Watts Happening August 2022
Simon Watts 
August 31, 2022
It's been a busy few weeks getting out in the community and travelling the country listening to people's oral submissions on Three Waters.
Clearly, we're facing some real struggles, whether it's the skyrocketing cost of living or the increase in crime. We need real leadership to tackle the issues that are causing Kiwis to go backwards.
We aren't getting that from this Government, just band-aid solutions and a soft-on-crime approach that doesn't keep our communities safe. I've never been more sure that we can make a real difference with a strong National Government that's laser-focused on outcomes.
I'll keep fighting for you and for the North Shore.
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 09 486 0005
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Labour still won't listen on Three Waters
One of the things that most concerns me about the entire Three Waters reform process is how blatant Labour has been in completely ignoring the concerns of communities and Local Government to pursue their agenda.
Whether it’s their token consultations with Councils that happened after Cabinet had already made key decisions behind closed doors or choosing only to see a handful of the thousands of New Zealanders who submitted against the Three Waters Bill, Labour has shown that they aren’t interested in what you have to say.
The list of issues with these reforms is long: the loss of community voice, the $2.5 billion in bribes to Councils, and their agenda of centralisation over outcomes, and all of these concerns are valid – Labour should be listening.
I’ll keep fighting to make Labour accountable to you on Three Waters, and if elected in 2023, National will repeal and replace these broken reforms. We need sustainable solutions, not band-aids.
The truth is that this Labour Government is driven by centralisation. Whether in Polytechnics, the Health system or Three Waters, they aren’t happy unless it's centralised and under their control.
Your support is critical to keeping up our fight against Labour’s Three Waters.
We need action on crime
Everyone on the North Shore deserves to feel safe in their home, community and business. That's why it's been incredibly concerning to see the recent spate of ram raids, break-ins and criminal activity. Multiple brazen attacks on Michael Hill Jeweller in Takapuna and dairies ram-raided not once, not twice, but three times.
Leadership has to come from the top, and this Government hasn't shown any.
The government must use the ‘proceeds of crime' fund to support businesses with bollards, strengthening doors, fog cannons, and cameras. I have previously written to Auckland Transport about this and have asked the Government to work closely with them to ensure funds are available. In addition to immediate actions, a more cohesive plan for fighting crime and backing our police with the necessary resources and powers to be effective is required.
I've written a letter to the Minister of Police calling for action and raised local concerns in the House; this can't continue.
Protecting the Hauraki Gulf
New Zealand’s environment is at the core of our quality of life, national identity, and competitive advantage. We enjoy some of the most pristine and accessible natural beauty in the world.
Chris Luxon put it best - "The issues this country faces – to be more productive and protect our environment – are not binary. New Zealand does not have to choose between prosperity and the environment. To the contrary, a strong economy and secure energy supports this country’s ambitious environmental goals."
I'll keep fighting for our natural environment, particularly our beaches and the Hauraki Gulf. These are treasured assets for the North Shore, and I want our kids to be able to enjoy them, just as we have.
Supporting the North Shore
As MP, supporting charities and good causes on the North Shore is always a real pleasure. We have an incredible community that rallies behind the causes that matter. Two recent highlights have been attending the 25th Annual Vintners Brunch for Harbour Hospice and collecting donations for the Cancer Society on Daffodil Day at Smales Farm.
Harbour Hospice provides an incredible service for families on the North Shore, giving people support and care free of charge at the end of their lives, meaning they can stay close to their families. Harbour Hospice relies on support from the community, and it's always a pleasure to support them at the Vintners Brunch.
Daffodil Day is always deeply meaningful to me as my grandmother sadly died of cancer. I was pleased to join the annual cancer appeal with Rex (ex RNZAF). You can donate here: https://daffodilday.org.nz/donate
Events
North Shore Business Breakfast with Erica Stanford MP for East Coast Bays.
The Spencer Hotel at 7-9am on Friday 9 September
Book online at https://www.national.org.nz/north-shore-business-breakfast
The North Shore Business Breakfast series brings together influential members of the National Party Caucus to discuss and engage on issues, opportunities and challenges impacting the Shore and New Zealand.
Erica Stanford is MP for East Coast Bays and the National Party's Spokesperson for Immigration, Education and Associate Spokesperson for Ethnic Communities. If you haven't already, book your ticket(s) now to reserve your spot.
Cost: $65 per person or $650 per table of 10 (incl. GST), includes breakfast.
This is a fundraising event with proceeds, after costs, being a donation to the New Zealand National Party.
SuperBlues with Hon Judith Collins MP for Papakura
Friday 7 October, 10am - 11.30am at the Milford Bowling Club, 20 Commodore Parry Rd, Castor Bay
Entry: $5pp cash payment at the door
Bring extra cash for our raffle!
Please RSVP no later than Tuesday 4 October by clicking the button below OR by emailing Alison Welson at [email protected]
NOTE: If you are bringing guests, please email their names to Alison o that we can arrange name tags.
We are here to help
You can email me and my North Shore office team, on [email protected]
You can also call Miriam to book an appointment on 09 486 0005.
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