New Parliament line-up

Members of New Zealand’s 53rd Parliament were being sworn in and Parliament preparing to sit for just a few days prior to Christmas. It will have a very different look and feel to the last Parliament and I return as part of a much diminished National Party team. Leader Judith Collins has asked me to be National’s spokesperson for the Environment, Workplace Relations and RMA (Environment). These are crucial policy areas and I’m very much looking forward to getting stuck into the cut and thrust of the work ahead. My friend and colleague Dr Shane Reti has been elected Deputy Leader and will in my view be a very good number two to Judith.

On a different note, I want to congratulate our secondary school students, especially those in their final year of study. In recent weeks I have had the privilege of attending several school prize givings. Even in the best of times learning not only involves student’s working hard, but also the support of their family and friends. This has never been truer than in 2020. It has not been an easy year for anyone, but the way that our young people and their families have adjusted to the disruptions is highly commendable. Best of luck in your future pursuits.

I had a great time catching up with everyone during the Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade’s honours night. Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. Without their hard work and dedication many of the local organisations we rely on simply would not exist. It remains a privilege to be able to show my appreciation by highlighting their service whenever I can.