Column by Hon Barbara Edmonds, MP for Mana.
Just as it feels like we’re starting to make progress, often something comes along to set us
back. Lately, with some of the decisions coming down from the government, it’s been hard
not to feel frustrated. Whether it’s funding cuts or policies that don’t quite hit the mark for us
here in Mana, it can feel like we’re being overlooked. We’ve faced challenges before, and
together, we’ll push back against decisions that don’t work for us and make sure our whānau
get what they need.
The latest media headlines point towards the crisis our local GPs are facing, yet this is just
the tip of the iceberg. Nine out of ten clinics intend to increase their prices due to the
Governments measly 4% increase in funding, the biggest shortfall it has been in 20 years.
Labour had a plan to build a health system that Kiwis can be proud of and we committed to
keeping up with cost pressures. Whether it be increasing training spaces for our health
workforce, supporting programmes to make homes warmer and drier, or scrapping
prescription fees, we knew that there was no sole solution to fixing the health system, but we
had a holistic approach to reducing the pressures for families.
Kenepuru After-Hours service I know is top of mind for Mana. When I meet with people
there is a growing sense of anxiousness within our community of what the future holds for
this core service, also a sense of déjà vu – as this is not the first time we have had to fight to
keep this service open! Because of this, I am hosting two public meetings to discuss the
Kenepuru After-Hours service and our hopes to retain it in full. These will both be held 9 October. One will be held in Kāpiti at the Uniting Parish Hall in Raumati at 1:00pm. The
second will be held in Porirua at the Mungavin Hall at 6:00pm. I will be joined by community
leaders and health professionals within the community that can offer a firsthand experience
of the health system. I would love to see your there.
Whilst it is easy to get lost in the smoke and mirrors of politics at the moment, there is
always something worth celebrating! Last month we saw the Government signing off on the
last Labour Government’s plans to invest more trains into the Capital Connection line. This is
great news for our community, particularly those that live on the Kāpiti Coast. However, let
us not forget this is no new idea! In fact, it was the Labour Party’s original policy to invest in
18 new trains for the Waiarapa and Capital Connection. We never believed this was
“wasteful spending” given Mana is number one in the country for using the train to get to
work.
As we head into September, I’m reminded of the strength and spirit of our Mana community.
I also want to acknowledge and thank Ngāti Toa Rangatira who have been formidable in
advocating for local and calling on the Government to step up to the challenges. Many of our
local agencies are finding it tough, with an expected 30% of Oranga Tamariki funding being
cut. So, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Ngāti Toa’s commitment to support our
community, particularly our service providers, Taeaomanino Trust, Wesley Community
Action, Porirua Whānau Centre, Barnardos Aotearoa, Wairere Care Services and WELLfed
NZ Trust who are facing these cuts.
We’ve always found ways to support each other, and I’m committed to pushing back on
these decisions and fighting for what’s right for Mana. Together, we can navigate these
challenges and keep building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.