Community spirit inspiring

Ian McKelvie , Photo/File

As we head towards Christmas, it's always timely to reflect on our achievements over the past year and look ahead.

It's been a busy year. I have especially enjoyed getting out and about in this large and diverse electorate.

There are so many resourceful and clever people, and the sense of community spirit is inspiring.

School is out for the summer. We have a wealth of academic and sporting talent in our region, which has been celebrated at the many prize-giving and award ceremonies.

I have certainly enjoyed visiting schools and early childhood centres.

I was fortunate to attend the Rongotea and Marton Christmas parades.

Rongotea put on a great show that was strongly supported. Marton's drew a good crowd too, and featured some great floats that had been entered by town's schools and pre-schools.

Recently, I also attended a Grey Power meeting in Marton, which was enjoyable and informative. It gave me a real insight into what the issues affecting our senior community are.

I have also thoroughly enjoyed my time in Wellington this year, and in particular my roles on the primary production, law and order and regulations' review select committees.

The many passionate debates in the House and being able to catch up with visitors to Parliament who have made the trip down from the Rangitikei were also highlights.

Of course, National too has had a busy year. It's all been about getting on with the job of taking New Zealand forward.

As the economy grows, we are seeing new jobs being created, and unemployment falling. New Zealand is now among the top handful of countries for growth in the developed world.

Inflation is at record lows. So are mortgage interest rates. The Government is on track to surplus.

We can certainly reflect on 2013 being a productive growth year. For those of us living in the Rangitikei, which represents heartland rural and provincial New Zealand at its best, we can also reflect on the vital part our region plays in the nation's economy.

I'm looking forward to another busy year as we focus on the issues that matter to the Rangitikei, and to all New Zealanders - a stronger economy and more jobs, better frontline health and education services and a safer New Zealand.

One last thing - It's a privilege to be your Member of Parliament representing this fantastic part of the world and I'm looking forward to what promises to be a busy 2014.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and my best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

My offices in Feilding, Marton and Taumarunui will close for the Christmas break on Friday, December 20, and reopen on Monday, February 3, 2014.

If you require urgent assistance during this time please phone 06 323 7253 and leave a message.