The wolf in sheep’s clothing

Recently I have been busy holding constituent clinics across the electorate. During clinics I have listened to your concerns, and will continue to lobby this government for the outcomes you seek. A recent success resulted from lobbying Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) on behalf of the electorate for several months. I brought a CIP representative to Tapanui and Owaka to listen to community concerns about ‘‘black spots’’. As a result, I am pleased to hear that most of this area will now receive mobile and broadband coverage.

I’ve also been fighting hard to ensure compensation to farmers affected by M bovis is fast and fair. It’s a relief to see compensation and communication have sped up greatly over the past few months.

Clutha-Southland farmers continue to demonstrate their resilience by carrying on with ‘‘business as usual’’ despite the incredible hardship M bovis has inflicted.

I have high hopes we have seen the worst of M bovis down south, as enquiries to my offices have dried up greatly.

We all recognise the phrase ‘‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’’ refers to those playing a role that contrasts their true nature.

Labour stated ‘‘that every Kiwi child deserves the best start in life’’ but unbelievably seems content that this start could literally be the side of the road.

The handling of the Lumsden Maternity Centre by this Government has been disgraceful. An announcement is due any day, so let’s hope the Government responds to our hard work by keeping the primary birthing unit open.

Second, Labour stated their belief in ‘‘full participation for people with disabilities’’ but has cancelled $6.5 million in funding for cochlear implants.

Third, Labour stated that ‘‘investing in mental health saves lives’’ but have axed the Roxburgh Children’s Village and funding for the Rural Health Alliance. Fourth, Labour stated ‘‘police must be properly resourced to achieve their stated objectives’’ but have axed National’s decision to staff the Balclutha Police Station and another rural Southland Police Station 24/7, and a pilot to improve the response to 111 mental health callouts.

Lastly, Labour has allocated $3.2 billion to health over 4 years, whereas National had allocated $3.9b. Living costs are rising, with increases of $21 for fresh produce and $20 in rental prices.

This is just the tip of Labour’s irresponsibility iceberg, which includes splashing $900m in foreign aid and diplomats, and a student bribe of $3b.

Additionally, the Provincial Growth Fund aka the ‘‘New Zealand First Survival Fund’’ reeks of corruption, with only 1 per cent (yes, 1 per cent) of that fund being distributed to Southland.

Furthermore, we have the most workers threatening strike now than ever before, because of the sky-high expectations Labour built throughout their campaign.

Beware of the wolf.