Katie Nimon's News - August

03 Sep 2024
Katie Nimon

Kia Ora everyone!

Welcome to my monthly newsletter.

Your update about what's happening in the Napier electorate, New Zealand Parliament and across our country! 

In this issue:

  • Government support to Hawke's Bay councils 
  • Hawke's Bay Tourism funding 
  • Highlights this month
  • Recent Policy announcements
  • What's happened in the house
  • Upcoming events and important dates  

 

Government support to Hawke's Bay councils to speed up recovery

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has allocated $16.8 million of Budget 2024 funding to support councils in accelerating recovery efforts following the severe weather events of 2023.

The funding comes from the Cyclone Recovery Capability Fund which was announced as part of Budget 2024. Councils have said they require additional expertise to speed up their priority recovery projects, and this funding enables it. 

Hawke’s Bay Councils:

  • Hawke’s Bay Regional Council: $2.18 million for additional expertise to speed up Wairoa, Pakowhai, and Pōrangahau flood protection, as well as additional expertise for community engagement and flood modelling for a range of projects.
  • Hastings District Council: $1.47 million to speed up Hastings roading delivery programme.
  • Central Hawke’s Bay District Council: $0.7 million to speed up roading recovery and provide flood modelling.
  • Wairoa District Council: $0.2 million to speed up the Te Reinga bridge replacement project.

Hawke's Bay Tourism funding  

A total of 132 events are set to receive a funding boost to help attract more New Zealanders to the regions throughout the year and grow the economy, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey announced. 

Regional events large and small are excellent drawcards for New Zealanders to explore beyond the main centres and see what our beautiful country has to offer.

Hawkes' Bay Tourism gets funding boost for four popular Hawke’s Bay events. A share of $105,000 of funding from the Regional Events Promotion Fund in an effort to attract visitors.

Horse of the Year, Hawke’s Bay Marathon, Iron Māori triathlon and Outfield Music Food and Arts Festival will benefit from the Government's drive for economic development in the region.

Hawke’s Bay Tourism

$15,000 to Iron Māori triathlon events 

$20,000 to Horse of the Year 

$20,000 to Outfield Music Food and Arts Festival 

$50,000 to Hawke’s Bay Marathon

 

 

Highlights this month

Environment Select Committee

As part of my role on the Environment Select Committee, the Fast Track Approvals Bill is currently before the Committee for consideration.

Cabinet has suggested the following changes to the Fast-track Approvals Bill to the Environment Committee:

  • Projects will be referred to an expert panel by the Minister for Infrastructure alone, who will be required to consult the Minister for the Environment and other relevant portfolio Ministers as part of that referral process.
  • Final decisions on projects will not sit with Ministers but with the expert panel. This is the same as the previous Labour government’s fast-track process.
  • Expert panels will include expertise in environmental matters; will include an iwi authority representative only when required by Treaty settlements; and will include Māori development expertise in place of mātauranga Māori.
  • Applicants will be required to include information on previous decisions by approving authorities, including previous court decisions, in their applications for the referring Minister to consider. 
  • Timeframes for comment at the referral and panel stages will be extended in order to give parties, including those impacted by a proposed project, more time to provide comments.

The Committee will decide whether or not to accept these recommended changes. The officials will prepare a report on the bill for the house with its recommended changes. This report is due on 18 Oct 2024. 

You can watch public meetings of the Environment Select Committee here. 

 

Education and Workforce Select Committee

As part of my role on the Education and Workforce Select Committee, public hearings on the Education and Training Amendment Bill have now concluded.

The Committee is gathering information, and officials will prepare a report on the bill for the house with its recommended changes. This report is due on Thurs, 5th September 2024. 

This bill amends the Education and Training Act 2020 to repeal the early childhood education network approval provisions, provide for a new type of school (charter school/kura hourua), and enable the Secretary for Education to make rules about attendance data.

You can watch public meetings of the Education and Workforce Select Committee here.

