Dear John,
When I talk to people about the year that's about to end, the most common response I tend to get is that it's been "hard". I'd agree with that - personally I have really found things difficult at times, for obvious personal reasons, and the country is not doing well economically. This week's numbers make for sobering reading - we're in a recession, the government books are not in great shape, and for much of the last few years we've had very high levels of inflation. I know a lot of businesses and families are struggling and for some, Christmas will be tough.
Hope is on the horizon. Inflation is now down to 2.2 per cent, the Reserve Bank is lowering interest rates meaning cheaper mortgages, economic growth is forecast to pick up next year, and most businesses and households think things will get better. Most importantly, the government has a plan to rebuild the economy. That's why the Fast Track legislation we passed this week is so critical. A lot of my time this year has been spent on this law, which is designed to be a one stop shop for all of the consents and permits required for regional and national projects. This week it passed its third reading in Parliament and into law.
The simple truth is that it's too hard to get things done in NZ - and Fast Track is all about cutting through the red and green tape that makes it hard to build renewable energy, quarries, mines, roads, rail, housing, aquaculture, etc. The legislation has been controversial with some but we've improved it on the way through the Parliamentary process, it builds on what even the last Labour government did, and at the end of the day, we simply have to go for economic growth. The only way out of the economic mess we're in is growth - and that's what Fast Track is all about.
The last couple of weeks: It was a busy end to the Parliamentary year - in addition to Fast Track, we announced that greyhound racing will be banned from 2026, the Three Strikes regime is back, we made further progress on fixing water infrastructure, we've introduced legislation to establish regulations for offshore wind and for gene editing, and we've established a regime to make it easier for renters to have pets. And there's lots more I've almost certainly missed!
Local News: The most exciting local news of the last couple of weeks is that funding has now been confirmed for new school buildings for Hutt Valley High! Erica Stanford and I visited last week to announce the construction of their long-awaited new teaching block. The construction of the new two-storey building is expected to begin in April 2025.
It's been great getting out and about the Hutt over the last couple of weeks, including visits to Boulcott School, my regular stall at the Riverbank markets, and the Hutt Central School twilight gala.
Thank you: Finally for the newsletter this week, a big thank you for reading this year. I really enjoy writing this every couple of weeks - and if you have any feedback for what should (or shouldn't!) be in it, then please drop me a line.
I'm looking forward to a break over summer after a very big year, and spending some quality time with Jenna, Jeremy and Matilda. If you see us around the Hutt, then please say hello - we're here all summer.
Both my Hutt and Wainuiomata offices will be closed from today until Wednesday January 8, when both Dawn and Robyn will be back in action and ready and able to assist you if you need a hand with anything.
Have a great Christmas and very happy new year.
Chris
P.S If you're around Queensgate tomorrow, then please call by Hutt City Rotary's "Tree of Joy". A lovely way to spread a bit of Christmas cheer this year - just take a tag and come back to the tree with a present appropriate for the age/gender on the tag. Local Rotarians and charity partners will ensure the present gets to someone who needs it this Christmas. I'll be there from 1 - 3pm.
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Congratulating the White Ferns
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A few treats for the press gallery after a big year at Parliament
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The world champion White Ferns dropped into the PM's 9th Floor office on Wednesday.
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A Great Innings For Southee
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A tough series for NZ against England but what a great way for a great warrior for NZ cricket to go out. Thanks for all the memories Tim, you’ve been amazing. From the sixes on debut (and throughout your career), the 7 fer at the Stadium in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, that beautiful outswing, the nip-backer, the partnership with Boult, it’s been incredible.
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Date night with Jenna at the Eastbourne Sports and Services Club last weekend. Delicious food from ESSC Eats.
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I was down at the Riverbank markets for my final catch up of the year last Saturday. Come down to see me for a chat next year!
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Paw-sitive Confidence For Home Owners
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Last Thursday in the House we passed paw-sitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act. These changes will give landlords confidence to re-enter the market and tenants more ability to secure a rental home including for their beloved pet. Pets are important members of many Kiwi families, so we are excited to encourage more landlords to allow pets in their rental homes through pet bonds.
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That moment you learn you’re banning greyhound racing in New Zealand!
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New Teaching Block For HVHS In 2025
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New buildings for Hutt Valley High! Erica Stanford and I visited Hutt High to announce the construction of their long-awaited new teaching block. The construction of their new two-storey building is expected to begin in April 2025. This is exciting progress for the school, and it was great to talk to staff and students who will get to use these new specialist teaching spaces for music, dance, drama, and food technology, as well as two general purpose classrooms. Thanks so much to Pratha, Alex, Jacob, and Sawn for the epic school tour.
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Thank you to Vanguard in Avalon for the tour recently. Vanguard are a family owned company and are a nationwide supplier of safety solutions for civil construction, building, road safety, carparks and workplaces.
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Loved my visit to NZ Riding for the Disabled in Wellington recently. In 2023, Riding for the Disabled provided over 48,000 horse-riding and horse-related opportunities throughout Aotearoa. These opportunities increase the ability, strength and confidence of people experiencing disabilities. A fantastic charity!
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In the comm box at the Basin with Smithy at the Basin test. Living out a childhood dream... if you heard me, I welcome feedback!
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Year 4 Class At Boulcott School
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A while ago Petra at Boulcott School wrote to me asking if the footpath on the Waione bridge could be made larger. She had been biking over the bridge and had clipped a fisherman as she was biking, as there isn’t a lot of space.
I love it when young people like Petra show an interest in improving our community so I wrote to the Mayor with her suggestion.
A couple of weeks ago I stopped into Boulcott to visit Petra’s class and personally present her with a copy of my letter back to her. It was great to meet her and answer questions from her and the other students in her class. Thanks for having me, and for the lovely card and present!
(In case you are wondering about the answer - there are no immediate plans to widen the footpath. However, when the Cross Valley Link project gets underway, which will provide further capacity across the river, there will be the opportunity for better walking and cycling connections).
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Few things I like more than a cheeky sausage at a school gala.
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