Hello. Over the last two weeks I’ve been busy settling into my electorate office at 309 Botany Road. Going forward, I hope it will become a community hub and a place where people feel comfortable turning to for help.
CBD Rail Link Review
Transport Minister Steven Joyce this week released a review which found that more work needs to be done to determine the future transport needs of central Auckland, before proceeding with a project like the CBD Rail Link. The review states that some of the initial estimates and projections, with regard to the transport and wider economic benefits of the link, may have been over-stated.
The review suggests that one thing the Auckland Council could do to help its case and get this link completed, is to develop a multi-modal plan for future transport into the CBD and analyse all of the alternatives. In short, the outcome of the review is that more consideration needs to be given to other options, before moving forward with this option.
The Government acknowledges the need for improved public transport in Auckland, but we’re also focused on finding a long-term solution that is affordable and will deliver real transport benefits for Aucklanders. It’s important that we look ahead and consider the future transportation needs of our city. In the meantime, the Government will continue to invest $1.6 billion to electrify and modernise Auckland’s commuter rail network to provide for the next stage of growth in rail patronage. This will help deliver a modern, fast and superior rail experience from 2013/14.
MMP Referendum
The National-led government made a pre-election promise to hold a referendum on the Mixed-Member-Proportional (MMP) voting system. We’re now looking to fulfil this promise, by holding a referendum that will coincide with the general election later this year.
New Zealanders will be asked whether they wish to keep the present MMP voting system, as well as what alternative voting system they’d prefer. This essentially gives New Zealanders the opportunity to share their views on whether they feel the current system is working.
The National Party will not be campaigning, as a party, for or against MMP. However, I have personally never been convinced that MMP is the best electoral system for electing members of Parliament due to the disproportionate level of influence that can sometimes end up in the hands of minor parties. This referendum is a welcome opportunity for people that have been disappointed with MMP to consider alternative electoral systems.
If you’d like to read more about this, I recommend this page as a good starting point.
Local School Visits
I’m making an effort to visit all of our local schools. This is an opportunity for me to meet some of the Botany principals, teachers and students, and also a chance for education providers to update me on their progress. A key part of my role as the Botany MP is to act as a voice for our community. It’s good to receive feedback from schools as to what is and isn’t working so well for them. I can then represent those views in Parliament and pass on constructive comments to my colleagues.
I think our local school teachers, principals and other aides are doing a great job in Botany schools as they work hard to ensure bright futures for our children.
Contact us
I am happy to help with any issues or concerns you may have. You’re welcome to email me at jami-lee.rossMP@parliament.govt.nz, or reply to this newsletter. Please also feel free to drop in to my electorate office at 309 Botany Road for a chat.
Thank you again for your support.