There is a busy period ahead of us as our University-based Members finish their first semester exams, freeing up some time

for some much overdue house-keeping. This includes a chance for revisiting our policy priorities on Saturday June 23 along with celebrating the first half of the year with a VRWC BBQ, and also our pizza-themed* Special General Meeting on Wednesday June 27. The only thing on peoples minds this week appears to be the Mixed Ownership Model legislation currently passing through the House. While the opposition seems hell bent on fighting to the death on this, our own MPs have been giving as good as they get. See especially contributions from Clutha Southlands Hon Bill English, and our recent guest Hon Tony Ryall. Ultimately this is an issue which many New Zealanders are actually ambivalent about. The support of the Government mandate is evidenced clearly by the result of an election fought almost exclusively on this single issue. And while I would never advocate this, the potential packaging of Mighty River shares in handy $1,000 course-related-costs-sized parcels should be a good temptation for many sensible students out there. *Theme limited to the provision of free pizza, although dressing up as your favourite flavor is not discouraged.

Revisiting Policy Priorities and a Conspiritorial BBQ

On June 23 well be revisiting our current policy priorities at our Policy Day & VRWC BBQ. In light of the announcements first by the Prime Minister regarding funding of youth mental health services, and second by the Northern Region of their support for increasing equality for same-sex couples, we need to reconsider some further policy priorities given these two are likely to be fulfilled.

DISCLAIMER: Presence of Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key not guaranteed.

Youre welcome to join us at 847 George Street, Dunedin, from 2:30pm for some complimentary BBQ, just bring a plate, your own beverages, and a good keen mind.

A Very Special General Meeting

On Wednesday June 27 at 6:00pm well be holding our first Special General Meeting of the year. The main intention of this meeting is to confirm delegates to the Young Nationals Conference and Annual National Party Conference in July, and to confirm nominations for the Young Nationals National Executive elections held during the AGM portion of the July Conference. If youd still like to register for either of these, you can do so on the MyNational, and YNC registration pages. Also at this meeting I intend to put forward a half-yearly review of the organisation, with some proposed changes in order to refocus the Executive for the remainder of the year. The agenda, review document and relevant appendices are attached to this email, or alternatively they can be obtained by emailing me at james.meager@national.org.nz.

Breakfast with Hon Hekia Parata

Were fortunate to have the Hon Hekia Parata in Dunedin on Saturday June 30 for an exclusive breakfast with the Young Nats. Seats for this are limited to 15, so if you havent already RSVPd in the Facebook event (accessible only by Members of the YNSR Facebook Group, you may apply to join).

If you have any specific topics of conversation youd like us to address, please email me by 5pm Friday to ensure we cover as many of your requests as possible in the limited time period available.

OCTACAN
OCTACAN, the Annual Mid-Winter food bank canned food drive, run by Presbyterian Support Otago, finally takes place tomorrow, Thursday 21 June at the Octagan in Dunedin. You can help by bringing cans of food or other packet goods to the Octagon between 7:30am and 3:00pm. If you dont have anything on you, the Octagon Night N Day will be selling canned goods for $1 per can to donate. Please do whatever you can to support this fantastic cause.

Virtual Tipping
Those of us who survived the Irish scare last Saturday will be looking forward to the resumption of the Super Rugby following this weeks third test match in Hamilton. Until then its the NRL as Steveman is now desperately clinging on to a slim lead by virtue of points differential over the Southern team.

Cheers, James Meager Chair Young Nationals Southern Region

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