It's down to the business of being your MP in Wellington

As someone new to the Beehive, I can say that the predominant feeling I have is a sense of responsibility. During the election campaign, I emphasised the importance of local issues and that focus hasn’t changed. Even though the mechanics of national governance are gaining the headlines, it’s my job to make sure that what’s happening here on the North Shore receives attention too.

The decision by Auckland City Transport to stop ferry services out of Stanley Bay is in my opinion a short-sighted budgeting decision that ignores the congestion problems we face. The ferries were a vital transport link during recent shutdowns of the Harbour Bridge and it’s ridiculous that the Council should ignore the lessons so recently gained.

I’m also onside with the long-suffering businesses of Hurstmere Road who have been told that cones and traffic distruption will stay in place during the five-month stoppage to street works. (This is yet another budgeting issue.) Doesn’t the Council realise that their decision is seriously curtailing the revenue opportunities of retailers on Hurstmere Road, who would otherwise generate the revenue and employment that leads to long-term budget resilience?

On a national level, I can report that my colleagues in the National Party are energised by the very real challenges our country faces and are determined to play a leading role in discussions about where our country goes to from here. For me, this means being the National Party’s Spokesperson for ACC and Associate Spokesperson for Health.

My experience as a deputy chief financial officer and emergency ambulance officer within the healthcare system will bring valuable insight to the debate about providing a better health system for all New Zealanders. With regards to ACC, I’m concerned about the many inequities that seem to be thrown up by a system that many business owners and the self-employed consider unfair. I encourage you to share your thoughts on this matter.

Finally, I’d like to close by acknowledging my excitement about the upcoming America’s Cup regatta. This is a showcase for Kiwi ingenuity and enterprise, even if it is unfortunate that Covid will stop the huge influx of overseas spectators we’ve previously seen. So, I encourage everyone to make the most of Summer and the regatta, by getting out and enjoying our spectacular harbour, world-class beaches and through your support of local businesses.

I would also encourage the Government to apply agility and intelligence to how the America’s Cup can be leveraged to provide maximum benefit. It’s easy to blanket-ban all entrants to our country during a pandemic, but a more selective process to assessing requests to enter would bring invaluable revenue opportunities for our hospitality, marine and technology industries. Let’s be aware of the continued threat of Covid, but not be cowed into inaction because of it.

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