Hon Scott Simpson MP For Coromandel

Last year we commemorated Anzac Day by standing in our living rooms and at our letterboxes. This year saw a return to more traditional Anzac services to remember those who served in conflicts all around the world and those who serve in our Defence Forces today. Places from foreign lands, like Chunuk Bair, Le Quesnoy, El Alamein and Monte Cassino, have been ingrained into our collective memories.

In more recent times there has been a growing interest in honouring lesserknown wartime contributions. When the bugler plays the Last Post, I try to comprehend the magnitude of our country’s military history and how it continues to shape our future. Lest We Forget.

The Government announced their plan to address the housing crisis, but it amounts to little more than policy to increase taxes. There were some aspects of the policy that I agree with, such as the $3.8bn infrastructure fund, but as usual, the details of how this will be distributed to councils around the country are scarce.

In response, the National Party is lodging a Member’s Bill to introduce emergency legislation to bypass the RMA and get more houses built. It’s the same kind of action that was taken following the Canterbury earthquakes that worked so well getting houses built quickly in Christchurch.

Rather than having an infrastructure fund requiring bureaucrats to oversee and approve every proposal, we are proposing that councils receive $50,000 for every new dwelling they consent above their five-year historical average. We are committed to sensible, practical solutions to get more Kiwis into their own home, without hitting them with more taxes.

If you ever need to discuss an issue with me, I hold regular constituent clinics in Ōmokoroa at the Old Library. The dates are advertised in Lizard News each month. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office on 0800 550 330 for an appointment.