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Barbara's Beat No. 25
Letitia Buckle 
September 05, 2023
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TO THE HUSTINGS WE GO...
My grandchildren might like the fact that I’m about to quote singer-songwriter and global pop star Billie Eilish — “We have to vote like our lives and the world, depend on it, because they do. The only way to be certain of the future is to make it ourselves.”
As the 53rd Parliament comes to an end on August 31, all MPs and candidates will be in full campaign mode as we head toward October 14.
Barbara's Beat No. 24
Barbara Kuriger July 27, 2023
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POLICIES OUR ROADMAP OUT OF CRISIS
Former First Lady Michelle Obama once said: “Voting is the only way to ensure that your concerns matter.”
And that’s just how I’d like to see voters tackle Election 2023.
Voting on policies that address people’s concerns rather than identities.
As I write this National has already announced numerous policies and key priorities. More are to come.
Be careful what you vote for
Barbara Kuriger July 27, 2023
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What’s important at your place right now?
Fixing the infrastructure deficit
Barbara Kuriger July 21, 2023
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High quality, modern, resilient infrastructure is the foundation of a successful economy.
We rely on it to enhance our lives and boost productivity, which in turn drives economic growth. But right now New Zealand has a gaping deficit.
The infrastructure momentum of the last National Government was stopped short in 2017.
Restoring order to the law
Barbara Kuriger July 21, 2023
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New Zealand used to be a country where people couldn’t find the house keys when they went on holiday.
It’s a far cry from the world we live in today.
Instead we are experiencing record levels of violent crime up to 33% in five years, with little to no consequences it seems, for the culprits.
National recommits to third medical school
Barbara Kuriger July 10, 2023
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Establishing a third medical school at the University of Waikato is a practical remedy toward easing New Zealand’s shortage of doctors says Taranaki-King Country MP, Barbara Kuriger.
“It should have started five years ago as National planned to do when we were last in office. We could have been realising the benefits a lot earlier.
Farmers welcome ag plans
Barbara Kuriger July 10, 2023
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National’s plans to meet climate targets and unlock bans on technology to help meet them were welcomed by Rural NZ at Fieldays 2023.
Catching up with some of the 105,000 visitors to this year’s 55th event was proof positive that the path to reducing ag emissions and reach climate goals, without closing down NZ’s biggest export earning sector, is the right one.
Barbara's Beat No. 23
Barbara Kuriger June 30, 2023
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POSITIVE MOOD AT FIELDAYS 2023
It was great to attend a mostly sunny and warm 55th National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek last month.
It was also brilliant to have it back in its normal June time slot.
Barbara's Beat No. 22
Barbara Kuriger May 30, 2023
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THE PRICE OF JUST LIVING
Peace of mind is in short supply right now.
Recent media reports suggest that 1 in 2 New Zealanders are worrying about money on a daily basis — a deplorable statistic for a country which once had a world-class standard of living.
But it’s not surprising given the ever-spiralling cost of just living right now.
Annual food prices have risen by 12.5%, with fruit and vegetables the biggest drivers, up 22%.
Economic powerhouse to go on show
Barbara Kuriger May 18, 2023
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THE importance of New Zealand’s economic powerhouse is due to go on show once again.
The 55th National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek from June 14-17 is a timely reminder to us all that we are a nation which makes its living by producing food and selling it to the world.