Not our first rodeo 

It’s been a year since party leader Winston Peters donned his cowboy hat, and showed New Zealand during the election campaign that “this is not our first rodeo”. And this rings just as true a year on.

When we hear all the noise about capital gains tax and raising the retirement age, it’s important that New Zealand remains focused on rebuilding our economy as we once did when we were a world leader.

As our party leader stated on an interview with Jamie Mackay earlier in the week, we need to get our priorities right. We need to get out there and expand the growth of New Zealand’s GDP to get back to being the export wealth creating nation we once were.

New Zealand First will always champion the rights of New Zealanders first, and we have the record to prove it.

Winston caught up with Jamie Mackay this week on The Country.

Prince of the Provinces

Celebrating a special milestone this week, the ‘Matua of Mining’ received a very personalised gift from the gold card champion himself, Winston Peters.

Alongside the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Shane Jones spoke on behalf of the Government at the tangi of Kingi Tuhetia in Ngāruawāhia this week. The King’s daughter, Nga Wai Hono i te po Paki has been coronated as his successor.

Back to the regions

Mark Patterson and Jamie Arbuckle spent a few days on the spectacular West Coast this week, visiting local projects and connecting with community groups and businesses to discuss the successes and challenges of the area. Their visits included a sneak peek at the Pounamu Pathway tourist attraction about to open at Punakaiki; a clear highlight for our resident wool ambassador as he investigated their new wool carpets.

Casey Costello had the pleasure of spending time with more of the dedicated teams working in the aged care sector; CHT Hayman Care Home in Wiri, and Metlifecare’s new care home about to open in Beachlands. And Andy Foster was down at the local recently sampling their “Wellington on a Plate” burger during the annual festivities.

Jenny Marcroft was back into the regional media space, this time catching up with the team at Star Media in Canterbury. And Jamie Arbuckle met with the Hauraki Gulf Forum team to discuss issues around the local environment and aquaculture, in addition to his West Coast tour with fellow MP Mark Patterson.

Tanya joined Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters in welcoming the Croatian Ambassador to New Zealand, before speaking at the Australia and New Zealand Croatian Women in Leadership Conference over the weekend.