A third of the way through Movember and I’m starting to make a little bit of progress on the moustache front (if you look really closely).
If you’d like to support the campaign, you can donate here: https://nz.movember.com/mospace/15366350
Tauranga City Council is asking for community feedback on proposed changes to Miro Street in Mount Maunganui.
The options being looked at include making part of Miro Street one-way, introducing angled parking, and adjusting nearby streets to potentially increase parking capacity in the area.
Feedback is open until 28 November.
You can read the proposal and share your views here: https://letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/.../miro-street-parking...
Up for the fight! Action plan to combat methamphetamine harm
Methamphetamine is tearing through communities, destroying families, and fuelling organised crime. The social cost to New Zealand is now estimated at $1.5 billion every year.
That’s the scale of the fight we’re up against, and the reason the Government is stepping in with a broad, hard-edged, and long-term plan.
We’re hitting the supply lines by deploying Customs, the Defence Force and the GCSB for coordinated maritime operations across the Pacific, disrupting smuggling networks before meth ever reaches our shores. We’re bolstering international intelligence and law enforcement cooperation with new offshore liaison positions, working with partners to intercept drugs at the source.
We’re giving Police more tools, including greater ability to intercept communications, search digital evidence, disrupt organised crime groups, and strip them of their profits faster through stronger proceeds of crime action. A new dedicated money-laundering team will strengthen that further.
At the border and in our ports, we’re tightening the screws, consulting on stronger security measures, improving background checks, and shutting down vulnerabilities that criminals exploit.
On the ground, we’re backing communities with $30 million for targeted addiction and support services, plus ongoing investment in community-led programmes that build local resilience against organised crime. A nationwide campaign will lift awareness and confront the very real human cost of meth harm.
This isn’t just a health issue or a policing issue, it’s a community issue, an economic issue, and a security issue.
The damage is massive. The response has to be too. That work is now underway.
Chatting with Minister Chris Penk about all the changes we’ve made to make it easier to build and there’s a lot
To name a few, speeding up the building consent system, allowing granny flats without consent, shifting liability from councils to builders, and cutting plenty of red tape.
Pretty simple. We need more houses, and new home consents are at their highest in more than two years. Good progress.
New funding to expand youth and maternal mental health support in the Bay of Plenty
Hundreds more young people, mums, and families across New Zealand will have better access to mental health support thanks to new funding for local community organisations.The investment will make a real difference for young people in our region.
The Graeme Dingle Foundation does outstanding work helping young people build confidence, resilience, and life skills. This funding boost will expand its Project K programme, supporting 36 more young people aged 13–15 through outdoor adventure, community challenges, and long-term mentoring, including in the Western Bay of Plenty. At the same time, Barnardos will strengthen the 0800 What’s Up helpline to provide free, immediate support to more children, while Netsafe will create a digital harm and mental health response network, strengthen its helpline, and train up to 1,000 workers to respond to youth distress linked to online harm.The funding will also provide a significant boost for maternal mental health services.
Whānau Āwhina Plunket will launch a new online maternal mental health service in the Waikato, providing personalised care plans for up to 375 parents of children aged 0–5 years.
This initiative will help families access support earlier and closer to home. It complements the youth-focused programmes and ensures that both young people and parents can get the help they need when it matters most. By backing trusted local organisations, we’re ensuring young people and families across the Bay of Plenty can access timely, effective mental health support when and where it’s needed.
This funding forms part of a wider National Government commitment to strengthen youth and maternal mental health services across New Zealand, ensuring support is available early and close to home.
Tom’s News
A nice write-up in this month’s Pāpāmoa Post.
I’m really proud to be standing for the new Mount Maunganui electorate at next year’s election and to keep representing our incredible community. This is home and it’s a real privilege to serve the people who make it such a great place to live.
A great turnout for my coffee catch-up recently at Fat Cat Street Coffee in Maungatapu.
The highlight had to be the incredible french toast breakfast that Kate made for me. Such a great local spot, so warm and welcoming.
Some mindless idiots have ripped out and destroyed a number of trees along Te Okuroa Drive in Pāpāmoa.
These trees were planted for the community — to grow, improve our environment, and make our neighbourhood better. Instead, someone has gone out of their way to vandalise them.
It’s not clever. It’s not funny.
I’ve alerted the Council so they can respond, replant, and hopefully look at ways to stop this happening again.
If anyone saw anything, please pass the details on to Council.
What a way to start a day!
Hannah and I finished the 11km City to Surf recently, crossing the finishing line at Mount Maunganui Main Beach.
