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It's Winter! 🌨️❄️⛄As cold snaps hit across New Zealand and we face Power Grid Emergencies before the coldest weeks of the year start so now is a really important time to take stock of your supplies so you can get through when disaster strikes. Whatever you plan this long weekend now is a great opportunity to spend time going over the Civil Defence Get Ready Checklist so you can get through no matter what New Zealand faces this winter. Remember my Auckland and Wellington Offices are here to help.
Budget 2022 Estimates HearingsOver the past month I have been scrutinizing Ministers over their spending and policies following the release of Labour's 2022 Budget. With billions in wasteful spending across this year's budget during a cost of living crisis it's important we all know what policies they are giving a lolly scramble to from our hard earned dollars while many New Zealanders, particularly the squeezed middle head into winter with rising costs and no clear plan from the Government how to help them get ahead like they were under National. These hearings cover everything from Ethnic Communities to Broadcasting and are an important aspect of Parliament's Financial scrutiny of Government Spending. You can tune into some of these these hearings below: Broadcasting and Media & Ethnic Communities Digital Economy and Internal Affairs Economic Development, Energy and Science
Visit to the CoromandelAlongside my friend and Caucus Colleague Scott Simpson, MP for Coromandel, we spent the day touring from Kaiaua to Thames and Paeroa meeting with communities facing challenges and new and exciting businesses. Our first stop was for a chat with local Radio Station Coromandel CFM for an interview (and some great music) - the station was definitely our listening choice as we journeyed across the Hauraki Plains to the Firth of Thames! Next we held a public meeting on rural connectivity challenges in the Gulf with special guests from Chorus and WISPANZ to give industry perspectives. Scott and I really appreciated hearing concerns from the community and I'll be raising these issues in the House over coming weeks. Next it was down to Paeroa and it wouldn't be a visit to such an amazing destination without a photo-op with the 'World Famous in New Zealand' L&P Bottle! We went on a tour with the innovative Agrisea team, a Paeroa business utilising Seaweed to find a green-blue economy way of developing bio-nutrients and pharmaceuticals for New Zealand's primary industries. From Seaweed Gels to Feed Pellets and cosmetics (and even a cheeky Seaweed G&T! 🍹) it was really exciting to see such amazing talent in New Zealand's provincial centre. With additional community meetings around the Thames township it was time to head back to Auckland taking away some fantastic insights for National to work with in Parliament. Thank you to everyone we spoke with across the region and I look forward to working with Scott back in Wellington to champion your needs. My next regional tour will be taking me to Otago, Southland and the Queenstown Lakes, looking forward to more amazing meetings next month!
Mental Health with Matt Doocey!I'm looking forward to Guest starring in Matt Doocey's latest Facebook Live conversation series. We'll be joined by Asian Family Services National Director Kelly Feng for a discussion about mental health issues affecting multicultural New Zealanders. Remember if you know someone who needs mental health support please reach out or use one of the services below: LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland
(available 24/7)
Tune in at this link here! Auckland OfficeMy Auckland Office at 107 Great South Road is open for appointments. Under 'Orange' some COVID-19 policies are still in place in Parliamentary premises so please phone or email for a friendly chat before visiting the office so my team can help you. Last week my Wellington and Auckland Offices finally met again for the first time in over a year due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Matt, Jo and Tao all play an important and vital role supporting me and representing your needs in the New Zealand Parliament on everything from constituent cases to communications support. You can reach out to talk with them or me via Facebook or at [email protected] and we'll do our best to respond as soon as possible.
Looking forward to talking again soon and keep warm!
Until next time! ==
Melissa Lee |
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