Our Government continues to focus on growing the economy, because a growing economy creates more jobs, higher wages and helps Kiwis with the cost of living.
A large part of our plan to grow the economy and help Kiwis get ahead is to create competitive business settings. Competition gives Kiwis more choice and helps put downward pressure on prices. More competition could be on the way in the banking sector as the Reserve Bank announced they are reviewing the capital requirements.
We’re also working hard to increase competition in the supermarket sector, so that you and your family can save money on your weekly shop. By the end of this year, the National-led Government will pass legislation which will fast-track new supermarkets so long as they would improve grocery competition regionally or nationally.
Our focus on competition has also targeted the energy sector to help bring down the high energy prices we are currently experiencing.
Policies like these put downward pressure on power prices to reduce costs for business and households.
Government backing regional connectivity
We’re supporting at risk regional air routes with up to $30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for small passenger airlines. Reliable air services are critical for New Zealand’s economy and regional connectivity.
Small regional carriers are under pressure from rising costs, limited access to capital, and ongoing post-COVID disruptions. Without this support, some communities risk losing vital air links and potential regional development. The aim is to stabilise the sector and support regional routes in the short to medium term.
Changes to the foreign buyer scheme
The Prime Minister recently announced changes being made to the foreign buyer scheme, allowing certain overseas-based investors to buy or construct a house in New Zealand.
We are allowing overseas investors who make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy to buy or construct a home over the value of $5 million – which equates to less than 1 per cent of New Zealand houses. This will apply for overseas-based investors who hold an Active Investor Plus residency visa. The ban on foreigners buying residential housing will remain. However, the Government wants to bring additional investment, skills, ideas and connections to New Zealand.
There have been 301 applications for the Active Investor Plus residency visa since it was relaunched at the beginning of April. If all these applications are approved and proceed, it means a potential total minimum investment of $1.8 billion in productive assets in the New Zealand economy.
Tom’s News
Daffodil Day Collection 2025
Collecting with Heather at Bayfair recently for a very important cause. Cancer has impacted the lives of so many New Zealanders. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and supported Daffodil Day.
The Maranui Street pedestrian crossing project in Mount Maunganui
Is moving ahead, with work scheduled to commence in November. Thanks to Tauranga City Council, this crossing will provide safe access to the beach, local shops, and the nearby school and kindergarten. Local residents will receive updates via letterbox drop soon, and I'll keep you informed as the project progresses. Thanks to everyone who contacted me about this.
Scott Davies from Pāpāmoa was the very impressive winner of the NZCB Apprentice Challenge 2025
Only 20 years old too! He showed off some of his skills at Mitre 10 Tauranga with Building & Construction Minister Chris Penk in town. Chris is leading the charge on cutting back lots of red tape and getting some common sense back in the industry, especially when it comes to consenting. Awesome work all-round.
The Council is upgrading the playground at Haukore Street Reserve in Hairini and would like our feedback on the design
Public consultation is now open until 26 September, and there's a community open day on Saturday 13 September from 2pm-4pm at the reserve where you can share your ideas.
This is an opportunity for local families and the community to help shape a playground that reflects the needs of those who will use it. Construction is planned for early 2026.
You can participate in the online survey or attend the community day to make sure your voice is heard.
New Zealanders are safer with National
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith was town this week talking about progress on our plan to restore law and order. Things are tracking well.
Police beat team hours have increased 113%, and new data also shows there are 29,000 fewer victims of violent crime than when we took office.
New Zealand’s biggest sporting stars collide
In a thrilling T20 cricket battle at Bay Oval, Tauranga. Saturday 17 January – be part of the action!
I attended the inaugural NZ presentation of" Learning Life Through Sport" recently with Rod Campbell.
Rod brings serious credibility - 30+ years with South Australia Metro Fire Service, Australian Fire Service Medal recipient, and decades of experience changing behaviour and culture in emergency services and elite sport. His message was clear: the standard you walk past is the standard you accept.
The programme focuses on changing inherited behaviours - the umpire abuse, poor sportsmanship, and lack of respect that's become normalised in sport.
