• Dan Bidois

News from Northcote's MP

Member of Parliament Dan Bidois joins Channel's columnists this month to being you the latest Northcote news...

It has been an incredible past nine months for me in my transition from the private sector to working for Northcote as your local Member of Parliament. Getting to meet so many of you has been a true highlight of mine and I am truly thankful for the support I’ve received.

I’d like to wish a very happy Lunar New Year to our Chinese and Korean readers. Celebrations were a hit at the Chinese and Korean New Year Festival at Northcote Town Centre. The festival displayed the diversity of our communities in Northcote and it was fantastic to be there alongside my team of volunteers.

Congestion and public transport are big issues that continue to be raised and are a top priority of mine. Last year I launched a petition garnering over 1,900 signatures calling on Auckland Transport to reopen and upgrade the closed Northcote Point ferry terminal. I presented the petition to the Board of AT and they subsequently announced renewal work would be undergone to reopen the Wharf. The success of our petition shows the gains that can be made when our community bands together in support of a common purpose. I will soon be launching another petition calling on AT to take action improving the flow of traffic down Onewa Road by trialling proposals to ease the gridlock plaguing commuters. 

I recently hosted National’s Social Service Caucus Committee on its visit to Northcote. The committee visited De Paul House, Hearts and Minds, Haumaru Housing - a joint venture of the Selwyn Foundation and Auckland Council, along with the Northcote Redevelopment. It was great introducing my colleagues to some of the great community groups that are so vital to many in our area. These groups showcased the services they offer to our community and gave feedback to members on ways they can be supported in their mission. 


I’ve been meeting with local businesses hearing their concerns, both locally and nationally. Locally, access to public transport and congestion prevents businesses from attracting and retaining talent, adding costs to their business. Nationally, businesses large and small are worried about the negative effects of this government’s employment law reforms. This reduces the flexibility of our labour market which has long been the envy of the rest of the developed world. The National Party believes in creating a modern, flexible, and inclusive employment framework fit for the 21st century, so we will be vocal about any proposals which undermine this vision.

I’m always wanting to hear from constituents on what matters to you and if you’d like to receive my Bidois Bulletin newsletter, please do email me at dan.bidois@parliament.govt.nz

Dan Bidois MP
Member of Parliament for Northcote
National's Associate Spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety

Electorate Office: 09 419 8021, 17 Rawene Road, Birkenhead

www.danbidois.co.nz 

Email: dan.bidois@parliament.govt.nz

Facebook: danbidoismp


Issue 96 March 2019