Tom Rutherford - The Week That Was - 21 Feb

National is Going for Growth because that’s how we lift incomes, help Kiwis get ahead, create jobs and opportunities here in New Zealand, and afford high quality roads, schools and hospitals.

 The Te Atatū Library Drag Protests, The Resignation of Director-General of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati, and the 'Everyone must go' Australian Tourism Campaign w/ The National Party's Tom Rutherford: 18 February, 2025

Over the weekend, an estimated 50 protesters, a part of Destiny Church-linked groups, stormed the Te Atatū Community Centre and library, where a show discussing the science of rainbows was being performed to children by a drag king as a part of Auckland Pride festivities.

This received mass condemnation, over the protest not being peaceful, as protestors tried to force their way to the library section of the community centre, resulting in not only 30 young children and adults having to be barricaded away for their safety, but also resulted in a 16-year old and her 20-year old sister sustaining injuries while defending against those rallying.

For our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Tom Rutherford, News and Editorial Director, Joel, spoke to him about this event, what the parties stances are on it, and the petition to have Destiny Church’s charitable status revoked, which has received over 72,000 signatures.

They also spoke to him about the resignation of Director-General of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati, as well as Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, and Tourism Minister, Louise Upston’s $500,000 campaign enticing Australians tourists to New Zealand.

But first, they started off by asking him about how the party reacted to the Te Atatū Community Centre and Library protests.

Click below for full interview:

My National Party colleagues, James Meager, Simon Watts, Cameron Brewer, Erica Stanford, Dan Bidois and Chris Bishop all joined in at the annual Pride Parade in Auckland on Saturday night, representing the National Party and celebrating our individual differences and strengths that make us collectively stronger as a nation

I understand from media reporting that Police are actively investigating the actions of the group associated with Destiny Church, which protested at the community and children's event – part of Auckland’s Pride Festival – at the Te Atatū library on Saturday.

It's not the Kiwi way to disrupt and intimidate like that.

New Zealand is a country that values diversity and is well known for it, making New Zealand a much better place for the diversity in it.

We respect people's right to free speech and peaceful protest, but they went too far.
Saved by the National Umbrella
Down in Wellington again for Parliament. Hannah insisted I take my umbrella this time, after Monday's weather adventure!

Wondering what’s next to restore law and order? The Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill will keep serious offenders in prison longer and prevent new victims.

This legislation will toughen consequences for crime by capping sentence reductions, increasing penalties for attacks on vulnerable workers, creating stricter rules for repeat offenders and removes repeated discounts for remorse. You can’t be remorseful twice.

The bill also adds new aggravating factors, including tougher penalties for adults committing crimes with young offenders, such as in ram raids.

National will support migrants by making it easier for parents and grandparents to reconnect with their family in New Zealand. Work is progressing on the Parent Boost Visa, and it’s our intention the new visa will be ready for implementation later this year.

For many Kiwis, the past couple of years have been a real challenge.

Rising interest rates, inflation, and the overall cost of living have hit households and businesses hard. But the latest announcement from the Reserve Bank – a 50-basis point drop in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) – signals a turning point.

It's the fourth reduction since last August, and it brings the OCR down to 3.75 percent. What does this mean for everyday Kiwis?

In simple terms, it means that people could see more money in their pockets in the coming months. For homeowners with mortgages, lower interest rates are likely to bring down repayments.

For many, this drop is not just about relief in the short term, but a sense of stability. A drop of almost two percentage points over six months could make a tangible difference in what families and businesses can do with their finances.

It’s also a sign of confidence for businesses. A stable and more predictable economic environment means that companies are more likely to invest, expand, and hire. Last week, the BNZ and Business NZ reported that growth in manufacturing had risen to its highest level since September 2022, a clear sign that confidence is returning. This kind of optimism is key – when businesses feel confident, they grow, and when they grow, it creates jobs and stimulates the economy.

Of course, not everything is perfect. Many families and businesses are still feeling the squeeze, and we know that there’s more to do. But there’s also a growing cause for optimism. Inflation is under control, and we’re on the path to economic recovery. Lower interest rates combined with improved business confidence are creating a positive feedback loop that we can build on in the coming months.

Looking ahead, we want to keep driving this momentum. There’s still a lot of work to do, but we’re committed to ensuring that we’re doing the best we can for New Zealanders.

More people in work, more money in people’s pockets, and a stable economy – that’s our vision for your future. We’re on the right track, and our goal is clear: keep building an economy that works for everyone, with growth that benefits us all.

Big news for the Bay of Plenty! The new motorway interchange linking the Rangiuru Business Park to the Tauranga Eastern Link is now open, unlocking growth, creating jobs, and boosting our local economy.

  This key piece of infrastructure connects businesses to the Port of Tauranga and beyond, helping our region continue to thrive. With space for manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics, Rangiuru Business Park will be a game changer for local industry.

 A huge thanks to Quayside Holdings and everyone involved in making this happen.

