Dear John,

Already we find ourselves at the end of March!

Tomorrow's changes in benefits and the minimum wage will barely cover the rising cost of living, and provide nothing for hardworking, middle-income households that do not receive government support. 

Over the past four years, the average rent in Selwyn is up $90 a week, while it costs $45 more to fill a standard tank of petrol. Those on the average New Zealand income are paying higher prices, have seen costs rise faster than their wages, but will get no relief from tomorrow's changes.

At the same time, the government is planning to squeeze motorists even further with increases to petrol costs from its biofuel mandates. 

Inflation is pushing more Kiwis into higher tax brackets and Labour is taking more money out of people's pockets. 

A family with two kids on an average household income will get absolutely nothing out of tomorrow's package as they don't qualify for Working for Families entitlements. Under National's proposal to inflation-adjust income tax brackets, they would qualify for a $1600 income boost.

National believes New Zealanders should be able to keep more of what they earn, which is why we have called on Labour to adjust tax brackets for inflation at the upcoming Budget and give hardworking Kiwis a break. 

Reopening to the World

The coming months will see the welcome return of international tourists. Before Covid, tourism was New Zealand’s largest export earner, employing more than 300,000 people nationwide and worth over $16 billion to our economy.

The impact of the closed borders on Selwyn’s tourism sector has been significant. From ski fields, to wineries, to travel agents, to accommodation providers, many of our tourism operators have been struggling to stay afloat the past two years. The reopening of our borders is desperately needed and, with any luck, our friends across the ditch will use their upcoming school holidays to come to Canterbury in time for the ski season.

Read more here: https://nicolagrigg.national.org.nz/reopening_to_the_world

Three Waters Reform

While the proposed three waters reform may have disappeared from the headlines lately, it is still very much on the Government’s agenda.

Despite overwhelmingly negative public feedback, last month, the Government’s Three Waters National Transition Unit (NTU) provided notice that it would establish a panel of service providers to progress the transition to the four new water service entities proposed to take control of Three Waters. 

Read more here: https://nicolagrigg.national.org.nz/three_waters_reform

Fair Pay Agreements

The Government last year announced a radical overhaul of New Zealand’s labour laws with a policy package that will take away the rights of individuals to negotiate terms, conditions, and rates with their employers. MBIE recommended less drastic courses of action and warned of ‘significant risks’ in pursing Free Pay Agreements.

Despite this, the Government have announced this week that the so-called ‘Fair’ Pay Agreements are coming…. And they are anything but fair!

Read more here: https://nicolagrigg.national.org.nz/fair_pay_agreements

Business Drop-Ins

I’ve been out and about visiting businesses across the electorate to see how things have been going for our local retailers. Despite the ongoing challenges from the Covid restrictions, it has been great to hear so many positive stories.

Many retailers have told me how grateful they are for the very strong support they get from the community, who make it their mission to ‘shop local’. Everyone I’ve talked to had their fingers crossed that this will be the start of the recovery.

Banks Peninsula Visit

Four months on from severe flooding that hit the Banks Peninsula area and the massive clean-up continues for a number of local farmers. Many are still waiting on the necessary permissions from Environment Canterbury to carry out remediation work and for Christchurch City Council to repair damaged infrastructure.

Many are feeling abandoned, isolated and exhausted. Needless to say, they haven’t heard from their local MP so Barbara Kuriger MP and I paid them a visit to see how they’re getting on. I’ve since been in touch with Christchurch City Council and have been assured they’ll get a visit in the coming weeks – and hopefully some action comes from that.

How I Can Help

As the local MP for Selwyn, there are many ways I can help you out.

I can assist you with dealings with government departments, such as IRD, ACC, and Immigration New Zealand, as well as provide advice and assistance with problems that you may have.

One of the roles of an MP is to take the views of our community to Parliament when new laws are being drafted, and to ensure politicians understand the impact of law changes on our communities. I can listen to your concerns on issues and let Parliament know your views.

If you have an issue that I may be able to help with, or you just want to share your views with me, please feel free to contact [email protected], phone 03 344 2800 or pop by my office in Rolleston Square.

Kind regards,

Nicola Grigg
http://nicolagrigg.national.org.nz/