Tamaki Newsletter—December 2020

Simon O'Connor December 10, 2020 Share

Hello everyone

This will be my first newsletter for December, but also my last for 2020. There is a lot to update on you below – from local successes to activities in Parliament – but first and foremost, I want to say thank you for all the support, advice, and encouragement this year. The results of the election were certainly not good for National, however, we here in Tamaki can be proud of our efforts and for delivering one of the best results of any blue seat. So again, my sincere thanks.

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Tamaki Newsletter—August 2020

Simon O'Connor August 24, 2020 Share

Hello everyone 

Well, what crazy times we continue to be in, including the Auckland lockdown continuing until at least Sunday evening. The last few weeks have been very difficult for many people, not at least our business owners who have been forced to close down once again. My mind particularly turns to our café and restaurant owners. In talking to many people in recent days, it is clear they are doing it tough. My thanks, however, to everyone who has ‘supported local’ and I encourage you to continue doing so.

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Tamaki Newsletter—June 2020

Simon O'Connor June 26, 2020 Share

Hello everyone

As I write, the parliament is once again in Urgency – that is, the government has the House sitting from 9am until midnight each day to rush through a large number of bills. It is quite extraordinary to have government MPs literally taking five-second calls on important legislation, including a complete overhaul of how the public service works. Instead of debating, they are ramming legislation through. I cannot help but think it is rather symbolic of how this government is working overall.

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Tamaki Newsletter—May 2020

Simon O'Connor May 27, 2020 Share

Hello everyone

I trust this latest newsletter finds you and your families well.  It has taken me a little longer to write as it has been an incredibly busy few weeks, including of course a change of leadership for the Party.  These moments are often difficult but our focus now is ensuring National is in shape and quick to return the focus on challenging Labour.  The new leadership has committed to returning us to the mid-forties in the polls and a win at the election, so now is the time for us to work towards this with them.  I'd also like to acknowledge the service of Simon and Paula who arguably took on the hardest roles of all when we moved into Opposition.

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Tamaki Newsletter Update—April 2020

Simon O'Connor April 22, 2020 Share

Can I start by thanking everyone for their efforts so far as we have worked through four weeks of lock down.  Everyone has played their part to date and it is appreciated.  We must certainly acknowledge the decisions made but it is also the day-to-day actions of each and every one of us that has made the difference.  May I extend my sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones.  As I write, 13 people have died with Covid-19.  My thoughts are also with those with the virus and in particular, the 12-or-so currently in hospital.  We wish them all a speedy recovery.

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Tamaki newsletter—April 2020

Simon O'Connor April 06, 2020 Share

As I write we are approaching two weeks into the national lockdown during COVID-19 alert level four and hopefully by now we are all starting to settle into our new rhythms.

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Tamaki Newsletter Update—COVID-19

Simon O'Connor March 20, 2020 Share

Hello everyone

We are currently living in an extraordinary time. The rapid spread of COVID-19—often known as coronavirus—has been unprecedented, affecting every aspect of our lives. Even in New Zealand, where we have been relatively sheltered from the rest of the world, we are feeling the effects on every level, including on a personal level.

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Tamaki Newsletter - March 2020

Simon O'Connor March 11, 2020 Share

With Parliament well underway, I have been back to splitting my time between Wellington and Auckland. While it has been a busy time, it has also been very interesting, with lots happening in the electorate and in Parliament.

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Tamaki Newsletter - February 2020

Simon O'Connor February 10, 2020 Share

As I wrote in my last newsletter, no election date had been set.  A few hours after sending, the Prime Minister finally provided us a date—Saturday 19 September.  It is good to finally have the date and now focus on winning the election in a few short months.

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