Prime Minister Chrisopher Luxon visits Levin’s Lewis Farms

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Ōtaki MP Tim Costley serving ice creams at Levin's Lewis Farms last Thursday.

Customers at Levin’s Lewis Farms last Thursday were served their ice creams by VIPs.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Ōtaki MP Tim Costley were at the store serving the popular real fruit ice cream and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Luxon and Costley attended a tour of the 7ha strawberry farm with owners Cam and Catherine and Geoff and Liz Lewis.

They met seasonal fruit pickers and pack-house staff and then had a quick training session on the ice cream machine.

Costley said serving ice cream was a fun and interactive way to introduce the Prime Minister.

“Every opportunity I have I invite the Prime Minister and other senior Ministers to meet with our local business owners and community groups to learn about how we can better support them.”

Cam and Catherine Lewis said it was a great opportunity to boost the profile of the region and what they do.

They said the staff were all very excited to meet the Prime Minister and were surprised they were able to chat to him one-on-one.

Catherine said it was a good visit.

“Prime Minister Luxon made a real effort to meet with most of our staff and our Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme crew from Samoa. He shook everyone’s hands and spoke to everyone about where they were from back home.”

Lewis Farms co-owner Cam Lewis, Ōtaki MP Tim Costley and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Prior to his visit to Lewis Farms, Luxon attended a pōwhiri and official opening ceremony at Hinemoa Street social housing in Levin with residents and iwi.

Costley, Wayne Bishop (who built the homes), Muaūpoko iwi, Mayor Bernie Wanden, and Salvation Army Territorial Leader Mark Campbell were also in attendance at Hinemoa St.