We're back in action in Parliament
Parliament's back!
Dear John,
Well, December has come and summer is supposedly here - I wish the weather would decide to play ball too! Parliament is now back in session after the election so that's been my major focus of the last couple of weeks. This week just gone saw the first Question Times of the new Parliament, the declaration of a climate emergency by the government, and the raising of the top tax rate to 39c in the dollar. Yesterday morning it was heaps of fun to be back on TVNZ's Breakfast show with old mate Kieran McAnulty, reprising our regular slot from 2018/19. Check out the segment here ([link removed]) which includes a decent sledge from me about his big red gas guzzling ute...all in good fun though!
I've been asking questions to the Minister for COVID recovery this week and you can see my first one online. ([link removed]) Questions over N95 masks for nurses at MIQ hotels, when the Roche/Simpson review of border security will be released (commissioned in a hurry, the government has yet to release it three months later), and where bluetooth capability is up to. More to come in this space as we constructively critique the government. I'm enjoying the new role.
After every election the government sets out its programme in the "Speech from the Throne", which is delivered by the Governor-General but actually written by the government. A big set-piece debate follows and you can view my contribution here. ([link removed]) The short point is this: the government has a big mandate, and we respect that. When the voters send National a message like they did in the election, we need to listen, and we will. But with a big mandate comes a big responsibility and my sense is voters aren't going to put up with too many excuses anymore from the government for not delivering on their promises. National will be there to ask the tough questions.
Still on Parliament, it was frustrating yesterday to have the government vote against the Health Committee (which I now sit on) opening an inquiry into Pharmac. There was widespread consensus during the election campaign that one was needed so National moved immediately to start one - and sadly the government MPs said no ([link removed]) . Very disappointing.
It's been a busy time around the Hutt in the past couple of weeks too, with a few events that had to be delayed because of COVID-19 earlier in the year back on the agenda now. As usual I've tried to get to as many school prizegivings as I can - I just love celebrating student success. I enjoyed the Chilton event last night and I'm looking forward to Hutt Valley High next week. Christmas isn't far away of course and the Petone and Wainuiomata Christmas Parades were great fun last Friday and Saturday. The cold and wet weather on Friday night in Petone couldn't stop us!
Have a great weekend.
Chris
P.S Side note - how cool does this sound? ([link removed])
Getting sworn in
Being sworn in as a MP in the 53rd Parliament last week. Like the first and second time, a spine-tingling moment. Such a privilege. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get here.
Christmas Parades
Ready to go in the Wainuiomata Christmas Parade on Saturday last week!
Hutt Central School Gala
Double duty a couple of weeks ago at the Hutt Central School twilight gala - selling raffles and promoting the Hutt City Rotary’s marshmallow toasting! A beautiful evening in the Hutt and lots of fun had by all.
Serving Langar
Serving langar with Nicola Willis in the Sikh tradition to Wellingtonians in honour of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary last week. Organised by Ekta NZ, who do great work in our community.
Petone Christmas Parade
While I was handing out lollies as Santa's Elf, Jenna and Ladyhawke were in the Petone Parade last Friday too...
Beers at the Basin
Jenna and I enjoyed the "Beers at the Basin" event last Sunday at the Basin Reserve. Looking forward to some cricket there this summer.
Anonymous Flowers and Note
That moment when you get back to your car to find flowers and this anonymous note. Thank you to whoever left this - made my day!
Regular Ladyhawke Photo
Ladyhawke ready to get to work at "Pawliament".
============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
Copyright © 2020 Chris Bishop, MP for Hutt South, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this as a supporter, friend or colleague of Chris Bishop, MP for Hutt South.
Our mailing address is:
Chris Bishop, MP for Hutt South
66 Bloomfield Terrace
Hutt City
Lower Hutt, Wellington 5010
New Zealand
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.
