MP shuffle: Luxton loses offices, Meager looking at options
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Mid Canterbury will have two MPs in Wellington, but only one with an office in Ashburton
New Rangitata MP-elect James Meager is planning to spread his time across the electorate’s two main centres when he is not in Wellington.
Former Rangitata MP Jo Luxton is set to return to Parliament on the Labour Party list but will not keep her two offices or two electorate staff.
Previously, as a list MP Luxton had put a case forward for funding for an office “because we hadn’t had any Labour representation down here for many years".
It will not be the case this time.
“The budget is quite substantially less as a list MP and being in opposition," she said.
“The funds just really aren’t there to have it.
“I would have dearly loved to have maintained the offices and my team.”
As the electorate MP, Meager will take care of constituent work, but Luxton said she will remain a strong advocate for the electorate.
“I will continue to be a part of and involved in the community, attending events and meetings.”
The Speaker’s Directions 2023 has set the amounts of funding for each member for the next three years, divided into staff, non-staff (rent/expenses), and general sub-allocations.
it shows that in year 1, Meager is eligible for a total of $363,990 while Luxton is eligible for $241,342.
Her Ashburton office was formerly occupied by National MP Andrew Falloon, and Luxton said she had reached out to Meager about the potential opportunity to take over the office.
Meager is still awaiting the official confirmation of the election, which has been delayed due to requests for recounts in three electorates. He has confirmed plans to have an office in both Ashburton and Timaru.
“It's important to have a presence in both major towns in our electorate,” Meager said.
“I will be splitting my recess/non-Wellington time as evenly between Mid and South Canterbury as I can.
“We haven't even been formally confirmed as MPs yet, so decisions on leases are still likely to be a few weeks away.”
He is looking at options for locations, and taking into consideration Parliament’s requirements around things like accessibility and security.
“There’s a Parliamentary process to go through but I’m hoping to open offices before the end of the year.
“I will have a limited Parliamentary budget to set up a new office, and will always be cautious about the use of taxpayer funds.”
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.2% Yes
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33.4% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
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