Carlos’ Courier July 2026 by CarlosCheungMP

CARLOS’ COURIER Dr Carlos Cheung MP for Mt Roskill

WORKING HARD AS THE MP FOR MT ROSKILL

It is my pleasure to share the third edition of my Courier, highlighting some of the progress we’ve made together over the past few months.

It remains a tremendous privilege to serve our community and represent Mt Roskill as the local Member of Parliament. One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is meeting so many of you, hearing your perspectives, and working together to make Mt Roskill an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Mt Roskill is a truly special community. As one of New Zealand’s most culturally diverse electorates, we are home to more than 100 ethnicities, over 150 languages, and people of many different faiths and backgrounds. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths and something I am proud to represent.

Over the past six months, we’ve also seen significant progress both nationally and here in Auckland. Highlights have included Budget 2026, securing an Auckland City Deal, advancing work towards a potential fifth public hospital for Auckland, signing the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement, and continuing our Government’s tough-oncrime approach, with encouraging results

showing fewer victims of violent crime and offending continuing to decline.

These achievements are part of our commitment to building a stronger economy, safer communities, and better public services, while continuing to deliver for families here in Mt Roskill.

Speaking Up for Mt Roskill

My priority is to be a strong and effective voice for Mt Roskill. I am never afraid to stand up for our community and advocate for the issues that matter most to local residents.

No issue is too big or too small when it comes to standing up for Mt Roskill. From tackling local concerns like illegal rubbish dumping, speed humps, and stormwater infrastructure, to advocating in Parliament on issues such as law and order and Auckland’s Plan Change 120, I have worked tirelessly to ensure our community’s voice is heard. Whether engaging with Auckland Council, Ministers, or Government agencies, I will continue to be a strong advocate for the needs and priorities of Mt Roskill.

Meeting with residents, community organisations, schools, faith groups, and local businesses is an essential part of my

role. Listening to your experiences, ideas, and concerns helps shape my advocacy and ensures I remain focused on the issues that matter most to our community.

Looking Ahead

While we have made good progress, there is always more to do. I remain committed to working hard for every part of our community and value every opportunity to connect with you, listen to your feedback, and advocate on your behalf.

Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of my Courier. I hope it provides a helpful update on my work in Parliament and across the electorate. If there is ever anything I can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You’ll find my contact details on the back page of this newsletter, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best

wishes, Dr Carlos Cheung

THE ECONOMY

Building a Stronger Economy

Mt Roskill is a hardworking, aspirational and diverse community. Families want secure jobs, rising incomes, and confidence in the future. While New Zealand’s economy is improving, there is still more to do. The Government remains focused on restoring economic growth through responsible spending, lower debt, and policies that back businesses, create jobs, and improve living standards.

Backing Jobs and Growth

New Zealand’s economy is moving in the right direction, but there is still more work to do. The economy grew by 0.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, with annual growth reaching 1.5 per cent. Budget 2026 also forecasts a return to surplus of $2.6 billion in 2028/29—one year earlier than previously expected. These are encouraging signs that our plan is working.

Budget 2026 invests in New Zealanders at every stage of life—from supporting mums and babies to educating our children, strengthening healthcare, improving public safety, building infrastructure, and supporting our seniors. We are also investing in the roads, schools and hospitals New Zealand needs for the future, while strengthening energy security through renewable generation and backup supply.

Greater Security in Retirement

Budget 2026 delivers a meaningful boost to retirement savings. KiwiSaver contribution rates will gradually increase to 6 per cent for both employees and employers by 2032, bringing New Zealand more closely into line with Australia.

Around 99.5 per cent of people contributing through wages and salaries will benefit from stronger retirement savings, helping hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders enjoy greater financial security in the future.

Championing Local Business

Putting Auckland on the World Stage

I’m pleased that my Member’s Bill to allow more concerts at Eden Park has now become Government policy, alongside the signing of the Auckland City Deal, both important steps in strengthening Auckland’s position as a vibrant, world-class city. This will help unlock Eden Park’s potential as a premier events venue, bringing more world-class concerts, sporting events and entertainment to Auckland. More major events mean more visitors, stronger tourism, and greater support for local businesses.

The Government’s new Tourism Policy Statement also sets a clear long-term goal of doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034. Recovery is already underway, with 3.63 million international visitors in the year to March 2026, up 9.2 per cent on the previous year, and spending increasing to $13.7 billion.

For Auckland, this means more activity in our hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions, and more jobs supported across our local economy.

