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CARLOS’ COURIER Dr Carlos Cheung MP for Mt Roskill

WORKING HARD AS YOUR LOCAL MP

I am pleased to share the latest edition of Carlos’ Courier, your update on the work I am doing for you, your family, and our Mt Roskill community.

It is a privilege to serve as your local MP. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you both locally and in Parliament, and I remain committed to working hard for Mt Roskill.

Electorate Boundary Changes

Recent boundary changes mean parts of New Windsor, New Lynn, and Blockhouse Bay are now included in Mt Roskill. I warmly welcome residents from these areas and look forward to meeting you. Under the proposed changes, Balmoral, Sandringham, and Wesley will move out of the electorate.

Regardless of boundaries, my commitment remains the same. I will continue advocating strongly for our community right through to the next election and, I hope, beyond.

Mt Roskill Constituents Come First

Over the past year, I have focused on being present and listening, visiting schools, retirement villages, businesses, community groups, and hosting regular community pop up events across the electorate.

From the cost of living, law and order, and health, to local concerns such as flooding, illegal dumping, and parking issues, no issue is too big or too small. Thank you for continuing to share your feedback.

Representing Mt Roskill in Parliament

2025 was a memorable year, with my first local’s Bill, the Auckland Council Auckland Future Fund Bill, passing its third reading in Parliament. This legislation protects Auckland’s assets for the benefit of current and future generations.

I also serve on the Health Select Committee, and the Transport and Infrastructure Select

Committee, working with colleagues across Parliament to scrutinise legislation and improve outcomes for our community.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Our National Government is focused on driving economic growth to fix the basics and build for the future. I am committed to ensuring the voice of Mt Roskill is clearly heard in Parliament.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I hope you enjoy this update, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.

Best wishes,

Dr Carlos Cheung

THE ECONOMY

Fixing the basics and building the future

Recent years have been challenging for many New Zealanders, but there are encouraging signs that our economy is turning a corner.

Last year, I hosted a post-Budget community meeting at Maungawhau School Hall alongside Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith to discuss how the Budget is helping get New Zealand back on track. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from local residents about the issues that matter most to them.

Under our Government’s focus on fixing the basics, inflation has fallen from a peak of 7.3 percent under the previous Labour Government to 3.1 percent, and the Official Cash Rate remains steady at 2.25 per cent. That means more certainty for households, businesses, and investors. That is welcome news for Mt Roskill, which is home to many young families and first-home owners. Lower mortgage rates are reducing weekly repayments and helping more families take the exciting step into home ownership with greater confidence.

Business confidence is also improving, with more companies looking to expand and create new job opportunities. Last year, I hosted a Job Fair and Industry Insight Day that received strong support from local employers, many of whom were keen to offer roles to our students and residents. As our economy strengthens, I will continue advocating for hardworking Mt Roskill families and ensuring our community shares in the recovery.

Lightening the Load on Kiwi Families

Mt Roskill is a hardworking, aspirational, and diverse community. While economic indicators are improving and GDP growth is strengthening, we know there is still more to do.

That is why we have expanded FamilyBoost policy to help reduce childcare costs by increasing support for early childhood education. This initiative is designed to put money back into the pockets of working families and make childcare more affordable. Families can check their eligibility and apply through Inland Revenue.

Our focus remains clear: reduce cost-of-living pressures, support working families, and build long-term economic resilience.

Tourism and Major Events Funding

International tourism continues to play a vital role in New Zealand’s economic growth. Visitor numbers are the highest since December 2019, with 3.5 million visitor arrivals in the year to December 2025. That means fuller hotels, more people exploring our regions, increased spending in local businesses, and more jobs for New Zealanders.

With our proximity to key transport links and attractions, I am determined to put Mt Roskill firmly on the map. The SOHO Hotel is already welcoming visitors to our area, who are enjoying our excellent cafés and restaurants.

I am also pleased that the Minister for Housing and Infrastructure is considering my Member’s Bill to allow more concerts at major stadiums, including Eden Park. More events mean more visitors, more jobs, and stronger support for local businesses.

