Dear John,



Christmas is in sight and, for those of us lucky enough to be anticipating a summer break, it’s not far away. It’s been a good year for National and I will work as hard as I can to make sure next year is even better.







I squeezed in a quick game of forecourt cricket on the last day of Parliament. This fine shot went straight into the safe hands of Rangitikei MP Ian McKelvie.







Convincingly winning the Hamilton West by-election last weekend was a great testament to the work of many people, in particular National’s candidate Tama Potaka who will be sworn in after Parliament resumes next year. He went down to Wellington this week and met our team, who were delighted to welcome National’s 34th MP into the caucus.



The Party can be proud of the Hamilton West victory. We focused on what matters, including the escalating cost of living. That was reinforced with food price inflation data this week showing an 11% rise in the past 12 months, with fruit and vegetables up 20%. The strain on families and foodbanks is very real.



The current crime wave was also a feature in the by-election because Waikato has been hit particularly hard, especially by ram-raids. While Labour waffles with its soft on crime approach, offenders are emboldened and more people become victims. We will not accept that this is the new normal for crime in New Zealand. National will tackle gangs, combat youth offending, and ensure offenders face consequences for their actions.



MPs had the great privilege this week of being addressed, by videolink, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I responded on behalf of National and, with the way he has rallied Ukrainians to fight for their country, and other countries to support Ukraine, I described President Zelenskyy as the Winston Churchill of our generation. Here’s my speech. <[link removed]>



I’ve been Leader of National for just over a year now and I am proud of the way our team is working. We’re cohesive, focussed, and each day we are exposing Labour’s failings. It’s great to know we have the backing of our great party and this final newsletter for 2022 is the right time for me to sincerely thank all of you for your support for all our MPs this year. We have so appreciated it.











The Christmas spirit was all around at the Howick Christmas Parade.







Finally, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a safe and restful summer, and an energised return to the fray in 2023. It’s going to be a big year!



Christopher



PS. Campaigning takes a lot of resources and today is the last day of our annual President’s Appeal, which is an opportunity for those who can to contribute to our war chest going into election year. Thank you to those who have already contributed. These funds help pay for our billboard and social media campaigns, as well as letters to swing voters which really make a difference. I appreciate every donation so we can win, and win well. You can donate here: national.org.nz/presidentsappeal <[link removed]>







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