I never miss a chance to stand up in the House, whether it’s asking a question or giving a speech. It’s always an opportunity to front up for the Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced health and safety reforms to refocus WorkSafe from an enforcement agency to one that supports businesses and individuals.
We are refocusing WorkSafe to ensure they support businesses and individuals to manage their critical risks by providing clear and consistent guidance. For too long, WorkSafe have been focused purely on enforcement mechanisms of the current health and safety laws. WorkSafe will continue to enforce existing laws – education on prevention is a good thing, but we want to ensure that they are focused first and foremost on productivity and supporting businesses. With the launch of WorkSafe’s road cone tipline, to provide guidance of over-compliance in temporary traffic management.
WorkSafe has also begun to purge outdated guidance documents, and the Government is instructing them to increase fiscal transparency and focus on delivery.
New focus:
Supporting work health and safety practice -Enforcing health and safety compliance -Authorising and monitoring work health and safety activities -Energy safety.
Great to see the Government's firm approach delivering real results.
-63 problem tenancies terminated in 10 months vs just 11 the year before
-600% increase in formal warnings - showing consequences matter
-80% of tenants improve after first warning
-Response time to complaints down from 60 days to just 12 days
"The vast majority of social housing tenants are respectful, but nobody should have to put up with threatening and abusive neighbours.
Real consequences = better behaviour for everyone!"
This Weeks BFM Interview
Justifying increased defence spending w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 3rd June, 2025
The Budget for 2025 came out two weeks ago, with news for the nation on how funds will be allocated over the coming year. The budget held big news for defence spending, $12 billion over the next four years, including $9 billion of new spending.
The funding is planned to go towards various technologies and equipment for different branches of the military, including replacements for two Air Force Boeing 757 planes and new helicopters to be operated from Navy ships.
Full Interview: Justifying increased defence spending w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 3rd June, 2025 | 95bFM
Our Local News
Check out my regular column in this month's Papamoa Post
In the latest edition I discuss how driving economic growth to help Kiwis get ahead is at the heart of this year's Budget. It is only through a strong, growing economy that we can create jobs, deal with the cost of living, and invest in the frontline services like schools, hospitals, roads and Police that Kiwis deserve.
The Post continues to showcase the best of our local community. Pick up your copy from Four Square, Pāpāmoa Plaza, Freshchoice, New World, the library or community centre – or check it out online at papamoapost.co.nz/latest-issue
Congratulations to local legend Brian Kelly on becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to broadcasting.
BK has dedicated 55 years to the broadcasting industry, whilst also serving as a founding Board member of the Western Bay of Plenty Life Education Trust since 1992 and as past President of the Motorsport New Zealand Journalist Association.
For the past four years, I’ve joined BK every Saturday on his Gold Sport Breakfast radio show to discuss hockey in the Bay of Plenty. It’s honestly a highlight of my week!
Congratulations BK - well deserved mate!
A recent incident where a local student was struck by a vehicle after getting off the bus has highlighted serious safety concerns at the Welcome Bay intersection of James Cook Drive and Victory Street.
After hearing from concerned residents about speeding traffic, poor signage, and no safe crossing, I contacted Tauranga City Council to request improvements.
I’ve since met with Council on-site. They’ve launched a full investigation, with early assessments pointing to a pedestrian refuge island and a review of bus stop locations to improve visibility and safety.
The project will be assessed and prioritised for funding based on safety risk and traffic volumes. Council expects to provide a further update by the end of June.
Thanks to everyone who raised this, I will keep you posted.
Papamoa Community Market
A Night with the 3 T's- Saturday 21 June
This Week in New Zealand History
New Zealand’s first wind farm becomes operational
6 June 1996
Hau Nui wind farm under construction (Alexander Turnbull Library, EP-Energy-Wind Power-02)
Commissioned by Genesis Energy, New Zealand’s first commercial wind farm opened in the windy hills of Wairarapa. Named Hau Nui Farm, meaning Big Wind, its location was chosen because of the wind currents that are funnelled and accelerated by nearby Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range.
Stage one of the project was constructed at the northern end of Range Rd and saw the installation of seven E-40 wind turbines, a third-generation wind-energy technology. Each turbine has three 20-m blades, making the overall height an impressive 46 m. This allows the turbines to generate electricity in wind speeds of between 10 and 120 km per hour. When the wind exceeds 120 km/hr, the turbines automatically shut down to avoid damage.
Eight more turbines were installed in stage two of the project, which was completed in 2004. With 15 turbines, the farm produces enough energy to power 4200 homes.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Focus on unruly tenants brushes up behaviour
A Government directive to take firmer action against abusive Kāinga Ora tenants has led to consequences for threatening and abusive behaviour, and improved tenant behaviour as a result, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.
Extra hydro generation secured to support energy security
The Guardians of Lakes Manapōuri and Te Anau and Meridian Energy have agreed on changes to the Operating Guidelines for how the lake levels are managed, that will boost New Zealand’s hydro generation and energy security, Energy Minister Simon Watts has announced.
Final recipient announced as round two of Innovation Fund opens
The Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has announced round two of the Government’s Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund has opened.
WorkSafe makes significant shift to rebalance its activities, launches road cone hotline
As part of a broader suite of health and safety reforms, the Government has agreed to a range of changes that will significantly refocus WorkSafe from an enforcement agency to one that engages early to support businesses and individuals to manage their critical risks, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says.
Building consent system productivity on the rise
Processing delays for building consents and code compliance certificates have dropped since the Government began publicly releasing council performance data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.
International visitor spending on the up
New data showing international visitor spending increased by almost ten per cent on the previous year is welcome news, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
Protecting Families by Protecting Pets – A National Call to Action
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour is advocating for increased protections for family pets in family violence incidents.
New tools to fight retail crime welcomed
The Government is welcoming a report which shows facial recognition technology is an effective way of combatting retail crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Government to protect and enhance Milford Sound Piopiotahi
The Government will invest $15.2 million into upgrading infrastructure and enhancing conservation at Milford Sound Piopiotahi to sustainably grow tourism while also protecting the jewel in our conservation crown.
Investment to grow number of forensic beds
The Government will make more beds and timely services available to people needing mental health and addiction support in the Midland Region, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
Courts making strong gains on timeliness
Initiatives aimed at tackling delays across our courts are delivering promising results, Minister for Courts Nicole McKee says.
Fish & Game reforms to modernise organisation
Reforms to modernise and strengthen Fish & Game New Zealand will improve the national management of hunting and fishing resources and advocacy, while maintaining local control over local fishing and hunting rules, Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has announced.
More classrooms for children with high needs
The Government is ensuring more students with the highest learning support needs have access to warm, safe, dry and fit-for-purpose learning environments.
New Waikeria Prison facility opens
The opening of a new 596-bed facility at Waikeria Prison will ensure Corrections can safely manage the rising prison population and provide effective services to help reduce reoffending, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says.
Disability Taskforce extended as Budget funding boosts system
The Disability Support Services Taskforce will be extended for a year to continue its progress in stabilising the disability support system and shaping it for the future.
New Zealand to host consultations on Bougainville at Burnham
New Zealand will host post-referendum talks between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.
Fifth year in a row of equal gender representation on public sector boards
For the fifth consecutive year, women’s representation on public sector boards and committees has reached 50 percent or above, with women now holding 52.1 percent of public sector board roles, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says.
Space scholarships for seven university students
Seven university students have been awarded New Zealand Space Scholarships to intern at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, Space Minister Judith Collins announced.
Government continues to respond to Royal Commission into Abuse in Care
The Government has outlined its ongoing response to the Royal Commission into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions.
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