How Can I help

Advocacy on issues close to you, for example benefit reform.  The recession has made life tough for many New Zealand families. Welfare will always be there to catch those who have fallen on hard times. But for some, this safety net has become a trap, imprisoning them in a life of limited income and limited choices. Others are falling through the cracks.  In 2010 the Government launched Future Focus, a package that aims to reform benefits by bringing an unrelenting focus on work.

If you have a view on this issue, one of my roles is to take your  view (along with the views of other constituents) to Parliament and ensure they get heard.  You can make your views heard a number of ways:

• Write me a letter or send me an email - here's my contact details
• Make an appointment at a clinic - The latest dates are on the right hand side of the screen
• Make a submission - contact my office for information on how to do that, or visit Parliament's website

Assistance

Nearly 40% of enquiries to my electorate offices are about immigration issues, and it is my job to provide support, guidance and sometimes intervention on issues of temporary and permanent permit cases. There are many situations which require an MP to intervene on a constituent's behalf with the Minister for Immigration.

If you have an issue with any Government departments or recognising significant milestones and contributions you would like assistance with either:

• Write me a letter or send me an email - here's my contact details
• Make an appointment at a clinic - the dates are on the right hand side of the screen 
• Make a submission - contact my office for information on how to do that, or visit Parliament's we

Representation

Representation of the views of local people and groups is one of the key roles of an electorate MP.  I must keep your thoughts in mind when legislation is designed, when bills are debated or when conscious votes on issues like Easter Trading are taken.  I must also understand how new laws impact the electorate, and provide information to constituents about Parliament and its activities.


If you have a view about a bill before Parliament that you would like heard, either:

• Write me a letter or send me an email - here's my contact details
• Make an appointment at a clinic - the dates are listed at the end of this email
• Make a submission - contact my office for information on how to do that, or visit Parliament's website

I often look for your views on a specific topic like alcohol reform.  I believe that the package of reforms announced by Justice Minister Simon Power in August 2010 strikes the right balance between not unfairly restricting responsible drinkers and dealing with the considerable harm alcohol causes.

I want to caution however that these proposals should be seen as a starting point for Parliament's discussion about alcohol.  Legislation was introduced to Parliament in 2010, with new laws expected to be in place by the end of 2011. You can have your say about the proposed measures by attending one of my public meetings or by contacting my offices in Rotorua, Kawerau or Te Puke.

For more information about the alcohol reform package click here