I hope you have all had a safe and relaxing summer and holiday period, and that the recent heavy rain and flooding hasn't affected you too badly. The last week has been challenging for many Aucklanders, and has left many without houses.

National MP’s have been out and about across Auckland supporting affected communities as they recover and rebuild, and we will continue to work constructively with Auckland Council to ensure that the city is able to recover quickly.

In my first email newsletter for 2023 I will update you on some of the key issues and events affecting our community:

• Election 2023 - election date is set!
• Speed limits in Auckland and on our State Highways
• My new portfolios - Auckland Issues and Deputy Shadow Leader of the House
• Upcoming local event - Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show 5 March

If you have any questions or concerns about these issues or others please get in touch. You can do this by calling my office on 09 572 0000 or emailing me at [email protected].

Election 2023 - On 14 October we can change the government!

The last few weeks have been hectic in New Zealand politics, with Jacinda Ardern announcing the election date as Saturday 14 October, while at the same time announcing her resignation as Prime Minister. Chris Hipkins has since been sworn into the top job and will lead Labour into the election.

National's message is clear; we do not believe a change in Labour's leadership will result in the change we need as a country to deal with the challenges we face. It is certainly refreshing to see the new Prime Minister finally acknowledge some of the problems Kiwis are facing, but if words were all it took his predecessor would have led us into a utopia by now.

On 14 October, Kiwis will have the chance to take back control of our nation's future by electing a National Government with a real plan to get things like the cost-of-living crisis under control. The work starts now, and under Christopher Luxon's leadership, we are ready to earn your trust to take our country forward.

If you would like to get involved in our local National Party campaign here in Pakuranga, please sign up on our volunteer form by clicking here. We have many tasks we need help with as the campaign kicks into gear, so if you're with us and want to help change the government, you can join our local team.

Speed limit changes across the country

The proposed changes to speed limits around the country, both at a government level and regional authority level, have been met with anger by commuters frustrated at continued efforts to slow them down.

With regional councils in Auckland and Wellington making huge changes to speed limits in their areas, and the government proposing to reduce limits on most of our state highways, New Zealand may be the only country trying to go slower. The reality is that speed limits are just a small part of the larger problem, and without proper investment in things like our transport network and improving driver education, speed reductions will do little to help.

New Zealanders have made it clear to me over the last few months that they want better roads, not slower roads. They want a government that will deliver meaningful upgrades to our road infrastructure instead of taking the easy way out and forcing everyone to slow down. Right across the country communities are calling out for upgrades and improvements in their local areas, with many long-needed projects delayed or cancelled under Labour. As National's Transport Spokesperson I can assure you, if elected later this year, National will get things done.

New roles - Auckland Issues and Deputy Shadow Leader of the House

As National prepares for this year's election on 14 October Christopher Luxon announced a minor reshuffle of the National caucus, and I am privileged to have been handed the new role of Spokesperson for Auckland Issues, and be named as Deputy Shadow Leader of the House, in addition to my existing responsibilities.

As Spokesperson for Auckland Issues, my job will be to ensure that the challenges faced by our largest city are heard loud and clear in Parliament, and to champion decision-making in Auckland's best interests. This includes issues like those presented by the recent rain and flooding across the city, which has displaced hundreds of people and tragically cost the lives of several Aucklanders. I will be watching closely the results of any inquiries into local and central government response.

I am also excited about becoming Deputy Shadow Leader of the House. In this role, I will be directly involved in how National as the Opposition holds the government to account in Parliament each week, something I look forward to doing. This is an important role in New Zealand's democracy, as it's our job to ensure the government is focused on the things that matter to Kiwis. I am honoured by the trust placed in me by my National colleagues, and I am ready to get to work.

Local event: Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show

Sunday 5 March at Lloyd Elsmore Park

The Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show is one of the biggest events held in Pakuranga each year, with over 1000 classic cars set to be on display this year. Last year's show sadly had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, so I am particularly excited to welcome the event back to our community this year on Sunday 5 March.

The event is free to attend as always, so come along with your family and friends to support the show and enjoy the display! For further information about the classic car show, you can visit www.briteurocarshow.nz.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you need any assistance. Thank you for your continued support!

Kind regards,

Simeon Brown

Member of Parliament for Pakuranga