Tag: Simeon Brown
Brown: National’s getting New Zealand back on track
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
This week marks one year since National formed a new Government alongside our coalition partners ACT...
Brown vs Brown battle over Eastern Busway funding
The Government Minister overseeing delivery of east Auckland’s largest transport infrastructure project says he has no doubt it will be completed on time.
The Eastern...
Increased police presence on public transport
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
The recent horrific attack on a bus passenger in Onehunga that tragically took the life of...
Former National deputy leader Nikki Kaye dies
Politicians are paying tribute to former National Party deputy leader Nikki Kaye, who has died after a battle with cancer.
The former MP for Auckland...
Website labels Pakuranga Plaza “worst” mall in Auckland
At this point you almost have to feel sorry for Pakuranga Plaza.
The Times has reported extensively this year on the Plaza’s ongoing struggles as its...
Driver safety screens fitted to buses
Auckland’s bus drivers will be increasingly safe and secure as the rollout of bus driver safety screens accelerates thanks to funding confirmed by Auckland...
No arrests three months on from fatal shooting
Police are staying tight-lipped about an ongoing homicide investigation launched when an east Auckland man was tragically gunned down three months ago.
Tuipulotu Vi, 59,...
$786m spent on traffic management, road cones
Transport Minister and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown says the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an “eyewatering” $786 million on road cones and...
New Botany bus station and road opens
One more job on the long list of them making up the giant Eastern Busway transport project can be ticked off, with the opening...
Parliament suspended following haka by Te Pati Māori MPs
There were wild scenes in Parliament today as Te Pati Māori MPs interrupted proceedings to perform a haka in front of ACT MPs including...
Rail network rebuild will impact passengers
Transport Minister and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown says the Government has confirmed a programme of upgrades to Auckland’s rail network that will complete the...
Targeted actions to improve road safety
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
The Government recently released targeted actions to improve road safety that are focused on increasing road...
Concerns voiced over 87-unit housing development
Local residents have voiced strong concerns about a contentious east Auckland housing development at a public meeting on the issue.
Several hundred people turned out...
Fifty-four heavy trucks, zero diesel fumes
Electric trucks in the fleet of East Tamaki-based Waste Management New Zealand have covered a distance the equivalent of five times from Earth to...
Suspect in fatal stabbing charged with murder
Police have charged a man with murder following a fatal stabbing on an Auckland bus on Wednesday.
A female passenger was stabbed multiple times while...
Opposition building to housing development
East Auckland residents are being urged to submit feedback on a proposed residential housing development that will see 87 units built on a site...
More moves to reduce licence test wait times
The Government is taking “further action” to tackle what it says is the “unacceptable wait times” people face trying to sit their driver licence...
Fast-track transport projects connect to east Auckland
Two major transport projects directly connected to east Auckland have been announced in the Government’s fast-track consenting for 29 “critical” road, rail, and port...
Q&A with Pene Frost of Stand Tū Māia
There’s huge respect for her commitment to improve the lives of children.
What was your recent recognition by Stand Tū Māia for?
I was honoured by...
MP slams proposal to increase size of Howick Local Board
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown is publicly criticising the Howick Local Board for proposing to increase its size from its current nine elected members to...
Business audience hears of need for fiscal constraint
By Business East Tamaki general manager Ruth White
We had a full house for our recent networking breakfast with Simeon Brown, the Minister for...
Tougher sentences to improve transport safety
Pakuranga MP and Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith have announced the Government is introducing a new aggravating factor for offences...
MP thriving under pressure in Cabinet
Simeon Brown may be one of the busiest politicians in New Zealand.
When the National Party was elected to Government at last year’s general election,...
Local government must do better
By Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister and MP for Botany
Some of you might have seen reports on the speech I gave at the Local Government New...
Getting transport back on track in Auckland
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
A record $8.4 billion for transport investment in Auckland - part of the record $32.9b 2024-27...
Government to crack down on potholes, cycleways
Two major public transport projects in east Auckland will be progressed as part of the coalition Government’s 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).
The Eastern...
