JONATHAN COLEMAN MP for Northcote

The departure of the last Kiwi soldier last week from Bamyan, Afghanistan marked the end of a decade of remarkable Kiwi effort in the province. Much has been written on the legacy that we leave behind, and the tragic losses that New Zealand suffered in the province. Kiwis can be justifiably proud of the gains we have made in security, education, health, agriculture and basic infrastructure. We can also be extremely proud of the efforts of our people in Defence, Police, and the civil service. They have represented the country extremely well.

Less has been written about the bonds that have grown between the Kiwis who served there and the people of Bamyan.  A key theme running through the discussions held  around the  recent flag lowering ceremony at Kiwibase was the high esteem in which the New Zealanders were held by the local people. Provincial Governor Habiba Sarabi talked about it extensively: the fact that for a decade Kiwis had engaged with local people and respected their culture was identified as crucial to our success in the province. The New Zealanders were seen as friends by the overwhelming majority of the Bamyan population.
Consequently the partnership between locals and the PRT ensured a generally secure environment that nutured successful development projects.

This classic "hearts and minds" approach is something that is essential to any successful counterinsurgency. Yet for Kiwis it's not something contrived but rather it comes naturally (even if we say so ourselves).  I witnessed multiple everyday examples of this on my recent visit: a soldier chatting to farmers in Dari, the local tongue; the easy interchange between Kiwis and local kids, and the strong bond between our troops and the Afghan interpreters.

Our people in Afghanistan couldn't have done their work without the efforts of those local interpreters and they were an integral and loyal part of our efforts. When I first went to Bamyan a year ago I met with the PRT interpreters at their request. They feared for their safety as they had been in meetings between the PRT and Taleban and been photographed and threatened by insurgents. They requested resettlement in New Zealand when the PRT left.

Bamyan is safe by Afghan standards and the local insurgent networks have been smashed. Governor Sarabi and her security chiefs all stated that they were happy with the state of security and the capacity of local forces to maintain it. However it is impossible to prove a negative ie that there isn't some level of justification for the stated fears of the interpreters. There was also the issue of fairness and acknowledging that our work would have been impossible without their efforts.  On balance I believe that resettlement for the 30 interpreters and their 65 immediate dependents is the right thing to do.

Bamyan is a beautiful province with a terrible history. From Kiwibase you can clearly see The City of Screams, a mountain citadel where Genghis Khan slaughtered a whole city. Looming large over the town are the remains of the Buddhas that the Taliban destroyed only just over a decade ago. It's the mix of spectacular landscape, bloody history and the resilience of the people that makes a lasting impact on any visitor.

It's one of those places that puts first world problems into perspective.  The sight of a group of Afghan kids dressed in rags, laughing and happy to see the Kiwi soldiers; the joy on a child's face as he was given a simple black NZDF baseball cap. Bamyan, Afghanistan is a place no visitor could ever forget.

Government is about having a clear plan and delivering an agenda. We've been very clear about our priorities - returning to surplus, growing the economy, rebuilding Christchurch and delivering better public services.

It's important for New Zealand's long term future that we don't deviate from those priorities. Some of the choices are tough and won't be popular with everyone (Christchurch Schools) but I believe we are taking the right decisions to build the long term resilience of our economy and to deliver the services that the public needs. In the wider international context New Zealand is doing well - growth this year is forecast to be greater than in the Eurozone, the U.S., Canada and Japan.

If you've got time it's worth looking at the Business Growth Agenda documents on the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment website. In the back of each document is a list of the measures we've taken across six areas critical to growing the economy. It's a great list to show anyone who claims there hasn't been action by the Government on the economy.

Around and About

On a personal note I was very pleased to get a call from John Key to tell me I was being promoted to the front bench at number 10 in our line up.  I genuinely hadn't been expecting it as I didn't think the cabinet reshuffle would be as extensive as it was.

My political year started with my annual "State of the Nation" address at Birkenhead Rotary.  A couple of weeks later I attended the opening of the new Beach Haven wharf and ferry service with the Prime Minister.  Big crowds turned out and there was a throng of kids wanting photos with the PM - maybe a better indicator than any political poll of how we're going!

We had a National Party stall at Chinese New Year at Northcote Town Centre and I spoke during the official proceedings.  As usual a hugely successful community celebration.

The electorate office has been busy with constituent cases and there are plenty of local issues to attend to.

I'm currently in Brussels for the Afghanistan Coalition (International Security Assistance Force) Defence Ministers’ meeting where I will be discussing New Zealand's on-going contribution as part of the international community’s collective security efforts in Afghanistan.

On my return I'm booked to visit secondary schools in the electorate, encouraging students to apply for this year’s Youth Parliament.

So there's plenty on between parliament, the local electorate and Ministerial business!

The festive season is here and no doubt everyone is scrambling to tie off the obligations of the working year before heading off for a well-earned break with family and friends.

Firstly I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me in 2012, and wish you all the best for a Happy Christmas. I’ve found the year especially busy with new portfolios in Defence, State Services and Associate Finance, but it’s also been incredibly stimulating. There have been major policy developments in all three, as well as a number of overseas engagements in Defence.

As a Government I believe we’re finishing our fourth year in office with New Zealand in a strong position for the future. It’s no secret that we’ve focussed on responsible management of the economy. Although times are tough globally, New Zealand’s books are in good shape and the economy is growing at a faster rate than most western nations. There are many countries who would look enviously at our overall national financial position.

That’s not to say that we’re not aware of the challenges we must meet over the next two years. Tackling unemployment is right at the top of our priority list, and we know that it’s not easy for people.

Personally I’ve found the year exceptionally memorable professionally. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed contact on a regular basis with our armed forces personnel and enjoyed spending time with our people in Afghanistan, the Sinai, as well as here in New Zealand. Another highlight was accompanying veterans to the commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein. Signing the Washington Declaration with U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and then hosting him in Auckland will live long in the memory.

The toughest time was the loss of 5 New Zealand Defence Force personnel in Afghanistan over a two week period, and visiting the families in the immediate aftermath. I cannot speak highly enough of defence force personnel, the risks they face and the sacrifices that they have made in our name.

The core work of a Member of Parliament though is back in the electorate and I gain an enormous amount of satisfaction from representing the Northcote electorate (which of course includes Northcote, Birkenhead, Beach Haven, Birkdale, Hillcrest and most of Glenfield) in our parliament. You would not find a better place to live in New Zealand and I’m incredibly proud of our local community. It’s certainly a great tonic getting that first view of the electorate as you drive on to the Harbour Bridge after a week in Wellington, and getting back into local life for a few days.

We’ve got a great local vibe and that was exemplified on Sunday at the annual Birkenhead Santa parade. It was perfect weather and I reckon we had the biggest crowd ever. Hats off to Birkenhead Rotary for a sterling effort; the whole event reinforced for everyone there what a great community we live in.

So, as the year draws to a close, I thank you for your support in 2012, and wish you a very Happy Christmas, a great break, and all the best for the New Year.