HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Joseph Mooney MP for Southland

Another year has gone by so fast, and hopefully you will be taking a well-earned break away with family and friends during the festive season.

Queenstown Lakes District is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, and there are many opportunities to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For example, further up Skippers Canyon there are prime, tranquil camping spots. And if you are after some adventure, the Shotover River offers thrilling jetboat rides. Then there is the splendour of visiting Te Anau and Milford Sounds or heading out to the flavour of Central Otago, spoilt for choice really!

2022 has been a busy year in Parliament. I look forward to making the most of the holidays, camping with family, listening to the birds and the water, and re-energising ahead of what will undoubtedly be an equally fast-paced 2023, it being an election year.

Looking back on the past year, it has been especially tough for some of our tourism and hospitality businesses who continue to suffer from workforce shortages.

While the Government has finally announced a change in their immigration settings to allow more workers into the country, there is no doubt that many businesses will continue to struggle with a lack of staff as we head into the busy festive season. It is estimated that the tourism and hospitality industries will need 65,000 more workers this summer.

I can only hope that, as you are out and about visiting some of the incredible attractions we have here in our region or getting a bite to eat at the many fantastic restaurants and cafes that will welcome your custom after a challenging year, you are patient and mindful of their efforts to continue providing a world-class service against all odds.

After all it was the Labour Government that didn’t listen to the industry when they warned there weren’t enough workers in the country and that we needed immigration settings that were at least competitive with places like Australia and Canada, to ensure businesses not only survive, but thrive.

Tourism was New Zealand’s biggest export industry before the pandemic and has a very bright future to be that again. It just needs a government that partner with the industry and the community it operates in so that both can thrive.

My team will also take a well-deserved break, and our Queenstown office will close on 21 December and reopen on Monday, 9 January.

If you need urgent assistance during that period, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing us at joseph.mooneymp@parlliament. govt.nz.

May this festive season bring only happiness and joy to you and your family.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.