Economic growth is a priority for 2025, and it was great to have Nicola Willis in town visiting some top-notch businesses doing fantastic things in the Bay of Plenty.

At Trimax Mowing, we saw their impressive line of tractor-powered rotary and flail mowers in action. Nicola even took the opportunity to test-drive a tractor herself!

We also visited Syos Aerospace who are developing and manufacturing functional uncrewed vehicles right here in the Bay.

We’re cutting down regulations and backing businesses to do big things—because that’s how we grow the economy and put more money in your bank account.

Check out full video:

 Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed confirmation the economy has turned the corner. NZ reported today that gross domestic product grew 0.7 per cent in the three months to December following falls in the June and September quarters.

“We know many families and businesses are still suffering the after-effects of high inflation and interest rates, but today’s data confirms that New Zealanders can look forward to a better future,” Nicola Willis says. “A growing economy means more opportunities, more jobs, higher incomes and, ultimately, better health, education and other public services. “Particularly pleasing are the 0.4 per cent increase in GDP per capita in the December quarter, the first rise in two years.

 “It is also pleasing to see that exports increased 3.5 per cent in the quarter, fuelled in part by increased spending by international visitors in tourism-related industries such as accommodation, restaurants and bars, transport and vehicle hiring.

 “We still have a way to go to get to where we want to be, but with economic forecasters predicting further growth in the quarters ahead things are looking up. “The Government is focusing on the things that make a difference to the quality of people’s lives. “The Going for Growth progress report I issued last month detailed more than 80 actions the Government has taken, or that are underway, to facilitate growth. There will be more announcements in the coming months.

“Economic growth is the key to raising living standards, creating higher-paying jobs, and delivering the public services New Zealanders want and deserve.”

 

Beginning near the start of February this year, the government’s new school lunch program has faced criticism after criticism since its introduction. From supply issues to quality and quantity concerns to dietary considerations and heating issues, the program has had its fair share of teething issues. 

Now the government claims these issues have been ironed out, others continue to arise. Libelle, one of the school lunch providers contracted by the School Lunch collective recently went into liquidation. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also told parents concerned with the program to “go make a marmite sandwich.”

Also, in politics this past week we’ve seen Labour MP Camilla Belich’s private members bill passed by all parties excluding National and ACT. The Crimes (Theft by employer) amendment bill would move wage theft from a civil issue to a criminal issue, which National says is unnecessary and time consuming.

In our weekly catchup with National’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about each of these issues, starting with school lunch program concerns.
Full Interview: Continued issues with school lunches and the criminalisation of wage theft w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 18th March, 2025 | 95bFM

He also wrote to the Minister of Transport Chris Bishop on February 12, advocating for the early opening of the ramps, which would help alleviate traffic congestion for Pāpāmoa, Tauranga’s largest and fastest-growing suburb, now boasting a population of 37,800.

“I have engaged with our local community on this issue, including Tauranga City Council, residents and local businesses. There is strong support across all these groups for an early opening of these specific ramps, recognising the significant benefits this would bring to our community including reduced travel times and improved safety by redirecting traffic away from the already congested Domain Road exit.”

Rutherford emphasised the challenges faced by the community, including increased pressure on local roads, longer travel times and added congestion. He also highlighted the environmental impact of unnecessary detours.

“The ramps are nearly finished, and I would love to see them open ahead of schedule, perhaps a year or so before the full interchange is completed,” Rutherford said.

“This would ease the pressure on Domain Road and provide a much-needed route for those living in Pāpāmoa East. It would also offer a more direct entry point for people travelling from Mount Maunganui or other areas to the Tauranga Eastern Link, as well as an easier exit to head toward Whakatāne.”

“NZTA is currently in discussion with Tauranga City Council on the possible options for early opening of entry and/or exit ramps at the Papamoa East Interchange,” NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi system design regional manager Susan Collins said.

Full story: The Weekend Sun | MP cheers early opening of interchange ramp

Many of you have raised concerns about the frequent speed limit changes along the newly completed Baypark to Bayfair Link. The constant changes over such a short stretch of road are confusing, frustrating and could be a safety risk, which goes against the whole point of the project.

I’ve reached out to NZTA to get some answers and will update you as soon as I hear back.

Brilliant to celebrate Mocha n More’s  1-year anniversary with Manny and their wonderful community! The highlight was announcing FREE coffee anytime for our frontline heroes - Police, Paramedics, and Firefighters! This perfectly reflects Manny and the team's values - always giving back to those keeping our community safe.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Congratulations Mocha n More! Here's to an even better year two!

In just two weeks, I'm proud to be hosting a match between our very own Kaimai Cricket Club and the Parliamentary cricket team at the Matapihi Cricket Ground.

Match starts: 11:00 AM

Location: Matapihi Cricket Ground (MCG)

Come support your favourite team and enjoy a day of exciting cricket! Everyone welcome—bring friends and family.

Want more details? Visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/183DVPKuGs/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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 note that my local electorate office cannot take your payments over the counter.

 

'Wounded at Cassino', by Peter McIntyre (Archives New Zealand, AAAC 898 NCWA 309)

On 15 March 1944, 6 New Zealand Brigade attacked the Italian town of Cassino as part of the Allies’ advance on Rome.

This was one of four Allied assaults on the German defences at Cassino between January and May 1944. 2 New Zealand Division played a significant part in this campaign. By the time it was withdrawn in early April, 343 New Zealanders had lost their lives.

The success of the 15 March attack on the tactically important Castle Hill depended on the effectiveness of a prior bombing campaign. Troops had been waiting three weeks in freezing rain for suitable weather for an aerial assault. Bombarded from air and land, Cassino was reduced to rubble.

But the surviving German defenders rallied quickly and put up staunch resistance. In conditions reminiscent of the First World War, Allied armour and infantry were held up by bomb craters that flooded as heavy rain set in, turning the rubble into a morass. Communications were difficult and progress was slow. A New Zealand battalion managed to seize Castle Hill, but by dusk the attack had lost its impetus.

Over the next eight days more New Zealand troops entered Cassino, but they were unable to make any headway. On 23 March all attacks were halted and the New Zealanders went on the defensive. Cassino did not fall until 18 May 1944, when it was occupied by Polish troops supported by New Zealand artillery.

 

The Government is strengthening health requirements for dependent children of people on temporary visas to ensure more consistency in the immigration system.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced New Zealand and India have formally launched negotiations on a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.

Education Minister Erica Stanford is leading a New Zealand delegation to Iceland to participate in the 2025 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP). 

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has announced that Caroline Flora has been reappointed as New Zealand’s Chief Censor.

Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) today during the Prime Minister’s Indian Trade Mission, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with India in the horticulture sector.

 New Zealand & India strengthen forestry ties 

 Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) today during the Prime Minister’s Indian Trade Mission, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with India in the forestry sector.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held productive talks in New Delhi

The Government is moving to strengthen rules for feeding food waste to pigs to protect New Zealand from exotic animal diseases like foot and mouth disease (FMD), says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has appointed two new people to the Pharmac Board and reappointed a current member for a second term.

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Hope you have a great weekend and if there is anything I can do to help - please give my office a call on 07 542 0505 or email me at bopmp@parliament.govt.nz

Thanks,
Tom.