A Big Heart
The Big Heart Appeal is the Heart Foundations biggest national fundraising campaign of the year. I did my bit, by helping collect donations at the Papamoa Plaza. Thanks to all who donated so far. This appeal needs kind-hearted Kiwis like you.
By donating, you can help make life-saving heart research and specialist training possible by raising much needed funds. With your support, we can help keep Kiwi families together, for longer. More information: Big Heart Appeal
By donating, you can help make life-saving heart research and specialist training possible by raising much needed funds. With your support, we can help keep Kiwi families together, for longer. More information: Big Heart Appeal
Overseas Investment Act
The Government has announced, planned changes to the Overseas Investment Act, which will be introduced mid-year. Enabling greater investment is a key part of our plan to unleash economic growth, lift wages, and ultimately support Kiwis with the cost of living. That means making it easier for Kiwis to invest here at home – and making New Zealand more attractive for investment from offshore. That’s why today the Government has announced reforms to the Overseas Investment Act – with changes that will streamline processes, provide more certainty to investors, while protecting national interests.
Key reforms include:
- Faster decision-making (15-day timeframe for most investments).
- Stronger government oversight to protect national interests.
- LINZ gaining more power to approve investments without ministerial involvement.
- Protections will be retained for some key assets, like farmland, and fishing quota, with other investments streamlined as a result of the reforms
The screening process will focus on: - Sensitive land
- Large business assets (>$100m)
- Residential housing
- Fishing quota
- National security risks
- New Zealand must compete globally – other developed countries benefit from overseas investment, and New Zealand must do the same to drive growth and boost wages.
Legislation will be introduced mid-year and passed by the end of the year.
Issues with school lunches and Destiny Church’s charity status w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 25th February 2025
The government’s new school lunch program has been met with criticism over the past few weeks for various issues. Supply issues began just over a week ago, with some schools supplied with Pita Pit or pies as alternatives where the new lunches were unavailable. Students who have received the lunches have called them bland, unappetising, or insufficient. Others have noted the lack of halal certification, leaving schools or teachers in charge of providing for Muslim students. Despite these issues, the government has remained committed to the program, which it claims has made significant savings compared to the previous, Labour implemented program.
The last few weeks have also seen actions by Destiny Church against Aotearoa’s rainbow communities at multiple pride events. These actions have led some to call for Destiny Church’s charity status to be removed.
In our weekly catchup with National’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about each of these issues, starting with the new school lunch program.
Full Interview: Issues with school lunches and Destiny Church’s charity status w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 25th February, 2025 | 95bFM
Continuing our Gang Crackdown
In the three months since our new gang laws came into effect, Police have seized 76 patched, 67 firearms, and laid 337 charges for insignia breaches.
So far:
- Since the Gangs Act came into effect, Police have seized 76 patches, 67 firearms and laid 337 charges for insignia breaches.
- We have also seen a 52% increase in firearms seizures compared to the same period last year.
- Our new laws have given Police additional tools to go after gang members that intimidate members of the public.
- We passed these laws to improve public safety, and they have done exactly that.
- We make no apologies for getting tough on gangs. This legislation is meant to be uncomfortable. If you don’t like it, don’t break the law, it’s that simple.
- This is an essential part of ensuring there are 20,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime by 2029 alongside a 15 per cent reduction in serious repeat youth offending.
Violent crime drops for the first time since 2018
Violent crime is dropping annually for the first time since 2018, as our government works to restore law and order.
Latest Stats:
- Violent crime fell by 2% in 2024 compared to 2023 – the first-time violent crime has dropped since 2018.
- Total victimisations are down by 2%, and both assaults and serious assaults are down by 1%.
- There were also 24,000 fewer victims over the year ending October 2024, compared to June 2024.
- New tools enabling Police to crack down on gangs have proved their worth, with the insignia ban enabling Police to net further charges on a raft of things including drugs and firearms.
- Getting Police back out on the beat with 40 per cent more foot patrols, has seen aggravated robberies continue to drop and the upward trend in retail crime start to slow.
- These results are extremely promising, but we expect the data to remain volatile before a longer-term trend emerges.
- There’s still more work to do, including through our sentencing reforms and changes to combat retail crime.
Public Works Act
Right now, acquiring land for vital public projects takes up to a year. The biggest overhaul of the Public Works Act in nearly 50 years aims to unlock infrastructure faster and more affordably.
LOCAL NEWS - “I’m a Local, just like You”
Fetal Alcohol Births Petition given to Parliament
A petition aiming to reduce the number of babies born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder has been presented to Parliament
Tauranga man Christopher Ingram, 87, is on a mission to reduce the number of FASD babies.
He learned if a pregnant woman drank any amount of alcohol, it could cause lifelong damage to the developing fetus.
His petition asks for signs to be displayed within and on the doors of every liquor store to inform pregnant mothers so they can make an informed choice to drink or not”.
“I want this sign in the doorway: ‘Pregnant? Don’t Drink’, to give them an opportunity to make a choice.”