Bay of Plenty Times – Full Story: Bay of Plenty’s Rangiuru Business Park interchange achieves major milestone - NZ Herald

Construction of the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 has just passed the halfway point, which is exciting news for those who live in and travel through the Bay of Plenty, and Tauranga region says Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford and Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell.

 “Our government’s renewed focus is on driving economic growth wherever we can – and we know that this project will do just that, reducing travel time and boosting productivity,” says Mr Rutherford.

 “By reducing congestion that extends onto the state highway, modelling shows it will save more than 75- vehicle-hours of congestion per day, with an average saving of 2-3 minutes during peak times for vehicles,” says Mr Uffindell.

 So far, 1,500,000m3 of earthworks have been moved, four of ten bridges have been completed, and the project team can now ‘drive through’ the full length of the future expressway.

 At SH2/Fifteenth Avenue, crane pads are being built, and piling will soon be underway to build the new bridge connection – the final structure to get underway on the project.

 “We know that those who live in and travel through our region will be thrilled with the progress of this vital Road of National Significance, which when completed will unlock economic growth and improve productivity.” 

Bay of Plenty residents will soon experience faster commute times with a $10.3 million investment to improve traffic flow between the Tauranga CBD and Welcome Bay, says Tom Rutherford, MP for Bay of Plenty.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has confirmed funding for Tauranga City Council to design additional traffic capacity, benefiting the 29,000 residents of Welcome Bay, Hairini, Ohauiti, and Maungatapu who regularly cross the harbour for essential services.

"This is a significant win for our community," says Rutherford. "With our growing population, it's crucial that we address the congestion issues that affect thousands of residents daily as they travel to schools, supermarkets, and workplaces."

The innovative project includes several key improvements:

"Modelling shows these improvements will save more than 750 vehicle-hours of congestion per day," Rutherford explains. "That translates to an average time saving of 2-3 minutes per vehicle during peak hours."

The project, led by Tauranga City Council, represents a strategic investment in the region's infrastructure as these suburbs continue to grow.

"This funding demonstrates our commitment to improving daily life for Bay of Plenty residents," says Rutherford. "By reducing congestion that extends onto the state highway, we're not just saving time – we're making our roads more efficient and our community more connected."

The Government is removing barriers for major projects so we can have more affordable housing, better roads, cheaper energy, and a more productive, faster-moving economy in Bay of Plenty, says Tom Rutherford, National MP for Bay of Plenty,

“Good infrastructure is the backbone of a strong economy. Here in the Bay of Plenty, we need better roads, housing, and transport links to support local businesses and ensure our communities thrive,” says Rutherford.

“Right now, New Zealand faces challenges in delivering the infrastructure we need. Complex rules and slow approval processes have made it harder to get projects off the ground, causing delays and uncertainty for investors. This has contributed to issues like housing affordability, with rising land prices and fewer homes being built.

“That’s why we’re overhauling the outdated Resource Management Act and streamlining approvals through the Fast-Track Approvals Act, helping get critical projects off the ground faster. This means unlocking housing developments, improving transport routes, and delivering key infrastructure projects.

The Government’s $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund will also support local projects that boost economic development and improve essential services.

“We’re making sure regions like the Bay of Plenty get the investment they need – whether that’s upgrading roads, expanding renewable energy, or improving water infrastructure. These projects will create jobs and make the Bay of Plenty a better place to live and work,” says Rutherford.

“These reforms will help deliver the infrastructure our community needs, ensuring the Bay of Plenty is well set up for growth, affordability, and long-term prosperity.”

 

More international visitors to regional destinations mean more customers for local businesses, more jobs for locals, and a stronger economy for the Bay of Plenty.

“Tourism is a key driver of economic growth in our region. This fund will help bring more visitors to the Bay of Plenty, supporting local accommodation providers, cafes, tour operators, and retail businesses. More visitors mean more jobs, more opportunities for local people, and a stronger economy for our communities.”

The Government is investing $3 million through the Regional Tourism Boost fund to attract more international visitors this autumn and winter, with a focus on spreading tourism benefits to regional areas beyond our major hotspots.

“This $3 million fund is all about giving regions like ours a boost,”. It’s not just about increasing visitor numbers, but about making sure communities like ours see the real economic benefits. The fund will support regions to work together and show the world what they have to offer, with visitors able to explore multiple parts of New Zealand.”

The Regional Tourism Boost contestable fund will open at the end of February, with funding available for activities promoting regional travel from April to July 2025.

“Regional tourism organisations must come together to showcase the many wonderful experiences outside of our main tourism hotspots. Collaboration will help spread the benefits of tourism to a wider range of communities, and it’s essential to ensuring a smooth and quality experience for visitors.”

Tourism contributes nearly $38 billion to New Zealand’s economy each year and supports almost 200,000 jobs. This initiative is part of the Government’s Tourism Boost strategy, which includes ramped-up marketing efforts to grow international visitor numbers and drive economic growth.

“This fund will help our businesses grow, create more jobs, and provide opportunities for people in the Bay of Plenty. It’s about helping ease cost-of-living pressures and ensuring our region benefits from a strong and growing tourism sector,” says Tom Rutherford.

