We covered everything from navigating politics in my twenties to life in Pāpāmoa, my recent engagement to Hannah, and how I balance representing the Bay of Plenty. Also got to share a couple of favourite tracks - Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer and All Rise by Blue.
Interview link: ♫ Tom Rutherford - MP for the Bay of Plenty
This Weeks BFM Interview
The Regulatory Standards Bill in Select Committee
Hearings on the regulatory standards bill are currently underway, with around 23,000 total submissions both written and oral.
The bill has been pushed by Minister for Regulation and ACT Party leader David Seymour, who says it should support the government to reduce regulation and ensure the protection of individual rights and private property.
I’m really proud to be the MP for Bay of Plenty
It’s where I grew up and it’s my home. Here’s a NZ Herald article which explains more about what it means to me being your local MP.
It was great to be with our CNI Young Nats
Recently at Waikato University for Re-O’Week. Thanks to all who came down to say hi.
Our Local News
This is big news for the Bay.
Our government has signed an MOU to negotiate a City and Regional Deal for the Western Bay of Plenty. It’s a major step towards a 10-year partnership focused on unlocking growth, cutting red tape and investing in what matters most to our communities.
The Doing Good Foundation is continuing to change lives
With five new homes in the Bay of Plenty blessed recently ahead of families moving in before Christmas. The new cul-de-sac will be named after Don Brebner, a dedicated community leader who passed in 2022. His wife Jackie and some of his children were there to witness the special tribute.
These homes are part of the Foundation’s rent to own programme, helping hardworking families into home ownership. It’s community spirit in action and a powerful continuation of Don’s legacy.
A great day last Sunday at the Papamoa Community at Te Manawa o Papamoa School.
The day was attended by great local vendors and great locals alike. Thanks to all who came along to have a chat- See you next month.
Here’s the Papamoa East Interchange from above.
Progress is tracking well. I’m especially excited because I pushed hard to get the off-ramp open early and that’s happening later this year. The full interchange will open next year and it’s going to be a gamechanger for our local Bay of Plenty community.
Have your say on Mount Maunganui parking! Tauranga City Council is asking for the community's views on improving parking in Mount Maunganui.
Council reports that parking is hitting 100% capacity at peak times. The focus is on Mount North area (Adams Avenue to Sutherland Avenue), but they want to hear about parking issues across the Mount and your ideas to make things better.
Feedback closes: 25 July 2025
Have your say: https://letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/.../help-shape-parking...
Is one of our local go-to spots! Friendly staff and their pizzas are yum. I recommend giving them a try if you haven’t been yet!
This Week in New Zealand History
Lorraine Downes crowned Miss Universe
11 July 1983
Lorraine Downes with PM Robert Muldoon and his wife Thea (New Zealand Herald via Te Ara)
When Lorraine Downes entered the 1983 Miss Universe New Zealand pageant, she hoped to win enough money to buy an airplane ticket to Australia. A few months later she was standing on the stage of the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis, Missouri in front of 16,000 people and a global television audience of 700 million. Nineteen-year-old Downes had made it through to the final stage of the Miss Universe competition along with Miss USA, Julie Hayek, who had dominated media coverage and was favoured to win the title.
Downes wore a midnight blue ball gown designed by Dawn McGowan from Television New Zealand’s wardrobe department. The presence of Downes’ parents in the crowd gave her a boost after three weeks of rehearsals, media calls, parties, late nights and early mornings. The hectic schedule would only continue after she was announced as the winner.
Downes recalled that after receiving the coveted sash and crown she felt frightened as she was mobbed by fellow contestants and camera operators jostled for the best angles. She became a household name overnight and spent the next 12 months travelling the world accompanied by a chaperone, carrying out the duties of Miss Universe and meeting leaders such as US President Ronald Reagan. It was a life-changing experience for a young woman from Pakuranga who had arrived in St. Louis with a small suitcase and a bundle of nerves.
Downes went on to establish a successful modelling agency and image consultancy. She mostly stayed out of the spotlight, apart from when she married All Black Murray Mexted, and later cricket great Martin Crowe. In 2006 she won the second season of New Zealand’s Dancing with the stars television series, raising almost $112,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
New space squadron for NZDF
The Royal New Zealand Air Force has established its first dedicated space unit with the reactivation of the No. 62 Squadron today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says.
Government congratulates Young Farmer of the Year 2025
The Acting Prime Minister has extended warm congratulations to Hugh Jackson on being crowned the 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year.
Households to get extra FamilyBoost help
Tens of thousands of households will be better off thanks to changes being made to FamilyBoost to help families with the cost of living, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Cutting red tape so young Kiwis can start saving
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee is making changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act that will make it easier for parents to open bank accounts for their children.
New governance for Health New Zealand
The Government is announcing the reestablishment of the Health New Zealand Board, with new appointments to drive its priority of ensuring timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Simplifying requirements around family trusts
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Government is continuing to cut through unnecessary bureaucracy with reforms to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act, which will make life easier for hard-working Kiwi families managing property through family trusts.
Unlocking economic growth on conservation land
A targeted effort to reduce the backlog of applications for use of conservation land is accelerating economic growth without compromising conservation values, says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.
NZ crew to fight Canadian wildfires
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says New Zealand is sending a seven-person specialist team to Manitoba on Wednesday 9 July to support Canada in its response to severe wildfires across the country
Local Water Done Well delivers first water services entity
Selwyn District is the first council in the country to launch its new water services entity, Selwyn Water, meaning safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater for ratepayers, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.
Government AI Strategy to boost productivity
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has launched New Zealand’s first AI Strategy to boost productivity and grow a competitive economy.
Business gives clear backing to RSB
Regulation Minister David Seymour is welcoming BusinessNZ’s strong support for the Regulatory Standards Bill as a means to deal with red tape and regulation.
Task Force Green tackles Tasman & Marlborough
The Government has activated an Enhanced Task Force Green (ETFG) in response to flooding in the Tasman and Marlborough districts.
Cutting red tape to improve medicines access
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to improve access to asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August 2025.
OCR steady as she goes
The Government’s responsible fiscal management has supported the Reserve Bank to keep the Official Cash Rate low, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Targeting criminals, not Kiwi businesses
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced further steps in the Government’s overhaul of the AML/CFT regime, strengthening efforts to combat serious financial crime.
Red tape relief making a difference for businesses
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says that small businesses will benefit from upcoming reforms to New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws, as the Government moves to make compliance more proportionate and practical for low-risk operators.
Bridging a gap on West Coast Cycle Trail
A new cycle bridge on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail will bring more visitors to the region and boost the local economy.
Great Walks popularity supporting tourism growth
A significant boost in the number of people booking bednights along the country’s Great Walks is a good sign for conservation tourism and local businesses, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
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