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Dear John In this issue:
Devastating CyclonesFirst, I would like to extend my sympathies to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle.
Many are also suffering from shock after witnessing their family homes (and the personal treasures they contained), as well as the businesses they had worked hard to build up over years, being destroyed in a matter of hours. The devastation over parts of New Zealand has been catastrophic, and the whole country will suffer the after-effects for months, if not years. The clean-up and rebuild will be a massive effort and involve huge cost. It will take time to replace houses, crops and livestock, and to get commercial premises up and running again. Last week I was in Hawke's Bay seeing firsthand the chaos and destruction wreaked by Cyclone Gabrielle. Over the last couple of years, I have spent a lot of time in Hawke’s Bay, ‘minding’ the region before Katie Nimon in Napier and Catherine Wedd in Tukituki were confirmed as National’s candidates. Some areas are now unrecognisable. Others are untouched. I thank the first responders who are out there putting their own lives at risk to rescue and help others. You are true heroes. It has been amazing to see communities banding together to help with the relief and recovery, and the amount of money, food and other necessities provided by New Zealanders. Financial support is still needed. Please be wary of donating to scammers! Only donate to reputable organisations.
Auckland doctor Renee is one of the volunteers who has been helping her fellow kiwis. She took a minute to have a chat with me. Live with LouiseFor further information about the cyclone damage and other concerns discussed on my Live with Louise February chat, go to my Facebook page.
Cost-of-living crisisThe full damage to infrastructure from the recent cyclones is yet to be assessed, but some estimate it will cost tens of billions of dollars to fix. The government's announcement of another cash rate hike on Thursday is the tenth consecutive hike in a row. Inflation is becoming the norm under this Labour Government. Wages are not keeping up with rising prices and rising mortgage interest rates, and the Kiwi standard of living is dropping further every day. Local Water Done WellNational Party leader Christopher Luxon has announced that a National Government will scrap Labour’s undemocratic and unworkable Three Waters model with four mega-entities and mandatory co-governance and replace it with a sustainable system that ensures drinking water, stormwater and wastewater remain in local ownership and control. See National's plan here. Water quality regulator Taumata Arowai will set strict standards for water quality. A Water Infrastructure Regulator will be established within the Commerce Commission to set and enforce standards for long-term water infrastructure investment. Mr Luxon says councils will be required to demonstrate a clear plan to deliver ongoing investment in maintenance and replacement of vital water infrastructure. The plans will need to be approved by the Minister of Local Government. Councils will be required to spend money collected for water infrastructure on water infrastructure, not on other services. This will enable communities to cope with pressures like climate change and housing growth. Christopher Luxon's visit to CambridgeNational Party leader Christopher Luxon came to Cambridge in early February, visiting Te Awa retirement village, the Grassroots Trust Velodrome and Shaw’s Wire Ropes. After a short walkabout on Victoria Street, he addressed a lunchtime meeting of the Cambridge Business Chamber where he outlined National's plans for governing New Zealand.
Olympic cyclist Aaron Gate took time out of his training schedule to share his experiences with Christopher Luxon and me. Youth Advisory Board - Participants WantedI'm continuing the Taupō Youth Advisory Board, which brings together young people in the electorate to discuss issues that matter to their peers in our communities, and to find solutions to those issues. I am calling for students aged 16–18 in education in the Taupō electorate to join in. You can register your interest by contacting Jane Matthews at [email protected] Out and AboutSmear your MeaRiders stopped in Turangi to honour Talei Morrison on their Smear your Mea Ride for Talei which was promoting cervical and other cancer screening, and encouraging discussion about health and wellbeing. It's great to see the message getting out. Tractor TrekI recently attended the official launch of the Feelings for Life Tractor Trek 2023 at Cambridge Middle School. The convoy of tractors travelled to schools—including Cambridge Primary, Putaruru and Lichfield Schools—this month to bring joy to children and raise funds for free Think & Be Me resources to teach children about mental health. Rotary Clubs assisted with the school visits. Resources (suitable for children, parents and educators) to help children learn to understand and regulate their emotions are available at www.thinkandbe.me
Upcoming engagement opportunitiesInternational Women's Day Lunch – CambridgeWe cordially invite local women to join us for a celebration of
International Women’s Day on Monday, March 6th, 12 p.m.–2
p.m. at Your Local Espresso and Eats, 9 Albert Street,
Cambridge. Please RSVP. Facebook LiveMy next chat will be in March. Join me to discuss the issues that currently concern you. Tuesday 14 March 8 p.m. Friendly ForumsFriendly Forums are open to all and are a great way for you to let me know your concerns and priorities and ask me questions. Taupō: 3 March 2023, 10 a.m.–11.30 a.m. Rotary House, 12 Story Place, Taupō Cambridge: 17 March 2023, 10 a.m.–11.30 a.m. Seminar Room, Taylor Made Community Space, 22A Taylor Street, Cambridge South Waikato (Tokoroa): 27 March 2023, 10 a.m.–11.30 a.m. South Waikato Sport and Events Centre, 25 Mossop Road, Tokoroa Electorate AssistanceIf you need help from my team, please email or phone one of my offices. The Cambridge office at 3 Anzac Street is open Mondays and Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Fridays by appointment only. The Taupō office at 67 Paora Hapi Street is open Mondays – Thursdays 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Fridays by appointment only. Cambridge – 07 8275572 or [email protected] South Waikato – 07 886 5554 or [email protected] Taupō – 07 3765563 or [email protected]
Kind regards, Hon Louise Upston |
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