Merry Christmas
I have recently returned from the USA as you may know. While I was there, I announced more aid for the Ukraine as they cope with more unfair and unjust bombing and attacks from Russia.
We have announced a $15 million contribution to a NATO and United States initiative to supply Ukraine with weapons and equipment.
The defence of Ukraine has significant implications not only for the security of Europe, but also for the Indo-Pacific. Australia has joined us in making contributions to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). We are working together to support Ukraine as we navigate the challenging strategic environment.
Local Announcements, actions and reports
Many announcements are being made here in New Zealand about keeping costs like rates under control because as our Prime Minister rightly says, if New Zealand households must budget and prioritise spending, then councils should do this too. The plan is to keep rates increases under 4 per cent per annum and for councils to focus on pipes, rubbish and potholes as their priority.
Recently the Prime Minister was in the Electorate of Papakura turning a sod for the first 2900 houses in a big new housing development on the former Formosa Golf Club. This area will be called Beachlands South, and it has been designed to blend and connect with the existing town and to reflect the environment of the beautiful Pohutukawa Coast.
A report card on what has been achieved by the National led government has been delivered around the Electorate in the last few weeks and it shows that real progress is being achieved on the promises made when the coalition government was formed two years ago.
Progress is being made on improving health delivery with more drugs for serious illness like cancers and respiratory diseases available, shortened ED wait times, faster access to specialists and less waiting time to get operations.
Education policies have seen significantly better school attendance and improved educational achievement especially in literacy and mathematics.
New policies, better management of Police resources and recent legislation aimed at reducing crime and increasing penalties for crimes like attacking first responders, retail crime, violent assaults like coward punches and human trafficking, are working. There are now 38,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime annually since December 2023.
Over the year you have read about changes to building codes and accountability and other matters relating to development and construction which are starting to see positive results as projects are begun and “sod-turnings” are more frequent.
This month in the Electorate, the Drury SH22 upgrade project to connect to the planned Ngakoroa Railway Station and Drury West housing development, will see Hon Chris Bishop Minister of Transport turn the first sod for these projects which will provide road and rail support for future growth in these areas.
Event Boost Fund and Events Attraction Package
Some good times are ahead too, with the Government announcing a major investment in world class music, sport, arts, and cultural events. This will encourage visitors, boost tourism, and lift New Zealand’s economy.
Highlights already booked are acts like American rockers Linkin Park playing in Auckland, Ultra Music Festival bringing its Miami-famous electronic dance music to Wellington, the FIFA World Series in Auckland and a collab of Six60 with Synthony in Christchurch.
Perfect news for the holidays and for a prosperous and enjoyable new year.
I take this time to thank you for reading the Collins’ Comments each fortnight and I hope that you find the information useful for yourselves and when talking to others. Hopefully, there are items that you read that lead to opportunities for development of your businesses, livelihoods and lifestyles.
May you and your families and friends have a peaceful, hopeful, joyful Christmas holiday as you gather and take time to reflect, time to plan and time to relax.
Merry Christmas wishes to all of you and best wishes for a Happy New Year,
Judith
