It’s been a busy few weeks in Parliament as we are in the middle of a three week sitting block and we have plenty of legislation moving through. I have also been active out in the electorate and loved taking part in the Heretaunga Women's Centre Triathlon on the weekend with my girls, raising money for the Women’s Centre, a wonderful cause, supporting women and girls across Hawke’s Bay.
My Advocacy for Better Postnatal Care Takes a Big Step Forward
This week, my members bill to improve postnatal care in New Zealand has taken a big step forward, following my advocacy.
My Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (3 Day Postnatal Stay) Amendment Bill is now a Government bill.
I am so thrilled this now has the focus of Government and our Ministers. I have worked hard to champion better post-natal care, and this is massive progress for women and families across New Zealand.
The Bill, which gives mothers a legal entitlement to a three day stay, after having their baby, will now progress through Parliament as part of the Government’s legislative programme.
My Members Bill was pulled out of the ballot in April 2024 and I have been strongly advocating for better post-natal care ever since.
There is so much for a new mum to cope with from breastfeeding and lack of sleep and learning how to care for your baby. It can be quite overwhelming, and the extra support can be life changing at such a critical time for a new mum.
As part of the process, the Government is seeking further advice around implementation to ensure the health system is well-prepared to deliver this support.
No one should be pressured to leave hospital or a birthing unit before they are ready.
By guaranteeing every woman up to three days to rest, recover, and bond with their baby, women will have the choice to be where they feel most comfortable.
Every situation is different, and every birth is different, and women may choose to leave hospital early, but this gives them the choice.
OUT AND ABOUT
Heretaunga Women's Centre Triathlon
Participating in the Women’s Triathlon was a great way to spend a weekend - I got to spend quality time with my girls while supporting a great cause.
It was tough (the last lap of the run left me a bit puffed) but I'm pleased that I was able to finish the swim, bike, and run alongside my two daughters.
The Heretaunga Women's Centre is a pillar of our community, supporting women across Hastings and our wider electorate to take care of their mental and physical health.
So awesome to see hundreds of ladies out and about enjoying the spring weather.
Celebrating 30 Years of Sustainable Wine Growing
It was fantastic to catch up with some of our incredible Hawke’s Bay wine growers recently.
Their passion, innovation, and resilience, especially after a tough few seasons, continues to make our region a powerhouse for world-class wine.
From sustainable practices to export growth, there’s a lot to be proud of.
Here’s to supporting local and raising a glass to the future of Hawke’s Bay wine!
Brand New Omakere School
I was excited to be a part of the official opening of a brand new Omakere School.
Teachers, parents, fellow MPs, and students at the opening were all buzzing about the lovely new school.
As the local MP, I love seeing the positive impact that our government's investment into school infrastructure is making on our communities.
I'd like to acknowledge the hard work that Principal Sue Taylor, her board, the school staff, and the wider community put in to build the school - keep up the great work!
More Wins for the Magpies!
The Magpies have done it again! Beating Taranaki 26-12, we've flown our way into the semi-finals. Go the mighty Magpies!
Backing Career Opportunities for Youth
We Can Precision Engineering provide critical engineering parts for a range of large machinery manufacturers and specialist industries.
It was amazing to hear about how they are encouraging young people to get involved in the thriving manufacturing industry through apprenticeships.
Providing young, hardworking kiwis with solid career paths is an area our government is continuing to support.
Thank you to Sally and her team for having me.
Visit to New Zealand's Largest Port
I got the chance to visit Tauranga, and it was really great to see the bustling Port of Tauranga.
The Port of Tauranga is the nation's busiest and biggest port, but they've had to turn away ships due to limited space, which means losing millions of dollars in exports.
They've been battling for six years just to get the consents sorted for more berths.
This shows exactly why our Government is laser-focused on cutting red tape, as extending the Port of Tauranga would create thousands of jobs and put millions back into the economy.
Our government's plan to reform the RMA, action Fast Track projects, and create commonsense policies is so important for New Zealand's future.
Annual Google Event
Every year, Google hosts an annual event at parliament to give us a glimpse into the future of technology.
It was really interesting to learn about the range of applications for Artificial Intelligence: from rugby training, to cancer screening, to investment, AI can do it all.
Adapting AI into our businesses and daily lives can help make tasks more efficient, giving time back to hard working kiwis.
Our Government has a clear focus on modernising New Zealand by integrating advanced technology such as AI.
According to the AI rugby coach, I really need to keep practicing my passes if I'm ever going to progress my rugby career.
