Angie Warren-Clark Labour MP

I was with Transport Minister Michael Wood last week as he announced the bridge that will reconnect Coromandel, deemed by project managers and consulting engineers to be the fastest and most resilient solution.

The Budget 2023 Flood and Cyclone recovery package includes $100 million flood protection funding, $35.4 million in on-farm support, and employment schemes. Food security is close to my heart, so I'm delighted by the additional $6 million provided for the Food Secure Communities programme to support community food providers like foodbanks and food rescue organisations, to meet increased demand.

My bill was drawn in last week's Members' bill ballot! The Family Proceedings (Dissolution for Family Violence) Amendment Bill intends to reduce the harm that family violence causes by allowing victims of family violence to dissolve a marriage or civil union without having to be separated for two years.

The Government's new comprehensive 2023 Winter Plan, led by Te Whatu Ora, will ease pressure on the health system during colder months, making it easier for New Zealanders to get care early, and in many cases closer to home. Initiatives include ‘hospital in the home' services, community rapid response tools to protect those most vulnerable, and free access to pharmacy consultations and paracetamol for children and Community Services card-holders. Having a warm home is an essential part of preventing respiratory illnesses through the winter season and lowers the risk of other health issues. The Winter Energy Payment started again May 1 and runs through to October 1.