Festival of classic cars, caravans, culture
Repco Beach Hop will be another great festival of classic cars, caravans and culture. It’s a testament to the expertise and enthusiasm of all the volunteers that we are able to celebrate another Beach Hop so soon after last year’s delayed event.
Noddy Watts and his team have done a great job to get this festival organised and back on its traditional schedule. Each Beach Hop is a unique experience and I’m excited to discover what this year’s event has in store, especially as it will be the first time the festival will visit Thames.
Wharekawa Marae on the Seabird Coast was teeming with excitement as hundreds of people gathered for the signing of the Ngati Paoa Deed of Settlement. This process has taken many years and involved the tireless efforts of many people. A formal apology was given on behalf of the Crown by Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Andrew Little. There was an acknowledgment of Ngati Paoa’s patience, tenacity and goodwill along with the work done by former Treaty Minister, Christopher Finlayson. While the history can’t be changed this apology and signing marks a momentous positive step for Ngati Paoa’s future.
I am holding a community meeting at the Whangamata War Memorial Hall on March 30 at 5.30pm. As your Member of Parliament, it’s important that I know the issues which are important to you and your family.
I usually begin these meetings with an overview of the latest political news, but there is time for questions and an informal chat afterwards. I’m keen to hear from you and hope to see you there.