MPs clarify visits to Russell
Representatives hit back at non-visit claims, highlight events attended
Northland MP Willow-Jean Prime and Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis take their responsibilities to their electorate seriously, and are upset it’s been suggested they’ve ignored some Bay of Islands centres since the election.
The MPS are rightly angry after last week’s Bay News column said Davis and Prime had not been to Russell since at least 2020. This was incorrect, and they have both been to the area on a number of occasions during this time.
“Being the MP for Te Tai Tokerau is a great honour and a responsibility I take seriously,” Davis said.
“Alongside my duties as a minister with four portfolios and the time, both in Wellington and across the country, they require, I spend a large amount of time across my electorate, which stretches from Cape Reinga down to the North Shore.
“Russell is no exception. I have attended several official events in the area since the last election including at least three this year, along with many informal visits, where I always take the time to speak to people who want to chat. Claims I haven’t made a trip there in the past two years are frankly ridiculous and misleading.” ● Since the election, Davis’ visits to Russell included: April 8-10, 2021; February 4/5, 2022 (Waharoa Unveiling); 10/11 March, 2022 (Battle of Kororareka); and July 5, 2022 (Floating Classroom Project Birdsong).
Prime said she was shocked by the suggestion that she had not visited Russell since the election.
“In fact, I have attended many events in the area, including the fabulous Tamariki Day at Pompallier House and Korareka Community Day, celebrating Puanga/Matariki,” she said.
“Northland is a big electorate to get around, but I attend many events and speak with communities across the region on a regular basis. Russell,
Ō Okiato, pua and Paihia are just a few examples of places I spend my time, and any suggestion I have ignored them is plainly wrong.”
● Since the election, Prime’s official visits to Russell included: April 9, 2021; (with Minister for Tourism and Regional Development Stuart Nash); April 17, 2021 (Tamariki Day at Pompallier House); February 5, 2022 (Russell Wharf Ceremony); March 25, 2022 (Duffus Memorial Trust Visit) and July 2, 2022 (Kororareka Community Day).