A year of economic progress for the Bay of Plenty
This week we mark a year since the formation of the Government, and there’s good news for Kiwi families. The Reserve Bank has announced a further drop in the Official Cash Rate (OCR), bringing the rate down by 1.25 percentage points since August. This latest reduction will make a meaningful difference to household budgets.
For families in the Bay of Plenty this could mean about $180 more in your pocket every fortnight if you have a $500,000 mortgage and your rate shifts from 7% to 5.75%. Combined with the Government’s tax relief and FamilyBoost childcare payments, households across the Bay of Plenty are feeling the impact of our commitment to easing the cost of living.
This year, we’ve also seen local businesses benefit from lower borrowing costs, helping to create jobs and boost investment. Small businesses are the backbone of the Bay of Plenty
Inflation is back within the Reserve Bank’s target range for the first time since 2021, bringing relief for households and businesses alike. Families in the Bay of Plenty are spending less on essentials and have more room to save for their futures or pay off debt. Alongside these improvements, we’ve prioritised frontline services in health, education, and policing to strengthen the foundations of our communities.
These changes are making a real difference. We are creating opportunities, fostering growth, and ensuring families and businesses have the support they need to thrive. The Government’s disciplined approach to managing the economy is rebuilding stability and setting a strong foundation for future prosperity.
Our work doesn’t stop here. We will continue rebuilding the economy with a focus on what matters most to New Zealanders, ensuring everyone in the Bay of Plenty can share in the benefits of a stronger economy.
Name Suppression – Proposed Changes
Our government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first. I made the video below to give you a rundown of the details.
Full video: Facebook
Gang crackdown begins
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock struck midnight on November 20th, with tough new laws officially coming into effect.
Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a gang patch you have to have committed violent crime. There are a trail of tears and victims behind each one of those gang patches.
Gangs in our country think they’re above the law and can choose which laws they comply with, and this Government does not accept that. We have a justice system that applies equally to everyone.
A raft of new laws take effect tonight. Gang insignia will be banned in all public places, courts will be able to issue non-consorting orders, and Police will be able to stop criminal gang members from associating and communicating, as committed to in the National, Act and NZ First coalition agreements.
Greater weight will also be given to gang membership at sentencing, enabling courts to impose more severe punishments.
Repeat offenders continually convicted of displaying their patches in public will be subject to a new court order, prohibiting them from possessing any gang insignia either in public or private for five years.
Labour did absolutely nothing to stem the 50 per cent increase in gang members under their watch. Between their offender-oriented approach to justice and their rotating carousel of police ministers, gang life was far more appealing than it should ever be to any young New Zealander.
With the establishment of district gang units, Police are ready to make maximum use of the new tools brought in to target disruptive gang events and enforce the new gang laws.
Gang members make up less than one-quarter of one per cent of the New Zealand adult population but are linked to 18 per cent of all serious violent crime, 19 per cent of all homicides and 23 per cent of all firearms offences.
Our message to the gangs is clear, the days of behaving like you are above the law are over.
This Government is serious about restoring law and order, backing Police with more powers and tools to tackle gangs, disrupt criminal behaviour, and keep Kiwis safe.
Opponents Reunited
I bumped into my friend Pare Taikato this morning at the airport.
Pare was the Labour candidate for Bay of Plenty in 2023 and, although she was my opponent, I never once saw her that way.
Yes, we have different views and values, but ultimately, we both want to make New Zealand a better place. As we both said during last year’s election, we play the ball, not the man, and I’m glad to have become friends with Pare despite our political differences.
This week’s BFM- Interview
Last week, the government’s ban on wearing gang patches in public went into effect. The legislation was debated heavily from its inception, with some questioning whether it was necessary or raising potential human rights concerns. The legislation passed regardless.
The annual COP29 talks also concluded last week, with countries discussing measures to reduce global emissions to reach climate change targets. The discussions bring about an opportunity to assess our national efforts to reduce emissions and make projections for our Paris Agreement targets.