The recent announcement that Eden Park will host a State of Origin match in 2027 is a significant win for Auckland. Major events like this bring thousands of visitors and provide real economic benefits for surrounding communities, including Mt Roskill, through increased hospitality, retail activity, and job opportunities.

Supporting Local Business Growth

It has been fantastic to welcome new enterprises to our community. New businesses bring jobs, vibrancy, and fresh ideas to our area, and it is encouraging to see them choosing to establish themselves here.

I recently visited AsureQuality to celebrate the opening of their new People Hub in Lynfield, as well as The Range 24/7 Golf on Mt Eden Road. Both are great examples of the innovation and entrepreneurial energy thriving in Mt Roskill.

I will continue meeting with local business owners, listening to their experiences, and ensuring their insights help shape Government decisions. When local businesses thrive, our whole community benefits.

Post-Budget public meeting with Minister Nicola Willis.

LAW AND ORDER

Safer Communities in Mt Roskill

Community safety in Mt Roskill is a top priority for me and our plan is delivering real results. Serious youth offending is down 22 percent. These improvements reflect focused action and a clear commitment to restoring law and order.

In recent months, we have made meaningful progress on community safety, strengthening frontline policing and advancing justice reform both here in Mt Roskill and nationally through tougher, more effective legislation.

Taking Action Locally

Key actions I have taken include:

• Holding regular meetings with the Auckland City West Area Superintendent to ensure our community’s concerns are heard and acted on. (Photo 1)

• Inviting the Minister of Police, Mark Mitchell, to visit our local police station to meet with frontline officers and hear directly about the challenges they are facing, particularly the rise in retail crime. (Photo 2)

• Working closely with the new Police Area Commander, Jacqueline Whittaker,

More Action Underway

• Advocating for the Stoddard Road Police Station to be reopened for public access so residents have greater visibility and direct access to frontline police services.

• Maintaining ongoing conversations with local businesses and retailers, especially supermarkets, to understand their approach to retail crime and ensure they are supported in tackling repeat offending.

I remain committed to delivering safer streets, stronger frontline policing and a justice system that backs victims, supports retailers and holds offenders accountable.

to strengthen coordination and responsiveness in our area.

• Hosting a public meeting on justice reform with the Minister of Justice, Paul Goldsmith, to outline the Government’s tougher approach to crime and accountability. (Photo 3)

• Supporting the establishment of the new Tactical Retail Crime Unit, based in Mt Roskill, to directly target shoplifting and repeat retail offending. This dedicated unit is already making a tangible difference by responding to incidents within hours, enhancing real time capability and strengthening coordination with local police.

• Out on Community Patrol with Community Patrols of New Zealand, kicking off a new initiative, On Beat with the Police, working alongside local officers to support our community and crack down on crime while ensuring a strong and visible presence in our neighbourhood. (Photo 4)

This Government’s Action on Law and Order

More Police on the Beat

A tough-on-crime approach, combined with a near doubling of police foot patrols, has driven a significant drop in the number of victims of violent crime since this Government was elected.

The latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime in the year to October 2025 compared with two years earlier. Increased Police visibility in our communities plays a key role in deterring crime and keeping offenders off our streets.

Backing our frontline has meant more Police out on the beat, with foot patrols almost doubling since coming into Government. Our investment has also seen 12 new and expanded beat teams established nationwide. Our Government remains committed to restoring the basics in law and order and building a future where New Zealanders can feel safe in their communities.

Cracking Down on Dangerous Behaviour on Our Roads

Residents in Mt Roskill have told me they are fed up with illegal dirt bikes and reckless drivers tearing through Keith Hay Park and our local streets. This is not just a nuisance, it is dangerous and puts lives at risk. This behaviour has no place in our community, and I am committed to stopping it.

The Antisocial Road Use Legislation

Amendment Bill delivers a comprehensive package to crack down on illegal and antisocial road use. It adopts a zero-tolerance approach to dangerous driving and reckless vehicle activity to ensure our communities are safer and better protected.

Major Steps Forward for Victim Safety

For too long, stalkers have been able to subject victims to persistent and unwanted intrusions into their lives — causing serious emotional, psychological, and economic harm — without facing meaningful consequences.

