Government sets methane targets for 2050
The Coalition Government has announced science-based biogenic methane targets for 2050, providing farmers and exporters with a clear pathway to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity and trade competitiveness.
Following Cabinet approval, the target will be set at a range of 14–24 per cent below 2017 levels by 2050, reflecting the findings of the independent Methane Science Review released in 2024.
We’ve accepted a range of advice and worked closely with industry to agree a practical target that protects food production whilst substantially reducing New Zealand’s farm emissions. We’re delivering a practical, fair pathway that recognises New Zealand agriculture efficiency, protects jobs and production, and upholds our climate commitments.
The Government remains committed to our domestic and international climate change commitments, including net zero by 2050. Agriculture will continue make an important and fair contribution to achieving this reduction.
Transformational new entrant literacy achievement
Our relentless focus on teaching the basics brilliantly is delivering results. Since Term 1, all primary schools have been using structured literacy approaches and the new English curriculum, with phonics checks for new entrants at 20 weeks.
The results are already clear. Nationally, 58 per cent of new entrants are meeting or exceeding expectations, up from 36 per cent, while those exceeding expectations have more than doubled. These gains are especially encouraging for Māori students, Pacific students, and students in low-decile schools.
By following the science and making structured literacy mandatory, we're ensuring students build strong foundations that will help them succeed at school and beyond. The early gains reflect the brilliant work of teachers and show that bold, evidence-based reforms are making a real difference.
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Parliament is a place for robust debate, but it’s also the people’s House
New Zealanders expect their elected representatives to show basic respect for the institution and for each other.
I fully support Speaker Gerry Brownlee’s ruling on lifting standards and respect in Parliament.
The Speaker has announced he’ll be working on improvements to attendance records, dress standards, and leave provisions to ensure greater respect is shown in the House.
These improvements are about maintaining the dignity of Parliament and ensuring it functions effectively for all New Zealanders.
It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of The Right Honourable Jim Bolger ONZ PC, former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Jim Bolger was a towering figure in New Zealand’s political life – a leader of conviction, a reformer of consequence, and a servant of the people whose legacy has shaped our nation in profound and lasting ways.
Born in Taranaki to Irish immigrant parents, Jim Bolger’s early life on a dairy farm instilled in him the values of hard work, resilience, and quiet determination. These qualities would go on to define both his character and his leadership.
To those who worked alongside him, he was a principled and formidable colleague. To his political opponents, he was a worthy adversary who never allowed disagreement to become personal. And to New Zealand, he was a leader who believed in the strength of our democracy, the promise of fairness, and the dignity of service.
Jim served with integrity and purpose. He leaves behind a legacy that will be studied, debated, and respected for generations.
Rest in Peace, Jim. Thank you for serving New Zealand and making it a better place for all of us today.
Tom’s News
I recently visited 10-year-old Kalia Saia and her family in Welcome Bay to personally thank her for her incredible act of bravery at Baywave last week.
I dropped off a letter to say thank you on behalf of the entire community. Kalia noticed a 3-year-old lying motionless at the bottom of the wave pool. Without thinking twice, she dived in, pulled the child to the surface and got her to lifeguards who performed CPR.
Thanks to Kalia’s quick actions, the toddler has made a full recovery and is now home with her family. What an amazing young person. Thank you, Kalia.
A great evening celebrating Fiji’s 55th Independence Day with the Bay of Plenty Fijian community at Arataki Hall.
The Bay of Plenty is home to a vibrant Fijian community who contribute so much to our region. What a wonderful celebration of culture, food, and fellowship.
Vinaka vakalevu to the Bay of Plenty Fijian Committee for the invitation!
It was great to attend the EPIC Families event at Baycourt. – Extraordinary Parents & Incredible Children.
Hosted by Bay Paediatrics, this event brought together experts to give families practical tools and strategies for supporting neurodivergent children from emotional regulation and school challenges to sleep issues and helping kids discover their strengths.
A powerful way to mark the final day of Mental Health Awareness Week. Well done to everyone involved.
Great to visit Bovonic with my colleague Hamish Campbell for Ilam to see their revolutionary QuadSense mastitis detector.
Founded in 2021, Bovonic is a true Kiwi innovation story. QuadSense automatically detects mastitis cases – both clinical and subclinical – saving farmers thousands of dollars through less antibiotic use, greater milk production, lower somatic cell counts, and countless hours and reduced stress. It starts measuring as soon as cups go on, gives a result after just a minute, and alerts farmers with a red light when mastitis is present.
This is exactly the kind of practical, innovative agri-tech solution that helps our farmers work smarter and more efficiently. Proud to see it designed, developed, and manufactured right here in New Zealand.
Such an honour hosting Maurice, Anne, Martin, and Jeanette from the Bay of Plenty in Parliament.
They experienced Question Time, and the General Debate live and firsthand, got a full tour of Parliament, and we wrapped up the day with dinner together.
Hosting locals at Parliament is one of the highlights of my job. If you'd like to visit, get in touch. I'd love to show you around your Parliament.
Two years since the election!
Thank you to all those who've supported me and the National Party. I've been doing my best to serve this amazing community that we call home.
Tom’s Events
Coffee Catch Ups are back!
Te Puna Branch Dinner with Hon. Louise Upston - Friday 7 November
I'm delighted to invite you to join us for our annual Te Puna Branch Dinner with Hon. Louise Upston on Friday 7 November at the White House Restaurant, in Te Puna.
As National Party Spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Community and Voluntary Sector, Disability Issues, Tourism and Hospitality and Child Poverty Reduction, Louise will make a presentation and then be available to answer your questions.
