Dear John,

I hope you've had a relaxing summer so far. Here in the Hutt the weather has certainly been all over the show but as per usual, seems to be improving just as school (and Parliament goes back).... some things never seem to change.

Jenna and I spent the summer break pottering around the Hutt with Jeremy and Matilda (she just turned three months!) and it was wonderful to recharge the batteries after a massive 2024. I certainly needed a break and I have come back fired up and ready to get stuck into work around the Hutt, in Parliament and in government!

Cabinet Reshuffle: Last week the PM did a Cabinet Reshuffle and I became the Minister of Transport in addition to my other responsibilities in Infrastructure, Housing, RMA Reform, Associate Finance and Leader of the House. Unfortunately I have had to give up the Sport and Recreation portfolio, which I will admit I was disappointed about - I am still an Associate Sport Minister though, so that's something (some of my colleagues have joked the title should be Associate Sport (Cricket)).

This is a massive workload but I am really excited by the additional new role. I was National's Transport Spokesperson from 2019-20 so I have some experience in the role and obviously I was already working closely with Simeon Brown (who has moved to the Health portfolio). We have a large transport infrastructure deficit and there is a huge amount to do, including here in the Hutt of course with important projects like Melling and RiverLink!

Speed Limits: It's been straight down to work in the new portfolio - on Wednesday the PM and I journeyed over the hill to Featherston to announce that SH2 between Featherston and Masterton ([link removed]) would revert to being a 100 kph road. The 80kph speed limit has caused enormous angst and frustration. There are 37 further state highways going back to what their speeds were pre 2020 when Labour went on a blanket and untargeted spree of speed reductions. In addition consultation has started on 49 other state highways - it'll be interesting to see the feedback on these. We campaigned on these changes and we're now delivering. Local Councils will also be required to reverse their speed changes made since 2020 (we are keeping lower speed limits around schools during pick-up and drop-off times).

State of the Nation: The PM kicked off the political year with a "State of the Nation" speech ([link removed]) in Auckland last week, talking about how we need to stop saying "no" to growth and development and start saying "yes". This year is all about going for economic growth - only with a growing and strong economy can we lift wages and living standards for Kiwis, attract talent to NZ and make sure Kiwis don't leave, and invest in health and vital social services.

It's tough out there for many people right now. We now know that the economy has endured a downturn even worse than even 1991. Six years of epic mismanagement can't be fixed overnight but we are getting on with the job and there are green shoots emerging. Now we need interest rates to come down and we need to focus on pro-growth policies. I'm excited about the role I can play in transport, infrastructure, planning reform and housing! These areas can all make a big difference and I'll be working closely with Nicola Willis, the new Minister for Economic Growth.

Around the Hutt: Speaking of housing, it was great to officially open the new Kāinga Ora houses in Epuni this week. Over ten years ago the old Housing NZ units on this land were demolished - they were old, cold, and in some cases just 10% of earthquake code. They had to go. In 2017 the outgoing National-led government committed to developing the land and building new houses. 34 houses were demolished and with greater density on the land, have been turned into 134 new ones. The development took way too long but it's finally done. The most heart-warming thing I heard at the opening is that of the 34 families that have moved into the initial units, 15 came from emergency housing motels. One person had spent 15 months living in a car and emergency housing motels. Now they're in a warm and dry home. Brilliant.

Ava Rail Bridge: ([link removed]) I've had a few people contact me about the Ava Rail Bridge and walkway ([link removed]) . KiwiRail is upgrading the rail bridge (which is around 100 years old) with new sleepers and say this means the walkway attached to the bridge has to be demolished when they do the work. The work has to be done for the rail line but the loss of the walkway is a real blow as it is well used. The problem is that the bridge is owned by KiwiRail but the walkway is actually owned by the Hutt City Council and they haven't set aside money to upgrade the walkway. I'm talking to the Mayor and trying to find a solution.

The Year Ahead: 2025 is set to be even busier than 2024 for me and I'm looking forward to it. If you see me out and about in the Hutt then please say hello. And if you need a hand with anything then please contact either of my two offices (details below).

Have a great weekend.

Chris

P.S Have you been to the new Popeyes yet!? I think I'll wait until you don't need to go through temporary traffic management to get inside...
SH2 in Wairarapa is back to 100!
With local MP Mike Butterick celebrating the move back to 100 on SH2 in his electorate. Kieran McAnulty was the local MP and an Associate Transport Minister - he couldn't get it done. We did!
New Housing in Epuni
Officially opening the new Kāinga Ora houses in Epuni on Monday. 34 units has become 134.
6 years... wow
Six years married to Jenna on January 19. We celebrated with a delicious curry and cab sauv at one of our faves, Ruchi Indian Cuisine in Petone.
First visit as Transport Minister
My first visit as Transport Minister was to City Rail Link in Auckland on Thursday last week. This transformational public transport project was started by the last National government and will open under this government. The stations are looking fantastic. People will be blown away when it opens. I can’t wait.
New roles
Looking forward to the year ahead!
A bit of an upgrade?
Every weekend Ministers get given a bag (often two) of papers to read and sign. The standard issue is a grey secure briefcase. Thanks to a generous gift from a friend I’ve upgraded I reckon. Check the bottom right corner. Score!
Present for Santa
This is from Christmas Eve but too good not to share - Jeremy’s offerings to Santa - cookies, cheese pasta and extra cheese, and his favourite drink (orange juice). Plus carrot and banana for the reindeers 🙂
Matilda Update
Ladyhawke is a big Matilda fan!
Tree of Joy

Again from before Christmas - I was dead on my feet but it was so lovely seeing so many people stop by the Tree of Joy in Queensgate and donate a present for a young one who would otherwise go without. Thanks to the Hutt City Rotary Club.
We've had the occasional nice day around the bays...

But we could do with a few more.

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