Simon O'Connor

Tamaki Newsletter– October's End 2022

Simon O'Connor November 01, 2022 Share

By now, you will have heard about the stabbing in St Heliers on Saturday evening. While an unprovoked and random attack, it remains very disturbing and sits on the back of a continuing problem with crime in our community. In fact - if you have been following my social media and comments in mainstream media - you will know this is just one of many recent crimes in our electorate.

Tamaki Newsletter– October 2022

Simon O'Connor October 20, 2022 Share

Another busy few weeks, particularly locally, so this latest newsletter focuses on events in and around Tamaki but also some thoughts on the latest madness coming out of Wellington - that is, the cancelling of funding for Shakespeare because according to some the ideologues in Creative NZ he is ‘paternalistic, imperialist, and not assisting decolonisation’ (I kid you not!).

Washington DC Update– September 2022

Simon O'Connor September 30, 2022 Share

Hello everyone

Well, it is not every day I get to sit on a panel within the US Congress grilling social media giants such as Meta (Facebook), Twitter, YouTube and others. Nor gather with MPs and Senators from over 30 nations to discuss mutual concerns around foreign interference, defence, and intelligence.

Tamaki Newsletter– September 2022

Simon O'Connor September 14, 2022 Share

It has been another busy, if not intense, few weeks of work locally and in parliament – but my first thoughts turn to the passing of Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the Queen of New Zealand.

Tamaki Newsletter– July 2022

Simon O'Connor August 08, 2022 Share

Where does the time go! It has been a good month since I last had the time to write a newsletter, and as I write today, we are now into August. As my wife often tells me – “the days are long, but the years go quickly.”

Tamaki Newsletter– June 2022

Simon O'Connor June 25, 2022 Share

Hello everyone

There has been so much on over the last month – including loads of media – that this is a longer newsletter than usual. Fortunately, there is a long weekend ahead.

Opinion–In response to Shane Te Pou

Simon O'Connor May 18, 2022 Share

“Do as I say, not as I do” was my first thought in response to Shane Te Pou’s recent opinion piece. He wrote asking for those he disagrees with to provide him more reasons and arguments for their views (and there was quite a list).

Tamaki Newsletter– May 2022

Simon O'Connor May 18, 2022 Share

Another busy, if not intense, few weeks in politics – and here locally in the electorate. A few days ago I held a public meeting on crime and safety, with over 200 locals turning out to discuss concerns with me, our Police Area Commander, and local council representatives. I will provide more information below.

Mask Theatre

Simon O'Connor May 16, 2022 Share

I was struck by an article in Stuff recently talking about “hygiene theatre” in relation to covid and how the New Zealand parliament continues to have people moving around daily cleaning all the door handles, lift buttons, and so on. I agree it is just theatre and unnecessary.

Tamaki Newsletter– April 2022

Simon O'Connor April 15, 2022 Share

Can I begin by greeting all those in the Christian and Jewish communities, celebrating Easter and Passover respectively, my best wishes for the coming days. These are significant celebrations for the year and they are important to acknowledge.

Since I last wrote, there have been more ram-raids, burglaries, and even another shooting in our electorate. Frustratingly, government appears to be trying to downplay the situation both locally but also across the country. Sitting in parliament over recent weeks, Minister after Minister – including the Prime Minster – have sought to explain away these crimes; telling us that gang tensions have not increased; and that everything is fine.

Latest News