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Hi John
Another Beach Hop is in the books and it was terrific to see Thames
and Whangamata filled with classic cars and caravans, Elvis and Betty
Boop impersonators, and visitors from across the country. Noddy Watts
and his team did a fantastic job to get the festival back on its
traditional schedule after last year’s delayed event.
It would
have been great to welcome some of our Australian neighbours over for
the event, but the Government continually delays the establishment of
a trans-Tasman bubble. The tourism sector has been doing it tough for
over a year and the Government isn’t helping the situation by shifting
the goal posts. We also have many families who remain separated and
are desperate to be reunited. The National Party’s petition to open
the trans-Tasman bubble has been well-received by New Zealanders.
Hopefully on 6 April we will get a firm starting date, rather than
another announcement of an announcement.
In other news, it was
great to be a part of the opening of the Whangamata Bowling Club’s new
all-weather carpet green. This will be a great asset to the club,
Thames Valley Bowls and the wider community. The club has spent the
past couple of years fundraising and I am sure that they can’t wait to
get out on the green and start bowling.
On the other side of
the electorate, the Seabird Coast hosted the historic signing of the
Ngati Paoa Deed of Settlement at Wharekawa Marae. A formal apology
was given on behalf of the Crown and there was an acknowledgment of
Ngati Paoa’s patience, tenacity and goodwill. While the history can’t
be changed, this apology and signing marks a momentous positive step
for Ngati Paoa’s future.
Finally, I continue to host community
meetings around the electorate. Thanks to those who attended the
meetings at Katikati and Whangamata. Next up are Paeroa and
Coromandel.
Tuesday 27 April, 7pm, St Johns Meeting
Room, Belmont Road, Paeroa
Wednesday 28 April,
7pm, St Johns Meeting Room, Tiki Road, Coromandel
To
contact to me or my office, please don't hesitate to call 0800 550
300.
Stay safe and have a great Easter.
Kind regards
Follow me on Facebook
Hon Scott
Simpson
http://scottsimpson.national.org.nz/
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