We’re the summer capital as people arrive on holiday
Christmas is more than about presents and consumerism.
For most of us it’s about spending time with family and friends. It’s probably the only time of the year when most of us get a chance to spend some precious time with some of the people who are nearest and dearest to us. I always get to this time of year wondering how it can be that Christmas has rolled around again as quickly as it has and that a new year is so firmly on the horizon.
For me it’s been another busy year. There’s been plenty happening here in the beautiful Coromandel electorate and at Parliament with my roles in the policy areas of Workplace Relations and the Environment. It’s an absolute privilege representing our region in Parliament and it’s a role I take extremely seriously.
Despite falling business confidence nationwide, generally our local Western Bay of Plenty economy is bubbling along well. Unemployment and interest rates are the lowest they’ve been in decades. But that’s not to say everything is 100 per cent rosy. At this time of year issues that confront many in our community are highlighted. The cost of living keeps going up. New and higher taxes just add to those costs. Our community is not immune from the day to day challenges that many face.
Bottom line is that the government has more money because you have less. A Christmas Story
I was delighted to read about local Ken Allen organising a special Christmas concert for Ocean Waite.
It’s really nice to see the spirit of giving is alive and well for Ocean, a fouryear-old girl who lives with cerebral palsy. After surgery overseas she’s now learning how to walk without a frame. Thanks Ken for your efforts and well done generous Katikati.
Seasons Greetings
The weather forecast is for a long hot summer which means visitors heading to our region. I’m always amazed by how many people in Wellington tell me they are holidaying in the Coromandel electorate. The Peninsula and Western Bay of Plenty really do become New Zealand’s summertime capital and we will be again this year.
I do hope you will get to spend quality time with family and friends over the Christmas and New Year. I’m looking forward to spending the summer break in and around the electorate and to having a few magical days at Kuaotunu and to getting some sand between my toes.
I wish you a safe and peaceful Christmas. My office will close on December 21 and re-open on January 14.