In this issue:

Minister's News
In the House
Electorate News
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Minister's News

Disability Strategy Consultation

A draft New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030 has been released for consultation.

The draft strategy was developed by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha in targeted consultation with disabled people and support organisations. It sets out a vision for the future, with a clear set of goals, and actions to help improve the lives and uphold the rights of disabled people who face many barriers, especially in key areas of education, employment, health, housing and justice.

You can have your say about the strategy in multiple ways. Click here for details.

Submissions can be made up until Sunday 28 September.

World Triathlon

New Zealand will host a series of major international triathlon events in Tauranga over the next three years, beginning with the World Triathlon World Cup next year, and culminating in the 2028 World Triathlon Championship Finals.

The events are expected to bring 6000 international visitors to our shores, who will spend an estimated $25 million and provide a great boost to our economy.

Maternal Mental Health Support

Last year I launched Government's Child and Youth Strategy. Supporting children and their families in the first 2000 days of a child's life is our number one priority.

A quarter of New Zealand mothers suffer post-natal depression, and our maternal suicide rate is seven times higher than the United Kingdom's. Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has announced a $4.9 million boost for maternal mental health in four regions, including the Waikato. I look forward to it making a difference to our mums and babies.

In the House

Interest Rates Drop Further

Interest rates have already begun dropping in the wake of the Reserve Bank cutting the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 3% last month (the lowest level in three years) showing our responsible economic management is making a difference.

The falling OCR means repayments on a 25-year $500,000 floating mortgage, for example, are about $330 less a fortnight today than they were a year ago.

Lower interest rates support businesses to expand and grow, support increased construction activity, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

The Reserve Bank has signalled two further reductions this year.

Supermarket Competition

As part of Government's plan to grow the economy and help Kiwis get ahead by creating competitive business settings, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has announced upcoming changes to improve supermarket competition, including:

·      Removing barriers like restrictive zoning, slow consenting, and cumbersome regulations to help new competitors into the market and increase competition in the supermarket sector, to deliver better prices and more choice for shoppers.

·      Passing legislation (by January) to make it clear that new supermarkets which would improve grocery competition regionally or nationally will qualify as fast-track referrable projects under the Fast-Track Approvals Act.

·      Amending the Commerce Act to better combat “predatory pricing” with the introduction of an objective economic test for the prosecution of firms misusing their market power to exclude or stamp-out competitors.

We want to encourage more players into the market to increase competition and drive prices down.

More Affordable Energy

Similarly, Energy Minister Simon Watts is looking to increase competition in the electricity sector as a mechanism for keeping energy prices as low as possible for consumers struggling with the cost of living.

Currently, large power companies (as both energy producers and sellers) can cross-subsidise themselves by offering themselves discounts. Government has introduced a new rule which means they have to offer their generation at the same rate to everyone (including themselves), allowing smaller companies to compete on a level playing field, and giving consumers more choice.

These changes will encourage investment in new generation and provide more reliable and affordable electricity.

Banking Competition

The Finance and Expenditure Committee (FEC) Inquiry into banking competition which focussed on business and rural banking as well as lending to Māori entities was released recently.

Its findings will support the Government’s ongoing efforts to improve competition in the banking sector and ensure more effective and efficient services are available to Kiwis.

Replacing NCEA

Government is working with industry to develop better vocational pathways and ensure students are learning relevant skills.

Government is removing NCEA Level 1 and requiring students to take English and Mathematics at Year 11 and sit a Foundational Skills Award test in numeracy and literacy.

NCEA Levels 2 and 3 will be replaced by two new qualifications – the New Zealand Certificate of Education (Year 12) and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (Year 13).

Students must take at least five subjects and pass at least four to attain each certificate.

Each subject will have internal and external assessments that add up to a total of 100 marks, that align with grades A–E.

A new curriculum will be introduced at the beginning of 2026, the Foundational Skills Award in 2028, and the new certificates in 2029 and 2030 for Years 12 and 13.

