Welcome to my August Newsletter.
I'm writing this month’s newsletter having just attended the National Conference in Christchurch, where I had the opportunity to speak on a panel about Empowering Rural New Zealand. It was a timely discussion as farmer confidence has just surged to its highest level in eight years. The latest Federated Farmers Confidence Survey shows a remarkable turnaround, from -66% under the previous Government to +33% in July. Profitability is at record highs, productivity is lifting, and mental health pressures have eased. These improvements reflect both the hard work of 360,000 rural New Zealanders and a Government focused on practical solutions and restoring trust.
Across the country, confidence is building. The South Island is leading the recovery, with Otago and Southland topping economic performance rankings. Inflation remains within the Reserve Bank’s target range, the OCR is holding steady at 3.25%, and interest rates are now lower than a year ago, relieving pressure on households and setting the stage for future growth. Tourism has bounced back, employment is rising, and business confidence is notably higher the further south you go. Careful economic management is helping ease cost-of-living pressures and laying the foundations for growth across the regions.
To local news, I’d love to take credit for knitting these cosy scarves, but it is the clever work of one of my electorate office team. It’s in support of the Operation Wrapped in Remembrance, a project started by Ashburton local Dellwyn Moylan to acknowledge our veterans and to let them know they haven’t been forgotten. This campaign has had great support but there is still time to get involved, the campaign runs to 11 November and involves you knitting, weaving or crocheting a scarf for a veteran. The scarves I’m wearing are knitted using the pattern from the actual scarves provided to serving troops! Both my offices are collection points, and you can contact Dellwyn for more information. With around 42,000 veterans residing in NZ, that’s plenty of scarves, so if you can, get knitting!
Photo: With Dellwyn Moylan celebrating Operation Wrapped in Remembrance
Recent Key Announcements
Strengthening primary care to better meet patient needs: The Government is taking further action to ensure Kiwis can see a doctor, focusing on improved funding for rural practices, faster access to primary care, and a stronger pipeline of locally trained GPs (Beehive PR)
New Zealand launches Anti-Scam Alliance: Important progress in the fight against online financial scams has been made with the launch of a new initiative between government, industry and consumer groups (Beehive PR)
Overseas products to make it cheaper to build: Building products including plasterboard, cladding systems, external doors, and windows will all be easier to use in construction sites across New Zealand (Beehive PR)
Childhood immunisation rates continue to climb: New figures released show childhood immunisation rates at 24 months continue to rise (Beehive PR)
Scrapped surcharges a win for New Zealanders: Surcharges will be axed to put money back in Kiwis’ pockets (Beehive PR)
Overhauling unsustainable electoral laws: The Government is overhauling outdated and unsustainable electoral laws including stopping same-day enrolment (Beehive PR)
Government AI Strategy to boost productivity: New Zealand launches first AI Strategy to boost productivity and grow a competitive economy (Beehive PR)
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 (Beehive PR)
Targeting criminals, not Kiwi businesses: Further steps in the Government’s overhaul of the AML/CFT regime, strengthening efforts to combat serious financial crime (Beehive PR)
Making NZ top destination for international students: 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 (Beehive PR)
Surge in NCEA numeracy & literacy results: Thousands more high school students are passing the foundational literacy and numeracy assessments required for NCEA, clear evidence the Government’s relentless focus on the basics is delivering results (Beehive PR)
Regional governance will return to ten polytechnics: Ten polytechnics will be re-established from 1 January 2026, restoring regional decision-making that supports strong communities and economic growth (Beehive PR)
UAE deal passes, unlocking $500 billion market: The CEPA is another step toward achieving the Government’s goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years (Beehive PR)
If you are interested here is a link to read the PR Releases relating to my Ministerial portfolios.
Upcoming events
6 Aug Hon Erica Stanford, Timaru
7 Aug Involve 2025 Conference, Christchurch
8 Aug Timaru Boys’ High School Leadership Day
12 Aug International Youth Day
15 Aug Lunch Club Ashburton, with Catherine Wedd MP
15 Aug The Gallagher & South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Business & Community Excellence Awards 2025, Timaru
27-28 Aug Hon Nicola Willis, Ashburton & Timaru
Visit the following sites for more information on events happening in our region:
Highlights
Last month I had the privilege of attending the European Union Visitors Programme in my capacity as the MP for Rangitata. I was fortunate to be selected to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime educational and work opportunity, my visit was focused strongly on trade access and agriculture policy opportunities for farmers here at home. I also had some interesting discussions on transport, youth, and hunting and fishing. It provided a valuable opportunity to visit the EU and gain a first-hand appreciation of its goals and policies. I really enjoyed the informed discussions with peers at the European Parliament, officials of the EU Institutions, and representatives of European associations.
Photo: European Union Visitor Programme
There’s something special about the way young New Zealanders step up in tough times. Recently in Wakefield on Wayne Higgins farm, I joined volunteers helping clean up after severe weather. It was hard, muddy work, but the energy and kindness were inspiring. The SVA, led by founder Sam Johnson, has grown into a nationwide youth development movement, supporting 258 schools and six university clubs. As Minister for Youth, I’m proud to back their work. The Government has provided a $50,000 grant to support youth-led efforts in the Nelson-Tasman recovery. This is what our future looks like, compassionate, resilient, and united. To all young people wanting to get involved: the SVA is waiting for you.
Photo: With the Student Volunteer Army clean up team in Wakefield
It was great to welcome Hon Simeon Brown, Minister for Health, to the electorate last month. The day began with a visit to Ashburton Hospital, where we saw the vital work rural doctors and nurses do every day, followed by a catch-up with Mayor Neil Brown. In Timaru, we joined a fantastic group at the local lunch club before visiting Timaru Hospital and meeting with Mayor Nigel Bowen. Minister Brown also announced important changes to GP clinic funding to better support rural health services, aimed at reducing wait times and ensure people can access care closer to home. A great day focused on delivering better health outcomes for our communities. More information on the announcement can be found here.
Photo: With Hon Simeon Brown Minister for Health, Ashburton Hospital leaders, and Mayor Neil Brown
Recent interviews
Contact the team
Any issues or feedback to do with my portfolio areas, contact my ministerial team at j.meager@ministers.govt.nz
If you need help with a local electorate issue (Mid Canterbury or South Canterbury) contact my electorate offices at james.meagerMP@parliament.govt.nz
Call: South Canterbury 03 683 2009 or Mid Canterbury 03 307 1729.
Drop in: Monday to Friday 9am - 3pm.
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