Power Up in the Bay of Plenty
I recently visited Te Herenga o Te Rā Solar Farm in Waiotahe, Bay of Plenty. It’s got 71,000 elevated automated solar panels built in a flood-prone area, and the site has the capacity to power 10,000 homes.
A Shocking Closure
I am gutted about the immediate closure of the Consult365 - Pāpāmoa clinic last Friday. This is a devastating loss for our community, which has come to rely on the clinic's after-hours and emergency care services.
As the local Bay of Plenty MP, I've both spoken with and written to the Minister of Health about our community's need for after-hours and emergency care in Pāpāmoa and across the Bay of Plenty.
Our growing community deserves to have these essential services available when we need them most.
Heartbreaking
Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford said the closure was a “tough pill to swallow” and he was “gutted and disappointed and sad” for Pāpāmoa and the wider Bay of Plenty community.
“This can’t have been an easy decision for [Consult 365] and the impact also for those [who have] now lost their jobs - it is really heartbreaking.”
Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford. Photo / Alex Cairns
You can read my full letter to the Minister below:
Record AIMS Games boost for local coffers
Action from this year's Zespri AIMS Games. Photo / Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media
The Zespri AIMS Games has proved a bumper bright spot amid a recession, with latest figures showing the annual tournament recently injected $8.78 million into Tauranga’s economy.
An economic impact report was commissioned during the September 7-13 sporting showpiece in Tauranga, which attracted 12,660 intermediate-aged athletes and their supporters from around New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Those economic numbers have now been crunched, confirming 26,825 unique attendees came to the event, generating 79,201 visitor nights and a net benefit of $4.33m
That’s a significant jump from the $3,152,265 net benefit last recorded in 2019.
As the local Bay of Plenty MP, Tom Rutherford spent time attending the tournament this year and said it was an exemplar event which showed what was possible.
”I was incredibly impressed by this year’s Zespri AIMS Games,” he said.
“While the sporting achievements were outstanding, what truly stood out was seeing thousands of young athletes coming together, supporting each other, and representing their schools with pride.
This tournament has become a blueprint for what regional sporting events can achieve, and it showcases the Bay of Plenty’s ability to host world-class youth competitions.
This tournament has become a blueprint for what regional sporting events can achieve, and it showcases the Bay of Plenty’s ability to host world-class youth competitions.
“The economic benefits are clear but the real value lies in the confidence and connections these young athletes take home with them.”
Stalking to become illegal and jailable offence
Here are the details:
The Government has agreed to introduce legislation this year that will make stalking illegal with a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“Every New Zealander deserves to feel safe in their community and this Government is committed to making sure victims are at the heart of the justice system.
“The public is clearly concerned about stalking, and we are moving quickly to create a new stalking and harassment offence as part of our plan to restore law and order.
“The offence will have a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, and will capture patterns of behaviour, being three specified acts occurring within a 12-month period.
“It will provide a list of behaviours that may amount to stalking and harassment, including damaging reputation, recording, or tracking and following or loitering as well as the use of technology in modern stalking methods.”
Four other amendments will also be made to support the new offence:
- Allowing courts to make restraining orders and orders in relation to harmful digital communications, when sentencing for the new offence.
- Adding at sentencing two new stalking-related aggravating factors. These factors recognise the particular harms associated with stalking behaviours and offending against a person who has a restraining order against the offender.
- That a stalking and harassment conviction disqualifies the offender from holding a firearms licence.
- Clarifying that the definition of psychological violence in the Family Violence Act includes stalking. This provides better recognition of the harms associated with stalking for those in a family relationship with their stalker.
This comes as part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring there 20,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime by 2029, and delivers on the promises made in our Q4 Action Plan
SuperBlues- Bay of Plenty with Dan Bidois
What an incredible turnout at Monday's SuperBlues event in the Bay of Plenty! Special thanks to our guest speaker, Northcote MP Dan Bidois, for making the journey south to share his insights with us.
New Centre will improve mental health outcomes in Tauranga
The Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey opened Te Waka Aorangi Child Wellness Centre at Tauranga Hospital, marking a significant milestone in the Government’s commitment to enhancing the health of children and whānau in the Bay of Plenty region.
“Te Waka Aorangi is leading the way by providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ for children with neurodevelopmental, behavioural, and mental health concerns — the only child wellness centre in New Zealand using this specific innovative integrated model of care,” says Mr Doocey.
The model involves specialists who can work together in the same space to ensure children are at the centre of all assessment and treatment.
“This model makes it easier for children and whānau to access the support they need in a timely way.
“We know that early intervention gives these children the best chance to thrive. With support from a range of services and clinicians in one place, we can better help children and their families.
