Hon Barbara Edmonds, Mana MP, Column for Porirua News
Kiwis woke up to a cruel April Fools’ joke. April 1 used to be a day of progress – higher wages, stronger support, and real steps forward for hard-working families. But under this National Government, it’s become a stark reminder of rising costs and falling wages.
Nowhere is this felt more than here in Mana, where families are already stretched thin. Instead of relief, we’re seeing higher power bills as winter approaches, and living costs climbing across the board. The Government’s minimum wage increase – just 35 cents – isn’t enough to buy a loaf of bread. Inflation is outpacing incomes, meaning low-paid workers in Mana are effectively facing a pay cut. And with so many of our people in Mana working for government agencies, I know the job cuts have hit us hard.
At the same time, electricity lines charges are rising, adding an average of $10 a month to household bills – with some regions facing increases as high as $25. For many in our community, this winter will bring impossible choices between heating their homes or putting food on the table.
Under Labour, April 1 meant progress. Under National, it’s become a day to dread. These are political choices – and right now, this Government is choosing to make life harder for our community.
As your local MP, I will keep holding them to account. Because Mana deserves better.
You may have also seen the proposed boundary changes that suggest Mana could be split between new electorates, Kāpiti and Kenepuru. These changes aren’t final until August, but I want to take a moment to reflect on what Mana means to me – and to all of us.
Since it was created in 1996, Mana has been proudly represented by Graham Kelly, Dame Winnie Laban, Kris Faafoi – and for the past two terms, I’ve had the absolute privilege of serving as your MP.
No matter what the boundaries look like in 2026, my commitment to you doesn’t change. I’ll keep showing up with the same spirit and determination I spoke about in my first speech in Parliament:
“People don’t want much – just someone to love, somewhere to live, somewhere to work, and something to hope for.”
The Representation Commission has a tough job responding to population changes. If you wish to object these changes, you can have your say on the Vote.nz website.
But no matter where the lines are drawn, I will keep fighting for what matters most to all of us.
My office is here to help – email us any time at [email protected].
