Welcome to 2025!
I hope you managed to spend some quality time with your friends and family during the summer break and are recharged for the year ahead.
Personally, I spent a lot of time outdoors, mowing the lawns and enjoying the fresh air! It was a great opportunity to reflect on 2024 and gear up for another impactful year in government.
One month into 2025 and a lot is happening already on all fronts. Taranaki will be buzzing with excitement in the coming months as major events like Americarna, Te Matatini, and WOMAD draw thousands of visitors and millions of dollars into the region. Venture Taranaki has put together a very insightful resource for businesses to get ready for Te Matatini, you can view this here: Te Matatini business preparedness » Taranaki, New Zealand.
I’m really looking forward to hosting a number of MP’s and Ministers on the week of 24th to the 28th of February in the electorate who are here to support their local teams at Te Matatini. Watch this space for opportunities to engage with them during their stay!
Caucus Retreat
Earlier in January we held our Caucus Retreat in Hamilton and Prime Minister outlined the government's biggest priority this year: Economic Growth. We need to embrace growth, not shy away from it. You can watch the Prime Ministers State of the Nation Speech by clicking here
Recent Announcements
Invest New Zealand: The Government has unveiled a bold new initiative to position New Zealand as a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) that will create higher paying jobs and grow the economy. Invest New Zealand will streamline the investment process to help unlock tens of billions of dollars in global investment, significantly increase the capital available for key infrastructure, and make New Zealand a more attractive and predictable destination for investors.
Science sector reforms: The Government has announced the largest reset of the New Zealand science system in more than 30 years, which will boost the economy and benefit the sector. Transform the current seven Crown Research Institutes into three Public Research Organisations (PROs) focusing on bio-economy, earth sciences, and health and forensic sciences.
Digital Nomad Visas: The Government has relaxed visitor visa requirements to allow tourists to work remotely while visiting New Zealand. The change applies to all visitor visas, including tourists and people visiting family, as well as partners and guardians on longer-term visas.
Appointed as Chairperson of the Māori Affairs Select Committee
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has made a number of new appointments this year and I'm pleased to say that I have been made Chairperson of the Māori Affairs Select Committee. I feel privileged to take on this responsibility.
Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill
I had the privilege of speaking in the house to the final reading of Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill. Hundreds of people travelled from Taranaki to the capital on Thursday for a ceremony at Sky Stadium and many came into the House. This was a long-awaited redress and a very emotional experience for all.
Youth Parliament
Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works. The two-day event will take place at Parliament on 1- 2 July 2025, with the full programme for participants running from late April to August.
Up to 123 young people will be selected to be Youth members of Parliament (Youth MPs) and will have the opportunity to advocate for their communities and debate the issues they are passionate about. In addition, this year, up to 20 young people will also be selected as Youth Press Gallery members, to report on the activities of Youth MPs and learn about the important role the Press Gallery plays. It’s not political – it is about politics, Parliament and our democratic system.
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for youth in New Zealand. Youth MPs will go out and talk to young people in their schools and communities and bring their perspectives directly to Parliament. Youth Press Gallery members will help build interest among other young people around what happens throughout Youth Parliament.
I encourage you to share this information with any young person aged between 16 and 18 years old who may be interested in applying. They can do so by reaching out to me directly on david.macleodmp@parliament.govt.nz and my team will be in touch with the application process. Applications are open between 3rd February and noon, 28th February 2025.
Kind regards,
David MacLeod | MP for New Plymouth
Office Address:
37 Gill Street (cnr of Gill & Liardet Streets) New Plymuoth
Office Hours:
Mon - Thurs : 9am - 3pm
Fri : By Appointment
P : 06 759 2580
E : david.macleodmp@parliament.govt.nz