 

Meetings and events 

August has been an incredibly busy and productive month, both inside the House and out in the electorate. Throughout the month, I attended 28 different electorate events, engaging with a diverse range of individuals, organizations, and key stakeholders. These events provided valuable opportunities to listen to the aspirations of the community.

In addition to these events, I regularly meet with our Mayor’s across the electorate. These meetings are crucial for discussing what’s working well in our communities, as well as addressing the ongoing challenges.

Constituency work

My office offers support to constituents facing difficulties or barriers with government agencies. This month, 38 community members approached us for various forms of assistance. We actively help constituents by providing them with additional information that may aid their cases. Some of the themes from this month:

  • School bus transport in rural areas
  • Changes to funding from Oranga Tamariki
  • Immigration, particularly requesting support with partnership visas
  • Law and Order
  • Disability Support 

 

Some meeting and event highlights  

Bay Leaf Organics

Bay leaf organics started in 2005, when Craig and Wendy leased their first orchard.

It was great to get a tour of their Meeanee site and understand the opportunities and challenges facing our exporters.

Today, they have seven orchards, family-owned and operated, and are passionate about producing premium organic apples that are enjoyed the world over. 

The horticulture industry is set for more growth with our government revitalising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme. This is an exciting announcement for the region as Hawke’s Bay currently recruits over 40 percent of New Zealand’s RSE Workers.

 

Hawke’s Bay Airport Ltd- fire truck naming competition

I was invited to the Hawke’s Bay Airport to have a look at the brand-new Rosenbauer fire truck and be one of the ‘expert’ panellists for the fire truck naming competition. Joining me on the panel to help select the top 5 names were Mayor Sandra Hazelhurst (Mayor of Hastings), Mayor Kirsten Wise (Mayor of Napier), Damian Corbett (Fire Operations Manager at Hawke’s Bay Airport), and Wendie Harvey (Chair of Hawke’s Bay Airport). Stay tuned for the big reveal!

 

The public can vote on the final five via the airport's website, with the competition closing on 13 September. The winning name will be announced shortly after, along with the winner of the naming competition who will receive a $500 travel voucher.

The final five are:

  1. Fred (Fire Rescue Emergency Deployment)
  2. Judy Drench
  3. Spraying Mantis
  4. Te Wai Wai (water in abundance)
  5. Toa Ahi (Fire Warrior)

 

Community coffee catch up meetings in Marewa and Meeanee

I had two community coffee catch up meetings this month in Marewa and Meeanee. These coffee catchups are an opportunity for people to come and talk with me in an informal setting about what’s going on in their communities. It is always great to meet new people and support local.

 

We discussed wide range of topics from driver's licensing for seniors requiring a medical test, Hawke's Bay expressway timelines, jobseekers help, health system improvements and education.

 

Dementia Hawke’s Bay

It was so good to meet with Dementia Hawke’s Bay for an afternoon tea in my office. This meeting was a great opportunity to discuss what’s working well and what’s needed. What was so great about this meeting was the different experiences and perspectives everyone brought - Tracey Lanigan (CEO Dementia Hawke’s Bay), Fiona Parrant (Chair Alzheimer’s NZ Lived Experience Advisory Group and whānau support carer) and Alister Robertson (lived experience, 2024 QSM recipient and board member of Alzheimer’s New Zealand, Chair of Dementia International Alliance).

I have some key actions to take back to Parliamentary Friends of Dementia, a cross-party group of MPs with an interest in dementia supported by Alzheimers NZ.

 

Te Hiwa a Māhaki – A new place for young people in Maraenui

The rangatahi Hub officially opened on 1st August 2025.  It was blessed by Matua Tīwana Aranui followed by kai and other activities. I was away in Wellington on the opening day but later caught up with Shyann Raihania. 

I got to hear about her aspirations to spark passion in young people and equip them with knowledge. I can’t wait to see how this place develops. Thanks so much for having me and keeping me updated of all the progress! 

