Read on for updates on my work inside and outside of Parliament.

Cyclone Gabrielle

Cyclone Gabrielle has wreaked a horrific amount of destruction and pain.

In Hawke’s Bay I was in awe of the way people are rising to this moment of grief to dig in for their community.

I met people with epic stories of survival left with nothing but the clothes on their backs, I saw acres upon acres of once prime growing land filled with vines and fruit trees now turned to beds of mud and silt, substations still draining water, once bustling manufacturing facilities wrecked and broken, collapsed bridges and an overwhelming amount of mud, debris and wreckage all over the land.

I also saw a community coming together in a powerful and uplifting way. Thank you to all those working hard on the ongoing emergency response, all power to you.

I saw the same in Gisborne, where Cyclone flooding has also wiped out homes and bridges, disrupted communications, power, water and roads and destroyed crops, businesses and the jobs that depend on them.

It’s gutting to talk with people who’ve suffered so much, losing homes, watching their work destroyed with crops flattened, roads and driveways impassable, silt, logs and mud piled up where once there was grass.

It’s impossible to ignore the compounding role forestry slash has played in the destruction. It’s just not right that enormous amounts of waste from this industry has been allowed to build up and so badly worsen the flooding effects. National supports a hard look at how this industry is being regulated so we can prevent these issues in future.

Hawke's Bay hero

This is Cameron Taylor. He is a hero. When Cyclone Gabrielle wreaked its destruction on Hawke’s Bay he saved dozens of people from their roofs and ceilings.

In the early hours of last Tuesday morning, Cameron evacuated from his house as rivers burst their banks and a wall of flood water approached. His first thought on getting to safety was for all the other families he feared would not have escaped. He went to work.

He repeated these acts of courage and selflessness for hours. Determined to do all he could to save lives.

Meanwhile, his own apple business has suffered immense destruction, with acres of orchards destroyed, cool stores filled with mud, robotic packing machines waterlogged. His concern remains for people and the 300 Taylor Co staff he employs.

We are so lucky to have New Zealanders like Cameron. His courageous acts this week were truly exceptional. I know though that he is one of many heroes in our communities who have done incredible things in the wake of the Cyclone Gabrielle disaster.

'Cyclone' tax

This is not the time for new taxes on Kiwis.

National supports the commitment to fund a full rebuild following Cyclone Gabrielle. It’s the right thing to do.

We are also conscious that Kiwis remain caught in a cost of living crisis. We are alarmed by the suggestion that the Government could impose a new “cyclone” tax on New Zealanders to fund the rebuild. It is simply irresponsible for Ministers to be plotting another tax grab at this difficult time.

Instead the Government should bring discipline to its own spending, dump pet political projects like the eye-wateringly expensive $30B Auckland Light Rail, and focus on getting infrastructure built more efficiently.

In a crisis the Government’s first port of call should not be the back pockets of cash-strapped Kiwis.

National remains committed to reducing the income tax you pay, building and repairing the infrastructure New Zealand needs and managing Government finances responsibly.

Pride parade