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.