We're backing first responders and prison officers
The Government is introducing new offences to ensure those who assault on-duty first responders or prison officers face tougher penalties.
Assaulting a first responder or prison officer will now carry a maximum sentence of 3 years imprisonment. Assaulting with intent to injure increases to 5 years imprisonment (a 2-year increase), while injuring with intent to injure carries 7 years imprisonment (a 2-year increase, and added to Three Strikes).
Our police officers, firefighters, paramedics and prison officers run towards danger to help others. Assaulting them puts multiple lives at risk and there must be greater consequences for these acts of violence.
This fulfils our coalition commitment to create specific offences for assaults on first responders with mandatory minimum sentences. We promised to restore real consequences for crime - that's exactly what we're delivering as part of our plan to restore law and order.
I was in Wellington for Youth Parliament, backing Tanvi, my awesome Youth MP for the Bay of Plenty.
Youth Parliament happens every three years and gives young Kiwis a real taste of how our democracy works. It’s a chance to speak up, influence decisions and see Parliament in action.
I was lucky to be a Youth MP myself back in 2013 for Brendan Horan. I’m actually the most recent former Youth MP now serving in Parliament which is a pretty cool full circle moment.
Too many Kiwis are struggling to access ADHD assessment and treatment.
I asked the Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey what recent announcements have been made to improve services for people with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Facebook
This Weeks BFM Interview
Last week, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced the government’s decision for New Zealand to exit the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance. The decision to leave the alliance follows the repeal of the ban on Oil and Gas exploration, which the government says is a necessary decision to ensure we have the necessary resources to transition towards more environmentally friendly fuel sources.
The government has also announced upcoming changes to ADHD diagnoses, allowing General Practitioners (GPs) to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. The change follows long wait times and difficult processes for children and adults with ADHD to access a diagnosis or the necessary medication.
Full Interview: New Zealand exiting Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, new systems for ADHD diagnosis w/ National's Tom Rutherford: 1 July, 2025 | 95bFM
Amelia and George completed a 750km bike ride from Cambridge to Parliament - Why?
Because homeschooled students are currently excluded from receiving medals at school sports events. Amelia placed at the North Island Secondary School Mountain Bike Champs but wasn't able to receive her well-deserved medal. That doesn't sit right with me.
I met with Amelia back in May and wrote to the Minister for Sport and Recreation voicing my concerns. I met them again on the steps of Parliament to accept her petition.
Thank you for raising awareness on this issue, Amelia and George. There are 10,000 other homeschooled students in New Zealand who deserve the same recognition in sport as everyone else. Sport should be inclusive, and I'm committed to helping make that happen.
Our Local News
Popped into Bay Paediatrics recently to catch up with Sarah and Freddie
The co-founders of this brand-new clinic that opened just four weeks ago. They’re already doing amazing work supporting kids with ADHD and Autism, offering assessments, coaching, and care tailored to each child. Awesome to see this kind of support available locally.
Very honoured to attend the Investiture Service for Hato Hone St John
Hosted by Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro. The service recognises those admitted or promoted to the Order of St John, a royal order led by King Charles. This year also marks 120 years of St John serving the Tauranga community.
Referee abuse is a big topic right now
I joined The Country Sports Breakfast to share some of my own experiences from years as a hockey umpire and rugby ref. Most people are great, but there is a real issue with abuse that crosses the line, and it is something we need to take seriously.
Link to full interview: Facebook
What a fantastic afternoon at Sirens and Services in Welcome Bay!
Brilliant to see such a strong community turnout for this event organised by Neighbourhood Support Western Bay of Plenty in support of the Welcome Bay Community Centre.
Great to see residents engaging with local services - from home security and scam prevention to our vital emergency services. Thank you to all the service providers and everyone who participated.
Awesome morning at the Pāpāmoa Polar Plunge and yes, I turned up as a road cone!
The event was organised by Visit Papamoa. Over 100 people gave it a go, with heaps of locals watching on. Big thanks to everyone who helped out, especially Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club.
Check out my video of the event: Facebook
The future of horticulture is in good hands.
It was a privilege to present the awards at the 2025 Bay of Plenty Young Grower Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony.
A massive congratulations to this year’s winner Phoebe Scherer, Technical Lab Manager at Apata and a very deserving winner. Phoebe will go on to represent the Bay of Plenty at the National Finals in Christchurch in September.
The Bay of Plenty is the backbone of New Zealand’s horticulture industry. Our growers have shown incredible resilience and innovation through some tough seasons, and it’s great to see the next generation stepping up to take the industry forward.
Government signs first MOUs kickstarting City and Regional Deal for Western Bay of Plenty
The Government has signed the first Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) to negotiate a City and Regional Deal with Western Bay of Plenty – marking a significant step towards delivering long-term growth and development opportunities for the region.
City and Regional Deals are designed to boost economic growth, unlock housing, and better manage local infrastructure. They bring central and local government together to agree on priorities, plan and implement the projects that will bring the most value to our region.
This is about backing our region’s potential. We can now negotiate a 10-year strategic partnership between local and central government for Western Bay of Plenty – focused on driving growth, cutting red tape, and investing in what matters most to our communities.
The Western Bay of Plenty is closely tied to Tauranga’s economy and infrastructure, so this partnership stands to bring real benefits to our towns and local industries.
This is a major opportunity to get real traction on the infrastructure and development the region needs. We’ll have a stronger voice at the decision-making table and better coordination with central government to get things built.
This is a great opportunity to shape the region’s future – attracting investment, growing jobs, and delivering better services for local families.
