“The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government
and I’m here to help" ~ Ronald Reagan


Dear John,


One common phrase that I get often when out and about in our community is “the
government needs to fix this”.


It’s a fair statement and often said out of a genuine concern for our community
and country. It also reveals something deeper about how New Zealand has changed.
Somewhere along the line, we’ve come to expect that our government should be
solving every problem.


When we rely too heavily on government – any government – we risk losing the
autonomy, self-reliance and pioneering spirit that made New Zealand a successful
country.


Now there’s no doubt our country faces serious challenges and that government
has a role to play is helping New Zealand navigate them. However, now more than
ever, we need to revive the independence of spirit that made New Zealand great
and that is still part of our Kiwi-DNA. The belief that individuals, families
and communities shape their own destiny - not some government official from
MBIE.


As I mentioned in my last bulletin, it’s that same spirit that has helped
countries like Singapore, Switzerland, Ireland, and South Korea pull themselves
up and thrive.


These countries are richer, more productive and offer their citizens a better
standard of living than New Zealand.


What these countries share isn’t just smart policy by government. It is a shared
cultural mindset of what makes their people thrive and prosper:

1. They value hard work and equal opportunity

2. They back themselves to succeed

3. They view government as an enabler rather than the saviour

4. They strive for a hand-up not a handout


That’s the kind of New Zealand we are striving for, and this is reflected in our
policy priorities whether its law and order, education, welfare, or the economy.


Our policies reflect these values above. They are the reason why I joined the
National Party, and these values are at the heart of locals right across the
Northcote electorate.


I know times are tough now for many.  But let's not lose sight of the bigger
picture of what it will take to ensure our country can thrive and prosper well
into the future. For me, as a proud father to my son, I couldn't think of
anything more important.


This is the future I believe in for New Zealand. A New Zealand where the
government plays its part but where New Zealanders lead the way to a better,
brighter and more prosperous future.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


COMMUNITY NEWS


* Inaugural Northcote Community Safety Forum held. Last month my office
launched the Northcote Community Safety Forum. This initiative brings
together local police, business leaders, and key stakeholders to collaborate
on practical solutions to improve safety in our area. The Forum focused on
two pressing issues: retail crime and community surveillance. It marks an
important step in building a safer, more connected Northcote. I look forward
to continuing this momentum and working together to make our community safer.


* My new member's bill to lower the cost of vehicle repairs. I recently lodged
a new member’s bill in Parliament that, if passed into law, will improve the
speed and cost of vehicle repairs across New Zealand. The Commerce (Motor
Vehicle Information Scheme) Amendment Bill establishes a market for repair
information to be shared from manufacturers to repair businesses, enabling
vehicles to be repaired quicker and cheaper. Thanks to local business Auto
Super Shoppe Birkenhead for originally championing this issue with me a few
years ago.




* Become a JP. Are you interested in becoming a Justice of the Peace? A
voluntary position we are particularly looking for younger and diverse
candidates to become a JP. Pop into my electorate office in Birkenhead if you
would like more information or pick up an application form.





* Congratulations to winter sport codes. Congratulations to the Takapuna Rugby
Prems team who recently played in the North Harbour Rugby Premier Final
against North Shore. North Shore took the title 33-15. The Northcote Tigers
Premiers are into their semi-finals round of the Sharman Cup Saturday 9th
August – good luck! Birko are currently 2nd in the Northern League Premier
Division.  Crucial games coming up to take the top spot!  The Women’s
Championship team have had a great season sitting currently sitting third in
the league. And the Northern Rovers FC Men’s First team have had a successful
season currently sitting 4th in the Men’s Championship Division!


* An end to open-plan classrooms. Minister of Education Erica Stanford recently
announced an end for open-plan classrooms, prioritising spaces that improve
student outcomes. All new classrooms will now be built using standard,
flexible room designs that are warm, dry and safe. Importantly, schools will
still be able to operate their existing open-plan classrooms, and this
applies to several of our local schools that have them.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


UPCOMING EVENTS - GET INVOLVED!


* SuperBlues meeting hosted by Dan Bidois with special guest Catherine Wedd, MP
for Tukituki 10am Friday 8 August Northcote Bowling Club - RSVP to
[email protected] [email protected] $10 per person


* Movie Night is back - come join us for the opening night of Mr Burton at The
Bridgeway

6.30pm Thursday 14 August for a 7.00pm Movie

Bridgeway Cinema, 122 Queen Street, Northcote Point

$35 (including GST) movie including a drink or snack

RSVP [email protected] [email protected]


* Youth Public Meeting - join Dan and our Youth MP Lily Foster who is hosting a
public meeting for young people in our community to discuss the issues that
matter to youth. 4.00pm Wednesday 27 August Birkenhead College Staff Room -
RSVP [email protected] [email protected]





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SHARE THE NEWS!

 
Please feel free to forward this email to friends and family who might like to
stay in touch. We all need to stay connected with the community and there's no
time like the present!
 
If a friend or family member has sent you this newsletter and you would like to
subscribe to future correspondence, please hit the “subscribe here” button below
and fill out the "get updates" form on my webpage. 

Subscribe to receive my updates here.
[link removed]


Follow me on Facebook for updates - Dan Bidois MP | Facebook
[link removed]
 
I look forward to seeing you out in our community soon.
 
Regards, Dan

 



 Dan Bidois

MP for Northcote

 

[link removed]
[link removed]

[link removed]-

www.national.org.nz [link removed]-

41 Pipitea Street
Thorndon, Wellington 6011
New Zealand

Authorised by Dan Bidois, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

This email was sent to [email protected]

Click here to unsubscribe or manage your preferences.
[link removed]