Dear John 

April has been a month of highs and lows.  Highs because in our Taupo electorate our businesses are going from strength to strength, lows because our families and communities are feeling the pinch of a rising cost of living with more people relying on taxpayer support to get by each week.

Despite this, I've been meeting so many wonderful people out and about and am encouraged by the spirit shown.  I remain optimistic about our electorate's prosperity against all odds.  Our community engagement campaign is in full swing and there are several opportunities for you to catch up with me at one of the upcoming engagement forums. 

We've also taken the fight to the Government on infrastructure causes such as the SH5 Napier - Taupo upgrade and the Cambridge to Piarere (C2P) extension to the Waikato Expressway with a public protest being planned in June.   I'd be keen to hear from anyone willing to be involved in the organisation of the protest.  There's also still time to make a submission on Waka Kotahi NZTA's proposals for the SH5 Napier - Taupo. Submissions close on 9 May.

When the Tauhara College in Taupo sadly suffered misfortune last year through flooding from a severe weather event, the Ministry of Education undertook to help the school rebuild with new, fit for purpose classrooms.  As Term 2 of the new year has commenced, I've written to the Minister for Education Hon Chris Hipkins requesting he investigate the delays by the Ministry to deliver the classrooms they undertook to do.

On a personal note, my daughter Jess and I completed three events as part of the annual Plunket Fun Run 2021 drive - exhilarating and fulfilling at the same time for a good cause.

Finally, May is Budget month. This year's Budget will have to be focused on creating resilience in our economy and our communities.  I'll again be co-hosting our annual Post Budget Business Breakfasts in Cambridge, Tokoroa and Taupo in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, the South Waikato District Council and Amplify.

I'd like to encourage business owners and managers to join us for a presentation on what Budget 2021 will mean for you, your business, your family and economic development in our region.  RSVP is essential, details on the website.

A full version of my newsletter with photos is available online here.

Upcoming events

In May our events include Friendly Forums and the annual Post Budget Business Breakfasts.

Friendly Forums 

• Putaruru - 10 May, 10am - 11:30am, Timber Museum off SH1 Lichfield, Putaruru.  RSVP here
• Taupo - 14 May, 10am - 11:30am, Rotary House, 12 Story Place, Taupo. RSVP here
• Cambridge - 28 May, 10am - 11:30am, Cambridge Health and Community Centre, 22a Taylor Street. RSVP here

Post Budget Business Breakfasts - RSVP essential 

• Taupo - 27 May, 7.30am - 9am, Suncourt Hotel & Conference Centre, Conference Room, 14 Northcroft Street, Taupo. RSVP here
• Cambridge - 28 May, 7.30am - 9am, Cambridge Health and Community Centre, 22a Taylor Street.  RSVP here
• Tokoroa - 14 June, 7:30am - 9am, Lions Room, South Waikato Sport and Events Centre, 25 Mossop Road, Tokoroa.  RSVP here

Live with Louise

I host regular live catch-ups online on Facebook with the next one scheduled for Tuesday 1 June . If you aren't already connected with me, please do visit my page and follow me to receive notifications of when I'm going live. I'm also on Instagram and Twitter.

I hope to see you soon, if you have any questions or need assistance in the meantime, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards,

Hon Louise Upston
http://louiseupston.national.org.nz/