Dear John --

Recently I was pleased to announce three new Chiefs of Service for New Zealand’s Defence Forces.

They are Commodore Garin Golding, Brigadier Rose King and Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb as the chiefs of the Navy, Army and Air Force respectively.

As experienced, highly educated and accomplished leaders they will bring a wealth of experience, strategic insight and proven dedication to serving our country in their new roles to which they were appointed from 27 August for a term of three years.

Commodore Golding will be promoted to Rear Admiral and Brigadier King will be promoted to Major General. Air Vice-Marshal Webb was made Chief of Air Force last year and will retain his rank.

The NZDF leadership change is completed by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies’ appointments of Commodore Mat Williams as Vice Chief of Defence Force and Brigadier Rob Krushka as Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.

The Government is committed to ensuring the NZDF is well-led and well-prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex global security environment. These new Defence chiefs will contribute hugely to strengthening New Zealand’s security and contributing to global peace and stability.

Mill Road is one of the Seven

I am sure that many of you were among the Kiwis who rejected non-delivery, phantom projects, slower speed limits, and the infestation of speed bumps by electing our Coalition Government last year.

This month we have committed to delivering a record investment of $32.9 billion into projects that reduce travel times, improve public transport and maintain our roading network to a high standard.

Funding has increased by 35 per cent compared to the previous three years, including a record $6.4 billion in public transport services and infrastructure.

It is very exciting to see that Mill Road is one of the projects that will be funded for work to start in the next three years because it is a Road of National Significance. I have been working for this for quite some time as you know and I am sure that many of you are very happy with this announcement by Hon Simeon Brown Minister of Transport last week.

The announcement specifies that the Mill Road Project will be progressing early construction opportunities within the next three years and securing new designations and consents.

Also, in the Papakura Electorate I am pleased to see that the other upgrades for near Drury particularly the completion of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project to deliver an extra lane in each direction, are also at the top of the list.
As well, for many constituents in the eastern part of the Electorate, work on the East-West link has been prioritised to begin with funds allocated.
Work will also progress on four major public transport projects with the Eastern Busway very much underway and on track for completion as soon as possible.

Across New Zealand resealing and rehabilitation works are projected for 393 kilometres of state highway which will mean fixing roads so that potholes are a thing of the past.

Scam Alerts

Unfortunately, Facebook, Email and other platforms are being used to support scams involving the alleged support of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister and their endorsement of investment in a fund backed by an offshore fund Capital-Ins.

This is a complete scam and you should report it to the Police if you have seen it or been taken in by it.

here is another email scam involving Police which claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer and that explicit illegal material has been found.

The recipient is directed to reply within 72 hours or a warrant will be issued for their arrest and or a fine will be immediately payable.

Note that Police and other government agencies will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank details.

Anyone who received this email can either forward the spam email to the Department of Internal Affairs directly at [email protected] or use their online reporting portal: www.reportspam.co.nz...

Information on other scams currently operating can be found on the Consumer Protection NZ website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz...

In memoriam, Kīngi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII
I offer my sincere condolences and thoughts to the family of Kīngi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the Māori king who died at the end of August. He had hosted our Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and many others at Turangawaewae and we were saddened to hear of his death the following week. We acknowledge his leadership and the legacy of unity he has left our nation.

With the Prime Minister, we welcome the Kingi’s successor the Upoko Ariki, Ngawai hono i te po, who carries on the legacy of her father.

With sincere good wishes,
Judith