Including being a huge privilege to serve as your electorate MP, one of the highlights of my time so far has been working as an Assistant Speaker of the House of Representatives, which as well as being a further honour of representation, brings me right to the ‘coal face’ of democracy in my daily job.
A big part of my work in the largest electorate in New Zealand is unseen: much of that work is behind the scenes helping individuals in areas such as health or immigration.
I do not receive or seek any recognition or publicity for these efforts, but despite the inevitable bureaucratic frustrations, it is possible to achieve rewarding wins for people who may be going through hard times, or needing advice and support. Establishing a regular weekly pop-up clinic each Wednesday in Motueka has been a big boost to being able to help local people and hear their advice, concerns and challenges. Emma is doing an awesome job helping me stay connected with constituents at this clinic and ensures that my team and I are always available.
During the flood events we were able to connect people with the right support agencies and Government funding, and quick action by the Enhanced Task Force Green crews was hugely helpful in the early recovery phase. Despite the devastating closures of several well-established local businesses, I am pleased to see that unemployment figures have only risen slightly because people have been able to be redeployed to other industries.
Although not physically in Tasman, the region relies on Nelson Hospital. Its development to an up-to-date, safe and resilient complex is a huge investment of around half a billion dollars. With 128 beds, an increase of 41 in-patient beds, it will serve the community well for the years ahead.
Although seemingly no obvious progress has been made, the work has started on the background preparation to address the traffic choke point in Richmond. It’s a real achievement to be at the land acquisition, engineering and design stage of the project.
There’s always lots more to be done but projects have to be backed up by the money to pay for them. That’s why all the projects that have been announced are real and will be done as the funding has been allocated. Otherwise they are only empty promises.
I wish everyone in Tasman a very Merry Christmas and a relaxing break in one of the most stunning parts of the country. My time will be spent at home enjoying my staycation. Being at home is a rare treat for me.
