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8th Feb - 14th Feb
FIRST ON THE STREET
No 837
LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN
JO
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14 IN 6 SI
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INFO@QMG.CO.NZ
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Thank you Queenstown
Thank you Queenstown, on behalf of the entire National Party.
As you all would have seen, last week the National Caucus met in our town in what was a chance to both gather and work on our plans for the year ahead, engage with the local community, and support a great town which has had a very challenging two years. Where better to confirm our approach to 2022 than in the home of growth, ambition, productivity and a place which celebrates the spirit of getting things done. National MPs were able to meet with community groups and leaders from across the Queenstown region to engage in discussions about the visitor economy, start-up and tech, conservation, health, farming and housing. After two years of talk, with more questions than answers and even less action, it is clear that there is progress to be made across each of these areas in the interests of the health and wellbeing of our people, our communities and our economy. If there was one certainty that was again confirmed in all of our discussions last week, it was that National is the party for Queenstown. While the Government has failed to support our town and value the importance of the tourism and hospitality sectors, National has long held a different approach. It is one that prioritises the health and wellbeing of our communities and our businesses. National has a vision for a better Queenstown and a better New Zealand and I am excited about working towards that this year.
Mountain bikers and hikers took advantage of the long weekend and cooler temps on Sunday to climb the Ben Lomond track including Mandy and Sayuri, Gary, James and Nikki
Seeing both our local economy and the wider New Zealand economy rebound from the immense pressure it has been put under in the past two years is crucial to that vision. It starts with getting a handle on inflation which simply cannot be allowed to continue to balloon outward. A sensible approach to immigration is another key aspect which will play a vital role in helping the Queenstown economy’s revival. Readers of my columns in this publication will know I have long championed an approach at the border which keeps New Zealanders safe but also reunites families and helps fill jobs in sectors hamstrung by job shortages. It was pleasing to see that the Government finally announce a plan that would see New Zealand’s borders reopen to New Zealanders, starting with Kiwis stuck in Australia who can return home on February 27. This is a real win for the 100,000 people who signed National’s petition to end MIQ. In releasing its plans, the Government was however vague on what exactly the future holds for international visitors and the vital workers we so desperately need here in Queenstown. But one thing is certain, National will be holding the Government to account every step of the way. Whether it is in healthcare, the economy or education, our team will be working for a better New Zealand every step of the way this year. But enough talking about it for now, let’s just get on with it. Joseph Mooney - MP for Southland
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