Angie Warren-Clark Labour MP

History was made last week, with a hybrid setting for house operations. Some members remained in the chamber while the majority joined virtually.

Speaking in the house, from my house, was a first. The new ‘Virtual House' enabled us to continue our work towards a better New Zealand for all, remotely.

One of my biggest priorities this year is the Resource Management Act reform – it's exciting work which fundamentally supports our country's safety and development while balancing the needs of the environment. To succeed, this work needs to be supported by aligning transport networks.

Last month Transport Minister Michael Wood visited the Takitimu North Link site, which at Stage One has already received $655,000,000 funding through the New Zealand Upgrade Programme. What struck me most during this visit was the complex and comprehensive planning. The level of technical skill was impressive and I can only imagine the time spent working through the details.

New homes

On the housing front, we have 230 new homes planned for the Bay of Plenty, following five strategic land purchases in Tauranga, Rotorua and Katikati. Two Tauranga sites on Cameron Rd are planned for 120-150 multi-storey apartments for public housing, plus a further six homes. Katikati looks to host up to 20 mixed public and affordable homes. All homes will be built to six Homestar energy efficient, warmth and sustainability standards. Development planning and high-level design work is underway, and engagement with mana whenua and local communities will take place.

As well as increasing housing supply in our region, investment is set to boost regional employment and stimulate local economies. This announcement is really exciting for me as I'm truly passionate about warm, safe housing for all.

Supermarkets

The findings from the second of three commissioned market studies revealed New Zealand supermarkets are making more than twice what the Commission considers to be a normal rate of return on capital. Thanks to this confirmation of the need for a much more competitive grocery sector, the Government is immediately progressing this work, starting with a ban on restrictive land covenants.

I feel so lucky that even with the impacts of Covid-19 we are steadily working towards those key goals I am so passionate about: warm, dry housing; lifting children out of poverty; a thriving economy; a healthy environment.

It's reassuring to see we are at 93 per cent double-dosed in the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, and 69 per cent boosted. By now I hope your isolation kit is as full as mine and your Omicron crew is on standby should you need to isolate. RATs are available to all who need them and can be requested via the Unite Against Covid-19 website (covid19.govt.nz), along with all information we need to face Omicron together. We've got this!

Finally, a heartfelt thank you from me to our emergency and Covid services. Words cannot express my gratitude towards our Police, Fire Service, ambulance and healthcare workers for protecting our safety and wellbeing throughout this pandemic and beyond. Thank you for all that you do for our communities!