The Government and local councils will work together to agree on priorities and deliver projects – including transport, water infrastructure, housing, and other services – that will support economic growth and improve quality of life.
Negotiations are now underway, with the first City and Regional Deal expected to be finalised by the end of 2025.
We had a brilliant night on Tuesday hosting Finance Minister and Deputy Leader Nicola Willis with Sam.
So good to have Nicola in our local Bay of Plenty community. Nothing beats getting everyone together for some great conversations over drinks and nibbles.
These events are great where locals can chat directly with our senior Ministers in a relaxed setting.
Lunch with The Hon Judith Collins KC
It was an absolute pleasure to co- host a luncheon with Sam Uffindell for The Hon Judith Collins in Mount Maunganui recently.
A large local crowd attended and enjoyed discussions on defence, space and other topics covering her numerous ministerial portfolios. A great afternoon, enjoyed by all attendees.
Public Meeting - 21 July, Ohauiti
This Week in New Zealand History
Electric trains come to Wellington
July 1938
Opening the electric Wellington–Johnsonville line (Alexander Turnbull Library, Eph-A-RAIL-1938-01-front)
On 2 July 1938, Minister of Railways Dan Sullivan and Wellington Mayor Thomas Hislop officially opened the electrified rail line between central Wellington and the northern suburb of Johnsonville.
The Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company had originally built this steep, winding line in 1886, and, until 1937, it was part of the main trunk route out of the capital. Following the completion of the Tawa Flat deviation that year, the bypassed Johnsonville section was truncated and converted into a suburban route. The line was served by sleek, modern English Electric DM-class multiple units, the first of their kind in New Zealand.
As the city’s electrified rail network expanded during and after the Second World War, DM units were used on the Kāpiti and Hutt Valley lines. Most were replaced in the 1980s following the introduction of Hungarian-built EM-class units, but a number of refurbished DMs continued to serve the Johnsonville line. These units, some of which had been in service since 1949, were finally retired in 2012 when new South Korean-built Matangi units took over the route.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Government data centre officially opened
The government’s secure digital storage capability has been significantly boosted with the opening of the new all-of-government data centre, the Minister Responsible for the GCSB and Minister of Defence Judith Collins says.
New digital platform to help women detect breast cancer earlier
Around 135,000 women across New Zealand who are eligible but not currently enrolled for breast cancer screening will benefit from the successful national rollout of a new digital platform, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Government restores real consequences for crime
Recently the Government’s sentencing reforms took effect, restoring real consequences for crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Whānau Ora focused on serving greatest need
New Zealanders will soon benefit from strengthened Whānau Ora support services with a renewed focus on those in greatest need, Whānau Ora Minister Tama Potaka says.
New criminal offences for coward punches
The Government is introducing specific coward punch offences to ensure perpetrators receive tougher sentences, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Support for flood affected farmers and growers
The Government has classified the flooding across the Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough regions as a medium-scale adverse event unlocking extra support for flood-affected farmers and growers Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say.
Tackling obesity could save country billions
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the Government is delivering on its promise to give Kiwis access to more treatments, with Wegovy now available via prescription for weight loss.
Bill to regulate online casino gambling introduced
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill to the House of Representatives.
Kiwis can now access 24/7 primary healthcare from anywhere in New Zealand
New Zealanders can now access trusted primary healthcare around the clock, no matter where they are in the country, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Kiwis’ hard-earned money safer
New rules taking effect will provide greater protection for Kiwis’ money in the unlikely event of a bank collapse, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Empowering AI use to improve access to medicines
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has empowered Pharmac and Medsafe to explore the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up their processes.
Foundations set for ferry infrastructure
Ferry Holdings has reached agreement with CentrePort, Port Marlborough and KiwiRail on core infrastructure scope, Rail Minister Winston Peters announced.
Protecting retailers from shoplifting
The Government is making it easier for police to punish shoplifters and is introducing stronger penalties for low-level theft, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say.
Comprehensive medical device list in effect
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Pharmac have created their comprehensive list of medical devices which are used in public hospitals, to improve the way they manage medical devices.
Increased accountability for Jobseeker Support
From this week, people getting Jobseeker Support will need to reapply every 26 weeks (six months), instead of just once a year, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.
Reserve Bank Board appointments announced
Former Acting Governor Grant Spencer has been appointed to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Board, Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced.
Elective Boost to get more Kiwis out of pain
Thousands more New Zealanders will get the procedures they need faster, with the Government announcing 21,000 more elective procedures over the next year through its Elective Boost programme, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
New Industry Skills Boards will drive better training
Eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will give industry a strong voice in work-based learning, ensuring the system delivers the right skills, in the right places, for a growing economy, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says.
73 per cent positive feedback on school lunches
Associate Education Minister David Seymour is pleased to see the Healthy School Lunch Programme Term 3 menu has received positive feedback from three quarters of students, and complaints have fallen by 92 per cent, while at the same time taxpayers are saving over $130 million.
Investment in workforce, keeping children safe
Minister for Children Karen Chhour has announced that the residential workforce is being boosted by an investment in their professionalisation.
Proceeds of Crime fund fights violence and meth
New initiatives to tackle violent crime and methamphetamine-related harm are being rolled out through a revamped Proceeds of Crime Fund, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced.
One year of more Police back on the beat
One year on, more Police on the beat across New Zealand’s major cities is being celebrated by Police Minister Mark Mitchell.
Commonsense changes to insulation rules
Overly rigid insulation rules are being removed to ease costs for designers, builders and homeowners, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced.
Cost of living remains priority in Q3
Continuing to address cost of living pressures over the coming months is key as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reveals a fresh set of targeted Government actions in the Q3 Action Plan.
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