A Historic New Zealand –India Free Trade Agreement

I was proud to join Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on a trade mission to India last year to strengthen our relationship with one of the world’s fastestgrowing economies.

Building on that visit, New Zealand and India have now signed a historic Free Trade Agreement. From the day it comes into force, 57 per cent of New Zealand exports to India will be tariff-free, opening new opportunities for exporters, supporting jobs, and helping grow our economy.

Trade remains vital to New Zealand’s prosperity, with export revenue forecast to reach $64.3 billion in the year to June 2026. With one in four New Zealand jobs linked to trade, expanding access to global markets benefits families and communities across the country.

Small businesses are the backbone of Mt Roskill’s economy. They create jobs, support families, and strengthen our community.

I have been working closely with local businesses and business associations to advocate for practical improvements such as better parking, connecting employers with job seekers through local job fairs, addressing workforce shortages and retail crime, and ensuring local businesses have a strong voice in policy decisions that affect them.

I am also pleased that the Government’s Investment Boost policy is helping businesses invest and grow. It allows an immediate 20 per cent tax deduction on eligible new capital assets, improving cash flow and encouraging investment in productivity, equipment and expansion. It was also a pleasure to welcome Minister Scott Simpson to Mt Roskill as the guest speaker at our Business After 5 event in June. The evening was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from local business owners about the challenges and opportunities they face, and to discuss how we can continue supporting a business environment where they can invest, grow and succeed. When our local businesses succeed, they create more jobs, strengthen our economy, and help our whole community thrive.

Strengthening Healthcare for Our Community

As families build their lives, raise children, and contribute to our economy, they deserve access to quality healthcare when they need it. Budget 2026 delivers a record investment in health, strengthening services and reducing pressure across the system.

A Record Investment in Health

HEALTH

Strengthening Emergency Response

Budget 2026 provides $35 million over four years to support emergency ambulance services. This includes establishing two new ambulance hubs in Auckland, with one confirmed for South Auckland, helping improve response times and strengthen frontline emergency care.

Budget 2026 invests $34.2 billion in health, including an additional $5.5 billion for frontline services. This investment will help improve access to care, reduce pressure on hospitals and health workers, and ensure more New Zealanders receive timely treatment.

Three Days of Postnatal Care for New Mums and Babies

The arrival of a new baby is one of life’s most special moments—but it can also be an overwhelming and exhausting time for new parents.

The first few days are especially important for recovery, bonding, establishing breastfeeding, and identifying any early health concerns. Having the right support during this time can make a real difference for both mum and baby.

That is why Budget 2026 provides $34 million to fund three days of postnatal care for all new mums and babies. This investment ensures families have extra support and reassurance when they need it most, helping give every child the best possible start in life.

Expanding Hospital Capacity in Auckland

The Budget also includes funding to continue planning for a potential fifth public hospital in Auckland, ensuring our health system keeps pace with population growth and future demand.

Better Care in the Community

Expanding Cancer Treatment

Following the record $604 million investment in Pharmac in Budget 2024, which funded 66 new medicines including 33 cancer treatments, we are now expanding the system’s ability to deliver care.

Fourteen new infusion centres will be established, along with upgrades to a further 14 sites across the country, helping more patients receive treatment closer to home and surrounded by their whānau.

This is already making a real difference. A new cancer infusion service is now operating at Waitākere Hospital in West Auckland, allowing local patients to receive life-saving treatment without the added burden of travelling into Auckland City Hospital. For many families, this means less time on the road and more time together during treatment and recovery.

Supporting Mental Wellbeing

Mental health services are being strengthened through new community-based initiatives, including Auckland’s first crisis café delivered in partnership with Ember Trust. This provides accessible peer support and early intervention for people in distress.

As a member of the Health Select Committee, I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these services for individuals and whānau across our community.

The Government’s wider mental health programme is also delivering faster access to support and more frontline workers, with four out of five mental health and addiction targets now being met.

Protecting Young People from Vaping

Youth vaping is one of the most common concerns I hear from parents, and it is an issue I also care deeply about as a parent myself.

In response, I have conducted a Mt Roskill community survey, hosted a Youth Vaping Awareness Seminar, and supported stronger laws to ban disposable vapes, restrict visibility, and increase penalties for selling to under-18s.

My Member’s Bill also proposes further protections, including stronger oversight of specialist vape retailers, fewer vaping flavours, and improved health warnings to better protect young people.

We are strengthening access to healthcare closer to home by expanding the role of community pharmacies. This enables pharmacists to provide more treatment for straightforward conditions, improving convenience and helping people receive timely care without unnecessary hospital visits.

