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John --
Supporting local at the Harbour Street Collective Cafe in Oamaru GETTING BACK TO IT… After so many weeks at home I am revelling in getting out, meeting with constituents locally and resuming my weekly commute to Wellington. And I must say what an interesting return to parliament it has been I would like to congratulate our new leader Todd Muller. There is a renewed energy and invigoration which naturally comes with change, and I am eager and excited to move past this leadership process get on with campaigning in the months to come. I want to acknowledge and thank outgoing Leader and Deputy Leader Simon Bridges and Paula Bennett. Simon and Paula have done great things for the National Party over the past few years and we are all grateful for their hard work. Our country has just waged war on a pandemic, and now the real fight is to come, rebuilding our country and economy and I have no doubt the National party is the only team who can capably and responsibly get us through this crisis.
In my Wellington office attending a virtual Environment Select Committee meeting by Zoom and replying to constituent emails. KEEPING ON WITH CONSERVATION... I am thrilled to have kept my Conservation portfolio during the recent reshuffle. I remain passionate about this sector and especially the need for Conservation, Agriculture and Environment Ministers to work hand in hand for the greatest outcome in this area. I was pleased to travel to the Hawkes Bay last week as a collaborative approach with other National MPs to meet with drought-stricken farmers in the area.
In Hawkes Bay last Friday with MPs Lawrence Yule, David Bennett, Ian McKelvie and David Carter meeting with drought stricken farmers and offering our support. OPENING THE TRANS-TASMAN BUBBLE I have been vocal over the past weeks about the Government opening our boarder to Australia. Our countries economy has been decimated by Covid 19 and the Governments move to put the country in lockdown. While it appears, they have successfully beaten the pandemic, the economic fall-out to come is very real and potentially catastrophic. Welcoming Australian tourists now is essential for the entire Waitaki District and would be a lifeline for the McKenzie who are desperate for the $35 million dollars Australian visitors alone brought into the region last year. You can read my article about this on the Timaru herald here:
I really like this logo by the Twizel Promotions, promoting local tourism and supporting local businesses. AG MATTERS On June 1 Dairy farmers around the country moved houses and herds ahead of the coming milking season, as usual simply getting on with the job ahead despite difficulties due to a global pandemic. The Primary Sector will be relied on more than ever as we dive deeper into this economic downturn, so spare a thought for these essential workers who are now facing further immigration issues with staff and tougher regulations through the Governments new Freshwater policies. You can be confident I will remain across these issues and the problems they present to businesses throughout our region. NZ SPUDS ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR News of a potential influx of heavily subsidised frozen potato fries heading this way from Europe has me concerned for local farmers who work hard to produce quality potatoes for families across the country and who’ve been part of a wider industry that has and will continue to help our country weather the financial storm we now find ourselves in. I have asked the Commerce Minister if he will enact anti-dumping legislation on overseas frozen fries in order to protect New Zealand potato growers, and if not why not? I look forward to his response. I have also met with Potatoes NZ and will continue to keep a close eye on how this situation unfolds. QUEENS BIRTHDAY HONOURS Congratulations to all of those throughout the Waitaki electorate who were awarded Queens Birthday honours. From Emergency services, to Aviation Experts, Leaders in sport, farming, Real Estate, poetry, and everything in between. I am overwhelmed by the sheer amount of talent and dedication in this stunning part of the country that I am so glad to call home. Facebook live TONIGHT I am live on Facebook tonight with Annabel Berry, owner of Design Federation in Oamaru and founder of the Oamaru Business Collective. Tune in to my Facebook page live at 7pm tonight to hear from Annabel.
I hope your life is slowly returning to normal and that we will be in Level 1 soon. An important reminder to shop local and to support local and small businesses. Domestic tourism is key to our recovery following COVID-19 so please get out and explore your own backyard!
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