Our Government is committed to ensuring there are real consequences for criminal behaviour and that victims’ needs are prioritised.

The Crimes (Stalking and Harassment)

Amendment Bill establishes stalking as a criminal offence, carrying a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. It targets persistent, fear-inducing conduct such as tracking someone’s movements, repeated unwanted contact, surveillance, or doxing.

The Bill recognises the cumulative harm caused by patterns of behaviour and introduces a clear 24-month window for establishing that pattern, providing certainty for Police and the courts. The law will come into force in May 2026 to allow time for training and public information, ensuring it is implemented effectively and delivers stronger protection for victims.

Out on Community Patrol, kicking off a new initiative On Beat with the Police.

Catching up with our local police during ‘Coffee with the Cops’ at Wesley Community Centre.

PARLIAMENT

My Local Bill: Auckland Future Fund Bill Passed in Parliament

18 November 2025 marked a major milestone as my first-ever Bill, the Auckland Council (Auckland Future Fund) Bill , successfully passed its third reading in Parliament.

This Bill ensures that:

• The council must maintain or increase the fund’s real value over time.

• The fund is used for the benefit of both current and future generations of Aucklanders.

• Any future council wishing to reduce the fund’s value must gain 75% majority approval.

The Auckland Future Fund delivers:

• Better returns on investment

• Increased non-rates revenue

• Reduced risk through diversified markets and geographic locations

• Protection of intergenerational assets and their value

This legislation will reduce reliance on rates and boost investment in infrastructure and services, securing the fund as a long-term financial resource for the Auckland region. It was a remarkable journey working alongside Auckland Council and colleagues across the House.

Working Collaboratively for Better Outcomes

After nearly a year of work by the Health Select Committee, our inquiry into the aged care sector’s current and future capacity to support individuals with neurological cognitive disorders was officially published in November 2025.

We received over 100 submissions and visited multiple aged care facilities across the country. The report includes 14 key recommendations shaped by residents, support workers, sector representatives, and international experts.

The recommendations aim to:

• Improve access to aged care and pricing transparency

• Expand residential and dementia care capacity

• Enhance flexibility and long-term sustainability in home support services

• Strengthen workforce conditions and build a sustainable workforce

Improving Access to Public Transport

As a member of the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee, I’ve been working hard to improve our public transport. I continue to advocate for progress on the Avondale–Southdown Rail Corridor - a project that would complete Auckland’s railway network and create a true loop. I believe this corridor is vital for the future development of Mt Roskill and will bring long-term benefits to our community. As your MP, I will continue to advocate for you and ensure the voice of Mt Roskill is heard in our city’s future development.

Engaging the Next Generation

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is engaging with the next generation of leaders and helping them understand the vital role our democratic institutions play in shaping our future.

In June 2025, I visited Blockhouse Bay Intermediate and Laingholm Primary School as part of the Parliamentary Education Outreach Programme. This initiative gives students a hands-on, interactive experience of how our parliamentary system works.

During the visits, we held a simulated Parliament debate, where students stepped into the role of MPs and debated key issues affecting their communities. These experiences not only explain how democracy functions, but also empower students to think critically, voice their views, and actively participate in civic life.

Members’ Bill Lodged to Reduce Vaping Harm

After hearing concerns from parents in Mt Roskill, I lodged my Members’ Bill to reduce the harm caused by vaping products. The purposes of this Bill are to reduce the accessibility and attractiveness of vaping products and to raise awareness about their negative health effects, particularly among young people.

Specifically, the Bill aims to:

• Limit the number of vaping product flavours sold by specialist vape retailers (SVRs), making these products less appealing to youth.

• Increase warnings on vaping product packaging to deepen public awareness of the adverse health effects of vaping.

This Bill builds on the Government’s strong progress earlier this year, which included banning disposable vapes and restricting vaping advertising. By targeting both the availability and appeal of vaping products, the Bill seeks to minimise the uptake of vaping among young people and protect the long-term health of our community.

Improving our healthcare system

New Zealand relies on skilled international medical professionals to support our healthcare system. I contributed to the Comparable Health System pathway, which streamlines registration for international medical graduates from qualifying countries. There are now 29 countries on the list, helping more doctors reach hospitals faster and supporting our patient-first approach.

