The Reserve Bank’s recent reduction of the Official Cash Rate was great news for many in Upper Harbour.  

I have met many constituents who have million-dollar mortgages, live in relatively modest homes with young kids, and were struggling to meet their bank commitments.  

New mortgage rates now generally start with a five (instead of a seven in 2023) meaning a saving of hundreds of dollars a fortnight for many homeowners. That is why bringing down inflation has been such a big part of our agenda.  

Restoring law and order is also a key priority for this Government, and it’s great to see violent crime down for the first time in seven years following a very steep increase.  

As well as a new police station in Auckland’s CBD, a new training base for police recruits will also open in Auckland.

Opening up training in our largest city provides police with the opportunity to attract, train and get quality new officers and will supplement the training that occurs at the Police College in Porirua.

The Government has a commitment to increase frontline police numbers by 500, and it was good to see our outstanding Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers at ‘Round the Bays’ manning the recruitment stand.

We are fast approaching the midpoint of this term of the 54th Parliament.  

The fact that it’s going to be election year next year is why so many of you like the sound of a four-year parliamentary term.  

Good news: We have introduced legislation to enable a four-year term subject to the result of a binding referendum.

The referendum could be held at the 2026 General Election, meaning that Parliament could adopt this change from the 2029 General Election.

National has committed to supporting the bill to select committee, and decisions about it proceeding or amending will occur after public consultation. We want to hear from Kiwis and that might be you!

As always, keep my office in touch with community events and your feedback.

Cameron

Cameron met with Bayview School principal, Diane Raynes, and had a look at the fantastic new workbooks for Year 3 maths. The resources are just part of Education Minister Hon Erica Stanford's massive investment into already rolling out a new knowledge-rich maths curriculum. He also visited the weekly sewing group at Bayview Community Centre, Bayview Early Learning Centre, and of course coffee at Aunty's!

Saving Hope is an incredible charity, and one of the largest dog rescue and rehabilitation groups in the country, finding forever homes for dogs.  Cameron spent a little while with adorable Fudge in Hobsonville Point recently.

Youth MP applications closed on 28 February, with the MP convening a panel this month to put the 17 applicants through their paces to decide Upper Harbour’s Youth MP. The Minister of Youth will announce all 123 Youth MPs in April. The programme includes two days in Parliament in July, with debates in the chamber itself. Recently, Cameron spoke to several senior students at Hobsonville Point Secondary School. He’s pictured here with principal Kirsty Dowding.

Upper Harbour’s electorate AGM was hosted on 24 February, with key officeholders returned unopposed. Cameron told those gathered at the Hobsonville Bowling Club that he and Upper Harbour supporters were very well served. “We’re so lucky to have the best connected and most effective committee!”

Cameron attended the re-opening of the Waitemata East District Custody Unit on 24 February - 12 years after the facility was mothballed at the North Shore Policing Centre. This will free up local police for more time on patrol, no longer having to detain people to Henderson.

Latest police data shows that violent crime has fallen for the first time since 2018. (Let's not forget it increased by 51% in the five years to 2023). Police have also released some significant numbers around gang patch-related charges and firearms seizures. Is it great that there is no more public intimidation by the presence of patches!

The Government has announced the Public Works Act (PWA) will undergo its most significant reform in nearly 50-years to help unleash economic growth and investment in infrastructure.

The Government is ensuring more Kiwi kids access the teachers they need to thrive in the classroom by fast-tracking the residency process for primary teachers.

From 26 March, eligible primary school teachers will be fast-tracked to the Straight to Residence pathway. The process enables eligible teachers to apply for residence from offshore without having to work for two years. Roles include primary and intermediate teachers as well as Māori-medium equivalents.

In the three months since our new gang laws came into effect, police have seized 76 patched, 67 firearms, and laid 337 charges for insignia breaches.

Since the Gangs Act came into effect, police have seized 76 patches, 67 firearms and laid 337 charges for insignia breaches. We have also seen a 52% increase in firearms seizures compared to the same period last year.

Cameron is thrilled to host new Government Minister, Hon James Meager for a Seniors Morning Tea at Hobsonville Bowling Club. James is the National MP for Rangitata, Minister for Hunting and Fishing, Minister for the South Island, Minister for Youth and Associate Minister of Transport. He is also the Chairman for Justice Committee. A very impressive list of responsibilities!

Please join James and me for a delicious morning tea and a lively conversation!

Please RSVP to: UpperHarbourOffice@parliament.govt.nz or (09) 416 3249

Calling all Upper Harbour business owners!

Whether you live in the electorate or own a business in Upper Harbour, Hon Chris Penk and Cameron want to hear from you. As Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, Chris is very passionate about advocating for businesses across New Zealand and is always on the lookout for real-life examples of things that are making it harder to do business and getting in the way of growth.

Chris is also the Minister for Land Information, Minister for Veterans, Associate Minister of Defence and Associate Minister of Immigration and the local MP for our neighbouring electorate, Kaipara ki Mahurangi.

Join us at my electorate office for a business after 5 catch up with the Minister!

Please RSVP to: UpperHarbourOffice@parliament.govt.nz or (09) 416 3249

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