Happy Mother’s Day everyone! It’s not even midday and already I’d say ours has been a mixed bag. Neve was so excited that it was Mother’s Day she got up nice and early to share this lovely card! (Who doesn’t love being compared to hot lava…) The downside is Clarke woke up feeling a bit average and has tested positive for COVID, so we have 7 days of family time ahead of us! I’m fine and so is Neve. I’ll be working from home so anyone who watches question time, or is attending my Business NZ speech on Wednesday, you’ll still see me remotely!
Otherwise, a happy Mother’s Day to everyone who plays mum in anyones life. You are as magical as hot lava is to a three year old!
Growing up my grandparents always lived on orchards. First kiwifruit, then apples and pears, then avocados. For a while they had a little shop at the front of their house where they sold some of the fruit they grew. When I was about 8 years old we took over the orchard and the shop. My mum has been helping clear out some of my grandmas things (she passed about 5 years ago) and she found the records my grandma kept from the shop. The shop was small and ran on an honesty system, and in some columns you can see my grandma noting how much fruit had been taken that week. It seems that on this week some 30 plus years ago, she was selling red delicious, golden delicious and pears, and no one took a thing. 😊 Funny how something as small as a ledger can bring back so many memories, like what a hard worker my grandma was, and that when we were around we were expected to be useful! Hope you’re having some family time this weekend too – or just a bit of time for remembering. (Photo credit= my mum. Featuring grandma, me and my sis)
Growing up my grandparents always lived on orchards. First kiwifruit, then apples and pears, then avocados. For a while they had a little shop at the front of their house where they sold some of the fruit they grew. When I was about 8 years old we took over the orchard and the shop. My mum has been helping clear out some of my grandmas things (she passed about 5 years ago) and she found the records my grandma kept from the shop. The shop was small and ran on an honesty system, and in some columns you can see my grandma noting how much fruit had been taken that week. It seems that on this week some 30 plus years ago, she was selling red delicious, golden delicious and pears, and no one took a thing. 😊 Funny how something as small as a ledger can bring back so many memories, like what a hard worker my grandma was, and that when we were around we were expected to be useful! Hope you’re having some family time this weekend too – or just a bit of time for remembering. (Photo credit= my mum. Featuring grandma, me and my sis)
Fresh in my mind as we stood at dawn today, were the conflicts and loss that have shaped our past, but also our present. I joined others at the Auckland War Memorial and then at a community service at Mt Albert. Here are a few words that I had the privilege of sharing: In 1916, the first Anzac Day commemorations were held in sober remembrance of those who had been involved in the Gallipoli campaign.
More than a century later, this annual recognition of the service and sacrifice of New Zealanders in war remains equally significant, as we take pause to recognise all who have returned from service, and all who have been lost to us…
And it is a time to acknowledge all who have been affected by war – those who have lost loved ones, those who have shared the struggles of family members returning from service, and those who have come to us as refugees.
Fresh in all our minds is the invasion of Ukraine, a most grim reminder of the fragile nature of peace, and the devastating impact of war on people’s lives.
In New Zealand we may feel a great distance from this conflict, but we are all inextricably linked to what it represents.
New Zealand has a fiercely independent foreign policy, but that has never ever meant that we sit on the side-lines. It means that when we see injustice, and a threat to the peace and stability we all long for, we act.
The invasion of Ukraine is a senseless act of war, one that is taking the lives of innocent people. It is a threat to the international laws that a nation like ours relies on – but it is also a threat to our sense of humanity. And that makes it a threat to all of us.
And that is why, once again as conflict rages on the other side of the world, New Zealand is present. Our Hercules is carrying aid and equipment, our people are providing their skills and expertise, our helmets and body armour are protecting their defence force and our aid is caring for those who need it most. Today, on this day, we are yet again reminded that peace cannot be taken for granted. That it must be preserved by the acts of leaders, and protected through the actions of citizens. We must all do our part. Lest we forget.
Image one : work from home set up. Image two: actual work from home set up featuring all the papers that were stolen by my 3 year old work mate today. Monday done though, which started with media interviews, a zoom with officials, a weekly covid debrief, then Cabinet before finishing up the evening with one last meeting on health reforms. I’m now working on a pre budget speech for Wednesday, and enjoying the quiet in our chaotic lounge. Whether you were at home today, work, or anything in between, I hope you’re all taking good care out there!
