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Hi John, here’s your November update. There are quite a few key dates to save below, but one you might like to look at is a special Afternoon Tea with Rt Hon Christopher Luxon. In this month's update:
Looking ahead to '26It won't be a surprise to anyone, but I've been confirmed as National's candidate for the Kapiti electorate at the election next year. It's a bit confusing at the moment with our electorate shifting south and changing name to Kapiti. I'm working across both the old Ōtaki Electorate (up to Foxton) and the new Kapiti Electorate (down to Whitby), fighting to improve healthcare, to make life more affordable, and to help people one-at-a-time. It doesn't really change much locally for now, but naturally next year people will want to engage with the person that might be their next local MP. In Horowhenua that means Suze Redmayne who is the current MP for Rangitikei covering down to Shannon and Himitangi.
Confidence or cost?There is no doubt that we still feel the impact of prices racing up so quickly between 2021 and 2024. While those price-increases are back at normal levels, they never come back down to where they were in, say, 2017. So while inflation is under control and mortgages are much cheaper than two years ago, we all still experience the hurt of Labour's years of high inflation every day. While we're making progress, it takes time to grow our incomes high enough to out-run those massive price increases. One thing that seems to resonate with the local businesses I visit is this: our current challenge is becoming less about cost, and more about confidence. The average mortgage is now more than $10,000 cheaper per year. That's a very genuine $10,000 that families have in their bank account that they did not two years ago. But most families, and indeed most businesses, are choosing to save that extra money or pay down debt and we're not seeing consistent increases in spending... yet. So while I want to acknowledge the pain that inflation and high interest rates caused us all, I also want to try and instil a sense of confidence in us all, that prices aren't about to race back up, that interest rates are staying low for the next wee while: that we can afford to spend just a bit of those big savings. As we all start to spend a bit more, every small local business does a bit better, they gain confidence, and the wheel goes around. We are going to see growth next year, and we should not talk ourselves out of it.
Business afternoon tea with Christopher LuxonAre you missing the Kapiti Business Breakfast like I am? Well I have some good news for you! We're replacing it. Join us for an afternoon tea with National's leader, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon. This is open to everyone but the focus will be on supporting local businesses and growth for our region. RSVP online at this link is essential for each person coming (for security purposes).
Why are we doing this? I'm a huge believer in the future of this region. Find me another safe swimming beach, easy access, a beautiful island as a backdrop, an hour from the heart of our capital city. You can't. Our local businesses and hospitality sector should be cranking with huge demand, high visitor numbers, packed beaches and full hotels. I believe that can be our reality, so I'm bringing the PM to the beach to talk about our vision for growing our region, and bringing more opportunities for all of us who call this place home. Please join us.
Help me help the FoodBankAt the Kapiti Food Fair this year (Saturday December 6th) I'm trying to raise $2000 for the FoodBank. If you're able to help me for an hour on the day please let me know. A team of about 10 people (one hour each in pairs) would help me cover the whole day. It will be easy, fun, and rewarding making a difference. Join the team for '26With new electorate boundaries comes new opportunity. First, I need to build a local team of supporters. You're not committed to anything, but it means we can let you know when events are coming up, you can contribute to policy, be part of little campaigns (like flyer deliveries) or fundraisers. If you would be willing to go on my supporters list please reply to this email. If you want to pay the $5 required by law to join National, let me know that too. We need about another 100 local members to steer the local direction of National. If you want a say then sign up today.
What's trending?We’ve changed the rules so you can build your own garden shed. This has been really popular. Video links below, but if you build a garden shed up to 30 sq m then you no longer need a consent and you won't have Government telling you where in your garden you can put it. Facebook | Instagram Labour are planning to take money from hospital and school budget. Did you see my debate against Labour on Newstalk ZB? Ayesha Verrall said the way they'll get money to invest in their future fund is take the money that was otherwise going to hospitals and schools!! Watch for yourself here. Our amazing volunteer firefighters. This was a fun chat. As part of my guest appearance on Coast Access Radio I interviewed lots of our community legends to share their stories. At these links you can see a few highlights from my time with volunteer firefighters. Facebook | Instagram You can watch the full one-hour Coast Access radio show I hosted here. It has full interviews with the PM, and local emergency services. There are some very cool stories from a Princess's bodyguard to saving lives. There's also been lots of interest in the Kapiti Half Marathon, and the Parliament Christmas decorations.
Weekly updatesHave you seen I'm putting out a weekly video update, explaining one current issue each week? They come out every Tuesday at 5pm, they're only two minutes, and you can find them on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook. Watch the last month here: Why our region is a key part of the plan. - Facebook | Instagram Could council rates now come under control? - Facebook | Instagram How bold can we be to grow our future? - Facebook | Instagram PPTA union officials - Facebook | Instagram Transformational change - Facebook | Instagram Local eventsI've been busy in our region this month, and have met and worked with a number of people in our community one-on-one, helping them to get wins. I'm not the person to talk to for council issues (talk to your councillors), but for Government departments I can help. I've also spent time right across our community at the Plimmerton Menz Shed, Electra Business Awards, Paraparaumu College Prizegiving, Kapiti College Prizegiving, Plimmerton Rotary Garden Tour, Mana Arts Society open day, New World Ōtaki, Blackhood Bakes, Hamish Barham Pharmacy, Seniors' Morning Tea with Judith Collins, Jackson's Creek development and power scheme, State of the Nation Kapiti, I spent a day in the Rangitikei Electorate, and also time in Foxton, Levin, and Whitby, Waitohu School Fireworks, Kenakena Festival of Fun, Pāuatahanui Lamb and Calf Day, Kapiti Arts Trail, and the Kapiti Half Marathon.
Upcoming eventsStill plenty to join in at:
And if you missed morning tea with Judith Collins, save these dates for 2026:
That's it for this month. Best wishes,
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