While writing this month’s column, a torrential downpour is underway outside my office.
A dismal downpour in the cold weather is a great analogy for the Labour Government who is failing us time and time again with no solutions to tackling the cost-of-living crisis that is hurting so many families.
National has real plans to address New Zealand’s problems from education to the economy and from healthcare to law and order, we will get our country back on track. National is also committed to getting inflation down and lowering the cost of living. When people are relying on a fixed income, any cost-of-living increases are harmful, and the meteoric rise under this Labour Government has seen many people struggling. Only National has a plan to get our country back on track by addressing the underlying drivers of inflation. National will restore discipline to government, deliver meaningful tax relief and stop adding unnecessary costs to businesses. It's not about the economy for the economy's sake. It's about people – it's about lifting incomes, creating new jobs and being able to afford the public services that hard-working Kiwis deserve. It's about better health care, an education system that equips our children for success, and meeting our climate change goals. National knows it is only through a strong economy that New Zealand can deliver these things.
You also might have heard about National’s plan to end cell phone use in schools for students. Teachers and parents have told us the use of devices is affecting schoolwork and contributing to a lack of socialisation during breaks and, as many parents have found out, messages through digital media apps can assist the perpetrators of bullying. We know there are school headmasters and principals across New Zealand who are keen for a centralised policy so every student attending their local primary, intermediate or secondary school can get on with learning rather than looking at social media reels in the classrooms. The schools themselves will be able to decide exactly how they enforce the cell phone ban, but it could mean requiring students to hand in their phones before school or leave them in their lockers or bags. Parents will still be able to contact students via the school office, and exceptions for students with health conditions or special circumstances will be permitted. Education should be the great enabler that means every New Zealand child can pursue their aspirations regardless of where they start in life. However, when half of Year 10 students cannot meet basic reading and writing benchmarks needed to succeed in further learning, work and life, we are failing our children.
Finally, thank you to everyone who has come along to one of the public meetings I’ve been hosting with my caucus colleagues and other members of the National team. It is crucial we are able to hear your concerns so we can work towards getting our country back on track in October. As I’ve been door knocking across the streets of Grey Lynn and visiting community groups around our city, I’m hearing the issues that matter to you. From concerns about how proposals to change rail crossings for vehicles and pedestrians can affect commuter times, to your worries about crime on our suburban streets impacting your wellbeing, know that we are listening to you and your concerns.
By the time the next issue of Ponsonby News comes around we will be well into the election campaign season and voting may even be open. Overseas votes can be cast from 27 September and advanced voting from 2 October. If you are unsure about your voter details or want to find out more about the electorate you are voting in this year, go to vote.nz/2023-general-election/get-help-to-vote/contact-your-electorate-manager/ and you can find helpful information. Alternatively, email my office at mplee@parliament.govt.nz and we can point you in the right direction. On October 15 I hope to return to the 54th New Zealand Parliament and continue my advocacy for you all. Until then my Parliament teams in Auckland and Wellington are still here to support you with any constituent queries you may have.
Have a wonderful spring! (MELISSA LEE)
National Member of Parliament. National Spokesperson for Broadcasting & Media| Digital Economy and Communications | Ethnic Communities
Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay #melissaleeMP #nationallistmp
Published: August 2023