I hope your Easter is full of the sweetest things in life!
During this time of year, I wish you and yours all the best and hope that your days are filled with nothing but smiles, hot cross buns and lots of sweet treats, despite the weather! Enjoy this special time surrounded by friends, family, and plenty of chocolate!
Driver license changes to help young Kiwis
The Government is proposing changes to the driver license system to make it more efficient and help young Kiwis.
We’re proposing to remove the requirement for a practical driving test when getting a full driver’s license. Internationally, we are an outlier in requiring a practical driving test when going from a restricted license to full. The current process is time-consuming and inefficient, Kiwis have to sit a theory test and two practical's – often waiting weeks and costing a minimum of $362.50 in fees to get a full license. To ensure people are safe on the roads we are proposing new safety measures, requiring young drivers to have a clean driving record in order to progress to their full.
Our proposal will halve the demerit threshold for novice drivers and introduce a zero-alcohol limit for learner and restricted drivers of any age. We’re also proposing to reduce the frequency of eye tests for drivers – so that you’re tested when gaining your license, and when you renew it at 45. We believe our proposals strike the right balance between making it easier to progress through the system and maintaining road safety.
Cricket was the winner on the day!
A great afternoon for cricket recently at Seddon Park in Hamilton supporting a couple of good causes - Sands NZ and Stroke Aotearoa NZ. We finished batting for the Parliamentary cricket team and put up a score of 136 from 20 overs with Kyle Mills (yes that one) top scoring. There were some very quick youngsters that were fun to bat against.
RNZ Story Link: Bipartisanship on the field and in the House | RNZ News
The Veterans' Support Act
The term 'veteran' is currently reserved for New Zealand Defence Force personnel who were injured as a result of Qualifying Service, either in deployments where there has been a significant risk of harm to those deployed, or in routine service before ACC was introduced in 1974.
While that definition remains appropriate for determining eligibility for support entitlements, it has unfortunately left many who have loyally served our nation feeling excluded, given that they fall outside the current narrow legal scope of the 'veteran' definition.
This distinction may appear small but is significant. For those who have worn military uniform, the word 'veteran' carries profound personal meaning. It speaks to identity, pride, and a recognition of service and sacrifice.
It's more than a title – it's about knowing that your country understands your contribution and acknowledges the sacrifices you made while wearing the uniform.
The national veterans' day will not be a statutory public holiday and will be held at a time of year chosen following consultation with the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association (RSA) and the independent Veterans' Advisory Board, to ensure the date speaks meaningfully to the lived experiences of our veteran community, including younger cohorts.
Meet Tom! He volunteered as a touch judge for me during Saturday's Parliamentary rugby match against Marist in Hamilton. He was just biking past with his mate when he spotted the game, and despite not knowing any of the players, decided to stop and help out. What a legend.
Checked out The Yard - 3118, which is Pāpāmoa's first-ever food truck park that just opened last weekend!
It's a brilliant concept where friends and family can gather, with everyone able to choose exactly what they're craving. The variety of food options means no more compromising on where to eat!
Located at the corner of Parton Road and Enterprise Drive. Plenty of parking available. Make sure to check it out soon!
A great LOCAL initiative by Plunket in Papamoa
It was great to see a 'car seat check' set up at the doors of Plunket next to my Electorate office in Papamoa. Parents could call in and have the safety of their car seats inspected for free! - Yes, even grandparents - well done Plunket!
"Plunket offers various services related to child car seats, including advice, installation support, and free car seat checks. They also have qualified child restraint technicians available across the country who can assist with installing capsules, car seats, and booster seats".
Showcasing some of the best of the Bay to Grant McCallum. We had a visit in Oropi with the Certified Organic Kiwifruit Growers Association. 32 hectares of top-quality organic production on display.
I spent some time in Matapihi with Ngai Tukairangi Orchards and their RSE workers, including a group of Fijian Chiefs who travelled here over the weekend to visit the team and see the results of seven months of hard work.
It was a really special evening. We shared stories, talked about their time in New Zealand, and I listened as they spoke about heading home to their families in Fiji.
I thanked them for everything they’ve contributed. The highlight for me was their incredible singing to close out the night. Just awesome.
