It was an absolute honour and a privilege to have been re-elected to a fourth term as Member of Parliament for Waimakariri over the weekend.

I was extremely humbled to receive my largest majority to return as your representative in the 54th Parliament of New Zealand. As the Member of Parliament for Waimakariri I will work hard to serve everyone in the electorate to the best of my abilities.

I will continue to fight hard for after-hours health services for North Cantabrians, and advocate for improved transport infrastructure to allow for continued growth in the region. I’m very much looking forward to fulfilling our promise of starting construction on the long-awaited Woodend Bypass, but also to getting out and about in the community to hear your views and concerns on all the other issues that are most important to you.

It has always been a key focus for me to be as accessible as possible for my constituents, and I will continue to hold regular constituent clinics across the electorate, from Belfast to Oxford. Please get in touch with my office in Kaiapoi or Rangiora to arrange a time to meet with me, or alternatively seek assistance from my staff.

New Zealanders voted convincingly for change, and we are looking forward to delivering that change through our hard work over the coming weeks. We will rebuild the economy, reduce the cost of living, restore law and order, and deliver better public services. We will rein in wasteful spending and ensure we are accountable along the way.

But first we will need to exercise some patience while we allow the special votes to be counted and a government to be formed. It’s clear New Zealand wanted change in the form of a National-led government, however the exact numbers are still to be determined, and subsequent negotiations to be had.

What’s safe to say, however, is that I am very much looking forward to being part of the government after six years in opposition. It will be an honour to be able to effect real, meaningful change for Waimakariri and wider New Zealand, and I thank you again for giving me the opportunity and mandate through your support at the polling stations.

Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their incredible support - I would not be able to serve Waimakariri without it.

I look forward to continuing to represent you as your local MP for the next three years.