New electricity market reforms will help reduce your power bills
Putting more money back in your pocket to help with the cost of living.
Starting 30 June 2026, major energy companies must offer time-of-use pricing plans, letting New Zealanders shift their electricity usage away from expensive peak hours to save money.
Thousands of jobs will be created as billions of dollars' worth of infrastructure projects get underway this year.
The National-led Government has announced $6 billion worth of infrastructure projects starting by Christmas, including new roads, hospitals, schools and courts. This will create thousands of construction jobs while making all Kiwis better off.
Projects include Otaki to North of Levin roading, Drury upgrades, a mental health unit in the Hutt Valley, and $800 million in school property projects.
The National Infrastructure Pipeline shows $207 billion in planned future projects, delivering sustained economic growth that reduces the cost of living.
Many Kiwis are still doing it tough, but there's hope on the horizon. Inflation is low, interest rates are falling, exports are growing, and significant infrastructure projects are starting. These make Kiwis' lives better.
This Weeks BFM Interview
Government announcement on Infrastructure
Prime Minister Chris Luxon, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop, announced the government’s plans to push on with a number of infrastructure projects, worth about $6 billion dollars.
The government-funded construction plans which they say will generate thousands of jobs for New Zealanders, are expected to get underway by Christmas this year.
Link to Interview: Government announcement on Infrastructure w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 22nd July, 2025 | 95bFM
Bit of a behind the scenes moment at Parliament.
Here I was on what's known as the Bridge Run, which happens at Parliament right before question time as all of us MPs make our way into the House. The media were asking me about the cost of living. Helping Kiwis get ahead is our top priority. The economy is starting to grow again and inflation is now back within the target range. We know it's still tough for a lot of people, and that's why growing the economy to ease the cost of living remains our number one focus.
The Government is moving ahead with a new medical school at the University of Waikato.
It will be a graduate-entry programme with a strong focus on primary care and rural health – the areas where doctors are needed most. The school will train 120 new doctors a year from 2028, giving students a clear pathway into general practice and regional care.
Primary care is the backbone of our health system. If we want better outcomes for patients, we need to make sure every New Zealander can see a doctor when they need to – no matter where they live. This new school is an important part of rebuilding a system that has failed to keep up with demand, especially in primary and rural care.
Government is investing $82.85 million to get the school up and running, alongside over $150 million from the University and philanthropists. This covers curriculum design, new teaching and lab facilities, accommodation, community learning hubs, and clinical training infrastructure.
This supports our commitment to delivering timely, quality healthcare for all Kiwis by training more doctors in the communities that need them most.
Local Bay of Plenty News
I had such a cool time being back at Bethlehem College for Founder’s Day.
I spent most of my school years here, so it was pretty cool to catch up with a few familiar faces and see what’s changed (and what hasn’t!).
I had the chance to chat with students about my time at school, the path to Parliament, and what the day-to-day looks like as MP for the Bay. Thanks for having me back!
Awesome recognition for local Bay of Plenty business Trimax Mowing
Taking home the top award at this year’s Bay of Plenty Export Awards. Todd Mc Clay and I were there to show our support for them and all the amazing local export businesses. Our government has set a target to double exports in the next 10 years and we’re backing businesses like this in a big way to help make that happen.
I recently had the pleasure to watch the Glass Ceiling Arts Collective perform Rock of Ages at 16th Avenue Theatre.
The talent and energy from these young performers was outstanding.
This organisation supports marginalised communities through performing arts, with a particular focus on young people with disabilities. Thank you for having me along and to all the families, volunteers and staff who make this happen.
Cutting the ribbon at the official opening of Revolution Skate Centre
At Mercury Bay Park was a real honour and couldn’t resist having a go myself.
Huge congratulations to Tauranga Roller Skating Club and Mount Mustangs Inline Hockey Club for making this vision a reality. It's taken years of hard work by dedicated volunteers, especially Joel and Jackie. This new facility will be a game changer for roller sports in the Bay with everything from competitive skating and inline hockey to beginner classes and public sessions.
Rowesdale Drive Development - Public Meeting
Over 160 people packed into Ohauiti Settlers Hall for my public meeting on the Rowesdale Drive development. It was standing room only. After hearing concerns from many local residents, I wrote to Mayor Drysdale requesting this community meeting. Last night shows how much our community cares about getting answers on infrastructure, traffic impacts, and development planning. Thank you to Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Carrus Group, and most importantly our incredible community for coming out and engaging constructively on this important local issue. It was fantastic to host this meeting and create a space where everyone could share their views directly with decision-makers. I’ll keep everyone updated as things progress with this development.
Great news for Hairini residents!
Tauranga City Council has approved a 3-month trial reopening of the Hairini Slip Lane, planned for October-December 2025.
The slip lane will be open to all traffic outside morning peak hours, remaining bus-only from 6:30am-9:30am on weekdays. This trial has strong community backing, with 80% of local residents supporting it in recent consultation.
Safety remains a priority, with traffic calming measures to be installed on Hairini Street during the trial period, if required.
This trial responds directly to concerns raised by the community about the current all-day restrictions. It's great to see Council listening to residents and finding practical solutions that balance community needs with safety. The trial will provide valuable data to inform future permanent arrangements.
Great news on the eastbound off-ramp at the Papamoa East Interchange!
I've been working really hard on this on behalf of our local community, and I've just received an update from NZTA and Tauranga City Council - they're targeting to have it open in the week starting 25 August.
Planning is progressing well, and more details will be shared publicly in early August, including digital signage at the Tauranga Eastern Link. I'll keep you updated as more information is confirmed!
Business After 5 Event with local MP Tom Rutherford and Hon. Louise Upston.
