A Winter Update

Driving around the electorate, it’s clear to see election season has well and truly started. While my face may not be on the billboards this time around, I’ve been busy getting stuck in doing the job I was elected to do - hosting community meetings to build local community, passing sensible laws in Parliament, and representing the Government at international forums.

This week, Parliament passed my Employment Leave Act, replacing the confusing headache that is the Holidays Act. Kiwis had been asking Governments to do something about the Holidays Act for years. Successive governments put it on the to-do list, but nothing came to fruition. I listened and I’m proud that this reform has finally been delivered so employers and employees will have confidence they are paying, and being paid, correctly. If you have queries about how the law will be implemented, keep an eye on the Employment New Zealand website, as MBIE will provide comprehensive guidance to support implementation there.

Passing the Employment Leave Act builds on a hefty work program I’ve steered through Parliament this term, including extending 90 day trials, removing so-called Fair Pay Agreements, reforming Health and Safety, clarifying the boundary between employment and contractors, re-instating partial strikes, rebalancing personal grievances, reforming Pay Equity, cleaning up 23 laws to improve efficiency in the Department of Internal Affairs, regulating Online Casino Gambling, and making it easier for charities to raise money through lotteries. I’m sure there’s another I’ve forgotten! But it’s been a pleasure to use my time as your local MP and in office with the goal to build business confidence and ensure efficient Government services… and actually getting things done!

This winter, I’ve also been busy representing our country at the UN in Geneva, and meeting with counterparts in Singapore, UK, and counterparts from Samoa, Fiji, Kiribati, Canada and Ireland to discuss this Government’s reform agenda and build stronger international ties. In an increasingly divisive world, it’s so important for New Zealand to keep strong relationships with our friends from across the world and closer to home.

Back home, I was fortunate to see the opening of the new train station in Glen Innes. Wow, what a difference it will make to the local community. The new overhead crossing will allow more and faster trains to come through our area connecting to the City Rail Link. It will be safer than crossing the tracks for local school kids and families. There has also been investment into the tunnel with more lighting which I know will be very welcome news for those who’ve contacted our office with safety concerns about using this tunnel at night. Let’s see how it all operates when the CRL finally opens!

I also hosted Sir Peter Gluckman at a community meeting this month to discuss his role as the inaugural Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister and the place of science at the heart of New Zealand. I always find it fascinating to listen to interesting Kiwis. We had a great turn out, and as expected, a very engaging debate!

Next month, I will be hosting Shae Ronald, CEO of Youthline Auckland who will discuss her role as National Youthline Coordinator and how Youthline supports youth mental health in New Zealand. Please do come along, Friday 28 August 1:30pm at the Akarana Event Centre. It’ll be one not to miss! RSVP to [email protected].

As always, it’s a pleasure being your local MP, see you around the community.