When: Monday 17 March ,6:30pm

Where: Oropi Hall Meeting Room, 1295 Oropi Road, Oropi

When: Sunday 23 March, 4pm

Where: Papamoa Community Centre, 15 Gravatt Road

Kelburn cable car opens

22 February 1902

Launch of Kelburn cable car, 1902 (Alexander Turnbull Library, 1/2-135995-F)

Wellingtonians flocked in thousands to try out the new cable car service between Lambton Quay and Kelburn when it opened for business in February 1902.

The Kelburn & Karori Tramway Company Ltd had been formed in 1898 by shareholders in the Upland Estate Company, which wanted to develop the hills above Wellington’s central business district for housing. Convenient transport was a vital part of the plan. A cable-car service and horse-drawn carriages would connect the new suburb with both the city and the outlying borough of Karori.

James Fulton’s design was a milestone in New Zealand engineering. The line was 785 m long and climbed 119 m, an average gradient of 1 in 6.6. It passed through three tunnels and over three short viaducts. The journey from Lambton Quay to the ridgetop at the north end of Upland Road took just 3½ minutes.

A steam engine powered the cable winding gear from a two-storey powerhouse at the upper terminus. This drove an endless wire rope that operated alternately up one line of track and down the other. The car driver signalled by bell to an engineer in the winding room to apply the gripper lever for the descending cable car. This lever gripped the cable so that as this car descended, a second cable – the tail, or balance rope – hauled the ascending car upwards. When the cars reached the bottom and top respectively, the rope stopped moving.

The tramway took 2½ years to complete. As well as paid labourers, inmates of the Terrace Gaol also worked on its construction.

The cable car was a significant and enduring engineering achievement. It fulfilled its intended role by helping to open the Kelburn area for housing (those who purchased the first sections in 1902 were rewarded with free passes), and it has become one of Wellington’s iconic tourist attractions.

The Government is moving to reduce the regulatory burden on New Zealand businesses by improving the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009, Associate Justice Minister Hon Nicole McKee says.

Māori tourism now contributes more than $1 billion a year to economic growth, boosting jobs and incomes across the country, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.

 Legislation that will better protect victims of litigation abuse in family proceedings has passed through Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

The Government has confirmed funding to deliver the Waikare Gorge realignment project, ensuring a resilient and safe connection between Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa District on to Tairawhiti can be restored, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed a lift in manufacturing activity, saying it is further evidence that the economy has started to turn around.

 Health Minister Simeon Brown has today acknowledged the resignation of Director-General of Health and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati, and thanked her for her service

This week marks a significant step in the delivery of healthcare services for the northern region with the opening of the final ward of Tōtara Haumaru, the country’s newest hospital facility on Auckland’s North Shore Hospital campus, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

A new campaign encouraging Australians to pick New Zealand for their next holiday gears up the industry for growth in 2025, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

Hundreds of patients from the central North Island will be supported at Waikato’s new renal facility, which officially opened today, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

New programme to grow manufacturing workforce
 A new pilot programme connecting high school students with New Zealand manufacturers has launched, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk has announced.

Construction of Takitimu North Link Stage 1, a new four lane expressway connecting Tauranga and Te Puna, has passed the halfway point, which is great news for economic growth and productivity in the western Bay of Plenty, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.  

Ophthalmology patients in Kaitaia are benefiting from being able to access the complete cataract care pathway closer to home, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

The Government is investing $30 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to fund more than a dozen projects to boost biodiversity and the tourist economy, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

Minister for Rail Winston Peters has announced director appointments for Ferry Holdings Limited – the schedule 4a company charged with negotiating ferry procurement contracts for two new inter-island ferries.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters will travel to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, China, Mongolia, and the Republic of Korea.

New pipes for Auckland City Hospital 

Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced funding of more than $14 million to replace the main water supply and ring mains in the main building of Auckland City Hospital.

A new university programme will help prepare PhD students for world-class careers in science by building stronger connections between research and industry, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says.

 Ō-Rākau battle site returning to tūpuna ownership

Returning the Ō-Rākau battle site to tūpuna ownership will help to recognise the past and safeguard their stories for the benefit of future generations, Minister for Māori Crown Relations Tama Potaka says.

The Government is turbo charging growth to return confidence to the primary sector through common sense policies that are driving productivity and farm-gate returns, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced

Improving people’s experience with the Justice system is at the heart of a package of Bills which passed its first reading today Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.

Fund to better recognise and support survivors 

The Government is continuing to respond to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care by establishing a fund to honour those who died in care and are buried in unmarked graves, and strengthen survivor-led initiatives that support those in need

A new $3 million fund from the International Conservation and Tourism Visitor Levy will be used to attract more international visitors to regional destinations this autumn and winter, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. 

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is pleased to announce the most common family names given to newborns in 2024.

 No significant change to child poverty rates under successive governments reinforces that lifting children out of material hardship will be an ongoing challenge, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. 

 The new Police marketing campaign starting Thursday, recreating the ‘He Ain’t Heavy’ ad from the 1990s, has been welcomed by Associate Police Minister Casey Costello

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Thanks,
Tom.