Whangarei ... It's a great place!
Waipu - Ruakaka - Maungakaramea - Maungatapere - Whangarei Ruatangata - Hikurangi - Tutukaka Coast - Whangarei Heads
I am your elected representative in Wellington and I am passionate about our home – the Whangarei District.
We have many local advantages that we can all promote such as our ever improving accessibility to the Auckland marketplace, our deep water port, our magnificent coastline and the lifestyle we offer.
Who I am....
• 11 years experience as Whangarei's elected MP
• Married to Jenny and father of three
• Strong family ties to the district
• Formerly a professional engineer
• Minister of Energy and Resources and Minister of Housing
• Patron of North Haven Hospice, Patron of Northland Hockey Association and involvement with other local community organisations
"I wish to continue as a capable and effective local MP by working closely and constructively with individuals and local Councils, business, leisure and sporting groups."
"Having built up eleven years experience working in Wellington, and with key Housing and Fisheries & Aquaculture spokesman roles, solving our country's wider national issues is also a major focus."
In this last three-year term I have enjoyed involvement in a number of wins for Whangarei such as the :
Recent acquisition of the Ngunguru sand spit
In August, the Minister of Conservation and I announced that DOC had acquired the Ngunguru spit, a move that has helped preserve the local beauty spot for the future enjoyment of our local people. The last 40 years has been an ongoing battle for the locals who were worried that a large recently planned subdivision would spoil a great natural resource.
In what can be described as a ‘win, win, win’ deal, DOC has acquired Ngunguru Spit in Northland from Todd Property group. In a related transaction Todd Property Group are acquiring the defunct Napier Hospital site. And we Northlanders get ownership and access to the spit!
This has been the most long-running and complex challenge of my political career as Whangarei’s local MP, but ultimately the most rewarding. Like most Northlanders the Ngunguru Spit means a lot to my family and me and I am delighted that the people of Whangarei have a place dear to them preserved, and will be involved in the spit’s management oversight.
The Upgrade of State Highway 1 including Kamo Bypass
I was delighted this September, as local MP, to officially open the much-anticipated Whangarei roading project - Kamo Bypass. As a young Whangarei lad I can remember when the northern end of town was congested by traffic, and with all the road-works recently it was a poignant reminder of those days. Trips through town were slow, and local drivers competed with state highway traffic which could result in delays.
Those days are well gone. The Kamo Bypass work provided jobs for close to 100 people over the cycle of the project. Now it’s finished the benefits for our local community will be:
• The easing of congestion on Kamo Road and its surrounds
• Providing a better connection to Kamo, Tikipunga and Otangarei.
• Separating the ever-increasing number of heavy vehicles from our city streets, making those streets and urban areas much safer for our children to live and play in.
New Teen Parent Unit for Whangarei
It felt fantastic to help secure Ministry of Education funding of $1.3 million from the Ministry of Education needed to build the teen unit and childcare facility. The facility will be opening soon. This was another ‘win-win’ situation for Whangarei. Teenage parents who make the commitment to continue with their education can now be taught in modern, warm buildings that meet their needs and those of their children. The girls are excited at the prospect of finally being in a school they can truly call a safe, dry and comfortable home.
Four local firms will reap the financial rewards associated with the delivery of the contract, ensuring the local economy benefits from the Government’s investment.
$7 million Government sewage system grant for Ruakaka residents
In June the Government stumped up with $7m to help fund the pipe work for 500 local Ruakaka households to link in with the new sewerage treatment plant.
Upgrading will reduce any health risks caused by the deterioration of the septic tanks which currently leach into Bream Bay, a favourite fishing and swimming possie for many of us.
This has not been straightforward because sewage treatment is usually a Council funding matter not a Government one. However, after a visit to Ruakaka to look at the sewer network proposal I reported back to the Health Minister, Tony Ryall, who acknowledged how important the scheme was. This is a significant financial contribution into our region and I am pleased, despite many conflicting demands for cash, the funding has been approved.
$2.5 million boost for the Northland Stadium
Northland’s new sports stadium was opened on 1 June with the then Governor General the Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand officiating. At Cabinet last year, our team agreed with me that Northland should receive a $2.5 million funding boost from the Government so the stadium could meet Rugby World Cup standards. Now of course, the new stadium is hosting two games as part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup!
Thousands of visitors will be spending time in our region during the competition. The Rugby World Cup will not only boost our economy but heighten our Kiwi and Northland pride. Enjoy!
"I believe New Zealand must go forward and Whangarei with it."
