In this issue:

New Medical School
Minister's News
In the House
Electorate News
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Minister’s News

New Waikato Medical School

After campaigning relentlessly for many years, I'm delighted to announce that Cabinet has approved the business case for the new medical school and the establishment of a graduate-entry medical programme at the University of Waikato!

Following the successful Australian model, it will have a strong focus on primary care and rural health and recruit students likely to practice in rural New Zealand.

Construction of new teaching facilities will begin later this year.

The new medical school will train an extra 120 doctors each year (from 2028), significantly boosting our homegrown medical workforce.

This is in addition to the 100 extra medical-training places our Government has added across the Universities of Auckland and Otago.

As the concept drawing below indicates, state-of-the-art technology will be used in training.

Minister's News

'Everyone Must Go' Campaign

The ‘Everyone Must Go’ campaign to encourage Australians to visit set a target of 6,750 additional autumn arrivals, but I'm delighted to say, it significantly exceeded expectations bringing in an additional 7,981 visitors!

This represents a significant boost for regional economies and tourism operators.

Partnering with 450 operators who provided more than 800 deals across accommodation, transport and experiences during the campaign made it a winner.

It shows what can be achieved when Government and industry collaborate and work towards the same goals.

Job Seekers Move Off Benefit

As Social Development and Employment Minister, I'm pleased to report that more than 80,700 people moved off a main benefit and into work in the last financial year, a reflection of the new initiatives we have put in place.

As expected in the current economic climate, the overall number of people receiving a main benefit in June 2025 (406,128) has increased by 7,965 (2.0 per cent) compared to March 2025 (398,163), ahead of a forecast decrease from December.

The number of people receiving Jobseeker Support in June 2025 (216,009) increased by 6,171 (2.9 per cent) compared to March 2025 (209,838).

MSD figures from the last three years have shown more people coming onto benefit in the March to June period, likely due to less seasonal work available during the winter months.

MSD will continue to assist jobseekers to become work-ready in preparation for the forecast uptick in the economy.

Geothermal Week Launch

Yesterday, as part of the fifth New Zealand Geothermal Week, I was pleased to join Minister for Resources, Regional Development, and Associate Minister for Energy Shane Jones at the New Zealand Geothermal Association’s Winter Seminar where he launched the draft geothermal strategy “From the Ground Up”, part of Government's Going for Growth Strategy.

Our geothermal fields are hugely important for the region, providing energy, tourism and employment benefits.

Figures show the energy sector contributed $6.8 billion to New Zealand's GDP in 2023. It is a high-paying sector with rising employment and opportunities. Young people across the region can look towards a career in the energy sector as the strategy seeks to build a talent pipeline in partnership with the education sector.

The International Visitor Survey shows 27.5 per cent of international tourists visit geothermal parks to view natural wonders like hot mud pools and geysers. This is great for our regional economies.

Consultation on the draft strategy is open. Visit MBIE's website to find out how to have your say. Submissions close 5p.m. on 12 September 2025.

In the House

Cost-of-Living Measures

Government is focused on growing the economy to create jobs, lift incomes and help Kiwis with the cost of living.

We are focusing on five key areas: 

Developing talent
Ensuring business settings are competitive
Promoting global trade and investment
Supporting innovation, technology and science
Providing a pipeline of infrastructure for growth

We have introduced a series of cost-of-living measures, including:

This week marks one year of tax relief meaning the average household is $1,560 better off.
FamilyBoost, which now gives families up to 40 per cent off their childcare costs (see below).
12-month prescriptions.
Increased rates rebate for 66,000 seniors.
Increased Working for Families payments.
Stopped wasteful government spending.
Reduced inflation to 2.7 per cent (from a peak of 7.3 per cent under the previous government).
Lowered interest rates – a family re-fixing a $500,000 mortgage today will save around $320 per fortnight compared to September 2023.
Driven rent inflation down – national median rental prices have dropped for the first time since 2009.
Growing people’s incomes by growing the economy. The economy is expected to grow on average 2.7 per cent per year creating 240,000 jobs over the next four years.
Committed to increasing competition in the supermarket sector to drive lower prices and better value for New Zealand families.
Scrapping surcharges ($150 million per year) at the till.

