One of the best things about being an MP based in Christchurch is keeping in touch with our communities.

As National completes its first year in office, it’s a great opportunity to take a step back and see how we’re doing. Part of this was surveying residents in north eastern Christchurch on the important issues of the recession, education and health.

The responses I’ve received show support for Government positions so far. 62 per cent of respondents believe the National-led Government is delivering on its promises. This is because National is focused on what matters to New Zealanders: jobs and growth, reforms to health, lifting education standards and making our streets safer.

55 per cent of respondents believe the Government is doing enough to help New Zealand through the recession.

We’re continuing to roll-out initiatives for jobs and growth that protect New Zealand from the sharpest edges of the economic downturn and prepare for future growth.

More than 83 per cent of people said their experience with our health system had been mostly good or great.

I’m proud of that statistic. National has made health reform a top priority. We remain committed to reducing hospital waiting lists, providing better frontline care for patients, and giving doctors and nurses more say over how the health system is run.

Education is as important to the electorate, as it is to me as a parent of two kids. 61 per cent of respondents believe that more could be spent on education. I’m delighted that Budget 2009 included $10.8 billion for Vote Education – the highest level of spending in education ever.

National is dedicated to providing all children with the opportunities and tools they need to fulfil their potential. The community has been particularly interested in building a new high school in north east Christchurch. The population in this area is young and growing, and this issue needs to be addressed.

I’m always keen to hear your views or concerns. Feel free to email me at aaron.gilmore@national.org.nz or ring on 03 382 5701, or pop into my office in New Brighton for a chat.