We’re acting on Māori wards and roadside drug testing
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
The Government has delivered on one of our key promises to New Zealanders by restoring the...
School unveils $500,000 sunshade
An east Auckland school’s energetic young pupils can now play outdoors in rain, hail or shine.
Pakuranga Heights School unveiled its new sunshade, and a...
UPDATED – Fatal shooting victim’s employer “devastated”
News media have named the victim of a fatal shooting in Pakuranga Heights yesterday morning, August 19, as Saia Kokohu Vi.
The Tongan grandfather was...
Transport Minister takes aim at drunk and drugged drivers
Drunk drivers and drugged drivers will be heavily targeted to improve road safety by the new $1.3 billon Road Policing Investment Programme RPIP (2024-2027)...
“Time-of-use” charges coming to New Zealand’s roads
The Government plans to introduce legislation to enable time-of-use schemes to be developed to reduce travel times on the country’s busiest roads and boost...
Government empowers communities to vote on Māori wards
Local Government Minister and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown says the coalition Government has delivered on one of its key promises to New Zealanders by...
Simeon Brown to address Business East Tamaki members
The Times is partnering with members of our local business community to give them a platform to communicate with our readers about matters of...
Signing on – Brown backing ‘crash not’ plan
New signs will help ensure motorists brake rather than break the law, Pakuranga MP and Minister of Transport Simeon Brown expects.
“The roll-out of speed...
Transport Minister declares war on road cones
The Government is taking action to reduce expenditure on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM) while maintaining the safety of workers and road users, Transport Minister and Pakuranga...
Transport Minister “horrified” by bus assault
Pakuranga MP and Transport Minister Simeon Brown has publicly expressed concern over an assault that took place on a bus in his electorate and...
No sign East Care’s overnight service will reopen
There’s no sign yet the coalition Government plans to restore funding for what was east Auckland’s only overnight medical service.
The 11pm-7am service provided by...
Auckland regional fuel tax axed on July 1
The price of fuel around New Zealand may still be causing Kiwis financial pain but in Auckland it will be dropping slightly from tomorrow,...
Pakuranga Road’s 60km/h speed limit to be reinstated
East Auckland’s busiest road is to have its previous 60km/h speed limit reinstated.
And it will happen before July 1 next year.
Pakuranga MP and Transport...
Government to reverse blanket speed limit reductions
The coalition Government will reverse Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions by July 1 next year through a new Land Transport Rule released for public...
Government investing $2.07b in ‘pothole prevention’
Transport Minister Simeon Brown says the coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to boost funding for pothole prevention.
Indicative funding levels have been confirmed...
‘Investing in transport infrastructure is critical’
Pakuranga MP and Transport Minister Simeon Brown says $2.68 billion from Budget 2024 is going toward the country’s roads, rail, and public transport.
It will...
Government to roll out roadside drug testing
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
Later this year, the coalition Government will introduce and pass legislation to implement roadside drug testing,...
Christopher Luxon reflects on his first six months as PM
National Party leader and Botany MP Christopher Luxon campaigned during last year’s general election on the message 'Get NZ Back on Track'. Almost six...
Replacement on the way for stolen plaque
A plaque recently stolen from an east Auckland reserve is set to be replaced.
The bronze plaque was fixed to a low brick plinth in...
Eastern Busway’s final stage facing major financial hurdle
The final stage of the Eastern Busway has a large hurdle to overcome with Auckland Council not including funding for it in its recently...
Stoners beware – new law will enable roadside drug testing
East Auckland locals who take drugs before getting behind the wheel should rethink that dangerous habit.
Pakuranga MP and Transport Minister Simeon Brown has revealed...
Board concerned over speed of Fast-Track Approvals Bill
The Howick Local Board is concerned at the speed with which the Government is moving its Fast-Track Approvals Bill through Parliament.
The Bill will enable...
Lifeguard, coastguard get $63.6m from Budget 2024
Howick Coastguard received a visit from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Transport Minister Simeon Brown for the announcement of a cash injection for lifeguards...
