Tom Rutherford - The Week That Was - 7 March

Had an awesome day with the Young Nats at their Leadership Conference in Dunedin recently! Always a privilege to be their Patron and chat about the year ahead. Their energy and ideas are a huge asset to our party’s future.

The Government is delivering on its commitment to fix New Zealand’s broken healthcare system by ensuring Kiwis get better access to healthcare. Making it easier for New Zealanders to see a doctor or other health professional is a key priority for Health Minister Simeon Brown.
“We are already investing record funding into healthcare, but many New Zealanders are still finding it too hard to get an appointment with their GP, which is putting pressure on our emergency departments,” Mr Brown says.

Bay of Plenty Set to Benefit from Healthcare Boost
Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford has welcomed the announcement of significant healthcare initiatives that will improve access to GPs and primary healthcare across the region.

"Many Bay of Plenty residents have told me about their struggles to see a doctor when they need one. This announcement by Health Minister Simeon Brown will make a real difference to families across our communities," Mr Rutherford said.

The Government's healthcare package includes:

"The Bay of Plenty has long faced GP shortages, with many practices unable to take new patients. These initiatives will help address this critical issue by bringing more healthcare professionals into our community," said Mr Rutherford.

Rural communities will particularly benefit from the $20,000 incentive for each graduate nurse recruited to rural practices. The new 24/7 digital healthcare service will also be transformative for the region, providing residents with access to video consultations, prescriptions, and lab test referrals regardless of their location.

"For residents who live in more remote parts, this digital service will be game-changing. No longer will geographic isolation mean limited access to healthcare," added Mr Rutherford.

Mr Rutherford emphasised that these initiatives represent a practical approach to addressing healthcare access issues that have affected Bay of Plenty residents for too long.

"This is about ensuring that everyone in our community can access the healthcare they need, when they need it. I look forward to seeing these initiatives implemented and the positive impact they will have on healthcare access across the Bay of Plenty."

Check it out: Facebook

Last week the government announced a new citizen’s arrest policy that would allow members of the public to detain those who commit a crime. The policy has been met with criticism for its potential impact on retail workers and marginalised communities. While the government has asserted that citizen’s arrest should only be conducted when it is safe to do so, some are still worried about safety, especially with employer/employee power dynamics. 

Others are concerned that the law will encourage members of the public to conduct citizens arrests on anyone they suspect of committing a crime, even if their suspicions are false. This would predominantly affect marginalised groups already affected by harmful stereotypes

In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Tom Rutherford, Tuesday Wire Host Castor asked about how the new Citizens Arrest policy will work in Aotearoa. 

Full Interview; Citizen’s arrests and their potential impacts across society w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 4th March, 2025 | 95bFM

The Government is taking a major step in the fight against bowel cancer by lowering the age for free screening from 60 to 58. This will give 122,000 more Kiwis access to life-saving early detection, helping to prevent hundreds of cancers, and ultimately same lives. Bowel cancer is one of New Zealand’s most common and deadliest cancers, with over 3,300 diagnoses and 1,200 deaths each year. Early detection is critical, as finding and treating bowel cancer in its early stages significantly improves survival rates. That’s why the Government is investing $36 million over four years to ensure more New Zealanders can access free screening sooner.

During the election campaign, we made clear that the National Party was committed to lowering the eligible starting age for free bowel cancer screening, as workforce and fiscal conditions allowed. This commitment is now being delivered, ensuring more Kiwis benefit from early detection. The age reduction will be introduced in two stages, starting with two Health NZ regions in October 2025, followed by the remaining regions in March 2026.

 Eligible individuals will receive a screening kit around their birthday or be contacted by a local provider, making participation easy and convenient. This change brings New Zealand closer to international screening standards, aligning us with countries like Australia, the UK, and the Netherlands. It also ensures more lives are saved compared to the previous approach, which focused only on Māori and Pacific peoples.

The Government remains committed to strengthening cancer prevention and treatment, building on a $604 million investment in life-saving cancer drugs. By expanding access to free bowel cancer screening, we are taking an essential step toward improving health outcomes and saving lives across New Zealand.

A great LOCAL business-Texas Pete's BBQ Joint at Fashion Island in Pāpāmoa recently celebrated their grand opening! I stopped by to welcome them to our community and wish them all the best. Looking forward to trying their menu soon.

I enjoyed spending some time with our CNI Young Nats at Waikato University's Tauranga Campus Clubs Day. Great to meet local students who've chosen to study here in the Bay of Plenty. All the best with your studies this year.

New Zealand’s Choicest Suburb - celebrations at the Papamoa Surf Club last Friday evening - great stuff!

Once a stretch of paddocks where the cows had the best views in the country, a Bay of Plenty suburb is now booming. Pāpāmoa was recently crowned best suburb in a people’s choice voting competition. The win is no surprise to locals, they say, even though neighbouring suburb Mount Maunganui is more famous - even internationally - for its accolades.

Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford and fiancée Hannah live in Pāpāmoa - the young and vibrant suburb being an apt choice for the government’s youngest MP.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” he tells Stuff about the nation tuning in to his local hood. “Nationwide recognition confirms what locals have known for years - Pāpāmoa really is the choicest suburb in New Zealand.” “What we love most about Pāpāmoa is the incredible mix of natural beauty with the beach and hills, combined with great amenities, shops, and schools. It truly offers the perfect balance of coastal lifestyle with urban convenience.” In fact, when pushed, the only downside Pāpāmoa locals Stuff spoke to, is the traffic, with one saying,

“It’s fine inside Pāpāmoa, it’s when you try to get out you might face jams - but that is a Tauranga wide thing.” In peak time, or with roadworks or an accident, it can take up to an hour and a half to get from the suburb to Tauranga.