This week in our catchup with National’s Tom Rutherford, Wire Host Castor speaks to him about the gang patch ban and Aotearoa’s emissions targets in light of COP29.
Link to interview: New Gang Patch Legislation and Aotearoa’s Climate Targets w/ The National Party's Tom Rutherford: 26th November, 2024 | 95bFM
Focus on HigherSafe
Good to catch up with Doug from HigherSafe—a great business providing access solutions across the Bay of Plenty. Doug’s working hard and employing locals, and our job in Government is to cut the red tape and make life easier for him. That’s exactly what we’ve been focused on—like with the Fast Track legislation to get things built quicker in New Zealand. It needs to be done so we can grow the pie for everyone.
The Young Nats – New Patron!
Incredibly honoured to be appointed as the new patron of NZ Young Nats [Facebook] (And yes, even at 27!)
A huge thank you to Matt Doocey MP for his outstanding leadership as inaugural patron over the past 3 years.
The Young Nats aren't just NZ's oldest youth political movement (since 1936!) - they're also the largest. As National's biggest grassroots campaign and policy group, their energy is unmatched.…
PM marks one year in Government
As the Government marked a year in office on Wednesday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is committed to continuing to take bold action on the economy, law and order, health and education
“I’m aspirational for New Zealanders and energised by our ongoing fight to rebuild and grow the economy to reduce the cost of living, restore law and order and deliver better health and education.
“While there’s a lot more work to do, I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made in just one year to deliver the outcomes Kiwis deserve:
- Inflation has dropped to 2.2 per cent, creating the conditions for two OCR cuts and much-needed mortgage relief.
- 83 per cent of New Zealanders are keeping more of their own money thanks to our delivery of the first tax relief in 14 years.
- Wages have grown faster than inflation for four quarters in a row, after lagging behind for 13 quarters.
- FamilyBoost childcare payments have landed in almost 40,000 families’ bank accounts.
- Police foot patrols are up 30 per cent and ram raids are down 60 per cent.
- Overall victimisations have dropped 3 per cent.
- $604 million has been invested in Pharmac to deliver up to 26 new cancer treatments.
“Our foot is planted on the pedal of economic growth because that’s how we get more jobs, higher incomes and the ability to afford the public services Kiwis deserve.
“To break down barriers to growth we are cutting red tape. In our first year, we have slashed regulations that were holding our farmers back and progressed our fast-track regime to get stuff built.
“We’ve led eight trade missions, concluded three trade agreements and resolved another 16 barriers to trade because more high-value New Zealand dairy, wine and other products on shelves overseas means more jobs and higher incomes at home.
“Our laws to crack down on gangs came into effect last week, our Military-Style Academy has completed its pilot, and new laws toughening sentences for serious criminals will be in place next year.
“In schools, we’ve banned phones in classrooms, required an hour a day each of maths, reading and writing and we’re rolling out structured literacy and maths so kids can grow the skills they need to succeed.
“Term 3 attendance is up 5.3 per cent on last year and we are relentlessly focused on our ambitious attendance target to have 80 per cent of students present for more than 90 per cent of the term by 2030. Because the future of our economy relies on kids being in school and succeeding today.
“We are taking action to fix our health system by tackling the financial mess left by the last Government, so you can see a doctor or get the surgery you need, when you need it.
“We have made a record investment of $16.68 billion into health over three budgets. In addition, $604 million has been invested into Pharmac to deliver up to 26 new cancer treatments.
“This Government was elected on a promise to improve the lives of New Zealanders in the areas that matter most to them. Progress so far is positive, and I am committed to keeping that promise with bold action to rebuild and grow our economy, restore law and order and improve health and education for all.”
Spent afternoon and early evening recently door-knocking in Pāpāmoa East!
Nothing beats face-to-face conversations - hearing what you think about what our government’s up to, what we need to work on, and how I can help sort out any local issues.