Transport Minister reveals Roads of Regional Significance
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown has made a major announcement this morning in his role as Transport Minister.
Brown says the coalition Government is launching ‘Roads...
Water rates set to increase by 7.2 per cent
Aucklanders will avoid a staggering 25.8 per cent water rates rise due to the coalition Government implementing its Local Water Done Well policy.
The model,...
Luxon pledges to donate pay rise to charity
Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon says he’ll donate his $50,000 pay increase to charity after the Remuneration Authority decided the amount MPs...
School at ‘breaking point’ due to growing roll
An east Auckland school’s roll is growing so rapidly that its board of trustees has been forced to spend $1.5 million building two extra...
MP aims to find solutions for traffic gridlock due to road...
Pakuranga MP and Transport Minister Simeon Brown is working at pace to find a solution for traffic gridlock in his local community stemming from...
Appeal for return of stolen Howick 175 plaque
Whoever has possession of a plaque installed as part of Howick’s 175th anniversary celebrations is being asked to return it after it was allegedly...
Road closure for flyover construction leads to gridlock
Construction of a key part of the Eastern Busway public transport project that's intended to improve traffic flow appears to be causing major headaches...
Mystery over missing Howick 175th commemoration plaque
A plaque installed as part of Howick’s 175th anniversary commemorations has seemingly gone missing.
It was unveiled by Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon...
Motorists set to be squeezed by rising fuel prices
The coalition Government plans to increase fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees, despite having campaigned last year on tackling the cost of living crisis.
Transport...
Head-turning classics draw thousands
The odd downpour failed to deter people of all ages from turning out for the eighth annual Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show.
Staged...
Eastern Busway progressing as new section opens
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has officially opened a new section of the Eastern Busway in the heart of his own east Auckland electorate.
Brown, the...
Police appeal for information over unsolved burglaries
Police have been unable to identify the thieves who broke into a group of east Auckland businesses more than a year ago.
Five stores at...
Three Waters is gone – it’s time for Local Water Done...
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
Last week, the National Government passed legislation to formally repeal Labour's disastrous Three Waters legislation, their...
Lower speed limits will make city ‘grind to standstill’
A firmer commitment to traffic speed limit enforcement in east Auckland, including the use of speed cameras and fines, is being called for in...
Government pulls plug on Three Waters legislation
The Coalition Government's legislative plan to address longstanding issues with local water infrastructure and service delivery took a big step today with the repeal...
Government axing regional fuel tax
Motorists in Auckland will soon enjoy lower petrol and diesel prices.
The coalition Government announced on February 8 that it’s axing the controversial Auckland Regional...
Education a focus as school year begins
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
During last year's election campaign National made it clear that we would make improving educational outcomes...
Youth council voting move scrapped
Local Government Minister and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown has announced the coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Labour Government’s plan to lower...
A busy start to the new year!
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
I wanted to start my first column in 2024 by wishing you all a Happy New...
Road-user charges exemption ending for EVs and plug-in hybrids
People who drive light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids will start paying road-user charges (RUC) for them from April 1.
Transport Minister and Pakuranga...
Public transport fares set to rise
The amount of money public transport users pay to get around the city is about to increase.
Auckland Transport (AT) says it reviews its fares...
‘We will bring discipline back’
By Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister and MP for Botany
The new coalition Government has been in office for a few weeks, and the previous...
National’s 100-day action plan delivers change
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
A couple of weeks ago, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon outlined the National-led government's priorities for our...
Howick Santa Parade draws the crowds
The 70th Howick Santa Parade was a remarkable success, drawing unprecedented crowds to the Howick main street.
This year's parade, a significant milestone, was met...
Police Minister sets clear expectations on law and order
The numerous east Aucklanders who have been the victim of crime in recent years will be hoping the new Police Minister's letter of expectations...
Government to change speed limit rules
The Government is amending speed limit rules as part of its commitment to stop blanket speed limit reductions.
Pakuranga MP and Transport Minister Simeon Brown...
