Watts Happening: July 2021

It's been a big past month locally with Parliament in recess for winter break. I've been out and about listening to locals, visiting local businesses, and visiting our naval base!

I've been hearing a common theme of fear around safety crime in our area. Coupled with the government giving $2.75m to the Mongrel Mob, locals fear there is no sense of action or urgency about addressing the spike in crime.

I'm looking forward to heading back to Wellington this week and representing you in Parliament.

Warm regards,
Simon

Devonport Naval Base Visit


Our local Royal New Zealand Navy base in Devonport is a valued gem in our community. We’re privileged to their base on the Shore. Thanks to our local sailors who work so hard to keep our waters safe, secure our border, and recently manning MIQ facilities amid Covid-19.

We must acknowledge and treasure the service of these brave men and women. It's shocking that Labour told the Defence Force to heed calls of public sector pay freezes. Our Defence personnel struggle with the increasing costs of living, with rental increases making it even more difficult to make ends meet. Their pay has already lagged behind the cost of living - any pay freeze is just not fair.

Public Meeting to Tackle Crime

Crime is increasing locally and residents are worried.

National's Police spokesperson visited Bayswater for our public meeting on crime earlier this month. We had a great turnout of locals who came to share their concerns and hear from Simeon about how National would empower our Police to tackle crime and hammer gangs.

Our Police must be given the resources and the freedom to secure our neighbourhoods. Police are currently hit with pay freezes, under recruitment, and a budget cut of $90m+. Our Police deserve better and our community deserve better. 

Serious assaults and gang membership has doubled under this government, with big increases in family-harm and mental health-related callouts. 

☎️ Continue reporting crime where you see it. If it's an emergency and happening now, call 111. If it's a non-emergency, call 105.

Support Local Businesses

We must continue supporting local small businesses by buying locally. Being in parliamentary recess means I have more time on the Shore and I've been checking in with local business owners.

Little Monkeys Coffee is a neat little cart run by a local couple down at Bayswater Ferry on weekday mornings.

Please continue to support our entrepreneurial locals who are facing the hardships of worker shortages, break-ins, thefts, and increasing costs.

Backing Rural

I grew up on a farm. My parents were farmers. My grandparents were farmers. My mates are farmers. The Shore has strong farming heritage. I know where my roots are and just how important farming is to New Zealand.

I joined the “howl of a protest” up in Dargaville to show support to farmers. Our rural and farming communities play a critical role in our economy, and they’re sick and tired of being a political punching bag. Policies like the Ute Tax make buying an essential rural vehicle more expensive, while there are no 'greener' alternatives yet on the market.

National backs our farmers, and the caucus team were out in force across the country telling the government it’s time to start listening, it's the government's role to work with, not against its people.

 Class of 2020 Visits the South Island


This week National's 'Class of 2020' hit the road. Our 2020 intake composes of three South Islanders - Joseph Mooney of Southland, Nicola Grigg of Selwyn, and Penny Simonds of Invercargill. We visited their three electorates meeting locals, hosting three public forums, discovering Kiwi innovation, but mainly listening and hearing what they want from a credible opposition. 

National is committed to hearing from and listening to Kiwis. We're working to show that we are the only party that will truly address housing, the cost of living, back rural New Zealand, and secure our communities.

Upcoming Events

SuperBlues Morning Tea with David Bennett MP


We have David Bennett, National MP based in Hamilton, as a special guest for our SuperBlues morning tea this Friday 6 August. This is a monthly social club for locals aged 60+ to discuss politics and current affairs.

When: Friday 6 August, 10am - 11.30am
Where: Milford Bowling Club, 20 Commodore Parry Rd
Entry: $5pp cash payment at the door
Bring extra cash for the raffle!
RSVP by Wednesday 4 August to [email protected] or by phone 021 940 910

Breakfast with Christopher Luxon


Christopher and I will discuss our focus and priorities for Auckland and the North Shore. We will canvas important areas including housing, environment and transportation. This will be followed by a Question and Answer session.

When: Friday 13 August, 7am for 7.30am start
Where: Spencer on Byron
Buy tickets HERE


Fair Pay Agreements Roadshow



Join Scott Simpson and I as we update you on Labour's radical reform of employment law via legally-binding "Fair Pay Agreements" that set out minimum pay and conditions between employers and employees across an entire sector.

When: Monday 16 August, 7.30am-9am
Where: Netball North Harbour

Remember, my office is here to help! Contact us on 09 486 0005 or [email protected]. Or, visit our Electorate Office at 1 Earnoch Ave, Takapuna!