Dear John,
Welcome to 2025.
I hope you have been enjoying the summer holidays, though I know for many this can be the busiest time of year. I was lucky to spend time camping with family and friends, recharging my batteries, and also had the opportunity to catch up on some of the jobs that needed doing around the house, the list will never be finished but I put a dent in it!
As we head into 2025 I want to recap some of the highlights from the previous 12 months and look at some of the focus points for the year ahead.
Electorate Offices
Wanaka and Upper Clutha district are now served by a Member of Parliament’s Office for the first time, located in the Spencer House Mall, Dunmore Street Wanaka. Another first is having a Community Advisor permanently based in the Wanaka area. Rob Thorp is the eyes and ears on the ground for me in the west when I’m in Wellington, or over on the other side of the electorate.
On the east coast my Oamaru office remains at 127 Thames Street near the Historic Brydone Hotel. Dawn Ewing can help you with inquiries and make appointments or take bookings for engagements.
Timaru Hospital
A short and successful campaign with my colleague from Rangitata, MP James Meager, saw the idea of Timaru Hospital being managed from Southern Region, squashed, at the end of 2024. Working and advocating for South Canterbury with clinicians, the Minister’s office and Health NZ brought a positive result. Timaru hospital's clinical services management are staying put.
Immigration New Zealand
My office is regularly dealing with constituent queries relating to changes and post COVID backlog issues within Immigration New Zealand. We have successfully assisted several local employees and employers with Immigration questions and issues in the past year, with some really positive outcomes.
The Government is working hard to improve Immigration, with cap increases to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme and returning open work rights to partners of high-skilled migrants, but there is plenty more to do.
Members Bill
As the National MP for Waitaki, I'm pleased to announce the introduction of my Wilding Conifer Control and Eradication Legislation Bill which entered the ballot in October. It aims to address the significant and worsening issue of wilding conifers in New Zealand.
Grazing stock can effectively control these infestations, which is why my bill promotes using this as a management tool on suitable lands. The Department of Conservation's stewardship land is a major contributor to the wilding conifer problem, and my bill proposes leasing or selling affected lands with low or no conservation value to enable stock grazing.
New Minister for the South Island
For all of us in the Waitaki the recent announcement of a Minister for the South Island is great news. Our neighbouring MP James Meager has been allocated this portfolio to ensure issues which are particular to the South Island get the attention they deserve.
Fast track
In December last year the Fast-Track Approvals Bill became law. This marked an important next step in the approval process for projects that will help rebuild the economy and provide jobs and growth across our region.
Of the 149 projects chosen by cabinet after a robust process, 10 are based in the Waitaki Electorate.
I’m looking forward to another busy year in Parliament representing our great electorate and the great people who live here. My offices are always happy to take inquiries and below are some a upcoming dates and events you’ll be able to catch me at if you are keen to discuss matters.
All the best for a great 2025!
• Omakau Constituent Clinic - 7 February
• Central Otago Show -8 February
• Palmerston Waihemo Constituent Clinic - 14 February
• National Lamb Day Celebrations Totara Estate - 15 February
• North Otago A&P Show - 22 February
• Temuka Geraldine A&P Show - 1 March
• Wanaka A&P Show - 7/8 March
• Oamaru Clinic - 14th March
Miles