Raised crossing proposed due to ‘high crash risk’
Another of east Auckland's busiest roads may soon get a raised pedestrian crossing in an ongoing effort to slow traffic down and prevent crashes.
As...
Speculation over deputy PM role as coalition negotiations wind down
New Zealanders should this week learn the make-up of the country’s next Government including who will serve in what role around the Cabinet table.
National...
Simeon Brown – ‘How I can help as your local MP’
By Simeon Brown, MP for Pakuranga and National Party Spokesperson for Transport, Public Services and Auckland
With the election now over and the final...
Waugh bids farewell after nearly 30 years
Last year PM-elect Christopher Luxon described local personality Rev Dr Richard Waugh as “Quite possibly the most interesting man in New Zealand”. Richard and...
Thank you for your support, Pakuranga!
By Simeon Brown, MP for Pakuranga
It has been a few weeks now since New Zealanders voted for change and asked a National-led government...
Hella’s illuminating history
Pakuranga-based Hella New Zealand is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the automotive and marine lighting industry.
Since founding in 1973, Hella New Zealand has focused...
School questioned over preferred pronoun policy
A lobby group that fights for people's right to speak their mind is asking questions of an east Auckland school about its policy on...
‘We’re really proud of the campaign we’ve run’
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown has ensured east Auckland's political map remains a very strong shade of blue by being returned to Parliament at this...
Fire-damaged public housing development on track
Construction of a controversial public housing complex in east Auckland that was damaged in a fire is going ahead, but its completion will be...
National set to govern as Luxon delivers political miracle
Christopher Luxon will become New Zealand’s next prime minister after pulling off a stunning defeat of the Labour Party just three years after he...
‘We have a massive job ahead of us’
In less than a week Simeon Brown should find out if he's going from being an Opposition MP to a Cabinet minister in the...
‘Crime must have real consequences’
A National Government will introduce tougher penalties for crime and make the justice system put victims’ interests ahead of those of offenders, the party's...
Bus services may increase as ferries cut back
Commuters impacted by the reduction in east Auckland ferry services may soon be able to take advantage of another public transport option.
As the Times recently...
National calls for “age-appropriate” sex education in schools
The National Party believes teaching sex education to children is primarily the responsibility of parents.
Party leader and Botany MP Christopher Luxon expressed his party's...
National to scrap blanket road speed reductions
A National Government will undo Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions, returning many state highways to a top speed of 100km/h.
The party's transport spokesperson, Pakuranga...
‘The most important election in my lifetime’
They arrived ready to enthusiastically back their local MP for another three-year term in Parliament and left carrying letters to deliver to voters.
More than...
Labour candidate focusing on cost-of-living message
As a busy mum-of-three working multiple jobs, Nerissa Henry is well placed to know how the cost-of-living crisis is impacting thousands of Kiwis.
The east...
General election candidates and voting locations revealed
The list of candidates standing in east Auckland’s two electorates at this year’s general election has been publicly released.
Twelve candidates have put their names...
Brown and Seymour to speak at Grey Power public meeting
Two senior centre-right politicians are set to stump for votes at a public meeting in east Auckland.
Grey Power Howick Pakuranga and Districts Association president...
Election candidate supports taxation bonfire
One of the local candidates standing in this year's general election wants to see all existing taxes scrapped in favour of a 0.1 per...
‘I’ve met parents skipping meals because they can’t afford food’
“If you want a guaranteed change of Government, do not muck around, you need to make sure you party vote National.”
That was the clear...
Candidates competing for party votes and seats in Parliament
With less than two months until this year's general election, Kiwis are being urged to enrol to vote so they can make their voices...
Anger over removal of large trees to make way for Eastern...
One part of east Auckland is looking a little less green after numerous tall trees were chopped down to make way for the Eastern...
Crime under the spotlight as election looms
Concerns over New Zealand's growing lawlessness drew several hundred people to a public meeting to hear what the National Party would do to reduce...
National launches its $24b election transport policy
The National Party's $24 billion 'Transport for the Future' infrastructure policy includes fully funding the Eastern Busway project and the construction of new major...
