Communities will have a chance to chat directly to Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Alfred Ngaro when I bring him to the Waimak on 2 March for a number of public meetings titled ‘Building Stronger Communities’. This is part of my commitment to bring relevant ministers into the electorate so your voices can be heard. The first meeting will be held at the Belfast Rugby Football Club from 10am to 11am. Come and be involved.
Northern Christchurch residents will notice a new road layout for the next stage of the Western Belfast Bypass and I urge everyone to drive carefully. I am advocating for a third southbound lane over the Waimak Bridge to be included in the current work to fully benefit from the gains the Bypass and Northern Corridor will deliver. I have spoken to the Transport Minister and have written to the regional director of NZTA in support of a third southbound lane. I am interested in your views, so please get in touch.
Government’s announcement that ultra-fast broadband is being extended to 21 more towns in Canterbury was great for our region. Connectivity is essential for business productivity as we continue to build on the success of our region’s profile. With about 85 per cent of all New Zealanders anticipated to have access to fibre by the end of 2024, we will be among the leaders in the OECD for access to fibre.