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Tauranga man Christopher Ingram handing over his FASD petition to Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford. Photo / Ayla Yeoman
Takitimu Link is set to boost Tauranga’s economy
The Wairoa River Bridge towards Bethlehem. Photo / NZTA
Construction of the Takitimu North Link stage one is at the halfway point. So far, 1,500,000 cubic metres of dirt have been lifted, and four out of 10 bridges have been completed.
The development is “exciting news” for the region, Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford said.
“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," Rutherford said.
Papamoa Student Leaders
A great visit with Papamoa College’s student leaders on Monday.
We discussed what leadership means to them, my work representing the Bay of Plenty and the exciting opportunities ahead through Youth Parliament. It’s always energising to connect with our next generation of leaders.
I was a youth MP – would you like to be one? Applications close end of this week.
Email: bopmp@parliament.govt.nz to find out how you can represent the Bay of Plenty in Youth Parliament 2025
UPDATE: SH2 Domain Road Bridge Dips
I've received a response from NZTA about the significant dips on the SH2 Domain Road overbridge that many of you have raised concerns about. NZTA has confirmed repairs will be completed by the end of April 2025. They've installed warning signs and are working to prioritise these repairs. Thanks to everyone who got in touch. I'll continue to monitor the situation.
Bay of Plenty MP celebrates Papamoa being named New Zealand's Choicest Suburb
Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford is celebrating the news that Pāpāmoa has been named New Zealand's 'Choicest Suburb' in Trade Me Property's People's Choicest campaign.
"This recognition confirms what locals have known for years – Pāpāmoa really is the choicest suburb in New Zealand," says Tom Rutherford, Member of Parliament for Bay of Plenty.
The coastal Bay of Plenty suburb claimed the top spot with 42 percent of the more than 136,000 votes cast, beating finalists Morrinsville in Waikato and Southshore in Christchurch.
"As a proud Pāpāmoa resident myself, I'm delighted but not surprised by this result. Our community offers the perfect balance of coastal lifestyle with urban convenience – beautiful beaches, the Pāpāmoa Hills, excellent schools, and great amenities," says Mr Rutherford.
The Bay of Plenty MP has noted the increasing popularity of Pāpāmoa, with new residents arriving from across New Zealand and overseas.
"I regularly meet people who have relocated here from across New Zealand, including Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, and the South Island, as well as from Australia, South Africa, India, the Philippines and other parts of the world. They consistently cite our amazing lifestyle, strong sense of community, and great schools as key reasons for choosing Pāpāmoa."
To Celebrate
Pāpāmoa is having a free party to celebrate our awesome suburb this Friday at the Pāpāmoa Surf Club!! This is your invitation to celebrate NZ choosing us as their Choicest Suburb! SEE YOU THERE!!!
Tauriko / Ohauti Branch National Party AGM
When: Monday 17 March ,6:30pm
Where: Oropi Hall Meeting Room, 1295 Oropi Road, Oropi
Bay of Plenty Electorate National Party AGM
When: Sunday 23 March, 6pm
Where: Papamoa Community Centre, 15 Gravatt Road
Youth Parliament 2025- Bay of Plenty Representative Sought
I'm looking for the Bay of Plenty's next Youth MP- Is it you or do you know someone?
If you're 16 to 18 and want to represent your community in Parliament, send me a video about yourself and the biggest challenges in our region to bopmp@parliament.govt.nz.
Applications close on 28th February.
This Week in New Zealand History
The return of the king wins 11 Oscars
February 2004
Peter Jackson with the 11 Oscars won by The return of the king (Alexander Turnbull Library, DX-001-739)
Peter Jackson’s last film in the epic Lord of the rings trilogy, The return of the king, won all 11 Oscars it was nominated for at the 76th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. This set a record for the largest clean sweep and equalled the highest number of Oscars, achieved by Ben Hur (1959) and Titanic (1997).
It was the first time the Academy Awards had recognised a fantasy film as Best Picture. Jackson remarked, ‘I’m so honoured, touched, and relieved that the Academy … has seen past the trolls, the wizards and the hobbits, recognising fantasy this year.’
Excited New Zealanders gathered around their television screens to view the award ceremony, and in Wellington a live telecast was screened at the Embassy theatre, where family members joined politicians and costumed Rings fans to watch the show.
Peter Jackson’s Lord of the ring's trilogy began in 2001 with the release of The fellowship of the ring. A year later, the highly anticipated The two towers came out, increasing the fan base in New Zealand and around the world. On 1 December 2003, The return of the king had its world premiere in ‘Middle Earth’, Wellington.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Industrial hemp regulations to be reviewed
Minister for Regulation David Seymour says that outdated and burdensome regulations surrounding industrial hemp (iHemp) production are set to be reviewed by the Ministry for Regulation.
Carbon capture one step closer
The Government has made key decisions on a Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) framework to enable businesses to benefit from storing carbon underground will support New Zealand’s businesses to continue operating while reducing net carbon emissions, Energy and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says
Economic growth the focus of PM’s visit to Viet Nam
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Viet Nam, visiting both Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, accompanied by a delegation of senior New Zealand business leaders.
