In Jo's first video for 2012 she talks a little about her new Ministerial role and reaffirms her commitment to the electorate before going on to discuss an impending visit to Ashburton by the team collecting public submissions on the Government's Green Paper on child abuse. If you're in the area, be sure and stop by and share your thoughts with the team. In closing she asks viewers to get in touch with her about issues affecting the dairy industry - including the sale of the Crafer farms. For more on the Green Paper, see: http://www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz/

This last column for 2011 gives me the opportunity to look both forward to next year and the challenges it will bring and also to look back at what has been a very busy year.

During the 50th Parliament which commences with the swearing in of MPs tomorrow and the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday, I will embark on new challenges. On Wednesday 14 December I was sworn in as a Minister outside Cabinet and this will replace my role as Junior Government Whip.

13 December. Jo talks about the new National-led Government - and about her new role in it as a freshly appointed Minister.

With pre-Christmas diaries tight, MP for Rangitata Jo Goodhew has agreed after consulting local business and civic leaders to wait until next year for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon Bill English, to visit the Rangitata electorate to discuss fuel supply issues.

As this newsletter comes to you it will be with exciting news about the new challenge that I will tackle during this, the 50th New Zealand Parliamentary term.

I am very proud to have been named a Minister outside Cabinet, with responsibilities as Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Minister for Senior Citizens, Minister for Women's Affairs and Associate Minister of Health.

These portfolios will be an exciting challenge and one I will relish alongside of my Rangitata electorate responsibilities.

The new Parliamentary term will begin with the swearing in of Ministers on 14 December, MPs on 20 December and the State Opening of Parliament on 21 December.