Just four weeks after the release of Going for Growth, the Government has steadily rolled out detailed sector and industry reforms aimed at boosting New Zealand's economy. Selwyn, with a 29% population increase, is no stranger to growth. However, bureaucratic regulations have long hindered our country's development.

That's why we're focusing on fixing the fundamentals to ensure a common-sense approach for New Zealander’s navigating our industries. We want genuine engagement from you on this agenda so do not hesitate to submit your feedback here: Going for Growth

Trade Mission

Last week I travelled to Vietnam with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and a delegation of New Zealand businesses. Vietnam is a rapidly growing economy with a huge population looking for our high quality products and services.

While there, the PM formally upgraded the trade partnership between our two countries - which is great news for farmers and growers across Selwyn, giving our food products greater access, but also for our education providers, given more Vietnamese students can come here to continue their higher learning. Trade is a critical factor to growing New Zealand’s wealth so we’re working at pace to build out footprint around the world.

Out and about

This month I’ve been across the district, visiting businesses and speaking to locals. It was incredibly valuable to hear directly from the people running these businesses about how our Government can support their growth and create new opportunities.

Backing productivity means ensuring local businesses have the means to continue hiring, increasing wages and investing in their sectors, and our reforms have been designed to address supporting this growth.

Lincoln O Week

On the topic of backing our future, I was delighted to attend O Week at Lincoln University, and to get a glimpse into what is on the minds of our next generation. As the oldest agri teaching institute in the Southern Hemisphere, it is no wonder that some of New Zealand’s brightest young minds choose to study in Selwyn at Lincoln Uni

From the Beehive

Science for Farmers

We’ve just announced the launch of Science for Farmers, an initiative to boost sustainable farming and productivity.

This initiative is a collaboration between leading scientists and our primary industry experts, to discuss research and innovations for farming across the country.

It provides detailed information and access to experts in many areas including on:

Alternative pasture types that can help farmers future-proof their pasture-based systems in a warming climate.
Advanced genetics to increase production whilst helping to meet environmental and emissions obligations.
On-farm management systems that increase profit and enhance business resilience.

Our goal is to lift rural productivity, create jobs, and double the value of exports within 10 years and through collaborative intersectoral initiatives like this, we will achieve it!

The rollout of this will be featured at South Island Field Days.

Healthcare Boost

Advocating for access to timely healthcare services in Selwyn has remained one of my top priorities, residents have been forthcoming regarding the difficulties in finding access to primary care throughout the district. This GP shortage is reflected nationwide, so the Health Minister's announcement of new measures to boost our healthcare system will be a relief to many. This includes:

100 clinical placements for overseas-trained doctors in primary care.
Incentives to recruit up to 400 graduate registered nurses annually for three years.
A new 24/7 digital service for online medical appointments.
A $285 million uplift for general practice over three years.

These measures aim to increase the number of doctors and nurses, provide more healthcare options, and reduce pressure on emergency departments. We’re also funding a new training program for overseas-trained doctors and offering incentives to attract healthcare staff, especially in rural areas.

Restoring Law and Order

For the first time since 2018, New Zealand has had a drop in violent crime. We are seeing the pay off of our tough on crimes pre-election commitments and are now turning a lens to the Justice system.

We’ve announced that a package of Bills aimed at improving the justice system has passed its first reading. The 63 changes in these Bills will enhance court efficiency, boost access to justice, and reduce regulatory burdens.

Regulatory Systems (Courts) Amendment Bill: Improves efficiency for coroners, reducing wait times for families, and strengthens protections for witnesses and informants.
Regulatory Systems (Tribunals) Amendment Bill: Increases access to justice by allowing successful claimants to be reimbursed for filing fees and ensures security personnel are properly licensed.
Regulatory Systems (Occupational Regulation) Amendment Bill: Enhances operational efficiencies for regulators and removes disproportionate disqualification periods for real estate agents.

These changes aim to make the justice system more efficient, fair, and accessible for all New Zealanders.

Upcoming Events

Please feel free to stop by to say hello at any of the below events. I will be there, and it is always fantastic hearing from you!

Malvern A&P Show - Saturday, 22nd March 2025

Sheffield Domain, SH73 Sheffield

South Island Field Days – Wednesday, 26th – Friday, 28th March 2025

1191 Courtenay Road, Kirwee

Coffee Catch ups

I will be in Lincoln and West Melton this month you want to have a coffee and talk to me about an issue, policy, or just want to chat! No appointment needed.

Tuesday, 18 March

Cottage Cafe (12 Gerald Street, Lincoln, 7608)
12:15pm - 1:15pm

Monday, 24 March

Two Fat Possums  (736 Weedons Ross Road, Canterbury 7618)
12:00pm – 1:00pm