Dear John 

Parliamentary News Update

The most recent poll showing Chris Luxon making significant gains in the preferred Prime Minister stakes at 45% against Jacinda Arden's 46% shows National is moving in the right direction. 

The cost of living crisis is getting out of control.  Food prices are up more than 13 per cent, the average rent is up $140 a week, and it costs $45 more at the petrol pump to fill up a standard tank, even if that cost is temporarily reduced.

Kiwi families are struggling as it is, but now we have estimates from ASB showing the average household could be $150 worse off a week by the end of this year.  

Kiwis are going backwards and we deserve a government that is focused on the real issues that matter to you, your families, and our communities, like tackling the crushing cost-of-living crisis in New Zealand.

Watch Chris Luxon's State of the Nation speech here.

Tourism, events, accommodation and hospitality businesses need a break 

At our recent public meetings in Taupō and Cambridge, businesses were unequivocal in their feedback that the Government needs to step up and help them out. As most depend on tourism income, businesses want to know what the Government is doing to open New Zealand to the world again.

I have written to the Prime Minister imploring her to do more to assist local businesses.  Read my letter and watch my video blog on this issue.

Out and about  

I hosted my rural colleagues at PAMU sites in Taupō. It was a fascinating insight into a comprehensive deer, sheep, dairy and forestry operation in action. With eighty-five PAMU owned farms covering 364,538 ha of land in total, it is quite an operation. 

At our Friendly Forums this month, people were really concerned about the increasing cost of living, Three Waters and in some areas, the lack of GPs and other essential workers in the health and aged care industries.

I caught up with social services organisations contracted by the Ministry of Social Development through its Community Connector programme that offer assistance to people self-isolating in the community.  Scott and Aimee of the Salvation Army say community need has increased over the past few months.  I've also met Andrew Lilburn and Eileen and her team at the Taupō Community Food Bank who says they are overwhelmed with requests for support. 

Good therefore to hear that Viv and Karen, new owners of New World Tokoroa are doing their bit for the community by actively being out delivering food ordered online. 

Finally, loved my visit to MyNoke worm farm with Barbara Kuriger MP. Fascinating to see and hear about the worms and what they are being fed!

Upcoming engagement opportunities  

Youth Advisory Board Taupō meeting  

• 8 April 9:30am - 2pm, at the South Waikato Events Centre, Tokoroa.  If you are a student aged 16-18 and would like to join the Youth Advisory Board, get in touch at [email protected] for more information.

Facebook Live

• Tuesday 12 April, 8pm. Join me live @louiseupstonmp for an informal chat on the issues that matter to you.

Clinics 

• Cambridge - Friday 6 May
• Tokoroa - Friday 13 May
• Taupō - Monday 16 May

Please call or email to request an appointment.

Have a great weekend, and do stay in touch.  You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram.  

Best wishes,

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