Just when it seemed like winter was behind us, the weather had other ideas. Still, it's great to see the days stretching out and the Bay slowly coming to life with spring. August has marked real progress for our region; from celebrating the opening of the Moteo-Puketapu Bridge to securing $600 million for the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, we’re seeing momentum build in ways that will deliver lasting benefits.
As always, I’m proud to be your voice in Parliament, championing Hawke’s Bay and making sure our community gets the investment, services, and recognition it deserves. There’s still plenty of work ahead, but the road to growth is clear – and together we’re on it.
In this issue:
· Moteo-Puketapu Bridge Opening
· Hawke's Bay Expressway Funding
· Infrastructure boost for East Coast
· Napier Electorate Boundary Changes
· Highlights this month
· Recent Policy announcements
· What’s happened in the house
· Upcoming events and important dates
While I am on parliamentary leave, my team in the electorate office are always eager to hear your thoughts and ideas so please don't hesitate to get in touch with them at any time.
Moteo-Puketapu Bridge Officially Opened
On August 23, 2025, we celebrated the official opening of the Moteo-Puketapu Bridge, a significant milestone in our community's recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.
This new, stronger two-lane bridge, featuring a shared cycle and walking path, stands as a testament to our resilience and unity. Engineered to meet future demands, the new bridge stands three metres higher than its predecessor, with 41-metre-deep piles and a streamlined design featuring three columns instead of five to reduce debris build-up. The $28 million project was fully funded by the Government’s National Infrastructure Funding and Financing programme and is part of the broader $800 million transport recovery initiative across the Hastings district.
The opening ceremony included a dawn blessing, followed by a community celebration at Puketapu Park, highlighting the collaborative efforts that brought this project to fruition
Hawke's Bay Expressway Funding Confirmed
It was fantastic to welcome Minister Chris Bishop to Hawke’s Bay to confirm over $600 million in funding for the four-laning of our busiest stretch of Expressway, one of the Government’s Roads of National Significance. After years of stalled progress under Labour, the funding is locked in, the consents are sorted, and construction begins this November.
This project is a real game-changer for our region, delivering:
- 7km of four-laning between Links Road/Pākōwhai Road and Taradale Road
- Duplicate two-lane overpasses at Meeanee and Kennedy Roads
- A duplicate two-lane bridge over the Tūtaekurī River
- A four-lane grade-separated interchange at Links Road/Pākōwhai Road
Once complete, the Expressway will provide nearly 12km of uninterrupted, free-flowing travel, making it safer, faster, and more reliable for road users and freight, while strengthening connections to the port and airport.
This is a huge win for Hawke’s Bay, and just the start of building the infrastructure we deserve.
Infrastructure boost for East Coast
I’m delighted to share that our region has secured a $24.62 million infrastructure boost through the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund.
This investment will support five key projects across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti, strengthening water storage, improving flood resilience, and backing whenua Māori initiatives. It’s a real step forward for our local economy, creating jobs, unlocking opportunities in horticulture, and helping our communities prepare for future challenges.
This is about building resilience and ensuring a stronger future for the East Coast.
Napier Electorate Boundary Changes
The Representation Commission has finalised the new boundaries. For Napier that means we’ll soon be welcoming several rural communities from Tukituki into our electorate.
This shift is the result of your feedback during the consultation process and it’s great to see the Commission listening to our community. It means more of our rural whānau will officially be part of the Napier electorate.
Whether you’re in the city or out on the farm, I’m here to represent all of us and I’m excited to welcome these communities into our electorate.
If you’d like to see the full details and map of the changes, you can find them here: Electorate Boundary Changes
Highlights this month
Shining Bright at Woodford House
I was proud to return to Woodford House for the Shine Programme, which helps young women build confidence through storytelling and mentoring.
This year’s workshop, The Way We Speak, focused on respectful and prepared communication, an essential skill for our future leaders. It was also a special day for me personally, with baby Lochie joining for his very first outing (and proving to be a star guest, happily snoozing through the event!).
A big thank you to Woodford House for having me back, Shine always leaves me inspired by the energy and talent of these amazing students.
Showcasing Napier’s Strengths with Minister Meager
It was fantastic to welcome Minister James Meager to Napier.
He began the day at the NZ Cruise Association Conference, where he spoke about how fast-track legislation can unlock major infrastructure, cut red tape, and boost regional economies. With cruise tourism such a vital part of Hawke’s Bay, strong Government backing is essential to keep this industry thriving.
The Minister also visited Hunting & Fishing and toured Napier Port—both great examples of the strength and potential of our region.
And, in true ministerial style, he even found time for some very important business, a cuddle with Lochie!
Welcoming Sam Uffindell to Napier
It was great to welcome Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell to Napier!
We kicked off the morning at SuperBlues, sharing updates, before visiting Future Products Group in Onekawa—a world-class business right here in our backyard. With more than 100 staff, they design and build food display solutions for clients like McDonald’s, BP, and Air New Zealand, showing just how local innovation can make a global impact.
Of course, I made sure Sam knew he was in the real Bay! Magpies vs Bay of Plenty will settle it next month.
Recent Policy Announcements
Lots of policy announcements have been made this month. Please click on the links below to learn more.
Education
Replacing NCEA to transform secondary education – read the Beehive PR here
The Government is proposing to replace NCEA with new national qualifications that ensure young people have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford say.
Writing Action Plan to raise student achievement – read the Beehive PR here
The Government is delivering a Writing Action Plan to supercharge writing achievement and better set Kiwi kids up for success.
Health
Midwives to play greater role in immunisation efforts - Beehive PR here
Community midwives will now be funded to deliver antenatal immunisations to pregnant women, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced today.
“Community midwives play a vital role in protecting maternal and infant health,” Mr Brown says.
Emergency services receive cellular location capability boost – read the Beehive PR here
New Zealand’s emergency services are getting digital technology that will rapidly speed up the process for locating people at risk, say Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello.
The new technology, the Device Location Information (DLI) service, can be used by emergency services to locate the mobile phone of a person who has not called 111 themselves but there are grave fears for their health or safety.
Agriculture
NZ–UAE Trade Agreement enters into force today, unlocking billions in new opportunities – read the Beehive PR here
The New Zealand–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has officially entered into force today, opening the door to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced.
Finance
Falling interest rates good for growth and jobs – read the Beehive PR here
Falling interest rates are good for growth, businesses, jobs and Kiwis paying off their mortgages, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
The Reserve Bank announced today that it was reducing the Official Cash Rate (OCR) from 3.25 to 3 per cent and signalled two further reductions this year.
Report backs better banking competition – read the Beehive PR here
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the release of the Finance and Expenditure Committee (FEC) Inquiry into banking competition today.
Mental Health
Minister launches mental health campaign – read the Beehive PR here
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today announced a national promotion campaign focused on getting Kiwis to Top Up with everyday actions that promote better mental health.
Justice
Government reforms to improve alcohol regulation – read the Beehive PR here
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee today 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.
Transport
Funding approved to four-lane busiest section of Hawke’s Bay Expressway – read the Beehive PR here
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).
Foreign Affairs
NZ considering recognition of state of Palestine – read the Beehive PR here
The Government will carefully weigh up its position over the next month on recognition of a state of Palestine, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.
“The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is rightly at the forefront of the global agenda,” Mr Peters says.
What's happened in the House?
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Parliamentary Business
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