As the last bit of summer rolls through, I have been prioritising community engagement throughout the electorate. I have also been gauging feedback from constituents and business, who have been very positive about the idea of Banks Peninsula becoming a Dark Sky reserve.
March:
- Joined Minister of Health Simeon Brown to visit Burwood Hospital and Pegasus Health Emergency Department. It was brilliant to catch up with old colleagues and witness the invaluable support they provide Cantabrians through 24/7 emergency health care. National has put more funding into healthcare than any other Government and National's priority is giving you the treatment you need when you need it.
- Hosted Minister for the South Island James Meager for the day. We met with staff from Lyttelton Port Company and saw the progress being made on the new wharfs. I’m interested to see our port grow and provide the vital connections we need to move goods and exports around NZ and across the world. We then drove out to Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre’s to see the new hanger. Afterwards, the Minister put on his Minister for Youth hat and met with Cashmere High School students and later helped me interview my Youth MP finalists.
- Attended the launch of a new renewable diesel from Mobil with Minister for Energy Simon Watts. Ethos+ is a mix of plant- based oil and standard diesel and is 20% plant based.
- Spoke to journalist Chris Lynch about getting Banks Peninsula registered as a Dark Sky Reserve Facebook
- Spent the morning in Rangiora meeting Waimakariri National supporters. Great to chat with other constituents in other electorates and get their perspective on their key issues.
- Joined my fellow rural National MPs at the Wanaka A & P Show. This year’s event was all about sharing ideas, discussing policies, and working towards a better future for farmers.
- Attended the South Island Field Days in Kirwee with the Prime Minister and fellow National MPs. Fabulous afternoon in the sun chatting with farmers and the next generation coming into the farming industry. National is the Party for farmers and we are committed to supporting our rural communities.
- Had a brilliant morning with David MacLeod MP for New Plymouth. I took him to The Tannery to see the unique boutique shopping offered in Woolston. The Banks Peninsula SuperBlues were also honoured to have him at their morning tea.
Community Update:
I have had a few enquiries from constituents wanting an update about Princess Margaret Hospital.
According to Simeon Brown's team the "older persons" teams will remain onsite until the end of the year. A project is underway to design workspaces on the Burwood Campus for the Community Teams currently at PMH. After this, Health NZ will determine if the site is surplus to its requirements.
I hosted public meetings over in Akaroa and Birdlings Flat to speak about getting Banks Peninsula about the idea of getting part of Banks Peninsula registered as a Dark Sky Reserve. Dark Sky Reserves are important for many reasons including protecting the night sky from light pollution. They are also essential for astronomy and education, along with for our cultural and natural heritages. They also help with the health of people and wildlife. Many animals rely on natural patterns of light and dark to navigate and to live their lives. Dark Sky Reserves offer people a unique experience which can contribute to sustainable tourism and enhance local economies.
It was fantastic to meet more people within the community and speak about what it means for part of Banks Peninsula to become a Dark Sky Reserve. Major positives would be sustainable tourism and conservation. There are no huge fees for getting this over the line and over time more responsible lighting would be done. Special thank you to Akaroa resident Luca for helping with his expertise and for all the volunteering work he has done so far. It was great to also have Banks Peninsula Councillor Tyrone Fields attend both meetings to hear people’s concerns in relation to Council matters.
The next stage will be a survey to capture more of the community’s feedback about getting Dark Sky accredited.
For more information, email Vanessa.Weenink@parliament.govt.nz
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National News:
- New planning laws to end the culture of ‘no: The Government’s new planning legislation to replace the Resource Management Act will make it easier to get things done while protecting the environment. (Beehive PR)
- Cuts to consultant, contractor spend exceed target: The Government’s move to cut public sector spending on consultants and contractors is on track to save $800 million over two years – double the initial target (Beehive PR)
- Real consequences for crime restored: Kiwis can now feel safer knowing serious criminals will spend longer in prison with the Government’s sentencing reforms passing final reading in Parliament today (Beehive PR)
- Cost of living support coming for 1.5 million New Zealanders: More than 900 thousand superannuitants and almost five thousand veterans are among the New Zealanders set to receive a significant financial boost from next week. (Beehive PR)
- Regional Tourism Boosts drive international growth: the successful regional tourism organisations will receive a total of $3 million for short, sharp campaigns across regional New Zealand.(Beehive PR)
Out and About in Banks Peninsula:
- Celebrated Craig Henderson for 25 years of service to the Sumner community through his work with the Sumner Volunteer Fire Brigade, who has supported other communities with his deployments (Pigeon Valley Fires, Port Hills Fires, Fires in wider Canterbury), and his service during the Christchurch Earthquake both at the CTV building in the immediate aftermath of the building collapse and subsequent fire.
- Attended the Halswell Residents Association meeting, and the following week, members come into my office to discuss further how we can work together on certain issues affecting Halswell. A major issue for them is crime, which I will be discussing in my next monthly meeting with Superintendent and Metro Commander for Canterbury District, Lane Todd.
- Visted Daffies – preloved clothing, which is run by the Cancer Society, alongside 60 volunteers. All proceeds are donated to the Cancer Society to support the important work they do and to help support families affected by cancer in our community. It’s a fantastic cause and the team have a wonderful selection of clothing and shoes.
- Had an interview with Michael from the Akaroa Mail about my Dark Sky initiative. I also spoke to ARA broadcasting student Izzy on Plains FM about it as well.
- Popped into see Dan from Two Thumbs Harbourside about the teams' new venture in Redcliffs. This community hub will be open this month. I’m looking forward to having one of my Pub Politics there soon.
- Visted Caldera Estate in Akaroa. It’s exciting to see people such as Tony investing and caring about the communities, they are part of. Bringing more economic growth helps make NZ a wealthier country, so we can afford the services we all deserve.
- I’ve been honoured by Revend Maui Stuart to be a part of the panel for the upcoming Matariki Awards. This will be to a magical event recognising our brilliant and rising stars within the Whakaraupō community. To nominate a star, fill out the form: Matariki Taonga Award Nomination Form 2025
- Visted Heathcote, Somerfield and Lyttelton primary schools to see how they have been getting on this term and gathering feedback I can pass onto Minister of Education Erica Stanford.
- Had a wonderful time celebrating Cholmondeley's 100 Years of being open. It was fun watching Councillor Tyrone Fields getting slimed and being a great sport.
- Popped into meet to Paul and Caroline from French Farm. They are lovingly restoring the main building while serving pizza and drinks in the meantime. A perfect spot to spend an afternoon in the sun. Can’t wait to come back and see the building finished.
- Went along to the Little River and Mt Pleasant Farmers Market. Banks Peninsula is lucky to have so many fantastic Farmers Markets to choose from.
- Visited Hinewai reserve. It was fabulous to bump into the legendary Hugh Wilson. Even spotted a jewelled Gecko female basking in the sun.
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