August 2026 Welcome to my August newsletter!
Dear John, It was a pleasure to welcome another group of local community champions to my office for an Ilam Local Legends morning tea. Following a previous morning tea with representatives from our new migrant community this latest gathering brought together local organisations and individuals to share the work they're doing, the challenges they're facing, and how I can continue to support them.
‘Local Legends’ Morning Tea Volunteers truly are the backbone of New Zealand. Here in Canterbury alone, volunteers contribute nearly one million hours each year, supporting hundreds of thousands of people across the region. If you're thinking about getting involved, you can find volunteer opportunities through Christchurch City Council: https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/community-funding-and-support/volunteering. As we celebrate the 2026 International Year of Volunteers, it's a great time to recognise those who help make our communities stronger, kinder, and more connected. Volunteering has always been important to me too, whether it's organising parkrun or donating blood, and it's inspiring to see so many local people giving their time to help others. If you know someone making an outstanding contribution, nominations for the 2027 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards are now open from Tuesday 21 July to Tuesday 18 August. It only takes a couple of minutes to nominate someone whose efforts deserve to be recognised: https://nzawards.org.nz/nominate. You'll also find plenty of events and community activities happening over the coming weeks throughout this newsletter. I hope to see you at one soon. As always, I will be holding clinics throughout August. If you would like to book an appointment, please email [email protected] or contact Leanne at 03 359 3665 to secure a spot
Highlights of July Opening the Asian Arts Festival BBQ Fundraiser for Youthline @ Bunnings with Tracy Summerfield (Candidate for Wigram) Chinese Business Club Dinner Visiting ‘Contented’ with Hon Cameron Brewer Meetings to documents, in moments | Contented Matariki Celebrations with my family Visiting Ronald McDonald House Canterbury Uni Students Assoc Re-Orientation Week Meeting with Canterbury Uni Students’ Assoc Executive
Some of what I’m doing in August 1 Door knocking 2 Speaking at the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) Official Opening Delivering addressed letters in Ilam with Young Nats Attending HGSA 2026 Presidents Reception 3 Clinic in Ilam Office 4 Representing National on a Child Cancer Panel in Parliament 5 Opening Address Rare Disorders NZ Research Forum 7 Chris Lynch Interview Clinic in Ilam Office Visiting Christchurch United Football Club 10 Hosting Annual Ilam Schools’ Leaders’ Breakfast Constituent Clinic in Ilam Office 12 Door knocking and Clinic 14 Attending CBC South Island Election Conference 15 Indian Independence Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony Door knocking 17 Constituent Clinic in Ilam Office 18 Cross Party Antarctica Parliamentary Group 19 Public Meeting with Christopher Luxon 21 Speaking at Silverstream Retirement Home 26 Tiriti-based Multicultural Day 28 Malaysian Dinner 29 Door knocking Indian event 30 Young Nats events
Where is the Ilam Electorate and who lives here? We have a large wall map of the Ilam Electorate in my office. People often comment how far the electorate stretches past McLeans Island. This election our boundary will move out from Harewood Rd to include part of Northcote, currently within the Christchurch Central Electorate. If you want to learn a bit more about your electorate click here Ilam - Electorate Profile - New Zealand Parliament
Here are some August events in and near the Ilam electorate that may interest you: Merivale Business Networking | ChristchurchNZ.com Starting a new business and need help from experienced business owners? Next Steps - Canterbury's Disability Community Expo | ChristchurchNZ.com The Next Steps Expo is a great opportunity for disabled people and their family to explore what might be available when considering their next steps. Learn English! | Saint Christophers Avonhead professional educators and great volunteer teams with a lot of experience helping our “new to New Zealand” friends learn English! St Christopher’s Book Fair 244 Avonhead Road - two Halls packed with great books at bargain prices. Thursday 27 Aug: 5pm - 8pm, Friday 28 Aug: 9am - 5pm, Saturday 29 Aug: 9am - 4pm Riccarton House – Guided Tours Bookings are essential: https://www.riccartonhouse.co.nz/ City Night Market | ChristchurchNZ.com Celebrate the opening of the City Night Market with amazing street food, live music and local stalls.
Government’s recent key announcements: School Onsite Training Programme to provide 660 places every year from 2028 | Beehive.govt.nz https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/skin-cancer-treatment-expanding-gp-clinics
Kiwisaver National has launched a KiwiSaver calculator so New Zealanders can see how much bigger their nest egg could be with National’s changes to the scheme to make KiwiSaver compulsory for all workers from 1 July 2028 and gradually lift combined default contribution rates to 12 per cent by 2032 For a 30-year-old in the workforce today, on an annual salary of $72,000 in a KiwiSaver growth fund with a current balance of $20,000, they could retire with $1.22 million under National’s plan compared to $964,000 under current law. The KiwiSaver Calculator can be found here: National's KiwiSaver Calculator
Public Consultation: Open for submissions https://www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission
Please Share the News! Feel free to share this email with friends and family who might like to stay in touch and connected with the community. My Ilam office is in the Fendalton Village (cnr Ilam and Clyde Rds) and is open Mon-Fri from 9am – 3pm. You are welcome to pop in. To make an appointment to meet me, call Leanne 03 3593665 or email [email protected] Thank you for staying engaged and for continuing to share your views. I always welcome your feedback, whether in person, by email, or at community events. Scan to stay in touch Kind regards Hamish Campbell | 
