It was so exciting to turn the sod, to mark the start of construction of four-laning the Hawke's Bay Expressway! It was great to stand alongside local leaders, Iwi, Contractors and NZTA to mark this significant milestone with our Transport Minister, Chris Bishop.
This road has been talked about for a long time but now our government is delivering this $600 million project. It opens up a pipeline of work and will create jobs and opportunities.
Many people have been looking forward to less congestion and a more efficient, resilient road between Hastings and Napier.
This project is the first to begin as part of our Government's Roads of National Significance plan.
We're making sure that regional New Zealand, including Hawke's Bay, stays well-connected and economically thriving by building essential infrastructure.
OUT AND ABOUT
Hawke's Bay Business Awards
Such a special night to see the Hōhepa team win the supreme award at the Hawke’s Bay Business Awards.
Hōhepa is positively making a big difference every day, where people with intellectual disabilities across all ages are supported and encouraged to live life to the fullest.
Cameron Taylor was also recognised as the business leader of the year after he led the Taylor Corporation, a family-owned apple growing, packing, and exporting company, through an incredible recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists.
We have so many great businesses in our region and I was proud to celebrate their success.
Well done to the Chamber for organising another stellar event.
Turning the Sod for the Hawke's Bay Expressway
Turning the sod to mark the start of construction on four laning the Hawke’s Bay Expressway with our amazing Minister for Transport Chris Bishop.
This is the first Road of National Significance to start - it is a $600 million project which will create hundreds of jobs during its construction, will bolster regional resilience, and will boost productivity across many different industries.
The Hawke's Bay Expressway is a crucial patch of highway for our region, as it’s a lifeline route linking people to the hospital and airport, and a key part of the national freight corridor connecting central North Island with Napier Port.
That's why we're future proofing - Hawke’s Bay is expected to be home to more than 200,000 people by the year 2048, so we're making sure this essential section of roading will be able to handle future population growth.
Our Government is committed to building resilient roads and infrastructure to drive more productivity and strengthen our economy across New Zealand.
Toitū Te Reo
Wonderful to celebrate Te Reo Māori in the heart of Heretaunga Hastings at Toitū Te Reo.
Toitū Te Reo is one of the largest and most vibrant Te Reo Māori celebrations in the country.
We saw thousands flocking to the streets of Hastings to embrace Te Reo Māori culture and language.
Well done to Jeremy and the team for another wonderful event, putting Hastings on the map!
Nourished for Nil
Always love visiting Christina and the team at Nourished for Nil who have a whole lot of new shelving, thanks to the waste minimisation levy and changes our Government made to make it more flexible.
This means Nourished for Nil can rescue more food and support families in our community.
Also loved visiting their Social Supermarket in Hastings.
Thanks to the incredible team of volunteers at Nourished for Nil for the work they do every day.
Visit to Whanganui
I was hosted by Carl Bates in Whanganui recently.
We had the opportunity to head out on the new Coastguard Boat and appreciate all the work our Coastguards do every day saving lives and keeping us safe. Our government has committed over $20 Million to our Coastguards this year, to support the important work they do.
Proud to Acknowledge My Grandfathers Work
It was also very special to visit the Whanganui Sports Centre as my grandfather, Bill Tolhurst was the driving force behind getting this built. He was the MP for Whanganui from 1969-72 and it was great to appreciate his commitment to building infrastructure for generations to enjoy.
B416 Petition
It was an emotional moment to receive a petition with 45,000 signatures from across NZ supporting a social media ban for Under 16s.
I stood alongside our Education Minister, colleagues, parents, young people, educators, health professionals and a mother who had lost her 13-year-old daughter to suicide after she faced serious cyberbullying.
The signatures presented by the B416 group represent a powerful message and movement for change to protect a generation of kids from online harm.
I’m proud to be standing up for this change and that our Government is taking a lead on this very important issue.
Thank you B416 for your advocacy and for bringing this important petition to the steps of parliament.
