Final call for filling out my summer survey

Parliament's back!
Dear John,

I'm writing this on Friday after the first week of Parliament for the year and to be honest it's like we never went away! It's been a funny old week with the big news of the week being.....ties. That MPs wear in the chamber. A slightly surreal way to start the new Parliamentary year.

In among all of the talk about whether ties are business attire or not, National attempted to move a motion of no confidence in the Speaker, Trevor Mallard. This is not something we did lightly as it is a big step to take. The reasons for it are canvassed in this piece by Barry Soper ([link removed]) . In short, Mallard defamed someone by calling them a rapist, and then spent 18 months fighting the ensuing defamation case at a cost of $330,000 and rising, even though he admitted to me in a select committee last year that he knew he'd made a mistake within 24 hours. It is appalling behaviour ([link removed]) and I have said publicly that if the shoe
was on the other foot, so to speak, Labour would be calling for a National Speaker to resign in similar circumstances. We will continue to prosecute the issue as there are still unresolved matters. Meanwhile, Trevor has referred me ([link removed]) to the Privileges Committee for funny video we made about Anna Lorck. I'd share it with you, but he's ordered me to take it down!

Some more positive news. The Regional Council has finally decided to bring the Airport Flyer "in-house" ([link removed]) as part of the Metink regional public transport network. This means it will be back on the real-time information boards, back on the website, and accepting Snapper. I've called for this for year so it's a big win. However, Lower Hutt is not planned to be part of the service - it will just go to and from Wellington railway station. Yesterday Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry and I submitted to the Regional Council and they've now agreed to consult ([link removed]) on adding the Hutt to the new service. Excellent news and it
was really good to work with the Mayor on the issue.

Sticking with transport, it was good to see the long-awaited Petone to Ngauranga Shared Path receive resource consent this week. ([link removed]) I was told once that getting consent for this under normal processes would take 4-5 years, so have it done and dusted is great news, and incidentally, speaks to the need for RMA reform! The project doesn't have funding yet (and the cost has doubled) but I'll keep working hard on the issue.

In less positive news, you may have seen the news ([link removed]) about the debacle that is the "Let's Get Wellington Moving". An independent review has slammed it, saying is at risk of failing to deliver a cohesive package, has a detrimental culture - and is inadequately resourced. This won't surprise anyone reading I suspect - the programme has been a joke for a while. We simply must make progress for the sake of the city and the region and this will be a major focus for me this year.

Finally, a quick reminder for my summer survey ([link removed]) which I'd love for you to fill out to help me be a better advocate for you in 2021 and beyond. Hundreds of people have filled it out already - thank you! It asks about a few important Hutt issues and just takes a couple of minutes. Would love the feedback. Click here to fill it out. ([link removed]) I'll share the results in a couple of weeks.

Have a great weekend. I'm off to see the Wellington Blaze and the Wellington Firebirds in the grand finals of the women's and men's T20 cricket competition at the Basin on Saturday. Go Wellington!

Chris

Greyhounds as Pets
What a way to start the day! Collecting for Greyhounds as Pets
at Wellington railway station with Nicola Willis. One of my favourite charities, they rehome former racing greyhounds. They're amazing, friendly dogs. Thank you to those who gave generously this morning.
No confidence in the Speaker
Says it all really.
Alopecia Petition Presentation
Yesterday I had the great pleasure of accepting and presenting a petition from AlopeciaNZ seeking increased support for people who are affected by the autoimmune condition known as alopecia. Pictured here with Paul Jackson from AlopeciaNZ and supporters.

Did you know that the condition affects both children and adults, and occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own hair follicles causing partial or complete loss of hair?

Those who are affected by Alopecia are able to claim subsidies to reduce the cost of purchasing and maintaining a wig or hairpiece or other related products, but the amount is low and not nearly enough.

The petition calls on the Government to increase the funding to better reflect the true cost of wigs, shorten the claim periods from the current 10 years to 2 years, particularly for children and young people, and allow funding to be approved for additional products and services, such as micro-blading, that aren’t currently covered.
Congrats Bill Sharp
With Wainuiomata legend and my mate Bill Sharp at the Governor-General’s Waitangi Day function at Government House on Waitangi Day. Bill proudly wearing his Queen’s Service Medal awarded last year.
Running in the north
8k morning run in beautiful Kerikeri with Nicola Willis pre-Waitangi events. Stunning part of New Zealand.
India Republic Day
Celebrating India Republic Day on Tuesday 26 January. Fabulous performances from the Natraj School of Dance and Mayur Dance Academy from the Hutt. A wonderful function.
What do you think?
A local artist has made a sculpture of my head. What do you think?
First Caucus of the year - at the Basin!
Caption contest time! Me, Christopher Luxon and Paul Goldsmith having a bit of fun on the Basin last week at our first caucus of the year at the Basin.
Protesting the coup in Myanmar
Out on community patrol just before Christmas in Wainuiomata. Unsung heroes of our community. Go Paul, Tracey and team. Thanks for all you do. Frozen coke from Maccas now traditional when I go out on patrol. A treat. 🙂
Waiwhetu Stream Clean Up
Beautiful afternoon for the first Waiwhetu stream clean of 2021 on Sunday. Helped by some friendly ducks this month!
Regular Ladyhawke photo
Stunning day in Petone last week. I had an hour spare so took Ladyhawke for a walk along the Esplanade. She was hot!

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