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.
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:
See you in our community
soon!
Dan Bidois MP for Northcote
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