Good to see this coming to New Zealand. Sport should be building character, not breaking it down.
Contracts have been signed for the $92 million Ōmanawa Bridge replacement
As part of the SH29 Tauriko West Road of National Significance, with construction starting in October.
A $42 million construction contract for the Ōmanawa Bridge replacement has been awarded by NZTA to HEB Construction Limited, with site works starting in September, followed by construction starting in October 2025. This work includes realigning SH29 with the new bridge and making minor improvements to the SH29/Ōmanawa Road intersection.
This is great news for Bay of Plenty. Not only will this investment allow for growth in the economy it will improve safety and resilience in Western Bay of Plenty for decades to come.
Tom’s Events
Welcome Bay 'Drop-in Clinic' - Monday 15 September
Coffee Catch Ups are back!
This Week in New Zealand History
7.1 earthquake rocks Canterbury
September 2010
Damaged car in Christchurch, September 2010 (BeckerFraserPhotos)
The earthquake which struck at 4.35 a.m. on a Saturday morning was felt by many people in the South Island and southern North Island. There was considerable damage in central Canterbury, especially in Christchurch, but no loss of life.
It was the largest earthquake to affect a major urban area since the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake. The epicentre was 37 km west of Christchurch, near the town of Darfield. As a relatively shallow quake – about 10 km below the surface – it produced the strongest shaking recorded in New Zealand.
Few people sustained serious injuries in the quake, largely because of the time it occurred – most were in bed and the streets were almost empty.
The people of Christchurch would not be so lucky when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck a few months later in the middle of the working day. Central Christchurch was badly damaged, 185 people were killed and several thousand injured. This time the epicentre was near Lyttleton, just 10 km south-east of Christchurch’s city centre.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Watercare investment to upgrade infrastructure and create jobs
Watercare’s $500 million investment to upgrade and replace aging infrastructure will deliver improved water services and more jobs for Aucklanders, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.
More beat officers, and fewer victims
The Government is continuing to track ahead of its violent crime reduction target as Police prepare to roll out more officers on the beat, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
Change announced for overseas investors
Coalition parties have agreed that overseas-based investors with a New Zealand investor residence visa will be allowed to buy a house here, to encourage more investment to grow the economy, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.
NZNO union strike to disrupt more than 13,000 surgeries and appointments
Thousands of New Zealanders who are already waiting too long for care will now wait even longer because the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) union has decided to strike again this week, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Investment Support for Southland space sector
Southland’s role in the space sector has been given a turbo-boost from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson has announced.
Government to streamline regulations for events
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee outlined proposed changes to special licensing rules for the events sector, speaking at the New Zealand Events Association’s annual conference.
First-of-its-kind FVSV workforce survey released
A first-of-its-kind survey of workers in the family violence and sexual violence sector shows improvements in training and collaboration, which will lead to better victim-centred services.
International visitor numbers and spend on the rise
Fresh data released shows international visitor arrivals and spending are continuing to climb, giving a boost to our tourism sector and economy, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
New investment for eating disorder services
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey launched New Zealand’s refreshed strategic approach to eating disorders, bringing a significant funding boost and valuable updates for Kiwis for the first time in over 16 years.
Improved support for disabled New Zealanders
Disabled people, their families and carers will gain choice and control around flexible funding when improvements to the disability support system are rolled out from early next year.
Big win for food exporters as red tape slashed
“Hundreds of food exporters will benefit from a common-sense cut to red tape, making it easier to deliver safe New Zealand food to more markets,” says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard.
Strengthening deportation & immigration compliance
The Government is proposing to strengthen deportation settings and immigration compliance to help grow integrity and trust in New Zealand’s immigration system.
Endeavour Fund research to shape NZ’s future
A project that looks to harness the potential of supercritical geothermal energy is amongst 19 ambitious science programmes the Government is backing, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced.
Binding arbitration sought to resolve senior doctors’ dispute
Health Minister Simeon Brown has written to Health New Zealand and the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) calling on both parties to urgently enter binding arbitration.
Get in Touch
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505