Whanganui MP Carl Bates reflects on the year, as Whanganui Midweek closes permanently

It’s great to have ministers like Nicola Willis interacting with Whanganui constituents.

By Carl Bates, Member of Parliament for Whanganui

THREE KEY FACTS:

The “Everywhere Man” reference seems to have stuck.

Carl Bates hosted Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Whanganui.

NZME will close a number of community newspapers.

Carl Bates is Whanganui electorate MP

OPINION

The end of the year is always a time for reflection, and after a packed year of delivery, there is plenty of achievement to reflect on.

Let me first reflect on my final column for the Whanganui Midweek, in this, the final edition of the paper.

NZME’s decision to close a number of community newspapers will be felt keenly. My thoughts are with those who have lost jobs, and who have lost a connection to their own community.

It has been a privilege to submit columns for publication as a way of communicating with constituents. In my short time to date as the MP for Whanganui, the Midweek has showcased my work on the front page twice - last December had my Christmas message with a photo of our Christmas Parade float and the opening of my Victoria Ave office (with the “Everywhere Man” reference that seems to have stuck).

Thank you to Steve Carle for all his work with the Midweek, and to everyone who has been part of the journey of the Midweek over the last 38 years.

Reflecting on the year that has been, my parliamentary year really began with my maiden speech to the 54th Parliament. Delivered on Tuesday January 30, 2024, with over 60 family and friends in the gallery. It was a moment I will never forget.

It was a privilege at the end of April to host Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Whanganui. A highlight was our visit to the Kimiora Infusion Unit at Whanganui Hospital after an announcement of increased funding from Health Minister Shane Reti about increased capacity.

The Prime Minister also saw a demonstration of manufacturing innovation from Fleet Line Markers who, in November, was the Supreme winner at the Whanganui Business Awards.

Welcoming ministers and other MPs to visit the Whanganui electorate and Whanganui itself has been a priority this year. It is a key component of my role in advocating for the interests of our city, and wider electorate.

As the year draws to a close 14 ministers have visited the electorate, some more than once, along with 13 of my caucus colleagues. We can expect many more visits in 2025.

Some visits celebrated the opening of new facilities such as the police dog base and Te Whare O Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, whilst others have resulted in tourism investment and changes to heritage buildings and earthquake-strengthening rules.

The economy and the cost of living are important issues for many constituents. It was fantastic to have Finance Minister Nicola Willis make a second visit to Whanganui in December, having presided over some welcome good news on the economic front.

As 2024 ends, inflation is back within the Reserve Bank’s target range and interest rates have been reduced three times in recent months by a total of 1.25 percentage points. As I write this, I have also just heard that farmer confidence is now at its highest level since 2017. This all provides real encouragement for 2025.

Above all, what has made the biggest impact on me this year has been the people of the Whanganui electorate, who reinforce to me every day just what a privilege it is to represent them in Parliament.

From Candice, Angus, Logan and myself, wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2025. Keep safe on our roads and enjoy your summer.