I’m down in Parliament today as we debate the budget. I reckon we’ve put together an excellent package, appropriate for the times. It strikes a balance between fiscal responsibility and continuing to target money where it’s needed most.

What a start to the year. The petty considerations of politics have gone out the window with the cataclysmic events in Christchurch.

Budget day is always the biggest day of the parliamentary year and yesterday was no exception.

There’s been extensive coverage over the past week over the Government affirming the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. I know there are a range of views on this subject, and I am listening to the feedback from the electorate.

In the age of the 10 month rugby season, you could be excused if you’re struggling to muster enthusiasm for the professional game.

If there’s one thing people care about, it is quality healthcare provision. Having worked as a doctor both in New Zealand and overseas, I’m very aware of the challenges our health system faces.

I don’t know about you, but it’s pretty frustrating to see yet more road works starting up at the lower end of Onewa Rd, and getting caught up yet again in mounting traffic queues coming out of Queen St trying to access the Harbour Bridge… just when the situation seemed to have improved.

Last week I was called by one of the Sunday newspapers to list my top ten NZ beaches, as Associate Minister of Tourism.