Dear John 

Parliamentary News Update

Schools are back and I hope you and your family enjoy the beautiful marvels of towns across the Taupō Electorate during the past school holidays.

April is traditionally a month of celebrations when the many cultures that make up our beautiful country celebrate significant days, such as Ramadan, Pesach, and Easter. Soon we will be celebrating the new public holiday Matariki in June. And let's not forget to spoil the wonder-women in our lives on Mother's Day this Sunday, 8 May!

Whatever your celebration this month, I hope you have enjoyed them.  

Inflation has hit a new 30-year high of 6.9 per cent. This silent thief in your pocket refers to a general increase in the prices of goods and services over time but with a decrease in the value of your money.

The last time inflation was this high, was in 1990. That year the National Party formed a new government and managed to get it back down. 

Budget Day is on 19 May and you can watch Leader Chris Luxon's Pre-Budget speech here.

I plan to host a series of post-budget meetings across the electorate in May. Venue and RSVP details are outlined further down in the newsletter.

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/

Taupō Youth Advisory Board  

We held a fantastic Youth Advisory Board in Tokoroa on 8 April.  Students from secondary schools across the electorate joined Sophia Goodrich, Taupo Youth MP and I to brainstorm issues facing our youth, and explore solutions in anticipation of Youth Parliament 2022. Thank you to everyone who came along, Our next meeting will take place on 27 June, in Tokoroa. Venue details to be confirmed in our next e-newsletter.

Upcoming engagement opportunities  

Post Budget events

• Cambridge Post Budget Business Breakfast - Tues 24 May, 7.30am, Onyx, 70 Alpha Street. RSVP 
• Putaruru Coffee Catch Up - Tue 24 May, 10am, The Cow Cafe, 30 Tirau Street. RSVP 
• Tokoroa Post Budget Business Briefing (evening) - Tues 24 May, 5:30pm, South Waikato Events Centre. RSVP 
• Taupō Post Budget Business Breakfast - Wed 25 May, 7:30am, Dixie Browns, 38 Roberts Street. RSVP 
• Turangi Coffee Catch Up - Thurs 26 May, 8:30am, Hydro Eatery, 26 Ngahana Place. RSVP
• Mangakino - Thurs 26 May, 11am, Ata's Bar and Eatery, Shop 1-71 Rangatira Drive. RSVP

Facebook Live

• Tuesday 10 May, 8pm. Join me live on Facebook @louiseupstonmp for an informal chat on the issues that matter to you.
• Wednesday 11 May, 8pm. Join Deputy Leader Nicola Willis and Louise Upston MP for a discussion about issues that matter to women.

Tech Talk with Judith Collins MP

• Monday 16 May, 9am, Suncourt Hotel, Taupo. Join Judith Collins MP to discuss the role technology has to play in our modern society as part of Techweek 2022 - Enhancing our future world. Techweek22 is a nationwide series of events that celebrate and explore the unique characteristics of the NZ tech sector.  It provides opportunities for businesses, the community, policymakers and stakeholders to come together to share best practices, tips and insights into what it takes to develop a thriving tech economy. RSVP

Clinics 

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

Please call or email to request an appointment.

Youth Advisory Board Taupō meeting  

• Monday 27 June 9:30am - 2pm, Tokoroa.  If you are a student aged 16-18 and would like to join our next Youth Advisory Board meeting, get in touch at [email protected] for more information.