FamilyBoost

From 1 July 2025, FamilyBoost will make tens of thousands more households better off by increasing support for early childhood education (ECE).

Rebates have increased from 25 per cent to 40 per cent of weekly fees, and those with household incomes of up to $229,000 are now eligible to apply – making around 22,000 more households eligible for the scheme.

FamilyBoost rebates are calculated according to the weekly fees parents pay, so the maximum payment is also increasing, from $75 a week to $120 a week.

You can register here to make a claim. 

Inflation Remains in Target Range

Stats NZ's recently released Consumers Price Index shows that while inflation increased slightly to 2.7 per cent in the 12 months to the June 2025 quarter, it remains in the Reserve Bank’s target range for the fourth consecutive quarter, a far cry from the 7.3 per cent under the previous government in 2022.

Stats NZ noted the largest single contributor to annual inflation was councils' rates and charges, which on average nationwide, rose 12.2 per cent in the year. Government has called on councils to focus on the basics to keep rates under control.

If you are experiencing difficulty paying rates, please see information about rates rebates here.

Government is using all levers to bring the cost of living down while focusing on economic growth as a pathway to more jobs, higher incomes and more money to pay for public services like schools, and hospitals and the provision of safer communities.

School Property Agency Established

Following recommendations of a Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, Government has created the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) – a separate entity to the Ministry of Education – to manage the school property portfolio.

This will improve project delivery and communication, increase value for money, and increase transparency around decision making.

This action has already lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%. Last year 31% more classrooms were delivered compared to 2023 (583 classrooms in total). New classrooms now cost $620,000 (on average), compared to the $1.2 million average cost per classroom at the end of 2023.

Advanced Tech Institute

As part of our plan to grow a high-tech, high-value economy, the newly established New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) will play a leading role in turning world-class science into commercial success by focussing on breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology which have the potential to transform industries, grow exports, and lift New Zealand’s global competitiveness.

The Institute will initially be incubated within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) before becoming an independent entity when legislation comes into effect in July 2026.

Electorate News

Prime Minister's Visit

Blue Pacific Minerals

Last week Prime Minister Christopher Luxon officially opened Blue Pacific Minerals' (BPM) newly commissioned Liquid Blending and Plant Health Solutions Facility in Tokoroa.

BPM has built state-of-the-art drying, crushing, mixing and processing facilities for the mineral zeolite which they process into value-added products to support agriculture, horticulture, and soil and turf industries amongst other uses – including cat litter!

BPM is an inspirational Kiwi company which exports to 20 markets around the world. It's great to see their innovations as they go from strength to strength!

Farm Source Cambridge

The Prime Minister also visited Farm Source in Cambridge where he met farmers to discuss their challenges and opportunities and the Government’s work to support the sector (our number-one export earner) including moves to reduce production costs, cut red tape, and encourage sustainable growth.

Midland Health Success

The waitlist for orthopaedic surgery in the Midland Health region is down 15 per cent, and the number of patients waiting longer than four months for orthopaedic surgery has dropped by 11 per cent since November 2023.

The waitlist had ballooned by 123 per cent between 2020 and 2023. Since November 2023, orthopaedic waitlists have decreased in:

Waikato – down 25%
Lakes – down 6%

There is more work to do, but we are tracking in the right direction!

SH1 Cambridge to Piarere

I had a positive meeting with Transport Minister Chris Bishop this morning regarding the SH1 Cambridge to Piarere (C2P) Waikato Expressway extension. As local MP, I continue to advocate for the Cambridge community and have strongly highlighted the need for on/off ramps at the start of the extension south of Cambridge.

Minister Bishop and I share a strong commitment to the construction of C2P and we're excited for this project to start. I look forward to receiving an update in due course.

