An update from your Hamilton-based Labour list MP
Hi everyone, I would like to wish all those living, working, raising families, and doing business in our region a very Happy New year. I hope 2018 will be your best year yet!
Here is an update on some local issues I have been working on since becoming an MP four months ago:
1. Commuter rail between Auckland and Hamilton with free WiFi: I have been working with Mayor King, Councillor Macpherson and HCC staff to progress this. The government see it as a priority for unlocking more of Hamilton's potential. I'm hopeful the passenger train will be up and running by the end of this year.
2. Community Policing: The Minister for Police, Stuart Nash, will be consulting with police officers around the country over the next few months. We will then see a decision on this. As most of you will know, I campaigned strongly on the return of community policing, as we have a number of empty police stations in our region. The Minister will likely be visiting Hamilton in early February.
3. Roading: All local motorway projects are continuing as they were before the election. NZTA's current local priorities are: Complete Waikato Expressway (35 minutes off trip Auckland to Tirau), investigate Southern Links (completing Hamilton ringroad) and Cambridge to Pairere (turnoff to Tauranga), improve safety around various blackspots.
Blackspot on cnr Gordonton and Thomas Roads: I have been working with Councillors Macpherson, Casson, Bunting, HCC staff and NZTA regarding a permanent solution for this. The Councillors above have done great work on this already. I am also aware of other blackspots in our region that need attention.
4. Housing: I have been working with various local groups around the potential for a number of KiwiBuild houses in Hamilton (affordable housing for first home buyers). Good progress is being made on this.
5. General policies: One year free tertiary study (two years for apprenticeships), offshore buyers of existing houses banned, contributions re-started to the Superannuation Fund (currently $35b), an inquiry into mental health started, Family Tax Package passed through Parliament (to begin in July).
Please feel free to email me: jamie.strange@parliament.govt.nz if you would like any further information, or if I can be of any assistance.
Got more greens than you know what to do with? 🥦🌱🥕
Whether it’s a courgette takeover or a feijoa frenzy, don’t let those garden gems go to waste!
Our suggestion to you: Did you know you can grate and freeze excess courgettes to use in chocolate cake later? It sounds a bit dodgy, but it makes the cake incredibly moist ... and hey, it counts as a serving of veg, right? 🍫
What’s your go-to move for a bumper harvest? Drop your best "glut" recipes or preservation hacks in the comments below! 👇
🌉🛶 Early Birds Might Crack This One First… or Not? 🥚🧠
A person is crossing a bridge and sees a boat full of people, yet there isn't a single person on board.
How is this possible?
(Susan from Massey kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Susan!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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🪱🐦 When are you the most productive? 🌙🦉
The Post has been diving into our daily habits, and research suggests being an early bird or a night owl isn’t just a choice—it’s biology! We all have that specific time when our brains finally "click" into gear.
This raises a big question for the modern workplace. To get the best out of everyone, should employers accommodate our natural body clocks? This idea is at the heart of the four-day work week and flexible scheduling movements.
We want to hear from you:
1. When does your brain "click" into gear?
2. Would a flexible (or shortened) schedule change the way you work?
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