2012 year in review
This is my last column for 2012 and a chance to say thank you to everyone for their feedback and support this year.
It’s been another year of good progress on improving our transport infrastructure. Transmission Gully has received the green light from a Board of Inquiry with construction set to begin in 2014, and completion around 2020.
The Kapiti expressway is currently going through the same process and I’m looking forward to a decision early next year.
Te Takere has opened in Levin and is a fantastic community asset. I’ve been to a number of events there and it has really been embraced by most locals.
We’ve also had the hockey pavilion open in Kapiti and the Airport Business Park continues to grow. The new aquatic centre and council building are also starting to take shape in Kapiti.
A low point of the year was the two senseless murders in the Kapiti Lights area. This was a major shock for the community, but there has been a strong response with new safety and security measures in place. Thank you to our police who do a great job.
Another low point was the vandalism at the Horowhenua Rowing Club, but the way the community rallied together as a result was inspiring. The Olympic rowers who visited Levin helped to raise around $5000 and gave a unique coaching lesson to local rowers.
As a Minister it’s also been a very busy year. I’m particularly proud of the $60 million package I announced with Prime Minister John Key a few months ago to improve the support we give to war veterans.
It was also a great honour to attend the Anzac commemorations in Gallipoli this year. Speaking at the Dawn Service with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was a moving and memorable experience.
Over the Christmas break I’m looking forward to visiting the beach at Waitarere and doing a bit of camping with my family to recharge the batteries.
Stay safe on the roads and have a great break. All the best for 2013.