A month of special moments in Tāmaki!

April has been a month of special moments in Tāmaki; those of commemoration, building community, and learning. 

I had the pleasure of attending the St Heliers ANZAC Parade along with thousands of locals who came to pay respects to those who served and have served our country. For me, ANZAC Day is a time to remember my great-grandfather who fought at Gallipoli and his brother who died on the battlefield. Lest we forget. At the service this year, we heard beautifully moving singing from Kezia Schuitemaker, and listened to local Selwyn College student Skye McLullich recite her excellent tribute which won the Ōrākei Local Board ANZAC Youth Speech Competition. It was a moving morning all-round. 

As Minister of Internal Affairs, I launched ANZAC Stories, a new digital initiative for Kiwi children to explore ANZAC histories and stories from the battlefront to the homefront. I asked the Archives and National Library to undertake this project to encourage children to be engaged in an important part of our history. They engaged a war historian and children’s author to help bring our Archives alive in a way that appeals to young Kiwis. Take a look at the website here, and encourage young people in your life to learn more about events that shaped our history: https://natlib.govt.nz/history-explorer/anzac-stories

Out in the community I had a great discussion with the Mission Bay – Kohimarama Residents Association about the plans for intensification across Auckland and delivered the great news that with ACT’s advocacy in Government and as local representatives, the Government has now reduced the number of houses forced into Auckland Council plans from 2 million down to 1.4 million. How that reduction plays out suburb to suburb is now up to Auckland Council to decide. I also met with residents at Remuera Gardens over a cup of tea to hear their concerns, but in reality was mainly met with messages of well-wishes and thanks! I really have loved my time getting to know you all, I should be thanking you!

While I have made my intentions of retirement known, a small reminder that my office still remains open for the next 7 months! This week, we welcome new staff member Charlotte into our team, alongside Jaden, Cynthia and Felix, to help answer all your queries, concerns, and help advocate for you across Government departments. If you have anything on your mind, or don’t know where to go for help, always feel free to call us or pop in to the office in Meadowbank. 

In Meadowbank this month, we hosted Dr Eric Crampton, economist at the NZ Initiative to speak about his views on Government regulation regarding housing, medicines and technology. It’s fair to say we all left learning more, and if we’d had another hour the questions would’ve kept coming! Dr Eric lead a fascinating discussion and adds to the success of our community meeting series, alongside other special guests including the British High Commissioner, CEO of Pet Refuge, Sir John Kirwan. 

On May 22 at 7:30am, I will be hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast with David Seymour, MP for Epsom, to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation. We’ll be joined by special guest Fay Sowerby, who will share her story of surviving breast cancer, and Ah-Leen Rayner, CEO of the Breast Cancer Foundation. Your support will make a real difference; by coming along you’d be helping to fund life-saving research and patient support. Please RSVP here to secure a spot: https://www.brookevanvelden.nz/pinkribbon

As always, it's a pleasure to be your local MP.