Click here to view the latest Ministerial media releases

Bamyan: An imprint on Kiwi Hearts
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.

Kiwis in Afghanistan to protect gains
OPINION: Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman explains why New Zealand is not leaving Afghanistan. New Zealand has played an important role in the international effort in Afghanistan for well over a decade.

MP zeroes in on Z
Controversial plans for a 24 hour Z service station on busy Onewa Rd are being slammed by Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman.

My vision this year
Last year was intense nationally and locally, with earthquakes, tornadoes, the Rena stranding, the Rugby World Cup win and the general election.

Get on board on the Rugby World Cup
Like many Kiwis I love my rugby and the world cup is a very special time – even more so when it’s all happening on your home patch.

Upgraded defence site will have good security
Birkenhead residents would have welcomed news last week that one of the locals is receiving a long overdue ‘‘home makeover’’.

Intersection solution must be found
Three months ago I wrote about the traffic situation at the intersection of Onewa and Lake roads outside Northcote Primary. Early one morning a young teacher was struck by a car as she crossed from the BP station to the school. Fortunately she recovered fully, but the accident brought into sharp focus the dangers at the intersection.

Tunnel the better option
I’ve always been clear that I prefer a tunnel as the form of the next Waitemata Harbour Crossing and that remains the case.

Keep our kids safe on roads
Walking to school has been a rite of passage for generations of New Zealand kids.  Over the years the local roads have got busier, but thanks to the determination of parents and teachers, huge numbers of children still walk to our local schools.

Our ethnic communities help to build trade links
Last Saturday the Korean Society held their annual Korea Day celebrations at the North Shore Events Centre in the Northcote Electorate. I’ve been to the previous six events, but this year I was in India on New Zealand Government business and sadly was unable to attend.  Korea Day is a great celebration of the contribution of the Korean Community here in Auckland, and of course the heart of that community is right here on the North Shore.

Time for urgent look at transit lane bottleneck
A couple of weekends ago I thought I’d take a ferry from Northcote Point to the Auckland Seafood festival in the viaduct. Yet there were only three ferries running that day- 7.50am, 8.50am and 5.50 pm. Going by ferry just wasn’t a viable option.

The Year in Northcote
As with every year, it’s hard to believe that it’s Christmas already. It’s been a momentous year on a number of levels.

Ride on cycle path leads to questions
It’s been a few years since I’ve been on a bike, but six weeks ago I decided to build cycling into my fitness routine as summer approaches.

Prized city is ours for the making
The results are in, and the new Mayor, council and local boards will be looking to the task ahead of them.

Seize the opportunity to pick best candidates
The supercity is almost upon us. This week the voting papers are being sent out, and we get to cast our votes to elect local board members, Auckland Council members, and the first mayor.

Hard Work Turns Visions in to Reality
I had the privilage over the last week to attend two thought provoking events here on the North Shore.

Go the 'Cote'!
For long term followers of Northcote rugby, Saturday afternoon at North Harbour Stadium was one of the sweetest ever. 

Club Footy Worth a Look
In the age of the 10 month rugby season, you could be excused if you’re struggling to muster enthusiasm for the professional game.

Making the Dollars Go Further in Health
If there’s one thing people care about, it is quality healthcare provision.

Bay Watch in Northcote
There’s a lot of choice, but for me there’s no doubt: Little Shoal Bay, Northcote is my top NZ beach says Northcote MP Dr Jonathan Coleman.

Coleman seeks young person to run the country
Northcote MP Dr Jonathan Coleman has opened the local selection process for Youth Parliament 2010. Young people will be getting their voice heard when they take over New Zealand’s Parliament in July for Youth Parliament 2010, and Northcote needs a representative.

PAK'nSAVE decision a win for the Shore
The go-ahead for Pak'n Save in Wairau Park is great news for people on the North Shore, says Northcote MP Dr Jonathan Coleman.

Nats pledge nationwide police boost
Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman said today that a National Government will commit hundreds new sworn officers to front-line roles by the end of 2010.

Frank Larking's death mourned
Frank Larking was a man who dedicated his life to the community of Beach Haven and his passing will be mourned, says Northcote MP Dr Jonathan Coleman.

