This edition of News from Suze comes to you at the end of a three-week recess - a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time in the mighty Rangitīkei and enjoy catching up with family and friends over Easter and ANZAC weekend. I hope you had a chance to relax, reflect, and spend time with loved ones too.
There has been plenty happening both in the electorate and in Wellington, including some exciting Government announcements set to deliver real benefits for our region.
Out and About
Whanganui Federated Farmers AGM with the Prime Minister
Great to attend the Federated Farmers Whanganui AGM alongside our Prime Minister Christopher Luxon – who was guest speaker – and my friend and colleague Carl Bates, MP for Whanganui. Provincial President Ben Fraser and Samantha Tennent did a great job pulling the event together. Thanks to Farmlands Whanganui for providing a fantastic BBQ.
ANZAC Day 2025
This year I was honoured to speak at the Feilding Dawn Service and the Hiwinui Community Service – each a powerful reminder of courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie that has helped shape who we are as a nation. A special thanks to the Feilding RSA and Army Cadets for an outstanding breakfast and to all who made commemorations across the Rangitīkei so meaningful.
Backing Building with Hon Chris Penk
It was good to catch up with Minister for Building and Construction, Hon Chris Penk, at a lunch hosted by the Palmerston North electorate. The Minister was in town to meet with local building and construction leaders to discuss industry needs. Recently he announced changes to speed up building and lower costs – including allowing up to 250,000 more products into the market. It’s a smart move which supports builders and homeowners while helping to grow the economy and help Kiwis with the cost of living.
Connecting in Shannon
I spent a morning in Shannon connecting with a group of community-minded locals. The meeting was arranged by the amazing Junette Haronga, a passionate advocate for her community. We covered a range of topics, from housing and the future of the old police houses in Shannon, to health and primary care needs. The following day I followed up on the healthcare concerns with Associate Minister of Health Matt Doocey when I spent the day with him in Levin for the launch of his nationwide Rural Health Roadshow.
Invercargill SuperBlues
There was plenty of good chat and of course a delicious cheese roll when I spent the day in Invercargill with my friend and colleague, Hon Penny Simmonds. We spent time with her outstanding SuperBlues team and visited the Southern Dairy Hub – an impressive 349ha research dairy farm in Wallacetown helping to drive innovation and best practice across the dairy sector.
Signing of Ngāti Hāua Deed of Settlement – Te Pua o Te Riri Kore
Taumarunui turned on a brilliant day for the signing of Ngāti Hāua’s Deed of Settlement – Te Pua o Te Riri Kore – at Ngāpūwaiwaha Marae. It was an honour to attend this historic occasion alongside Minister for Treaty Negotiations, Hon Paul Goldsmith, and Minister for Māori Crown Relations, Hon Tama Potaka.
Ngāti Hāua Iwi Trust Chair, Graham ‘Tinker’ Bell, spoke of the deep sense of peace felt on the day, while Negotiations Manager, Aaron Rice-Edwards, reflected on this milestone as both an acknowledgment of past grievances and a pathway to future opportunity.
Kopane School Centennial Celebration
It was fantastic to celebrate Kopane School’s 100th anniversary, I was honoured to speak and to plant a rimu tree to mark the occasion. Established in 1925 for returned servicemen’s families, the school has stood strong over the years. Meeting past and present students was a highlight – Eljay and David delivered a brilliant speech, and Stewart Collis, the school’s oldest surviving student, shared memories ahead of his 95th birthday.
Horizons Ballance Farm Environment Awards
The Cousins family of Hiamoe Farm near Feilding took top honours as this year’s Regional Supreme Winners at the Horizons Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Special mention goes to Trevor and Liz Low of Makara Farm, who received the Margaret Matthews Trophy for Commitment to Sustainability, and to the Taumarunui West Catchment Group, winners of the Catchment Group Showcase Award.
This year marked 20 years of the Awards in the Horizons region, and it was fantastic to celebrate alongside past winners – including our own farm, Tunnel Hill, in 2022.
Youth MP for 2025
I’m proud to introduce you to our Youth MP for the mighty Rangitīkei – Patrick Coogan
Patrick brings great passion for Rangitīkei and is a keen advocate for the issues facing rural and provincial NZ.
Raised on a sheep and beef farm near Taihape, Patrick is currently studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness at Massey University. Prior to this he was Head Boy at Feilding High School. He’s also Chairman of the Massey Young Farmers Club and a keen bagpiper – as you can see from this photo, taken on ANZAC Day where he played the bagpipes at the Feilding Dawn Service.
Youth Parliament is an opportunity to represent Rangitīkei and debate the issues that matter to our region. I was so impressed by the talented young people who applied.