Thanks to everyone who took time to share their thoughts!
Another record-breaking year for New Zealand's horticulture sector!
According to Stats NZ, 2024 is the biggest year ever for kiwifruit exports. Since 2014, we've seen an incredible transformation:
Export value has QUADRUPLED
Export volumes have MORE THAN DOUBLED
This is a massive win for the Bay of Plenty region and New Zealand's horticulture industry. Proof that our growers and exporters continue to shine on the global stage!
Happy 2nd birthday to the awesome Four Square Pāpāmoa!
It’s been 2 years since the grand re opening in the new premises.
About Papamoa Four Square:
Four Square Papamoa is local supermarket, established in 2010 and relocated in 2019, the store has grown alongside our vibrant community. Owned and operated by Nick and Jemma Gordon, they have won Four Square Store of the Year twice, in 2018 and 2023. Known for thier warm and inviting customer service, they are the go-to destination for all your grocery needs.
Restoring Farmer Confidence Tour
Big gathering of farmers today to hear from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay MP.
It marked the launch of the Restoring Farmer Confidence Tour. When we came into government, farmer confidence was at an all-time low. In a short time, we’ve made significant progress—cutting costs and red tape, unlocking access to advanced technologies, boosting trade, improving freshwater rules, and delivering RMA reform.
This Government knows that farmers and rural communities are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy. 80 percent of all exported goods come from the primary sector, and more than 359,000 kiwis are employed because of rural activity. That’s why, in our first year in Government, we have delivered practical reforms to reduce costs, cut red tape, and provide certainty for famers, growers, fishers and foresters.
The primary sector has been burdened by unworkable regulation for too long, so this Government has slashed red tape to free up farming. In our first year, we have restored common sense to intensive winter grazing and stock exclusion rules, paused the rollout of Freshwater Farm Plans, and introduced practical rules for on-farm water storage.
We are also backing our rural communities with the certainty and tools they need to succeed. This year the Government has removed agriculture from the ETS, disbanded the failed He Waka Eke Noa partnership, reformed gene technology rules, and increased funding for AgriZeroNZ to develop emissions reduction technologies. Our farmers are the world’s most efficient producers so we’re backing them to do what they do best. To ensure rural communities have the resources they need to do so we’ve increased the cap on the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme and boosted investment in both Rural Support Trusts and local catchment groups.
Growing our trade relationships ensures we can deliver greater returns at the farm gate. This year the Government has expanded opportunities for New Zealand’s primary exports by securing significant trade access via trade agreements with the UAE and GCC, delivering 51 per cent tariff free entry to the region on day one. We’ve also eliminating $733 million in non-tariff barriers and restored log exports to India.
This Government trusts our primary sector to deliver for New Zealand. We look forward to continuing to partner with them to ensure that rural communities are supported, and costs are reduced so that we can all get ahead.
“Backing our farmers every step of the way!”
Pāpāmoa Emergency Services Food Drive
The Pāpāmoa Emergency Services Food Drive was held on Tuesday (November 26), starting at 5.30pm.
Teams of Neighbourhood Support volunteers and members of the emergency services got together in teams and snaked through the streets of Pāpāmoa collecting food and other donations that will be distributed by Pāpāmoa Food Hub to residents in need of food support.
“Just want to give a massive shout out to Bruce Banks - a true community champion!”
“Bruce is the definition of a local hero, tirelessly working with Neighbourhood Support and leading the incredible Pāpāmoa Emergency Services Food Drive. His dedication to community service isn't just talk - it's action!”
Massive thanks to Bruce for showing us all what it means to truly make a difference.
Full Story : Pāpāmoa food drive returns with sirens and goal of 66 or more trailer loads [NZ Herald]
Funding for 50 senior doctors and more specialist nurses
The Government is providing funding for the employment of 50 senior doctors, alongside additional specialist nurses and other health professionals.