PAK'nSAVE debacle a case for RMA reform
Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman says the latest episode in the Wairau PAK’nSAVE Environment Court debacle underscores calls for reform of the Resource Management Act.

Great news for North Shore Hospice
Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman says a National-led Government will give hospices greater certainty of funding.

Crime stats concerning: Coleman
The latest North Shore City crime statistics show how urgently clear and decisive action is needed to make our communities safer , says Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman.

Hundreds kick off Northcote campaign
The Northcote National Party officially launched its 2008 campaign with a record turnout of local supporters at The Wharf (formerly Fisherman’s Wharf) last Saturday. Nearly three hundred people packed out the venue to hear John Key lay out National’s vision for Northcote and New Zealand.

6 years, and less elective surgery at Waitemata DHB
There were fewer operations performed at Waitemata District Health Board hospitals in 2007 than in 2001, says Northcote MP Dr Jonathan Coleman.

Midwife shortage 'alarming': Coleman
Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman says he is alarmed by the growing shortage of midwives in Waitemata DHB.

TVNZ sale claims wrong
National Party Broadcasting spokesman Jonathan Coleman says claims from Labour and Christchurch Polytech Broadcasting School head Paul Norris that National intends selling TVNZ are wrong.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Trev
National Party Broadcasting spokesman Jonathan Coleman is welcoming the Minister’s support for aspects of National’s broadcasting policy which was released yesterday.

Broadcasting policy: Diversity & choice
National Party Broadcasting spokesman Jonathan Coleman has released the party’s broadcasting policy today.

MP seeks boost to kids' participation in sport
Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman has come out strongly behind National’s policy approach to boosting the participation of young Kiwis in sport.

Assurance sought on mental health services safety
Auckland District Health Board needs to move swiftly to reassure the public about the safety of Auckland City Hospital’s Te Whetu Tawera unit, says National Party Associate Health spokesman Jonathan Coleman.

Labour admits Charter failure
"Stripping control of $15 million of direct Charter funding from Television New Zealand is an admission from Labour that the Charter is a failure," says National Party Broadcasting spokesman Jonathan Coleman.

Charter delivers less local content
Labour’s fatally flawed dual mandate for Television New Zealand has been laid bare by figures that show a decrease in the level of local content on state-owned television, contrary to what the charter was designed to achieve, says National’s Broadcasting spokesman, Jonathan Coleman.

Time to consider the future of Kauri Point says Coleman
Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman says the time is right to consider the future of the New Zealand Defence Force land at Kauri Point.

We will remember them
Northcote has a proud tradition of Anzac day commemorations and this year will be no different says local MP Jonathan Coleman.

National's broadband plan great news for Northcote 
John Key’s announcement that a National Government will invest up to $1.5 billion to drive the roll-out of a "fibre to the home" ultra-fast broadband network in New Zealand is great news for his electorate says Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman.

Wind down begins at North Shore Hospital
People on the Shore will already be feeling the impact of the looming doctor’s strike, says Northcote MP Dr Jonathan Coleman.

What's the toll going to be?
National’s Associate Health spokesman and Northcote MP Dr Jonathan Coleman  says the impact on patients of the junior doctors’ strike is going to be far greater than Labour has so far been prepared to admit.

Korean day a 'great success'
Today’s Korean Day celebrations were a great success says Northcote MP Dr Jonathan Coleman.

Coleman hails progress on taggers
Northcote MP Dr Jonathan Coleman has praised the community and council response to tagging on the North Shore.

GP shortage just another symptom of Labour's bureaucracy and neglect
National’s Associate Health spokesman Dr Jonathan Coleman has today backed comments from Harbour Health CEO Susan Turner on New Zealand’s growing GP shortage.

Coleman and Mapp listening on North Shore Hospital
National has a different view to NZ First on the value of Asian immigration to New Zealand, says Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman

Northcote MP welcomes immigration
National has a different view to NZ First on the value of Asian immigration to New Zealand, says Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman.

Coleman delivers for Chinese community
Dr Jonathan Coleman, MP for Northcote, has today announced the availability of a Chinese language constituency service in his electorate office.