www.times.co.nz
6 — Times, Tuesday, December 1, 2020
POLITICS
‘Thanks for your trust’ I
n my first official column in the Times as the new MP for Botany, let me firstly say a big thank you for putting your trust in me to represent you. I feel incredibly humbled and proud and want you to know I’ll never take that trust for granted. It was certainly a tough and disappointing election for the National Party with the voters sending us some clear messages, yet I do want to acknowledge my great friend Simeon Brown who was re-elected as the MP for Pakuranga with the largest majority in the National Party.
I also want to congratulate my opponents, Naisi Chen and Damien Smith, who join me in Parliament as list MPs for their respective parties. The government now has a big mandate and absolute power with an unprecedented super majority, and so there are absolutely no excuses for them not being able to get things done in the next three years. My intention is to work constructively with the government to hold them to account on their promises and make sure they deliver for east Auckland. Our leader Judith Collins
assigned me the spokesperson roles for Local Government, Associate Transport and Iwi Development which I am very excited to learn about and get stuck into. These portfolios also link nicely into the challenges we see in east Auckland too. Since the election, the 40 newlyelected MPs (over one-third of the Parliament) have been receiving an induction on all the protocols in parliament including asking questions in the House and how Select Committees work. We were each officially sworn into the 53rd Parliament as new MPs
last week with the State Opening of Parliament, and then the hope is that we will deliver our maiden speeches before Christmas. As you can imagine, I have described the feeling as being like a new student starting at the new high school. In fact, I’m not too proud to admit I have managed to get lost in Parliament House twice already. In closing, I think regardless of the different political views we hold in Botany and in this country, we can all agree that we are incredibly fortunate to be New Zealanders and to live in this place. I believe more
MP for Botany
Christopher Luxon than ever, New Zealand has a great future ahead of us, that we can do better, we can be more prosperous and more ambitious and make our lives better. That’s the work we all now need to get into! We will be moving our Botany electorate office shortly to a new location that will better help us serve and advocate for all the constituents of Botany. However, until we confirm the details, please do not hesitate to contact me and my office anytime on 0800 628 268 or email me at botany@parliament. govt.nz. Christopher Luxon, MP for Botany
AWARDS
Finalists named in 2020 Conservation Awards Two local groups feature in this year’s Mayoral Conservation Awards. Despite this year being a difficult one for those on the frontline due to the impact of Covid-19, more than 40 entries were received in three categories for the awards. The awards celebrate the work of conservationists “dedicated to safeguarding the region’s natural environment”. “I knew there was a lot of fantastic work being done in our communities, but I didn’t realise it was as widespread and significant as these
finalists suggest,” says Councillor Richard Hills, Chair Environment and Climate Change Committee and a judge of the awards. “Knowing now how much is being done to protect and restore our environment makes me feel the job isn’t as big as I thought it was and each of us are not doing it alone. Congratulations to all the nominees. Our birds and waterways thank you. “We are immensely grateful for the work the community groups do. As the future of the natural world is brought into even sharper
New Zealand dotterel at Te Henga Bethells Beach. Photo Auckland Council
focus it is important the recipients of our awards continue their vital work.” Lotu Fuli, Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair and a judge comment-
ed it was very pleasing to see some great initiatives and diversity of ideas and groups getting involved. “I was particularly impressed with the youth really getting engaged and exploring sustainable practices, including activities that reflect and embrace Te Ao Maori.” The annual award ceremony is on Saturday November 28 at the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre in Orakei. It’s the first day of a two-day Auckland Conservation weekend that continues Sunday November 29 at the University of Auckland’s School of Environment
Science Centre.
THE SHORTLIST OF FINALISTS FOR 2020 IS:
➤ Collaboration: Waiheke Collective – Te Ara Awataha and Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve regeneration Pakuranga Pest Free – Awhitu Landcare Community Conservation Restoring Takuranga-Hauraki – Aotearoa Lakes ➤ Schools & Youth: Para Patrol – Mt Albert Grammar School Howick College Trapping Programme – War of the Mites ➤ Triumph Against Adversity: Te Henga/Bethells Dotterel Minders – Totara Heights Bush Guardians Ecofest North 2020 – Friends of Lot 29
A Very Merry Invitation for Seniors To celebrate Christmas and being able to get out and about again, local seniors are invited to come along to a special Christmas Coffee & Catch-up morning tea on Tuesday 15th December. The morning tea is hosted by Virtual Village East, a social network of mutual support and friendship for older people in the East Auckland community. Come along to celebrate the season, to hear what Virtual Village East is about, meet new people and catch up with familiar faces. All seniors welcome! When: Tuesday 15 December, from 10.30am to 12noon Where: HBH Senior Living, 139 Union Road, Howick RSVP: by Thursday 10 December for catering purposes to Lee Warmington, phone 09 538 0827 or email co-ordinator@virtual-village-east.org.nz
A network of friendship & support for seniors JH16375-V4
facebook.com/virtualvillageeast
www.virtual-village-east.org.nz