What an absolute blast Fieldays 2025 was this year!
The Southern Hemisphere’s biggest agricultural trade show never disappoints - the innovation and energy was incredible. So great to see the outstanding work of our rural communities - they are truly the backbone of New Zealand.
Check out my video that shows some of what I got up to: (1) Facebook
Targets continue to get health back on track
The Government’s focus on restoring performance and accountability in the health system is delivering real outcomes for patients. The latest quarterly results show clear progress in putting patients first and delivering access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.
In the latest quarter, from January to March, key improvements include:
- Shorter emergency department stays: 74.2 per cent of patients were admitted, discharged, or transferred within six hours, up from 70.1 per cent last year.
- Childhood immunisations: 79.3 per cent of 24-month-olds fully immunised, up from 76.9 per cent last year.
- Faster cancer treatment: 84.6 per cent of patients starting treatment within 31 days, up from 83 per cent last year.
- Fewer people waiting for elective procedures: The number of patients waiting has dropped by 1,891, between January and March 2025.
These results reflect meaningful progress for patients across the country. While there is still more work to do to shorten emergency department stays, increase childhood immunisations, and speed up access to cancer treatment, this is a step in the right direction. Restoring performance and accountability takes time, and we remain focused on continuing to deliver improvements. While the percentage of patients waiting longer than four months for elective procedures and first specialist assessments increased, Health New Zealand continued to deliver increased care for patients.
This Weeks BFM Interview
New tourism funding and NZ sanctions on Israeli ministers w/ the National Party's Tom Rutherford: 17th June 2025
Last week, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced plans to double the tourism value by 2034, with increased funding to support the country in reaching this goal.
Also, this past week, the New Zealand government imposed sanctions on two Israeli ministers for 'incited extremist violence' against Palestinians.
Bay of Plenty leads the charge as New Zealand horticulture sector hits record $8.5 billion
New Zealand's horticulture sector is set to smash records with exports forecast to reach $8.5 billion by June 2025 - and Bay of Plenty growers are at the heart of this remarkable success story.
Tom Rutherford, MP for Bay of Plenty, says the phenomenal 19 per cent growth reflects the dedication and expertise of local growers who are leading the world in horticultural innovation.
"This is fantastic news for our region and our growers," Mr Rutherford says. "The Bay of Plenty is the powerhouse of New Zealand's kiwifruit industry, and these record-breaking figures show just how vital our local growers are to the national economy.
"Kiwifruit exports alone are forecast to jump 36 per cent to $3.9 billion, with much of that production coming from our orchards here in the Bay of Plenty. This represents the fastest growth of any agricultural sector."
The strong performance extends beyond kiwifruit, with apple and pear exports set to surpass $1 billion for the first time, reaching $1.1 billion - an 18 per cent increase.
"Our region's growers have shown incredible resilience and innovation, particularly following challenging seasons," Mr Rutherford says. "These results are a testament to their hard work and the world-class quality of Bay of Plenty produce.
"Looking ahead, export revenue is forecast to climb even higher to $9.8 billion by 2029, positioning horticulture as a key driver of New Zealand's economic growth."
Mr Rutherford says the Government is committed to supporting the sector's continued success through regulatory reform and practical support.
"We're removing unnecessary red tape that has been holding our growers back. Recent proposals include streamlining consents for practices like crop rotation and enabling better water storage for long-term security.
"The Bay of Plenty's success in horticulture creates jobs, strengthens rural communities, and showcases New Zealand's agricultural excellence to the world. I'm proud to represent a region that's leading this incredible growth story."
Our Local News
Awesome news for Maungatapu Primary!
I am so pleased to welcome the announcement of 3 new classrooms at Maungatapu School providing more safe, warm and dry classrooms for kiwi kids.
This is great news for the students and parents of Maungatapu School, as it means more students have access to a better fit for purpose learning environment. Parents can feel confident their local school is being equipped to meet the needs of a growing community.
Construction is set to begin before Christmas using faster, more efficient building methods—so students can benefit sooner, and schools can plan with certainty.
There has been a 35 percent increase in the number of standardised and repeatable designs, reducing the price per classroom by 28 percent and built 137 more classrooms in 2024 than in 2023.
All Kiwi kids deserve to thrive at school, this investment is about making sure every student, no matter where they live, has access to a modern, healthy learning environment.
Great to see Papamoa Plaza expanding!
This is about planning for the community we're becoming, not just the one we are. More shopping and services coming to Papamoa - exactly what our growing local community needs.
NZ Herald Full Story:
National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week runs from the 15 – 21 June 2025 and is an annual celebration that honours the volunteers in New Zealand. For 2025, Volunteering New Zealand have retained the theme te tangata – weaving the people together.
