Letters to the Editor
MP quizzed
I am concerned about recent scrutiny of our local MP Louise Upston and her Wellington accommodation arrangements.
Louise Upston
As taxpayers, we understand MPs are entitled to allowances to support them in doing their jobs. However, when questions arise about those arrangements, it is reasonable for constituents to expect clear explanations and transparency. These are not trivial matters. They go to public trust.
At the same time, it is difficult to ignore the broader context of these arrangements. Ms Upston has indicated she is “comfortable” with rules that allow her to claim around $1000 a week to stay in her own Wellington apartment, despite not holding a personal mortgage on the property. This sits uneasily alongside her ministerial role overseeing changes that expand eligibility for accommodation support to homeowners. For many families struggling with housing costs, this raises legitimate questions about fairness, consistency, and the standards applied to those making these decisions.
But beyond Wellington, many of us are asking a more basic question closer to home. What is being delivered for our community?
We have been hearing for some time about plans for a new primary school, yet there has been little visible progress. Likewise, there has long been discussion of a new bridge, something that would make a real difference to traffic and safety. Where do these commitments currently stand?
As our local MP, Ms Upston is our representative voice in Parliament, that comes with both privilege and responsibility. While national issues matter, so too do local priorities that directly affect our daily lives.
Residents here are not asking for miracles, just clarity, accountability, and progress. If projects have been delayed, explain why. If plans have changed, tell us. If commitments remain, outline a timeline.
Our community deserves to know what is being done, and what we can expect next.
Gary Bulling
Hamilton
Louise Upston responds:
The accommodation allowance that I am legally entitled to claim as an MP and Minister is quite separate from decisions I make as a Minister. The accommodation allowance is set by the independent Remuneration Authority, not Government.
The Cambridge West Primary School project was agreed to by the former government. However, it did not allocate funds to build it. There are many other communities across New Zealand which need new school buildings and maintenance. I seek regular updates on this project, and I have, and will continue to, advocate for this school to be built. Education is the fourth-highest area of Government spending after Health, Superannuation, and Social Security and Welfare (currently $22.4 billion per annum).
A third bridge in Cambridge is something I have been publicly advocating for over many years. Government funding will be required to supplement Waipā District Council funding to build a new bridge. It can take many years to secure Government funding for projects like this. I have long encouraged the council to decide on a location for the bridge and present a business case to Government.
I have discussed these issues, and others, at my regular open forums, in my monthly newsletter, and on my social media platforms. I also provide information to the media. I have an office in Cambridge, and constituents are always welcome to seek information.
Rates rising
I read with interest a NZ Herald article today (3rd June) with the headline “Watercare shock: Bills to rise more than 7%”, in which it was advised that Auckland households face a 7.2% increase in the per unit charge they pay for water from 1 July. This is “a double wammy for Aucklanders with the council last week voting to increase rates by 7.9%”.
I also read in the NZ Herald Public Notices today that the Auckland Wastewater fixed charge is set to increase 7.2% and the Wastewater volumetric charge is increasing 7.2%.
Welcome to Waipa. This week I went onto the Waipa DC online calculator and was horrified to find the rates for our property are set to increase 8.3%, Wastewater charge is set to increase 25.5%, the water volume charge is set to increase 12.3% and the water network set daily charge is to increase by 14.5%.
Lucky Aucklanders! Are Waipa residents aware of these impending increases and is the Waipa DC being held accountable in any way? What’s happening?
Rob Carr
Cambridge
Letters to Editor. Photo: Pixabay