The Centre has been expertly designed to cater to children who may behave, think or move differently from their peers.
“This Government is unwavering in its commitment to improving access, timeliness, and quality of mental health care, which is why I’ve established five mental health targets to drive improvements across the continuum of care.
“Achieving these goals requires fit-for-purpose infrastructure and a workforce that is well supported and equipped to deliver high-quality care in their communities.
“This Centre will play an important role in ensuring that children and their family receive responsive and integrated care.”
Pablo at The Sands
Hannah and I checked out the new Pablo Papamoa restaurant in The Sands Town Centre. Lovely atmosphere and delicious food. Thanks, team!
About Pablo: Pablo is Papamoa’s premier restaurant and cafe, offering a unique latin inspired food experience with a contemporary twist. As a standout restaurant in Papamoa, we blend traditional flavours with modern tapas-inspired dishes.
Discover why we’re the top choice for cuisine in Papamoa and enjoy an exceptional dining experience at Pablos.
Discover why we’re the top choice for cuisine in Papamoa and enjoy an exceptional dining experience at Pablos.
Exciting news, Tauranga!
I recently attended the karakia (blessing) of the new northern area of the Tauranga city centre waterfront.
The Northern Waterfront Reserve in the city centre is now open! This vibrant green space is the perfect spot for community events, picnics with the whānau, walking, cycling and enjoying some summer fun.
With its stunning living seawall and innovative sea pods, and easy access to the new waterfront playground opening in December, the Northern Waterfront Reserve is set to enhance our city’s charm and connection.
Come and check out this relaxing new space, chill on the tidal steps and soak in the breathtaking views of Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour.
Arataki Bus Hub upgrade- Update
Works are continuing on upgrading the Arataki Bus Hub near Bayfair.
In a statement, Tauranga City Council said the works are to improve safety during transit, make travelling by bus more user-friendly, and provide a friendlier welcome to and departure from Arataki.
The works include replacing existing Farm St shelters with new high-quality, high-capacity shelters, enhanced pedestrian crossings, wider footpaths, and a new shared user path, improved streetlights and new CCTV monitoring and open seating, bicycle parking and rubbish bins.
Construction began in August and is anticipated to be complete in mid-late November 2024 (weather dependent).
“While there is some noise and vibration associated with this work, we aim to keep disruption to a minimum. Our hours of work are 7am to 5pm Monday-Friday,” said a council spokesperson.
“We have also been working Saturdays to keep up with our programme.”
Traffic management and temporary bus stops
During construction, the existing bus shelters and footpaths in the work site on Farm St are closed. A temporary pedestrian pathway has been installed and bus stops have temporarily moved about 80 metres towards Concord Ave.
During construction, vehicle access through the site is one-way only with entry from Taupō Ave. Access to Bayfair Shopping Centre is maintained at all times.
Movember Time!
At the Movember Breakfast at Parliament with these two legends – Rob Dunne and Josh Darby. Rob, a local from Te Puna and the Bay of Plenty, is the New Zealand Country Manager for Movember.
Josh is a Senior Firefighter and Project Lead for the Whanaungatanga Programme, dedicated to improving firefighter wellbeing by addressing organisational factors that contribute to mental ill-health.
This Week in New Zealand History
Armistice Day
11 November 1918
Armistice Day parade in Masterton (Alexander Turnbull Library, PAColl-5314-02)
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month was the moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front in 1918, following the signing of an armistice.
The signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany was celebrated in many cities and towns around New Zealand. Enthusiasm was dampened, however, by the ongoing impact of the influenza pandemic that was ravaging the country.
A premature report of an armistice published on 8 November added to a widespread sense of uncertainty about celebrating the official announcement. Despite the difficult circumstances, thousands of New Zealanders took part in or watched armistice parades on 12 November, following an official announcement that morning. Brass bands and elaborately decorated floats led the way as returned soldiers, schoolchildren and crazily costumed performers marched along main streets carrying banners and flags. Public officials gave earnest speeches and crowds gathered to celebrate the end of four long years of war.
Auckland was the exception. Here the acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Joseph Frengley, postponed all official armistice celebrations in a bid to stop the further spread of influenza. Frengley had been alarmed at the large crowds which had gathered after the premature declaration on 8 November. Despite these precautions, 1128 Aucklanders eventually died from the influenza pandemic. Auckland belatedly celebrated the armistice in mid-1919
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Rail Network Rebuild to be delivered ahead of City Rail Link opening
The Government has confirmed a programme of upgrades to Auckland’s rail network that will complete the Rail Network Rebuild ahead of the City Rail Link (CRL) opening, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Acting Auckland Mayor Desley Simpson say.
