It’s been a rather foggy few mornings across the district recently. Driving through it has given me more than one prompt to think about the future, and a reminder of the confidence that knowing exactly where you’re headed can bring, even when the immediate path looks a bit misty.
As your local representative, my goal isn’t to pretend I have a crystal ball but rather to work directly alongside you so we can clear the mist together and ensure our community actively participates in steering and shaping our future.
Of course, a major topic locally continues to be the proposed Waimauku West Development. It is well known and accepted that Northwest Auckland has unfortunately been subject to ad hoc development over the years, and our local infrastructure must always be considered. While we absolutely need housing to accommodate a growing population and support our construction sector, we have to be pragmatic about it.
As your local MP, I don’t have a role as a decision-maker in resource consent processes, but I certainly play a role in reflecting the views of our communities to those who do make the calls. As such, and as you may have heard, I have drafted a letter to the Fast Track consenting panel to firmly express my view that any new development in northwest Auckland must properly account for historic flooding risks, local issues like school and transport demands, and the heavy cost of supporting infrastructure. With things like the long-awaited SH16 upgrades and the need for an additional high school in the area, we are already playing “catch up.” Which is also why I have supported measures like Plan Change 120 to redirect development pressure toward inner-city areas where transport densification simply makes sense.
Speaking of catching up on infrastructure, the recent Budget 2026 delivers some much-needed focus on core issues for our district. We are putting a heavy emphasis on practical resilience, including a dedicated $400 million to strengthen and upgrade our state highways. And, as Minister for Building and Construction, I am also particularly pleased to see a $400 million incentive fund to help councils support housing growth by getting the right infrastructure in place first, alongside specific funding to acquire land for new schools in high-growth areas just like ours. It is a responsible budget focused heavily on front-line services and giving our communities the reliable foundations they deserve.
Beyond infrastructure, it’s been a busy and rewarding month connecting with locals. After putting out the call for more local JPs, I’ve had many interviews recently, and it is incredibly heartening to see so much interest from people wanting to serve the community. I also had a wonderfully ‘sciency’ time dropping into the Science Roadshow at Waimauku School (thanks for having me!) As the new Minister for Space, seeing STEM in action is a real highlight—we might just have some future Kiwi space tech innovators right here in the district!
Ultimately, it comes down to fixing the basics and building the future. Whether that means ensuring our stormwater pipes can handle the weather, backing our local businesses, or giving our kids the tools they need to succeed, I’m focused on getting it right for our community. Making sure that the path forward is clear means ensuring you continue to have a real say in how our region grows. When everyone has a voice and we’re all on the same journey together, we can confidently shape the future we want to see so please do stay in touch and help us map out a bright road ahead.
