As someone new to politics, I believe in being upfront about what I know – and what I don’t. That’s why I jump at every opportunity to learn and become better informed.
At the start of this year, I knew 3 Waters (drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater) was something I wanted to get a better understanding of. I’ve just wrapped up a three-day tour with Ruben and the Veolia team across the North Island, visiting their sites in Wellington, Lower Hutt, Ohakune, Tongariro, Taumarunui, Papakura, and their Ellerslie HQ.
We covered everything from metropolitan wastewater treatment to rural 3 Waters schemes and network infrastructure. It was a hands-on, eye-opening experience – and a great chance to see how these critical systems work on the ground.
Big thanks to Ruben and the Veolia crew for being so generous with their time and knowledge. I’ve learned a lot and I’m looking forward to applying it to help strengthen our water infrastructure across New Zealand.
This Weeks BFM Interview
Reserve bank cuts and new school developments w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford.
Last week finance minister Nicola Willis announced a budget cut of 25% to the reserve bank. The cut follows criticisms of the reserve bank staffing numbers, which have risen significantly since 2018.
Also last week education minister Erica Stanford announced $100 million of new classroom developments across the country, with one large development in Massey. The move has been well received, though some have pointed out the continued impacts of overcrowding in the school system, particularly due to housing intensification in parts of the country.
In our weekly catchup with National’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about each of these issues, starting with reserve bank budget cuts.
Full Interview link: Reserve bank cuts and new school developments w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 22nd April, 2025 | 95bFM
Wore a mic while refereeing the Parliamentary rugby game last weekend.
Check it out: Facebook
Tauriko West Road of National Significance gets green light to move forward
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board’s endorsement of the Tauriko West Road of National Significance investment case is great news for jobs and growth in the Bay of Plenty. State Highway 29 (SH29) and State Highway 29A (SH29A) are the primary inter-regional and freight connections between Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. These state highways are essential for growth and prosperity in the upper North Island. The NZTA Board has endorsed the investment case for the new Tauriko West Road of National Significance, consisting of:
A 4-lane offline SH29 from Redwood Interchange to Takitimu North Link Interchange, designed to accommodate speeds of 110km/h, widening existing SH29A from Takitimu Drive Toll Road to Barkes Corner, 7 intersection upgrades including 3 new interchanges and 2 overbridges, current SH29 to become a local road, board support for consideration of tolling subject to Ministerial confirmation.
The NZTA Board has also approved $97.2 million in funding for route protection.
Time for a conversation about priorities in Mount Maunganui.
Through its Annual Plan, which is open for consultation now, Tauranga City Council is proposing to charge local cafes and restaurants $100 per square metre each year for outdoor dining spaces starting from 1 July.
Our local businesses are already working long hours just to keep their doors open. Now they’re facing more red tape and extra fees.
What doesn’t add up is this: outdoor dining brings life to our streets and helps make the Mount the vibrant, world-class destination we all love. These spaces are part of what makes our coastal town special, yet businesses are being asked to pay more while struggling to survive.
And the proposed fees won’t even go directly back into the Mount. They’ll go into general Council funds.
In my view, the Council doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem.
Let’s support our local businesses, not burden them with unnecessary costs.
Full TVNZ Item: Mt Maunganui street cafes face forking out for pavement patrons
Early opening of Pāpāmoa East Interchange ramp a win for local residents
"I welcome the announcement that the eastbound off-ramp of the Pāpāmoa East Interchange opening ahead of schedule, it's a victory for our rapidly growing community. As the local MP I am delighted that the eastbound off-ramp of the Pāpāmoa East Interchange will be opening early– improving commuter journeys and opening up further land for development and growth. I've been advocating for this project since before I became an MP as locals repeatedly tell me that it is important to them."
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed that the eastbound off-ramp is expected to be operational in the second half of 2025, well ahead of the mid-2026 completion date for the full interchange project.
"I have strongly advocated for expediting aspects of the project and praise the collaboration between local and central government. Our government is continuing to work hard to deliver world-class roading infrastructure in our region that delivers economic growth, and you've a further example again this week with the Tauriko West Road of National Significance getting the green light from NZTA. Projects like this help to deliver economic growth that ultimately provides more jobs, higher incomes and further opportunities to help families get ahead."
The Pāpāmoa East Interchange is a critical infrastructure project for the region, which is projected to grow to around 40,000 people by 2043. Once completed, the interchange will significantly reduce travel times to Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and eastern destinations while facilitating further development of the Golden Sands and Wairākei neighbourhoods and The Sands town centre.
"While there are still details to be worked through regarding tolling, the priority has rightly been placed on delivering tangible benefits to residents as quickly as possible. I encourage locals to participate in the public consultation on tolling arrangements expected in mid-2025."
The interchange project is a joint initiative between Tauranga City Council and the NZ Transport Agency, with NZTA providing 51 percent of the funding. HEB Construction is leading the construction work.
"I want to thank the Minister, Tauranga City Council, and NZTA for their commitment to this project and their willingness to find innovative ways to accelerate its delivery. This is exactly the kind of practical, common-sense approach to infrastructure that our region needs."
