National is growing the economy.
Our government's economic plan is working. We've stopped wasteful spending, inflation is down, mortgage rates are falling, and that's a positive outcome for our community in the Bay of Plenty and all New Zealanders.
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Additional funding to attract 72,000 more visitors to New Zealand
A new $13.5 million investment in international tourism marketing is expected to deliver an extra 72,000 international visitors to our shores, Tourism and Hospitality. The additional funding into Tourism New Zealand will drive international visitor numbers and will be targeted towards our core markets of Australia, the United States and China over the next few years.
We know how important marketing is to attract visitors, with around 14 per cent of international holiday visitors directly influenced by Tourism New Zealand’s marketing activity. This is the first investment in the Government’s Tourism Growth Roadmap, which sets out a series of Government initiatives and investments for the Government and industry to work together to double the value of tourism exports by 2034.
International visitors bring billions of dollars into the economy and these markets are the driving force behind our tourism sector. This investment is expected to generate around $300 million in spending, which is a very strong return on investment. International visitor numbers continue to climb, and this boost will help drive further economic growth throughout the entire country.
Encouraging more visitors means more people staying in our hotels, eating in our cafés, spending in our shops and visiting our attractions. This creates jobs and drives economic growth. We want people to know New Zealand is open for business and we welcome visitors with open arms. Funding comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) for 2025/26 Additional funding to attract 72,000 more visitors to New Zealand.
Parent Boost Visa.
Beginning in September, a new ‘Parent Boost’ visa would grant the parents of New Zealand citizens and residents multi-entry access for up to five years, provided they meet specific health, income, and insurance requirements.
We have made important progress on protecting victims of stalking and harassment.
As a member of the Justice Select Committee, we’ve just completed our consideration of the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill.
Thanks to valuable feedback from submitters, we’ve strengthened the Bill with key changes:
- Just two acts within 24 months now trigger the offence (better recognising stalking patterns)
- Addressing “doxing” - malicious publishing of personal information
- Maximum 5-year prison sentence
- Adding stalking to Firearms Prohibition Orders
This closes dangerous gaps in our law. For too long, stalkers have evaded consequences while victims suffered.
NZ Herald Article: Government agrees to big change for proposed anti-stalking law, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says - NZ Herald
This Weeks BFM Interview
Criticism at the AMAs, suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs, and new Parent Boost Visa.
These past few weeks in politics have seen various issues that we spoke about in our weekly catchup with the National Party.
Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngārewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi were recently suspended from parliament for 21 days for their haka protesting the Treaty Principles Bill.
The government recently announced a new visa for parents of migrants, allowing them to come to New Zealand for a longer period of time than traditional visitors without having to acquire residency.
Our Local News
Papamoa Community Markets
It was a beautiful (though chilly!) Bay of Plenty Sunday at the Papamoa Community Market! There were so many fantastic local stalls, and it was so well attended. I enjoyed meeting all the locals and visitors alike who popped in for a chat. These markets are definitely worth a visit - just make sure to bundle up and stay warm for this time of year, as I did!
See you next month - Sunday 6 July.
Sunday evening task with Penny.
Signing welcome letters for new Bay of Plenty residents. Penny's overseeing quality control as usual. Over 200 people have either enrolled to vote or moved into our electorate in the past month alone.
I personally write to each new resident, welcoming them to our community, letting them know I'm here to help, and inviting them to share their ideas on how we can make the Bay of Plenty even better.
SuperBlues and Mahe
A fantastic turnout at Superblues at the start of this week. Thanks to all who braved the cold to hear Tauranga Mayor - Mahe Drysdale
Next SuperBlues Monday 14 July - See you there!
Recently visited St Thomas More Catholic School in Mount Maunganui.
Great to meet their new Principal Lisa and chat with some sharp young students who had plenty of great questions. Their motto "No matter what, stay true" really captures the spirit of the place. The school also has room to grow with capacity to double their roll in the years ahead. Thanks for having me!
Awesome to be at the launch of Orange New Zealand in Tauranga.
They’re now set up at 45 Cliff Road offering free laundry, warm showers, and a friendly chat for people doing it tough.
They’ll be open:
Thursdays 11:30am–1:30pm
Saturdays 4:30pm–6:30pm
It’s great to see them working alongside Under the Stars, who serve home-cooked meals at the same spot:
Thursdays 12:00pm
Saturdays 5:00pm
Really cool to see these services coming together to support our local community.
