My initial thoughts on the Govts decision to pause funding to the Cook Islands are - yes signing the agreement with China was out of step with our free association agreement but urgent face to face dialogue is needed and the timing is odd with the pm being in China.

Crazy weather at Polyfest but the show has gone on. Didn’t realised when I organised for our Labour crew to meet at the Samoan stage that Kelston Boys High was up 1st! Proud local MP. Celebrating 50 years of Polyfest - the biggest Polynesian festival in the world!

What do you want to know?.

The bed levy has come up in our convos with Wayne Brown. We said we are open to looking at it. Disappointing that the govt are expecting more of councils but giving them no funding and are unwilling to consider possible funding solutions.

Kelston boys win over St Kentigerns 32-24! Excellent game. I am a very proud former board of trustees member, parent and local MP!

RT @LabourMaoriNZ: Māori unemployment is 9.1%,🔼from 8.2% when the Nats took office. @WillieJLabour says it confirms this Govt is taking Māo….

Lots of people are feeling like Portia at the moment. There are days when the governments agenda can really get me down but then I remember - I’m here for the fight. Thanks for sharing Portia. Stay proud!.

I was all set to speak on the 1st reading for the govts regulatory systems social security bill but Louise Upston didn’t show up to the house & the two ministers there were oblivious to what was happening. Bill discharged now. The Govt can’t get the basics right. What a shambles.

Congrats to all the amazing New Zealanders recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday honours. As the Labour spokesperson for Pacific peoples, a special shout out to the 9 Pacific peoples recognised. Thank you for your leadership, hardwork & commitment to your areas of expertise:).

A few weeks ago I pointed out there had been an increase of 10000 more people on benefit since Oct 2023. Its now 13000 more. The forecast from budget was for an extra 27000 people on benefit by 2025 but at this rate will it be more? So much for reducing beneficiary numbers.

Proud of this first cousin of mine, Jack Jordan, going for his third timbersports world championship tonight. Hoping for a ‘three-peat’ Lessgo Jack!

Behind the scenes getting ready to farewell friend and colleague Kelvin Davis. An honour to have come in with, then go back out and then come back in again with Kelvin. A man of few words - preferring always to just get on and do the mahi. Go well my friend. #classof08

Today the MPHS trust pulled together some of the West Auckland Whanau impacted, community orgs, services & leaders to reflect on what happened with the Auckland weather event a year ago. It was so incredibly tough and continues to be for many. We will continue to advocate.

Productive & meaningful engagement w Pacific counterparts at 2023 @ForumSec Leaders’ Retreat in 🇨🇰 this week — discussions on how to implement 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent will help guide collective action on climate change, health and security for our region. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽

A very warm welcome to the Cook Islands this afternoon, for the 52nd Pacific Island Leaders’ Retreat. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽🇨🇰🌺

Honoured to have been confirmed as Deputy Leader of @nzlabour today. My thanks to my mate @NgatiBird for his service in this position which I’ve taken on today. Now let’s get to work! 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽

Today I voted with my friends and whānau, for the country I love. 🗳️❤️ #TwoTicksRed #InItForYou

Watched Ryan’s @AMShowNZ interview with Chris Luxon this morning. The question was clear. The answer wasn’t. Will disabled on benefit be better or worse off under National? I can answer that — they will be worse off. $2b would be snatched off beneficiaries to pay for tax cuts.

🧶 2/2: We’re focused on supporting people into work. Not sanctioning them. We’ve prioritised removing harmful sanctions that impact children. The Nat’s outdated strategy of beneficiary bashing to get votes is tired and ineffective. 🙅🏽‍♀️🙅🏽‍♀️🙅🏽‍♀️.

🧶 #THREAD: National’s traffic light sanctions policy will have child poverty reduction stalling at red light.🚦🙅🏽‍♀️ Just like their boot camps policy, their announcement today flies in the face of the evidence and will result in more kids in poverty. 1/2.

Cheeeeehooo - the pre Labour Party campaign launch selfie. Exciting!