Pansyspeak - A year of change
What a year 2008 has been. As we come to the end of it the world is in the midst of an economic crisis and experts and
commentators alike are struggling to know exactly why or when it will end.
New Zealanders elected the new National-led Government because they trust that Prime Minister John Key can lead the
country through these turbulent times and steer the country towards a brighter future. They also have faith in the Prime
Minister to tackle rising violent crime and make our communities safer. Many media commentators have recognised this in
naming John Key politician of the year.
His success in being named the politician of the year is based on more than just policy. John Key is a decisive and
inclusive leader. Many people were impressed at the speed with which he put together the new Government and the way he
put forward New Zealand's case at APEC. I am privileged to serve in the Prime Minister's Cabinet - he reminds all of his
Ministers of the need to fulfil our promises and engage with our communities.
One of the highlights of the year for me was the response I got from Botany the morning after the election. My team and
I hit Ti Rakau Drive early on Sunday to thank people for their support. I won't forget the goodwill and kind response
from the passers-by and motorists and I will work hard for the people of Botany. My new office will be open in Chapel
Road from February 2009 and I will be hitting the streets next year to knock on the doors we couldn't make it to during
the election campaign (even thought we managed to knock on more than 10,000!).
The days have flown by since taking office and being sworn in as a Cabinet Minister. I have been busy coming to grips
with my areas of responsibility and the unwelcome surprises like the billion dollar budget blow out at ACC.
I have been proud to be a part of the team which has delivered our promised tax cuts into law and has made our
communities safer with new law and order legislation, including tougher sentences for crimes against children and
stricter bail laws.
With the festive season upon us, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year. I hope you can all take some time out for a well deserved break. Thank you for your advice and support.
See you next year!
My Auckland electorate office would be open from Wednesday 7th January and the telephone number is 09-3770606.
ENDS