October in Hawke’s Bay means one thing — the A&P Show! Even with a windy start, the community spirit shone through on Friday with sunshine, smiles, and a great turnout. It was wonderful catching up with so many locals (and for Lochie to tag along too!)
Events like this remind us why supporting local matters; every stall, exhibit, and handshake represents the hard work that keeps our region thriving. National will always back our farmers and rural communities, the heart of Hawke’s Bay.
In this issue:
· Hawke's Bay A&P Show
· 150 Years of the Poverty Bay A&P Show
· Rebuilding Key Connections
· Highlights this month
· Recent Policy announcements
· What’s happened in the house
· Upcoming events and important dates
Hawke’s Bay A&P Show
The Hawke’s Bay A&P Show is always a highlight on our regional calendar, bringing together farmers, families, and businesses to celebrate everything that makes our region special. Even with a windy start, Friday’s sunshine brought the crowds back in full force — and it was fantastic to see so many familiar faces out enjoying the day.
I was joined by my Tukituki colleague Catherine Wedd at the Show, catching up with locals, exhibitors, and community groups who make this event such a success year after year. A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat (and meet Lochie!) — your support and stories remind me why I love representing the Napier electorate.
Events like this showcase the heart of our region — hardworking people, strong rural roots, and a shared pride in what we produce right here in the Bay.
Local Elections – Congratulations to Our Newly Elected Representatives
Congratulations to everyone elected across our local councils within the current Napier electorate — Napier City*, Wairoa District, Hastings District, Gisborne District, and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
A huge thank you also goes to everyone who put their name forward. Standing for local government takes courage, commitment, and a genuine desire to serve your community. Whether successful or not this time, your willingness to step up and contribute is what keeps our region strong and connected.
I’m looking forward to working closely with our local councils and community leaders to continue delivering for Hawke’s Bay — supporting growth, resilience, and opportunities across every corner of our region. Together, we can keep Hawke’s Bay moving forward.
*Image of newly elected Napier City Council
Poverty Bay A&P Show – 150 Years of Tradition
Gisborne absolutely turned it on for Show Day!
It was a privilege to join the celebrations marking 150 years of the Poverty Bay A&P Association — an incredible milestone for a region with such strong rural roots and community spirit.
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces (and meet a few new ones!) enjoying the sunshine, stock events, and displays that make A&P Shows such a special part of our regional culture. It was also a big moment for Lochie — he met Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for the very first time! A proud mum moment I won’t forget.
Thank you to Dana Kirkpatrick, MP for East Coast, and the amazing organisers for hosting a fantastic day
Rebuilding Key Connections
Demolition has begun on the cyclone-damaged Brookfields Bridge — an important link between Napier and Hastings. Over the next three weeks, crews will remove the remaining bridge spans, recycle concrete and steel, carry out environmental and cultural monitoring, and repair any damaged stopbanks.
This work marks another step forward in reconnecting our communities and strengthening our transport network after Cyclone Gabrielle. In September 2025, Hastings District Council and Napier City Council confirmed plans to investigate rebuilding the bridge — helping restore a vital connection for residents, growers, and businesses across our region.
Looking ahead, both the Brookfields and Redclyffe/Waiohiki bridges are set to be rebuilt by 2029, with work now underway to confirm the final scope and design. These bridges are essential to keeping Hawke’s Bay moving and our local economy strong.
Transporting New Zealand Road Freight Seminar in Napier
I really enjoyed catching up with the freight sector at the Transporting NZ Road Freight Seminar here in Napier. Freight is the backbone of our economy—moving food and goods from farms to factories, shops, and ports. With demand set to grow by 55% over the next 20 years, we need a system that can keep up.
It was a privilege to speak at the conference alongside my colleague Mike Butterick, MP for Wairarapa, and even better to have it right here in Napier. I shared how the Government is stepping up with practical initiatives like an Action Plan for Freight, a National Freight Demand Study, and a new Freight Advisory Council—all focused on making freight routes safer, faster, and more resilient. Having grown up around transport and bus Seminar through my family’s business, it honestly felt a bit like coming home!
