Government's Q2 Action Plan focused on economic growth
I welcome the Government's Q2 Action Plan, which outlines 38 concrete actions to grow the economy and improve outcomes for New Zealanders over the next three months.
"The Coalition Government's Q2 Action Plan demonstrates our continued commitment to rebuilding the economy and easing cost of living pressures for Bay of Plenty families," I said.
"With GDP rising, interest rates falling, and inflation under control, we're seeing positive signs that our economic plan is working. This next set of actions will further strengthen our economy and create more opportunities for local businesses and families."
The plan includes several initiatives that will directly benefit the Bay of Plenty, including:
- Delivering 10,500 additional elective procedures through the Health NZ electives boost
- Introducing legislation to establish Invest NZ, which will position New Zealand as a premier destination for foreign direct investment
- Launching the Tourism Growth Roadmap to boost tourist numbers and drive economic growth in regions like the Bay of Plenty
- Beginning public consultation on the 30-year National Infrastructure Plan
- Taking Cabinet decisions on self-certification for low-risk building work and reducing inspection wait times
"The plan also includes important actions to restore law and order and deliver better public services, which are priorities I hear about regularly from Bay of Plenty constituents," I added.
"I'm particularly pleased to see progress on strengthening consequences for retail crime, expanding tools to help people move from welfare into work, and improving the performance of our education system."
"Our Government is focused on delivery and making life better for all New Zealanders. These quarterly action plans keep us accountable and ensure we're making steady progress toward our goals."
This Weeks 95 BFM Interview
Supermarkets and Tariffs w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 8th April, 2025
Nicola Willis says she is interested in introducing a competitor to the New Zealand supermarket duopoly, though whether this competitor will come from overseas or internally remains to be seen.
Also, in politics this past week are US president Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have had massive economic impact in the US and internationally. While New Zealand is minimally affected by the tariffs, our economy only recently exited a recession, so we may be in a position of vulnerability to further economic instability.
In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with plans to address the supermarket duopoly.
You can find the press conference referenced by Tom Rutherford here.
Full Interview link: Supermarkets and Tariffs w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 8th April, 2025 | 95bFM
Making it easier and more affordable to build in New Zealand
This is part of our Government's plan to deliver economic growth, creating more jobs and helping with the cost of living. Construction costs have risen 40% since 2019, which is unacceptable.
Our Government has just passed legislation that will put up to 250,000 more building products on shelves this year alone. From July, more than 12,000 essential products like plasterboard, cladding and insulation will be cleared for use. This will increase competition, reduce prices, and improve supply chain resilience while maintaining quality standards.
We're also cracking down on cowboys in the building industry. While most of our tradies are skilled and hardworking, a few poor examples harm the industry's reputation. We'll remove productivity-choking regulations while keeping quality controls, improve the complaints process, and strengthen disciplinary measures for substandard work.
We're committed to cutting through red tape so it's quicker and cheaper to build in New Zealand.
Another monthly online policy explainer in the books.
This week's session was with Minister Chris Bishop talking transport, the RMA, and getting things built in New Zealand.
These sessions give National Party members an inside look at the policies our team is developing to help get New Zealand back on track. Always a great chance to go beyond the headlines and into the detail.
NextGen Leaders
I recently spent an afternoon at the NextGen leaders' graduation. I had many great conversations with the students and was happy to present each of them with their endorsement letters. The seven-week program equips Year 12 and 13 students from Tauranga and Rotorua with skills to reach their potential and create positive change in their communities. I was impressed by these talented students—their energy and vision gives me great confidence in our next generation of leaders!
Local Clubrooms Opening
Excited to be at the Papamoa FC clubroom opening at Alice Johnson Oval, Gordon Spratt Reserve.
The club’s on a roll after recent big wins: 6-0 for the First Team and 7-0 for the U23s.
You Are Welcome!
A wonderful visit earlier this week from this amazing local family who stopped by to say 'Thank You' for the assistance I provided last year. These moments remind me of why I love being your Bay of Plenty MP - nothing beats being able to help members of our community when they need it most
I'm always happy to help where I can. If you have an issue, you think we could help with, please get in touch.
Kiwifruit Time!
I recently spent the afternoon with the incredible team at Ngāi Tukairangi Trust orchards in Matapihi. This innovative Māori-owned operation manages 56 hectares of world-class kiwifruit across the Bay of Plenty, primarily on the Matapihi Peninsula.
It was impressive to see their commitment to sustainability and productivity on the fertile volcanic soils of our region. The Trust consistently produces high-yielding, high-value kiwifruit crops year after year, with a clear focus on integrity in everything they do.
The Ngāi Tukairangi team should be proud of what they’ve achieved, while continuing to improve and deliver increased profitability for their Trust and community. These local success stories are what make the Bay of Plenty such a special place! Ngai Tukairangi Orchards
Local Petition Received
A petition about the Ministry for Regulations recommended changes to early Childhood Education was received in our local Electorate office this week by Kirsten Stevens (Senior MP Support)- 11,000 Signatures received.
Papamoa Community Markets
Despite the time change from daylight saving, it was still perfect 'shorts' weather at the Papamoa Community Markets last Sunday- thanks to all who stopped by for a chat.
