Last month Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivered her second Budget, which was focused on growing New Zealand’s economy for families, workers and businesses right here in Northcote.
As your local MP and a former economist from the OECD, I have been advocating tirelessly for bold policies to promote growth so that our community directly benefits from the Government’s focus on economic recovery, smarter spending and better outcomes.
Here is what Budget 2025 delivers for Northcote:
1 Backing our local businesses
Northcote is home to over 10,000 small and medium sized businesses. With the new investment boost, businesses can now deduct 20% of the cost of new investments from their tax bill – helping them grow, innovate, and hire more locals. For more information, go to: https://www.ird.govt.nz/income-tax/income-tax-for-businesses-and-organisations/types-of-business-expenses/new-assets---investment-boost
2 Helping You Save More for Retirement
We are steadily increasing KiwiSaver contributions from 3% to 4%, helping over 38,000 workers in our community build stronger savings for the future. More savings as a country means more investment and you cannot achieve growth without investment. More savings also means a more prosperous retirement for all.
3 Support for Every School
We are delivering the biggest increase in learning support in a generation. Every school in our community – including Beach Haven, Birkdale Intermediate, Birkdale North, Birkdale Primary, Chelsea, Glenfiled Intermediate, Glenfield Primary, Kauri Park, Marlborough, St Mary' s, Sunnybrae Normal, Verran Primary and Windy Ridge - will soon have a dedicated learning support coordinator. We’re also funding extra support for mathematics, giving students and teachers greater confidence with this essential life skill.
4 Investing in Early Childhood Education
We are also increasing operational funding for early learning centres, supporting our youngest tamariki and their teachers from day one.
All of this is part of our plan to grow incomes, create more local opportunities, and give our children and grandchildren a better future in Northcote.
Community News
Takapuna Golf Course/ AF Thomas Park
Some of you have contacted me about this. I am following the discussion with Council, the golf course, and our local community. I am generally supportive of any proposal which offers future flood resilience for the Wairau area while maintaining a viable low-cost golf course on the North Shore. I know the Kaipatiki Local Board will consider all options on the table, of which there are many. I’ll keep you updated on progress over this matter.
Modular housing development in Northcote
Many of you have asked when this is going to be completed. The 183-unit modular homes on Lake Rd, Northcote, will finally be completed by the end of this year!
It's been an innovative approach to development but not without issues: shipping delays, compliance, modules arriving at Northport and having to be brought down from Whāngarei, road closures, floods, Cyclone Gabrielle, and new systems and methods.
School Board Elections
This September, our local schools will be holding their triennial elections for their Boards. Our Schools are looking for people in our community to put themselves forward. Anyone in the community can be a board member. It doesn’t matter what you do – it matters that you care about education in your community and you want to make a difference.
Get in touch with your local school or my office in Birkenhead can assist you with more information.