2022 has been a big year, and 2023 is going to be even bigger. I'd like to thank you for the support you've shown me; being your MP for North Shore is a privilege, and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in next year advocating for you and fighting for a better deal for the North Shore.

I hope you and your loved ones have a fun and restful holiday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Reflecting on 2022

Looking back on the past year, there's no shortage of moments that stand out for me, like my first Budget as part of National's finance, team and sticking up for local voices on Three Waters, but the moments I'll remember the most fondly, will be the ones I spent on the Shore.

This year, I chose my first Youth MP, Ivy Mitchell, welcomed National Party Leader Chris Luxon to meet some locals, and helped people from all over the Shore in my electorate office. 

We have an incredibly special community, but this year has been tough for many. With a cost of living crisis and increases in crime, there are real concerns about what the future holds. What the North Shore needs now, more than ever, is a government that will be tough on crime and its causes and isn't afraid to show discipline with spending to grow the economy once more. That's why I'm fighting every day to change the government because this government isn't helping the North Shore.

2022 is a year I will never forget. Thank you for making it a great one!

Bringing North Shore Art to Parliament

With such a vibrant arts community on the Shore, I've been able to host two exhibitions showcasing North Shore artists in Parliament this year. In May, I hosted Faces of Humanity by photographer Ilan Wittenberg, and last week hosted an exhibition from Lake House Arts Centre. General Manager, Grae Burton and a number of artists joined me. This exhibition has amazing works from artists all over the North Shore, and it's great to see their work on the walls of our Parliament.

The sculpture in the picture is by carver, Uenuku Hawira, the Supreme Winner of the 2020 Wood Sculpture Symposium held at the Lake House.

The exhibition is open to the public over the summer holidays if you are in Wellington in Parliament's exhibition space Te Papakura, open daily from 10am to 4pm. Access is on level 2 of the Beehive.

Calling for cross-party action on lifejackets

Thousands of Kiwis are getting ready to enjoy time with their families with the summer holidays on the horizon. Still, all too often, we are reminded of the danger posed on the water when someone loses their life in a drowning accident. These tragedies are made worse when lifejackets aren't worn or available. 

I have a Members Bill that would change the law so that craft six metres or less cannot be used unless everyone onboard under the age of 15 wears a lifejacket. This is a significant departure from the existing regime, consisting of 17 regional bylaws for wearing lifejackets. Even in areas with mandatory usage, more consistency is needed, especially for people on holiday outside their local area.

Normally, a Member's Bill is only debated if it's randomly drawn from a ballot, but if 61 MPs indicate their support, it can bypass that process. All 33 National MPs have done this for my Bill, but I need the support of the other parties to get it over the line. I've written to every party asking for their support.

I hope we can speak with one voice as parliamentarians, regardless of the party we represent and make our water safer for young people.

Watch my interview here.

More questions than answers on Three Waters