 

Hawke’s Bay Export Awards 2024

I was delighted to attend the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Awards 2024 held at Toi Toi, Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre in Hastings. Our region is big on exports. 

The ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Awards, now in its milestone tenth year, is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of companies based within the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne/ Tairāwhiti region, in exporting goods and services to overseas markets. It was great to see some locals winning an award. 

 

National Party conference in Auckland

The 88th National Party conference was held in Manukau, Auckland to progress plans and actions to get NZ Back on Track. It was attended by National party MPs and its members across NZ. 

It was wonderful to have special guest, former Prime Minister, John Key join us to share some experiences and inspiration as we work hard to get NZ back on track.

 

 

Asians in the Bay Awards 2024

The Asians in the Bay Awards 2024, an event dedicated to recognising the outstanding contributions of the Asian communities in Hawke’s Bay was held at Napier War Memorial Centre. It was a very colourful, vibrant event and was even more special to attend the event with Minister of Ethnic Communities, Hon.Melissa Lee. Well done to the Hawke’s Bay Multicultural Association for all their work in organising this event. 

Individual excellence was celebrated by the communities. Award categories included best Asian Community, Business, Restaurant, Practising Professional, Secondary Student and tertiary student.  

Congratulations to all the nominees and a special mention to our Kerala and Hindu communities for receiving winner and runner up in the best community category.

 

Minister Matt Doocey visits Napier 

We warmly welcomed Minister for Mental Health, ACC, Tourism and Hospitality, Youth, and Associate Minister of Health and Transport Matt Doocey recently to talk about some of his portfolio areas.

It is important for ministers to visit other electorates to hear how things are on the ground, and we had a very productive meeting with Napier based organisations focussing on mental health and tourism. Minister Doocey met with Hawke's Bay Tourism, Whatever It Takes Trust, Spark that Chat and Mates 4 Life. 

 

 

Napier SuperBlues at RSA Taradale - Dan Bidois, MP for Northcote

I attended the SuperBlues at RSA, Taradale. SuperBlues are a group of socially active New Zealanders aged 60+ who work collaboratively with National MPs to promote solutions to issues that will enhance a quality environment for all senior citizens.

This month's guest speaker was Dan Bidois, MP for Northcote. We kicked off the day with morning tea with our Napier SuperBlues where Dan gave an overview of his fascinating career and Northcote electorate. 

After SuperBlues meeting, we met with kaupapa Māori social service provider Innov8. It was a great opportunity to discuss what’s working well in Hawke’s Bay as well as some of the ongoing challenges.  A quick stop for some sushi in Taradale, then onto watch the Spooner Shield tournament at Bledisloe School. 
I feel so proud to show my MP colleagues our region! 

 

Fairhaven Specialist School 

Fairhaven Specialist School provides an all-inclusive learning environment to learners across Hawke’s Bay.

It was a pleasure to meet with Diane and her Senior Leadership Team to have a discussion about what’s working well as well as some of the ongoing challenges. My team got a tour of the base school next to Bledisloe School and one of the satellite classrooms at Nelson Park Primary. We are so lucky to have passionate teachers like Katie bringing the classroom to life for these students.

 

Women representation in NZ Parliament 

It was a privilege to host a large group of talented professional women in Parliament alongside Catherine Wedd MP for Tukituki and our amazing Ministers and inspirational leaders Nicola Willis MP and Nicola Grigg MP and my colleagues as we encourage female representation and diverse views in Parliament.

Some other great events and meetings that I've attended. 

  • The Aurora Foundation programme in Wairoa 
  • Sports Hawke's Bay  
  • Rowan Apartments Groundbreaking  
  • Snap Fitness Napier 
  • Hawke's Bay Magpies game
  • Tangoio bush walk 

 

Recent Policy Announcements 

Law & Order, Social Development

1. Action plan to get more people into employment - read the Beehive PR

Supporting more people into work so they can lead happier, healthier, and more productive lives is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Employment Action Plan. 