LAW AND ORDER

Strengthening Community Safety

From a period marked by ram raids and rising crime just three years ago, the hard work and reforms delivered under this Government have helped see New Zealand recognised as the second-safest country in the world. While this is a positive step forward, I remain focused on ensuring every family in Mt Roskill feels safe in their home, on their street, and in their community.

Investing in Frontline Policing

Budget 2026 provides an additional $50 million for frontline policing, helping to keep our communities safe and supporting the officers who work every day to protect New Zealanders.

This builds on our wider approach to restoring law and order, which has already contributed to an 85 per cent reduction in ram raids and 46,000 fewer victims of violent crime Our approach includes:

• Stronger sentences for serious offenders

• Cracking down on gangs

• Giving Police more tools and powers

• Increasing visible frontline and foot patrols in our communities

Tackling Retail Crime in Mt Roskill

Retail crime continues to have a real impact on local businesses, staff, and customers. I have been actively engaging with Woolworths, New World supermarkets, and other local businesses to discuss practical ways to strengthen security and better target repeat offending.

The new Tactical Retail Crime Unit, based in Mt Roskill, is already making a difference by responding quickly to incidents and supporting retailers dealing with ongoing offending. It strengthens coordination with Police and improves our ability to respond in real time.

Stronger Action on Anti-Social Road Use

I have received feedback from constituents about issues involving unregistered dirt bikes causing disruption in local parks and on nearby roads, including areas such as Keith Hay Park.

This is part of a wider focus on community safety in Mt Roskill. While I continue to work closely with Police to address these concerns on the ground, I am also pleased to see the passing of new legislation to crack down on anti-social road use.

This law strengthens Police powers to deal with dangerous and disruptive behaviour, including illegal street racing and reckless riding. It sends a clear message that reckless driving that puts lives at risk will not be tolerated in our communities. This is an important step in supporting Police, improving public safety, and ensuring our neighbourhoods remain safe for everyone.

Stalking Now Officially a Crime

Restoring law and order also means ensuring victims are at the centre of our justice system.

A key step has been making stalking a standalone criminal offence, punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment. Stalking can have a serious and lasting impact on victims, including emotional, psychological, and financial harm.

This change ensures the law better reflects the seriousness of this behaviour and provides stronger protection for those affected.

A Safer Community

While progress is being made, I know there is always more to do. I remain committed to working alongside Police, local organisations, and our community to ensure Mt Roskill continues to be a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

Working with Police and Local Communities

I regularly meet with the Superintendent for West Auckland and our local Police Area Commander to discuss issues affecting Mt Roskill and ensure local concerns are being followed up and addressed.

I continue to work closely with Mt Roskill CPNZ, including supporting their efforts to secure two replacement patrol vehicles after one was damaged during the Auckland Anniversary floods. This reflects my ongoing commitment to ensuring our local Police and community safety partners have the resources they need to keep our neighbourhood safe.

I have also been working with the Dominion Road Business Association and local Police to identify practical ways to strengthen safety in our town centres. These discussions focus on collaboration, prevention, and taking real, on-the-ground steps to ensure our community remains safe, welcoming, and well supported.

More recently, I hosted a public meeting with Minister Mark Mitchell and Police representatives, giving residents the opportunity to raise concerns directly and engage face-to-face with decision-makers. These forums are an important part of my approach—ensuring Mt Roskill voices are heard and that community concerns are translated into action.

EDUCATION

Delivering Better Education for Every Child

We are focused on getting back to basics in education and lifting achievement for Kiwi students, so every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Stronger Foundations in Learning

So far, we have made important changes to improve classroom learning, including:

• One hour each of reading, writing, and maths every day

• Banning cell phones in schools to improve focus

• Introducing structured teaching and mandatory phonics instruction

• A clear Year 1–10 curriculum setting out what students learn and when

• Proposing a replacement for NCEA to better support future study and work

• The largest investment in learning support in a generation, including Learning Support Coordinators for all primary and intermediate schools from next year

• Providing 836,000 maths workbooks and textbooks, alongside professional development for nearly 20,000 teachers

• Introducing financial literacy into the curriculum

• Ending open-plan classroom designs for new school builds

• Improving support for parents through

clearer reporting and better tools to support learning at home

These changes are already showing results, with 43 per cent of new entrants exceeding expectations in reading and students making up to 12 months of progress in maths in just 12 weeks.

Investing in Our Children’s Future

Budget 2026 continues this focus on education and opportunity, including progressing NCEA reform, building more classrooms, and ensuring young New Zealanders leave school with the skills they need for a changing world.

