 |
Todd Talks |
What a great week National has had.
It was superb to see Chris Luxon and Nicola Willis hitting the ground running and our local MP, Simon Bridges, appointed as finance spokesperson.
I am really excited to be named as spokesperson for Internal Affairs and Oceans and Fisheries. I have held the Internal Affairs portfolio previously, and look forward to reconnecting with stakeholders such as Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
My experience advocating for recreational fishers locally will help inform my work in the Fisheries portfolio, as I seek to find the balance between sustainable commercial fishing with recreational use.
It's great to be part of a refreshed opposition – you can really feel the difference over the last week. I am confident that National has the strength and skill to win against Labour in 2023.
In fact, I am so pleased to be a part of this newly-energised caucus that I have advised my Bay of Plenty electorate chair that I intend to stand for the seat again in 2023.
Thank you to all of those people who asked me to stay on, and thanks for the many messages of congratulations. It has been an honour and a privilege to represent New Zealand's fastest growing region and to advocate for the very specific needs of our community.
It was a proud moment for me when my Sunscreen Standards Bill was passed at the second reading unanimously by all parties in parliament recently.
I will be continuing my efforts at the Environment Select Committee to re-open consultation about the closure of fisheries around Motiti Island.
Additionally, I will be continuing the battle to get after-hours health care in Pāpāmoa, to achieve better roading infrastructure around Tauriko, Omanawa, Te Puna and Turret Road, to fight for increased ICU and mental health capacity at Tauranga Hospital and the many other causes that constituents request my support of in the form of petitions.
There's lots on throughout the district in the lead up to Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you out and about over the coming weeks.