2. A ‘Beneficiaries-First’ approach to employment - read the Beehive PR

New targets will see a greater proportion of MSD’s spending on employment programmes go towards supporting people on Jobseeker benefits, rather than non-beneficiaries. 

3. Government supports Police to search for illegally held guns - read the Beehive PR

The Coalition Government is one step closer to delivering on its commitment to keep firearms out of the hands of serious offenders. 

4. Giving our children a greater voice - read the Beehive PR

The Government has finalised a framework that will strengthen the oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system by ensuring the independence of the children’s monitor and creating a stand-alone Children’s Commissioner. 

5. Rushed gun laws haven't made New Zealanders safer - read the Beehive PR

The previous Labour Government’s rushed gun laws haven’t made New Zealanders safer. The Coalition Government knows that targeting law-abiding licenced firearms owners will not reduce gun crime. That is why we are strengthening Firearms Prohibition Orders to give Police greater powers to search gang members and violent offenders for illegal firearms. 

6. Minister’s message to disgruntled providers - read the Beehive PR

I am committed to putting the safety of children in Oranga Tamariki’s care ahead of the security of the businesses run by providers, Children’s Minister Karen Chhour says.  

7. Progress continues with Military-Style Academy Pilot - read the Beehive PR

Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is mostly satisfied with the progress in the first two weeks of the Military-Style Academy Pilot at Palmerston North. 

8. Rapid payments for terminally ill Lake Alice survivors - read the Beehive PR

The coalition Government is urgently making financial assistance available for survivors of the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit) who are terminally ill.  

9. Green light for Welfare that Works - read the Beehive PR

A comprehensive package of reforms to the benefit system unveiled today will shift more people off Jobseeker Support into employment and introduce tougher consequences for those who repeatedly do not meet their benefit obligations.

 

 

Education

1. Better outcomes in early childhood education - read the Beehive PR

More support will be available for Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers to help them drive better literacy and numeracy outcomes for young learners, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced. 

2. School attendance continues to increase - read the Beehive PR

Provisional school attendance data for Term two 2024 released has shown more students are back in class compared to last year, with 53.1 per cent of students regularly attending, compared with 47 per cent in Term two 2023. 

3. Overwhelming demand to open charter schools - read the Beehive PR

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Charter Schools Agency (CSA) has received 78 applications to open new charter schools, or to convert existing state schools to charter schools. 

4. Thousands more young people to get job coaching - read the Beehive PR

A significant investment by the coalition Government in young job seekers will see an extra 2100 placed into community-led programmes that provide job coaches and other support to give them a better future.  

5. Vocational education reform consultation begins - read the Beehive PR

The Government is consulting on reforms to replace the failed Te Pūkenga experiment with a financially sustainable, regionally responsive vocational education and training system that delivers the skills and training New Zealand needs. 

6. Governance of education sector boosted - read the Beehive PR

The coalition Government is strengthening the education sector’s governance and management, says Education Minister Erica Stanford.

 

Transport & Infrastructure

1. Regional Deals framework announced - read the Beehive PR

The Government has launched a framework to establish Regional Deals between central and local government that will drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure New Zealand needs. 

2. Back to basics for local government - read the Beehive PR

The Government has announced measures to ensure councils are getting back to basics to reduce the cost of living, deliver core services and infrastructure, and improve the efficiency of decision making. 

3. Drunk and drugged drivers targeted by new road policing programme - read the Beehive PR

Drunk drivers and drugged drivers will be heavily targeted to improve safety on our roads by the new $1.3 billion Road Policing Investment Programme RPIP (2024-2027). 

4. Great Rides get e-bike upgrade - read the Beehive PR

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey today opened a fund to establish e-bike charging stations for New Zealand’s Great Rides so as many people as possible can experience our incredible cycle trails first hand. 

5. Funding for regional flood resilience confirmed - read the Beehive PR

 Flood resilience projects protecting communities across the regions could get started as early as this year, with funding from the Regional infrastructure Fund now confirmed.

