First off, this month I want to acknowledge the many amazing leaders around Auckland, Northland, the Hawkes’ Bay, Bay of Plenty, Wairarapa and many other parts of New Zealand who have gotten stuck in helping those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent natural disaster events that have heralded in the first months of 2023.
There has been extensive damage to roading, infrastructure, and devastation to our communities and, much like the aftermath of the Canterbury and Seddon Earthquakes, there will be a long road to recovery for the affected parts of New Zealand.
A few days ago I had the opportunity to visit Hawkes’ Bay and meet with many affected residents from across the region in Napier, Hastings and Havelock North alongside local National candidates Catherine Wedd (Tukituki) and Katie Nimon (Napier).
Talking with them and others, it’s clear there needs to be better planning from the government to see their region recover from this disaster that will hurt their economic wellbeing for years to come. Seeing the silt, mud and abandoned caravans and cars still strewn around many streets and across farmland was heart-breaking. My thoughts are with everyone who is repairing shattered homes and lives around our country.
As New Zealanders try to recover from all of these events, they are still going through a cost of living crisis that is hitting their wallets hard. Mortgage rates continue to soar while households struggle to pay the bills. National’s FamilyBoost package announced last month will make a tangible difference to the lives of struggling Kiwi families; you can check out how much you will save under National here: www.national.org.nz/learn_more.
When out talking with small businesses, meeting with constituents, and checking my emails, the message that keeps coming through is that families with young children are particularly vulnerable right now and in New Zealand childcare is among the most expensive in the developed world. The FamilyBoost policy package, combined with other plans National has announced to support struggling households will deliver change for New Zealanders.
National has now also selected our candidate for Auckland Central for 2023, Mahesh Muralidhar. Mahesh becomes from a strong business background working as Phase One Ventures chief executive and having been a key player in the development of start-ups around New Zealand and Australia, I’m looking forward to getting out and helping introduce Mahesh to everyone around Central Auckland community alongside my caucus colleagues in the coming weeks.
I know he’ll be an amazing representative for our city should he have the honour of serving with me in Parliament as an MP.
As we look ahead to what will be a tough year for many households, know my National colleagues’ and my door and inbox is always open. We want to hear from you, and we want to ensure you are represented in Parliament.
Best wishes for a wonderful Easter Break! (Melissa Lee)
National Member of Parliament. National Spokesperson for Broadcasting & Media| Digital Economy and Communications | Ethnic Communities
E: mplee@parliament.govt.nz
Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
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