Dear John,
Welcome to my May newsletter
I want to begin this newsletter by expressing my gratitude to those who have reached out with messages of support in light of recent media efforts to misrepresent me and my values. I consider myself socially liberal, and my views are shaped not only by my Christian upbringing but also by my scientific career.
For me, faith is personal, and it has never been hidden. Like hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who hold a belief, it is always shocking and concerning when individuals who may share that belief are being investigated or charged with any offences.
Unfortunately, there has been significant misrepresentation and misinformation surrounding this issue. I encourage anyone with questions to reach out to me directly.
One of the highlights for me last month was ANZAC day. My day involved attending three services: the poignant Dawn Service, a touching ceremony at Jane Deans Close in Riccarton commemorating the 20th Battalion, and the service at the Papanui RSA. Three very different services but all reflected and honoured the sacrifices made by ordinary kiwis – farmers, nurses, teachers, miners who went to the other side of the world to fight in a war alongside other members of the British commonwealth to defend our freedom. For many of us, they are our parents, our grandparents and great grandparents whose stories have shaped our upbringing and our country.
Business in the House
On May 22, Minister Willis will be reading the 2025 budget. The Minister has indicated growth will be front and centre and that the Government has reduced the size of Budget 2025 operating allowance to $1.3 billion. It won’t be a lolly scramble, as spending initiatives are strictly limited to the most important priorities: health, education, law and order, defence, and a small number of critical social investments. She has also said there will be modest measures to support business growth and will provide some carefully targeted cost of living relief.
What’s coming up in May
- Time to dig out those old NZ classics and celebrate NZ Music Month
- It marks the start of our Youth Parliamentarian term. Burnside High student: Sam will focus on assisting our outreach to young people within the electorate.
- This month I’m welcoming two classes from Medbury School in to Parliament. I enjoy showing school groups from the electorate around parliament.
- I’m privileged to be guest speaker at the Otago University Research Forum and also at the NZ Institute of International Affairs.
April’s highlights
Thank you to an energetic group of volunteers who turned out to deliver letters and fliers in to 4000 letterboxes in Harewood. I door knocked several residents and then held a Café Catchup at a local café. I always appreciate hearing the thoughts and views of residents.