I am also encouraged that the Health Minister is considering a fifth hospital in Auckland. The Government has committed $100 million to upgrade hospitals nationwide, including 21 local projects from Whangārei to Queenstown, expanding clinical spaces, upgrading emergency departments, and improving cancer treatment facilities.

Visiting our local Dominion Road House

Visit Access Community Health in Petone, Wellington

Pushing for Upgrades to Our Stormwater Systems

Many residents have raised concerns about the urgent need to upgrade our stormwater systems. I have taken these concerns directly to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Hon Chris Bishop, and the Minister for Local Government, Hon Simon Watts. I continue to advocate strongly at the local level for practical action.

Following multiple emails and a formal request from my office, Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team met with me to discuss essential maintenance and upgrades. This meeting also addressed specific concerns raised by homeowners who had contacted my office for support.

The Healthy Waters team confirmed that business cases will be presented in February for several key projects in Mt Roskill, including:

• Widening the Whau Stream and Oakley Creek

• Upgrading the culvert and realigning the stream from Winstone Road to May Road to improve water flow

I have also requested more frequent cleaning and maintenance of culverts — including Penney Avenue — along with improved upkeep of upstream areas to ensure smoother water flow.

I will continue to keep you updated as these projects progress.

Mt Roskill Youth Forum

Mt Roskill is home to many talented and passionate young people, eager to help shape a better future for New Zealand. To give them a platform to share their ideas, we recently held a Youth Forum with Minister for Youth James Meager MP. The forum was filled with energy and thoughtful discussion, with young people actively engaging on policies that will shape their futures.

A special thank you to my Youth MP, Mahant Agrawal, who organised the event and worked tirelessly to ensure young voices were heard. Our youth are full of ideas and leadership potential, and we must continue to empower them to be part of the decisionmaking process.

PARLIAMENT

Strengthening New Zealand–India Relations

Last year, I joined Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and a delegation of MPs and businesses on a visit to India. I am incredibly proud of our Mt Roskill Indian community, and this visit strengthened my ability to serve our community here at home. It also gave me fresh insights that I’ve been able to bring back to our local events, celebrations, and gatherings, ensuring I stay closely connected to and engaged with the Indian communities in Mt Roskill.

The trip focused on deepening New Zealand’s already strong relationship with India, particularly our economic ties. We received a warm welcome from Prime Minister Modi and

other senior leaders. Highlights included:

• Strengthening economic ties, including negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, now concluded, giving New Zealand access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers.

• Progress on establishing direct flights between Delhi and Auckland.

• Engaging with India’s rich culture, including visiting the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in New Delhi.

This visit reinforced my connection with Mt Roskill’s Indian community and informed my work locally.

Tackling the Blight of Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping has been an ongoing issue in Mt Roskill, particularly along Somerset Road. I have been working closely with Council, Police, and KiwiRail to ensure this problem is addressed decisively.

Cameras have now been installed to monitor the area, and fines have already been issued to offenders. I also raised this matter in Parliament with the New Zealand Railways Corporation, which is responsible for maintaining KiwiRail’s spare land. In addition, my team met with Auckland Council’s Senior Enforcement Officer (Waste Solutions) and Waste Operations Manager to push for meaningful action.

I am pleased to report that progress is now being made:

• Somerset Road has been placed on a hotspot list, with proactive monitoring several times each week and rapid clean-ups

• Evidence is being collected from dumped items, with fines issued where offenders are identified

• Multiple cameras have been installed for closer surveillance

• Council is working with KiwiRail on new fencing to secure the grassy area opposite the hockey turf

• Three new warning signs have been installed and fencing repairs completed

• Additional concrete blocks have been placed to block the driveway opposite Mt Roskill ECE & After School Care Centre

Roundtable on Building and Construction

I was pleased to host Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk MP in Mt Roskill for a roundtable discussion with local businesses. We focused on the critical role these firms play in supporting our community and strengthening the wider building sector. The discussion also explored the future of the industry, including reducing unnecessary red tape so businesses can thrive. By backing our tradies and supporting local employment, we can help deliver more affordable housing and build a stronger economy for New Zealand.

