It's the end of August - and we are soon approaching two years since being elected. We are really starting to get into the swing of things with huge legislative overhaul occurring to make your life better. Recent examples from just this month include announcements that we are scrapping NCEA and we are reforming the building consent system.
Government announcements
Building consent reform
The Government is announcing the biggest change to the building consent system in over 20 years. New Zealand’s sluggish consenting system is delaying projects and driving up costs, making the average standalone house here 50 percent more expensive to build than in Australia.
We must eliminate system blockages to speed up the delivery of new homes and infrastructure, especially here in Selwyn where we want to see the delivery of critical infrastructure – the sooner, the better. We are announcing plans to ease the cost burden on ratepayers for defective building work. The Government will scrap the current framework, known as joint and several liability, and replace it with proportionate liability. Under this new model, each party will only be responsible for the share of work they carried out.
The second major change will allow councils to voluntarily consolidate their Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) functions with each other.
It is ridiculous builders, designers and homeowners must navigate 66 different interpretations of the Building Code, because of the number of council BCAs across the country. Clearing blockages in the building consent system to make it easier and more affordable to build is an important part of this Government’s economic growth plan.
Affordable electricity
The last month has had its fair share of colder nights which, of course, results in a higher electricity bill. We know many Kiwis are struggling with the cost of living, with rising energy prices putting more pressure on their budgets. That’s why this Government is taking competition in the electricity market seriously because more competition means Kiwis can have access to more affordable electricity.
The new rule agreed to by the Electricity Authority will mean large power companies have to offer their generation at the same rate to everyone and can’t offer themselves discounts. This will level the playing field by giving smaller companies a better chance to compete and will mean Kiwi consumers have more choices.
Replacing NCEA
We’ve heard feedback from numerous concerned parents and teachers about how NCEA is not working for our teenagers.
The evidence shows NCEA is not consistent and can be hard to navigate. It doesn’t always deliver what students and employers need.
The new qualification will be underpinned by a new national curriculum for Years 9-13 that will clearly outline what students need to learn in each subject and when, providing more consistency.
Consultation on the proposal is open until the 15th of September, have your say here.
Out and about
Coffee Catchups
I’ve been across the district this month with Coffee Catchups in Dunsandel, Leeston, Sheffield, Lincoln and Tai Tapu.
Thank you to everyone who popped in to say hello and brought their concerns to me. These are a great way for me to meet with you in your neighbourhood. I’ll be planning more by the end of the year, keep an eye on my social media to see when the next one will be held near you.
Food & Fibre Awards
As both the Associate Minister for Agriculture – and more importantly as the MP for Selwyn – it was my pleasure to speak at Lincoln University’s Food & Fibre Awards.
Looking across the room, the future of our agriculture sector looks bright and full of talent.
My advice for the next generation is to go it! It’s such an exciting time for the sector and our country is making so many breakthroughs in trade and in science and innovation.
ARL
Selwyn is continuing to grow as a hub of agriscience research. A recent example is the opening of Ravensdown’s Analytical Research Lab in Rolleston.
We want to see our farmers and growers have access to the latest innovations. Our Government is committed to backing the success of the sector for our economy.
Boundary changes
Selwyn’s rapid growth has also resulted in a change of the electorate boundaries. The way that the boundaries are decided is by population quota. Because of this growth, the electorate currently holds 14 per cent more constituents than what the maximum threshold allows for. This places stress on the systems used to support residents and these would mean that government services would not be able to help them in a timely or efficient manner.
The changes show that Prebbleton and Templeton are moving out of the Selwyn electorate – I have very much enjoyed serving both towns as their local MP and I will continue to have the privilege to serve them until the general election next year.
Here to Help
As always, my team and I are here and available to help.
You can get in touch with us by emailing Nicola.GriggMP@parliament.govt.nz, phone 03 344 2800, or pop into the office in Rolleston Square between Monday and Fridays, 10:00am - 4:00pm.
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