From the Tauranga marina, over the harbour bridge and around the iconic Mauao base track, it’s a course that reminds you that we live in paradise.
Huge congratulations to the over 3,000 people who took part, whether it was the 5km, 11km or the half marathon. A massive thank you to the organisers and volunteers who make it all possible.
I loved spending the morning at Papamoa Sands – Freedom Lifestyle Village.
We have 11 retirement villages across the Bay of Plenty electorate, and I’ve been getting around all of them to speak about the Retirement Villages Act Review, our electoral boundary changes, and to listen to questions, concerns and feedback on the local issues that matter most to residents.
Thank you to Carol and the team at Papamoa Sands – Freedom Lifestyle Village for hosting me.
Awesome to see these two young lads, Cayne and Paddy, backing themselves and buying the Pacific Motor Inn.
This is exactly the kind of ambition I love to see. They’ve done some renovations and the motel reopened in October. Wishing them all the best.
Great to visit Palm Springs Medical Centre Papamoa
Who have been open for a few weeks now and are already supporting local families.
With our community continuing to grow, expanding access to primary healthcare is more important than ever. While the clinic itself is new, the team brings decades of clinical experience and a strong focus on patient-centred care. The clinic shares its premises with Beyond Physiotherapy and Bay Skin, bringing even more local health services together in one place.
Thank you to Daniel and the team for the warm welcome and for your commitment to caring for our community.
The Bay of Plenty 'demonym' debate continues.…
Last month we posted a video explaining that in the Bay of Plenty, we didnt have a 'demonym'.
For a decision this important, I brought in the most qualified person I know........meet Sharon (my mum), here to help decide our future for us.
She does not hold back. Check out the follow up video:Facebook
Also, thanks to Max Baird on 'The Breeze' for the recent interview about the video- It's gone gang- busters!
Dropped into THELAB with Carl Bates MP to give it a go ourselves.
Huge thanks to Chas for the invite. THELAB has been open just over a year and is already going from strength to strength — literally.
Built for everyone from everyday members to elite athletes, THELAB is more than a gym. It’s a club designed around four pillars: Training, Performance, Recovery and Connection. A collaborative space that pushes you to improve, while backing you the whole way.
Love seeing passionate locals build something from scratch and do it right. If you’re in the area, it’s well worth checking out. Local businesses like this are part of what makes the Bay of Plenty great.
I’ve heard from a number of local residents about safety concerns when crossing Golf Road
Particularly between Fairway Avenue and Ranch Road in Mount Maunganui.
Many families cross this stretch of road each day to and from Omanu School, Omanu Preschool, and Gwen Rogers Kindergarten. With increasing traffic and limited safe crossing points, it’s become a real safety issue for children and parents alike.
After following up with Tauranga City Council, I can confirm that a pedestrian refuge has been approved for the site and added to their delivery pipeline. Unfortunately, the earliest delivery timeframe is likely to be two to three years away, which is disappointing given the risks and how busy this area has become.
I’ve asked Council to keep me updated if funding or priorities change so the project can be brought forward, and to look at short-term safety improvements such as clearer signage and refreshed markings.
I’ll keep pushing for action and will continue working with Council on this.
Spotted my face out and about yet?
Let know what you think of the billboards popping up around the electorate.
Tom’s Events
Next SuperBlues - 8 December
This Week in New Zealand History
New Zealand officially becomes British colony- November 1840
Map of New Zealand about 1852 (Alexander Turnbull Library, MapColl 830a/[ca.1852]/Acc.296)
New Zealand officially became a separate colony within the British Empire, severing its link to New South Wales. North, South and Stewart islands were to be known respectively as the provinces of New Ulster, New Munster and New Leinster.
William Hobson had been appointed Britain’s consul to New Zealand in 1839. He was instructed to obtain sovereignty over all or part of New Zealand with the consent of ‘a sufficient number’ of chiefs. New Zealand would then come under the authority of George Gipps, the governor of New South Wales; Hobson would become Gipps’ lieutenant-governor.
On 21 May 1840 Hobson proclaimed British sovereignty over all of New Zealand – over the North Island on the basis of cession through the Treaty of Waitangi, and over the southern islands by ‘right of discovery’. Signatures to the Treaty were still being sought. Hobson may have wanted to declare the Crown’s authority over the whole country because he had learned that the New Zealand Company had plans to set up its own administration around Cook Strait.
