Dear John,
As we head into the festive season, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas. This will be my final bulletin for 2025 and it’s a chance to reflect on the year we’ve had and to look ahead with hope and optimism.
It’s been a tough year for many, especially here in Auckland. We’ve come through the deepest recession since 1991, driven by the record levels of spending during Covid which resulted in the Reserve Bank hiking interest rates and inducing a deep recession. Families, workers and businesses have all felt the strain.
The good news is that our economy is growing again and there is real reason for hope as we head into 2026. The government has been working hard to cut wasteful spending and reduce inflation, which has more than halved now sitting at 3%.
We are seeing positive trends. Job ads are up. Consumer and business confidence is up. Construction activity is up. Property listings are up. These are strong signs that our economic recovery is underway.
Here in Northcote, there’s also a lot to celebrate. We’ve seen many new retail businesses opening their doors across Birkenhead Village, Glenfield, Beach Haven and Northcote. It's a clear signal of renewed local investment and business confidence. The government is playing its part by reducing crime and making our community safer.
I know there is still a lot more to do. With 2026 just around the corner, I’m optimistic that it will be a much better year for our community and for our country.
I wish to take this time to give a special shout-out to my amazing electorate office staff; Erica Wills, Rochelle Lee-Warren and Richard Manalili. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve our community this year. I’m incredibly grateful for their commitment, professionalism, and the care they bring to their work every day.
Finally, I hope you all enjoy a well-earned holiday break. Thank you once again for your feedback, your encouragement, constructive criticism and the opportunity to serve as your local MP.
Have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to seeing you around the community in the New Year.
Community News
Here's some brief updates on key local issues:
Falling Crime. The latest crime stats for our community continue to show falling crime rates since the election, especially for burglary, theft, ram raids and serious assaults. Retail crime continues to be concern, which is why the police have launched a 7-person strong beat team to walk our three largest retail areas on the North Shore: Glenfield, Takapuna and Albany. This is in addition to our strong front-line police presence who patrol all suburbs in our community.
Easing Congestion on Onewa Road. Over the New Year break you will see more road works on Onewa Rd, which will include the implementation of the permanent no-parking yellow lines. This has been the result of a long hard fight over many years with AT, and I welcome this small but positive change for our community.
A Great Future For Takapuna Golf Course / AF Thomas Park. Public submissions have closed on how this space will be used in the future and the Kaipatiki Local Board will now be working through the ideas from the public. There were over 4,000 submissions received, and I am confident that the future for this space looks great and will balance the recreational and flood resilience needs of our community.
The Battle Against the Yellow-Legged Hornet. Efforts to eradicate this destructive pest from our community have stepped up. MPI has established a base from the Glenfield Rugby Club and has nearly 1,000 trapped already across our community. Over the summer break, we need your help. Keep checking your property for nests and hornets and report any to MPI on 0800 809 966 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz.
Upcoming Events - Get Involved!
Birkenhead Village Christmas - Sunday, 14 December at 11am, Birkenhead Village is excited to announce that we will come alive for a day of festivities including the beloved Santa Parade, Christmas Market and a day of Entertainment.
www.birkenhead.net.nz/events
Northcote National Christmas Party - Sunday 14 December from 3pm - 5pm. Our electorate Christmas Party will be held at the Beach Haven Bowling Club on Cresta Ave in Beach Haven. There is plenty of parking in the tennis club carpark across the street. We will have a cash bar and will provide nibbles, but members are invited to bring a plate if they're able. There may even be a chance to have a bowl or two! Please come along to catch up with Dan, the committee, and fellow members and to celebrate the season together. Click here to RSVP.
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I look forward to seeing you out in our community soon.
Regards, Dan
Dan Bidois MP for Northcote https://www.national.org.nz/team/danbidois |
