Celebrating New Zealand Sign Language
This week, we celebrate NZ Sign language with the overall theme being “anyone can sign anywhere”. NZSL is an official language of this country, used by almost 25,000 people and the primary language for many Deaf New Zealanders.
The Government, through the NZSL Board, invests $1.25 million each year to support initiatives promoting and maintaining NZSL. Included in that investment is the NZSL dictionary which is a great resource for learning new words. This Government is committed to better public services, delivering services and support that meet the needs of the Deaf community.
The NZSL Board is now consulting on a draft NZSL strategy which will drive its work for the next five years and I am encouraging all New Zealanders with an interest to submit on the strategy and have their say. I encourage New Zealanders to learn some everyday signs this week, such as ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’ or ‘thank you’.
There are resources and activities on the New Zealand Sign Week website to inspire everyone to learn the language.
A Helping Hand.
Last Saturday as Hannah and I drove home from the Te Puna Harvest Market we came across a distressed man standing in the middle of one of the lanes State Highway Tauranga. He was moving between lanes as vehicles travelled at 80km/h.
I did what I know most New Zealanders would do and pulled over immediately to help. Along with a couple of other members of the public we spent about 25 minutes talking with this person, eventually convincing him to come off the highway and into one of our vehicles where he could wait safely for further help to arrive. I'm really glad this ended safely and thankful to those who also stopped to help which reinforces my belief in our local community and makes me so proud to be a part of it.
This Weeks BFM Interview
This past week the government announced plans to reinstate the prisoner voting ban. The ban was altered in June 2020 by the Labour led coalition government in a change which allowed prisoners serving a sentence of less than three years to vote in elections.
In 2025, the government is now looking at repealing the bill and reinstating the ban. The National Party has argued that there are certain responsibilities that members of society must uphold, and that those who do not fulfil these responsibilities will have their rights taken away.
Full Interview: Northwest transport upgrades and teachers registration fees w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 6th May, 2025 | 95bFM
Our Local News
A Day in the life
Ever wondered what a day in the life of your local MP looks like? Let me show you!
Check out my video: Facebook
International Firefighters’ Day was acknowledged recently. I was proud to serve as a volunteer firefighter in Mount Maunganui and have huge respect for those who put on the uniform to protect lives, homes, and communities across the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand. Huge thanks to all our firefighters – paid and volunteer – who help keep us safe every day.
Te Puna Harvest market
Awesome scenes at the annual Te Puna Harvest Market. Great to be back!
The battle with Mental Health is all too real for a lot of Kiwis. You probably know Sir John Kirwan’s been helping to lead the charge to change that and last week he was at Pyes Pā School launching Mitey in the Bay of Plenty.
Mitey’s a new way of teaching mental health in schools from Year 1 to 8 which are some of the most important years in a kid’s life.
We need stuff like this because 1 in 5 young people will face mental health challenges before, they turn 18. This is exciting and I can’t wait to see the positive results.
Papamoa Community Markets
Thanks to all who popped in to say hi and have a chat- see you next time- 8 June.
A Win for Papamoa Peddlers.
I'm thrilled to share some positive news for our cycling community! Lynn and the Pāpāmoa Peddlers approached me in February about serious safety concerns at Twin Oak Avenue.
After meeting with the cycling group and learning about multiple serious accidents at this location, including one tragic fatality, I contacted the Tauranga City Council and organised an on-site visit to properly look at the situation.
I'm happy to announce that our collective efforts have paid off. The Council has installed a designated cyclist access point on Twin Oak Avenue in Pāpāmoa, creating a much safer entry to the shared pathway.
To many this change may seem small but it is significant, as it will help prevent future accidents and make our community safer for everyone who cycles in the area.
Special thanks to Lynn, the Pāpāmoa Peddlers, and the Tauranga City Council for their collaboration in resolving this safety issue. I'm grateful to have played a part in bringing these improvements to our community.
A Very Special Papamoa College Celebration.
I attended a Dawn Ceremony at Papamoa College on Tuesday for the opening of the new Whare Wānanga.
A moving and spiritual experience.
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 celebrates Victory in Europe
9 May 1945
The second-to-last tram at the railway station stop on its way to Newtown (© Chris Bradley)
Tram no. 252, displaying the message ‘end of the line’ and driven by Wellington Mayor Frank Kitts, travelled from Thorndon to Newtown zoo. Large crowds lined the streets to witness the end of electric trams in New Zealand.
In 1878, Wellington had been the first city in the southern hemisphere to operate a steam tram service (see 24 August). This proved unpopular and by 1892 the city had reverted to horse-drawn trams.
Facing financial problems, the Wellington City Tramways Company was purchased by the Wellington City Corporation in 1900. Two years later the WCC decided to introduce electric trams. On 30 June 1904, the first electric tram ran from a new depot in Newtown to the northern side of the Basin Reserve. The system was later extended to the new Lambton railway station at the intersection of Thorndon Quay and Featherston St.
In its heyday, Wellington’s tramway network covered more than 52 km. The increasing number of public buses and private cars eventually forced the closure of New Zealand’s last electric tramway system in 1964.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Parent Portal launched to empower parents
Every parent wants to see their child thrive at school — to feel confident, supported, and capable. The Government is taking a major step toward making that aspiration a reality with the launch of a new Parent Portal: an online resource designed to enable families to play their part in their child’s learning.
Police Minister welcomes swim training review
This week’s announcement by the Commissioner of Police that Police will review the 2017 swimming training policy change in light of some recruits not receiving training while at the Police College is welcome and overdue, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell.
Hunting and Fishing Minister joins game bird season opening hunt
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has joined the thousands of New Zealanders taking part in the annual game bird hunting season opening.
Proposals to strengthen biodiversity released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures
The Government is consulting on proposals to better protect our precious biodiversity and its economic benefits for future generations, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
Prime Minister congratulates Albanese and Wong
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has congratulated Anthony Albanese on winning the Australian Federal Election, and Lawrence Wong on winning the Singaporean election.
New helicopters a commitment to global security
The Defence Force’s ageing maritime helicopters will be replaced to increase the defensive and offensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced
Boosting high-tech exports with advanced technology
New investment in advanced technology research will boost high-tech exports, strengthen connections between research and industry and generate high value jobs, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced.
NZ-EU trade deal delivers export growth
The early entry into force of the New Zealand–European Union Trade Agreement (FTA) is paying off, with Kiwi goods exports to the EU surging by 28 per cent during the first year.
Trade negotiations with India commence
Following significant engagement over the last month, the first in-person round of negotiations towards a comprehensive India New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will take place in India.
PM’s Science Council to set direction for science
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the new Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, and the members of the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Advisory Council.
Wages grow, unemployment steady
Data released recently shows the unemployment rate has remained the same over the last quarter is encouraging, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Marking Victory in Europe Day’s 80th anniversary
The Government is encouraging New Zealanders to mark Victory in Europe Day’s 80th anniversary by paying tribute to those who fought for freedom and peace.
“On the 8th of May 1945, the Second World War in Europe came to an end, bringing relief and hope to millions after six years of devastating conflict,” Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
First Fast-track expert panels established
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have welcomed the formation of the first two Fast-track expert panels.
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