What an incredible few months activity across the region! I hope you all have managed to enjoy the summer season of events: Americarna, Te Matatini and WOMAD that have attracted thousands of visitors to New Plymouth. It has been a busy time for our office as well with brief visits from Minister Nicola Willis, Minister Tama Potaka, Minister James Meager, Minister Paul Goldsmith, Carl Bates MP and Katie Nimmon MP! My colleagues were here for a number of engagements, including Te Matatini.
The impact of these events has been significant. While many of our accommodation providers and private households (through Airbnb) may have benefited, I look forward to seeing the economic analysis of how this has affected our broader community. I am aware of the situation our CBD faced after being told to prepare for an influx of people, yet the opposite seemed to occur. Locals were advised to expect traffic delays, and many chose to stay away, resulting in fewer visitors at our cafes and restaurants. Given the Crown's significant financial contribution to Te Matatini, I encourage you to share any constructive feedback regarding your experience and observations. Community feedback is the most valuable way for organisers and stakeholders to learn and improve.
Many people have expressed concerns about the homelessness issue in New Plymouth, particularly its impact on local businesses in the Huatoki Plaza area. Many residents are also feeling unsafe due to the behaviour of some rough sleepers. This has been an ongoing problem, and a sustainable, long-term solution has yet to be reached. In response, the council has enforced its Public Places Bylaw, which requires the removal of personal belongings from people living on the streets if not taken within seven days. Discussions are also ongoing between the New Plymouth District Council and the Ministry of Social Development. I understand the frustration with the slow progress, and I will continue to be involved in the conversation as we work towards the most sustainable "destination" solution possible.
I have also spoken with Minister Chris Penk about the eviction of The Waitara and District Community Childcare Centre. We are currently waiting for testing to take place and hope to have a solution as soon as possible.
Whilst we have all enjoyed the sunshine, I am hoping for much-needed relief of rain for our rural communities. I would like to acknowledge the very challenging situation facing farmers in our region. Many have said they haven’t seen a drought like this since the 1970’s.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified conditions in Taranaki as a medium-scale adverse event because of hot, dry conditions and below average rainfall. That classification unlocks further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief, and It enables the Ministry of Social Development to consider Rural Assistance Payments.
If you’re in need of support or are aware of others in need, I strongly urge you to contact Taranaki Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Out and about in the electorate:
WITT Graduation
I was very grateful to be invited as a guest speaker at the WITT graduation ceremony at TSB showplace on the 14th of February to share my origin story and words of encouragement. I hope it “sparked” some deeper thought and ideas for the graduate’s futures.
Youth Parliament school visits and applications
Young people in our electorate are incredibly aware and interested in the wild world of politics! As part of our Youth Parliament application process, I visited a number of our local schools to inform students of what parliament is like and what the role of a Youth MP resulting in 16 applications, from what I’m told this is one of the highest numbers in New Zealand. A very diverse group of students from all walks of life, ethnicities and world views. We are currently holding a short-list process of candidates of which one will be selected to be my Youth MP. Watch this space!
Americarna
Americarna saw hundreds of classic cars and thousands of people lining the streets in support of the thundering beasts. I heard from a number of people who also thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the Americarna Rest Home Runs – Where residents were able to admire the classic cars and, in some cases, they were able to go for a cruise themselves as passengers. It brought so many special memories back for them. This annual event is more than simply appreciating cars. Behind every vehicle is a story. School kids also learn a bit of history and community organisations engage with attendees to fundraise for their cause.
Te Matatini
Te Matatini was an incredible event attracting tens of thousands of people into the region. Accommodation was booked out to as far as Whanganui! As Minister Potaka put it, we witnessed the Olympics of kapa haka. A spectacular showcase of 55 groups from across the country. I was able to attend the festival alongside many of my colleagues.
Minister Nicola Willis visit
*Hon Nicola Willis is the Minister of Finance, Minister for Social Investment, Minister for Economic Growth, Deputy Leader of the National Party.
We welcomed the Minister of Finance to Taranaki in style. There were no accommodation options left in New Plymouth during Te Matatini, so Minister Willis opted to stay at Hotel MacLeod! She said “I know there are some wonderful motels and hotels here, but I can say that hotel MacLeod is the best”... Minister Willis spoke at a Taranaki Chamber of Commerce breakfast, hosted by PHIMS with amazing service by students and staff. Minister Willis spoke about the government’s priorities around: Education, regulation, infrastructure, science and investment – and how we are looking to create competition in the banking and supermarket sectors.
Minister James Meager visit
*Hon. James Meager is the Minister for Hunting and Fishing, Minister for Youth, Minister for the South Island, Associate Minister of Transport.
Minister Meager joined Katie Nimmon, MP for Napier and I to a meeting with Port Taranaki and Fish & Game. It was their first time in New Plymouth so it was great to show off the scenes and make connections with our locals.
Visit to Taranaki Pine
Taranaki Pine are leaders in value-added wood products using 100% New Zealand Radiata pine. CEO Tom Boon took me through their facility to explain their services in detail. Another incredibly successful local business!
Taranaki Multi Ethnic Extravaganza
The Taranaki Multi Ethnic Extravaganza Parade was a vibrant display of colour and sound up Devon St, followed by performances and food stalls at the racecourse. It was great to see and learn about the diversity of cultures within our community!
School Visits
One of the many highlights of being an MP is visiting our schools. In addition to catching up with staff and students at our high schools regarding Youth Parliament, I have recently popped in to visit Fitzroy School, Waitara Central and Manukorihi Intermediate. All are doing fantastic work.
WOMAD
I had the privilege of officially opening WOMAD Aotearoa 2025. As always, the atmosphere and vibe was energising. We are fortunate to host this incredible event. The team at TAFT do incredible work bringing this all together. A special thank you to Event partners Tui Ora and TSB and many other sponsors for their support!
Recent announcements:
- 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. (Beehive PR)
- Going for growth: supermarkets on notice - The Government is seeking to bolster supermarket competition to deliver a better deal for shoppers. (Beehive PR)
- Going for growth to boost farmer confidence: 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. (Beehive PR)
- 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. (Beehive PR)
- Healthcare boost means seeing a GP, faster: The Government is delivering on its commitment to fix New Zealand’s broken healthcare system by ensuring Kiwis get better access to healthcare. (Beehive PR)
- Bowel screening changes to save hundreds of lives: The Government has agreed to progressively lower the age of eligibility for bowel cancer screening tests to align with Australia. (Beehive PR)
- More locally trained doctors in primary care: Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced further initiatives as part of a package to tackle shortages in general practice and improve access to primary care and health outcomes. (Beehive PR)
As always, if you would like to meet with me – please reach out.
Kind Regards,
David MacLeod
Office address:
37 Gill Street (Corner of Gill & Liardet), New Plymouth
Office hours:
Mon - Thurs: 9am - 3pm
Fri: By appointment
Phone: 06 759 2580