We're making it easier for you to see a doctor.
Local GPs are the cornerstone of their communities - your first port of call when your child has a fever or something doesn't feel right. But getting an appointment has been harder than it should be.
That's why this week's announcement matters. Our National-led Government has confirmed the largest funding boost for general practice in our country's history - $175 million this year alone, part of a $1.37 billion Health New Zealand package.
This investment means more appointments, shorter waits, and stronger support to keep fees low for families doing it tough. The funding includes a 13.89% increase for GP clinics to see more patients, targeted support for low-income families and under-14s, and performance payments to lift childhood immunisation rates.
Additional funding will allow GPs to carry out more minor procedures in the community - like skin excisions and iron infusions - delivering care closer to home and reducing hospital pressure.
People deserve timely, quality primary healthcare. While there's more work to do, this investment focuses on patients, supports frontline care, and delivers real results.
This Weeks BFM Interview
Scrapping the census and subsequent concerns w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 24th June, 2025
Last week, Statistics Minister Shane Reti announced plans to scrap the nationwide census moving forward. The census is the largest statistical survey and provides the bulk of population data used in research and decision-making. Reti says the census is “no longer financially viable” and will be replaced with a combination of smaller annual surveys and administrative data.
Link to interview: Scrapping the census and subsequent concerns w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 24th June, 2025 | 95bFM
We’re launching a 30-year plan that will improve the way we plan and build roads, schools and hospitals.
Building and maintaining better infrastructure is a critical part of our plan to grow the economy and deliver higher living standards for Kiwis.
Our Local News
Played referee at an awesome local senior men’s semifinal between Arataki and Katikati.
Arataki taking the win 37-27 in a hard-fought battle.
The 3 T’s: Tony Ryall, Todd Muller and Tom Rutherford.
Current and former Bay of Plenty MPs. Great chance to share experiences, insights and perspectives, all expertly MCed by radio personality Brian Kelly.
The Government has announced construction of 3 new classrooms at Maungatapu School, providing additional safe, warm and dry learning spaces for local students. Great outcome for our local community.
NZ Herald story: On The Up: Two Bay of Plenty schools part of $33 million new classroom boost - NZ Herald
Date night at Luxe Cinemas Papamoa.
Does anyone else’s ice cream disappear before the opening credits finish or is it just me?
I had a great visit to Suzanne Aubert Catholic School Papamoa.
Fantastic to meet with Principal Anthony and Deputy Principal Kevin at this thriving Year 1-6 integrated Catholic primary. With 200 learners and room to grow, they're doing amazing work developing young people who are compassionate, creative, collaborative and courageous.
Awesome to see how they're nurturing the next generation with the values of Suzanne Aubert. Our Bay of Plenty schools are truly special!
Bay of Plenty Set for Blockbuster Cricket Summer at Bay Oval
I recently welcomed the announcement of an action-packed cricket schedule at Bay Oval for the 2025/26 summer, featuring some of the world's best teams and players.
"This is fantastic news for the Bay of Plenty and reinforces Bay Oval's position as one of New Zealand's premier cricket venues, we're set to host seven major international matches, bringing world-class cricket right to our doorstep."
The Bay Oval will host:
- Black Caps vs Australia T20I Series (1, 3, 4 October)
- Black Caps vs England ODI (26 October)
- Black Caps vs West Indies Test Match (18-22 December)
- Black Caps & White Ferns vs South Africa T20I Double-Header (15 March)
"Having Australia kick off our summer with three T20Is is going to create an electric atmosphere, he trans-Tasman rivalry always delivers, and with all three matches under lights at Bay Oval, it's going to be spectacular entertainment."
The December test match against the West Indies holds special significance as one of only three test matches scheduled for New Zealand this summer.
"Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game and having the West Indies - with their rich cricket heritage - play at Bay Oval will be a real treat for purists of the game".
The summer concludes with a unique double-header featuring both the Black Caps and White Ferns taking on South Africa, showcasing the strength of New Zealand cricket across both men's and women's formats.
"This diverse schedule demonstrates Bay Oval's versatility and the Bay of Plenty's ability to host major sporting events, from the excitement of T20 cricket to the tradition of test matches, we're offering something for every cricket fan."
The matches are expected to attract thousands of visitors to the region, providing a significant boost to local accommodation, hospitality, and retail businesses during the peak summer season.
"I encourage all Bay of Plenty residents and visitors to get behind our teams and experience world-class international cricket at one of the most beautiful grounds in the world".
Joint Lunch Event
Special Guest, The Honourable Judith Collins.
Public Meeting - 21 July, Ohauiti
This Week in New Zealand History
The Beatles land in New Zealand
June 1964
The Beatles at Wellington Airport (Alexander Turnbull Library, 1/4-071857-F)
Beatlemania hit New Zealand when 7000 hysterical fans greeted the Fab Four in Wellington during their ‘Far East’ tour. After concerts in the United States, Europe, Hong Kong and Australia, the lads from Liverpool touched down in New Zealand.
