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Dear John In this issue:
In the HouseIn the House It's been a quiet July in the House as Parliament has been in recess for three weeks. However, we have still been working hard to achieve everything in our work programme and continue to do so at pace. Our successful Government Action Plan for quarter two shows the Government has continued to build on the momentum of its first 100 days. The Q2 plan was laser-focused on rebuilding the economy and reducing the cost of living, restoring law and order, and delivering better public services. We achieved 35 of 36 actions listed in the plan, with the remaining target well on the way to delivery. July marked the beginning of Quarter 3 and with it, the launch of our new Q3 plan. The 40 actions in the Q3 plan span the Government’s core priorities to rebuild the economy and deliver better public services and infrastructure, but a significant focus is on restoring law and order. We are committed to delivering for New Zealanders which has been demonstrated by the success of the 100-Day Plan and Q2 Action Plan. Kiwis expect us to continue the momentum and we are determined to do so. Minister's NewsMinisterial visits During the recess, I have been meeting officials and stakeholders and visiting sites to understand the issues Kiwis are facing on the ground. This helps inform my work across my Ministerial portfolios. Highlights include:
Last Friday, I was grateful to be hosted in Christchurch by Banks Peninsula MP, Vanessa Weenick. We were later joined by Ilam MP, Hamish Campbell. Highlights include:
Easter Trading ACT MP Cameron Luxton has had his Repeal of Good Friday and Easter Sunday as Restricted Trading Days (Shop Trading and Sale of Alcohol) Amendment Bill pulled out of the ballot box and I will need to make a conscience vote on it shortly. Currently, most shops are unable to open lawfully on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The bill proposes allowing shops to open on Easter Friday and Easter Sunday if they want to. Workers’ existing rights to decline rostered hours on Easter Sunday will be extended to Good Friday. This is a conscience vote and individual MPs must decide how they will vote rather than voting with the party. I have been canvassing some of my constituents on this, including the Youth Advisory Board I held for students across the electorate recently. To find out more about the bill, click the link above. Please let me know what you think about it. Contact details are below. 4000 More Jobseekers to Get Case Managers This month, I announced a new over-the-phone employment case management service that will see thousands more jobseekers under the age of 25 supported to find work. We are doing this because it is important our welfare system responds to the current economic climate by engaging directly with as many job seekers as possible. Getting young job seekers back to work is critical for their future. Our government has set an ambitious target: to reduce the number of people on Jobseeker Support by 50,000 in the next six years, and this is one of the suite of measures we have taken to achieve this. The work in the employment and jobseeker space will continue throughout the third quarter as we support people off welfare and into work. Paris 2024 Paralympic GamesI wish
the Paralympians heading to the 17th Summer Paralympic Games
(or Jeux paralympiques d'été de 2024) in Paris all the
best of luck!
What a
fabulous opportunity for our athletes to compete on the world
stage!
Electorate NewsTaupō Winter FestivalOnce again it was great to see the range of activities organised for the Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupō Winter Festival – from harakeke weaving and wearable art to live music, delicious food, light shows, ice skating, treasure hunts . . . there is always so much to choose from and it's a boon for parents that it coincides with the school holidays. Congratulations to Nicola de Lautour and the team who once again pulled off a great festival.
Thoroughbred Racing CambridgeNew Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has relocated its head office from Petone to the former police station in Dick Street, Cambridge. NZTR employs 45 staff. This move is hugely significant for NZTR and the Thoroughbred Racing industry, bringing NZTR closer to the breeding and racing action in the central North Island. Taupō Hospital
It was lovely to catch up with the team at Taupō Hospital recently. We are working towards getting more rural doctors by opening a new medical school at Waikato University. Tokoroa HospitalI visited Tokoroa Hospital and saw the positive changes they are making on campus. Staff updated me with their concerns and issues. Cambridge Clock Tower The restored Cambridge Clock Tower, complete with the Westminster chimes, is again making her presence known in the main street. It's lovely to have her back! Clinics It was nice to meet some of you at recent clinics held across the electorate. My next engagement opportunities are at Friendly Forums and my regular Facebook Live. Upcoming Engagement OpportunitiesFriendly ForumsCambridge: Friday 23 August, 10:00–11:30am Talyor Made Community Space, 22A Taylor Street, Cambridge South Waikato: Friday 23 August, 2:00–3:30pm South Waikato Sports and Events Centre, 25 Mossop Road, Tokoroa Taupō: Friday 13 September, 10:00–11:30am Lake Taupō Rotary Club, 12 Story Place, Taupō Please RSVP to your local office (details below). 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 13 August 8 p.m. See this month's Facebook Live here. Electorate AssistancePhone 07 8275572 or email [email protected] Phone 07 8865554 or email [email protected] Phone 07 3765563 or email [email protected] Kind regards Louise Upston Funded by Parliamentary Service |
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