It’s been a busy month in the Tāmaki electorate office, but there’s been plenty of opportunity to get outside and make the most of the good weather. We are privileged to live in the greatest part of Auckland, and at the start of last month tens of thousands of locals descended on our Tāmaki Dr waterfront, me included, to take part in Round the Bays. It called for a large hat, comfy shoes, and of course, a pink shirt. I love seeing our beachfront utilised in the summer months and there were many smiles on the day.
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I hosted the Australian High Commissioner Harinder Sidhu in St Heliers for a community meeting to discuss the Australia–New Zealand relationship. In this somewhat new and uncertain geo-political time, it’s important to be reminded of our shared history, and in many cases families and friendships across our borders.
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Every second month, I bring a guest speaker to the electorate for non-political meetings, so we can all learn about the interesting work people are doing across New Zealand. Our meeting with economist Brad Olsen focusing on the economy was a hit last year, so much so, we’re doing it again! This time bringing economist Dr Eric Crampton to Tāmaki in May. I can’t wait to listen to his take on how to build a better economy. Please RSVP here or send an email to [email protected]
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This month, I spoke at the Rotary Club of St Johns Ellerslie, which is held in the Remuera Golf Club, about what it’s like being both a Minister and electorate MP. Less glamorous than many may think, it’s really public service. A journalist got in touch, also interested in how I’m getting on and the challenges of leadership. If you’d like to learn more about your local MP, read it here.
On the topic of leadership, I spent time with Glenbrae School’s student leaders recently, to offer advice and answer their questions. They ranged from my favourite food (yes, I do love potato salad) through to what does it mean to be a leader? Being a leader is acknowledging that you set an example to others and are relied on to do what is right, not what is simply popular. I think this cohort of leaders will do well to help set that tone within their own groups, and I congratulate them for being selected as young leaders.
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I’ve also been out in the community meeting up with business owners from the Glen Innes Business Association, keeping my ear to the ground around shops in Kohimarama. I spent time at Roberta Ave in Glendowie and bumped into Mosun and Jessica from Mood Kitchen who’ve been in business for 9 years, Martin who’s cut hair at What’s Ahead for 23 years, and also met Bianca, a new business owner who has just established Pure Balance Pilates last month. What a great community we have, see you out there!
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That's it for this month's update!
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Brooke van Velden
ACT Deputy Leader | MP for Tāmaki
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