Next SuperBlues - Monday 11 August 10am
This Week in New Zealand History
Anti-Springbok protesters block Hamilton match
25 July 1981
Reverend George Armstrong addresses police (Alexander Turnbull Library, EP/1981/2598/28A-F)
Anti-tour demonstrators invaded Hamilton’s Rugby Park, forcing the abandonment of the Springboks–Waikato match.
Rugby Park was packed for the first Saturday game of the controversial tour. More than 500 police officers were present in the city. The authorities were unaware, however, that protest organisers had bought several hundred tickets for the game. Shortly before kick-off, several hundred others tore down a boundary fence and poured into Rugby Park from a nearby street.
Police formed a cordon around this group, which had linked arms in the middle of the field. They eventually arrested about 50 of them, but were concerned about their ability to hold back angry rugby fans.
Meanwhile, Pat McQuarrie had stolen a light plane from Taupō and was thought to be heading for the stadium. With his intentions unclear, the police cancelled the match. This announcement was greeted with chants of ‘We want rugby!’ Spectators attacked protesters as the police ushered them from the ground.
The drama was viewed live in South Africa and gave comfort to incarcerated opponents of apartheid, including Nelson Mandela.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
$120 million Auckland school property growth plan
The Government’s investing more than $120 million into building more classrooms in Auckland, so thousands more students can learn in safe, warm and dry environments.
New school property agency to be established
The Government will establish a new school property agency to help ensure Kiwi kids can learn in safe, warm and dry buildings.
Government supports Anti-Corruption pilot
A cross-agency Anti-Corruption Taskforce pilot highlights the Government’s commitment to protecting public funds and upholding integrity across the state sector, Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Public Service Minister Judith Collins say.
NZ joins international condemnation of Russian cyber attacks
New Zealand has echoed international condemnation of malicious cyber activity by the Russian Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.
New weather radar for Nelson Tasman region
The Government is funding Met Service to procure a new Nelson Tasman weather radar to improve severe weather monitoring and response in the region, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced.
Infrastructure projects to drive jobs and growth
Billions of dollars' worth of infrastructure projects getting underway in the next few months will drive economic activity and create thousands of jobs across the country, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say.
Youth to mobilise for severe weather response
An immediate one-off grant to mobilise and coordinate young people to assist in the response to the severe Nelson Tasman weather events has been provided to the Student Volunteer Army (SVA), Youth Minister James Meager has announced.
Innovation and optimisation to improve medicines access
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced more clear expectations for Pharmac to innovate and optimise to further build on expectations set last year; to deliver the medicines and medical technology that Kiwis need.
Inflation remains within target range
New data released shows inflation remains under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Planning for end of greyhound racing proceeds
Planning for the intended ending of greyhound racing in New Zealand is moving forward with animal welfare paramount while also managing the uncertainty for those in the industry, Racing Minister Winston Peters says.
Pharmac continues to engage with consumers
Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes the establishment of Pharmac’s new consumer working group to help Pharmac help reset how it works with health consumers.
UAE deal passes, unlocking $500 billion market
The NZ-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) legislation has passed into law, clearing the way for Kiwi exporters to tap into a $500 billion market that imports 90 per cent of its food, Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced.
Secondary legislation access to be improved
A bill to make it easier to find and comply with the law and to digitise government services by improving access to secondary legislation has passed its first reading, Attorney-General Judith Collins says.
Fast-track on track to help deliver infrastructure
It’s been nearly six months since the Fast-track Approvals system opened for business, and updated statistics show the one-stop shop is on track to make it quicker and easier to build the projects New Zealand needs for economic growth, RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say.
New law to support safe, responsible space use
Legislation regulating ground-based space infrastructure to deter foreign interference and protect New Zealand’s national interests has passed all stages under urgency in Parliament, Space Minister Judith Collins says.
Ministers release Homelessness Insights Report
The Government has released the latest Homelessness Insights Report and announced a series of actions to reduce the number of people living without shelter, including sleeping rough in New Zealand, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.
Affordable homes to address Te Kūiti housing shortage
Mā te hononga ka whai kaha.
Te Kūiti whānau will enjoy greater access to modern affordable rental housing thanks to an Iwi-led partnership backed by the Government, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.
Take that! Tourism campaign a hit with Aussies
The ‘Everyone Must Go’ campaign encouraging Australians to pick New Zealand for their next holiday has hit its results out of the park, bringing in thousands of visitors in a boost for regional economies and tourism operators.
Gumboot Friday supporting young people faster
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey joined the Gumboot Friday team, an initiative that is helping thousands of young people access mental health support faster.
More classrooms for state-integrated schools
The Government is ensuring more parents have choice with their child’s education, delivering a $30 million investment package to deliver roll growth classrooms across the state-integrated school network.
Removeable battery regulations revoked
The Government is revoking 2023 regulations requiring all vaping devices to have removeable batteries to resolve a current court challenge brought by Mason Corporation Limited.
Deputy Commissioner of Police retires
Police Minister Mark Mitchell announced the retirement of statutory Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tania Kura.
Tāwhaki aerospace venture supported to grow
Tāwhaki Joint Venture’s crucial role in the Government’s drive to grow our space and advanced aviation sectors has received a $5.85 million boost, Space Minister Judith Collins announced.
New investment to drive AI and biotech innovation
The Government is investing $24 million in smart, practical science that will help New Zealanders live healthier lives and support the development of sustainable food industries.
Overhauling unsustainable electoral laws
The Government is overhauling outdated and unsustainable electoral laws including stopping same-day enrolment, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Guidelines released for prescribing psilocybin
Associate Health Minister David Seymour is welcoming steps to provide medical practitioners with more tools to treat people with depression, with Medsafe publishing guidelines for experts wanting to prescribe Psilocybin.
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