As your local National candidate, I’m focused on the key issues that matter to Auckland Central like fixing the economy so we can reduce the cost of living, making our streets safer and improving key public services like transport, health and education.
In two years’ time – after two years of a National Government – I want everyone in Auckland Central to see our country back on track, and I’ll work relentlessly to make that happen if we earn the opportunity to govern.
Cost of living
What a difference two years have made! In 2023, we had the highest net migration to Australia in a decade thanks to the cost of living crisis. Today, Kiwis are choosing to stay, play and thrive in Auckland Central.
Prices have dropped and you’re comfortably buying what your family needs. Local businesses in Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and the CBD are booming, with plentiful access to staff.
You’ve always been a careful spender, but it’s the Government’s change in habits that’s made the difference. Taxpayer money is being spent wisely on projects that will deliver better outcomes, rather than on consultants and stalled announcements. You get to keep more of your hard-earned money thanks to tax brackets being indexed to inflation. Red tape isn’t being piled onto businesses and there are fewer barriers to getting the staff and investment we need to truly grow our local economy.
Safety
Remember when our local stores were hit incessantly by ram raids, and considered installing metal cages to protect workers? Not anymore – public safety is now a priority and our community knows the National Government is cracking down on crime. There’s a sufficient police presence with firm and clear consequences for criminal behaviour. Victims of crime are properly supported, with nearly 30% more funding for counselling and support services.
But it’s not just about deterrents. Our Government has invested in policies that support community organisations in helping break the cycle and giving prisoners access to effective rehabilitation programmes (the kind that actually address the underlying cause of offending). While there’s still room for improvement, we know we’ll reap the benefit of this social investment in coming years.
Transport
Auckland Central, you’re moving again! How good is it to see the back of those traffic cones on Queen Street? In 2023 our city was near its breaking point and frustrated by gridlock lack of reliable public transport options. We’ve had to do a fair bit of remedial work, but it’s great to see how far we’ve come.
People enjoy coming into the city again. Our roads are in better condition thanks to an extra $500m in maintenance funds, and less congested now that speed limits are fit for purpose. Our Waiheke ferries have finally been addressed (despite a ‘four years and counting’ review by the previous government), and public transport is reliable with an adequate supply of trained drivers and a growing suite of EVs.
Education, health and climate wellbeing
Our schools are now firmly focused on teaching the basics brilliantly, with an hour a day dedicated to maths, reading and writing respectively. Truancy is taken seriously and more of our kids are where they need to be: at school. One of the best future economic indicators is how many children are in school and doing well. Today, parents can see that their kids are being equipped with the skills they need to succeed.
Nurses and midwives are being encouraged to stay in NZ and the Government is prioritising training more doctors locally. Our health system is refocused on better outcomes like shorter emergency department waiting times, more elective surgeries and shorter waitlists instead of more layers of bureaucracy in Wellington. People are more confident about getting the healthcare they need, when they need it.
We’ve made pragmatic and sustainable changes to respond to climate change, including unleashing our renewable energy sector by making it easier to invest in and build renewable generation like wind and solar. Out-of-date rules around biotechnology have been updated under National to develop initiatives (like methane-inhibiting feed for livestock) that reduce our agricultural emissions.
Overall: B++
Auckland Central is humming and one of the best in class when it comes to quality of life, public services and amenities.
Our biggest strength has always been our community – vibrant, resilient and inclusive. And it was the collective power of this community that delivered a change in government in 2023 and set us on this path to a brighter future for our electorate and our country. (Mahesh Muralidhar)
National Party Candidate for Auckland Central
E: mahesh.muralidhar@national.org.nz
www.national.org.nz/maheshmuralidhar
Authorised by M Muralidhar, 188 Ponsonby Road.
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay #westernsprings #MaheshMuralidhar #AucklandCentral
Published: 31 July 2023