Refocusing local government to deliver for Kiwis
The Government’s plan to refocus councils on core services, such as roading, core infrastructure, water, and rubbish, has taken a major step forward with the introduction of the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill to Parliament. “Kiwis are frustrated with rising rates, expanding bureaucracy, and poor value for money. This Bill puts councils back to work on the basics, their core services, so ratepayers see real results for what they pay.”
The Bill is part of the Government’s System Improvements programme, first announced by the Prime Minister in August 2024, and responds directly to public frustration over deteriorating infrastructure, rising rates, and lack of financial focus.
This refocusing of our councils will help to deliver better value for money and ultimately help address the number one issue people are dealing with right now, which is cost of living. These changes show we’re not just talking about reform – we’re delivering it. Stronger accountability, clear priorities, better infrastructure delivery – these are central to our vision for local government.
The Government intends to pass the System Improvements Bill, the Local Government (Water Services) Bill, and have the first regional deal in place by the end of 2025.
This is why it's always been the New Zealand National Party for me. Link to reel: Facebook
This week, I spoke on the Evidence (Giving Evidence of Family Violence) Amendment Bill.
This Bill seeks to extend protections for parties and witnesses in the Family Court when giving evidence of family harm or sexual assaults.
This Weeks BFM Interview
Strikes in the Health Sector and funding planning.
In our weekly catch-up with the National party, Wire host Castor asked Tom Rutherford about health funding and the government’s plans moving forward in light of the two recently announced health workers' strikes.
Our Local News
I recently got to watch the Magic’s final match for the season at Mercury Baypark in the Bay of Plenty with my sister Jade. Awesome atmosphere with a sold-out crowd.
One year engaged !
Perfect excuse for dinner with Hannah at Rita’s in Mount Maunganui. 6 months to go until the big day!
Recently I popped in to see the team at The Doctors NZ and check out their new spot - it's a big upgrade.
Had a good chat with Joe, Richard and Shamane about what it means for locals. With nearly 10,000 patients enrolled across both their Bayfair and Pāpāmoa sites, the new space has more consult rooms, a better walk-in area, and extra services like Skin Spots, Habit Health and a pharmacy all in one place.
Public Meeting - 21 July, Ohauiti
Join me for a public meeting about the Rowesdale Drive development!
Monday 21 July, 7:30pm, at the Ohauiti Settlers Hall, 459 Upper Ohauiti Road, Ohauiti.
This is your opportunity to get answers about how this development will affect our community. Come along and have your say!
This Week in New Zealand History
Lotto goes on sale for first time
22 July 1987
Lotto pamphlet, 1987 (Alexander Turnbull Library, Eph-A-LOTTERY-Lotto-1987/1988)
Outlets opened to long queues, with a first division prize in the inaugural draw of $360,000 (equivalent to more than $760,000 today). In the first year, Kiwis ‘invested’ nearly $249 million ($525 million) in the new lottery, which was based on a weekly draw of six numbers (plus a bonus number) between 1 and 40. Over the years Lotto has introduced new options such as Powerball and Strike.
By the early 2000s, 67 per cent of the population was regularly playing Lotto. Workmates and families formed syndicates to purchase weekly tickets. Nearly one-third of those buying tickets chose self-selected numbers rather than a computer-generated ‘lucky dip’.
By mid-2007 Lotto had paid out more than $3.75 billion in prize money to more than 63 million winners. The largest amount won on a single ticket is the $44 million jackpot won by a Hibiscus Coast couple in November 2016.
The profits from Lotto – about 70 cents in each dollar – are transferred to the Lottery Grants Board for distribution to sports, arts, film and community organisations. By 2015 the board had allocated $3.6 billion in grants. The amount requested continues to grow, while the amount available for distribution fluctuates in line with lottery sales and profits.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
NZ sends 43 more firefighters to Canada
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says Fire and Emergency New Zealand is deploying an additional 43-person taskforce to Manitoba, Canada on Sunday 13 July to bolster support of Canada’s response to severe wildfires.
Accommodation support for Tasman and Nelson
The Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service has been activated to support people affected by severe weather in the Tasman and Nelson Region, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.
New Zealand and Southeast Asia growing closer
New Zealand’s relationships in Southeast Asia have never been more important for our security and prosperity, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.
Making NZ top destination for international students
The Government’s going for growth in international education, releasing its plan to double the sector’s economic contribution to $7.2 billion by 2034.
Surge in NCEA numeracy & literacy results
Thousands more high school students are passing the foundational literacy and numeracy assessments required for NCEA, clear evidence the Government’s relentless focus on the basics is delivering results, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
Childhood immunisation rates continue to climb
New figures released show childhood immunisation rates at 24 months continue to rise, reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to improving health outcomes for Kiwi children, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Regional governance will return to ten polytechnics
Ten polytechnics will be re-established from 1 January 2026, restoring regional decision-making that supports strong communities and economic growth, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says.
Tāmaki Makaurau by-election date set
The Tāmaki Makaurau by-election will be held on Saturday 6 September, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced.
Online Casino Gambling Bill passes first reading
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden’s Bill seeking to protect players who gamble online by introducing safeguards to the currently unregulated online gambling market in New Zealand, passed its first reading in Parliament.
Employment Relations Amendment Bill passes first reading
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden welcomes the successful first reading of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, calling it a major milestone in helping businesses employ and contract with confidence.
Electricity sector changes create more ways to save
Kiwi households and businesses will be able to save more on their electricity bills as a result of changes announced by the Electricity Authority (EA), Energy Minister Simon Watts and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.
Government announces $600,000 support package for flood-affected farmers, growers and foresters
The Government is increasing its financial contribution to support rural communities in the Nelson Tasman Region, with additional funding to help farmers, foresters, growers and rural contractors recover from recent severe weather events.
Getting more Kiwis into jobs
Jobseeker beneficiaries will be the focus of the Government’s employment programmes over the next three years, says Minister Louise Upston.
Government calls time on open-plan classrooms
The Government has put an end to building open-plan classrooms, ensuring all new classrooms are designed in a flexible way to ensure better student outcomes.
Government to stop Council plan changes
The Government will stop councils wasting their officers’ time and their ratepayers’ money on plan changes in advance of the new planning system coming into force, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says
Government welcomes first medical conferences following rule change
Regulation Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown are welcoming confirmation that two of Australasia’s largest medical conferences are coming to New Zealand in 2026, with a combined total of 3300 delegates expected to attend and generating millions of dollars in economic activity.
SH76 Brougham Street construction begins
Work is set to start on major upgrades to State Highway 76 (SH76) Brougham Street in Christchurch that will support economic growth and make it safer and easier for people to move through the city, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
New Zealand and Malaysia commit to boosting halal meat trade
New Zealand and Malaysia have committed to boosting trade in high-quality halal meat products.
Job seekers move into work
More than 80,700 people moved off a main benefit and into work in the last financial year, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.
Canada to honour dairy access under CPTPP dispute agreement
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has announced agreement between Canada and New Zealand resolving a long running dairy dispute under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) saying that it will deliver up to $157m per year in export value for New Zealand dairy exporters.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
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