Simon O'Connor MP for Tamaki: February Update AN EVENTFUL START TO Tamaki Drive were particularly THE YEAR hard hit and consequently, parts of a key arterial route have been closed. I asked Auckland Transport for a briefing and onsite visit to see the clean up work first hand. It is clear, that major works are now required to secure the cliff faces - from planting to mesh. It is no exaggeration to say that there have been several dramatic events since my last opinion piece, written back in 2022. Foremost of mind are the terrible floods and storm here in Auckland and across other regions of the North Island. My thoughts are very much with the thousands affected, and especially the family and friends of those who died. Many locals here in Tamaki have used the word 'surreal' to describe the amount of rain that caused limited damage here (locally) and yet such devastation just a few suburbs away. I have spent much of the last week visiting the electorate, hearing and seeing how various businesses and locals have fared. The cliffs of ADVERTISEMENT on. assist - be that sandbagging or helping distribute food and supplies. This said, a huge thanks must be given to our first responders - from fire crews to police, ambulance officers to civil defence officials. Thanks also to locals who turned out to NEW PRIME MINISTER - MORE OF THE SAME? There are certainly many questions to be asked about the response. It did seem slow, and as the Shadow Minister for Internal Affairs including responsibility for the fire service - I am aware that communications and coordination were lacking carly responsibilities. We have also had the resignation of the Prime Minister. I think it is important to acknowledge the huge responsibility and workload the office of Prime Minister holds. While I disagree with much of her decision making and ideology, I do acknowledge the work she undertook. However, it is my view, that her government has left our government under Jacinda Ardern. To this end, it is hard country worse off across many to see how much will really metrics. change nor the legislative damage already inflicted, reversed. Not just the economy, lack of housing, and child poverty, but also a country divided. We have also seen a very THE YEAR AHEAD heavy-handed government, one Parliament resumed this week that has weakened many fundamental rights and For example, one cannot ignore the continued attempts to undermine free speech. While we now have a new Prime Minister, it is also important to note that he has been a central figure in the previous Authorised by Simon O'Connor MP for Tamaki, 16 Goldie Street, St Heliers Funded by Parliamentary Service and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the issues that matter to locals - from crime to the economy, housing intensification to everything else in between. As always, please be in contact to share your thoughts on any matter. Finally, can I wish you all the very best for 2023 and the year ahead. ADVERTISEMENT If you would like to receive my e-newsletter for regular updates from Tamaki and parliament, please sign-up on my website, www.simon.org.nz and select 'Get Updates' Simon O'Connor MP for Tamaki Phone: (09) 575 9842 16 Goldie Street, St Heliers, Auckland MP.Tamaki@parliament.govt.nz Simon O'Connor MP for Tamaki : February Update AN EVENTFUL START TO Tamaki Drive were particularly THE YEAR hard hit and consequently , parts of a key arterial route have been closed . I asked Auckland Transport for a briefing and onsite visit to see the clean up work first hand . It is clear , that major works are now required to secure the cliff faces - from planting to mesh . It is no exaggeration to say that there have been several dramatic events since my last opinion piece , written back in 2022. Foremost of mind are the terrible floods and storm here in Auckland and across other regions of the North Island . My thoughts are very much with the thousands affected , and especially the family and friends of those who died . Many locals here in Tamaki have used the word ' surreal ' to describe the amount of rain that caused limited damage here ( locally ) and yet such devastation just a few suburbs away . I have spent much of the last week visiting the electorate , hearing and seeing how various businesses and locals have fared . The cliffs of ADVERTISEMENT on . assist - be that sandbagging or helping distribute food and supplies . This said , a huge thanks must be given to our first responders - from fire crews to police , ambulance officers to civil defence officials . Thanks also to locals who turned out to NEW PRIME MINISTER - MORE OF THE SAME ? There are certainly many questions to be asked about the response . It did seem slow , and as the Shadow Minister for Internal Affairs including responsibility for the fire service - I am aware that communications and coordination were lacking carly responsibilities . We have also had the resignation of the Prime Minister . I think it is important to acknowledge the huge responsibility and workload the office of Prime Minister holds . While I disagree with much of her decision making and ideology , I do acknowledge the work she undertook . However , it is my view , that her government has left our government under Jacinda Ardern . To this end , it is hard country worse off across many to see how much will really metrics . change nor the legislative damage already inflicted , reversed . Not just the economy , lack of housing , and child poverty , but also a country divided . We have also seen a very THE YEAR AHEAD heavy - handed government , one Parliament resumed this week that has weakened many fundamental rights and For example , one cannot ignore the continued attempts to undermine free speech . While we now have a new Prime Minister , it is also important to note that he has been a central figure in the previous Authorised by Simon O'Connor MP for Tamaki , 16 Goldie Street , St Heliers Funded by Parliamentary Service and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the issues that matter to locals - from crime to the economy , housing intensification to everything else in between . As always , please be in contact to share your thoughts on any matter . Finally , can I wish you all the very best for 2023 and the year ahead . ADVERTISEMENT If you would like to receive my e - newsletter for regular updates from Tamaki and parliament , please sign - up on my website , www.simon.org.nz and select ' Get Updates ' Simon O'Connor MP for Tamaki Phone : ( 09 ) 575 9842 16 Goldie Street , St Heliers , Auckland MP.Tamaki@parliament.govt.nz