I'll be back again on Sunday 4 May.
I've had several Loop Road and Te Puna residents contact me recently with concerns about proposed road changes. I wrote to NZTA seeking answers and recently received their official response.
The key facts: Loop Road is not closing. The SH2 entrance will shift to the western end. It remains a cul-de-sac (just reversed). There will be no interim full closure planned. NZTA's final design should be complete by mid-2025.
I've attached their full letter for anyone wanting more details. Questions? Feel free to get in touch.
The Next SuperBlues - Monday 14 April
OROPI Branch Event- Friday 2 May
See you next time - Sunday 4 May
'Local' Coffee Catch Ups -Saturday 17 May
This Week in New Zealand History
New Zealand's first royal visit
11 April 1869
Engraving of the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Auckland (Alexander Turnbull Library, 1/2-002559-F)
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, arrived in Wellington as captain of the frigate HMS Galatea. The first member of the British royal family to visit New Zealand, he was greeted with haka, speeches and bunting.
Prince Alfred, the second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, made three visits to New Zealand in 1869 and 1870. A planned visit in 1868 had been cancelled after a gunman wounded the prince in Sydney.
During his 1869 visit, the prince spent nearly a week in the capital, attending official functions and enjoying a pig hunt before sailing to Nelson. He subsequently visited Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland, where he received 150 Māori chiefs and shot pūkeko and pigeons. The prince’s warship returned briefly to Wellington in late August 1870 and made a final visit in December.
To commemorate the first royal visit, a district in Bay of Plenty was named after the prince’s vessel. The name Galatea was originally applied to an Armed Constabulary redoubt built during the hunt for the Māori resistance leader Te Kooti
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Process to consider establishing a sika deer Herd of Special Interest begins
Almost 12 years after the passing of Herds of Special Interest (HOSI) legislation, the formal process that will look into designating New Zealand’s first HOSI has begun, Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has announced.
Security resources to support ethnic communities
The Ministry for Ethnic Communities has released resources to support people in New Zealand who may be subject to foreign interference, Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell says.
Modern civil aviation law comes into effect
New Zealand’s new civil aviation law will modernise regulations and ensure New Zealanders are safe in our skies, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.
Travellers to benefit from joint airline agreement extension
The British Airways and Qatar Airways joint business agreement has been extended for five more years by the Government, Associate Transport Minister James Meager announced recently.
Pressing go on the second Ashburton Bridge
A major milestone has been achieved this week with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving the business case and signing a partner agreement with Ashburton District Council (ADC) on how both parties will work together to deliver the second Ashburton Bridge, says Associate Transport Minister and Minister for the South Island James Meager.
Government delivers breakthrough week for building
Significant action by the Government this week will make building in New Zealand easier by unclogging the consenting system, reducing construction costs, and giving tradies the support they need to get on with the job, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.
Multi-billion-dollar Defence plan unveiled
The Coalition Government released a multi-billion-dollar plan for a modern, combat-capable New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) that pulls its weight internationally and domestically.
Cutting red tape at the start of employment
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says changes are coming to support freedom of choice and reduce the burden on employers when new employees start in a role.
Freeing up access to finance for Kiwi households
The Government is delivering on its commitment to make it easier for Kiwis to access the finance they need, when they need it, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson.
‘Safety-first’ approach at Oranga Tamariki underway
Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has received confirmation that Oranga Tamariki have made progress on the removal of targets not focused on child safety and wellbeing.
Government accepts election process changes
Voters can expect the 2026 Election to be more efficient, resilient and transparent with the Government accepting a raft of recommendations, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Expanding prescriber rights will increase access to medicines
The Government is making changes to prescriber regulations, giving New Zealanders better access to medicines, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister David Seymour say.
Reserve Bank appointment
Acting Reserve Bank Governor Christian Hawkesby has been appointed as Governor of the Reserve Bank for a six month period, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Government to wind down Green Investment Finance
The Government has announced the New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF) will stop making new investments and will wind down its existing portfolio, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.
Going For Growth: backing NZ wool producers
The Government is backing New Zealand sheep farmers and the wool industry with a change to government procurement rules, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson announced
Change forecast for Govt’s weather agencies
Merging the Government’s weather forecasting agencies will make for a more efficient, connected weather forecasting system, supporting a resilient economy and delivering benefits for everyday Kiwis State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti say.
OCR reduction affirms spending discipline
The reduction in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) affirms the work done by the Government to bring public spending back under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Supporting Kiwis with the costs of power
Energy Minister Simon Watts is welcoming an extension to the industry funded Power Credit Scheme which is supporting lower income Kiwis with the costs of power.
Auckland University of Technology to offer new psychology training
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says that the government’s work to strengthen New Zealand’s mental health and addiction workforce continues to build momentum, announcing that the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is joining the work to develop the training for the new associate psychologist role.
NZ, Colorado to cooperate on space, science
New Zealand and the State of Colorado have agreed to deepen relationships and offer opportunities in aerospace, quantum and geothermal technologies and beyond, Space Minister Judith Collins says.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
I'm always happy to help where I can. If you have an issue, you think we could help with, please get in touch.
If you have a business/ venture and would like me to visit, please let me know as I'm keen to know and learn more.