Watts Happening September 2022

We have an amazing community, and I'm reminded of that every time I speak with people on the Shore or with one of our advocacy groups or businesses. From our innovators and creators to our natural environment, we've got something truly special. Sadly, the problems that plague our community, like increasing crime and the cost of living, continue to make life hard, particularly for the most vulnerable. 

I'm working hard as your MP to put forward solutions and be an advocate for you, and your support makes that possible. I want to thank you for backing me so I can back our community.

The North Shore is still going backwards under Labour

 

 

Across the North Shore, the number one issue is the cost of living crisis, and sadly it's only getting worse. 

Compared with this time last year, food prices are up 8.3%, the highest increase in 13 years. The sad reality is that our most vulnerable families will go without and are finding it harder and harder just to put food on the table under this Government. Combined with rising fuel costs and wage growth that's well behind inflation, people on the North Shore are going backwards. 

National has a plan to bring inflation back under control, but most importantly, we're the only party with a proven track record of stable and considered financial management. We're laser-focused on outcomes and delivery, and this government isn't. 

Despite the challenging times we're experiencing, I'm confident that we can get our country back on the right track with strong leadership. I'll be working every day as your MP to ensure the North Shore gets put first and we have a Government that  can deliver a plan that gets our people moving forward again.

Stop Labour's Job Tax

Despite the cost-of-living crisis that's hitting New Zealand and the North Shore harder than ever, Labour is still coming up with new ways to tax you. Not content with taking your KiwiSaver, they've now decided to introduce an Income Insurance scheme that would make a typical worker (earning $60,000) $834 worse off every year. That's $834 less for your groceries, your power and other bills, and your own savings. 

Businesses will also be made to pay into this scheme, adding yet another cost on top of what has been some of the most difficult economic times for our business owners, particularly the many small and family-owned ones on the North Shore.

Labour's income insurance is just a gold-plated welfare scheme that would allow those made redundant to stay off work for up to 6 months on 80% pay. This is despite businesses crying out for skilled workers. 

Labour has its priorities backwards. At a time when they should be reducing the tax burden on families, they're planning to increase it. 

Over 20,000 people have already signed National's petition to Stop the Job Tax; if you haven't already, sign here.

 

Supporting businesses dealing with crime

For businesses on the North Shore, the increase in crime, particularly ram-raids, is a huge issue. We need leadership from the top, but this Labour Government has repeatedly shown that they are soft on crime. 

I'm continuing to advocate for support for our businesses; many of them have no choice but to install security measures out of their own pocket at great expense or run the risk of having their properties and livelihoods destroyed. I've been working to ensure they have access to funds for these measures, including from the Small Retailer Crime Prevention Fund.

We have to do all we can to protect those on the North Shore, but measures like installing bollards are only a temporary solution; we need a Government that isn't afraid to put victims first. I'm proud to be part of the National Party team that's unashamedly tough on crime. I've also written a letter to the Minister of Police calling for action and raised local concerns in the House; People on the Shore deserve to go about their day without crime, and right now, that isn't happening. 

Read my letter to Chris Hipkins here.

 

 

Visiting Abilities Group

Community organisations know how to help and support their community better than anyone else.
I visited the passionate crew from Abilities Group on the North Shore. Abilities is a non-profit committed to enriching the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful work. On-site, they're servicing a range of manufacturers, distributors, importers, retailers and many other commercial sectors.
They currently employ 170 people — a mixture of those with disabilities and those without. They're committed to providing engaging and rewarding work. An incredibly important aspect of their continued success.
When I experienced the positive and hard-working environment there for myself, I knew that this was something special.
Thanks for having me!

 

Events

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 so that we can arrange name tags. 

 

 

Mairangi Bay Constituency Clinic


Friday 28 October, 11 am - 1 pm at the Mairangi Arts Centre, 20 Hastings Road, Mairangi Bay

Join me at my constituent clinic to discuss your questions, concerns and issues.
To register, email [email protected] or call 09 486 0005 with your preferred time (20 min slots).

 

SuperBlues with Matt Doocey MP for Waimakariri


Friday 4 November, 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 so 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. 

My North Shore Electorate Office is located at 1 Earnoch Avenue, Takapuna.