I hope you have had a relaxing Easter weekend and were able to spend time with friends and family – perhaps even taking up the chance to enjoy an Easter egg or two.

Easter is a good time to reflect on new life and new opportunities. One of the best parts of being a New Zealander is no matter where you have come from, or what situation you find yourself in, if you want to become more involved in the community, become a leader, you can.

There is an enormous number of Kiwi’s putting their hands up to be a leader in their field and National is supporting them at every opportunity

Some people become leaders by getting involved with their local community boards, others make the most of coaching their child’s sports team or joining the parent teacher association.

Perhaps some of you might consider running for local government or follow my footsteps and become a Member of Parliament.

For me, it doesn’t matter what kind of leadership you chose to be involved in, because either way you will be making a difference that will benefit your community or in some cases NewZealand.

I would like to encourage you to think about ways you could get involved as a leader, and have your voice heard in your community. There is some great information about how to do this online through the Office of Ethnic Affairs, or pop in and have a chat to your local MP – I know they would be honoured to support you in any way they can.

This coming weekend I will be attending an Anzac Day ceremony in Wellington. Anzac Day is a time to reflect and pay tribute to our ANZAC veterans. It is a time to stand together and remember more than 2700 New Zealanders who lost their lives serving as part of the Australia New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) that landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.

It is also a day to remember those who have served in conflicts since that time. Every day, these brave men and women strive to uphold democracy, preserve peace, and provide aid and support to people around the world.

The number of people attending Anzac Day celebrations is increasing and this shows the importance New Zealanders attach to our military history, and the respect we continue to have for such occasions.