Dear John,
Two years ago today I was elected to serve as your representative in Parliament. Since then I’ve spoken out on things like free speech, the importance of small businesses to our economy, cost of living, public transport and congestion, holding local government to account and environmental degradation, to name a few.
This is such a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family. We have beautiful beaches, incredible views, wonderful native bush, great schools, successful businesses, and a proud community spirit. It’s a real privilege to represent you, and our community, in Parliament. Thanks for your support.
Prior to COVID-19, our community faced significant challenges with transport, housing and the environment. As we return to a normal state under Alert Level 1, these challenges will return to the fore so I will be continuing my advocacy on these issues.
However, we face an even greater challenge as the economic impact of COVID-19 is felt in a real way by many thousands in our community. Local businesses will close or cut staff - especially after the wage subsidy ends later this month. News of The Warehouse in Birkenhead closing confirms this, but it’s the layoffs from small businesses that don’t make the headlines which should concern us all.
As a former butcher, economist and business executive, I know the importance of our local businesses and the contribution they make to our community and economy. We need to support these businesses as they rebuild and recover.
With vision, a credible plan and an experienced team I believe we can recover strongly from COVID-19. That is why I joined the National Party. I believe only National has the right team of MPs with real world business experience, led by Todd Muller, our new Leader. We’ll be announcing further details about our economic recovery plan over the next month, so watch this space.
Transport
Locals consistently tell me that poor public transport and congestion are significant bugbears for them. That’s why it’s been my number one priority as your local MP. We’ve made some progress over the past 2 years, but much more needs to be done. Here’s a few updates below on some critical projects for our community.
Northcote Point Ferry: AT had planned to have the wharf re-open by mid-2020. The latest news is that AT is behind due to COVID-19 and issues obtaining resource consents. I’m fed up with how long this project has taken and I know many in our community will be too. AT needs to step up and demonstrate that they are committed to providing more public transport options in our community instead of talking a big game and failing to deliver.
Onewa Rd Clearway Trial: AT had planned to consult over a trial of a permanent clearway before lockdown. This was a big win for us as it was the first time AT committed to a tangible action on the matter. So far they have failed to deliver on this, and I’ll be following up with them. I will not back down on getting AT to deliver for our community.
Birkenhead Ave: Previously, AT put out a proposal to establish a T3 Lane on Birkenhead Ave. I thought that was a ridiculous idea, as did over 1,000 locals who signed a petition calling for AT to scrap the idea. The good news is that AT decided not to proceed with this idea and will instead focus on improving the corner of Birkenhead Ave and Onewa Rd.
Northern Pathway: Community goodwill with NZTA diminished recently as they attempted to push ahead with consultation over the Northern Pathway during lockdown.Click here to read an article with more information <[link removed]>.
Small Business
Small businesses will need to play a lead role in New Zealand’s economic recovery. Small businesses make up 97% of all enterprises in our country and collectively employ more than 29% of our workforce. Right now we need policies that encourage people to set up businesses and take on new staff.
That’s why National announced JobStart, which would provide $10,000 to businesses for each additional person they take on. This will create up to 50,000 new jobs. We have offered to work with the Government to bring this policy forward.
Along with JobStart, we have already announced a range a specific policies to help business, including a GST refund, allowing depreciation on fixed assets to be written off in one year, and expanding 90 day trials to businesses with more than 20 employees.
In my role as National’s Workplace Relations and Safety Spokesperson, I’m always keen to receive feedback or policy ideas to consider. Get in touch if you have any bright ideas to help our economy grow and prosper.
I Need Your Help
This time next month we will be in full campaign mode here in the Northcote electorate. It’s been a privilege to serve you and I wish to continue to do so in the future. I see so much potential for our community and our nation and I believe National is the best party to help us achieve our collective aspirations as a people.
I need your help to lift our party vote and to ensure my re-election as your local MP. Here’s a few ways you can help in the next few months:
<[link removed]>Contribute $20 <[link removed]>
<[link removed]>Volunteer <[link removed]>
<[link removed]>Host a sign on your fence <[link removed]>
See you in our community soon!
Dan Bidois
MP for Northcote
<[link removed]>
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Northcote - New Zealand
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