As I drafted this newsletter late on Wednesday evening I had just watched two contrasting bills from two Southern MPs meet two contrasting ends. Congratulations to Michael Woodhouse on shepherding through his first piece of legislation through the House, and commiserations to Jacqui Dean, whose Easter Trading Bill failed to make it past the first reading after a personal vote was held. The latter example is one which irks me personally, for two reasons. First, how is it that, in a modern society, we are still bound by adherence to archaic laws surrounding religious celebrations. By no means am I suggesting that holidays based on any particular religious denomination should be abolished. I respect the history of our nation and the importance these holidays hold for some. But what I do object to is the state mandating that, no matter how much I desire to do so, I am barred from engaging in commerce on those days. Especially when any proposed changes come with compensation in the form of increased pay and days in lieu to workers who do work. Second, I fail to see the value of personal (or conscience) votes on this particular issue. It is not a highly contentious moral issue, and for once I would have liked to have seen the Party back our MPs who are representing the views of local retailers, local business, and the local citizenry. This certainly should have been voted on along party lines, at least to select committee, at least to give it a chance. But in any case, good on Jacqui for trying, and I’m sure it won’t be long before we see the issue appear before the House again, especially given the concerns of Members that the current laws are a “dog’s breakfast”.

With Deepest Sympathy We’re all shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Alexandra Shiels earlier this week. Alexandra is the sister of one our hardest working and youngest members Tim, and a talented young woman in her own right who will be missed by many. Our thoughts and wishes go out to Tim and his family at this time.

Breakfast with Hon Hekia Parata We’re lucky to be able to have the Hon Hekia Parata join us for breakfast this Saturday 30 June. Those who have RSVPd are welcome to join us at Capers at 8:15am that morning, where the Minister has set aside an hour to answer any of our questions.

If you have any further questions for the Minister, please get them to us prior to Friday 4pm.

Special General Meeting Breakdown Yesterday evening we held our first Special General Meeting of the year. The highlights included:

• Appointment of delegates to the NZ Young Nats and National Party Annual Conferences;

• Adoption of the revised Strategic Plan; • Announcement of the intention to hold an Annual General Meeting in September; • A motion to oppose any moves to reduce the age limit on Members to anything

lower than 30 years of age; • Confirmation of upcoming events including trips to Queenstown and Invercargill,

resumption of Monday Quiz Nights, and the commencement of an official Indoor Netball team.

My thanks to those who attended.

OCTACAN OCTACAN, the Annual Mid-Winter food bank canned food drive, run by Presbyterian Support Otago, took place last Thursday 21 June. The Young Nats were proud to be able to help PS Otago with this event, and we were glad to see them break last year’s record by around 1,500 extra items. While we were glad to volunteer our time in assisting with the drive, we also made a $50 contribution of our own to show our commitment to charity and the local community. You can always help by bringing cans of food or other goods to PS Otago foodbank in Moray Place or at any New World store in Dunedin.

Virtual Tipping What a game of rugby this weekend! Super Rugby is back in town, and the local highlight will be the Highlanders taking on the table-topping Chiefs at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. That means tipping is back on, and there’s only a few weeks left to cut down current leader John Brinsley-Pirie.

At the NRL Steveman has regained the lead but it’s still anybody’s race.

Cheers, James Meager Chair Young Nationals Southern Region To unsubscribe from this newsletter please contact southernyoungnats@national.org.nz