We are also investing $69 million to double Trades Academy places to 20,000 and expanding access to free trade training, creating stronger pathways into rewarding careers and addressing skills shortages.

More Opportunities in Music and the Arts

We are investing in creativity and the arts, including funding for musical instruments in schools through a centralised system for the first time.

This will see instruments such as boomwhackers, ukuleles, and recorders

Supporting Local Youth Voice

Our local students are talented and have strong views on the issues shaping their future.

Following last year’s public meeting on online harm and social media age restrictions, this year’s discussion focused on the future of artificial intelligence. Students from Mt Roskill Grammar School and Lynfield College joined professionals to explore the role of AI in education, work, and everyday life.

It was a valuable opportunity for young people to share their perspectives directly and be part of the conversation on how emerging technology will shape their future.

I have also continued to work with our local Youth MP to ensure the voices of young people in Mt Roskill are heard and reflected in the issues we focus on.

Showcasing Mt Roskill Talent

made more widely available to students, supporting the delivery of the new music curriculum. Ordering will open in Term 4 2026, with delivery expected from Term 2 2027. I look forward to seeing more Mt Roskill students discovering the joy of music.

Celebrating Our Students

It was a pleasure to attend Mt Roskill Grammar School’s production Lovin’ It and Lynfield College’s 90s Popstar. Both performances showcased the creativity, talent, and hard work of our local students and teachers.

Our community is fortunate to have such dedicated educators and so many talented young people.Additional concrete blocks have been placed to block the driveway opposite Mt Roskill ECE & After School Care Cntre

Mt Roskill is home to many gifted young artists and creatives. In 2024, I organised the first School Students’ Art Showcase in partnership with YMCA Lynfield, which was a great success and warmly received by the community. Now in its third year, the showcase continues to grow, celebrating the creativity of our students and providing a platform to highlight the talent we have right here in Mt Roskill.

COMMUNITY FIRST

Working Together for Mt Roskill

Community Engagement and Local Planning

One of the most common concerns I hear is how difficult it is to get answers from Auckland Council on local issues, from flooding and stormwater to transport and future planning. Residents deserve clear information and the opportunity to have their voices heard.

To address this, I organised a public meeting at the Fickling Centre, bringing together representatives from the Local Board, Auckland Council, Healthy Waters, Watercare, and Auckland Transport. The evening included:

• An update from the Local Board Chair on local projects and future planning

• A Healthy Waters briefing on flooding and stormwater issues

• A Q&A session with Auckland Council, Healthy Waters, Watercare, and Auckland Transport

Despite the wet weather, we had an excellent turnout. I will continue to push for greater transparency, better communication, and stronger engagement so Mt Roskill residents have direct access to decisionmakers and a stronger voice on the issues that matter most.

Supporting Community Safety

I continue to deliver on my commitment to improve law and order in Mt Roskill.

I have been a longstanding supporter of our local Community Patrol groups, including Mt Roskill Community Patrol, helping strengthen their ability to support frontline Police and provide visible reassurance across our neighbourhoods. I am also grateful to have secured two patrol vehicles for CPNZ to support their work.

I would also like to acknowledge the recent arrest of a suspect linked to burglaries across Lynfield and Blockhouse Bay. This is a strong example of what can be achieved when our community and agencies work together to keep our neighbourhoods safe.

Addressing Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping remains an ongoing issue in parts of Mt Roskill, including Somerset Road.

I have worked closely with Auckland Council, Police, and relevant government agencies to strengthen enforcement. At Somerset Road, cameras, signage, and monitoring have now been installed, and fines have been issued to offenders.

I have also raised this issue directly in Parliament and with Council waste enforcement teams to ensure stronger action is taken and a more effective long-term response is delivered.

Photo SuperGold Card Now an Official Form of Identification

I regularly visit our local retirement villages, the Communicare Friendship Group, the Age Well Group, and the newly established U3A Mt Roskill. I enjoy spending time with our seniors, listening to their experiences and hearing about the issues that matter most to them.

One concern I have heard repeatedly is the difficulty of providing identification when accessing banking and other essential services.

I am pleased that Budget 2026 invests $36 million to make the Photo SuperGold Card an official form of identification. This practical change will make it easier for seniors to prove their identity, access services, and participate more fully in their communities.

Delivering Better Roads and Infrastructure for Mt Roskill

I continue to stand up for Mt Roskill residents by working directly with constituents and local schools to improve our local transport network and address long-standing infrastructure concerns.

