A bill opening the way for driver's licences, warrants of fitness and certificates of fitness to live on motorists' phones has started its journey through Parliament.
Kiwis would have the option of carrying their licence in their wallets or on their phones under the new regime. Under current laws, drivers must carry their physical licence when behind the wheel.
It will take time to roll digital licences out, but given New Zealand will be among the first in the world to implement digital driver licences, we need to make sure we get it right.
Digital licences are already available in Denmark, Iceland, Norway and several US states.
1 News full story: Driver's licences and WoFs on phones get green light
New Zealand has been rated the 3rd safest country in the world.
That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of backing our Police, cracking down on gangs, and restoring law and order.
Express lane for new supermarkets
The Government will remove barriers preventing competitor supermarkets from launching or expanding in New Zealand with a series of urgent legislative and policy changes.We’re creating an express lane for new supermarkets to boost competition and deliver better deals for Kiwi shoppers. Earlier this year we ran a Request for Information (RFI) process asking what would help challenger supermarkets take on the current duopoly.
The responses revealed widespread frustration with restrictive zoning, slow consenting, and cumbersome regulations that make it extremely difficult for new competitors to gain a foothold in the New Zealand grocery sector.
Our objective is a more competitive grocery market that delivers better prices and more choice for Kiwi shoppers. We remain open to potential market-led solutions that may be put forward by the major incumbents.
Tom’s News
I had a great evening recently supporting the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter.
For over two decades, this service has provided 24/7 emergency medical care across the Bay of Plenty. With more than a thousand patients helped since 2000, their work spans everything from search and rescue to critical hospital transfers, winch operations, and supporting FENZ.
Good to see so many locals come together to support the Critical Care Flight Paramedics, Air Crew Officers and Pilots who do this vital work. Thanks to the organisers for putting on a successful evening and to everyone who attended.
Great to visit the impressive new McLeod Cranes and Hiabs head office in Mount Maunganui!
McLeod is a fantastic Bay of Plenty success story - a family-owned business serving our region since 1995. Their blue cranes and white trucks are a familiar sight right across the Bay of Plenty and beyond.
With 170 staff and depots in Mt Maunganui, Hamilton, and Taupo, they're exactly the kind of local business we need to back - investing in our community, creating jobs, and showing that Bay of Plenty businesses can compete with anyone. Thanks to Scott and the team for showing me around!
The Pāpāmoa East Interchange eastbound off-ramp is now OPEN.
This allows drivers to exit the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road at Pāpāmoa East, ahead of the interchange opening next year. Use of the off-ramp is through a construction site, so reduced speed and extra caution are essential.
I've been working really hard on this project on behalf of our local community, and I'm excited to see it come to fruition. I want to thank NZTA, HEB Construction, and Tauranga City Council for their commitment to getting this done quickly. This early opening demonstrates exactly the kind of practical, results-focused approach our community needs, and I'm glad to have helped make it happen.
The full interchange project, which began construction in July 2022, is expected to be completed in early to mid-2026. Very proud to have helped push for this to happen earlier than originally planned.
Thanks to Papamoa Rotary for making me an Honorary Member!
Rotary does incredible work in our community supporting local projects and volunteering their time. The dedication and service of Rotary members like those in Papamoa makes a real difference to people's lives both locally and globally.
Thanks to the members for the warm welcome and for the honour of being recognised. Looking forward to supporting the club's community work where I can.
I recently Joined growers and industry leaders from across New Zealand at the national Horticulture Industry.
Congratulations to Daniel Kenna from KW Kiwi in Katikati who received the President's Trophy recognising outstanding promise in horticulture business and leadership.
The timing could not be better with Bay of Plenty horticulture driving record export growth. New Zealand’s horticulture exports have reached $8.5 billion, with kiwifruit leading at $3.9 billion which is a 36% jump. Much of this success comes from our local orchards and growers.
This strong growth makes horticulture the fastest growing agricultural sector. The Bay of Plenty is at the heart of this, creating jobs and more opportunities.
Well done to all award recipients and organisers for celebrating the people behind our horticultural success.
This Week in New Zealand History
New Zealand Coat of Arms warranted
August 1911
First New Zealand Coat of Arms (Te Papa, 1992-0035-1583)
On 26 August 1911 King George V signed the Royal Warrant, addressed to the Earl Marshal, assigning the first New Zealand Coat of Arms (officially the Armorial Bearings of the Dominion of New Zealand). The Warrant was published in the New Zealand Gazette on 11 January 1912.