This will reduce wait times, improve patient safety, and support vulnerable specialties like dermatology. Senior doctors play a crucial role in ensuring hospitals function effectively, maintaining safety, and delivering faster, high-quality care. The estimated $20 million funding for these roles will target regional and provincial hospitals facing workforce gaps.
An additional $10 million is allocated for specialist nurses and allied health professionals to strengthen services in areas experiencing acute shortages, such as mental health, maternity, and critical care.
A $12 million fund has also been set aside for minor hospital improvements, addressing small but impactful needs such as repairs, new appliances, or resources like books and toys for children undergoing treatment.
This follows the Government’s move to stop wasteful spending and direct resources to frontline health services. With $16.68 billion allocated over three budgets, the aim is to strengthen the clinical workforce, enhance patient care, and ensure sustainable, high-quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.
A Visit from Papamoa Coast Kindergarten
I had some visitors to my electorate office on Wednesday morning from the staff and pupils from Papamoa Coast Kindergarten to tell me what they love about their Kindy- just the way it is. Each pupil had a banner to tell me exactly their thoughts. Great convo with the teachers who came to share how much they value their Kindergarten and their thoughts on the early education changes.
I really appreciate the warm, constructive feedback – Thanks Team!
Shaping Tomorrow
Great to join the IPANZ New Professionals' Network for a young MPs panel. A chance for young MPs to share insights on our careers, working in Parliament, and with the public service as young leaders. Thanks for having me!
This Week in New Zealand History
Election of first National government - 30 November 1949
National Party poster, 1949 (Alexander Turnbull Library, Eph-A-NZ-NATIONAL-1949-01-cover)
The Labour government led by Peter Fraser was defeated by Sidney Holland’s National Party after 14 years in office. The result heralded a long period of National dominance, with the party holding power for 29 of the next 35 years.
Since its landslide 1935 victory over the Depression-era Coalition, the Labour government had implemented sweeping economic and social reforms and led New Zealand through the Second World War. But by 1946, its grip on power was weakening. The National Party, which had been formed in 1936 by a merger of the Reform and United parties, mounted a credible challenge under Holland’s energetic leadership. Voters were growing tired of continuing shortages and restrictions. Despite this, Labour held on for a narrow victory.
By 1949, National’s promise of a new era of prosperity and freedom held even greater appeal. Voters were also reassured by its pledge to retain most of Labour’s social welfare policies. National swept to power with 52% of the vote and 46 seats to Labour’s 34.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Child Protection Investigation Unit established: A new Child Protection Investigation Unit is being established to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in care, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says.
New facility in Christchurch will improve the lives of young New Zealanders: Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today opened Kahurangi, an innovative and much-needed facility for Canterbury’s Child, Adolescent, and Family Mental Health Services.
Appointments strengthen Predator Free 2050: The latest Predator Free 2050 Board appointments will help to strengthen biodiversity efforts across Aotearoa New Zealand, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
District Court Judge appointed: Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Rebecca Guthrie as a District Court Judge.
Record number of submissions received on granny flat proposal: Nearly 2,000 submissions have been received on the Government’s proposals aimed at making it easier to build a granny flat of up to 60 square metres without a resource or building consent, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say.
President of the Czech Republic to visit: President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel will visit New Zealand next week. “I am pleased to welcome President Pavel to New Zealand and look forward to our meeting,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.
Joint Statement: Singapore-New Zealand Article 6 Negotiations reach consensus: Countries have reached a deal on carbon markets at the annual United Nations climate change meeting (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Co-chaired by Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu and New Zealand’s Minister of Climate Change Simon Watts, the negotiations on Article 6 (carbon markets) concluded successfully with all 196 Parties agreeing to the final text.
Climate Minister to see Antarctica research first-hand: Climate Change Minister Simon Watts is travelling to Antarctica on Monday to see the impacts of climate change first-hand and see New Zealand’s scientific work on the ice.
