The North Shore is one of the best places in New Zealand to live and raise a family. But in recent years, many local households have felt significant pressure.

When National came into Government two years ago, the country was facing serious economic and social challenges. Inflation had surged, mortgage repayments had skyrocketed, and wages were stagnating. For many North Shore families with large mortgages, that pressure was immediate and real.

At the same time, violent crime was rising, ram raids were occurring far too often, and educational achievement was slipping. Communities in our electorate made it clear: Government needed to refocus on the basics.

Since then, National has done exactly that. We have reduced wasteful spending to help bring inflation under control and ease pressure on interest rates. We have reduced taxes so families and small businesses can keep more of what they earn.

We have strengthened law and order by banning gang patches in public places, introducing tougher sentences, and putting more Police on the beat. Nationwide, this has contributed to 38,000 fewer victims of violent crime and an 85 per cent reduction in ram raids. That makes a difference for local retailers in places like Takapuna, Devonport, and Milford, and for families who simply want to feel safe.

In education, we have restored a focus on the fundamentals. Schools are now required to provide an hour a day of reading, writing and maths. Mobile phones have been banned in classrooms, and new open-plan classrooms have been stopped. As a result, 58 per cent of new entrants are now meeting expectations in reading, up from 36 per cent in term one 2025.

After two years of fixing the basics, the country is beginning to turn a corner. But there is more to do.

As the local MP for the North Shore, my focus now is on building the future – growing the economy so local businesses can expand and create jobs, delivering the infrastructure Auckland needs to ease congestion, ensuring young people gain strong qualifications, and strengthening financial security for retirement.

National has a clear plan to keep New Zealand moving forward, so North Shore families can get ahead.