Dear John,

It's fair to say it wasn't my plan to spend much of King's Birthday Weekend in the media for reasons unrelated to my portfolio responsibilities or the Hutt Valley.... but that's what happened last weekend ([link removed]) after the New Zealand Music Awards.

The short story is that at the end of Stan Walker's performance at the awards, I said (loudly, to be fair), "performative acclaim.. what a load of crap" and was overheard by Don McGlashan (who said "shut up, dickhead), and also by some creeps behind me who were filming the whole thing (a bit strange). Cue outrage and accusations of racism and being anti-Maori, etc.

Just for the record - I was reacting to the overtly political nature of the performance. As the song came to an end the audience jumped to their feet and large "Toitu te Tiriti" banners were being unfurled all over the place. I wasn't impressed and said so. Probably not the right time or place, sure, but is it really the crime of the century? I'm a politician, I had a reaction to a political display.... so what?

The media have asked me to apologise ([link removed]) but I won't be doing that. It would be disingenuous and apologies in which people say "sorry if you were offended" always ring hollow and aren't true. The irony of the whole thing is that - as you probably know - I'm a big New Zealand music fan and it was a great night. I even like Don McGlashan's tunes - even if he thinks I'm a dickhead. Oh well. Hopefully we can get back to talking about real issues and not focus on distractions now...

Speaking of distractions, Parliament has now dealt with the issue of the behaviour ([link removed]) of three Maori Party MPs during the debate last year on the Treaty Principles Bill. As you probably know, I adjourned (deferred) the debate last Tuesday so we could all focus on the Budget, and so the Maori Party could participate in the debate and vote against it. After all that, they didn't actually show up for the Budget itself and they didn't even record a vote against it. Perfect evidence really of their utter contempt for Parliament. Again, like the music awards, the whole thing has been a frustrating distraction. With the punishment handed down hopefully it'll prompt some better behaviour from them and we can get back to focusing on the real issues.

RMA Reform: Onto matters of substance - last week I opened public consultation ([link removed]) on the biggest package of changes to national direction under the RMA in New Zealand history, with proposals to streamline or remove many of the burdensome regulations holding back infrastructure, energy, farming, quarrying, mining and so much of our economy. In case you're wondering - national direction refers to rules and policies sitting under the Resource Management Act (RMA) that inform how councils develop and implement local plans and rules. It's really important and we're undertaking the biggest set of changes since the onset of the RMA to make it easier to get things done in New Zealand.

You may be thinking, "hang on, I thought the government is replacing the RMA, why are you doing this?" and that's a good question. We are replacing the RMA, that's true, and that work is well underway. The changes we're making now give effect to a range of coalition commitments, can be done quickly and relatively easily, and will help unclog the growth arteries of the economy. They'll be in force by the end of the year - and crucially, the changes have been designed to be able to transition to the new RMA system once implemented. Hopefully that makes sense!

You can read more about what I've been up to below including consultation on Transmission Gully going to 110, new apartments in the Hutt, and more.

Have a great weekend. Parliament is in recess next week and Jenna and I are away having a few days off with Jeremy and Matilda. It's been an intense first few months of the year and I'm looking forward to a few days to recharge the batteries before the back half of the year!

Chris

P.S Some good feedback ([link removed]) on my little video mocking the media for focusing on what Nicola Willis was wearing on Budget Day - by giving an extensive rundown of my own wardrobe. Check it out here. ([link removed]) I'm told it's even made Fox News in the US!
Really proud of this package - check it out here. ([link removed])
New apartments in the Hutt

A very special moment marking the start of construction of the Pohutukawa Wesley Apartments in the Hutt a couple of Fridays ago. These new one and two bedroom units are affordable rentals, part funded by the government.

Wesley Rata Village is a special place for me. My Nana spent some time there in respite care when she was ill and I remember vividly visiting her with Mum. It is a very serene and tranquil place with the eastern hills of the Hutt right in behind the site.

Thanks to Peter Glensor and David Hanna and the staff for hosting me Once these are completed my Pohutukawa tree will be planted somewhere permanently on site. 🌳
Budget 2025

Really proud of the Budget delivered by Nicola a couple of weeks ago. The feedback in the community has been fantastic!
Congrats David!

Lots of Hutt winners in the King's Birthday Honours list but a special well done to my friend, David Percy, named as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to fire safety technologies, business and the community. David is the owner of Pertronic Industries, based in the Hutt. An amazing company.
Transmission Gully to go to 110?

I've opened consultation on Transmission Gully and the Raumati Straights going to 110 kph! Submit here if you're in favour. ([link removed])
Eastbourne Morning Tea

Great turn out for my morning tea in Eastbourne last week. Thank you to everyone who came along - please flick me a message (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Morning%20Teas) if you'd like to be on the list for these (I run them regularly).
In studio with Heather

In studio last week with HDPA in Auckland.
Big Brothers Big Sisters

Thank you to Julie and the team of Big Brothers Big Sisters Wellington for the briefing on their outstanding work last week. Keep up the great work!
Jeremy update

Wee boy loves his swimming! Every Sunday morning with Dad.
SH58

NZTA will be starting work on the final stage of the safety improvements along SH58 in June. This includes the construction of two new roundabouts – one at Moonshine Road, and the other at Murphys/Flightys Roads. Looking forward to having this work done - finally!
Great news for the region!

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