Nicola's News: 1 September 2023

That's a wrap on the 53rd Parliament! 

Yesterday was the last day of parliament, marking the end of my first term as the MP for Selwyn! 

I’ve absolutely loved the past three years and am so privileged to represent the best region in New Zealand. Thank you to those who’ve placed their trust in me, told me their stories, and have been brave enough to ask for my help - it has truly been an honour.

This Sunday, I will be joining the rest of my colleagues in Auckland as the National Party officially launches its campaign to change the government. 

Over the next six weeks, I will be campaigning hard around Selwyn to return the National Party back to government. The team and I are determined to get our great country back on track! 

Policy Announcement - Back Pocket Boost

This week, we announced our Back Pocket Boost policy that will deliver tax relief of up to $100 per fortnight for an average income household, plus a FamilyBoost childcare tax credit of up to $150 per fortnight. That means that for a family on an average income, they’ll get another $250 per fortnight!

National will always back middle New Zealand so we’ve announced a prudent, fully-funded and balanced tax plan that will help Kiwis get ahead.

The squeezed middle is being left behind - Kiwis who are working hard but seeing their incomes eaten up by high taxes and rising costs – and with around a quarter of Selwyn’s population aged under 18 years old, we are expecting this policy will help thousands of families across our district.

Click here to read the full tax relief policy

MPI's biosecurity response

Earlier this year, the highly invasive golden clam – a known aquatic pest – was found in the Waikato River. These clams can reproduce at a significant rate of 400 offspring per day (or 70,000 a year!) and can cause absolute havoc on waterways by taking over native species, blocking pipes used for water treatment facilities, and even clog electricity generators.

Despite the major risk this pest poses, Biosecurity New Zealand’s response has been slow and lacklustre and has risked the spread to waterways across the country. The delays in the biosecurity response are not good enough and need to be addressed urgently as other important waterways may be at risk.

Both the Environment and Primary Production select committees have released a damming report recommending that the Government give urgent consideration to more resources to tackle the issue, and to develop a national surveillance system in order to prevent a nationwide spread.

It’s beggars belief that officials seem to take the view that because there is no known eradication method, they shouldn’t attempt it. The committee is pushing MPI to relook at eradication as an option and, as National's spokesperson for biosecurity, I wholeheartedly endorse that.

Click here or below to read my PR 👇

Overseas Voting

In response to the huge number of Kiwis living or travelling overseas who want to see a change of government, National has launched its first website dedicated to making sure New Zealanders all over the world know how they can vote for National from wherever they are.

The past few years have shown the governing parties took overseas Kiwis’ support for granted, particularly through Labour’s obsession with the MIQ lottery and the misery it caused Kiwis overseas. While Labour drives New Zealanders to leave New Zealand, National will work relentlessly to make our country somewhere they can see themselves returning, contributing to our economy and building lives for the next generation of Kiwis.

We’re encouraging people to share our website with their friends and family overseas so they know how they can vote National from wherever they are. It’s also crucial for those travelling to the Rugby World Cup to know how they can cast their vote.

You can visit the website here: https://overseas.national.org.nz

Upcoming Events

Pub Politics

Ahead of the election, there are a number of big issues that Selwyn residents are thinking about. Come and join me at the following pubs to share your thoughts and queries.

Coffee Catch Ups

I'll be in Lincoln and West Melton next week if you want to have a coffee and talk to me about an issue, policy, or just want to chat! No appointment needed.

Tuesday 5 September

📍 Coffee Culture Lincoln, 19 Gerald St

⏰ 11:30am - 12:30pm

Friday 8 September

📍 Les Delices Bakery, West Melton

⏰ 11:30am - 12:30pm

Law & Order Public Meeting - with Mark Mitchell

Monday 11 September 5:30pm

Crime is out of control in New Zealand, and it is getting worse under this Government.

In Canterbury crime rose 28 per cent and violent crime up 40 per cent when comparing the first four months of 2022 with the first four months of 2023.

I am hosting a public meeting with National's Police and Corrections spokesperson Mark Mitchell MP on Monday 11 September at 5:30pm at Rolleston College to hear your concerns and discuss our plan and policies to tackle crime.

Click here for more information and to RSVP. 

Here to help

As always, my team and I are here and available to help.

You can get in touch with us by emailing [email protected], phone 03 344 2800, or pop into the office in Rolleston Square between Monday and Fridays, 10:00am - 4:00pm.

Kind regards,

Nicola Grigg
https://nicolagrigg.national.org.nz/