Shortly before Hobson left Sydney in January 1840, Gipps had issued a proclamation extending the boundaries of New South Wales to include such territory in New Zealand as might be acquired in sovereignty. The Legislative Council of New South Wales passed an Act extending to New Zealand the laws of New South Wales on 16 June 1840 and established customs duties and courts of justice here.
This Week in Parliament - Briefly
New school lunch programme serves communities and taxpayers
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced that from Term 1 2026 the new school lunch programme will deliver affordable, nutritious lunches, on time to contributing primary schools every day.
Fast-track approval for Drury Metro Centre
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the Fast-track approval of a major metropolitan development project in Auckland.
Momentum builds in India-NZ partnership
The first official visit by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and an Indian trade delegation has accelerated trade talks and deepened business ties, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.
Rural Support Trust funding boost to further help storm-hit southerners
The Government has announced further funding to help farmers and growers recover from significant storm damage in Southland, and the Clutha and Hurunui districts, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say.
National Day of Reflection for survivors of abuse & neglect in care
The Government’s marking one year on from the public apology to survivors of abuse and neglect in care by acknowledging and remembering those who suffered while in the care of the State or faith-based institutions.
Traffic congestion-busting Bill passes third reading
The Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament, marking a major step forward in tackling congestion and improving travel times on New Zealand’s busiest roads, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
Damning IPCA report prompts oversight move
The Government is taking steps to establish the strongest possible oversight of the New Zealand Police following a damning report into the Police handling of complaints against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
Ensuring students get a world-leading education
The Government’s ensuring schools have a sharpened focus on lifting student achievement and attendance, education workforce governance is fit-for-purpose, and freedom of expression is upheld in universities, with the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2) passing its third reading in Parliament.
Attendance management plans required by law
Associate Education Minister David Seymour is welcoming the passing of the Education Training Amendment Bill (No 2) at third reading. The Bill makes attendance management plans mandatory from Term 1 next year.
Fairer, fit-for-purpose Arms Act to improve public safety
Cabinet has agreed to repeal and replace the Arms Act 1983 with a new law that’s fairer, fit for purpose, and improves the safety of New Zealanders, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced.
Government cracks down on drug drivers
Drivers under the influence of drugs will soon face tougher enforcement on New Zealand roads, with the Government confirming which drugs will be screened under the new oral-fluid roadside testing regime, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
Enhancing Defence’s cyber security
Defence Minister Judith Collins announced a $53 million investment to ensure the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) can continue to defend itself against cyber threats at home or when deployed.
Medicines Amendment Bill passes third reading
Associate Health Minister David Seymour is welcoming the passing of the Medicines Amendment Bill at third reading. The Bill enables the ‘Rule of Two’, allowing medicines to be approved within 30 days if the product has approval from two recognised overseas jurisdictions.
Costco announcement great news for shoppers
News that US supermarket giant Costco is planning to open a second New Zealand store in South Auckland is great news for Kiwi shoppers, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says.
First cancer medicine available in private hospitals
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour, and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s decision to fund access to five treatments, including for breast and lung cancer, from 1 December 2025.
Easier and cheaper prescriptions for Kiwis
From 1 February 2026, New Zealanders will be able to receive 12-month prescriptions for their medicines, delivering savings and greater convenience for people on long-term treatments, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister David Seymour say.
More people to get faster access to support
Hundreds of extra young people, mums, and families across New Zealand will now get faster access to mental health support, following a boost of funding for multiple community organisations, says Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey.
Daily Term 3 attendance data shows where improvements needed
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says a promising term of attendance was blown in the disrupted last week of the term, where strike action took precedence over learning.
First sod turned on Hawke’s Bay Expressway
Construction has begun on the State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway – one of the first new Roads of National Significance to reach the main works stage, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
Modernising road funding
The Government has introduced the Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill to Parliament, taking the next step towards a fairer, simpler, and more modern transport funding system.
Government accepts banking recommendations
The Government has accepted or partially accepted all the recommendations made by the Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into banking competition.
New IP rules to boost research commercialisation
A new national intellectual property (IP) policy will give New Zealand researchers more control over their inventions and greater opportunities to turn world-class ideas into commercial success, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti announced.
Aussies lead the way in tourism growth
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed official stats out today showing continued growth in New Zealand’s overseas visitor numbers, with Australian tourists continuing to lead the way.
Households getting more help with ECE costs
Thousands more households are now receiving FamilyBoost payments of $150 a fortnight or more thanks to the expansion of the scheme, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
New declaration strengthens bond with Niue
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi met in Auckland today to agree a foundational Political Declaration, encapsulating the partnership between the two countries.
Get in Touch
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505