Bay of Plenty leading NZ’s economic recovery
ASB have confirmed what I have been hearing from locals and businesses – the Bay of Plenty is leading New Zealand’s economic recovery. The Bay of Plenty has topped ASB’s economic regional scoreboard for the first time in nine years. The Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions, and this report shows that consumer confidence, employment, population and retail sales all increased in the last quarter.
The strength of our economic performance has been driven by an increase in our primary sector exports, backed by National’s work to improve existing trade relationships and deliver new ones. We’ve delivered new free trade deals with the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council, unlocking greater market access across the Middle East. We’re also working towards a free trade deal with India, which will be monumental for New Zealand’s economy.
Since we’ve become the Government, our trade exports have increased by $12bn, which helps to grow our economy, create jobs, and lift wages for all Kiwis. We’ve brought inflation under control, stopped wasteful spending, and delivered tax relief to hard-working Kiwis. OCR cuts also mean that Kiwis are now saving hundreds of dollars every month on reduced mortgage rates.
"We know that our economic plan is working, but there is more to do – and we’re getting on with it.”
Next level boost for Major Events and Tourism
The Government has announced the next level boost for major events and tourism projects, a package which Tourism and Hospitality This will drive economic activity and confidence across New Zealand. Major events, whether they are sports showdowns, the world’s most popular artists or well-loved favourites, can be a bonanza for the cities and regions which host them, supporting local jobs and incomes in the hospitality and retail sectors and beyond. That’s why we are significantly increasing Government investment in the events sector and opening it up to a wider range of opportunities, including concerts which haven’t previously been eligible for funding.
Major events boost regional economies and give Kiwis and overseas visitors something to anticipate and celebrate.
Agriculture & Horticulture Science subject reinstated following review
The Government has reversed its decision to remove Agriculture & Horticulture Science from the secondary school curriculum after acknowledging that incomplete advice was provided to the Minister.
Following significant feedback from the sector, Education Minister Erica Stanford requested a review from the Ministry of Education. The Ministry has now acknowledged that their original advice was incomplete and has changed their recommendation accordingly.
Agriculture & Horticulture Science will be reinstated as a Ministry-led subject at Years 12 and 13. Officials have confirmed that agribusiness components can still be incorporated into business studies programmes where appropriate.
This reversal recognises the critical importance of agriculture and primary industries to New Zealand's economy. These sectors remain a significant growth area and are integral to our economic success.
The Government continues to back our primary sector and ensure students have access to relevant agricultural education that prepares them for careers in this vital industry.
Congratulations to my friend Dame Julie Chapman on receiving her Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Dame Julie founded KidsCan in 2005 which now provides food, clothing and health items for more than 60,000 children across 1100 schools and early childhood centres nationwide. For 20 years, KidsCan has been making an incredible difference to the education and wellbeing of children living in poverty.
In 2021, she also established Pet Refuge New Zealand, providing temporary shelter for family pets affected by domestic violence. Ensuring families don't have to choose between their safety and their beloved animals.
Well-deserved recognition for someone who has dedicated her life to helping our most vulnerable children and families.
Bay of Plenty sees 33% drop in serious youth offending
Bay of Plenty communities are safer today, with serious and persistent youth offending dropping by 33% since June 2023 - one of the largest decreases in the country.
This is a remarkable turnaround that reflects what I'm hearing from local police, business owners, and residents across the Bay of Plenty.
"From Papamoa to Mount Maunganui, Te Puna to Welcome Bay, people are telling me they feel safer in their communities. Local businesses are no longer living in fear of ram raids, and families can feel more secure knowing young offenders are being held accountable for their actions."
Tom’s News
Slightly controversial take… but Granny Smith is the best apple.
I was at the Yummy Fruit packhouse in Havelock North with Catherine Wedd MP for Tukituki. Horticulture is such a big part of the local economy here, just like in the Bay. Together they're producing some of the best fruit in the world. Facebook
I recently joined Tauranga Boys’ College for their Fortress 40 challenge
It's an annual event that tests resilience, builds brotherhood, and raises vital funds for men’s mental health through Movember New Zealand.
I caught up with the lads during their rugby training session at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, arriving right at the halfway point of their challenge.
Witnessing their determination firsthand was inspiring, and I was chuffed to help fuel their energy for the second half of their journey.
What a choice cause and an even more choice group of young men!
Congratulations to Bay of Plenty's Phoebe Scherer on being crowned the 2025 Young Grower of the Year
Phoebe's success highlights the talent and innovation in our region's horticulture sector. The Young Grower competition showcases the next generation of leaders who will drive the future of New Zealand's primary industries.
Bay of Plenty continues to be at the forefront of horticulture excellence, and achievements like this demonstrate why our region is leading New Zealand's economic recovery.
Well done, Phoebe, a fantastic achievement that makes our region proud.
I visited Bayswater, Metlifecare Retirement Village in Mount Maunganui recently
Meeting with Earl Gasparich, Metlifecare CEO, Di Hobson, Village Manager, and Suzy Clarkson, Head of Communication, along with many residents who were eager to discuss the retirement village model and the ongoing Retirement Villages Act Review.