OROPI Branch Event- Friday 2 May
See you next time - Sunday 4 May
SuperBlues - Up Next, Monday 12 May
'Local' Coffee Catch Ups -Saturday 17 May
This Week in New Zealand History
NZ Rugby Football Union founded
16 April 1892
New Zealand Rugby Union Board, 2013 (New Zealand Rugby Union)
As rugby grew in popularity in New Zealand, it became necessary to standardise the administration of the game in the colony. Despite some opposition, a New Zealand Rugby Football Union was founded in Wellington on 16 April 1892.
During the 1880s there had been many squabbles about fixtures, scoring values, and the interpretation of the laws of the game. A supreme authority along the lines of the (English) Rugby Football Union was needed to give guidance and pass judgment on such matters. Visiting teams also found it awkward to have to deal separately with local unions rather than an overall governing body.
Suggestions for a New Zealand union gained little momentum until 1891, when E.D. Hoben, the secretary of the Hawke’s Bay union, toured the country promoting the idea. He received enough support to convene a meeting in Wellington in November at which a constitution was drafted for examination by the unions. Delegates representing the Auckland, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū, Wairarapa, Wellington, Otago and Canterbury unions met again in Wellington on 16 April 1892. Poverty Bay, Bush, Nelson, Marlborough and South Canterbury did not send representatives but offered their support.
The powerful Otago and Canterbury unions did not initially join the NZRFU. By 1895, however, they and Southland were affiliated with the national organisation.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Maritime NZ board appointees announced
Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced two new appointments and three reappointments to the board of Maritime New Zealand.
New partnerships for social housing
The Government is on track to deliver the 1,500 social homes funded through Budget 2024 and has confirmed strategic partnerships with five Community Housing Providers (CHPs).
New High Court Judge appointed
Attorney-General Judith Collins announced the appointment of Simon Mount KC as a High Court Judge.
First 110km/h speed limit for the South Island
A new 110km/h speed limit on the SH1/76 Christchurch Southern Motorway, will come into effect from Sunday 13 April, marking a first for South Island, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say.
Rural Health Roadshow to hear from rural communities
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced recently he will be coming to 12 rural locations across the country on a Rural Health Roadshow.
Tourism turbocharge takes New Zealand to the world
A major drive boosting New Zealand as an international travel destination will kick off with a $13.5 million turbocharge for global marketing activity, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced.
Govt efficiency delivers $100m in new school classrooms
The Government is ensuring hundreds more students benefit from safe, warm and dry learning areas by delivering a new school and more classrooms into communities that need them most.
Consultation open on changes to emergency management legislation
The Government is seeking public feedback on options to strengthen New Zealand’s overarching emergency management legislation, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced this week.
US-NZ partnership in Pacific in focus in Hawaii
New Zealand and the United States will continue to pursue shared strategic objectives in the Pacific, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says.
Awards to honour NZ’s native forest champions
Nominations are now open for the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards, celebrating the people and groups leading native growing efforts Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced recently.
Government surpasses violent crime reduction target
New data shows Kiwis are becoming safer with the Government tracking ahead of its violent crime reduction target, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
Government strengthens protections for dogs
The Government is cracking down on the prolonged tethering of dogs, with progress being made on new regulations targeting owners who fail to properly care for the needs of their dogs, Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard says.
Kiwi Farmers doing their bit on emissions
New figures released recently confirm that New Zealand farmers are on track to meet the target of a 10 percent reduction in biogenic methane emissions by 2030 Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.
Health Infrastructure Plan released
Health Minister Simeon Brown has released New Zealand’s first-ever Health Infrastructure Plan, setting out a national, long-term approach to renewing and expanding the country’s public health facilities.
Government launches regulatory review into telecommunications
Minister for Regulation David Seymour and Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith have announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s fourth sector review will be into the telecommunications sector.
Reserve Bank funding reduction agreed
The Government and the Reserve Bank board have agreed a funding agreement that will reduce budgeted operating expenses for the bank by about 25 per cent in the coming year.
Welcome insights to make hospitality thrive
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed a report from the Restaurant Association and Hospitality New Zealand on steps to support the hospitality sector to thrive.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
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