Youth MP Ryder Miller

This term's Taupō Youth MP Ryder Miller says he was grateful for the chance to represent the Taupō electorate and meet potential future leaders at the recent Youth Parliament in Wellington – and he did us proud!

Ryder says, "One of the most impactful parts of the programme was taking part in the Parliamentary working groups, where we tackled real issues facing young people today. We had the opportunity to discuss ideas, share perspectives, and collaborate with Youth MPs from all over Aotearoa."

Youth Parliament is held every three years, and I encourage young people to apply when they have the opportunity. Each April and June I also run a Youth Advisory Board in the Taupō electorate.

Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupō Winter Festival

Congratulations to Nicola de Lautour and her team on the tenth Taupō Winter Festival (27 June to 13 July). It was another great success! I enjoyed the play "Guru of Chai" and the Midwinter Bows and Bowties Ball (pictured below).

Taking five with Nicola de Lautour

Le Quesnoy Visit

I was pleased to join Waipā Mayor Susan O'Regan, the Cambridge Community Board and the Cambridge-Le Quesnoy Friendship Association in welcoming French Senators, the French Ambassador to New Zealand, and French rugby representatives recently.

They laid wreaths at the Cambridge District War Memorial and visited St Andrew's Anglican Church to see the war memorial windows and the painting of New Zealand soldiers liberating Le Quesnoy.

Taupō Friendly Forum

It was great to catch up with those of you who attended the recent Friendly Forum in Taupō. Some of the items discussed included:

Cost-of-living measures
Going for Growth agenda
Council spending and rates increases
Emergency housing
Police visibility in the town centre
Tourism growth
Marine and Coastal Area (Customary Marine Title) Amendment Bill
Joint Management Agreement

As always, it's great to get your feedback and hear your concerns so I can better represent you.

SH5 and SH28 Roundabout

A roundabout is to be installed at the notorious intersection of SH5 and SH28 (Harwoods Road) to improve safety. Work will begin 18 August and the roundabout is expected to be usable in March 2026.

Local Government Elections 11 October

The last day you can enrol to vote in the local government elections is Friday 10 October 2025. If you enrol to vote or update your address after 1 August, you will need to contact your local council’s electoral officer to get your papers. Further information is available here.

Speight's Taupō Marathon

Good luck to the entrants of the Speight's Taupō Marathon on Saturday (2 August).

Registration is still open on Friday 1st August 2025 and Saturday 2nd August 2025 (unless sold out prior) but it will incur a late fee. Late fees don't apply to the Kids' Dash.

Rural Assistance Payments

Farmers whose incomes have been severely affected by drought can apply for Rural Assistance Payments (until 28 October 2025) to help with essential living costs. Apply through the Ministry of Social Development (0800 559 009) or your local Rural Support Trust.

Attending Events

If you are organising an event that you would like me to attend, please contact my office well in advance (details below). My calendar fills up quickly!

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Facebook Live

You can join me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the second Tuesday of each month. Note: this month it will be on the third Tuesday.

To join my next live chat, head to Louise Upston MP | Facebook on Tuesday 19 August 2025 at 8 p.m. and type your questions or comments.

You can watch the last Facebook Live here.

Clinics and Friendly Forums

Note: Dates are subject to change.

Cambridge Clinic

Monday, 4 August, 2:00–3:30p.m.

Please call 07 8275572 or email upston.cambridge@parliament.govt.nz for an appointment.

South Waikato Friendly Forum – Putāruru

Friday, 15 August, 10:00–11:30p.m.

The Plaza, 50-56 Kensington Street, Putāruru

South Waikato Clinic – Tokoroa

Friday, 15 August, 2:00–3:00p.m.

Please call 07 8865554 or email upston.sthwaikato@parliament.govt.nz for an appointment.

Electorate Assistance

Cambridge Office:

Phone 07 8275572 or email upston.cambridge@parliament.govt.nz

South Waikato:

Phone 07 8865554 or email upston.sthwaikato@parliament.govt.nz

Taupō Office:

Phone 07 3765563 or email upston.taupo@parliament.govt.nz