Viewpoint – MP seeks end of life feedback

The first week of September was a recess week from Parliament, so I was able to enjoy being back home and working in the community.

When you are an MP, no two days are the same. I spent the week seeing constituents in my office, visiting schools, retirement villages, attending a Legalising Cannabis debate (strongly against), went to the opening of the Mahurangi Wastebusters Recycling centre and attended a reception on a visiting Japanese Defence Force training ship. Also as proud Patron of the Orewa Croquet Club, I opened the croquet season, followed by opening the Love Tennis national open weekend hosted by the Orewa Tennis Club. It was a great week in the electorate, being away from the beltway, out amongst the community is what refuels my tank.

Since my last column, I received a very special invitation to visit our newest naval vessel HMNZS Manawanui. The invitation came from Manawanui’s navigation officer Lieutenant Samara Mankelow. Samara was a student at Orewa College – I wrote a letter of support for her when she applied to join the Navy. I have followed her career with interest and watched with great pride as Samara has embraced every opportunity the Navy has given her. Our community is full of bright, driven and hardworking young people. They make me proud to represent our electorate.

By the time you read this, in early October, I will have also joined the Silverdale St John community to celebrate their 50th anniversary and attended the Sound Rodney Launch Party.

I am also visiting local retirement villages to seek residents’ views on the End of Life Choice Bill. At the time of writing, the Bill is being considered by the Committee of the whole House. I am currently taking a poll in my office on whether my constituents support or oppose it. When it comes to conscience issues like this, your feedback helps inform my thinking.

In closing, I’d like to congratulate Steve Hathaway from Young Ocean Explorers who has been recognised with a Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award. I have huge admiration for Steve and the work he does to bring our marine world into New Zealand’s schools. When I do have down time, it is often spent with Steve and the kids out exploring the Gulf. His love, enthusiasm and energy for our marine environment are contagious. I also want to acknowledge his wife, Jo and their children who provide Steve with the love and support that is critical to his success.