There is no better time to give a shoutout to all the volunteers right across the Bay of Plenty. They put in a massive effort each and every day across a whole range of areas. I've been lucky enough to meet and join in with some of them and I can't say thank you enough. You are our unsung heroes.
Joint Lunch Event
Special Guest, The Honourable Judith Collins.
A Night with the 3 T's- Saturday 21 June
This Week in New Zealand History
All Blacks win the first World Cup
20 June 1987
David Kirk holding the Webb Ellis Cup (Alexander Turnbull Library, EP/1987/2998/22-F)
With Michael Jones, John Kirwan and David Kirk scoring tries, the All Blacks defeated France 29–9 at Eden Park, Auckland. Kirk became the first captain to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
The first Rugby World Cup was hosted jointly by New Zealand and Australia. Rugby powerhouse South Africa was excluded because of an international sports boycott in opposition to its apartheid policies.
Winger Kirwan opened the tournament by running almost the length of the field, beating most of the Italian team to score a memorable try. The All Blacks won 70–6 before comfortably beating Fiji and Argentina. In the knockout phase, Scotland was defeated 30–3 and Wales 49–6.
The Webb Ellis Cup subsequently proved elusive. Despite usually heading the world rankings, the All Blacks did not win the trophy again until 2011, when New Zealand hosted the tournament. The final – a rematch of 1987 – was a near thing as the All Blacks hung on to win 8-7.
In 2015, the All Blacks became the first team to win consecutive titles and the first to win the cup three times.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Welcoming more visitors from China
The Government is boosting New Zealand’s attractiveness as a destination for Chinese tourists by improving visa settings and processes.
Pharmac funding u-turn for patients
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the oestradiol patch funding decision is an example of Pharmac’s new patient-centric approach.
Increases to paid parental leave rates to help families
New parents can expect more support to take time away from work to care for their children from 1 July, with an increase to the maximum weekly rate of paid parental leave up from $754.87 to $788.66 per week, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced.
New halal agreement unlocks opportunity in Indonesia
The Government has signed a new halal cooperation arrangement in Jakarta over the weekend to strengthen trade access to Indonesia and create new opportunities for New Zealand’s red meat and dairy exporters, Agriculture and Trade Minister, Todd McClay announced.
Attendance rates rose in Term 1 2025
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says this Government has prioritised student attendance and as a result we’ve seen every term since Term 1 2024 record higher attendance than the same term of the previous year.
Tougher sentences ahead as Three Strikes returns
Repeat violent and sexual offenders are officially on notice Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.
Targeted action on suicide prevention
The Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has launched the Government’s
Suicide Prevention Action Plan which sets out a five-year whole-of-government
approach to preventing suicide in New Zealand.
Priority One: Twelve months in, 2100 children housed
In the first twelve months of the Government’s flagship Priority One policy, nearly 1000 families with more than 2,124 children have been moved from dank emergency housing motel rooms to secure, stable homes.
Crown manager appointed to drive delivery of New Dunedin Hospital
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced the appointment of a Crown manager to oversee the delivery of the New Dunedin Hospital Inpatient Building, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to ensuring the project is delivered successfully.
Modernising Early Childhood Education funding
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Funding Review to ensure the funding system is simple, fair, and gets value for money
Vapes stores go dark, disposable vapes banned
Vaping law changes that take effect ban disposable vapes and will make a noticeable difference to shop fronts and the marketing of vaping products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello says.
New Bill to boost labour market flexibility
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says amendments to the Employment Relations Act will improve labour market flexibility and help businesses to grow, innovate, and employ with confidence and certainty.
Gordon Wilson Flats’ heritage protection goneburger
The derelict and unsafe Gordon Wilson Flats in Wellington will lose its protected heritage status and become eligible for demolition through an amendment to the Resource Management Act (RMA) in the coming weeks, RMA Reform and Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.
New Pharmac Chief Executive welcomed
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed Natalie McMurtry as Pharmac’s Chief Executive.
Govt set to surpass both law and order targets
New quarterly data shows the Government is on track to deliver on both law-and-order targets ahead of schedule, Minister for Children Karen Chhour and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith say.
Saying yes to housing growth
New Zealanders have an opportunity to help shape the new planning system replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA) through public consultation on removing unnecessary barriers to housing growth, says Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop.
Going for growth with more overseas investment
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour welcomes the introduction of legislation to make it easier for New Zealand businesses to receive new investment, grow and pay higher wages.
Data shows mental health access improving
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has welcomed the latest quarterly results for the Government’s mental health and addiction targets, saying the access targets reflect real progress in delivering faster, more accessible support to New Zealanders.
Government expands access to Melatonin and Psilocybin
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the Government is delivering on its promise to cut red tape and give Kiwis greater access to more treatments, starting with melatonin and medicinal psilocybin.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
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