Consultation on the proposal is open until 5:00p.m. 15 September 2025, with final decisions due by the end of this year. You can have your say here.

Student Writing Action Plan

Writing is a critical skill for learning, thinking, and communicating, but only 41 per cent of Year 3 students, 33 per cent of Year 6 students, and just 24 per cent of Year 8 students are at the expected curriculum benchmark. Worryingly, 61 per cent of Year 8 students are more than a year behind.  

To help students master writing, a Student Writing Action Plan will be introduced.

From Term 1 of 2026, a new Writing Acceleration Tool will be available to support 120,000 Years 6–8 students who are below expected writing levels. Teachers will be trained to use of the new tool and will be able to monitor student progress in real time and adjust their inputs accordingly.

Road User Charges (RUCs) Replace Fuel Tax

New Zealand’s 3.5 million light vehicles will soon pay electronic road user charges (based on weight and distance travelled) instead of the current 70c/litre petrol tax.

Diesel, electric and heavy vehicles already pay RUCs based on distance travelled.

RUCs contribute to the National Land Transport Fund which pays for the building of new roads and maintaining existing ones.

Currently, less fuel-efficient cars pay more, and hybrids, for example, pay less for the same road usage.

The transition will happen in stages, beginning with legislative and regulatory reform to modernise the current RUC system and enable private sector innovation.

Reduced Gender Pay Gap

Last year Government launched the first ever, government-backed gender pay-gap calculator to help businesses reduce their gender pay gaps.

Recent Stats NZ data shows the gender pay gap has decreased from 8.2 percent in the June 2024 quarter to 5.2 percent in the June 2025 quarter, the lowest since the series began in 1998.

Protection for Dogs

An amendment to the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018 will ban prolonged tethering of dogs from the 25th of this month. Daily, about 10 per cent of dog-related SPCA calls are responding to prolonged confinement and tethering of dogs.

Vulnerable dogs, such as puppies and pregnant mothers, can only be tethered in exceptional cases, such as short periods when a tradesperson or other animals temporarily access a property where the dog lives. Working dogs, such as farm dogs, which get regular exercise will not be affected by the new rules.

Backing Regional Airline Connectivity

Government is supporting at-risk regional air routes with up to $30m in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for small passenger airlines. Reliable air transport is critical for connecting people to families, health appointments, and business appointments, for example, as well as delivering small and perishable freight.

Cabinet has also approved funding digital upgrades which integrate regional transport bookings, allowing passengers to book multi-leg journeys which use regional airlines and Air NZ on the same ticket – known as interlining. This eliminates the need for manual baggage transfer and separate check-ins.

Have Your Say – Telecommunications

Telecommunications (like the internet and mobile phones) are now almost essential for modern life in New Zealand.

Fibre, fixed wireless and satellite are replacing copper wire. Our existing rules are increasingly seen as barriers to innovation and investment instead of supporting innovation, competition and good services for consumers.

We need to ensure our telecommunications sector regulatory framework accommodates ongoing technology and market changes.

We are consulting on options for reform. You can have your say until midnight 25 September 2025.

Electorate News

Karāpiro Dam Re-opens

Locals are delighted that the road across the Karāpiro dam has reopened now that Mercury has finished its three-year $90 million upgrade of the three electricity generation units at its Karāpiro Hydro Station, replacements for the original turbine and generator units installed in the 1940s.

The dam's average annual output will increase by 32GWh – enough to power an extra 4000 average homes – giving it total capacity to power the equivalent of 63,000 average homes a year.

Investment in our electricity generation infrastructure is vital to ensure we improve our capacity and security of supply.

Upgrades which increase output without having to build new generation (like extra dams) are a huge plus.

TIME magazine's Girls of the Year

Tokoroa student and author Rutendo Shadaya has been chosen by TIME magazine as one of its inaugural Girls of the Year.

Rutendo was one of ten girls selected worldwide – a truly amazing honour and one she should be very proud of!

Rutendo began her author's journey at the age of nine when she began writing a book to give to her friend as a birthday present – evidence of her generosity of spirit.

