An invitation and short update as we head to the end of the year. Wishing you a Meri Kirihimete and Happy New Year – hope you have a chance to relax

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** Hakihea/December Update from Grant
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Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. A short update from me as we head towards the end of the year. It’s been a busy year, highlights for me have been (in no particular order):
* The incredible Black Ferns win a few weeks back
* Getting Transmission Gully open
* Celebrating Matariki as a public holiday
* Banning conversion therapy
* Biggest ever increase to Pharmac’s budget
* Passed Fair Pay Agreements into law
* 10,000 public homes added since we came into Government
* More than 50,000 apprentices supported through Apprenticeship Boost

I’m looking forward to continuing the mahi in 2023!
Wishing you and your whānau a Meri Kirihimete and a Happy New Year – I hope you have a chance to relax after a long 2022.
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** Black Ferns Celebration at Parliament next week
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I’d like to invite you to a public celebration of the Black Ferns win at the Rugby World Cup! Come along to Parliament Lawn from Midday next Tuesday 13 December to celebrate our incredible team!

Their triumph at Eden Park is one of New Zealand’s greatest sporting moments. The Black Ferns are extraordinary athletes, exceptional people and proud New Zealanders. We are so proud of these women, helping to pave the way for women’s sport in Aotearoa, proving yet again that women’s sport is out on top.


**
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** Further action to tackle crime and keep Wellington safe
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It has been a hugely distressing time for the family and friends of Janak Patel, and for other shop owners and workers who are feeling vulnerable. It’s a terrible thought to be worried if you will be safe at work. Youth offending has been trending down long term, but the recent spike that we’ve seen in ram raids is not acceptable. It’s worrying for communities and creates victims, and there’s more that needs to be done.

We have been implementing measures to deal with the spike in retail crime for some time, and recently we added to that with more new and additional support. It includes a new fog cannon subsidy scheme which will be open to all small shops and dairies in New Zealand. We are also extending the Retail Crime Prevention Fund to help businesses that have been victim to an aggravated robbery, as well as a ram raid, to access better security measures, like CCTV systems, shatter-proof glass and bollards.
We will also make funding available to local councils where this kind of crime is prevalent – in Auckland, Hamilton and the Bay of Plenty area – matching them dollar for dollar to help fund better crime prevention measures that they see working for their local communities.

We’ve seen good progress with the Better Pathways package ([link removed] ) , which has got a number of rangatahi re-engaged in school or training. This is a problem that has many causes and solutions and we will keep looking for ways to address them.
These initiatives, when taken together, are the most significant crime prevention financial package in recent memory.


** Trikafta funded by Pharmac
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Pharmac have recently announced that they will fund Trikafta, the wonder drug that gives life and quality of life to those with cystic fibrosis. It’s been a long journey, and I know how much it means to the hundreds of families who will benefit.

One of the most difficult things I have experienced as a politician is meeting people who are in need of a drug that is not currently funded by Pharmac. Politicians don't make the decisions on what drugs get purchased, that is for our clinicians and experts. What we do have control over is how much we fund the agency. There are a vast number of priorities in health to support, but I am pleased that we have increased Pharmac funding by more than 43% since we came into office, funding 68 new medicines and extending access to 113.

This has been a tough time for all involved, as negotiations have been underway. I know it has been hard for those who could see a better future. To get Trikafta over the line we had to put further funding in on top of this, but it is well worth it, given it will extend the lives of people who take it by up to 27 years.


**
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How I can help

My electorate office on Willis Street is a great place to get help if you are having difficulties with agencies such as Work and Income, ACC, Inland Revenue, Kāinga Ora or Immigration.
Don't hesitate to get in touch:
Ph: 04 801 8079 Email: [email protected] Address: 220 Willis Street
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Wellington Central Electorate Office
220 Willis St, Wellington 6141
Ph: 04 801 8079
[email protected]

Authorised by Grant Robertson, 220 Willis Street, Wellington.
Our mailing address is:
220 Willis Street
Wellington 6141

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Hon Grant Robertson MP . 220 Willis Street . Wellington, Wgn 6011 . New Zealand

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