Nicola's News: 18 August 2023

There are less than two months to go until Election Day.

Over the next 57 days there will be lots of policy announcements, debates, and events. To ensure that you know what’s happening and what our vision for the country is, I have decided to send this newsletter out weekly so you don’t miss out on our key policies, see what I’ve been up to locally, as well as to have a look ahead at the upcoming events I will be hosting.

While National is continuing to release policy that will get our country back on track, Labour’s flagship cost of living policy to remove GST from fruit and vegetables has only provoked widespread disapproval from tax experts around the country.

Kiwis will get very little out of this announcement, it’s the supermarkets who are the biggest winner - something Grant Robertson was warning only months ago. The vast majority of Kiwis will get much more from National’s tax plan, which cuts out the middleman and puts money straight into your pocket to spend as you like.

Worse still, Nicola Willis revealed that a closer look at Labour’s costings for their policy reveals a schoolboy error equating to a quarter-of-a-billion-dollar hole. New Zealanders know it’s time for a National government that can be trusted with the books, will reduce taxes, and rebuild the economy.

Read our plan to fix the economy and reduce the cost of living here

Three Waters

The 53rd Parliament now has just two weeks to go and Labour is using its majority to ram through as much bad policy as it can – including the unpopular Three Waters reforms.

The whole process of the Three Waters reforms has been a disaster from start to finish. Since Day 1, Labour has used its majority in parliament to force through a law change that almost no New Zealander wants. Over 86,000 people voiced their opposition to the first bill – now, it has rammed the second bill through Parliament under urgency after a truncated select committee process - meaning the Government will now take over our locally-owned water assets.

We have reaffirmed our commitment to repeal Three Waters. Under a National Government, it’s gone - we will get that work underway in our first 100 days in office.

Under National, water stays in local hands and investment in water infrastructure is secured so that New Zealanders can be sure their water is safe and affordable.

Check out my speech to the House:

RMA 2.0

This week saw the Government pass not only the unpopular Three Waters reforms but also the unworkable new RMA.

We can all agree the RMA needs fixing, but the new framework must actually improve things and be worth the considerable cost of change. The Government’s new bills will increase bureaucracy, remove local decision-making, and put our decarbonisation goals at risk. It will stymie the investment and sustainable development of the environment that New Zealand needs, including in renewable electricity generation.

Submitters to the Environment Select Committee lashed the new RMA regime, with many submitters telling the Government to slow down and start again. But the Government has ignored them.

National is committed to repealing the RMA replacement Acts by Christmas.

Out and about

In between Parliament sitting, I’m spending as much time around the electorate as I can.

This week, I hosted a coffee drop-in session at the Darfield Bakery and it was great to see so many of you come along! I also had the chance to have a cuppa and a chat with the ladies from the Darfield branch of Rural Women NZ. Rural Women do some fantastic work in our community - they are a key voice on health services, education, environment, and social issues in the rural sector - so I enjoyed the opportunity to have a chat about the key issues in our region.

And, of course, whenever I’m not meeting with constituents, hosting a drop-in session, or speaking to a group, I’m out doorknocking - talking to locals about the key issues they are worried about. This afternoon I’m popping out to Tai Tapu and tomorrow I’ll be in the Malvern area. As always, if you see me walking around, come up and say hi!

Upcoming Events

Coffee Catch Up

I'll be in Kirwee next Friday if you want to come and talk to me about an issue, policy, or just want a chat!

⏰ Friday 25 August, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

📍 Thirsty Acres, Kirwee

Law & Order Public Meeting

Save the date - Mon 11 September 5:30pm

Crime is out of control in New Zealand, and it is getting worse under this Government.

Throughout New Zealand, crime rose 16 per cent and violent crime increased 10 per cent when comparing the first four months of 2022 with the first four months of 2023.

Here in Canterbury the trend continues, with reported crime up 28 per cent and violent crime up 40 per cent.

I am hosting a public meeting with National's Police and Corrections spokesperson Mark Mitchell MP on 11 September at 5:30pm in Rolleston to hear your concerns and discuss our plan and policies to tackle crime. More details will be sent out closer to the meeting, so save the date!

Pub Politics

If you aren't able to attend any of my daytime coffee meetings, then join me for a drink at a pub around the region!

These casual events will run from 5:00pm and give you the opportunity to talk to me about any issues you are facing, to learn about our policies, or just talk politics!

  • Wednesday 6 September: The Famous Grouse, Lincoln
  • Thursday 7 September: The Rock Rolleston
  • Thursday 14 September: Two Fat Possums, West Melton
  • Friday 22 September: Crate & Barrel, Leeston
  • Thursday 28 September: Darfield Hotel
  • Thursday 5 October: The Good Home, Prebbleton

More information and reminders will be sent out ahead of each one, so keep an eye out on my social media, or through this newsletter if you're keen to come along. 

Here to help

As always, my team and I are here and available to help.

You can get in touch with us by emailing [email protected], phone 03 344 2800, or pop into the office in Rolleston Square between Monday and Fridays.

Kind regards,

Nicola Grigg
https://nicolagrigg.national.org.nz/