A quick update from me

Dear John,

It's been a while since I've written - sorry about that! Matilda Grace Raeburn Bishop was born on Friday 25 October, and it's been all go in our house since then! My focus has been on family time, although in the last couple of weeks I've started easing back into it - Nicola Willis was away this week, so I was the Acting Minister of Finance (and I managed to get a line away about some bizarre criticism ([link removed]) from some economists, three of whom used to work for Grant Robertson!)

Thank you to everyone who has emailed and texted and left messages regarding the wonderful new addition to our lives - it means a lot. We've had a lot of presents dropped into the Hutt office or sent to Parliament - thank you so much. Mum and Matilda are both doing really well and Jeremy is a doting and kind big brother.

The focus on family has meant I've missed quite a bit of the action at Parliament in the last few weeks, including the first reading of David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill last week and the big hikoi on Tuesday this week. It was quite extraordinary watching the scenes in the House last week - images and video that went all around the world, creating a lot of publicity for little old New Zealand - although I'm not sure it was necessarily positive.

I've had quite a few emails from people about the Treaty Principles Bill - both for and against. National agreed to introduce the Bill and send it to a select committee during coalition negotiations with ACT. We're opposed to the Bill itself, but MMP requires compromises. It's worth bearing in mind that back in 2005 Helen Clark's Labour government agreed with NZ First to send a Bill to select committee that deleted ALL references to the principles of the Treaty entirely - which is a far more radical thing to do. That was also a result of a coalition discussion. So, that's MMP and that's the reality of our electoral system.

Our view is that we can make much more practical action on some of the issues the Principles Bill tries to address by actually getting on and addressing those issues. The Bill itself just seeks to redefine the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi - but the practical effect of that is either incredibly uncertain, or nil. Neither is good. Instead, in the last year we have abolished the separate Maori Health Authority, ended preferential treatment on health waitlists on the ground of race, ended co-governance in 3 Waters, set up a process for democratic oversight over the establishment of Maori wards on councils, and much more. That's real action - and all those things were done for good reason too

The reality is that for many decades New Zealand has grappled with how to deal with the Treaty. While we don’t always agree, successive National Governments have worked well with Māori on Treaty issues while ensuring equal citizenship and equal opportunity for all New Zealanders.

The challenges of the Treaty are complex and it is not realistic to suggest that 184 years of debate would be settled once and for all with the stroke of a pen. It’s too blunt and simplistic, and risks stoking grievance and driving division. Ultimately National’s focus and motivation is to improve outcomes for Māori and non-Māori, by rebuilding the economy, restoring law and order, and delivering better public services. The Bill doesn't do that.

Nearly one year in government: Speaking of one year in government, we're coming up to the anniversary next week on the 27th. It's been an incredibly busy year for me, around the Hutt and in Parliament and the Beehive. I'm proud of the work we've done so far in housing, infrastructure and RMA Reform and we're just getting started! I know it's hard for many people out there right now - although inflation is finally down, interest rates are still high and the economy is still not doing well. Hopefully the Reserve Bank cuts the OCR again next week. Our big task in 2025 is to get growth back into the arteries of the economy and our work in resource consenting and infrastructure is a big part of that agenda.

Speaking of infrastructure - it was good to see the confirmation from NZTA of their preferred options for a second Mt Vic tunnel and SH1 improvements. ([link removed]) The option endorsed by the NZTA Board includes a second Mt Victoria Tunnel that will run parallel to the existing tunnel, a duplicate Terrace Tunnel, and upgrades to the Basin Reserve that will reduce travel times and improve reliability for commuters on the North-South bus corridor. The debate over the so-called "Long Tunnel" is now over. It's too expensive. The project will be consented as a single corridor, with the project delivered in stages.

Vale Nicholas Boyack: I was very sorry this week to learn about the passing of local Hutt journo Nicholas Boyack. ([link removed]) Nicholas was the local Hutt News (and wider Fairfax/Stuff publications) journalist for over three decades and an old school reporter. Frankly we could do with more like him! We got to know each other well over the years. I didn't always agree with what he wrote, but life would be boring if I did, I guess. Like me he was a great lover of sport and history. Most importantly he loved the Hutt Valley. My sincere condolences to Louise and his family.

Around the Hutt: Most of the last few weeks have been spent at home, but I really enjoyed the Hutt Chamber of Commerce Wellington Business Excellence Awards last Friday night at the events centre - congrats to all the award winners and nominees! It's always an incredible night and once again I was blown away by the incredible Hutt businesses honoured. You can see some of the other things I've been up to below.

Have a great weekend. Go the All Blacks against Italy. What do you reckon of their first year under Scott Robertson?

Chris

P.S Special congrats to Michael Beel and Chinney Yeap of Salute Hair Skin Spa who won big at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards ([link removed]) ! Chinney won NZ Hairdresser of the Year and Michael won Editorial Stylist of the Year.
Business Excellence Awards
Brilliant night on Friday at the Hutt Chamber Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards. Congrats to all nominees and award winners. Pictured here with Dan and Rhiannon from Jarvis Plumbing who took home the Construction, Trades and Infrastructure Award as well as the People’s Choice award.
GURU NANAK BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Since 2017 I have enjoyed attending the annual commemoration of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, held at the cenotaph just down from Parliament. Last week this was hosted by Ekta, Wellington Sikh Sangat, and the Wellington Punjabi Sports and Cultural Club. I always enjoy serving langar alongside members of the community.
PORT ROAD DRAGS
Fired the gun on the first race in the Port Road Drags a couple of weekends ago! An awesome event and a lot of fun.
WELL DONE THE BLACK CAPS
The PM and I wrote to the Black Caps to congratulate them on beating India 3-0 in India. An incredible achievement.
GOOD NEWS!
Great news - and before you ask, watch this space on Featherston to Masterton!
NEW MACCAS PLAYGROUND
Jeremy was first in the new Maccas Playground at the central Hutt store - check it out, it's great for kids. Well done to Chris and Liz Boon. The new redeveloped store isn't far away.
TRADELANDS OPENING

Enjoyed cutting the ribbon on the new and upgraded Tradelands store in Petone on Friday! Formerly know as Colorex, Tradelands specialises in equipment and consumables for the scaffolding, decorating, engineering, civil and construction industries. Congrats to Vern and team.
GOOD NEWS PART TWO
HAPPY DIWALI
At the Diwali Celebrations in Wellington earlier this month with Melissa Lee.
REGULAR LADYHAWKE PHOTO
Had a request for a Ladyhawke photo 🙂 This is from Pucci, Daycare for Dogs, where she is a regular customer!

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