It’s been two years since being re-elected as the MP for Selwyn and elected into government. I am grateful for your faith in me to best represent Selwyn and I am honoured to keep up the work, making policies that best support you and your family.
Govt announcements
Women’s health
As both the MP for Selwyn and as the Minister for Women, there are some important government announcements that I wanted to highlight as they could positively impact the women in your life.
The first step of the nationwide breast screening is underway, expanding free breast screening to include women aged 70 and 74 is the first step in a four-year rollout.
The extension means women will be eligible for an average of two to three extra mammograms once the programme is fully implemented, and around 130,000 additional women will be eligible for screening every two years. This phased approach ensures health services can expand in step with demand while maintaining quality care.
The Government has also announced it will adopt the Three-Day Postnatal Stay Amendment Bill, which is aimed to better support mothers and babies in the critical days following birth. 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. The Bill will now progress through Parliament as part of the Government’s legislative programme.
Education – structured literacy results
Our relentless focus on teaching the basics brilliantly is delivering results. Education is a core priority for this Government, and our reforms are delivering transformational results for students.
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. More children are becoming confident readers, with fewer needing extra support. 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. This is about giving every child the best start. By following the science and evidence to make structured literacy approaches mandatory, we are ensuring students build strong foundations that will help them succeed at school and beyond.
Raising reading achievement from the very first year at school is crucial, and these results show our commitment is working.
Earthquake prone building changes
8 buildings across Selwyn have been removed from the earthquake-prone building register, delivering huge savings to the district.
These include buildings in Darfield, Glentunnel, Leeston, Lincoln, Springfield and Tai Tapu.
The current system for assessing and managing seismic risk in buildings places an overwhelming financial burden on building owners with the price of strengthening which can cost hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.
The new earthquake-prone building (EPB) system will capture only buildings that pose a genuine risk to human life in medium and high seismic zones.
The changes give effect to recommendations from an independent review led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Out and about
Speaking at Lincoln Rotary
Catching up with Lincoln Rotary is always a pleasure and hearing about their hard work in the community.
We discussed two years of being elected into government and the joys of my portfolios and being the MP for Selwyn.
A big congratulations to Zane and Leslie on their Apprentice of the Year awards, it’s encouraging to see younger people pursuing a career in trades across Selwyn.
State of Emergency in Canterbury
Last week the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell declared a state of local emergency for the Canterbury Region and supported NEMA’s (National Emergency Management Agency) Emergency Operations Centre, to assist in the response to the severe weather events. I was fortunate to join him, assisting in ensuring our farmers and growers had a clear line of communication from government agencies.
The weather event resulted in fires, traffic incidents, and power outages across the district. I want to thank all of the volunteers and workers who risked their safety to keep us and our homes safe.
Women’s Expo, Home Show, and Ellesmere A&P Show
It has been great to catch up with so many of you across events both regionally and locally!
Meeting with women from all walks of life at the Women’s Expo was a great way to get feedback and clarify important government policy and the work I am doing as Minister for Women.
I also got to check out some innovative Cantabrian businesses at the Home Show and talked to many home-renovators and new home buyers, it is great to hear how our changes to cut red-tape are making a difference.
Finally, it was a pleasure to connect locally at the Ellesmere A&P Show, congratulations to the organisers for such a well-run event. As the weather is getting warmer, I’ll catch you out and about at our many Fetes, A&P Shows, and markets across the district.
Events
November is a busy month; we have two coffee catchups in Kirwee and Rolleston followed by my Pink Ribbon Breakfast Fundraiser that I would love to see you at.
Kirwee Coffee Catchup
- 12:00-1:00pm, 21st Nov
- Thirsty Acres
Rolleston Coffee Catchup
- 12:00-1:00pm, 25th Nov
- Robert Harris Cafe Rolleston
Pink Ribbon Morning Tea Fundraiser
- 10:30-11:30am, 28th November
- Te Ara Ātea, Rolleston Library
- Suggested $20 donation to attend this event, email nicola.griggMP@parliament.govt to RSVP and for the donation link.