MPs to be quizzed at Grow Waikato event
Three of Waikato’s National MPs are set to quizzed at a Grow Waikato event this Monday on the Government’s progress on its 100-day plan.
Tama Potaka, Louise Upston and Ryan Hamilton are set discuss progress so far and according to Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief Don Good, they can expect to be grilled on promises and progress.
“You said you were going to, have you? It’s as black and white as that,” he said.
National’s 100-day plan has only one Waikato specific mention “Sign an MOU with Waikato University to progress a third medical school”.
That issue appears unlikely to cause the trio any issues, however, as the MOU was signed back in February.
Good also said he expected the MPs to be quizzed on all the “actions” in their plan, issues as varied as repealing Fair Pay Agreements, bringing back 90-day trials for all businesses, banning cellphones in schools and to begin disestablishing the Te Pūkenga polytech merger
“I see that the Government is seeking to give the New Zealand public confidence it can deliver. . . it’s an issue of credibility,” he said. “Have they done it?”
Good said he also expected to see issues like roading and water infrastructure raised, comments echoed by meeting facilitator and former Hamilton City Councillor Mark Bunting.
Bunting said one issue he expected to be discussed is plans for the Cambridge to Piarere extension, an issue Good has raised before describing it as a “dangerous and dilapidated piece of our major state highway network”.
“Their roading promises are going to be pretty big,” Bunting said. He also said the mooted medical school would be discussed, and the proposed double-digit rate rises looming over Hamilton ratepayers. Bunting also said water infrastructure - an issue linked to the possible rate hikes - would be discussed.
“What are they replacing Three Waters with?”, he said.
Grow Waikato - A Discussion of National’s 100-Day Plan is taking place at The University of Waikato Pā. Gate 1/ Knighton Road, Hillcrest, Hamilton 3216 on Monday March 4, from 5pm-6.30pm.
Attendance can be registered for the meeting on the Waikato Chamber of Commerce website.