From 1840 until 1911 New Zealand used the British Royal Arms. The first known move to establish a Coat of Arms for New Zealand was a design competition in 1906. Legend has it that the submissions were destroyed by a fire in the old Parliament Buildings the following year, but in fact they are held in Archives New Zealand.
Whatever the reason, the competition was rerun in 1908, when 75 designs featuring everything from kiwi, sheep, cows, moa and lions to stars, ships, British soldiers, Māori warriors and Union Jacks were received. Three entries were sent to England for the final judging. The winner was James McDonald, a draughtsman in the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. However, the Heraldry of the World website notes that McDonald’s design was ‘tidied up’ before being officially accepted in 1911. Changes included replacing Māori carvings at the bottom with ‘more conventional’ decoration, and making the Zealandia figure ‘more demure’ and the Māori figure ‘less challenging’.
Although the Royal Warrant specified the design of the New Zealand Coat of Arms, by the mid-1940s at least 20 different versions were in use. A committee was set up to redraw and standardise the Arms and the Queen approved a revised version in 1956. These Arms are still in use today.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Statement following NZ-US Trade and Agriculture discussions
Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, in Washington this week to express New Zealand’s concerns over US tariffs, and the disadvantage this creates for Kiwi exporters in relation to other countries, many of whom subsidise their production.
Level crossings work a boost for Aucklanders
Construction work to remove many of Auckland’s level crossings and replace them with over-bridges for vehicles and pedestrians begins next week in a boost for the city’s productivity and job creation, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say.
Reserve Bank capital review welcomed
Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed the opening of consultation on the Reserve Bank’s review of capital settings for banks and other deposit takers.
Funding approved to four-lane busiest section of Hawke’s Bay Expressway
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board’s endorsement of the investment case for the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, with construction starting in November on this crucial Road of National Significance (RoNS).
Social Investment Fund open to change lives
Social service providers now have a new opportunity to change lives, with the opening of the Social Investment Fund this week, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.
Infrastructure Pipeline continues to grow
The latest quarterly update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission shows that the value of infrastructure initiatives in the National Infrastructure Pipeline has grown to $237.1 billion, an increase of $30.2 billion over the past quarter, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.
Government introduces stronger protections for dogs
The Government has taken action to ban the prolonged tethering of dogs, with new regulations targeting owners who fail to properly care for their dogs coming into force next month, Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard says.
Tax bill to grow the economy and ease cost of living
Revenue Minister Simon Watts has introduced a new tax bill aimed at boosting New Zealand’s economy, helping businesses grow, and making it easier for skilled people to live and work here.
Government prioritises forestry sector amid ongoing safety concerns
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden launched the Approved Code of Practice [ACOP] for Forestry and Harvesting Operations for the forestry industry.
New Business Investor Visa to support growth
The Government is modernising visa settings to attract experienced businesspeople to help grow New Zealand’s future.
Water reform for sustainability and growth
Local communities across the country are set to benefit from the completion of the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation, which will enable safe, reliable, and financially sustainable water services, Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson say.
Gender Pay Gap lowest since records began
New Zealand’s gender pay gap has decreased from 8.2 percent in the June 2024 quarter to 5.2 percent in the June 2025 quarter, which is the lowest since the series began in 1998 according to Stats NZ data released
NZ–UAE Trade Agreement enters into force , unlocking billions in new opportunities
The New Zealand–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has officially entered into force, opening the door to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced.
Government reforms to improve alcohol regulation
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced proposed changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, and says the focus is on restoring fairness and practicality to the system without compromising public safety.
Demolition by neglect stops here
The Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand will receive an increased annual contribution to support its restoration efforts of rail heritage buildings and structures, Rail Minister Winston Peters announced
Legislation to support NZ’s defence and security
The Chief of Defence Force (CDF) will be better able to manage their workforce to ensure national security is maintained during industrial action under new legislation introduced, Defence Minister Judith Collins says.
Agreement signed on poultry biosecurity
The Government and poultry industry have struck a landmark deal, agreeing how they'll jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including any possible outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
Have your say on the Telco Sector Review
Kiwis can now have their say on proposals for regulatory change in the telecommunications sector, because their voices are a cornerstone of the Review process, Minister for Regulation David Seymour and Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith say.
Get in Touch
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".
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