News
Solid economic growth will create jobs
January 22nd, 2012
I talk to a lot of people from Wairoa and around the electorate who are worried about the economy, amid the uncertainty in Europe and elsewhere. It’s no secret that we are facing tough times. But there is reason to be optimistic, and I can assure you the ... read more
Keeping busy during the holiday period
January 5th, 2012
When I wrote my last column I had just been sworn in as a Minister and was busy in Nelson checking out the clean-up operation with Civil Defence during the floods. I was quietly hoping that the Christmas period would be uneventful leaving me free to enjoy ... read more
Backing the Bay Away
December 7th, 2011
Greg Wilton from Australia. A proud Magpies supporter ... read more
Thanks Hawke’s Bay
November 30th, 2011
Fantastic. Hawke’s Bay remains Blue for another three-year political term. We have significantly increased our winning margin in Tukituki over the past three elections, this time winning by more than 9,000. I am absolutely rapt with this result. Thanks ... read more
Dirty Politics given new meaning!
November 17th, 2011
There have been tapes in the tea leaves, stickers on the signs, and generally a load of rubbish in the political diary over the last week. But here in Napier ‘Dirty Politics” has been given new meaning. On Wednesday of this week MP for Napier, Chris ... read more
Above all else – family first!
November 14th, 2011
It was great to be up in Wairoa last week working at East Coast Lumber on my “30 jobs in 30 Days” election campaign challenge. Thanks to Mike Pollock and Ian McSporran for giving me the opportunity. Thanks also to the wider team at ECL for allowing me to ... read more
A steady hand on the wheel
November 7th, 2011
This week I have been up in Wairoa working at East Coast Lumber on my “30 Jobs in 30 Days” election challenge together with being privileged to attend the Wairoa High School prize giving. East Coast Lumber was my 13th job of 30, my second in Wairoa ... read more
Targa Rally 2011 ” The Ultimate Road Race”
November 4th, 2011
October 2011 the Targa New Zealand ran from Auckland-Whangarei-Auckland-Taupo-Palmerston North finishing right here in Hawke’s Bay, Havelock North. The weather had beaten the event in Palmerston North but so in The Bay. As expected the sun shone as I ... read more
‘Work Experience’ with Dish Catering
November 4th, 2011
Chris Tremain and I attended one of the biggest nights on the Hawke’s Bay calendar; Hawkes Bay Business Awards. We both donned a new shirt, tie and apron for the occasion! It was great fun getting amongst the crowd pouring wine and passing round ... read more
State Kiwi Swim Safe Programme
November 1st, 2011
As we are heading into summer, it was very appropriate for me to be part of the celebration of the State Kiwi Swim Safe Programme at Frimley School. This programme has been developed to ensure every primary school student has access to quality ‘swim ... read more
