Thoughts for Christchurch
Like all New Zealanders, I've had the people of Christchurch in my thoughts over the past week. Just as they were starting to recover from September's quake, they were struck by an even more devastating one. We don't yet know how many people have lost their lives, we don't know how many buildings we've lost, and we don't know how much it is going to cost to put things back together. But what we do know is that when disaster strikes, Kiwis stick together.
Around the country New Zealanders have been reaching out to Cantabrians, raising money, donating our old corded phones, and even opening our homes to those who need some respite from the turmoil. We all know that on a different day, on a different fault line, it could be us sifting through the rubble.
On learning of the earthquake last Tuesday, parliamentarians from across the House joined together to extend our thoughts and best wishes to the people whose lives have once again been turned upside down. Parliament has now adjourned and won't return for at least another week, by which time I hope things will all be a little clearer. For now, however, it's clear that normalcy for the people of Christchurch is still a long way off, and they'll need all our support in the days and weeks ahead.
Chris Hipkins
MP for Rimutaka
Fundraising Movie Tonight
Our monthly fundraising movies continue tonight with a screening of the new hit Kiwi comedy, Love Birds. In this romantic comedy, a regular Kiwi bloke (Rhys Darby) finds himself on a quest to find true love - with the help of a native New Zealand Shelduck. Tickets are $20 each. Join us at the Ascot Cinema in Upper Hutt from 7.30pm for an 8pm start. If you need more information, contact Bill Werry on 9771260.
Phil Goff visits Rimutaka
Labour Leader Phil Goff recently made another visit to the Rimutaka electorate, joining me on visits to the Totora Park Kindergarten, Whakatiki Engineering, the Dunlop Cafe, And Taita College. We also had a walk down Main Street in Upper Hutt and took a look at a few state housing issues in Pomare.
I'm really pleased that Phil has been a regular visitor to the Hutt Valley since the last election. I know he's got a lot on his plate, so his visits clearly show how much he and Labour are committed to this community.
Can you help the campaign?
While the events in Christchurch have naturally turned our minds to other things, this year's general election draws ever closer. Our campaign committee here in Rimutaka is already up and running and we're on the lookout for more volunteers. We need more delivery volunteers, door knockers, envelope stuffers, hoarding repairers, and sign wavers. If you'd like to join the team, contact Ginny Andersen [Email] or Janette Granville
[Email].
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