On the ground checking stormwater drains, catchments and creeks throughout our electorate

HEALTH

Building a Health System That Works for All New Zealanders

New Zealanders deserve timely, high-quality healthcare. While our health workforce is working hard, the system faces challenges.

Our goal is to lift life expectancy, improve quality of life, and deliver better access to care, supported by clear health and mental health targets focused on what matters most. These targets are:

• Faster cancer treatment

• Improved immunisation for children

• Shorter stays in emergency departments (ED)

• Shorter wait times for first specialist assessment (FSA)

• Shorter wait times for elective treatment (planned surgery)

Reopening of ‘The Doctors’ in New Lynn

With 13 GPs now onsite, the clinic can support up to 30,000 patients, giving our community much easier access to timely, high-quality healthcare.

This is a fantastic boost for families and residents across Blockhouse Bay, New Windsor, and New Lynn, ensuring local health services meet growing demand.

Free Cancer Screenings Expanded

New Medical School to Train More Doctors

Construction of New Zealand’s third medical school officially began in December 2025, as the University of Waikato broke ground for the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine. This is a major milestone in the Government’s plan to train more GPs and improve access to primary care in regional communities.

From 2028, the Waikato medical school will train an additional 120 doctors each year. This complements the 100 extra medical school places being added at Otago and Auckland between 2024 and 2026.

The Government is expanding free cancer screening so more Kiwis can access life-saving checks.

• Breast screening: From October 2025, the current 45–69 age range has gradually expanded to eventually include women aged 70–74 by 2029, enabling thousands more women to benefit from early detection.

• Bowel screening: From October 2025, eligibility expanded to begin at age 58 in Northland, Auckland, and the South Island, with the rest of the North Island joining in March 2026. This gives 122,000 Kiwis access to life-saving early detection, preventing 771 bowel cancers and 556 deaths over the next 25 years.

More people at risk will be able to access screening at no cost, with further expansion planned.

EDUCATION

Education: Building a Brighter Future for Kiwi Kids

New Zealand’s future depends on giving young people the skills to succeed in a modern, global economy. We’re backing Kiwi kids with an internationally benchmarked qualification and a renewed focus on strong foundations. We’ve:

• Delivered the largest boost to Learning support in a generation

• Introduced access to Learning Support Coordinators (LSC) for all primary and intermediate schools.

• Made clear what is taught and when in reading, writing and maths.

• Mandated teaching of phonics and introduced a progress check at 20 and 40 weeks.

Teaching the Basics Brilliantly

Our maths acceleration pilot for Year 7–8 students delivered 1–2 years’ progress in just 12 weeks. Even students outside the pilot, learning one hour of maths daily under the new curriculum, achieved an average of one year’s progress over the same period.

The number of new entrants achieving at the expected level in phonics has increased from 36 per cent to 58 per cent.

Reforming NCEA

Faster Access to Life-Saving Medicines

The new “Rule of Two” allows medicines approved by at least two recognized overseas authorities to be fast-tracked for approval in New Zealand.

This means safe, effective treatments will reach patients faster, improving health outcomes and giving people access to lifesaving medicines sooner.

Cell Phone Ban in Schools

We are proposing to replace NCEA with a more structured system phased in from 2026–2030:

• Level 1 → Foundation Award (2028)

• Level 2 → New Zealand Certificate of Education (2029)

• Level 3 → Advanced Certificate (2030)

Key changes include:

• Five structured subjects (pass four to gain a certificate)

• Letter grades (A–E) replacing Achieved/Merit/Excellence

• Stronger industry-led vocational pathways

New and expanded subjects are proposed to include Civics, Media and Communications, Artificial Intelligence, Pacific Studies, Te Mātai i te Ao Māori, Music Technology, and enhanced vocational pathways in areas such as Primary Industry, Health, Construction, and Engineering.

Within our first 100 days, we removed cell phones from classrooms to improve focus. Education Review Office research shows:

• 79% of teachers report improved focus

• 61% report increased achievement

• 77% report improved behaviour

• 69% report reduced bullying

Wesley Primary confidently presented their science projects to visiting Minister Stanfordexample of the positive impact of these reforms.

