Viewpoint – No rest at recess

Parliament usually sits for three weeks followed by a recess week. Some people misunderstand recess to be some kind of a break but the opposite is true. It is always super busy during recess weeks as it is the opportunity to get around the electorate, meet with Rodney residents, hold clinics and attend community events.
This week as well as the above, I will visit several of our Rodney and Hibiscus Coast schools, many of which have seen rapid roll growth over the last few years. This has put significant strain on school space and resources when over the last decade, funding for building classrooms fell behind the growth in students. As a result too many children ended up being taught in cold school halls and prefabs and we don’t believe that is good enough.

Our Government’s recent announcement of the largest ever single investment in school property in New Zealand history (including funding for a new primary school in Milldale), catches up on the neglect and brings the building of new classrooms in line with future roll growth. It’s the first time ever that a Government has committed to a long-term plan identifying where new schools or additional classrooms are needed. Looking ahead long-term rather than three years, will give certainty to schools, parents and the construction sector.

During an earlier recess week I took the plunge at the Arkles Bay Mid-Winter Swim for Hospice. I had visited and volunteered at Hospice Charity Shops in Warkworth and Whangaparaoa and was inspired by the dedication of the many volunteers. So I decided I would support the swim to raise funds for Harbour-Hibiscus Coast Hospice. A big thank you to everyone who sponsored me for the icy cold swim and helped me raise more than $1000 to contribute to the good cause.

I am proud to be part of a hard-working government, dealing with a lot of legislation. I can understand that sometimes the messaging can be confusing so I would just like to clarify something about the 2020 cannabis referendum. It is important to understand that there will be a clear choice for New Zealanders in a referendum at the election, with a simple yes/no question. Voters will be presented with draft legislation ready to pass – including issues such as a minimum age, regulations, commercial supply controls, public education programme, stakeholder engagement, etc. Leading up to that vote, there will be a public information campaign and answers to questions.

And good news! Unemployment is down, wages are up, and our Government is investing in getting more young Kiwis into jobs. Unemployment has just fallen to 3.9 percent, the lowest rate in 11 years – 21,000 more people are in work in the last three months and 92,000 new jobs have been created since we took office. The last time New Zealand had an unemployment level this low, Helen Clark was the Prime Minister.