Hope you are keeping well. It is a difficult time for many in our community as Omicron spreads. Please look after each other and stay safe.

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** Poutūterangi/March Update from Grant
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Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. Hope you are keeping well. It is a difficult time for many in our community as Omicron spreads. Please look after each other and stay safe. You can keep up with all the information at the COVID-19 website ([link removed]) .


** Ukraine
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Our thoughts remain with the people of Ukraine as they face an unjustified and unprovoked Russian invasion. New Zealand condemns this invasion in the strongest possible terms. The Government continues to urge the Russian government to cease its military operations in Ukraine. Innocent lives being lost for an entirely avoidable reason is unacceptable. New Zealand has always been a strong proponent of diplomacy and is supporting international efforts to de-escalate the crisis diplomatically.
Last week Parliament passed legislation under urgency to enable NZ to impose economic sanctions targeting specific people, companies, assets and services involved with Russia’s regime. The Russia Sanctions Act allows us to stop the sale or purchase of property, movement of ships and planes in our waters and airspace, and stop the lending and movement of money as well as imports and exports. You can read more about the Act here ([link removed]) .
Along with this, the Government has imposed targeted travel bans, export restrictions and an initial $2 million in humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. Immigration NZ is also prioritising urgent visa applications from Ukrainian nationals, and providing practical support to Ukrainian visa holders currently in NZ.
The images we’re seeing from Ukraine are harrowing, and I can only imagine how people who have friends and whānau in Ukraine are feeling. Arohanui.


** Protest at Parliament
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Last month in Wellington Central was tough, especially for those who live and work close to Parliament.
I want to reiterate the words of the Prime Minister. The violent and hateful actions of this small group are not what defines us. I think the legacy of our two years battling COVID is actually that almost all New Zealanders have made it their job to look after each other. Our legacy is that we give a damn about our community and that we are getting through this together. My thanks to Police, Fire, Ambulance and other services who put themselves in harm’s way throughout the protest.
Our team in the electorate office worked to provide practical support to constituents caught up in the protest, including helping organise relocation for some people living in the occupation area. I want to thank all Wellingtonians for being strong throughout this time. The dawn ceremony by Te Ātiawa Taranaki Whānui last weekend to restore the mōuri to the grounds was moving, and soon we’ll be able to gather again at Parliament and show our love for our city and each other.


** Arlington Development
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Great to be on site a few weeks ago as Minister Megan Woods announced $296 million of the Government's public housing funding to support the Arlington Development in Mt Cook. We're building homes for up to 900 people here, ranging from townhouses to 6 storey light-engineered timber apartment blocks. Building houses is always a good thing, but what I'm especially proud of with Arlington is that we're building communities too. Around these homes will be playgrounds, community gardens and rooms, offices and orchards in the heart of Central Wellington. Thanks to the team at Kāinga Ora and Wellington City Council for this partnership.
Projects like these are the future of public housing in Aotearoa. Work is underway already, and these homes will be completed in stages from 2023 to 2025. Read more about the development at Arlington here ([link removed]) .


** Broadcasting
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Last week the Government announced a new public media entity to showcase our unique voices and stories. This is so we can ensure a sustainable future for public broadcasting services in Aotearoa as the media environment changes.
The model will retain the non-commercial services that are important to our community, such as RNZ Concert, and also look to how to build wider audiences.
Read more about the announcement here ([link removed]) and keep an eye out for the select committee process later this year for your chance to have a say on this.

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How I can help

My electorate office on Willis Street is a great place to get help if you are having difficulties with agencies such as Work and Income, ACC, Inland Revenue,
Kāinga Ora or Immigration.
Don't hesitate to get in touch:
Ph: 04 801 8079 Email: [email protected] Address: 220 Willis Street
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Wellington Central Electorate Office
220 Willis St, Wellington 6141
Ph: 04 801 8079
[email protected]

Authorised by Grant Robertson, 220 Willis Street, Wellington.
Our mailing address is:
220 Willis Street
Wellington 6141

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Hon Grant Robertson MP . 220 Willis Street . Wellington, Wgn 6011 . New Zealand

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