Making Wool Great Again
There was great news for our wool producers recently. From 1 July, Government agencies must use wool products in the construction and refurbishment of buildings – where practical and appropriate. It’s a simple but significant step, showing our firm support for the primary sector.
Wool is a wonder product – sustainable, biodegradable, naturally fire-retardant and healthy to live with. Supporting New Zealand’s wool industry is part of our broader plan to grow the economy and put more money back in your pocket. Read more here.
Electorate Boundary Changes
Many of you will be aware of the proposed changes to electorate boundaries, which—if they proceed – could have a significant impact on the Rangitīkei electorate.
I’d be losing the most Northern parts of our electorate, which I have really enjoyed working with, including Raetihi, Ohakune, Waiouru, Waimarino (National Park), Ōwhango and Taumarunui. However, I know my colleagues Carl Bates, MP for Whanganui, and Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country, whose electorates pick up these areas will do a fantastic job looking after them. The adjusted Rangitīkei electorate will extend southwards to incorporate Foxton and Foxton Beach, Waitārere and Levin, and I’ll look forward to engaging with these communities.
New boundaries will not be finalised until August and communities now have time to consult on proposed changes. To find out more, or to have your say, head to https://vote.nz/.
Government News
Manawatu-Tararua Highway Opening Soon
The Manawatū Tararua Highway - Te Ahu a Turanga will open to traffic from June 2025! Read more here.
Transforming financial education in schools
Financial education will be embedded as a core element of the refreshed social sciences curriculum for Year 1-10 students, set to be available for use from 2026. Students will learn real-world skills like budgeting, saving, understanding tax, and how to avoid scams. We are setting our kids up for success. Read more here.
Backing teachers: Teacher Registrations Funded
The Government is backing New Zealand's teaching workforce by funding teacher registrations and practising certificates, acknowledging the vital role educators play in driving positive change in classrooms. Starting 1 July, teachers will save up to $550 when registering or renewing their practising certificate. Read more here.
Inflation Back Under Control
Inflation remains within the target band at 2.5% - way down from the 7.3% it reached - because our Government’s economic plan is working. We’ve reduced wasteful government spending and now we’re going for growth to create more jobs and lift wages. Read more here.
Improving Fresh Water Farm Plans
National has moved to improve freshwater farm plans by making them simpler, cheaper, and focused on actual environmental risk – small farms won’t need to complete them. Read more here.
12 Billion Boost for Defence
Rangitīkei has the greatest military presence of any region in New Zealand with Waiouru, Ohakea and Linton. This is why the Governments recent announcement of a $12 billion package, including $9 billion in new funding, is especially great news for our region. This investment ensures our forces are combat capable, interoperable with partners, a force multiplier with Australia, and able to harness innovations and new technologies. Read more here.
Scrapping the RMA - for Good
Our Government is scrapping the RMA and replacing it entirely, just like we promised. The end of the RMA will mean less paperwork and more farming, plus lower costs for rural businesses and families. Read more here.
Upcoming Events and Dates to Note
Rural Nats Forum
9 May: I'm part of the Rural Nats Forum taking place the Friday before the LNI and CNI Regional Conference at the Novotel Lakeside Hotel in Rotorua, 12pm - 5pm. Come along and share your experiences and concerns with the Hon Todd McClay and other Rural Nats MP colleagues.
Hilda Ross Network: Women in Decision Making
9 May: Alongside some of my female MP colleagues, I'll be hosting a Women in Decision Making event before the LNI and CNI Regional Conference at the Novotel Lakeside Hotel in Rotorua, 5:30pm - 7:30pm. The event includes special guests Hon Nicola Willis and Hon Louise Upston.
LNI and CNI Regional Conference
10/11 May: I'll be attending the combined Central and Lower North Island National Party Conference being held at the Novotel Lakeside Hotel in Rotorua. The conference runs from 9am - 5pm on Saturday 10 May, and again from 9am - 12pm on Sunday 11 May.
Rangitīkei National Party Morning Tea
16 May: I'm hosting a morning tea with my colleague Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country, as guest speaker. 10am at the Manawatu Community Hub, 64 Stafford Street, Feilding. All welcome to attend.
Here to Help
My team and I are available to assist you.
Reach us by emailing Suze.RedmayneMP@parliament.govt.nz or calling 06 323 7253 (Feilding) or 07 896 8008 (Taumarunui).
Visit us in person at one of our office locations.
Feilding office: 51 Fergusson Street, Feilding - Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Taumarunui office: 1/101 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunui - Monday 9:30am to 2:30pm and Thursday 9:30am to 12:30pm.