 

Regulatory & Digital Technology

1. Technology to enable more court remote participation - read the Beehive PR

Enabling more remote participation in our courts using Audio Visual (AV) technology is an important part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to improving court performance and access to justice.

2.  Approach set out for Agricultural and Horticultural Products Regulatory Review - read the Beehive PR

The Ministry for Regulation has published an Economic Analysis Issues paper as part of the ongoing agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review.

 

Health

1. Phase 2 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons - read the Beehive PR

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says the Government has finalised the detailed terms of reference for Phase 2 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons. 

2. Govt funding boosts immunisation in high needs communities - read the Beehive PR

Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti has welcomed preliminary data on a major immunisation initiative, saying it reinforces a commitment to get resources and funding out of a Wellington-based bureaucratic tangle and directly to frontline providers.

3. New x-ray machines boost radiology services in the Wellington region - read the Beehive PR

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced significant improvements in radiology services in the Wellington region, with the first of eight new digital radiography machines now operational at Wellington Regional Hospital.

4. Government acts on disability review findings - read the Beehive PR

Immediate action will be taken to stabilise the disability support system after an independent review found the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha was ‘ill-prepared’ to deliver these services when it was established in 2022. 

5. Minister meets Stop Smoking providers to drive Smokefree - read the Beehive PR

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello is meeting with all of the country’s frontline stop smoking service providers this week to ensure New Zealand reaches the Smokefree 2025 goal. 

6. ACC regulatory changes will improve access to treatment - read the Beehive PR

ACC Minister Matt Doocey says more paramedic and audiometrist treatment will soon be available to treat ACC clients, as part of a set of regulatory changes.

 

Regional Growth and Economy

1. National Infrastructure Plan to provide a 30-year roadmap - read the Beehive PR

The 30-year National Infrastructure Plan will ensure greater stability of infrastructure priorities to help New Zealand plan for, fund and deliver important projects, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. 

2. 1st December start for National Infrastructure Agency - read the Beehive PR

The Government’s new National Infrastructure Agency will be established this year, unlocking access to more capital for infrastructure and strengthening the Government’s private finance and commercial capability.  

3. Red tape cut for marine farm consents - read the Beehive PR

The aquaculture industry, exports and the economy, will benefit from the passing of a bill today that will extend existing coastal permits for marine farms by 20 years.

4. Fishing levies cut to provide industry relief - read the Beehive PR

Levies paid by the fishing industry have been cut to help support the sector to increase its value to New Zealand through exports and jobs.

5. Huge interest in one-stop shop Fast-track Bill - read the Beehive PR

Cabinet has agreed to recommend a suite of sensible changes to the Fast-track Approvals Bill.  

6. RMA Reform Phase Two priorities and plan - read the Beehive PR

The Government will progress a second Resource Management Act Amendment Bill and a suite of changes to national direction to drive economic growth and productivity, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.

7. Delivering more competitive banking for Kiwis - read the Beehive PR

The Government will act on all 14 recommendations made by the Commerce Commission’s final report into bank competition.

8. New pathway for essential seasonal workers - read the Beehive PR

The coalition Government is providing immediate relief to employers with upcoming seasonal peaks by creating a new subcategory of the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV).

9. 20 Government actions free up the rural economy - read the Beehive PR

Hard working men and women of rural NZ are doing their bit to help rebuild our economy, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.

10. Immigration priorities Speech to Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) - read the Beehive PR

This is a really fantastic opportunity for me, for the first time, to set out my priorities in the immigration portfolio and give you an insight into some of the important work that is going on at pace. 

11. Improving fairness and ease of doing business - read the Beehive PR

A raft of reforms to modernise and simplify company law will make New Zealand an easier and safer place to do business Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.

12. RSE Scheme revitalised and cap increased - read the Beehive PR

The coalition Government is supporting the growth of New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries, by revitalising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme and increasing the cap for the coming season.

