Back in Action for 2025

It’s been a wonderful summer to spend time with family and friends and to reflect. We’re lucky to spend our time not only in the most beautiful country in the world, but in a slice of Auckland with a real sense of community.

This community spirit was on full display when we farewelled Tracey and Mark, owners of St Heliers’ Miss Moo’s Kitchen, in January who’ve handed over the keys to their café to pastry chef Meng. I stopped in on their last day and was blown away by the number of locals who popped in to give a hug and well wishes. In our community, coffee isn’t just coffee, it’s served with warmth and friendship.


You might notice Meadow Café in Meadowbank with a new lick of paint and new management under Clint too. Several local shops have changed hands in the new year, and I wish them all the success hard work can bring, and many customers!

I know that businesses have found the past few years difficult and commend every Kiwi that wants to make a go of starting a small business. Let’s support local, if we can, and work together to shape a future for our community and New Zealand that we can be proud of.


While it was a great summer, schools are now back and so is Parliament. This year, schools will be coming to Parliament for Youth Parliament 2025. As Youth MP for Tāmaki, one local student will have the opportunity to participate in the parliamentary process and represent the electorate. If you know a local student between 16-18 years who’d like to experience the life of an MP, send them this link to learn more and apply.

Over this past year, one of my priorities in Government in the Internal Affairs portfolio has been to identify inefficiencies. I’m proud to start the year off announcing significant progress has been made in clearing the citizenship application backlog. I’d heard from many individuals about the impact a delay to citizenship can have on them and their family. The number of applications completed this December was 54 percent higher than in December 2023. I’ll continue to focus my efforts on ensuring high standards in core Government services.


Hundreds of locals have attended my community meetings series over the past year learning about Women’s Refuge, Watercare plans, and a wide range of topics from the economy, to crime and animal welfare, so I’m committed to keeping these meetings going in 2025. The first guest speaker for the year is Australian High Commissioner Harinder Sidhu who will highlight the NZ-AUS connection and her interesting career. The meeting will be 1:30pm – 2:30pm Friday 7 March. Please RSVP to [email protected]
Community Meeting


Our office has received an uptick in reports of crime locally. If you do experience or see crime being committed, please remember to call 111. Report, report, report.

Being a Minister in Government does take me to Wellington, but I continue to return to Tāmaki every week to listen to your voice and be your advocate. My electorate office in the Meadowbank Mall is open to all. If you have a government or local issue, our electorate team are on hand every day to help. You can reach us on 09 574 1345.

Good luck settling into 2025, and thanks for your continuous support.

Kind regards,

Simon


Brooke van Velden
ACT Deputy Leader | MP for Tāmaki