Dear John,
Welcome to my July Newsletter
June was a busy month in the Ilam electorate.
During Volunteer Week (June 16–20), I invited nominations for outstanding volunteer organisations within Ilam and received some great nominations.
I visited four nominated groups: City Mission Op Shop, St John Retail Store, Land Search and Rescue, and Citizens Advice, delivering a small note of thanks and chocolates to recognise their efforts.
Our community is only as strong as its weakest link and these organisations, and others, support our most vulnerable.
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Two of the wonderful team at Citizens Advice, Fendalton Library
Ilam
I’ve been liaising with local councillors regarding Harewood Road and was pleased all four local councillors, MacDonald, Gough, Henstock and Keown voted with Mayor Mauger to install traffic lights at the Harewood/Breens/Gardiners Road intersection, along with a signalized crossing at Harewood School. The decision also includes a limited section of cycleway to connect the Nor'West Arc, but not a full-scale cycleway as originally proposed. They listened to the community and made a common-sense decision.
The Government is ensuring more students with the highest needs have access to warm, safe, dry and fit-for-purpose learning environments. I’m delighted one of our Ilam schools, Ferndale, is getting two new classrooms.
Economy
New GDP data shows our economy grew by 0.8% in the first quarter of 2025, signalling continued strength.
Falling mortgage rates are creating opportunities for first-home buyers and existing homeowners. With over half of all mortgages floating or up for renewal in the next six months, many households could save significantly—around $320 per fortnight on a $500,000 loan if rates drop by 2.25%. That’s money families can put toward everyday costs like groceries and power.
Rental prices have also eased, with average rents now lower than this time last year and at their lowest since December 2023. Forecasts suggest this trend will continue well into next year.We’re backing growth by cutting red tape, supporting farmers, fast-tracking infrastructure, pursuing global trade opportunities, and driving investment through our Investment Boost.
And we’re just getting started. Growth is expected to average 2.7%, wages are set to outpace inflation each year, and 240,000 new jobs are forecast over the next four years
Health
From research, I know Health is the number one concern for Ilam residents have. I want to let you know there is a new 24/7 digital health service available, offering virtual consultations with New Zealand-registered doctors and nurses anytime, anywhere. Using secure technology, patients can connect with trusted providers for assessments, diagnoses, prescriptions, and referrals no matter their location.
Some of you may already have this capability as, since its pilot in May, nearly 4,500 people have already used the service, which is now fully open to the public. It’s designed to help in situations like:
- A sick child in the middle of the night
- A sudden rash on a public holiday
- A rural resident needing after-hours care
- A family travelling away from home
- Someone not enrolled with a local GP
Full details, including pricing and provider hours, are available at info.health.nz/onlinegp. At the same time, we're delivering the largest-ever funding boost to GPs—because frontline care starts with your local doctor
What’s coming up in July
July sees the start of the second semester so I will be attending Clubs days at both Canterbury and Lincoln Universities. I’ll be visiting more schools and have an online meeting with students organised. I also have clinics booked and days out in the electorate, door knocking. Reminder: Local Body elections October 12. To have your say, enrol by 1 August, visit vote.nz/enrol.
June’s highlights
The Salvation Army runs a Community Driver Mentor Programme where their 20 volunteer driver mentors help learners build up the experience and confidence needed to obtain their Restricted Licence. I was delighted to speak at the graduation of over 30 Full Licence graduates. This programme keeps our roads safe and transforms the lives of our graduates and their families.
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I get a lot of feedback and suggestions regarding the proposed new Canterbury Museum, so it was good to join MPs Matt Doocey and Vanessa Weenink to visit the museum’s storage facility at Hornby. It was fascinating to see the 100s of treasures stored there waiting to be relocated.
The photo shows a Blue Whale bone. The complete skeleton weighing 4.6 tonne will hang from the ceiling in the Museum’s atrium
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I’ve enjoyed weekends cleaning up the Jellie Park environs with a team of local volunteers and tree planting at the Papanui Bush, Langdons Road.
Recent Key Announcements:
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The Ilam office is open Mon-Fri from 9am – 3pm and you are welcome to pop in. To make an appointment to meet with me, call Leanne 03 3593665 or email [email protected]
Weekly JP Clinic is on Thursdays between 12-1pm in the Ilam office. Call first 03 3593665.
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Kind regards
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