Inflation is the highest it has been in 30 years after hitting 6.9 per cent last week.
It’s a silent thief in your pocket that’s putting Kiwis under massive pressure by causing the increase in the prices of goods and services, and it corresponds with a decrease in the value of your money.
Read MoreEvery week I get out and about across New Zealand and visit our cities and regions, so I can meet people and businesses to hear what their issues are and how National can help.
Read MoreHappy Eid-Ul-Fitr to our Muslim community in Auckland. This is such a colourful time of year in our city and really showcases not only our diversity but also things we share in common.
Read MoreEvery year Vaisakhi is delightful and full of excitement of a community coming together to acknowledge one another’s own hopes and dreams. That is the essence of Vaisakhi, a time for promise and renewal, of rebirth and of reflection on the year to come.
Read MoreWe know that certain groups are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, including those from low income countries, with limited English or low level skills, migrants working outside of their visa conditions (such as over stayers or those on visitor visas), migrants who need to hold jobs to remain in the country or gain residence; and international students.
Read MoreHe said he understands the pain and anguish of those migrants who are stuck overseas due to Labour government’s insensitivity towards migrants. He said government’s approach of slow processing of migrants’ application was very much in place even before Covid struck. The visa processing period was increased from 50 to 100 days much before Covid arrived in the country. This is all happening when there is an acute shortage of skilled and non-skilled labour in the country and every single sector of the economy is badly suffering due to this shortage and this is badly impacting New Zealand economy.
Read MoreAs we take the next step in our plan to reconnect with the world, I know many people here in Mt Roskill and around the country will be looking forward to reuniting with family and friends from overseas.
Thanks to changes announced, vaccinated Kiwis overseas can now return to New Zealand without entering MIQ or having to self-isolate. This means travellers upon arrival can immediately connect with family and friends, as long as they test negative within 24 hours of arriving.
Read MoreOnce again many cultural festivals around New Zealand have had to be cancelled, postponed or moved online due to the impact of Omicron around our country. I was particularly saddened to see that this year I and my fellow National Members of Parliament will be unable to join the community in celebration of Holi, one of my favourite Indian festivals.
Read MoreOn being asked about why his government has been so slow in taking decisions Dr Gaurav defended his government saying that governments can’t take decisions in a rush. He said we must wait and must keep a close watch on what’s going around in the world and sometimes even learn from other countries experiences.
Read MoreWe know that we’re likely to see many more cases than we have previously, but there are ways we can all help to protect each other. You’ve probably heard that mask requirements have been strengthened, because we know from the experience of countries overseas that wearing a mask, when done right, has a significant role to play in managing Omicron.
Read MoreWith the shift to the COVID-19 Protection Framework last week, I know many of us are delighted to be able to catch up with friends for coffee at local cafes and are planning to head to our favourite holiday spots over summer. As we take this next step in our plan, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone in Auckland.
Read MoreBehind the hardened bureaucrats and colossal red tape at Immigration New Zealand is a Minister who appears to have suddenly realised that after 18-months of doing very little, he might have a few problems on his hands.
Read MoreThis has been a hard column to write this month as for all of us it’s been a tough few months, but together, we’ve pulled out all the stops to keep each other safe. Our hard work made our move to Step 2 possible. Now, we can begin to look ahead to summer, a happy Christmas and the new possibilities on the horizon – but these depend on us all sticking to the rules and continuing to lift our vaccination rates.
Read MoreA new Vaccine Uptake Fund has been announced to provide support for activities aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccination in our harder-to-reach ethnic communities. Alongside this new fund, the Government has shown its commitment to getting our communities vaccinated by doubling the amount of money for the Ethnic Communities Communications Fund, to support 71 initiatives aimed at boosting vaccination rates by eliminating the barriers and countering misinformation faced by our ethnic communities.
Read More2022 will see the House of Representatives host the 10th New Zealand Youth Parliament and it’s going to be amazing. I am looking for an incredible young leader who can inspire the youth of New Zealand as my representative at this exciting event. The role of Youth Parliament over the years has been vital in creating some of New Zealand’s greatest talent including some of my own Parliamentary Colleagues.
Read MoreThe next step is to continue getting as many people as possible vaccinated. More than 58% of people in New Zealand are fully vaccinated and 82% of people have now had at least one dose of the vaccine, which is a fantastic effort. However, to ensure our communities are safe and to make sure we can get back to doing the things we love, we need as many people as possible to get their two shots.
Read MoreWith Christmas fast approaching Kiwis are starting to think about summer, holiday plans and relaxing. Many will be feeling bitterly disappointed that they still can’t see family who have been stuck fighting for MIQ spots.
Read MoreThe National Party is calling for New Zealand to first end lockdowns then reopen to the world based on two vaccination targets. The party's plan, which it says has been thoroughly vetted by experts - who would not be named publicly - includes three "pillars".
Read MoreNew Zealanders need this Government to provide certainty. Delta has changed the game; the lockdowns are no longer short and sharp. Overall effects of lockdowns are impacting our wellbeing, mental health, families, and businesses, this needs to be considered. A balance between safeguarding us against Covid and economic growth and social well-being must be established.
Read MoreIt’s been a tough few weeks, and I know everyone here in Manurewa is looking forward to life outside of Alert Level 4. As we prepare for a potential move down alert levels, I have a simple, but really important, ask of everyone in our community: don’t wait – get vaccinated.
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