13. Cost of living relief welcome - read the Beehive PR

Today’s cut in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 5.25 per cent is welcome relief for families and businesses. 

 

 

Environment, Climate change and weather events

1. Local Water Done Well bill passes - read the Beehive PR

Parliament’s passing of legislation setting out the Government’s Local Water Done Well preliminary arrangements for new water services has been welcomed by Local Government Minister Simeon Brown.  

2. Urgent action taken to bolster energy security - read the Beehive PR

Cabinet has moved quickly to approve a raft of actions to address the serious risk to New Zealand’s energy security and affordability, Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Resources Minister Shane Jones say. 

3. Next steps on Electrifying New Zealand - read the Beehive PR

The Government will progress a series of reforms to make it easier and cheaper to consent, build and maintain renewable electricity generation as well as electricity distribution and transmission. 

4. Further support to Councils to speed up recovery- read the Beehive PR

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has allocated $16.8 million of Budget 24 funding to support councils in accelerating recovery efforts following the severe weather events of 2023.

5. Updated settings to restore ETS market confidence - read the Beehive PR

Settings for the New Zealand Emission Trading Scheme have been updated to ensure New Zealand has a more credible market, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. 

 

What's happened in the House?

During sitting weeks, the House of Representatives meets in the Debating Chamber to debate legislation, ask and answer questions, and more. Sitting Calendar 2024

Sitting Days in August – in green

30 July to 1 August 2024

This week in Parliament was a brief overview of anticipated business and events to be conducted by the House and Select Committees in the coming week.

6 August to 8 August 2024 – Oral questions

Recess week 12- 16th August 2024

20 August to 22 August 2024 – House Happenings

27 August to 29 August 2024 - This week in Parliament

 

Progress in the house

To see bills at varying stages and find out the status, follow this link. 

What's open for submissions? 

Parliament's decisions affect all New Zealanders. Have your say and influence the laws passed by Parliament. You can get involved by making a submission.

Make a submission - New Zealand Parliament (www.parliament.nz)

Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Bill - 29th August 2024

Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill – 4 September 2024

Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill - 5 September 2024

Customer and Product Data Bill - 5 September 2024

Improving Arrangements for Surrogacy Bill - 18 September 2024

Inquiry into banking competition - 25 September 2024

 

Upcoming events in September

Northern Napier electorate community drop-in-sessions 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Community Pop-In sessions at Napier Electorate office, 16 Carlyle Street

  • Friday 6th September from 3:00pm - 5:00pm
  • Friday 27th September from 3:00pm - 5:00pm

 

Important dates

Government launched Q3 action plan on 1st July 2024 with a significant focus on restoring law and order. 

Free public access to RATs (Covid-19 testing kit) will continue until 30th September 2024.

Temporary Accommodation Assistance for people who were displaced by severe weather events in 2022 and 2023 (Cyclone Gabrielle and Auckland Anniversary Floods) is available until 30th June 2025. 

The Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) activated on the 9 July 2024 for the 25-26 June Wairoa flooding event. The TAS is currently accepting registrations from displaced residents in Wairoa who need assistance finding temporary accommodation.  

 

Links to recent news items

Hawke's Bay Today – Wairoa’s young future leaders gain parliamentary insights through Aurora Foundation programme

The Gisborne Herald - Programme inspiring Leaders of the Future

Hawke's Bay Today newspaper - Final five names revealed in Hawke’s Bay Airport firetruck naming competition

Hawke's Bay Today - Hawke's Bay tourism events get Govt funding boost 

Hawke's Bay Today - Mana Ake: Mental Health Minister extends funding for trauma support programme initiated after Cyclone Gabrielle

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I look forward to seeing you around. 

Thanks

Katie Nimon

Member of Parliament for Napier                                                                    

Contact us:

Napier electorate office - 16 Carlyle Street, Napier                                      Phone: 06 - 835 2569                                                                                    Email: [email protected]