Meeting between Communicare Chair Mike Matthews and Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello and visit to their friendship centre at Blockhouse Bay.

COMMUNITY FIRST

Talented Young Artists Showcased

Mt Roskill is home to many talented young artists. In 2024, I had the privilege of organising the first-ever School Students’ Art Showcase in collaboration with YMCA Lynfield. The event was a huge success, with the community coming together to celebrate the creativity of our local students. The positive feedback made it clear that this should be an annual event.

In July 2025, I held another exhibition at Lynfield Youth and Leisure Centre, where

Supporting youth futures

In April 2025, we hosted the Mt Roskill Industry Insights Day at the Lynfield Youth and Leisure Centre, inviting businesses from various sectors to talk to school leavers about what they do. This event was a fantastic opportunity to connect our students with professionals, giving them valuable insights into potential career paths and real-world industry knowledge.

It was inspiring to see the strong turnout, with students engaging with local businesses and learning more about the opportunities available to them. Young people have immense potential, and it’s essential that we continue to provide them with the support and guidance they need to succeed.

Auckland pensioner who lost $158k in transfer error receives full refund

I was delighted to help Mt Roskill pensioner Andrew Che Sit Bong who lost his life savings after accidentally sending $158,000 to the wrong account. Andrew said that he is “jumping with joy” and in a “daze” after receiving a full refund from his UK bank.

Working together to make a difference

A heartfelt thank you to BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha New Zealand and Office Max for their generous support of our initiatives to support the local community. Your donations of warm gear, school supplies, and sanitizer will go a long way in supporting our local schools and community. These essential items are more than just supplies. They are a sign of care, compassion, and commitment to the wellbeing of our people.

15 schools, 2 childcare centres, and homeschooled students participated. The exhibition included everything from paintings and sculptures to wearable art and photography, showcasing the incredible talent and diversity of our young people.

If you’d like to get involved in this year’s event, please contact my office using the details on the back page of this newsletter.

Football teams making Auckland proud

Auckland is lucky to be home to many amazing football teams. Auckland City FC recently played for New Zealand at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup competition. This represents an amazing representation of our country before the world. Auckland

United FC have also played well for our city. The two teams even found time to compete against one another, where they reached a thrilling 2-2 draw! These local sporting heroes make our city proud, and I look forward to seeing them compete in the future!

Working hard to represent those affected by flooding

In 2025 Easter weekend, parts of Mt Roskill were hit hard by heavy rain and flooding. I’ve visited affected streets and spoken with residents who continue to deal with water damage and ongoing flooding issues.

I accompanied a group of residents to the Mayor’s Office to meet with the Healthy Waters team, including the General Manager and Council engineers. This was an important opportunity to ensure Council heard directly from those impacted.

We raised concerns about creek and culvert maintenance, outdated stormwater infrastructure, the stress on residents, and developments in flood-prone areas. I have

Update on 580 Hillsborough Road

Many residents have mentioned the issues at 580 Hillsborough Road. Demolition of the existing structure has been completed. At this stage, no redevelopment plans have been confirmed. Once cleared, the land will be restored to open green space with lawn, improving the visual and environmental quality of the area in the interim.

The property will return to the Kāinga Ora land bank, where it will be held for future development. I want to reassure you that any future proposals for this site will go through a full public consultation process — your voice and feedback will be essential in shaping what comes next.

requested regular cleaning of culverts, including Penney Avenue, and improved maintenance upstream to help water flow more effectively.

I will continue advocating for practical solutions and keep you updated on progress.

Carlton Street speed humps

Speed humps have been a source of frustration for Carlton Street residents. I’ve met with them to understand their concerns and raised them with Auckland Transport. I’m pleased to report that the first round of vibration testing is complete, resulting in confirmation that one of the speed humps will be removed. Further testing is planned and I’ll continue to represent residents to ensure that the issues are resolved.

Congratulations to those newly elected to the Puketāpapa Local Board! I look forward to working with you to supporting our community! A special shoutout to my wife, Fiona Lai, for her re-election.