Hi John, 

In this update:

• The lockdown and Covid Level 2
• What's coming up
• Invite Tim to speak

Can you help? I'm keen to connect with as many people as I can. If you'd like to help or support my campaign, even just for an hour or two, I'd love to hear from you via this quick link.

Level 2

It's been fantastic to be back out and about in our community the last week. We have had a remarkable couple of months; certainly a time we hope will never be repeated. We have survived the health crisis, but the impact of Covid-19 is far from over. While we are fortunate to not have many families in our community grieving the loss of a loved one, we nonetheless have many who are feeling the impact of Covid-19 in a very real way.

I've spent the last two months on the phone, calling as many people as I can, particularly over 60s. I've been lucky enough to speak to hundreds, if not thousands of you via phone, email and zoom calls. I've loved the chance to meet with Rotary Clubs, schools, medical centres, youth support, Iwi, Mayors, Councillors, RSAs, business owners, mums and dads and a whole lot of other Kiwis in our region during this time, albeit not in person. Thank you for taking my calls, sharing your stories with me, and inviting me to meet with your virtual groups. You can see some of the interviews with our great locals (and a couple of others like Sir John Key) here.

Level 2 - What does it mean?

There is lots of information online. Aside from the terrible selfies this month (because I'm not allowed to give anyone else my phone and we have to stay 1m apart) and the excitement of getting a haircut, it feels like there is new guidance for us every day. The best place for information is the MBIE website. National will still be holding events in the lead up to the election, being very careful to follow all the public health rules, but we also want to ensure people have the chance to understand what National is standing for this election, and you need the chance to get to know me better.

The best thing we can do right now is shop local and support local. Every time we support a local cafe, store, contractor, any kind of business, we are helping to save jobs and in turn support the families that live around us. And for those who can afford to, plan a day trip or a weekend away around NZ, and let's get out and see our beautiful country while we can. We have many great places to start locally, from Kāpiti Island to Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom in Foxton, and many in between.

What's coming up

I won't be door-knocking straight away, until everyone has settled in to life in level 2. But I am out visiting businesses and other community groups. If you'd like me to visit yours, please just message me. I have a few MPs joining me in the area over the next few months, and some events for my volunteers and supporters. This includes Paula Bennett, Todd Muller, Mark Mitchell, Judith Collins, Erica Stanford, Chris Penk and more. If you want to be part of the team helping me in the lead up to the election this year, I'd love to hear from you. Just fill in this form or email us here.

Invite Tim to speak?

Many of you have been following my leadership series online during level 3. This began with a few invites to come and share some of the lessons I've learned in the Air Force with schools and businesses who asked me to speak to their team. Due to lockdown, this had to go online. I've got a few bookings to speak to groups in Level 2, and I'm more than happy to speak to your school, club, organisation or business. Just email me to make a time. 

Thanks again for the support over the last two months, and I hope to see you out and about over the next few weeks. 

Tim Costley
https://timcostley.national.org.nz/