The conversations covered important issues affecting our retirement village communities. It’s always valuable to hear directly from residents about their experiences and concerns.
I love visiting our retirement villages and connecting with residents. Thank you to everyone at Bayswater for having me and for the engaging discussions.
Aerial photo showing significant infrastructure work
Underway at the The Sands Town Centre development in Papamoa East. Stage 2, which will include Mitre 10 Mega, is planned to open in October 2026.
This development will provide retail and commercial space for our growing community while creating employment opportunities. Significant infrastructure investment happening in Bay of Plenty.
I recently had the privilege of representing the Government
At the Investiture Ceremonies at Government House in Wellington.
Chris Duggan from the Bay of Plenty was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to science education.
After 15 years as a biochemist and science teacher, Chris saw primary schools lacked proper science education. In 2014, she founded the House of Science in Tauranga - a not-for-profit that delivers science kits to schools.
The numbers speak for themselves: over 200,000 students across hundreds of NZ schools now have access to these resources.
Tauranga City Council is planning a new playground at Simpson Reserve in Papamoa and wants community feedback on the design
This will be a large-scale playground designed to bring families together and cater for all ages and abilities.
Community consultation sessions are happening on Wednesday 1 October, 12:30-2:30pm at Papamoa Library and Saturday 4 October, 10am-12pm at Simpson Reserve.
You can give your feedback online here until 15 October: https://letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/.../simpson-reserve...
Construction is planned to begin in 2027.
Tom’s Events
Join me for Breakfast with Hon Scott Simpson
Coffee Catch Ups are back!
This Week in New Zealand History
Women win the right to vote
19 September 1893
Women’s suffrage memorial, Christchurch (Jock Phillips, Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand)
When the governor, Lord Glasgow, signed a new Electoral Act into law, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world in which women had the right to vote in parliamentary elections. As women in most other democracies – including Britain and the United States – were not enfranchised until after the First World War, New Zealand’s world leadership in women’s suffrage became a central aspect of its image as a trailblazing ‘social laboratory’.
The passage of the Act was the culmination of years of agitation by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and other organisations. As part of this campaign, a series of massive petitions were presented to Parliament; those gathered in 1893 were together signed by almost a quarter of the adult female population of New Zealand (see 28 July).
As in 1891 and 1892, the House of Representatives passed an electoral bill that would grant the vote to all adult women. Once again, all eyes were on the upper house, the Legislative Council, where the previous two measures had foundered. Liquor interests, worried that female voters would favour their prohibitionist opponents, petitioned the Council to reject the bill. Suffragists responded with mass rallies and a flurry of telegrams to members.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Governor-General’s term extended
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that the Governor-General, Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, has agreed to a short extension of her term of office.
Levelling the playing field for fish exporters
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand exporters will benefit from fairer competition as the World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies takes effect , after nearly two decades of negotiations
Ambitious new Aviation Action Plan takes flight
An ambitious new Aviation Action Plan has been released, containing 25 actions to grow and future-proof the aviation sector, ensuring it continues to deliver for all New Zealanders.
Going For Growth: Competition Reform
The Government is beefing up the Commerce Act for the first time in nearly 20 years to provide greater protection to the public and more certainty for business, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson say
Government temporarily suspends recognition of unsafe international adoptions
The Government is moving with urgency to suspend recognition of unsafe international adoptions to protect children and young people from harm, Associate Justice Minister, Nicole McKee says.
Provinces backed by $1.3 billion rail infrastructure
The 2024/25-2026/27 Rail Network Investment Programme has been finalised, providing $1.360 billion over three years with infrastructure investment that backs provincial New Zealand, Rail Minister Winston Peters says.
Government takes action on Bird Flu preparedness plan
New proposals for a long-term approach to manage high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly known as Bird flu, aim to reduce the impacts on poultry if the virus arrives here, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
Remarkable reduction in youth offending
A ‘tough but fair’ approach, and greater unity across both our communities and government, is keeping people and property safer.
Bill to ban surcharges passes first reading
The Government is stamping out another payment pain point – extending its surcharge ban to foreign issued cards and commercial cards to make life easier for businesses and consumers, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announced.
Government delivers on promise to protect productive farmland from ETS
The Government has delivered on a key election commitment with the passing of the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Todd McClay and Minister of Climate Change Simon Watts announced.
Accelerating AI research and innovation
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a major investment in AI research to build New Zealand’s AI capability, fast-track commercialisation, and drive economic growth.
GDP figures show impact of global uncertainty
Economic data released reflect the impact global uncertainty has had on consumers and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
First Fast-track housing project gets green light
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have welcomed news that the first housing development has received consent under the Fast-track Approvals Act.
Reserve Bank appointment
Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced the appointment of Hayley Gourley to the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
ASMS union walks away from patients
The decision by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) union to walk away from bargaining and continue with strike action next week will leave more than 13,000 patients without the care they need.
Get in Touch
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505