This includes supporting Carlton Street residents in raising vibration issues caused by speed humps, securing action to restore parking spaces at Cordelia Place, and advocating for a safety assessment on White Swan Road to improve safety for students crossing to and from school.

I have also been a strong advocate for the Avondale to Southdown Rail Corridor, a major long-term project that would improve freight efficiency, reduce congestion, and deliver real benefits for Mt Roskill residents through a stronger and more reliable transport network.

Honouring Community Achievement

Congratulations to Ms Lisa Kingi-Bon, appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to rugby, particularly player welfare.

Congratulations also to Mrs Tofa O’Halloran, appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to education and the Niuean community.

I also extend my congratulations to Dr Shanthi Selvakumar, who received the King’s Service Medal in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for services to migrant and refugee communities.

These honours recognise the outstanding contribution each has made to our wider community, and I thank them for their dedication and service.

Opening of St Margaret’s Church in Lynfield

After a long period of renovation and preparation behind the scenes, it was a joy to see the reopening of St Margaret’s Church in Lynfield. It was uplifting to see the congregation gather once again in worship.

May this church continue to be a place of faith, hope, and service for the local community for generations to come.

COMMUNITY FIRST

Standing Up for Our Communities

I am not afraid to stand up for my community, whether that means highlighting local issues, advocating for residents’ needs, or calling out inappropriate and misleading comments about our diverse community.

I was privileged to support the Public Health Association of New Zealand’s campaign and petition calling on Health New Zealand to develop a national health and wellbeing policy for Asian and other ethnic minority populations, to better address the health disparities these

Celebrating Local Talent

The Lynfield College robotics team were crowned national champions, showcasing the incredible talent we have in Mt Roskill.

I was also pleased to invite Minister Erica Stanford to meet the team and see their outstanding work firsthand.

Welcoming New Businesses

It has been heartening to welcome new businesses to Mt Roskill, including Dosa Vilas in Wesley and The Collectors Guild on Carr Road, Mt Roskill.

I regularly visit local businesses across the electorate, and it is encouraging to see growing confidence in our local economy. I will continue engaging directly with business owners and ensuring their experiences help inform government decision-making.

When local businesses succeed, our whole community benefits.

A

Stronger Mt Roskill

From infrastructure and safety to community wellbeing and local pride, I remain committed to standing up for Mt Roskill residents and delivering practical results for our community.

communities face.

I also supported the presentation of Kelvin Anto’s petition to Parliament, calling for stronger action against racial intimidation targeting Asian communities.

This is an important reminder that every member of our community deserves to feel safe, respected, and included. When we stand together as one community, we are stronger and can achieve far more for everyone.

Supporting Our Emergency Services

I recently visited Mt Roskill Fire Station with my colleague Tim Costley to hear directly from frontline firefighters as part of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

The inquiry has highlighted serious challenges facing FENZ, including issues that have developed since the organisation was established in 2017. These include ongoing funding pressures and the need to ensure FENZ can properly maintain and upgrade its ageing fleet. Firefighters have also raised concerns about equipment availability and the importance of having reliable, safe appliances when responding to emergencies.

Our firefighters do an incredible job keeping our community safe, often in very demanding circumstances. I will continue to advocate for them to be properly supported, equipped, and resourced so they can continue their vital work protecting New Zealanders.

Community Heroes – Thank You to Our Volunteers

I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the many volunteers across Mt Roskill who quietly give their time to support others in our community. Whether it is through community patrols, cultural groups, churches, sports clubs, or local initiatives, your contribution makes a real difference.

Your service strengthens our neighbourhoods, brings people together, and helps ensure Mt Roskill remains a caring and connected community. Thank you for everything you do.

Supporting Local Residents

As your local MP, an important part of my role is addressing constituent issues and supporting people with practical solutions.

Over the past three years, our office has assisted residents with a wide range of matters, including immigration, housing, employment opportunities, and health-related disputes.

One of the most memorable cases was assisting Mt Roskill resident Andrew Che Sit Bong, who experienced an accidental overseas transfer of $158,000. It was a unique and complex situation, and I am delighted that his UK bank has now refunded the full amount.

Local Postal Services Update

You may have heard that NZ Post is restructuring its urban network, which will see fewer locations providing postal services across Auckland.

For the Mount Roskill electorate, the impact is expected to be minimal. However, I wanted to provide an update on the postal service locations that remain available in our community:

• NZ Post Shop, Three Kings Plaza

• NZ Post Lynfield, 15 The Avenue

• NZ Post Blockhouse Bay, 521 Blockhouse Bay Road

I will continue to monitor any changes to ensure residents retain convenient access to essential postal services in our local area.