Purchase your tickets here: https://www.eventspronto.co.nz/event5921
Next SuperBlues - 10 November 10am
This Week in New Zealand History
Jean Batten reaches Auckland after epic solo flight
October 1936
Jean Batten, c. 1934 (Alexander Turnbull Library, 1/2-046051-F)
Jean Batten left for New Zealand from Kent, England, at 4.20 a.m. on 5 October 1936. Despite the early hour, a large media contingent gathered to see her off; Batten was already famous for her successful solo flights from England to Australia in May 1934, and to South America in November 1935.
Batten had installed two extra petrol tanks in her low-winged monoplane, a Percival (Vega) Gull. But to reach Australia she still had to land and refuel at numerous locations across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. En route she slept little, flying day and night, sometimes in bad weather. She arrived in Darwin in 5 days 21 hours – 24 hours faster than the previous record-holder, Jimmy Broadbent.
News of the record was front-page news around the world. Batten continued on her way, arriving in Sydney on 13 October. While she had a welcome rest and waited for the weather over the Tasman Sea to improve, some tried to dissuade her from continuing on to New Zealand. But Batten decided to proceed.
Before taking off from Richmond Aerodrome, Sydney, at approximately 6.30 a.m. (New Zealand time) on 16 October, she declared that no one should look for her if she went down at sea. Outwardly fearless, she later confessed that she almost ‘lost her nerve’ during this final leg. To her relief she finally recognised a rocky island and a few minutes later was over New Plymouth. She arrived at Auckland’s Mangere Aerodrome at about 5 p.m., 10½ hours after leaving Sydney, and was greeted by a crowd of 6000.
Batten then set off to tour the country by car and train, admitting that she was weary of air travel for the time being. In fact, she was both physically and mentally exhausted by her odyssey, which had taken a total of 11 days 45 minutes. The tour was eventually called off in Christchurch and Batten spent much of November resting at Franz Josef Glacier at the government’s expense. In October 1937 she made a return flight from Sydney to England – her last long-distance flight.
This Week in Parliament – Briefly
Government considering Chorus divestment
The Government is exploring ways to free up capital locked in its investment in Chorus, to redirect into capital projects of more use to New Zealanders
More overseas investment, faster, means jobs and growth
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour says overseas investment decisions being made more than twice as fast is a vital ingredient for businesses seeking capital to create jobs and pay higher wages.
High-needs residential care to re-open
A Christchurch Care and Protection Residence will be upgraded and re-opened for children with high and complex needs, with a focus on therapeutic, trauma-informed care.
New deal deepens NZ-Singapore partnership.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have launched the New Zealand-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in Auckland.
Interest sought for new Drury hospital site
The first step towards building a new hospital in South Auckland has been taken, with the procurement process underway to secure land in Drury for a major new health precinct, Health Minister Simeon Brown says
NZ and Singapore launch Strategic Food Partnership & AOTES conclusion
The New Zealand-Singapore trade relationship has been bolstered with the launch of a Strategic Food Partnership and the conclusion of Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, Minister of Agriculture, and Trade and Investment, Todd McClay announced
Three-day postnatal stays for new mums
The Government will adopt National MP Catherine Wedd’s member’s Bill to better support mothers and babies in the critical days following birth, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello say.
Going, going, gone, cars auctioned over unpaid court fines
The Government’s trial of clamping or seizing cars of people not paying court fines is expanding after returning more than $225,000 and seizing 115 vehicles, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Major boost to diagnostic scanners nationwide
A $108 million upgrade to New Zealand’s diagnostic infrastructure will deliver 32 new and replacement CT, MRI, and SPECT scanners across the country, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Modernising courts to fix what matters for victims and justice
Courts Minister Nicole McKee says the Government is updating the law for the use of audio and audio-visual links (AVL) in courts to improve court performance and create efficiencies across the justice system.
Transformational new entrant reading
The Government’s mandating of structured literacy is transforming the reading achievement of new entrants nationwide, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
New Zealand welcomes growth in international visitors
The Government welcomes new data showing a healthy growth in international visitor numbers and improved confidence across the tourism industry.
Three new charter schools will give students new options in Term 1 2026
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced that Aotearoa Infinite Academy, Te Aratika High School, and Altum Academic, will open in Term 1 2026 as charter schools.
Solicitor-General stepping down after 10 years
Attorney-General Judith Collins announced Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC will step down in February after 10 years in the role, and thanked her for her long and valued service.
Plan to ease home lending restrictions welcomed
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the Reserve Bank’s intention to relax restrictions on lending, making it easier for first home buyers to get started.
New Zealand secures major shipbuilder for new ferries
The Government, through its procuring company Ferry Holdings Limited has secured Guangzhou Shipyard International as the builder of two new ferries, Rail Minister Winston Peters confirmed.
Levelling playing field for broadcast advertising
Advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays will soon be scrapped as legislation passes third reading in Parliament, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Nationwide breast screening age extension underway
The first step of the nationwide breast screening age extension is underway, with women aged 70 and 74 now eligible for free screening, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg say.
More contact prepares job seekers for work
Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston has welcomed significant progress in preparing Kiwi job seekers for work, with a big jump in targeted case management.
Work begins on major Rolleston transport upgrade
Major roading improvements for Rolleston will drive jobs and economic growth in this growing part of Canterbury, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
Delivering on our promise to disestablish Te Pūkenga
Regional decision-making has been restored for New Zealand’s polytechnics, and industry put back into the driver’s seat for work-based learning, with the Government today making good on its promise to scrap Te Pūkenga, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says.
Our enduring approach to a changing climate
The Government has released New Zealand’s first National Adaptation Framework to ensure people know what risks they face and what the plan is to address them, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.
$100 million reinvested into more classrooms
The Government’s relentless focus on driving efficiencies and value for money in school property has freed up $100 million to reinvest into more new, safe, warm and dry classrooms
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