An update from the East Coast - November 2025

HONOURED TO PUT MY HAND UP AGAIN

I’m proud to have been confirmed as the National Party candidate for the new East Cape electorate in the 2026 General Election.

Since entering Parliament in 2023, it’s been a privilege to represent Te Tairāwhiti through to Te Kaha, Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne, Maketū, Tāneatua, Murupara and Kawerau. My focus remains clear: keeping our region front and centre and ensuring our voices are heard.

Over the past two years, I’ve worked hard on priorities like cyclone recovery, better roads, stronger health services, and more housing. Looking ahead, I’ll keep pushing for progress in education, housing, health, law and order, and economic growth.

Thank you for your incredible support—I’m excited for what we can achieve together.

Dana Kirkpatrick
National Party MP for East Coast

Gisborne Show with colleagues Mike Butterick, Grant McCallum, Catherine Wedd and the boys from Dickie Direct.

BETTER CONNECTIVITY IN EASTERN BOP

I’m delighted to share great news for our region—two new telecommunication towers in Ruātāhuna and Edgecumbe are now live, thanks to the Government’s Rural Connectivity Programme.

These towers are a game-changer for Eastern Bay communities. They provide reliable mobile coverage, emergency 111 access, and faster data speeds—improving safety, education, and economic opportunities.

For Ruātāhuna, voice coverage means families and motorists can stay connected and access emergency services without fear of isolation. For Edgecumbe, improved data speeds will support businesses, remote workers, and students who rely on fast internet to thrive.

This investment strengthens resilience during natural disasters and ensures rural communities are not left behind. A huge thank you to the Rural Connectivity Group, Whakatāne District Council, and all partners who made this possible.

$5m EXPANSION FOR COASTAL SHIPPING

It was wonderful to host Associate Minister of Transport Hon James Meager in Gisborne last week to announce the Government's $5m investment into container capability at Eastland Port.

Being the first cab off the rank for Coastal Shipping Resilience Funding signals a strong vote of confidence from the Government in the East Coast’s future.

I’m extremely proud of the Government’s commitment to providing our regions with the support needed to drive economic growth, create cross-sector opportunities, and strengthen regional resilience.

This $5 million investment into Eastland Port secures the infrastructure required to diversify operations and expand logging, value added timber processing, agriculture, horticulture, employment, and economic opportunities through one of Gisborne’s most critical coastal corridors.

Hon James Meager, Port CEO Andrew Gaddum, myself and Port GM Marty Bayley.

REGIONAL COUNCIL REFORM INFO ONLINE

The other major announcement this week is the shift in how regional councils will be made up post the changes to the Resource Management Act. Much conversation about this over the weekend, and not much negative feedback. Consultation is open in this matter until 20 February and so it is important you have a say. You can view the discussion documents and info at.....

Simplifying Local Government - dia.govt.nz

Other big announcements from the past week - check out the Beehive website for the media releases. www.beehive.co.nz

Economic Growth – Driving Opportunities

Interest Rate Relief – The Reserve Bank has reduced the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points, marking the ninth cut since rates peaked at 5.5% in 2024.
Opening Up the Grocery Market – A digital trial is underway to ease food labelling requirements for new supermarkets, helping create more competition and choice for consumers.
Closing Pay Gaps – New Zealand’s first business-backed Gender Pay Gap Toolkit has been expanded to include gender-ethnicity and gender-disability calculations, plus resources for SMEs and guidance for young women on discussing pay confidently.
Planning Reform for Growth – Proposed changes aim to streamline planning with fewer consent categories and reduced council involvement. Consultation on these proposals is open until Friday 20 February 2026 via the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Health – Strengthening Care and Support

Growing the Workforce – Over the past year, the frontline Health NZ workforce has grown by around 10%, strengthening care across the country.
Innovating Mental Health Support – Targeted Government funding is driving the development of an AI-powered mental health navigation platform to improve access and support.
Smarter Systems– The introduction of digitised systems will ensure your medical history stays within your records, reducing the need to repeat details when visiting GPs, hospitals, or specialists.

Justice: Upholding Zero Tolerance for Crime

The Government is extremely proud to have created pathways to ensure -

38,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime reported since coming into Government
Stalking becomes a criminal offence, punishable by up to five years in prison.
Stronger protections against foreign interference with new legislation passed in Parliament.
Reduced red tape for banks in relation to Anti–Money Laundering (AML) and information requirements. Increases protection against fraud and scams in New Zealand and reduces barriers for simple banking needs.
Simplifying financial transactions with the first now passed in Parliament.

Education: More Gains Across the Board

Accelerating Maths Achievement – A 12-week trial for Year 7–8 students behind in maths delivered groundbreaking results and will expand to 13,000 more students next year.
Better Focus in Classrooms – Education Review Office reports show the Government’s cell phone ban in schools is working, improving student outcomes.
Building Skills for Growth – Investment in a Level 4 NZ Certificate in Business Events to strengthen the workforce for New Zealand’s growing business events sector.

Housing: Smarter Investment for Growth

New Housing Investment Plan – The Government is backing major shifts to a data-driven, needs-based approach for housing investment.
Infrastructure Reforms – Introducing a suite of changes to improve how infrastructure is funded and financed, supporting housing and urban growth.

$50 million for early intervention – The first round of Social Investment Funding will support programmes for children with parents in prison, from newborns through to 18-year-olds.

Defence: Strengthening Resilience

Modernising Defence Force Infrastructure – Upgrades are underway to strengthen military resilience and create new building and construction jobs across the sector.

Call in and see us at either of our offices

Whakatane - 73 The Strand.

Gisborne - 60 Ballance St.