Ministers visit
Last week Parliament was in recess and I took the chance to bring two senior Cabinet Ministers for a local visit.
On Tuesday the Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bill English came to a range of local events. After a Nature Coast business breakfast, we visited Carter Holt Harvey manufacturing and the livestock saleyards in Levin.
Finally we officially opened the offices of new law firm Breaden, McCardle, Chubb in Paraparaumu.
It was a great chance for him to meet local people and hear first-hand their views on the economy. It was good to hear him reinforce the Government’s commitment to building the Wellington to Levin Road of National Significance.
As he pointed out, plans for a new road have been floating around for decades but this time the funding is there and the government is determined to do it properly.
On Wednesday last week Health Minister Tony Ryall officially opened a new hospital wing at Winara resthome in Waikanae.
This will be a great asset for the local community with 24 new beds for older people, giving peace of mind to local residents and their families.
It’s also providing 20 new local jobs in what is a very important sector.
In the Otaki electorate we have 15,000 people aged 65 and over, which is the highest number of any electorate in the country. Seniors make up 23% of our population, compared to the national average of 12%.
As Tony Ryall pointed out, New Zealand has an aging population and these numbers will only increase as the baby-boomers reach retirement age.
As well as the Winara development, we also have a new $100 million retirement village at Waikanae on its way, at the north end of Parata Street. In total this will house 450 residents once finished.
It’s not surprising that the Kapiti Coast is such a popular place for retirees. Good weather, vibrant communities, and access to the outdoors creates a desirable lifestyle.
Overall a very busy week, and a valuable chance for me to raise awareness of important issues in our community.