The transport industry truly connects New Zealand—linking our regions, businesses, and communities in ways we often take for granted. It was inspiring to see so many familiar faces and new leaders in the room, all committed to building a stronger, safer, and more efficient network for the future.
Highlights this month
Coffee with a Cop
It was great to join locals at Bay Coffee Hub in Napier for Coffee with a Cop recently — a relaxed way for our community to sit down over a coffee, have a chat, and connect with our local Police team.
Events like this are such an important way to build trust, share ideas, and strengthen the relationships that keep our community safe and supported. A big thank you to everyone who came along and to our Police for all the work they do across Hawke’s Bay every day.
More Support for New Mums
The Government is extending postnatal care, ensuring new Mums will be offered a minimum three-day hospital or birthing unit stay after giving birth. This change recognises how important those first few days are for recovery, bonding, and getting support in place before heading home.
Health Minister Simeon Brown says the policy will help ensure mothers and babies get the care they need during this crucial time, particularly for families without strong support networks.
Planning is now underway to make sure hospitals and maternity units have the capacity and staff needed to deliver this important change.
See more information: Three-day postnatal stays for new mums | Beehive.govt.nz
Celebrating Hawke’s Bay’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
It was an inspiring night at the Hawke’s Bay Young Entrepreneurs Awards, and I was delighted to present an award. Events like this are a powerful reminder of the creativity, courage, and innovation driving our region forward. From start-ups built on big ideas to young business owners turning passion into impact, the talent on display was truly impressive.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners — you’re shaping the future of Hawke’s Bay business, and it’s exciting to see such energy and ambition coming through from the next generation of local leaders.
Victims of Sexual Violence Bill Passed
The new Victims of Sexual Violence Bill gives survivors greater say in whether a convicted offender’s name is permanently suppressed.
Until now, courts could grant name suppression without the victim’s consent, but from 30 October, suppression will only be allowed if the victim agrees. The law also strengthens protections for child victims and ensures their privacy is safeguarded.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the change is a significant step toward a more victim-centred justice system.
Recent Policy Announcements
Lots of policy announcements have been made this month. Please click on the links below to learn more.
Education
Three new charter schools will give students new options in Term 1 2026 – read the Beehive PR here
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Aotearoa Infinite Academy, Te Aratika High School, and Altum Academy, will open in Term 1 2026 as charter schools.
Te Aratika High School in the Hawkes Bay will prepare disengaged Māori and Pacific students for employment.
Strike unfair, unproductive and unnecessary – read the Beehive PR here
Tomorrow’s proposed strike is unfair, unproductive and unnecessary and should be called off, Public Service Minister Judith Collins says.
Health
Bowel screening expansion underway to save more lives - read the Beehive PR here
From Monday, the starting age for free bowel screening will be lowered from 60 to 58 in Northland, Auckland, and the South Island, with the rest of the North Island to follow in March 2026, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Nationwide breast screening age extension underway – read the Beehive PR here
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.
Agriculture
Government sets methane targets for 2050 – read the Beehive PR here
The Coalition Government has today 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.
Finance
More help for Kiwi families with young kids – read the Beehive PR here
From today more Kiwi families can apply for more help with the cost of early childhood education (ECE) under the Government’s expanded FamilyBoost scheme.
Plan to ease home lending restrictions welcomed – read the Beehive PR here
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.
Mental Health
New Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Board appointments – read the Beehive PR here
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has announced two new appointments to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Board, alongside a new Deputy Chair and two reappointments.
Justice
Civil disputes to become quicker and cheaper – read the Beehive PR here
The financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal will soon double, making civil cases quicker and more affordable for thousands of New Zealanders, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Immigration
Iceland and New Zealand enhance practical cooperation – read the Beehive PR here
New Zealand and Iceland are deepening cooperation, in the areas of working holidays, taxation and geothermal energy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.
Tourism
Tourism boost with visa-free travel for Chinese visitors via Australia – read the Beehive PR here
Tourism, New Zealand’s second-largest export, is set to benefit from more visitors per year with Chinese visitors now able to travel visa-free from Australia to New Zealand, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism & Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today.
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