Firstly, I would like to provide an update on the Matakana link road (MLR). There has been widespread concerns around the delays in starting construction of the MLR in time to be opened with the Puhoi to Warkworth Road of National Significance (RONS)....... Read More

The Government’s recent decision to strip polytechnics of all assets and send all power to a centralised polytechnic will be devastating for our region. Polytechnics and Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) will be dissolved and merged into a...... Read More

The most recent parliamentary recess has given me three weeks of uninterrupted time in the electorate, which I have really enjoyed. I have been busy running clinic days and attending community events. One of the highlights was the Generation Homes Rotary...... Read More

Mahurangi-based MPs were asked to comment on The End of Life Choice Bill in light of the views of Warkworth GP and chair of the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) Kate Baddock (MM July 3). My views only got a brief hearing in the original article...... Read More

At last week’s Local Government NZ conference a resolution promoted by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport that sought the power to fine people who park on grass roadside berms that don’t have ‘no parking’ signs, was roundly...... Read More

This will be my final column before the election, and so I take a moment to reflect on the last, nearly, six years. In my second term, I have had the privilege of chairing the Rodney Local Board, a massive responsibility but one that has come with some...... Read More

Last October I wrote to the Minister of Local Government asking for a review of the Super City. I thought this a reasonable request given that it’s nearly 10 years since it was set up without public consultation. The reply came back that they had...... Read More

For every person who takes their own life, a whole community is shattered. For too long, we’ve tackled mental health or addiction only when it becomes a crisis. As a society, we’ve left too many of our people on their own, coping...... Read More

Equitable funding of services across the Auckland region is one of our local board priorities. Facilities like the Estuary Arts Centre, Centrestage Theatre and the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre should have the same access and certainty around operational...... Read More

Since my last update to Mahurangi Matters readers, we’ve made good progress on planning for Auckland’s growth, improving public transport and protecting our environment. The Warkworth Structure Plan, approved by Auckland Council’s Planning...... Read More