We are taking a stand to protect a generation of our kids - the future of our country.
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Cellphone Ban In Schools Working
New research from the Education Review Office shows our Government’s decision to ban cell phones in schools is working and is delivering better student outcomes.
We are relentlessly focused on raising student achievement and closing the equity gap at school.
That’s why we removed cell phones from classrooms, so our young people could focus more on their learning.
This new research confirms our bold move hasn’t just done that, it’s also improved student behaviour and reduced bullying.
80 per cent of teachers say removing phones from the classroom has improved students’ ability to focus on work.
They say its improved student achievement and behaviour and reduced bullying in schools.
These results are clear evidence that removing the distraction of cell phone use has a positive impact on student achievement and wellbeing.
Households Getting Financial Backing Through FamilyBoost
Thousands more households are now receiving FamilyBoost payments of $150 a fortnight or more thanks to the expansion of the scheme.
Over 78,000 different households have now received FamilyBoost payments, which is great news for young families across New Zealand.
Check your household's eligibility today by clicking this link: FamilyBoost
Costco to Open Second Store
News that US supermarket giant Costco is planning to open a second New Zealand store in South Auckland is great news for Kiwi shoppers.
This announcement follows the Government's recent introduction of legislation creating a consenting express lane so that new supermarkets can be approved and built more quickly.
For shoppers across the country, more supermarket competition means more choices and cheaper groceries.
Government Cracking Down on Drug Driving
The Government has announced new measures for drug drivers. The new oral-fluid roadside testing regime will screen for four key drugs - THC (cannabis), methamphetamine (meth), MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine.
The rollout will begin in December in the Wellington District and scale up from April 2026, with nationwide coverage expected by mid-2026.
We're dedicated to keeping our communities safer.
38,000 Fewer Victims As Gang Laws Mark One Year
The Government is tracking well ahead of its violent crime reduction target as it marks one year since the tough gang laws came into effect.
The latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 147,000 victims of serious violent crime in the 12 months to August. That’s 38,000 fewer victims than when we came into government, and 9,000 fewer than our last update.
We announced nine targets in March last year, which included 20,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime by 2029, equating to 165,000 victims. We are tracking well ahead of that, although, we know there is still more work to do.
Our tough gangs laws which came into effect a year ago, as committed to in the National, Act and NZ First coalition agreements, have contributed to that reduction and restoration of law and order. This Government is committed to ensuring criminals face real consequences for their actions, and prioritising victims.
One year ago, gangs were confronted with a new harsh reality - one where they can no longer behave as if they’re above the law by taking over our streets, intimidating the public, and making a mockery of our criminal justice system.
This is tough legislation. That is the point. Gang members make up less than one quarter of one percent of the New Zealand adult population, yet are linked to about 18 per cent of serious violent crime. We make no apologies for getting tough on law and order.
More People to Get Faster Mental Health Support
Five grassroots community organisations have received funding to ensure young people and families can access the support they need.
These initiatives will strengthen support for young people and expand maternal mental health services. They include:
- Ensure more children have someone to talk to. Barnardos will strengthen the 0800 What’s Up helpline, providing free, immediate support to more children and reducing wait times.
- Help young people stay safe online. 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.
- Build confidence and life skills. The Graeme Dingle Foundation will expand Project K, a strengths-based youth programme combining outdoor adventure, mentoring, and mental health support, helping 36 more young people across Waikato, Western Bay of Plenty, and Christchurch.
- Support young mothers. Ki Tua o Matariki will run 24 peer support groups for expectant mothers aged 15–25 in Auckland, helping at least 100 mothers connect, share experiences, and support their mental health.
- Reach families early. Whānau Āwhina Plunket will launch a new online maternal mental health service in Waikato, providing personalised care plans for up to 375 parents of children aged 0–5 years.
When someone takes the brave step of reaching out, whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, we’re committed to ensuring the right support is always there to answer that call.
In the Media