Her selection has been reported all over the world in articles and interviews.

Rutendo has been a member of my Youth Advisory Board. I look forward to seeing where her journey takes her.

Lake Taupō Manaakitanga Hui

I was disappointed to miss the recent Lake Taupō Manaakitanga Hui. It is great to see tourism operators from around the region (and the Napier i-SITE team) collaborating on how to create the best visitor experience for everyone's benefit.

Like you, I'm excited about the season ahead!

Cuisine Good Food Guide 2025

Congratulations to our deserving eateries which have been recognised in the Cuisine Good Food Guide 2025, particularly Taupō's Embra and The Bistro (which have been awarded two-hat status) and Brantry Eatery, Plateau Bar & Eatery, and Hare & Copper (Turangi).

Te Waotu School

Thank you to principal Michael Thompson and staff for hosting me at the lovely Te Waotu School in the heart of the Waikato last month!

I always enjoy seeing the students so engaged with their learning.

Heart and Lung Surgery Waitlists Shrink

Between November 2023 and March 2025, the number of people waiting for cardiothoracic (critical heart and lung) treatment in Waikato has fallen from 90 to 27, a 70 per cent reduction. The number waiting longer than four months for surgery has dropped from 13 to 4.

The region’s strong commitment to preventing surgery cancellations and expanding surgical capacity has delivered significant reductions in waiting lists. These outcomes reflect the hard work and dedication of local teams, whose focus on patient care has been essential to this success.

Reducing wait times for elective procedures is a key priority for this Government. We are investing in our health workforce, validating our waiting lists, boosting capacity, and working closely with hospitals to make sure services meet patient needs.

Our health target is clear – by 2030, 95 per cent of patients will be treated within four months.

Cancer Treatment in Taupo Expanded

Taupo Hospital's chemotherapy and immunotherapy clinic is now providing service two days per week, allowing more people to access the life-saving medicines they need close to home.

Te Tira

Te Tira, a one–stop employment shop focussing on 18–24-year-olds opened in Tokoroa in the former Impact Hub space recently. Several organisations including Kiwi Staff, WorkIt, Raukawa, and Wera Aotearoa Charitable Trust are onsite to help you if you're starting your employment journey or making a career change.

SH1 Cambridge to Piarere

Work on the Piarere roundabout is now complete and normal speed limits have resumed.

In a recent meeting with Transport Minister Chris Bishop, we discussed the Waikato Expressway extension. It is on track for construction to start late next year (subject to funding, consents, permits, archaeological authorities, property acquisition etc.) and is estimated to take 6–7 years to complete.

SH1 Cambridge Southern On/Off Ramps

The meeting was also to advocate for the Cambridge community around installing on/off ramps on SH1 to the south of Cambridge as part of the Cambridge to Piarere Waikato Expressway extension.

The population of Cambridge has increased more than 33 per cent (from 16800 in 2013 when Waikato Expressway plans were first made, to 22400 in 2024), and the area is experiencing ongoing high housing and industrial growth. Waipa District Council modelling shows a northbound on-ramp would be used by 3400 vehicles a day by 2055.

NZTA considers this does not represent 'significant change’ in demand since 2013. Its position is that Expressways are not intended for local access (e.g. getting from one part of Cambridge to another) and most movements would be local.

SH5 and SH28 Roadworks

Work has begun on building a roundabout at the notorious T-intersection of SH5 and SH28 (Harwoods Road) to improve safety. The road has been narrowed by cones. Take particular care when the site is unattended. The roundabout is expected to be usable in March 2026.

The road between Whites (SH28) and Harwoods Roads will be widened and wide centrelines will be added, with work beginning this spring on the Whites Road to Waimakariri Road section. A 400m section of Whites Road (south of the SH5 intersection) will also rebuilt, and the intersection resurfaced.

NZTA funding has also been allocated to design a roundabout at SH5/SH28 (Whites Road).

