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Dear John Parliamentary News UpdateIt’s hard to believe that Christmas is yet again upon us, it feels like not so long ago that we celebrated the start of 2021. What a year it was! It’s also a time for recognition of hard work and change. Out with the old and in with the new, 2021 has certainly had more than its fair share of both.
Chris Luxon has recently become Leader of the Opposition and I'm really excited about working with Chris and our refreshed team. The addition of the portfolio of Child Poverty Reduction to my portfolio responsibilities means I will be asking some hard questions from Jacinda Ardern, the Minister of Child Poverty Reduction over the coming months and holding her to task over her promise to reduce child poverty. Despite being in lockdown in Cambridge for the most part of November, we have still been productive. Big Fixes PlanA significant milestone in November was the next step in National's Big Fixes Plan. We've started a process to answer some of the big questions that you and other New Zealanders have posed. The things that are important to you, and to our country, and need fixing. We launched an issues paper titled Growing the Tech Sector and it is part of our plan to develop solutions and policy to address key challenges facing the country. Watch the launch and read more about the issues paper here. Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders BillA highlight for December was the passing of my Members Bill that sees rights for victims of insane offenders introduced. This Bill is a positive step towards ensuring victims of insane offenders are treated equally and their needs are placed at the centre of our justice and health systems. I want to thank all who contributed to this Bill, including Graeme Moyle and his family for allowing me to share in their journey and advocate for their brother, Colin and others like him and their families. Graeme came into my electorate office in Cambridge and together we changed the law. It’s been a long journey, but one I am very proud of as it ultimately gives victims and their families a greater voice in New Zealand’s justice system. More here - https://www.national.org.nz/progress-for-victims-rights Counsellors funding for mental health in schoolsMental health is high up on the list of issues that we deal with in the electorate offices. I met the team at Cambridge Community Life Skills and several local school representatives to discuss mental health issues facing our students and the Counsellors funding available to schools. Many schools weren’t aware that the funding was available! I wrote to the Education Minister to hear what he is doing to better support schools and our young people and I'll be sharing his response in our next newsletter. Congratulations to our new Taupō Youth MPSome good news is that despite the challenges this year, we’ve received many applications from some amazing young people vying for a spot in next year's Youth Parliament 2022. After a rigorous online interview process, I'm pleased to announce Sophia Goodrich of Cambridge High School as our Taupō Youth MP 2022. Congratulations Sophia! Keep on asking the hard questionsThere is no doubt that the next few months and years ahead will still be challenging for many. There are upcoming local government reforms, including Three Waters and unworkable regulations imposed on farmers. The strong turnout at the recent Groundswell NZ protests in Cambridge, Putaruru and Taupō on 21 November was testimony to the solid anti-sentiment about the Government’s drastic changes. I am continuing to ask the hard questions from the Government about their decisions on our behalf, including laws and regulations pushed through without the opportunity of public scrutiny. You can watch videos of the action in the House here. Traffic Light frameworkAs Delta continues its march south, my focus remains on actively supporting our communities as we head into a new way of living with COVID. I am in regular discussions with our Mayors and DHBs about their plans to manage any large outbreak in our communities. Modelling discussions include the logistics of providing accommodation and food parcels for people who may need to be isolated. I’ve also met with the Chambers of Commerce and businesses to discuss how the new traffic light system (the COVID protection framework) is working for them. It's clear that the Government has been intent on ramming through the COVID-19 legislation on the traffic light framework at all cost and I expect we will see a fair bit of "make it law now, sort out the logistics later" in the coming weeks and months. Staying in touch with meConstituent Clinics and our Friendly Forums will restart in the new year. Upcoming dates are: Clinics
Please call or email to request an appointment. Friendly Forums
Festive hoursMy offices will be closed for Christmas and New Year period. Email and phone messages will be checked regularly for urgent requests at [email protected] or phone 07 376 5563.
This is the last newsletter of the year and I'll update more on my plans in the new year. There is a busy parliamentary year ahead and we have a lot of work to do now that the National Opposition has turned a page. I look forward to some time with my family and reconnecting with those separated by COVID borders. I know many of you will be doing the same. Make the most of this beautiful country that we live in and enjoy the blessings of family and friends. A big shout out to the front line workers working during this festive season - your selfless service to your communities is appreciated. Stay in touch by following me on Facebook and Instagram. Best wishes,
Hon Louise
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