It's been a very busy couple of weeks

Dear John,

When I last wrote to you we had just ticked over 100 days of the new government (with all 49 actions completed) and I've had a few people say to me "oh well, you can take a break now." A wee vignette to disprove that. I was fortunate to spend much of last week in Switzerland and then London on Ministerial business, attending a meeting of the World Anti-Doping Agency (NZ is on the Executive this year) and doing infrastructure-related meetings and visits. I spent most of the flight(s) home doing what's called my "weekend bag", essentially all of my reading and briefings that I have to digest, process and sign over each weekend. Despite the long haul home I didn't get through it all. Yep, its busy alright!

Two big announcements from me this week in my Ministerial roles. First, on Monday alongside the PM I announced that we had directed Kainga Ora ([link removed]) to end their "Sustaining Tenancies" policy, which basically means you can never get kicked out of a state house. Sadly, there's been a big increase in Kainga Ora tenants causing mayhem in communities up and down New Zealand in recent years, breaching their obligations to be good tenants and good neighbours. We're bringing back consequences for poor behaviour. The state will always be there for those who need support, but with 25,000 families on the waitlist for a state house, those who engage in persistent and wilful anti-social behaviour shouldn't expect any sympathy. I spoke in the House about this on Wednesday afternoon.

Second, yesterday morning I outlined the core elements of our agenda in housing ([link removed]) , at the Residential Property Summit in Auckland. Our five interlocking actions include the following:
* First, our Going for Housing Growth policy to smash urban limits holding our cities back, fix infrastructure funding and financing, and introduce incentives to encourage cities and regions to go for growth.
* Second, improvements to the rental market to make it easier to be a landlord, and easier to be a tenant.
* Third, building and construction changes to improve competition and lower building costs.
* Fourth, better social housing to better look after those who need support.
* Fifth, fundamental reform of the Resource Management Act 1991.

This morning I also outlined our plans around the Resource Management Act ([link removed]) to the Planners Institute in Hamilton (over Zoom, sadly). The simple truth is that it's too difficult to get things done in New Zealand and our changes to the RMA will make it easier to build infrastructure and renewable energy, let farmers farm, and allow us to take advantage of our extraordinary natural resources.

So it's been a big week - I started yesterday in Wellington for my weekly slot on Breakfast TV, flew to Auckland, then to Christchurch and finally finished in Wellington again!

Alongside my work in Parliament (and overseas) I've been out and about in the Hutt, including a very successful morning tea in Maungaraki a couple of weeks ago. I really enjoy these encounters where I get to catch up informally with people to hear comments and concerns important to you in and around the community. It helps me to be a better Member of Parliament for the Hutt... and the sausage rolls aren't bad either. Let me know if you'd like to be on the list for invites in the future. And a couple of Fridays ago Mark Mitchell (Minister of Corrections & Police) joined me at the Naenae Boxing Academy, a wonderful Hutt institution, to hear their story.

I'm looking forward to being out and about in the Hutt a lot in the next Parliamentary recess. If you'd like to see me about anything, please contact either of my offices.

Chris

P.S I'm playing in the Parliamentary Cricket Team on Sunday against the Media XI if you're keen to watch - 12pm first ball at Karori Park.
Maugaraki Morning Tea

Thanks for the great questions and comments!
Visiting Naenae Boxing Academy with Hon Mark Mitchell

Quote of the day for me: "even if I've had a bad day, I come here and I leave feeling better". A wonderful place.
In the House
Speaking on the first reading of our Fast Track Approvals Bill
Congrats Rachin!
The Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the NZ Cricket Awards - the youngest ever!
Headline says it all!
Kainga Ora Housing & Communities has been instructed to take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants and making it easier to be evicted.
When Daddy's in the paper...
Property Council Speech
Disposable Vapes Ban!
Plus, we're introducing whopping fines to retailers for selling to minors.
Meeting UK Secretary Of State Michael Gove

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A real hero of mine, across multiple portfolios. A pleasure to meet him and discuss housing policy.
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