Spring has finally sprung, bringing with it a welcome sense of renewal and energy. As the days grow longer and brighter, I’m enjoying this new season with my little sidekick, Lochie, who’s now four months old and starting to find his rhythm by my side out in the community.
I know times are challenging for many, but there are encouraging signs that we’re beginning to turn a corner. Recent data shows an increase in spending across the Napier electorate, which is a positive indicator, though much of that spending is happening online. Our local businesses need support, so I encourage you to shop local whenever you can.
This month, I want to focus on something that affects us all: local body elections. It’s important to remember the distinction between local and central government.
As your MP, I’m proud to represent you in Parliament but did you know there are five local councils within our electorate? These include Napier City, Hastings District, Wairoa District, Gisborne District, and the Hawke’s Bay Regional. While I advocate for our region nationally, it’s our local councils that make many of the day-to-day decisions that shape our lives like maintaining roads, managing rubbish collection and other essential infrastructure. Voting in local elections is more than ticking a box. It’s about choosing candidates who understand our communities and have a clear plan for the future.
Take the time to learn about the candidates, read their policies, attend “meet the candidates” events, and ask questions. Democracy works best when we participate.
Your vote matters, so make sure you get it in before 11 October.
In this issue:
· Changes to Earthquake-Prone Building Rules
· Boost for Hawke’s Bay Hospital Facilities
· Celebrating 100 Years of Rural Women New Zealand
· 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.
Here to listen, here to help!
Changes to Earthquake-Prone Building Rules
The Government has announced important changes to how earthquake-prone buildings are managed, and it's good news for Napier.
Around $190 million in costly upgrades and demolitions will be avoided, with the outdated system scrapped in favour of one that focuses only on real risks to life. Councils will also have the ability to extend strengthening deadlines by up to 15 years, giving building owners more certainty and breathing room.
The new rules target only the highest-risk buildings, such as brick or stone façades that could fall onto busy streets, large concrete buildings over three storeys with collapse risk, and buildings that might block emergency routes.
These changes will keep people safe while protecting Napier’s iconic Art Deco heritage, without forcing owners into unrealistic costs. You can read more about the changes here: Earthquake-prone building system refocused | Beehive.govt.nz
Boost for Hawke’s Bay Hospital Facilities
Hawke’s Bay will benefit from the Government’s $100 million boost to upgrade hospitals nationwide.
This investment will see important improvements to facilities right here in our region, including upgrades to the Hawke’s Bay Hospital laboratory, ICU, and oncology services. These projects will modernise critical spaces, add capacity, and make sure patients can access faster, safer care.
For our community, it means more accurate test results, stronger ICU support with new isolation rooms, and streamlined services for cancer patients. Together, these upgrades will help Hawke’s Bay Hospital deliver better care, closer to home.
Celebrating 100 Years of Rural Women New Zealand
I recently joined Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise and Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst at the Korokipo Branch of Rural Women New Zealand to celebrate an outstanding milestone — 100 years of empowering rural women and strengthening our communities.
It was inspiring to reflect on the generations of women whose leadership, advocacy, and hard work have shaped the regions we call home. Marian Hirst, a proud RWNZ member and blueberry grower, gave a thoughtful address that truly captured the strength and spirit of rural women.
Lochie was the only man in the room, and he thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by so many strong and inspiring women.
The High Tea that followed was every bit as enjoyable as the company.
Stronger Learning Support Rolling Out Across Hawke’s Bay
From next year, more than 100,000 Year 1–8 students across New Zealand will have greater access to Learning Support Coordinators (LSCs), thanks to our Government’s $192 million investment in Budget 2025. This means every primary school will have dedicated support to help children reach their potential.
In Napier and across Hawke’s Bay, the rollout will be phased in over the next three years:
2026 – Arthur Miller, Eskdale, Henry Hill, Kotemaori, Port Ahuriri, Rere, Tamatea Intermediate, Tamatea, Westshore
2027 – Bledisloe, Greenmeadows, Meeanee, Napier Intermediate, Onekawa, Parkside Christian SDA, Porritt, Puketapu, Putorino, Reignier Catholic, St Joseph's Māori Girls' College, St Patrick’s (Napier), Taradale Intermediate, Taradale, Te Pōhue, Tutira
2028 – Napier Central, Nelson Park, Patoka
This is a significant step forward for families. It means children’s learning needs can be recognised earlier, with the right support at the right time, helping every child to thrive.
