Thank you, David MacLeod, for your invitation to be guest speaker in your New Plymouth electorate
The day commenced with a members' morning tea, followed by a speaking engagement at the Nice Boutique Hotel Lunch Club, where I shared my background and journey into politics.
We also visited some of New Plymouth's key attractions, including Port Taranaki, the foreshore walkway, Pukekura Park and the Bowl of Brooklands, concluding the tour with a fantastic shot on the Te Rewa Rewa bridge with Taranaki Maunga in the background.
The day ended with informal drinks at Shining Peak Brewing, providing a valuable opportunity to connect and discuss issues. It was a great day of community engagement.
This Weeks BFM Interview
Electoral reforms & the Homelessness Insights report w/ National Party MP Tom Rutherford.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced various changes to the electoral system in New Zealand which he says seek to make the process of voting more efficient and effective for future elections.
These include the closing of enrolment 13 days before the official election day, prohibiting the provision of food and drink at polling booths, and a reinstatement of a total prisoner voting ban.
National is delivering faster care for hips, knees, and backs.
Orthopaedic waitlists are down 15% across the central North Island since we came into Government – including big drops in Waikato, Gisborne, and the Bay of Plenty.
That means fewer people living in pain and more getting the surgery they need to get back to work, sport, and everyday life.
National is banning PayWave and credit card surcharges to save you money.
Our government is banning in-store credit and debit card surcharges. It’s a simple way we’re easing cost-of-living pressures and backing hardworking Kiwis. We know Kiwis shouldn’t be penalised for tapping their card at the checkout. But right now, many are, with surcharges added to many everyday purchases. It’s costing New Zealanders up to $150 million a year, money that could be spent on the things that really matter to you and your family.
That’s why we’re banning in-store credit and debit card surcharges. It’s a simple way we’re easing cost-of-living pressures and backing hardworking Kiwis.
Local Bay of Plenty News
My swings at the opening of the Dunes Driving Range at Mount Golf Club.
I captained Team Politician against Team Cricket (Trent Boult & Colin de Grandhomme), Team Rugby (Scott Curry) and Team Academy. We came last!
Great night at the Surf Life Saving Coromandel & Bay of Plenty Awards of Excellence at Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club
Celebrating our local clubs and members. The numbers from this 2024/25 season are impressive - 114 rescues, 227 assists, 9,000 preventative actions, 48 searches and 486 first aids across the region. Congratulations to all the award winners. Thank you for the work you do to keep our community safe.
Sunday was Beach Day for Penny
An awesome afternoon joining Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti at Vanuatu Independence Celebration & launch of NZ’s first Bislama Language Week in Pāpāmoa!
This week-long celebration marks 45 years of Vanuatu independence and honours the incredible ni-Vanuatu community right here in the Bay of Plenty, showcasing the strong bonds between our communities.
Our Pacific communities make the Bay of Plenty stronger, and it’s wonderful to see their culture and language celebrated in this historic first.
Had the chance to meet Morris McFall from McFall Fuels at the Civil Contractors Conference.
Morris recently made an incredible contribution to our community - donating a new ambulance to our local St John Ambulance Service in memory of his wife Hilary, who passed away 18 months ago. It’s a wonderful way to honour Hilary’s memory while making a real difference to our Bay of Plenty community for years to come. McFall Fuels has been serving New Zealand since 1951, and meeting Morris, it’s clear that caring for community remains central to who they are as a family business. Thank you, Morris - our community is fortunate to have people like you!
Update on Welcome Bay playground safety.
A local resident contacted me recently about visibility concerns around the Keam Reserve playground in Welcome Bay. The playground’s location on a crest means drivers often don’t see families crossing until the last moment. I’ve been in touch with Tauranga City Council about this, and they’ve confirmed they’ll install ‘children crossing’ signage at the location. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September. If you have safety concerns in our community, feel free to get in touch.
NZTA is seeking feedback on a proposed change to the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road tolling scheme.
The proposal would add another toll point between Domain Road Interchange and Pāpāmoa East Interchange, with people travelling this shorter distance paying a lower toll price to reflect the reduced distance travelled.
This is your opportunity to have your say on something that directly affects our local community. NZTA need to know how the community feel - whether you support or oppose the tolling proposal.
