Tamati Coffey Labour List MP

The Local Electoral (Maori Wards and Maori Constituencies) Amendment Bill passed recently, giving councils the ability to create Maori Wards which will give Maori a more equitable say in how our local communities are run.

This change was championed by local government organisations all across the country, with staunch support from Maori. A big thank you to all of the submitters from the Western Bay who believe in meaningful Maori representation at all levels.

It was great to see that the Emergency Management messaging of 'if it's long and strong get gone” really was taken to heart, after the recent tsunami warning affected those in coastal areas. What a relief that the impact wasn't too serious.

It is, however, a great opportunity to review how prepared you and your whanau are. Take some time to make sure you have your emergency supplies up to date and make a plan for where the whanau will meet if you are separated. Review this great resource to help create that plan at: www.getthru.govt.nz/household-emergency-plan

We can't always assume we will be able to drive on roads or get stable phone reception. Good luck planning.

Finally, the Covid-19 vaccination rollout plan is progressing well, with our frontline workers at the border rightly being prioritised. The complete roll out for the rest of us will take time, so watch out for progress updates.

In the meantime, keep up the great work, wash your hands, stay at home if you're sick and keep scanning when you are out so we can move fast to alert you if the worst happens.