Check out my video: Facebook
Bay of Plenty Youth MP Announced
I'm pleased to announce Tanvi as my Bay of Plenty Youth MP for 2025. A Year 12 student at Aquinas College in Tauranga who lives in Pāpāmoa, Tanvi brings valuable perspective as the daughter of Nepalese immigrants who has grown up in our region.
Tanvi is passionate about giving voice to young immigrants, promoting women in leadership, and ensuring youth concerns are heard in policy decisions. She's particularly focused on improving mental health services, education opportunities, and creating pathways to success for all young New Zealanders.
Her thoughtful approach to complex issues and commitment to representation made her an outstanding choice. I look forward to supporting Tanvi as she represents our region's youth in the 2025 Youth Parliament.
Congratulations, Tanvi!
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
A Night with the 3 T's- Saturday 21 June
This Week in New Zealand History
New Zealand's first poppy day
24 April 1922
Selling poppies, 1940 (Alexander Turnbull Library, EP-Days of Commemoration-ANZAC Day-05)
A total of 245,059 small poppies and 15,157 larger versions were sold, earning £13,166 (equivalent to $1.34 million in 2020). Of that amount, £3695 ($376,000) was sent to help war-ravaged areas of northern France; the remainder went to unemployed New Zealand returned soldiers and their families.
The idea of selling artificial poppies to raise funds for veterans’ organisations was conceived by a French woman, Madame E. Guerin. Her plan was to have widows and orphans in northern France manufacture artificial poppies that could be sold to benefit veterans and destitute children.
After Colonel Alfred S. Moffatt took the idea to the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association in September 1921, an order for 350,000 small and 16,000 large silk poppies was placed with Madame Guerin’s French Children’s League.
Unlike the practice in other countries, the NZRSA did not hold its inaugural Poppy Appeal in association with Armistice Day (11 November). The shipment arrived too late for Poppy Day to be properly promoted prior to Armistice Day, so the NZRSA decided to hold it on the day before Anzac Day 1922.
The first Poppy Day was a ‘brilliant success’. The annual Poppy Day Appeal – now usually held on the Friday before Anzac Day – has become the NZRSA’s primary means of raising funds for the welfare of returned service personnel and their dependants.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Next steps on emergency ocean response capability
The Government is considering next steps on developing an emergency ocean response capability and has contracted ocean-going tugboat ‘MMA Vision’ to provide assurance in the meantime, Minister of Transport Chris Bishop says.
Compulsory consent education proposed in schools
Parents are being encouraged to provide feedback on how relationships and sexuality education (RSE) is taught in schools.
New Zealand announces extended support for Ukraine
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently announced New Zealand is extending its military assistance in support of Ukraine’s self-defence.
Upgraded ASEAN-Australia-NZ FTA enters into force
An upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) takes effect, strengthening New Zealand’s trade ties with Southeast Asia and Australia.
Veterans Minister to attend Anzac Day services in Niue
Veterans Minister and Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk will visit Niue to honour the contribution of Niuean service personnel to New Zealand and the Pacific on Anzac Day.
Podiatrist prescribers will increase access to medicines
Regulations that will soon allow podiatrists to prescribe certain medicines have been approved, giving patients with painful foot and leg conditions better access to healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced.
Financial support on the way for drought-hit farmers
The Government is making more financial support available for eligible farmers in many parts of the North Island and upper South Island to help with essential living costs, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say.
Supporting New Zealand Sign Language
The release of a draft New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) strategy for consultation will help drive better support for the Deaf community, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says.
Northland Expressway: Emerging preferred corridor from Te Hana to Whangārei announced
Good progress continues to be made on the Northland Expressway, with the emerging preferred corridor for the Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway and the Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei Roads of National Significance now confirmed by NZTA, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say.
Prime Minister to attend Pope Francis’ funeral
The Prime Minister will represent New Zealand at the funeral for Pope Francis on Saturday, after attending Anzac Day services in Gallipoli the day prior.
Record growth in research and development to drive a stronger economy
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has welcomed a significant milestone in New Zealand’s research and development (R&D) sector, with new figures showing total expenditure on R&D has climbed to $6.4 billion – a 21 per cent increase since 2022.
Better compensation for scam victims
Banks have responded to the Government’s expectation to better protect Kiwi consumers from scams by introducing stronger safeguards and a compensation scheme, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson says
More than 900 health graduates to receive financial boost through bonding scheme
More than 900 newly qualified health professionals are set to receive financial support to kick-start their careers, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
NZ’s partnership with United Kingdom reinforced
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful three-day visit to the United Kingdom, where he met with His Majesty King Charles III and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Progress on Mill Road Stage One
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board’s endorsement of the investment case for Stage One of Mill Road, a crucial Road of National Significance
Continued progress in cyclone recovery
Councils from regions severely impacted by the 2023 North Island Severe Weather Events continue to make steady progress repairing transport routes and building future flood resilience for their communities, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister, Mark Mitchell says.
A better path for apprentices and trainees
The Government is making changes to work-based learning so that industries have more influence over how they train apprentices and trainees, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
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