Please ensure you submit your feedback before 5pm on 28 August 2025. You must complete the official submission form at https://www.nzta.govt.nz/teltolling
Your voice matters in this process, so make sure it's heard on this important local transport issue.
Great news for local ratepayers!
The Government has just released new performance metrics that will give you clear insights into how councils are spending your rates.
At a time when household budgets are under pressure, it's crucial that our councils are focused on delivering essential services and infrastructure - not adding unnecessary burden through excessive rate increases.
These new metrics let you compare how much your council spends on core services like roading, water, and waste management. You can see if your rates are increasing more than average and whether your council is delivering value for money.
This is about transparency and accountability. When ratepayers have the facts, you can engage more effectively with your council and ask the tough questions about spending priorities.
This year’s council profiles and group comparison tables are available on https://www.dia.govt.nz/local-government-performance-metrics.
This Week in New Zealand History
Parliament moves to Wellington
1865
Painting of Parliament Buildings, 1906 (Alexander Turnbull Library, G-520)
The capital moved from Auckland to more centrally located Wellington on the recommendation of a specially appointed Australian commission. The former Wellington Provincial Council chamber became the new home for Parliament.
The location of New Zealand’s Parliament had been a matter of debate for some years. For South Island members the long sea voyage to Auckland was a genuine trial. The issue came to a head as the populations of Canterbury and Otago grew rapidly in the 1860s.
Eventually an independent commission chosen by the governors of the Australian colonies was charged with selecting New Zealand’s capital. After visiting Wellington, Whanganui, Picton, Port Underwood, Havelock and Nelson, at a cost of £4085 (equivalent to $475,000 today), they opted for Wellington. The move – a substantial logistical exercise – took place in early 1865, at a total cost of £54,665 ($6.3 million).
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Ratepayers win in collaboration over Local Water
Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils have delivered the first multi council water services delivery plan, an achievement that will be welcomed by all ratepayers, says Local Government Minister Simon Watts.
Reducing councils’ ridiculous use of road cones
As part of the Government’s drive to cut down on excessive use of road cones – and reducing the eye-watering cost of temporary traffic management – councils will soon be forced to use a commonsense approach to risk assessment before receiving government funding, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
Overseas products to make it cheaper to build
Thousands of additional building products including plasterboard, cladding systems, external doors, and windows will all be easier to use in construction sites across New Zealand, Mr Penk says
Farmer confidence at 8yr high, but still more to do!
Farmer confidence has surged to the highest level in eight years, with Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay describing it as a clear sign of the resilience of New Zealand’s farmers and a sector leading the charge towards our goal of doubling export value in 10 years.
Clearer rules and prequalification guidance to support construction
As part of wider Government health and safety reforms, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden will be consulting with builders and construction professionals to improve productivity.
Scrapped surcharges a win for New Zealanders
Surcharges will be axed to put money back in Kiwis’ pockets, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson.
HTP change aimed at stopping smoking
The Government’s move to reduce the excise on Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) is about getting more people to quit smoking, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said.
Regulatory relief for manufacturing sector
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is consulting with manufacturers, including wood processors, bakers, and millers to help businesses focus on managing genuine risks rather than navigating red tape.
Taking the next step in tackling boy racers
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.
Kiwibank gets green light to grow
Kiwibank has been given the green light to compete more vigorously with the big four Australian-owned banks that dominate the New Zealand banking sector.
Health and safety regulations to support science and technology
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is consulting on proposed changes to health and safety regulations to better support innovation in New Zealand’s science and technology sector.
Stronger accountability for your rates
Key metrics published show how much councils are spending and what they are spending it on, which has a direct impact on your rates, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.
ECE reform gives the sector rights and the regulator purpose
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has introduced new legislation to set out the purpose of regulating early childhood education (ECE) and put the Education Review Office (ERO) in charge, instead of the Ministry of Education.
Reform of import health systems begins
The Government is taking decisive steps to modernise New Zealand’s import health system, with a new programme aimed at significantly reducing the time it takes to develop Import Health Standards (IHSs) while maintaining the country’s world-class biosecurity protections.
Pharmac makes annual tender decisions
Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to reduce the cost of some funded medicines to free up money for new medicines.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
I'm always happy to help where I can. If you have an issue, you think we could help with, please get in touch. If you have a business and would like me to visit, please let me know as I'm keen to know and learn more.
Get Updates!