That the Bay of Plenty traffic woes spread to its favourite suburb is not denied, even by its MP, Rutherford. “Like any growing area, Pāpāmoa does face challenges. As a local, I experience the traffic congestion, particularly on Pāpāmoa Beach Road, along Domain Road and connecting to Tauranga, which remains an ongoing issue.” Infrastructure development needs to keep pace with the suburb’s rapid growth, he says. “We're working hard to ensure this happens, which is visible with the ongoing work with the Pāpāmoa East Interchange which is going to be opening next year.”

Rutherford also acknowledges that a growing population east of Tauranga where the hospital is, needs local facilities. “We need to ensure we have sufficient healthcare services to support our growing population, particularly after hours and emergency care.”

Full stuff Article: NZ’s best suburb emerges from the shadow of its more famous neighbour | Stuff

I was surprised with a “Tom Rutherford” tumbler at the markets on Sunday! Thanks Master Kiwi Designs. Love your work! Thanks to all who popped in for a chat - It was great to see you all.

A reminder that National Party membership renewals for 2025 are currently due. The Bay of Plenty electorate team is sending out reminder notices to members. Please note that we recommend payments be made directly to our local electorate bank account. Your continued support helps us maintain a strong presence in the electorate and is greatly appreciated. Please not that my local electorate office cannot take your payments over the counter.

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

Great to see Hannah and I featured in this week's Womans Day! Make sure you grab yourselves a copy.

 

March 1961

Ivan Bowen at the 1997 Golden Shears (Alexander Turnbull Library, EP/1997/0587/36a-F)

The Golden Shears has become the iconic event for the shearing and wool-handling industry in New Zealand. It was first held at the Masterton War Memorial Stadium between 9 and 11 March 1961. Nearly 300 shearers from New Zealand and Australia, including the legendary Godfrey Bowen, took part. Godfrey’s brother Ivan Bowen became the first Golden Shears champion.

In 1958 members of the Wairarapa Young Farmers’ Club had the idea of holdng a shearing competition at the annual Agricultural and Pastoral Show. Shearers came from all over the country to compete. The competition was such a success that the organisers decided to take it to another level.

The Wairarapa branch of Federated Farmers was approached to help run the competition. A bigger venue, the Masterton War Memorial Stadium, was secured and the name Golden Shears was agreed upon. Through the 1960s and ’70s it became a hugely popular event, with fierce rivalry between some of the great shearers of the land.

By the late 1970s, competitive shearing had gone professional. With more competitions, and more prize money and sponsorship, on offer, many shearers adopted the attitudes and training regimes of professional athletes. The competition has come a long way from its humble origins, but the Golden Shears remains the ultimate prize for shearers in this country.

In 2015 the Golden Shears crowned its first overseas-born-and-raised champion, Scotsman Gavin Mutch, a 2012 world shearing champion who was now farming near Whangamōmona in Taranaki. The 2015 contest was also notable for the last appearance of 16-time Golden Shears champion David Fagan, who also won 12 world titles and set 10 world records.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour has acknowledged the resignation of Chief Executive of Pharmac Dr Sarah Fitt and thanked her for her service.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has underlined an agenda of practical cooperation with Mongolia, following a visit to Ulaanbaatar.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, alongside a delegation of senior New Zealand business leaders, has concluded a highly productive visit to Viet Nam, announcing a major upgrade to the New Zealand-Viet Nam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to deepening ties with one of Asia’s most dynamic economies.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has concluded visits to China, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea focused on deepening ties with North Asia.   

Minister for Regulation David Seymour says that one year in, the Ministry for Regulation is paving the way for better law-making, higher productivity, and higher wages.

Changes to the Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) regime take effect - (Sunday 2 March).

The pinnacle of Māori performing arts was on full display at Te Matatini – big congratulations to Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue for earning the top honour, Māori Development Tama Potaka says.

A new training base to open in Auckland is another example of what can be achieved with a Government that is backing Police, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello says. 

The Coalition Government is going for growth by unlocking additional exports and creating jobs in the aquaculture industry Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Minister for Agriculture, and Trade and Investment Todd McClay announced

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey this week visited Wellington City Mission’s Whakamaru Crisis Café where he announced they are the latest recipient of the Government’s Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund.

New figures out this week again reinforce the importance of tourism to sustained economic growth, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

A Bill to reduce travel times, increase efficiency, and help boost economic growth and productivity on our busiest roads has passed its first reading in Parliament this week, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is welcoming the introduction of a new ‘hash’ database to counter digital violent extremism and protect the wellbeing of investigators.

Boosting our nursing workforce will deliver immediate benefits to people seeking care, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

The Government has taken decisive action to address the inequitable state of school property to ensure better outcomes for all students.

The Government has agreed to progressively lower the age of eligibility for bowel cancer screening tests to align with Australia.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis acknowledges the resignation of the Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr, and his seven years of service.

Increased production and higher export prices mean that New Zealand dairy farmers will play a big role in New Zealand’s economic recovery Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said in a speech at an Environmental Diary Leaders conference in Wellington.

New Zealand will support Niue with the design and construction of a new justice building in the capital Alofi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced.

Sampling and timely testing for avian influenza in remote locations like Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands is now a step closer thanks the development of a portable laboratory, says Minister for Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard.

Legislation that will enable a four-year term of Parliament subject to a referendum has passed first reading in Parliament this week, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

High quality Kiwi beef and lamb helps lead economic recovery 

Strong demand and favourable export prices combined with new export opportunities in Europe and the Middle East will see New Zealand’s beef and lamb farmers add an extra $1.2 billion to their bank accounts this year as the primary sector helps to grow the economy, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said during a farm visit in Canterbury. 

The Government is demonstrating its commitment to prioritising treaty settlements with the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passing third reading in Parliament , Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

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Thanks,
Tom.