December Newsletter 2020
Happy Holidays! In the last newsletter for 2020, it is amazing to think in two days we will be celebrating Christmas. It’s been an incredibly busy month in the lead up to the festive season as the house has risen and I’ve had days throughout the electorate. From dealing with many immigration issues in Queenstown to the Government listening to our calls and announcing 2000 RSE workers will be allowed into New Zealand next year, to taking part in the Gore Santa parade and attending the Gore High School graduation – it’s been an eventful time. As we wind down for 2020, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for support since I was elected. I really couldn’t have done it without you.
It was great to catch up with a few folks around Owaka in the Catlins, including some kiwi tourists travelling through which was great to see. Some very cool things for folks to see and great food.
I met with Bernie from Reap and Helen who had been employed as a community connector with MSD funding at the Community Centre in Alex on a day in Central Otago recently. The week after I attended the official opening of the Community Learning Hub which is a fantastic asset to the community.
I had a busy day meeting with various busy owners in Te Anau about the current situation in the area as they continue their battle with Covid-19. Te Anau while a resilient community is struggling with the effects of Covid-19 and I will be lobbying hard for them. If you haven't checked out this beautiful area make sure you do.
Back on the ground after the house rose I headed out to Mataura Valley Milk and Pukerau Nursery to see what incredible work these businesses have been up to. Mataura Valley Milk is an incredible setup and it was great to hear from Bernard and the team about their work and future projects. Pukerau Nursery is a hidden gem which is providing farmers such a diverse range of plants for riparian planting, playing a huge part in the great work already underway to clean up our waterways. They can kit out your garden too!
The number of volunteers on hand for the annual Baskets of Blessing packing day was incredible to see. It was a real pleasure to get involved and help put one together for some great folks nominated for a surprise basket of goodies this Christmas.
What a fun experience to ride in the Gore Santa Parade with Gore mayor Tracy Hicks. Congratulations to the organisers on an incredible event.
Prompted by meetings with businesses in Te Anau and Queenstown I have written to the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism asking for some clarity around what the criteria will be for the Trans-Tasman bubble to go ahead. I have also raised with the Prime Minister the incredibly challenging position Te Anau is in as it battles not only Covid-19 but is still also recovering from floods in February.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to working hard for you in 2021.
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