Funding for 50 new senior doctors, more nurses: Frontline funding by the Government will enable the employment of 50 new senior doctors, as well as additional specialist nurses and other health professionals. “This will reduce wait times, enhance patient safety and support vulnerable specialties like dermatology,” says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti.
Prime Minister’s scholarships awarded: New Zealand is strengthening its global connections with Asia and Latin America, as 119 individual recipients have been awarded Prime Minister’s Scholarships for education experiences abroad, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds says.
Raising Awareness of Child Exploitation: Customs Minister Casey Costello has praised the work of Customs’ Child Exploitation Operations Team (CEOT) for their commitment to combat the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
New Police station in Auckland CBD: Today, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, alongside newly appointed Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, welcomed the announcement of a new police station in central Auckland.
Board of inquiry for Te Awamutu waste-to-energy proposal is appointed: Judge Brian Dwyer has been appointed as chair of the newly established board of inquiry for the Te Awamutu waste-to-energy proposal, alongside a group of high skilled individuals, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “I am pleased to announce Judge Brian Dwyer of the Environment Court as chair,” Ms Simmonds says.
Advisory group to focus on organised crime: Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Group on transnational and serious organised crime, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello announced
Levelling the playing field for Community Housing Providers: The Government has agreed to a series of changes to remove barriers faced by Community Housing Providers (CHPs) in delivering social housing, Housing and Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop says.
Statement on Nikki Kaye: Prime Minister and National Party Leader Christopher Luxon and Deputy Leader Nicola Willis are deeply saddened by the passing of Nikki Kaye, a cherished colleague, friend, and former Minister, Deputy Leader and Member of Parliament for Auckland Central.
Supporting rural New Zealand: one year of action:Farmers and rural communities are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy. Over the past year, the Government has delivered practical reforms to reduce costs, cut red tape, provide certainty, and get Wellington out of farming.
Trade Minister heads to Canada for CPTPP: Trade Minister Todd McClay will travel to Vancouver today for the 8th Commission Meeting of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Smokefree action plan launched: The Getting to Smokefree 2025 Plan, which outlines the final push to achieve the Smokefree goal, was launched recently by Associate Health Minister Casey Costello. “New Zealand has had incredible success in reducing smoking rates with a decline in daily smoking from 16.4% in 2011/12 to 6.9% in 2023/24,” Ms Costello says.
First charter school announced to open Term 1 2025: Associate Education Minister David Seymour today announced Christchurch-based Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki as the first new charter school set to open in term one 2025. “This announcement is a significant step in the Government’s efforts to lift educational achievement in New Zealand,” says Mr Seymour.
Māori housing partnership to deliver 198 affordable rental homes: An $82million Government investment into Māori housing providers will benefit many whānau across the country, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. Supported by funding administered by Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, 12 Māori housing providers will create a total of 198 whare in areas where there is a high demand for affordable housing. The aim is to start building within the next 12 months.
Fewer than 1000 Emergency Housing households: A strong focus on supporting people into better homes has seen the number of households still in emergency housing reduce to under 1000 since the Government came into office one year ago, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.
Action on lifesaving immunisations: Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti has praised hauora Māori providers for continuing to lift delivery of life-saving immunisations across all ages and all populations. “In the first 10 months of the Immunising our Tamariki programme, hauora Māori providers have now delivered more than 69,000 vaccinations across all population groups, making our children and communities safer,” says Dr Reti.
More relief for Kiwi families: The latest drop in the official cash rate will mean more relief for Kiwis’ back pockets, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The 50-point drop in the rate is the third drop since August, meaning the rate has fallen 125 basis points in that time.
Squeezing more bang for buck from blackcurrants: The Government is backing a project to squeeze more value out of New Zealand blackcurrants, Associate Minister for Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says.
New Zealand and France agree to intensify close relationship: New Zealand and France have renewed efforts to work together more intensively in the Indo-Pacific and on issues of mutual importance, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.
Papamoa Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa – (Next to Ray White) - 07 542 0505
I’m a Local, Just Like You!
Thanks,
Tom.
Tom.