Speaking of Easter, it was wonderful to see — after a six year hiatus — the return of the iconic Warbirds Over Wānaka airshow over Easter weekend.
I understand tickets for the air show sold out on Saturday and Sunday for the first time in the show’s 36-year history.
It is estimated that around 65,000 people attended the show over the two days to witness a display of about 80 aircraft.
The show has always attracted large crowds, since it was first started in 1988 by Sir Tim Wallis, and this year’s event can be taken as a great tribute to the man who started it all — who we sadly lost, late last year.
My congratulations to all those hard working organisers and people who toil so hard to put on a such an iconic and world class event on in our region every two years.
I know that one of the greatest concerns for people in Central Otago is the access to better health services in our region.
This has been a constant topic brought to me ever since I put my name forward as candidate for Waitaki more than one year ago.
I can assure you that access to top quality health services in this region it is a priority for both me and my National Party Southland MP colleague Joseph Mooney.
We are both focused on doing what we can to bring this subject to the attention of both Government Ministers and health officials every chance we get.
I was delighted to see such a strong turnout on March 21 at the meeting held in Wanaka to discuss the health issue for the region.
The strong support and passion for better healthcare shown by the community only further helps with pushing our cause and what the issues are.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this meeting.
I could not get away from Parliament, because the house was sitting under urgency at the time.
However, I did convey my apologies to the meeting organisers and had representatives from my office attend on my behalf who kept me updated on what happened.
In fact, on the morning this meeting was held, Queenstown Lake Districts Mayor Glen Lewers and I were actually having discussions with Health Minister Shane Reti in Wellington about our concerns over better health access in Central Otago.
I can assure you I am doing all I can to keep your concerns about health services in our region on the agenda.
— Miles Anderson, MP for Waitaki
