Winter has well and truly settled in here in Hawke’s Bay! As many of you know, I’m currently on parliamentary leave after welcoming our son, Lochie. He’s now 9 weeks old, growing fast, full of personality, and keeping us on our toes! We had our first Plunket visit this week, and I was blown away by the care and expertise of our nurse. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the quality of resources, Plunket’s website has become my go-to for all those curly parenting questions!
While I’ve been at home, my team has been out and about—hosting pop-ins in Wairoa, Puketapu, Meeanee, and Taradale, attending the opening of Napier’s new Night Shelter, and hearing positive updates from the new Retail Crime Unit in the CBD. More pop-ins are planned for August, so keep an eye on my social media for dates and details. Whether you want to raise an issue, ask a question, or just say hello, my team is here to help.
In this issue:
· Napier Youth MP
· Barabara Kuriger MP Visit to Napier
· Hawke's Bay Export Awards 2025
· Community Pop-in
· Highlights this month
· Recent Policy announcements
· What’s happened in the house
· Upcoming events and important dates
While I am on parliamentary leave, my team in the electorate office are always eager to hear your thoughts and ideas so please don't hesitate to get in touch with them at any time.
Here to listen, here to help!
Napier Youth MP - Some words from Mariah Wakefield-Otene
Being a Youth MP was a powerful and unforgettable experience that gave me the opportunity to represent young people and explore the inner workings of Parliament. From the moment I arrived in Wellington, I felt the significance of the role. The pōwhiri on Day Zero set the tone, grounding us in both tikanga Māori and the democratic values of Aotearoa. Touring Parliament and seeing historical figures like Kate Sheppard and Sir Āpirana Ngata made me reflect deeply on leadership and legacy.
A visit to the National Library opened my eyes to New Zealand’s complex history, particularly around Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the fight for equality. Day One brought full immersion into the Parliamentary process—we participated in debates, shared lived experiences, and connected with other passionate rangatahi. I was especially proud to be part of the Disabled Learners Working Group, advocating for better education support for all students.
This journey has strengthened my voice, my confidence, and my desire to lead. I left feeling inspired, knowing that young people are not only ready to lead, but already making a difference. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who made this experience possible and for the rangatahi who walked alongside me.
Barbara Kuriger MP at Napier SuperBlues
It was a real pleasure to welcome Barbara Kuriger MP to our recent Napier SuperBlues meeting. Barbara spoke candidly about her journey in politics, her work as a senior MP, and the vital issues she’s championing, particularly in the areas of agriculture, rural communities, and regional development.
As always, our SuperBlues brought thoughtful questions and lively discussion, making it a valuable and engaging session. A big thank you to Barbara for making the trip, you're welcome back in Napier anytime!
Hawke’s Bay’s Export Awards
My first official regional event back in the electorate—and what a fantastic way to return.
It was a privilege to attend the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards and celebrate the outstanding talent and innovation across our region.
A special congratulations to Napier-based engineering firm ABB, named Exporter of the Year for their world-class UPS power systems—all designed, built, and tested locally. It was great to see their work recognised not only with the top award, but also with the Ziwi Excellence in Innovation Award, a testament to their clear vision and commitment to high-quality engineering.
The evening, held at Toitoi in Hastings, also featured a virtual address from Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and highlighted the strength of our local export sector.
Other winners included Starboard Bio (Best Established Business), Ovenden Seeds (Best Emerging Business), and Haumako (Judges’ Choice Award). Stephen Jacobi received the NZME Service to Export Award, while Tamsyn Illston and Nick Elliot were jointly recognised with the Napier Port Unsung Hero Award.
It was a night that truly showcased the resilience, innovation, and global impact of Hawke’s Bay businesses. I’m looking forward to continuing to support this incredible sector.
My local office is here for you
Whether you have a local issue you'd like to discuss, want to hear the latest updates from Parliament, or simply feel like saying hello, my electorate office team would love to see you. There’s no need for formalities, just a good old-fashioned community catch-up.
Feel free to bring a friend and pop by anytime!
Highlights this month
Homeless Shelter Open
Although I couldn’t be there in person, I’m incredibly proud that my team was able to attend the opening of Āhuru Mōwai, a much-needed night shelter in Napier providing warmth, safety, and dignity to vulnerable men in our community.
The name Āhuru Mōwai, gifted by pakeke from Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui o Orotu, perfectly captures the spirit of the space: a haven of comfort and protection. I look forward to visiting once I’m back on deck and learning more about the shelter’s future. Congratulations to everyone whose hard work and dedication made this vision a reality.
Napier CBD Crime Unit Presentation
Last night, my team attended the Napier CBD Crime Unit Presentation at Kolachi Café & Eatery, an insightful evening led by Area Prevention Manager Caroline Martin. It was encouraging to hear about the proactive work being done to make our city safer, including the recently launched Retail Crime Unit. Established in May, this new unit is already making a difference, with reported incidents in the CBD down 11%.
We also appreciated hearing from Luke Johnson, Manager of Regulatory Solutions at Napier City Council, about how the Council is supporting Police and local retailers in this important work. It’s great to see such strong collaboration between agencies, businesses, and the community—working together to keep Napier safe.
MGT Earthquake Experience
My team recently visited the Te Papa Shake House at MTG Hawke’s Bay—what an experience!
This immersive exhibit offers a powerful reminder of the 1931 earthquake that shaped our region’s history. If you’re in town, it’s well worth a visit.
Recent Policy Announcements
Lots of policy announcements have been made this month. Please click on the links below to learn more.
Education
Making NZ top destination for international students – read the Beehive PR here
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.
Government calls time on open-plan classrooms – read the Beehive PR here
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.
Health
More international doctors to be fast-tracked - read the Beehive PR here
The Government has welcomed the announcement by the Medical Council of New Zealand that will see doctors from Chile, Luxembourg, and Croatia added to the Comparable Health System pathway, which will streamline the registration process and help strengthen New Zealand’s frontline health workforce, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Modernising heart failure treatment in Hawke’s Bay – read the Beehive PR here
A new digital model of care is transforming how heart failure is managed in Hawke’s Bay, delivering faster treatment, fewer hospital visits, and better outcomes for patients, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Agriculture
UAE deal passes, unlocking $500 billion market – read the Beehive PR here
The NZ-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) legislation has passed into law today, 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.
Finance
Households to get extra FamilyBoost help – read the Beehive PR here
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.
Government delivers further cost of living support – read the Beehive PR here
The Government is focused on growing the economy to create jobs, lift incomes and help Kiwis with the cost-of-living, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Finance Nicola Willis say.
Mental Health
Maternal mental health boost for four regions – read the Beehive PR here
More women and families in need of specialist mental health support during and after pregnancy will soon have better access to care, with new investment being directed to Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Mid Central, and the Wellington region.
Police
Taking the next step in tackling boy racers – read the Beehive PR here
Boy racers will face serious consequences for anti-social and intimidating driving under tough new laws, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
Transport
Victory for vintage vehicles and private motorhomes – read the Beehive PR here
From 1 September, commonsense changes will see vintage light vehicles and private heavy motorhomes moving to annual vehicle inspections rather than six-monthly, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
Foreign Affairs
Ministerial statement to the House on the Middle East – read the Beehive PR here
At that time, the world was grappling with Israel and Iran bombing each another. New Zealanders were in harm’s way. The spectre of escalation and a wider regional war was very real. Back then, we called for de-escalation, dialogue and ceasefire. Thankfully, the United States was able to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Iran – and that wider regional war has, for the time being at least, been avoided.
A month later, though, we continue to be confronted by horrifying scenes playing out in Gaza.
What's happened in the House?
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