My Electorate Office remains open to all!

Thank you for all the wonderful messages of well wishes and support that I have received over the last week since I announced I am not seeking re-election this year. The warmth of response is the same I’ve felt over these past 3 years. It’s been a privilege to meet you, engage with you, and advocate for you. 

While I do believe I could continue on, at this election I will have done nine years of public service, and at the age of 33, I wish to try my hand at the private sector. This has not been an easy decision.

My office in Meadowbank continues to be open to help and support any constituent with their queries and needs, and I will continue to be advocating for you right until the election. I hope I get the chance to see you all at my community meetings, coffee catch ups, and in the community over these next few months to thank you for your support. 

Amongst all of this, it’s been a busy month in Tāmaki. I hosted a Coffee Catch-Up at Little Kohi Café to hear your concerns directly. Thanks to all those who came along, I heard concerns about chip-seal, loud cars, CCTV and more! A big thank you to Akila and Nipuna for their hospitality at the café.

Glen Innes is booming with re-development! I had the pleasure of helping to open new developments in Concord Place, Glen Innes with Minister of Housing Chris Bishop, and meet not only families moving in, but the young tradesmen from Tāmaki College that the Tamaki Regeneration Company have partnered with who help on site while picking up skills before starting apprenticeships. What a great idea of engaging local young students in trades right in their own neighbourhood! It will open new opportunities for local students. Another local school, Sacred Heart College, has also been thinking of opportunities for students, and it was a pleasure to help open the new science building at the College this month. Thousands of students will benefit from this investment into their education.

Glen Innes was the discussion point of my meeting this month with Debbie Burrows, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair, as we’re excited to see what the new train station overbridge will do for the area. With the CRL nearly open, Glen Innes Station will become busier than ever as it’s a 10-minute journey to Britomart and only a loop from there across central Auckland. I’ll be touring construction soon and will report back on progress!

I hope I continue to have as sharp a mind as the residents at St Andrew’s Village when I reach retirement age. I went to speak to residents about the political climate, and we discussed universities, the retirement village reforms and changing political landscape with modern technology. I love these connections.

Please join me at my next Community Meeting with economist Dr Eric Crampton, which will take place from 6:30 – 7:30pm on Friday 24 April at the St Chads Community Centre & Church. Please RSVP here and submit any questions to [email protected]

See you around the community, and remember my office remains open for all.