There’s a famous line from Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign that still rings true: “It’s the economy, stupid”. The message was simple then and it’s just as relevant now. For families and businesses, nothing matters more than jobs, wages and the cost of living, especially after the tough few years we’ve all been through.

The good news is that 2026 is shaping up to be a much better year for our economy.

The economy is expected to grow by just over 2%, wages are set to rise a little faster than that, prices are easing back toward normal levels, and more people are likely to find work.

These are all encouraging signals, but we know that statistics alone don’t make life easier. What really matters is whether people feel that progress in their own homes, pay packets, and businesses.

That’s why our focus this year is simple: making sure the recovery is real, practical, and genuinely felt in everyday life. We want all North Shore families and businesses to see and feel the difference of a National-led government.

When Labour says they “have your back” on the economy, it’s worth remembering what they left behind:

• Public debt more than doubled to $155 billion
• Inflation hit a more than 30-year high of 7.3%
• One of the largest budget deficits, as a share of the economy, in the developed world, and
• An over-reliance on government as the source of truth and prosperity..

National has a different view. We know it’s people and businesses who create economic growth, not politicians. We know that when the government focuses on the basics and gets out of the way, communities are stronger, wages rise and opportunities grow.

That’s what we’re about; fixing the basics and building our future together!

On a personal note, I’m proud to share that I’ve been confirmed as National’s candidate for our great electorate of Northcote. I’ve loved serving our community and I’m looking forward to the campaign ahead of election day on 7 November to secure our community's support for another term.

I look forward to a positive year ahead fighting for our community and country!

See you out in our community sometime soon!

Dan Bidois
MP for Northcote

Email: dan.bidois@parliament.govt.nz

Phone: 09 481 1089 

Facebook: @danbidoismp