Viewpoint – Government in action

Time flies – can anyone believe it’s already February? Work has resumed, schools have started and everyone’s back to their daily routines. It has been an interesting journey to find my new routine. With a brand new job as Member of Parliament life has changed significantly, and my family and I are still getting used to what that means.

First of all, I would like to thank Rodney residents for their support. The result of the General Election five months ago saw a massive turnout of 85 per cent of voters, and for the first time ever we have four MPs based in or near Rodney, three of whom are part of the new government.

It may not appear to be the case if you watch Parliament TV, but there is plenty of cross-party collaboration at local and central government levels to ensure we best represent our communities and people of New Zealand.

I was lucky to have my family from Holland visit during the break, and I proudly showed them around beautiful Rodney. From visiting Goat Island and the Marine Discovery Centre in Leigh, to sampling local produce at Matakana’s Farmers Market, cruising Omaha beach, coffee and a treat at Warkworth, to enjoying the stunning views on a walk at Shakespear Regional Park. My son enjoyed a day at Snowplanet. After the Puhoi woodchopping carnival, we visited the Orewa Big Dig. It’s impressive to see so many events organised by local groups. Travelling north again that day to the Matakana Extravaganza Fair, the traffic queues gave a glimpse of what was to be expected once holidays were over, and that brings me to what’s next.

Our new Government made many promises about our first 100 days, and we’re proud to have delivered on every single one. Over the coming year, you will see much more action from us. We are going to boost investments in health, education, housing and transport.

This will translate to more teachers for Kiwi kids, better healthcare across the country, the first affordable KiwiBuild homes and increased investment in safety on our roads.

These commitments are benefitting all New Zealanders nationwide, but I will ensure that the focus will also be on what is good for this electorate in particular – such as much needed solutions to the growing congestion on our roads and access to local medical services to name just two.

So many of our local communities are rapidly expanding and earmarked for intensive residential development. They need the infrastructure to support it. Current expansion in Millwater, Milldale and Wainui are examples of how traffic congestion will only get worse.

I worked for 20 years at Air New Zealand where we used the mantra of ‘can do’. That is something I promise you: That I will be a hardworking and loyal Member of Parliament.

Marja Lubeck, Rodney-based MP
marja.lubeck@parliament.govt.nz