It has been a busy and productive last few months and a big highlight has been getting around the electorate for a number of annual A&P shows plus a series of Constituent Clinics which I’ve been holding in towns all over the electorate.
Palmerston Waihemo A&P show 1st of February
Hearing from people face-to-face is one of my favourite parts of being an MP and whilst I may field a few criticisms of the Government, at the end of the day everyone has their heart in the right place and we are all striving for New Zealand and the Waitaki to be the best it possibly can.
It was great to have Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka join me on a visit to the Mackenzie Basin in February to see the impact of wilding pines. The visit provided the Minister a valuable chance to witness the scale of the issue, whilst also seeing places where controls are having a positive impact.
Hon Tama Potaka Minister of Conservation and I, in the Mackenzie Basin
My Private Members Bill, which I am hoping will be drawn from the ballot, would ensure stewardship land affected, or at risk of being affected by wilding conifers could be leased or sold subject to certain conditions, enabling the use of stock grazing to help control wildings.
Also in February, I was able to celebrate National Lamb Day at Totara Estate and thoroughly enjoyed learning more about our region’s significant role in the early days of exporting meat to the world. Local historian Noel Crawford gave a wonderful presentation and highlighted that Totara Estate was where the first shipment of mutton was prepared before being freighted offshore.
It has been great to see improving prices for lamb and beef and I hope the positive trend continues. The Government is working hard to secure more trade agreements as we focus on doubling the value of exports over the next decade.
Improving the health system is also a major focus and a stronger regional health workforce will mean better access to primary healthcare under our plan to empower more nurses to deliver quality services in rural communities.
The Government will invest $34.2 million over five years to fund 120 nurse practitioner training places in primary care each year from 2026, and an additional $21.6 million over four years will accelerate advanced education for up to 120 primary care registered nurses annually. Having more highly skilled nurses is particularly relevant to rural areas so more patients can be seen sooner, and pressure on doctors is eased.
We are also investing in a new 24/7 digital healthcare service to provide all New Zealanders with better access to video consultations with New Zealand-registered clinicians, such as GPs and nurse practitioners.
This service will mean Kiwis can access primary healthcare from anywhere in New Zealand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the ability for GPs and nurses to also issue prescriptions or make referrals for tests.
We recently announced a big step in the fight against bowel cancer by lowering the age for free screening from 60 to 58. This will give more Kiwis access to life-saving early detection, helping to prevent hundreds of cancers.
During the election campaign, we made clear the National Party was committed to lowering the eligible starting age for free bowel cancer screening. This commitment is being delivered, and we look forward to further reductions in the eligibility age planned as funding and resources allow.
A final note for our charities and not-for-profit organisations. IRD has opened consultation on an Issues Paper regarding the taxation of charity and not-for-profits. The document discusses and seeks public submissions on charity business income tax exemption, donor-controlled charities, and integrity and simplification.
No decisions have been made yet, and all feedback will be carefully considered. Insights from the sector are valuable in shaping these policies, so I encourage people to participate and share their views. Submissions are open until March 31, 2025. The consultation document can be accessed at www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz along with how to make a submission.
The year is quickly marching on as we mover further into autumn which is always a beautiful time of year in the Waitaki. I hope you have a wonderful Easter, and as always don’t hesitate to get in touch if there is anything you wish to discuss.
Miles Anderson
MP for Waitaki
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