A Night with the 3 T's- Saturday 21 June
This Week in New Zealand History
New Zealand flag confirmed
12 June 1902
The official flag of New Zealand since 1902
Following the news of royal assent to the New Zealand Ensign Act 1901, the New Zealand blue ensign that had been adopted for use on government ships in 1869 (see 23 October 1869) was proclaimed as ‘the recognised flag of the colony for general use on shore within the colony and on all vessels belonging to the Government of New Zealand’. On 27 June its specifications were gazetted – the red-on-white stars of the Southern Cross were now considerably larger than those on the 1869 ensign.
The legislation confirmed what had long been a widespread practice, and it also laid to rest a misunderstanding that had seen a different New Zealand flag flying from public buildings for several months in 1900. A new version of the blue ensign sporting the Southern Cross on a white disc was supposed to be flown only at sea, but this was not communicated to local officials. Flag-makers were bemused. One newspaper derided the flying of ‘the Blue Ensign with a portion of a pawnbroker’s sign’, while another likened the new design to ‘four oysters on a plate’. By 1903 this ‘abortion’ had also been removed from the red ensign that was flown by New Zealand merchant ships.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Stage 3 of major Auckland hospital upgrade funded
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced a major investment to strengthen critical infrastructure at Auckland City Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre, as part of the third tranche of the Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme.
Students benefitting from record number of new teachers
The Government’s ensuring more children learn from quality teachers by delivering the largest annual increase in the teaching workforce in two decades.
Legislation introduced to restrict farm-to-forest conversions
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay introduced long awaited legislation that will put a stop to large-scale farm-to-forestry conversions – delivering on a key election promise to protect the future of New Zealand food production.
Government backing rural resilience and wellbeing
The government is boosting support for rural resilience and wellbeing announced by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson
NZ places travel bans on extremist Israeli politicians
New Zealand has joined Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway, in placing travel bans on two extremist Israeli politicians, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.
Foreign Minister focuses on Pacific resilience during visit to France
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has taken part in two major international events in Nice; France focused on Pacific resilience, prosperity and security.
Applications open for $30 million Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund
Applications have opened for a $30 million fund for projects that will enhance the resilience of New Zealand’s coastal shipping connections and help boost economic growth, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced.
Saying yes to more housing
City-shaping changes are coming to New Zealand’s largest city, ensuring that Auckland can fully harness the economic growth benefits of the new City Rail Link, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say.
Innovative pasture project to drive farmgate returns
The Government is backing a $17 million partnership with farmers to boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability by identifying the most resilient, high-performing pastures for New Zealand conditions, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced at Fieldays.
New Zealand Grass-Fed certification to take on global competitors
New Zealand is raising its game on the global stage with a new Grass-Fed certification scheme to help our red meat and dairy producers go head-to-head with competitors in premium international markets, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced at Fieldays.
Solar on Farms: Unlocking farm cost savings
Energy Minister Simon Watts has announced the Government’s new Solar on Farms initiative, which will support farmers in taking the next step towards installing solar and battery systems, helping them reduce energy costs, increase on-farm resilience, and allow farmers to gain greater control over their power use, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
Partnership approach to FMD signed and sealed
A new agreement between the Government and key livestock industry groups marks a major milestone in New Zealand’s readiness for a potential foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced.
Public consultation begins on legal aid review
Public consultation began recently, aimed at improving the legal aid scheme for those who cannot afford advice and representation, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
New Zealand food and fibre exports on track to break new records
Farmers, growers, foresters, fishers and primary processors are driving New Zealand’s economic recovery with export revenue on track to surpass $60 billion for the first time, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced at Fieldays.
Foreign Minister strengthens relationship with Italy
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a constructive visit to Italy, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations.
New Zealand hits digital economy milestone
A key milestone in the push for a more connected digital economy has been reached, with over one million businesses now registered with a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says.
Government backs voluntary nature credits
The Government is supporting the expansion of a voluntary credits nature market through the running of pilot projects across New Zealand. Establishing a market that is durable, measurable and transparent will help farmers, landowners, iwi, and conservation groups unlock new income streams for looking after nature on their land, Associate Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard announced at Fieldays.
Wool carpets for state houses a win-win
The return of wool carpets to state homes has been welcomed by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
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07 542 0505
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