The Beatles’ fame preceded them and our teenagers were ready for action. In Wellington, police struggled to keep crowds behind a wire fence at the airport and rapturous fans besieged the Beatles’ hotel.
On 22 June the Beatles played their first New Zealand concerts, repeating a 30-minute 11-song set as fans screamed and punctured the seats of the Wellington Town Hall with their stiletto heels. Audiences in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin followed suit. Perhaps the most dangerous moment of the tour occurred in Auckland, where several thousand people swarmed around the band and John Lennon lost a clump of hair.
The tour had a huge impact on New Zealand’s rock ’n’ roll and pop music scene. Local artists such as Ray Columbus, Howard Morrison and Max Merritt and the Meteors benefited from a surge of interest in the Beatles’ wake.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
PM Luxon concludes successful China visit
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has wrapped up his successful China visit by meeting with his Chinese counterpart Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Relief for grieving Kiwis recommended by Regulation Ministry
Regulation Minister David Seymour says that red tape is giving Kiwis serious headaches, and the Red Tape Tipline has received over 750 submissions.
Investment Summit drives strong bids for Northland Expressway PPP
The positive impact of the Government’s Infrastructure Investment Summit earlier this year is beginning to show, following the shortlisting of three consortia for the Warkworth to Te Hana section of the Northland Expressway, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
Operation to assist New Zealanders in Middle East
The Government is pursuing all options for assisting New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins say.
New Zealand announces further aid for Ukraine
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have announced a new $16 million package of support for Ukraine ahead of this week’s NATO Summit in the Hague.
Overseas investment decisions twice as fast
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged to see overseas investment decisions being made twice as fast following his Ministerial directive letter to Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).
NZ-NASA partnership launches five new projects
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and Space Minister Judith Collins have announced that in partnership with the US, the Government is investing $5.6 million to support five new joint NZ-NASA research projects in the field of Earth observation.
Prime Minister strengthens NZ’s ties with Europe
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has held high-level talks with European Union leaders in Brussels, to underline the close ties between New Zealand and the EU.
Changes for prescribing ADHD medications
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has welcomed prescribing changes that will enable GPs and nurse practitioners to diagnose and treat adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Lifesaving funding boosts for Kiwis’ outdoor safety
Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed an additional $76.7 million for New Zealand Search and Rescue over three years, to ensure 12 organisations can continue their lifesaving operations.
Overseas Investment Bill passes first reading
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour welcomes the passing of first reading for a Bill to make it easier for New Zealand businesses to receive new investment, grow and pay higher wages.
New Zealand’s ties with Netherlands reaffirmed
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with the Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, to mark 60 years of diplomatic representation between New Zealand and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Strengthening integrity of immigration system
The Government is taking another step to strengthen the fiscal sustainability and integrity of the immigration system following the successful first reading of the Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Bill.
Farm-to-forest Ban passes first reading
The Government has taken a major step towards protecting food production by ending the large-scale conversion of productive farmland into pine plantations, with the first reading of the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme—Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill receiving unanimous support in Parliament
Fixing double dips for boarder and rent payments
Legislation fixing the inconsistent treatment of boarder and rental payments has been passed into law in Parliament.
Legislation passed to secure the NZ racing industry future
Racing Minister Winston Peters says the passage of legislation will ensure the sustainability of the racing industry in New Zealand.
Going for growth around the City Rail Link
The Government will require Auckland to allow even greater housing and development around City Rail Link stations, ensuring that Auckland takes economic advantage of this transformational investment in the city, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say.
Invest New Zealand legislation passes
Parliament has passed legislation to formally establish Invest New Zealand, clearing the way for the new investment attraction agency to begin operations on 1 July 2025.
Strengthened oversight of Oranga Tamariki system
Legislation strengthening independent monitoring and oversight of the children’s system will help better protect young New Zealanders.
NZ law change restores balance – fairer rules for partial strikes
The Government has passed a change to the Employment Relations Act that reinstates the ability for employers to make pay deductions during partial strikes – making the system fairer for all, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced.
Putting the needs of sexual violence victims first
Victims of sexual violence will soon have the power to determine name suppression orders, with legislation passing third reading in Parliament, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
PM wraps up Europe visit at NATO Summit
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has attended the NATO Summit in the Hague, alongside other world leaders.
Supermarkets warned about unfair practices
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has written to the major supermarkets to restate the basic expectation that they take all steps needed to comply with the Fair-Trading Act and ensure Kiwi shoppers are not subjected to misleading price claims.
PM saddened by passing of Takutai Tarsh Kemp
E te māreikura Takutai, haere atu ki Te Rei, ki Te Reinga, ki ō tūpuna ki te pō.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is saddened to hear of the passing of Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp.
“On behalf of the Government, our thoughts are with her whānau, friends, colleagues, and the Tāmaki Makaurau community,” Mr Luxon says.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
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