An interesting couple of weeks in politics

Petone to Grenada is back on the table... maybe!
Dear John,

Well it's certainly been an interesting couple of weeks in politics, with newer MPs from both National and Labour in the news. While there is unsurprisingly a real media fixation on those issues, as the days get a little longer (without much improvement in the weather!) there is real concern about the direction of the country. Inflation is at record highs, outstripping wage inflation, and the OCR has just gone up another 50 points, meaning more bad news for homeowners. TVNZ reported last night (using data obtained by me) that 228 New Zealand kids are living in cars ([link removed]) - a 350% increase since Labour came to office.

National held a very successful conference in Christchurch a couple of weeks ago, with record attendance from our members, and both Christopher Luxon ([link removed]) and Nicola Willis ([link removed]) gave fantastic speeches (Nicola called Labour's Cost of Living Payment "KiwiSpray" - it goes to French backpackers, lawyers in London and dead people). The centrepiece of Christopher's address ([link removed]) was a new policy to tackle youth welfare dependency. Sadly, every measure of dependency on the Jobseeker benefit has increased under Labour. There are 34,000 under-25 year olds are on the Jobseeker benefit (a 49 per cent increase) and the number of young
people who’ve been receiving the Jobseeker benefit for a year or longer has almost doubled. All of this at a time of record low unemployment! Our plan ([link removed]) tackles this issue by using community providers (not MSD), clear obligations, and targeted incentives to get young people off welfare and into work. You can read more here. ([link removed])

Youth crime in the Hutt: Turning to local news, the issue of youth crime and community safety has rightly been in the spotlight following some serious alleged incidents ([link removed] Bunny St) in the CBD. The issue of community safety around the Bunny St bus stops outside Queensgate is one I have worked on (and been frustrated by) for the last few years. On Wednesday morning the Mayor convened a meeting in his office to discuss the issue with Police, Queensgate management, and the Regional and Hutt Council. In the short-term there will be an increased Police presence in the area, the four CCTV cameras will be upgraded to provide 360 degree range, 24/7, access to free wifi from local businesses will be restricted and the Regional Council is considering changes to relocate bus stop B or C to minimise congregation.

The Regional Council will also look at fast-tracking consideration of design changes to the bus stops. After the last spate of incidents in 2020, I convened a very similar meeting to the one held on Wednesday at Queensgate with management, the Regional Council, Police, youth organisations etc. One of the outcomes of that meeting was that the Regional Council would look at design changes to the bus stops and in fact a few months ago they told me this was being progressed and I announced it! So it's pretty frustrating I have to say that no progress on this issue has been made and changes still seem some time away.

In their defence, the issue is complicated by the fact that Queensgate owns the big white wall running by the bus stops, the Regional Council owns the actual bus stops, and the Hutt Council owns the footpaths. But a solution has to be found. The status quo clearly creates an unsafe environment and I've had so much feedback over the years about how people don't like waiting for the bus there.

Petone to Grenada: In other local news, it looks like the Petone to Grenada Link Road is back on the agenda again! ([link removed]) This is a critical project for the Hutt - it will decrease congestion on SH2, allow public transport (buses) from Lower Hutt to Porirua and Tawa, increase resilience, free up land for housing, and more. In short it's a game changer, particularly if it links to the Cross Valley Link road, now being advanced by Council. This road was one that National was progressing, but it was put onto the scrapheap after Labour came to office in 2017 and slashed the state highway budget. So the news that NZTA is looking at it again is welcome, although we've wasted 5 years getting to this point. I'll keep you posted.

Have a great weekend. Let's hope the weather gets better!

Chris

P.S Did you see my interview ([link removed]) on Newshub Nation a couple of weeks ago? I got pretty fired up. You can see it here. ([link removed])
Have you tried the "Murg in a Burg"?
I got a sneak peek of the ‘Murg in a Burg’ on Monday last week at Kelson Four Square.. You absolutely have to try this. Part of Wellington on a Plate. Spicy marinated tandoori-style chicken tenderloins with mint yoghurt drizzle, straight cut fries, peri peri mayonnaise and shredded lettuce in a Fix Federation thick loaf bun. It is as delicious as it sounds! Thanks Falgs for the taste test!
Just 15 bucks.
Welfare that Works
This is the driver behind National’s policy announced on the weekend. At a time of very low unemployment why has there been a big jump in jobseekers under 25 under Labour? Lots of businesses screaming out for workers. Young people on Jobseeker need support and help - a plan, a coach, and some practical skills. National’s plan will do that.
Belmont Scouts
I really enjoyed talking to the Belmont Scouts recently about my work as an MP. Some great questions!
Got a mention in Ross Taylor's book!
Game On!
Encouraging polls recently for National.
Blake
Good catch-up with my friend Blake who came by the office the other day. We’re working on an interesting little project together, watch this space!
Why aren't we using the birthing centre?
Here's a copy of an article I wrote for this month's Maungaraki Views.
Regular Jeremy photo
On Daddy duties at National conference last weekend.
Cuffs Cafe
Cuffs Cafe just across from my office in Lower Hutt is one of my favourite local cafes. Outstanding service and delicious food - have you tried it yet?
Nailed it!
Loved my visit to St Michael's School in Taita recently. Not shown in the pictured - but it was noting but net!

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