I am back in Parliament from the 11th of February after a restful holiday break with my family. I hope all of you have also managed to have a break and recharge your batteries.

After a few weeks on the ground in Mt Roskill, it is back to parliament this week. , I am really excited to hear Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s opening statement (to be delivered on 12 February) which will set the scene for the government’s work this year.

We as a government have hit the ground running this year. Early in the year we launched our Big New Zealand Upgrade infrastructure programme which sees $12 billion of investment in our schools, hospitals, road, and rail across the country. We have had constructive discussions at both Rātana and Waitangi. Overall have started this year with energy, enthusiasm and determination.

Our Government has made good progress on many issues over the past two years during our term, but there is still more work to do – and we’ll never lose sight of that.

We have shared more of our plan to improve our country, be it improving road safety and public transport, upgrading schools in the country, fixing up neglected hospitals and the health sector or taking action to reduce our carbon emissions.

In mid-May the government will present its third Budget. The Minister of Finance Grant Robertson has said that his priorities this time will be building an economy that transitions to a low-carbon emissions model, drives innovation through better use of technology and higher productivity, lifts Maori and Pacific skills and incomes, reduces child poverty, and improves our physical and mental health. Our government strongly believes that economic growth is not enough on its own – we need an economy that improves the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.

We have had some tough times over the holidays; bush fires across the ditch and even in our own backyard, flooding in the South and drought in the North. We may see more extreme weather and each will have the potential to devastate communities. This is an eye-opening reminder for us to take urgent action on climate change.

Over the summer the Prime Minister also announced that the elections will be held on 19 September. This is an opportunity for all New Zealanders to have their say; to share their thoughts, cast their votes and ultimately to shape the future of our country.

I’m looking forward to the campaign. As our Prime Minister makes it very clear, it’s not what we do – it’s how we do it. We will be telling you the truth, both about what we’ve achieved and the work ahead. We know you prefer positive politics to bickering and negativity, so you can look forward to an upbeat and factual campaign from Labour.

With a leader like Jacinda Ardern, who leads by example every day, whether here at home or on the world stage, no other style of politics will cut it.