POLITICS: 

The National Party is calling for New Zealand to first end lockdowns then reopen to the world based on two vaccination targets. The party’s plan, which it says has been thoroughly vetted by experts – who would not be named publicly – includes three “pillars”.

New Zealanders need this Government to provide certainty. Delta has changed the game; the lockdowns are no longer short and sharp. Overall effects of lockdowns are impacting our wellbeing, mental health, families, and businesses, this needs to be considered. A balance between safeguarding us against Covid and economic growth and social well-being must be established.

It’s been a tough few weeks, and I know everyone here in Manurewa is looking forward to life outside of Alert Level 4. As we prepare for a potential move down alert levels, I have a simple, but really important, ask of everyone in our community: don’t wait – get vaccinated.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to be kind. Even if we can’t meet up, we can remember to give our friends and whānau a call, or try to arrange a virtual coffee catch up, church meeting, or hui. If you are having a particularly hard time, or if you know someone who is, you can call or text 1737 at any time for free to speak with a trained counsellor. There are also plenty of resources online at covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing

You’ll remember the golden rules from last year: stay home, stick to your bubble, and get tested if you have COVID symptoms. Now, with the Delta variant in the community, there are a few extra things we need to do to keep COVID at bay. As part of the team of five million, we all have a role to play in this.

The ACT Party has been consistent in calling this Government to be more open and transparent about the numbers of people who have been traced and tested, and what numbers it basis its decision to lockdown our country. When it makes these big decisions that affect our lives, we should know what they’re being based on.

Not too long ago the Prime Minister was apologising for the 1970s Dawn Raids with a number of her ministers in attendance. At the same time, the Government chose to completely ignore the struggles being faced by the migrants and refugees of today.

The government has also changed the eligibility dates for those who have not yet had a first vaccination. If you are over 50 you are now able to book your appointment and we are opening bookings for people 40 and over this Wednesday, and 30 and over from next Wednesday. From the start of September everyone else will be able to book a free vaccination appointment.

By turning a blind eye to this huge issue the Government is effectively forcing our skilled migrants to leave the country. At the same time it’s trying to find limited space in Managed Isolation and Quarantine for other foreign workers to replace them.

“We only have a little more than two years. It’s an election that National can easily win if it concentrates on issues that important to New Zealanders.” Collins spoke at a series of regional conventions in the run-up to the AGM this weekend, accusing the government of sneaking in a “separatist” agenda. The party has launched a new campaign, “Demand the Debate,” to draw attention to the He Puapua report on alleged “secret “efforts to change New Zealand’s name to Aotearoa.

Seymour has been out and about the country with his honest conversation meetups, where last week on Saturday in Eastview Baptist Church, Botany, David with ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden and ACT MP Damien Smith had some hour-long honest conversation with people of Indian origin.

New Zealand is in the midst of a serious housing crisis. It’s not just first-home buyers struggling to get a foot on the ladder, but even those renting are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.