Meka Whaitiri: Privilege to fight for our region

Meka Whaitiri

As we all wind down for the year and enter the holiday season, I reflect on 2015 as a year of immense challenges, learning and growth.

As a nation, we have a Government still seemingly determined to turn its back on the important issues while we invest millions in a flag referendum that's little more than a vanity project for our Prime Minister.

One only has to look at the last week's news for a telling microcosm of the year: the latest Child Poverty Monitor report is released, revealing nearly one-third of all New Zealand children are living in poverty and more than half of those kids will never escape it.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister engages in some pretty dire and bad-taste antics with radio shock jocks.

I travel up and down Ikaroa-Rwhiti meeting constituents and supporting kaupapa, and see first-hand whanau doing it tough in cramped, substandard housing, and struggling to find meaningful jobs that pay a living wage.

I can only hope that 2016 will be the year this Government finally comes up with a plan to help empower our vulnerable people, rather than blaming them for the difficult circumstances they're in.

But enough of the negative!

For me, as a relatively new MP, this year has been a very positive and exciting year within Parliament and the Labour caucus. Andrew Little's leadership has provided stability and an environment where those in caucus can feel confident and able to dig in and make some progress.

I have been involved in building a support team for Labour's Maori caucus and with strategic planning for a Labour victory in 2017. I can tell you the vibe is one of hope and eagerness to present our plan to Aotearoa.

As MP for Ikaroa-Rwhiti, I've worked hard to keep local issues at the forefront, including the urgent need for decent social and emergency housing, and to improve the terrible health statistics for Maori.

I've also led Labour's response to another important local issue; the Ruataniwha Dam. As this controversial scheme sluggishly ambles its way to realisation, the ratepayers who have collectively invested millions in it have at least been informed of a process which - I believe - has left much to be desired.

Some highlights for me include having my Environmental Protection Authority Amendment Bill drawn from the Members' Ballot and passing its first reading.

I've also spearheaded Labour's opposition to the draft Te Ture Whenua Mori Bill, which could have huge implications for Maori landowners around the country.

Having the opportunity to speak on 30 Bills in the House and in general debates on the key issues facing my constituents was a privilege.

-Meka Whaitiri is MP for Ikaroa-Rawhiti.

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