Image one : work from home set up. Image two: actual work from home set up featuring all the papers that were stolen by my 3 year old work mate today. Monday done though, which started with media interviews, a zoom with officials, a weekly covid debrief, then Cabinet before finishing up the evening with one last meeting on health reforms. I’m now working on a pre budget speech for Wednesday, and enjoying the quiet in our chaotic lounge. Whether you were at home today, work, or anything in between, I hope you’re all taking good care out there!
And after two years, yesterday I left NZ to lead a trade delegation into Singapore and Japan. It was a full travel day and today the meetings start! We arrived late last night in Singapore, had our third test for the trip, spent and bit of time with the business delegation and then got some sleep. I’ll be trying to capture everything we get up to today (meetings with the President and Prime Minister, a tourism event, press conferences,business events etc) on my story, so if you’re interested in what happens on these international missions a join us!
And after two years, yesterday I left NZ to lead a trade delegation into Singapore and Japan. It was a full travel day and today the meetings start! We arrived late last night in Singapore, had our third test for the trip, spent and bit of time with the business delegation and then got some sleep. I’ll be trying to capture everything we get up to today (meetings with the President and Prime Minister, a tourism event, press conferences,business events etc) on my story, so if you’re interested in what happens on these international missions a join us!
And after two years, yesterday I left NZ to lead a trade delegation into Singapore and Japan. It was a full travel day and today the meetings start! We arrived late last night in Singapore, had our third test for the trip, spent and bit of time with the business delegation and then got some sleep. I’ll be trying to capture everything we get up to today (meetings with the President and Prime Minister, a tourism event, press conferences,business events etc) on my story, so if you’re interested in what happens on these international missions a join us!
And after two years, yesterday I left NZ to lead a trade delegation into Singapore and Japan. It was a full travel day and today the meetings start! We arrived late last night in Singapore, had our third test for the trip, spent and bit of time with the business delegation and then got some sleep. I’ll be trying to capture everything we get up to today (meetings with the President and Prime Minister, a tourism event, press conferences,business events etc) on my story, so if you’re interested in what happens on these international missions a join us!
Huge day yesterday! Highlights included announcing changes to our working holiday visa with Singapore and meeting with some of the young people who have used the visa in the past (one had a lovely story of taking up a boarding spot she found advertised in a supermarket and meeting an elderly couple who she considers to now be second grandparents), speaking at a sustainability event, meeting with the President and the Prime Minister where we agreed to work more closely on climate issues, unveiling a beautiful Kūwaha at Gardens by the Bay (where the CEO studied at Massey University) and finishing up with a gala event in the evening. Now getting ready for day two!
Huge day yesterday! Highlights included announcing changes to our working holiday visa with Singapore and meeting with some of the young people who have used the visa in the past (one had a lovely story of taking up a boarding spot she found advertised in a supermarket and meeting an elderly couple who she considers to now be second grandparents), speaking at a sustainability event, meeting with the President and the Prime Minister where we agreed to work more closely on climate issues, unveiling a beautiful Kūwaha at Gardens by the Bay (where the CEO studied at Massey University) and finishing up with a gala event in the evening. Now getting ready for day two!
Huge day yesterday! Highlights included announcing changes to our working holiday visa with Singapore and meeting with some of the young people who have used the visa in the past (one had a lovely story of taking up a boarding spot she found advertised in a supermarket and meeting an elderly couple who she considers to now be second grandparents), speaking at a sustainability event, meeting with the President and the Prime Minister where we agreed to work more closely on climate issues, unveiling a beautiful Kūwaha at Gardens by the Bay (where the CEO studied at Massey University) and finishing up with a gala event in the evening. Now getting ready for day two!
Huge day yesterday! Highlights included announcing changes to our working holiday visa with Singapore and meeting with some of the young people who have used the visa in the past (one had a lovely story of taking up a boarding spot she found advertised in a supermarket and meeting an elderly couple who she considers to now be second grandparents), speaking at a sustainability event, meeting with the President and the Prime Minister where we agreed to work more closely on climate issues, unveiling a beautiful Kūwaha at Gardens by the Bay (where the CEO studied at Massey University) and finishing up with a gala event in the evening. Now getting ready for day two!
Huge day yesterday! Highlights included announcing changes to our working holiday visa with Singapore and meeting with some of the young people who have used the visa in the past (one had a lovely story of taking up a boarding spot she found advertised in a supermarket and meeting an elderly couple who she considers to now be second grandparents), speaking at a sustainability event, meeting with the President and the Prime Minister where we agreed to work more closely on climate issues, unveiling a beautiful Kūwaha at Gardens by the Bay (where the CEO studied at Massey University) and finishing up with a gala event in the evening. Now getting ready for day two!
