Welcome to my website - I'm honoured to be the MP for Waitakere

This website is where you can find out what I'm passionate about, the work I do, and the latest on what I've been up to in Waitakere, Wellington and the rest of the country.

My role as Waitakere's MP

I’m completely biased – I believe the beautiful and wild West Auckland is the best place to be. West Aucklanders are determined, innovative, creative and gutsy. We don’t whine – we just get on with it!

In September 2005 I was honoured to become a National Member of Parliament. After three years in opposition as a list MP the public of Waitakere chose me as their electorate MP to represent them in Wellington.

If you’re local and any issues arise that you need help with do contact my office. It’s located at 429 Great North Road in Henderson, open 9.00am to 5.00pm.

My role as a Minister

I am passionate about ensuring a brighter future for all New Zealanders. As the Minister for Social Development, Employment, and Youth Affairs, I have been given an opportunity to effect positive change in people’s lives, their families and their communities. I intend to get it right.

We know that this hasn't been an easy time for many families. These are tough economic times. But we’re taking practical steps right now to help people. We set up 'ReStart' within weeks of coming into government, so Kiwis hit by redundancy could have some breathing space. We’ve announced the Job Support Scheme to help businesses struggling in the economic climate to stave off redundancies while they get back on their feet. We added an extra 300 staff into front line positions to help those that are looking for work. We’ve backed our young people through the Youth Opportunities Package, creating nearly 19,000 places in employment, education, and training.

I’m proud to be part of a Government that’s willing to listen to ideas from outside the Beehive about how to get New Zealand through this global financial storm.

Read my latest column here - Western Leader Column: Piha Lifesavers, our Heros

Read my latest speech here - Future Focus: First Reading Speech 30 March 2010

You can check out the Waitakere Election Results here - ElectionResults.xls