Dear John,
When I wrote to you a couple of weeks ago we were in lockdown and now Wellington is back to Level 2 - which is great news. Hopefully Auckland can get out of Level 4 soon as well. Saturday was my birthday and we were still in Level 3, so it was fairly austere affair - just some brisket, beans and a decent glass of red at home for me. It was nice to have the evening off after a very busy couple of weeks.
Lockdown is hard on everyone and I hope this finds you well and enjoying some more of the freedoms afforded by Level 2. If you're in the position to do so, I encourage you to get out and about this weekend and shop local and eat local - our hospitality businesses are doing it particularly tough at the moment, particularly under Level 2 (Delta) rules. It was sad to see Prefab cafe in Wellington announce yesterday they're closing. It's a reminder that lockdowns impose enormous economic and social costs and we need to avoid them as much as possible. Sadly, this lockdown was necessary because of our negligently slow vaccine roll-out. We need to do all that we can to avoid them into the future; and that means vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate. Everyone can get a vaccine now so I encourage you to go and book one if you haven't already!
I've spent the last couple of weeks working hard on my COVID-19 portfolio - you've probably seen me in the media a bit (Newsroom did a profile on me here if you're interested and I even made the New York Times!). As always, I've tried to be constructive as well as being critical where it's justified. In the last couple of weeks National has launched our plan to fix our broken MIQ system, we have called for the use of rapid testing which is widely available overseas but inexplicably banned here, I've asked questions in the House about our slow vaccine roll-out and failure (so far) to order booster shots, we continue to call for purpose-built MIQ facilities (now joined by the Greens!), we've highlighted government failure on ordering of syringes, we've asked why bluetooth is not being used.... it's been a busy time!
In terms of the economic response I continue to hear that wage subsidy payments are proving trickier to obtain this year than last year. If you need a hand please let me know and my staff can assist. Rental support is also a missing part of the suite of support available and our Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly has put forward a solution: check it out here and let me know what you think.
I've also had the chance in the last couple of weeks to work on a couple of local matters, notably the closure of the Te Awakairangi Birthing Centre and the issue of learning recognition credits for students in Year 12 and 13 at Hutt Valley High School. On the former matter unfortunately the DHB rejected a last ditch plea to save the centre. I'm not going to give up on this one so watch this space. On the issue of learning credits for Hutt High students, I'm really pleased to report that Education Minister Chris Hipkins moved really quickly to respond to my letter of Monday and by Thursday the issue had been sorted! The problem was a simple one: Hutt High Year 12 and 13s have so far had 41 days off school this year because of the mould issues and now the lockdown, and they weren't eligible (like Auckland students are) for learning credits.
As I leave you this week can I encourage you to look after yourself and your family, say thanks to our nurses, doctors and essential workers at the frontline, and support hospitality wherever you are, if you can. Thanks for reading the newsletter and see you soon.
Chris
P.S I was on Breakfast yesterday morning - check out my interview with John Campbell here.
P.P.S I also made my debut in my first ever music video! Have a watch.
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Level 2 (Delta) is tough on hospitality. If you can, please support our fantastic local eateries. Jenna and I had a delicious curry last night at one of our Petone favourites, Ruchi!
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The vaccine is now available for everyone - please book online. Every extra person that gets vaccinated helps avoid lockdowns and helps us reconnect to the world.
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Onesie day was cancelled this year so I couldn't get out and about in my Pooh bear onesie and collect for Wellington Free Ambulance as I usually do. If you want to make a donation you can do so online.
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No better way to start a birthday than a reuben sandwich from OnTrays in Petone!
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Innovative Fish and Chip delivery
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Seakraft in Wainuiomata with an innovative solution for "contactless delivery"!
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Rachin Ravindra makes debut
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Great to see ex-HIBS student and Hutt lad Rachin Ravindra make his debut for the BlackCaps on their tour of Bangladesh. Mixed return with the bat so far at the top of the order but he's been bowling very well on some favourable pitches. Definitely a young guy to watch!
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Ladyhawke and I got a coffee from the Flying Bean on the Esplanade when we moved down from Level 4 to 3.
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