Spring is in the air! The daffodils are out, and so are more people in the community as daylight hours slowly increase. I love exploring our local walking tracks, so I can’t wait for even more sunlight to get out walking again after work. It’s the small things.

On Friday, it was Daffodil Day, so I donned yellow, and bucket collected for the Cancer Society in the Meadowbank Shopping Centre. I know times have been tough for many families with the cost-of-living, but I’m very grateful to those who could spare a dollar giving it to charity. Many people will get cancer in their lifetime and this money will go towards supporting them and their families, as well as funding vital research.

I also received a beautiful bunch of flowers, including daffodils, from the Kohimarama Presbyterian Church Coffee Circle after joining the group for morning tea and speaking to them about my path into politics as your local MP. I answered a variety of questions – from media bias to hours worked each week and assured them I have no desire to be the Prime Minister!

In August, I’ve been catching up with Auckland Transport and the Police as your local representative. It’s important to keep these connections so our office is supported, and we can best help you in our area. I heard that burglary, family harm incidents and stolen vehicle reports are down, but shoplifting and threatening behaviour is up. Remember: report, report, report to 111 (emergency) or 105 (non-emergency). I heard that the issue of open drug dealing in Glen Innes has been sorted by Police. I can also confirm that the new bus shelter my office advocated for on St Heliers Bay Rd near Grace Joel will be in before Christmas.

We hosted another community meeting, this time with Age Concern CEO Kevin Lamb to hear about the work they do to support and help elderly Kiwis. They provide counselling sessions, digital literacy classes, exercise classes free of charge and can visit lonely and isolated elderly Kiwis. If you would like to learn more or know someone who could use their support, you can reach them here: https://www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz

I am always looking for ways to ensure my office is accessible to all members of our community. Our office has a member of staff, Felix, fluent in Mandarin, able to help provide support. A big thank you to Felix who organised and pulled off a huge successful Chinese Language Week event with Chinese-Kiwi performance group AKLA providing entertainment. We should celebrate being in a country that gives democratic rights to all, no matter our background.

Save the Date! Our next Community Meeting I’m hosting will be with Paula Bennett, to discuss her role at Pharmac on October 17 at 6:30pm at St Heliers Church & Community Centre. This will be one not to miss. More details to come in next month’s newsletter!

Until then, see you in the community.