United Nations Luncheon
As chair of the New Zealand Parliamentarians Group on Population and Development (NZPPD), it was my pleasure to welcome delegates from the United Nations and other advocates for women's reproductive rights to the Ministerial Meeting Room in the Beehive.
Over lunch, we unpacked the latest UNFPA report on falling global fertility rates.
It was a really thoughtful session — not just about birth rates, but about what’s driving people’s choices when it comes to starting a family.
What came through strongly is that this isn’t just a numbers issue, it’s about cost of living, access to childcare, work-life balance, and ensuring people feel secure about the future.
The takeaway? The best way to support families is a strong economy.
My members' bill to support post-natal care, and our Government's commitment to strengthening our economy and improving health infrastructure are moves in the right direction.
Congratulations to Our New Mayors and Councillors
Following the recent local body elections, I'm excited to work with our newly elected and returning councillors.
Congratulations to all who were elected and those who put themselves forward.
And a warm welcome to the new Hastings Mayor, Wendy Schollum, and Central Hawkes Bay mayor, Will Foley.
I look forward to working with them both to progress our region.
My Bill to Ban Social Media for Under 16s
I have been working hard to champion my members' bill to ban social media for under 16s.
A Meta spokesperson has claimed that Instagram is not addictive, so I was interviewed on NewstalkZB, and I spoke out about how addictive social media really is.
Many parents and teachers will tell you social media addiction is a huge issue.
The Education and Workforce hearings into online harm have now finished, and this information will be useful for the Government's work.
We need to protect our kids from online harm, and my hard work and continued advocacy in this area is progressing.
We cannot sit back while tech giants downplay the risks, we must take action now to safeguard the wellbeing of the next generation.
Click here to listen to the full interview: MPs probe social media harm as concerns raised over potential risks
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
OCR Down Another 50 Basis Points
The OCR is down another 50 basis points to 2.5%
OCR reductions means lower interest rates – which are good news for growth, jobs and investment.
It also means more money in the hands of families with mortgages.
If this reduction is passed on in full, minimum repayments for a family with a 25-year, $500,000 mortgage will be more than $400 less a fortnight than they were in the middle of last year.
Simplifying Science Funding to Boost Innovation
Instead of jumping through hoops to secure funding, science-based businesses, organisations, and researchers will now only have to apply for funding through a singular, independent board.
The newly established Research Funding New Zealand will make it far easier for important innovation to receive financial backing.
It's a simple commonsense move that will open New Zealand up to the future of science, technology, and innovation opportunities.
Hospitals Receive Major Diagnostic Scanner Upgrades Nationwide
Hospitals across the nation have been supported with a much needed $108 million upgrade to diagnostic scanners.
This investment will significantly improve access to faster and more accurate medical imaging for patients across New Zealand.
For the first time, patients in the Hawkes Bay and other rural areas will have access to more complex procedures and timelier CT scans.
Healthcare workers also welcome this investment, as the new technology is easier to work with, provides clearer images, and has greater diagnostic capabilities.
Teaching the Basics Brilliantly Has Proven Results
Our structured education policies are having an overwhelmingly positive impact on New Zealand's children.
New phonics data of new entrant students shows a significant boost in reading success right across the country:
- 58% of students met or were above expectations, up from 36% in term 1.
- 43% exceeded expectations, more than doubling the results of term 1.
- Success is consistent across all deciles and ethnic groups, with Māori students improving from 25% to 43%.
- Kids needing additional support fell from 62% to 47%.
Teachers across New Zealand have worked tirelessly to support our government's straightforward changes to our education system, and their mahi is paying off.
Our relentless focus on teaching the basics brilliantly is delivering.
Establishing Strong Relations Between Singapore and New Zealand
New Zealand and Singapore have just launched a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, strengthening ties across trade, innovation, and supply chain resilience.
This new deal is especially good news for our growers and farmers.
We're unlocking faster, more secure access to high-value export markets like Singapore, and ensuring the flow of essential goods during times of disruption.
It’s a great step forward for Hawke’s Bay producers and exporters, and a win for the rural economy.
Setting Achievable Climate Targets
As chair of the Environment Select Committee, I think it is important for us to secure our climate goals without punishing farmers, and the Government couldn't agree more.
This week, the Government has set science‑based biogenic methane targets for 2050 aiming for a 14‑24% reduction below 2017 levels, while making sure our farmers stay productive and competitive.
What’s exciting is the support behind it: over $400 million is being invested to fast‑track new tools and technologies like feed innovations, genetics, and systems that cut on‑farm emissions while bolstering efficiency.
This isn’t about taxes or penalties — it’s about innovation, partnerships, and keeping New Zealand’s agriculture world-class while doing our bit for the climate.