New Zealand and Irish Governments partner to support farming through research
New Zealand and Ireland are investing $9.6 million in targeted research to deliver practical solutions that reduce emissions for New Zealand’s primary producers, announced Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
Social Investment Board appointed
Former Treasury Secretary Dr Graham Scott has been appointed as chair of the newly established Social Investment Board, alongside a group of highly skilled individuals, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.
Compensation scheme levies to be risk based
The levies that banks, building societies, credit unions and finance companies pay to the new Depositor Compensation Scheme (DCS) fund will reflect the size and riskiness of the institutions, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Unions shouldn’t get in the way of student learning
The Government is urging the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put the education of their students first.
“Between 9am and 3pm, parents expect their children to be at school to learn. Our Government is relentlessly focused on ensuring the value of achievement and attendance are at the centre of our education system. The PPTA’s decision to schedule paid union meetings in a manner that has resulted in some schools closing for instruction, is completely unacceptable. It flies in the face of our commitment to and the expectations of parents,” Ms Stanford says.
Largest ever number of graduate vets to boost rural productivity and support farmers
Thirty-five graduate vets will join rural communities this year through the Voluntary Bonding Scheme (VBS) for Veterinarians, marking the largest intake in the scheme’s history, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard, announced.
Govt strengthens protection for people in state care
The Government is introducing several law changes to better protect people in state care, in response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
“The magnitude of the abuse detailed by the Royal Commission of Inquiry was heartbreaking, and as a government we will do everything in our power to try and prevent abuse from occurring in the future,” Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford says.
Prime Minister to attend APEC Leaders’ Meeting
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon departs for Peru this week to attend the annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting from 15-16 November.
“The APEC Summit is a key moment in the regional calendar. It’s an opportunity to meet with counterparts who are also grappling with cost-of-living challenges and choices about driving more productive economies. It provides an opportunity to discuss regional economic policy, as well as some of the global challenges we are all navigating,” Mr Luxon says.
Crown Observer appointed to Wellington City Council
Experienced local government practitioner Lindsay McKenzie has been appointed as a Crown Observer to Wellington City Council, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.
Climate Change Minister to attend COP29 in Baku
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will attend the 29th annual United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, this week.
“New Zealand is fully committed to meeting our climate targets and reducing the impacts of climate change. Every country has a role to play, and New Zealand will continue to lead by example, pushing for accelerated global action,” Mr Watts says.
Government apologises for abuse in care
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has apologised to all New Zealanders who were abused in the care of state and faith-based institutions.
Clarifying the protection of disabled people in care
The Government is amending the Crimes Act to ensure the protection of disabled people in care is made more explicit, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“As part of the Government’s response to the recommendations of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission, the word ‘disability’ is being added to the definition of ‘vulnerable adult’ in the Crimes Act.
Improvements to Government record-keeping in response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is making changes to the Public Records Act, to improve the record-keeping practices of government agencies.
Oranga Tamariki Act changes a step in the right direction
Changes to the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 included in an Omnibus Bill are long overdue and a positive step in the right direction, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says.
Tax work programme focused on rebuilding the economy
Rebuilding the economy and improving fiscal sustainability is the key focus of the Government’s new Tax and Social Policy Work Programme for Inland Revenue, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says.
“New Zealand has been grappling with significant economic challenges over the last few years with many businesses and households feeling the impact.
Government awards primary sector scholarships to tertiary students
The coalition Government has awarded scholarships to six tertiary students as part of efforts to boost on-the-ground support for farmers and growers Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today.
Pay Gap Calculator toolkit launched
New Zealand businesses can now take meaningful action to drive down the gender pay gap with the launch of an online calculator, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says.
Getting ready for bird flu
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard is encouraging New Zealanders to take steps to be ready for the possible arrival of bird flu.
“While high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) is still some distance from New Zealand and we’ve never had a case here, it’s important that we take a cautious approach.
Tailored support for people in emergency housing
An innovative Government trial will tailor support to people with a diverse range of complex needs to move out of emergency housing and into more permanent housing, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.
Further decisions taken on regulating online casino gambling
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to further details of a new system to regulate online casino gambling.
Government launches refreshed Public Private Partnership framework
The Government has released a refreshed Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework that provides a blueprint to the market outlining how the government will approach future PPP transactions, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say
Government exploring new energy source
Up to $60 million will be ring-fenced from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to invest in exploring the potential of supercritical geothermal technology which could help secure New Zealand’s future energy needs, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Judith Collins say.
When the going gets tough ‘Get Through’ with Farmstrong
An online hub with mental wellbeing tools and resources designed to help farmers and growers deal with the stress of adverse weather events has been officially launched by Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey.
I’m a Local, Just Like You!
Thanks,
Tom
Tom