Highlights this month
Welcoming New Justices of the Peace in Napier
It was a privilege to attend the Justice of the Peace swearing-in ceremony at the Napier Court House. I have great respect for those who put themselves forward to serve, and Justices of the Peace play a vital role in ensuring access to justice is fair, local, and trusted.
Judge McIntosh conducted the ceremony, and it was inspiring to see new JPs officially sworn in after what is often a long and thorough process. As a Member of Parliament, part of my role is to meet with potential JPs, discuss their applications, and where suitable, put them forward to the Minister’s office to continue through the formal appointment process.
It was especially meaningful to see new JPs complete that journey, including my very first applicant. Congratulations to all who were sworn in.
Showcasing Napier’s Strengths with Minister Meager
I was honoured to speak at the Spirit of Napier Lions Club Young Achievers Awards, a wonderful celebration of the talent and dedication of our young people. Napier is fortunate to have so many outstanding young achievers making a difference, and it was truly inspiring to hear their stories and see them recognised for their efforts.
Mitre 10 Sports Park: A World-Class Asset for Our Region
Mitre 10 Sports Park is without a doubt one of Hawke’s Bay’s greatest assets. Last week, I joined Catherine Wedd MP for Tukituki on a tour of the Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust facilities, hosted by Brendan and his team. We visited the High-Performance Centre, home to our own world champion Geordie Beamish, the world-class Regional Aquatic Centre, and Graeme Avery House a 60-bed hub for athletes and visiting groups.
This is an incredible resource for our region, supporting community participation while giving our elite athletes the facilities they need to perform on the world stage.
SuperBlues and Local Business Visits with Paulo Garcia
It was a special day in Napier hosting New Lynn MP Paulo Garcia. We enjoyed a fantastic SuperBlues gathering before heading out to visit two great local businesses, All Trades and Senator Boats. Both are doing excellent work, strongly supported by their highly skilled Filipino employees.
It was a privilege to share with Paulo the strength and diversity that help drive our local industries forward.
New Police Station for Taradale on the Way
Great news for Taradale! A brand-new Police base is on the way, with construction due to begin early next year and doors set to open by mid-2026. This modern, fit-for-purpose station will support up to 50 Police staff and help ease pressure across the region.
It’s a significant step toward strengthening safety and service in Hawke’s Bay and another example of delivering on our commitment to safer communities.
Recent Policy Announcements
Lots of policy announcements have been made this month. Please click on the links below to learn more.
Education
101,000 students to start benefitting from Learning Support Coordinators – read the Beehive PR here
101,000 Year 1-8 students and their teachers will benefit from the skills and support of a Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) working in their school next year.
Supercharging school infrastructure – read the Beehive PR here
The Government is accelerating $413 million of investment in school infrastructure to improve classrooms and provide a significant boost for builders and tradies across New Zealand immediately, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
Health
$20 million to boost ED staffing - read the Beehive PR here
Emergency departments will receive a $20 million boost to increase frontline staffing across hospitals nationwide over the next nine months, Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced.
Health targets: faster care for central and lower North Island – read the Beehive PR here
Patients in Wellington, the Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay, and Wairarapa are benefiting from faster treatment and shorter waits, the latest health target results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says
Agriculture
Government delivers on promise to protect productive farmland from ETS – read the Beehive PR here
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 yesterday
Finance
Families to get extra help with ECE costs – read the Beehive PR here
From the start of next month tens of thousands of households will get extra help with the cost of early childhood education (ECE) thanks to the expansion of FamilyBoost, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
New Reserve Bank Governor appointed – read the Beehive PR here
Dr Anna Breman, the First Deputy Governor of Sweden’s central bank, has been appointed as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today.
Mental Health
New investment for eating disorder services – read the Beehive PR here
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today 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.
Justice
Government temporarily suspends recognition of unsafe international adoptions – read the Beehive PR here
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.
Immigration
Parent Boost visa applications open – read the Beehive PR here
Applications are now open for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, which will allow parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to come and visit their children for up to five years, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says
Foreign Affairs
NZ to maintain approach to recognition of Palestine– read the Beehive PR here
New Zealand will not be recognising the State of Palestine at this time, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced at the UN General Assembly in New York today.
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