Huge day yesterday! Highlights included announcing changes to our working holiday visa with Singapore and meeting with some of the young people who have used the visa in the past (one had a lovely story of taking up a boarding spot she found advertised in a supermarket and meeting an elderly couple who she considers to now be second grandparents), speaking at a sustainability event, meeting with the President and the Prime Minister where we agreed to work more closely on climate issues, unveiling a beautiful Kūwaha at Gardens by the Bay (where the CEO studied at Massey University) and finishing up with a gala event in the evening. Now getting ready for day two!
Huge day yesterday! Highlights included announcing changes to our working holiday visa with Singapore and meeting with some of the young people who have used the visa in the past (one had a lovely story of taking up a boarding spot she found advertised in a supermarket and meeting an elderly couple who she considers to now be second grandparents), speaking at a sustainability event, meeting with the President and the Prime Minister where we agreed to work more closely on climate issues, unveiling a beautiful Kūwaha at Gardens by the Bay (where the CEO studied at Massey University) and finishing up with a gala event in the evening. Now getting ready for day two!
Huge day yesterday! Highlights included announcing changes to our working holiday visa with Singapore and meeting with some of the young people who have used the visa in the past (one had a lovely story of taking up a boarding spot she found advertised in a supermarket and meeting an elderly couple who she considers to now be second grandparents), speaking at a sustainability event, meeting with the President and the Prime Minister where we agreed to work more closely on climate issues, unveiling a beautiful Kūwaha at Gardens by the Bay (where the CEO studied at Massey University) and finishing up with a gala event in the evening. Now getting ready for day two!
Huge day yesterday! Highlights included announcing changes to our working holiday visa with Singapore and meeting with some of the young people who have used the visa in the past (one had a lovely story of taking up a boarding spot she found advertised in a supermarket and meeting an elderly couple who she considers to now be second grandparents), speaking at a sustainability event, meeting with the President and the Prime Minister where we agreed to work more closely on climate issues, unveiling a beautiful Kūwaha at Gardens by the Bay (where the CEO studied at Massey University) and finishing up with a gala event in the evening. Now getting ready for day two!
It’s hard to believe that next month we’ll be celebrating Matariki. What’s more exciting is that for the first time, we’ll mark it with a public holiday! An amazing team have been working on some of the resources that will accompany this first ever uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand public holiday. A huge thanks to all the experts who have lent their time, energy and knowledge to this work. I’m so excited to see how families and communities make this time of year their own!
It’s hard to believe that next month we’ll be celebrating Matariki. What’s more exciting is that for the first time, we’ll mark it with a public holiday! An amazing team have been working on some of the resources that will accompany this first ever uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand public holiday. A huge thanks to all the experts who have lent their time, energy and knowledge to this work. I’m so excited to see how families and communities make this time of year their own!
Four years ago we were faced with a huge decision. Mycoplasma Bovis, a terrible disease that causes mastitis, pneumonia and arthritis in cows had arrived in New Zealand. The potential impact on our national herd could be devastating. We were faced with the question of how to deal with it. Up until that point, no country in the world had ever tried to eradicate M Bovis, but in a meeting we had with the primary sector representatives, I remember all of us being willing to try and be the first – and so that’s what we’ve done. It’s taken a huge amount of work and sacrifice, and I want to especially acknowledge those farmers who have been impacted directly by this disease. It’s been such a difficult journey. And also, a huge thank you to the scientists and lab technicians like those I met today who have been part of the enormous surveillance programme to try and rid NZ of this disease. The battle is not over, but we currently have just one infected property, and according to a recent report, we are on track to be the first country in the world to eradicate Bovis.
My first experience of a virtual question time today! A slightly surreal experience. Just like when you’re in the house in person, you don’t control your own mic, but that’s an odd feeling when you’re on zoom, and slightly terrifying when you’re not sure how long nap time is going to last!
It’s the 1st of May, that means the year is once again whizzing by and we’re all starting conversations with “can you believe it’s May already?!” It also means the Winter Energy Payment kicks in again. While we introduced this payment back when we first came into government, I know how important it will be for so many this year especially. This year the Winter Energy Payment also sits alongside the changes we made on 1 April to lift the family tax credit, increase benefits and of course cut fuel prices by 25 cents for three months. There’s no easy answer to the cost of living pressures we’re seeing globally at the moment, but these are all things we can do as a government to help ease some of the pressure.
