved without the distraction of mobile phones, for example. SH1 Cambridge to PiarereIt was gratifying to share the news with the Waikato Chamber of Commerce's Grow Waikato attendees on Monday evening that SH1 Cambridge to Piarere has been maintained as a Road of National Significance in the Minister of Transport's draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport. It is an example of how local authorities and businesses working for the same goal is more effective than individuals approaching Government separately. We are stronger together!
A New Zealand Institute of Economic Research report found that, once operational, this road would contribute up to $500 million a year to the country's GDP. Roads of National Significance will be four-laned grade-separated highways. Minister of Transport Simeon Brown says all funding, financing and delivery options will be considered to deliver them in stages as soon as possible. PotholesLike me, you will also be pleased to know that the Government is committing $500 million over three years to repair and prevent potholes! A Day in the Life of a MinisterIf you've ever wondered what a day in the life of a Minister looks like, watch my video here.
Minister's NewsInternational Women's DayToday (8 March) is International Women’s Day. After achieving universal suffrage for women, Kate Sheppard would be delighted that, not only can women vote, they also make up around 44 per cent of MPs in Parliament. Last year that figure was just shy of 50 per cent. There are currently 55 female MPs, down from 61 in the 53rd Parliament. At the end of December 2022, women held 53.1% of Cabinet appointed public sector board and committee roles. In the private sector, women comprise 28.5 per cent of director positions across the NZX and over 26 per cent of executive management positions (July 2022), so there is still work to do. This morning I started International Women’s Day with the Zonta breakfast at Parliament. I was thrilled to speak alongside some wonderful wāhine pictured here. You are all an inspiration.
Thank you so much to Belinda Himiona, Zonta’s Club of Wellington President, and the wider Zonta team for putting on an amazing breakfast for all the women and girls. I’m meeting with some key women’s groups in Auckland today to continue the celebration and discussion. Happy International Women’s Day everyone!
It was great to attend the opening of the Ministry of Social Development's Hamilton contact centre where staff help those who need employment, housing and financial support. They also support people to move off benefit and become independent. The office is also home to Waikato's regional office staff and Enabling Good Lives (part of Whaikaha Ministry for Disabled People).
Te Kotahitange e Mahi Kaha Trust Visit
Last week I visited the Te Kotahitange e Mahi Kaha Trust in Northland to hear about the work they are doing to get people into work. I also met with key Work and Income Integrated Service’s including Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services Limited and Far North District Council Deputy Mayor Kelly Stratford, alongside local MP Grant McCallum. It is essential that I stay connected to providers across the country to stay tuned with the work they are doing in their communities. Q+A Interview
Jack Tame gave me the opportunity to share our message about the Ministry of Social Development with New Zealanders on Q+A recently. You can watch the interview here. The fourth estate is critical to scrutinising the actions of a democratically elected Government on behalf of citizens. The closure of Newshub will be a loss to New Zealand. Electorate NewsTaupō Friendly Forum ApologiesI apologise to those who planned to come to the Friendly Forum in Taupō. I had to cancel the event due to illness. I invite you to join my Facebook Live chat (details below). Youth Advisory Board Date ChangeIf you, or someone you know, would like to be involved in the Youth Advisory Board on 7 June (note the change of date) this year, please email Jane Matthews at [email protected] for further information. Cambridge Future Transport PlanWaipa District Council is currently consulting on its Cambridge Connections future transport plan. You can find out about it and make submissions here. Takapoto ClassicI enjoyed a relaxing day/afternoon at the Takapoto Classic watching world-class show jumping. The owners have planted nearly a million natives on their stunning Karāpiro lakeside property. They offer free weekday admission to the Classic, so it's worth putting in your diary for next year.
New BusinessesIt's great to see new businesses opening in Cambridge and new owners taking existing businesses forward. The Cambridge Distillery Company, the Kabayan Asian Store (with a focus on food from the Philippines) and Fill Good are some I have visited recently. IronmanI am disappointed I wasn't able to attend the ANZCO Foods IRONMAN NZ this year. Thanks to all the volunteers who make it possible. Upcoming Engagement OpportunitiesFriendly ForumsCambridge: Friday 22 March from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Cambridge Bowling Club, 37 Thornton Road, Cambridge. Note the change in location. South Waikato: Friday 22 March from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., The Plaza, 50 Kensington Street, Putāruru. 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 March 8 p.m. Electorate AssistancePhone 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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