Minister going to Australia for aged care meetings
Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello is traveling to Australia for meetings with the aged care sector in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney
Going for Growth: Overseas investment changes to drive higher wages
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has announced the Government’s plan to reform the Overseas Investment Act and make it easier for New Zealand businesses to receive new investment, grow and pay higher wages.
New Zealand stands with Ukraine, three years after illegal Russian invasion
As the world marks three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced additional sanctions on Russian entities and support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
76 gang patches seized by Police under new law
In the three months since the Government’s new gang laws came into effect Police have seized 76 patches, 67 firearms, and laid 337 charges for insignia breaches.
Deputy PM visit harnesses huge interest in NZ in the Gulf
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to the Gulf region, focused on building economic growth opportunities and conducting strategic foreign policy discussions.
Residency fast tracked for Primary Teachers
The Government is ensuring more Kiwi kids access the teachers they need to thrive in the classroom by fast-tracking the residency process for primary teachers.
Smoother path for Great Rides
Cycling our Great Rides is about to get a whole lot smoother, with a $9 million Government boost for infrastructure upgrades and replacements, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced.
Multi-million-dollar exotic caulerpa control tool projects underway
Big strides are being taken in the development of new technology to control the invasive exotic caulerpa seaweed, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
Infrastructure Pipeline continues to grow
The latest quarterly update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission shows that the value of infrastructure projects in the National Infrastructure Pipeline totals $204 billion, an increase of $60.4 billion since the last quarter, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.
Social workers enabled to have more time helping children and young people
“Families, young people, and social workers are set to benefit from technology upgrades at Oranga Tamariki that will free up social workers to spend more time with families, will help young people by ensuring important routines and needs are shared, and will improve collaboration and transparency,” Minister for Children Karen Chhour says.
Violent crime drops for the first time since 2018
Police data shows that violent crime has fallen for the first time since 2018, indicating that the Government’s tough-on-crime and victims-first approach is working, Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith say.
Going for Growth: Public Works Act overhaul
The Public Works Act will undergo its most significant reform in nearly 50-years to help unleash an infrastructure boom, Land Information Minister Chris Penk has announced.
The Public Works Act will undergo its most significant reform in nearly 50-years to help unleash an infrastructure boom, Land Information Minister Chris Penk has announced.
Round two of charter school applications now open
Associate Minister of Education David Seymour has today announced that round two of the charter school application process is open.
Clinical psychology interns boost mental health workforce
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says a record number of health-funded clinical psychology interns show that the Government’s laser focus on improving the mental health workforce pipeline is working.
More tools for businesses to deal with retail crime
The Government is clamping down on retail crime by giving businesses more powers to detain those stealing from them, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say.
Big jump in overseas visitor spend boosts tourism
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed news that New Zealand’s tourism sector continues to gather strength, according to latest data out this week.
Rules to be eased to drive investment in electricity
Restrictions on electricity lines companies investing in generation will be eased to help strengthen the energy network, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.
PM announces major upgrade to relationship with Viet Nam
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Vietnamese counterpart, His Excellency Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, have today announced the elevation of the New Zealand-Viet Nam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
New Zealand, China Foreign Ministers meet in Beijing
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing (26 February), concluding a substantive visit to China over the past days.
Going for Growth: Multi-million dollar benefits possible for farmers and growers
Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have today released the Ministry for Regulation’s recommendations to cut red tape on products used by the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
Creating a level playing field in the energy sector
A proposal by the Electricity Authority for mandatory non-discrimination obligations for electricity gentailers sends a strong signal that any advantage being provided to their own retailers will not be tolerated, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.
Four-year term legislation to be introduced
The Government has agreed to introduce legislation that will enable a four-year term of Parliament subject to a referendum, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Drought conditions declared across Taranaki
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has today classified drought conditions in Taranaki as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging situation facing farmers and growers in the region.
Freedom camping certification extended
There will be more time to get self-contained vehicles green-certified, with an extension of the transition period, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced.
New disability data provides crucial insights
Data from Stats NZ’s Household Disability Survey released recently provides crucial insights into the New Zealand disability community and its people, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says.
New AI diabetes screening pilot programme a gamechanger for wait times
Health Minister Simeon Brown has launched an artificial intelligence equipped diabetes retinal screening pilot programme in Māngere to reduce the risk of people with diabetes developing sight-threatening disease
Backing farmers to innovate and make more money
The Government is ramping up a programme to boost sustainably and farm productivity.
847 Samoans receive New Zealand citizenship in three months
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says 847 Samoans have been granted New Zealand citizenship since the Citizenship [Western Samoa – Restoration] Amendment Bill passed into law three months ago.
New wellness clinic opens for local patients
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today officially opened a new community wellness clinic in Lower Hutt that will better integrate the clinic’s services into the community.
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I’m a Local, Just Like You!
Thanks,
Tom.
Tom.