In at the deep end: MP immersed in new role for community
Thank you. I can’t start without first acknowledging the huge support I have received, not just in Kā piti but throughout the whole region. The clear result of this year’s election gives me both a sense of gratitude for your overwhelming support, and a sense of responsibility that I must now live up to the expectations so many have for me as I become your new MP.
I’ve just been sworn in as the MP in early December but, in the meantime, I’ve been very busy in our region. While it will take a couple of months until Parliamentary Services open local offices and employ a team to work alongside me, I’ve wasted no time in getting around the community. I’ve been at the local business awards, school prizegiving, local markets, Work Ready awards, Toi Mahara opening, meeting community boards, a business breakfast, Kā piti Food Fair and much more.
I’ve met recently with the mayor, deputy mayor and chief executive of Kā piti Coast District Council. It’s really important to me to have strong relationships so we can work to get the very best for everyone in Kā piti.
On a lighter note, I enjoyed the Strawberry Festival recently at Kā piti School, including getting dunked in the tank, and the Kā piti Food Fair was as amazing as ever.
My approach to this role will always be to be out and about, active in our community, and working hard for each and every one of us.
We are focused on our 100-day plan in Parliament to get stuck into important issues like the cost of living, delivering better healthcare including targets to tackle the out-ofcontrol wait lists, and improving education and law and order. I’ll provide more detail on this next time.
I look forward to updating you on the issues that matter to you each week next year, and once again, thank you for your generous support in electing me as your local MP.