Viewpoint – Cause for optimism

As we step into 2025, I want to share with you my optimism for the future of Auckland’s rural north and highlight the many opportunities in front of us. Yes, I’m very conscious that it’s been a tough few years for many and I don’t seek to downplay that for a moment. Acknowledging that reality doesn’t at all undermine the indications that we have the prospect of better times ahead.

Warkworth and surrounding areas have always displayed resilience, resourcefulness and community spirit. Older readers of Mahurangi Matters will have seen challenging times before, and recognise the signs of a nation and region coming out of a downturn.

New Zealand-wide, we can observe green shoots such as interest rates coming down, the inflation rate now under control (albeit with many prices effectively frozen at a high level) and slow-but-steady economic growth.

At a more local level, the north of Auckland is well positioned to lead the recovery.

One of the key drivers of our economic growth will be the return of international and Kiwi tourists. A region with natural beauty, cultural heritage and unique experiences – from the Kaipara Harbour across to Mahurangi – will inevitably do well.

Our agricultural and horticultural sectors are also looking good. With global demand for sustainable and high-quality produce continuing to grow – whatever you might read about the possibility of tariffs being used as a bargaining chip elsewhere on the globe – the sheer quality of local growers and farmers means we are collectively well positioned.

The elephant in the room is always infrastructure development, which has lagged behind in this area (and all around New Zealand, to be fair) for decades. With improvements to resource management settings coming into law this year, there is cause for optimism. And yes, I will continue to advocate for specific upgrades that are needed, such as the Hill Street intersection (taking it up with the new Transport Minister as soon as he’s sworn in, for example!) and better road networks all around. I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside One Mahurangi and other advocates here along exactly these lines.

I should also add that, as I was recently given an additional responsibility by the PM to become the Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, I will be making it my personal mission to reduce unnecessary red tape for our excellent, hardworking small businesses. All our local hospitality and retail providers, along with the great manufacturers all around, should benefit.

All in all, I’m optimistic that we can work together to ensure that 2025 is the best year we’ve had in a long time. Thanks to everyone who’s stayed in touch over summer on the big issues of this area and I look forward to seeing you around the place over the next 12 months.