Write to your MP

Writing or emailing your local MP is one of the best ways to share your views and concerns.

Find out who your local MP is and how to contact them here.

Some political parties will also have new candidates standing in certain electorates. You can find them here.

Tips:

  • Keep your letter or email short – maximum 250 words.
  • Use the example below to help you.
  • Always use a heading. For example, “We need a Dementia Action Plan now”.
  • Make your most important point in the very first sentence.
  • Then use the next two or three paragraphs to say why we need a Plan and what the Government needs to do to get a Plan in place.
  • Include some of these facts about dementia’s impact in New Zealand
  • Include the personal touch – how does this relate to you and your experience?
  • Ask them to respond to you.
  • If you are writing a letter to your MP, remember you don’t need a stamp to post it.

Example:

<Your address>

<Date>

Dear/Tēnā koe <Name>

We need a plan for dementia

I am writing because I am very concerned about dementia. Numbers affected by dementia are growing rapidly and Government is not doing anything to deal with the massive impact on families/whānau and our health system.

We know that the dementia sector has got so worried about dementia numbers and the lack of support and services that it has written a plan which could be used to deal with the situation.

<Then add some facts, e.g:>

  • Almost 70,000 Kiwis are living with dementia today
  • More than 170,000 Kiwis will be living with dementia by 2050
  • Dementia impacts more women than men – around 30% higher
  • The total cost of dementia to NZ is now around $1.7b and will reach around $5b by 2050

<Write something more personal – about how the dementia issue affects you and your experience.>

<Then finish with something like:>

Can you please tell me what you and your Party will do about a Dementia Action Plan?

Nāku, nā – Yours faithfully

Nāku iti noa, nā – Yours sincerely

Ngā mihi – Kind regards or thank you

Ngā mihi nui – Kind regards (with more emphasis on gratitude)

<Name>