Tīrau to Waiouru (T2W) Roadworks

The second season of the State Highway 1 (SH1) Tīrau to Waiouru (T2W) Accelerated Maintenance Project starts this month.  

During season one, the project rebuilt and repaired 49.4 kms of the worst sections of SH1 between Piarere (north of Tīrau), and Waiouru, representing the largest SH1 road maintenance season delivered by NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). 

Season two works will include road rebuilding and maintenance in areas not worked on last season, normal maintenance, and speed and safety works across T2W, as well as completing final road surfacing of last-season's works.

At completion, the T2W project will have rebuilt 27 percent of SH1 between Tīrau and Waiouru totalling 66.11kms of the total 220km length.  

Following feedback, for this season, final road surfacing will be completed as nighttime stop/go or overnight closures, and the Taupō to Tūrangi section will be completed under contraflow (traffic travelling in both directions with temporary speed limits) and stop/go traffic management. This season Smart Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be used between Taupō and Tūrangi to show the difference in travel times using SH1 or the alternative route.

Road rebuilding has begun on SH1 at Waitahanui. Stop/go traffic management will be in place for two weeks, followed by temporary speed limits. Following that, work will begin on the Hatepe passing lanes. Nighttime stop/go management will be in place Sunday-Thursday nights (7pm to 6am) from mid-September to mid-October.

Nighttime (7pm to 6am) detours will be in place in Tīrau for a month between Sundays and Thursdays (beginning 14 September) while the road between the town and the roundabout is rebuilt, kerb and channel is replaced, and culverts are repaired. See the detour route below.

For updates about what's happening in your area, sign up to NZTA's newsletter here.

Taupō Business Awards

Congratulations to MyStays Ltd, the Overall Business of the Year winner at the Unison Great Lake Taupō Business Awards.

The awards are great way to recognise the hard work, innovation, and resilience of business owners and their staff, and their dedication to serving their community.

One Taupō Trust

The Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupō Winter Festival is organised by One Taupō Trust, a charity which provides financial help to families who need specialist medical care outside the district. To apply for assistance or make a donation, click here.

Toi-Ohomai Taskforce

A taskforce (incorporated into Project Phoenix) will be tasked with ensuring South Waikato retains Toi-Ohomai – a critical education provider for the region. We are looking at future labour needs of the district and how programmes can meet the demand from employers and companies looking to grow in the area.

Local Government Elections 11 October

The last day you can enrol to vote in the local government elections is Friday 10 October 2025. If you need to enrol to vote or update your address, contact your local council’s electoral officer to get your papers. Further information is available here.

Attending Events

If you are organising an event that you would like me to attend, please contact my office well in advance (details below). My calendar fills up quickly!

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Facebook Live

You can join me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the second Tuesday of each month. Note: this month it will be on the third Tuesday.

To join my next live chat, head to Louise Upston MP | Facebook on Tuesday 16 September 2025 at 8 p.m. and type your questions or comments.

You can watch the last Facebook Live here.

Clinics and Friendly Forums

Note: Dates are subject to change.

South Waikato Clinic – Tokoroa

Thursday, 4 September, 2:30–4.00p.m.

Please call 07 8865554 or email upston.sthwaikato@parliament.govt.nz for an appointment.

Cambridge Friendly Forum

Friday, 5 September, 10:00–11.30a.m.

Cambridge Bowling Club, 37 Thornton Rd, Cambridge

Please call 07 8275572 or email upston.cambridge@parliament.govt.nz to RSVP.

Taupō Friendly Forum

Friday, 17 October, 10:00–11.30a.m.

Lake Taupō Rotary, 12 Story Place, Taupō

Please call 07 3765563 or email upston.taupo@parliament.govt.nz to RSVP.

Electorate Assistance

Cambridge Office:

Phone 07 8275572 or email upston.cambridge@parliament.govt.nz

South Waikato:

Phone 07 8865554 or email upston.sthwaikato@parliament.govt.nz

Taupō Office:

Phone 07 3765563 or email upston.taupo@parliament.govt.nz