Welcome to my December Newsletter
As we mark two years of National in Government, it’s a good time to reflect on what we’ve achieved together and where we’re heading.
Over the past two years, our focus has been on fixing the basics and building for the future, turning around record inflation, restoring discipline to government spending, cracking down on crime, lifting student achievement, and investing in health and infrastructure. These changes are making a difference, and the conversations I’ve had with families, businesses, and communities across the country have been mainly positive. The pace may not always match expectations, but the direction is clear: real positive change is happening.
Inflation is now less than half of what it was under Labour, and interest rates have been cut nine times. Families refixing an average mortgage today are saving around $10,000 a year compared with late 2023. This reflects our Government’s strong commitment to easing the cost of living for all New Zealanders.
Violent crime victims are down by 38,000, youth offending has dropped 16%, and ram raids have fallen by 85%. Student achievement is improving, with more children meeting and exceeding expectations thanks to a renewed focus on the basics. We’re hiring more doctors and nurses (2000 additional nurses since coming into office), delivering more surgeries, and upgrading hospitals nationwide. And we’re investing in the future with $7 billion worth of infrastructure projects underway before Christmas, including new roads, schools, hospitals, and homes.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’ll keep delivering the big reforms where needed. That means fast-tracking infrastructure, housing, and energy projects to create jobs and lift incomes, introducing new earthquake rules to revitalise towns and cities, reforming the electricity sector for more affordable and abundant energy, and abolishing the RMA, which is coming to Parliament in this week.
Fixing the basics now is building a brighter future for the next generation. I’m excited for what’s ahead and committed to continuing the hard work for our communities across our beautiful region and country.
Recent Key Announcements:
National marks two years of fixing the basics: National marks its second anniversary in Government and is proudly looking back on two years of hard work fixing the basics in the economy, law and order, education, health and infrastructure. (National PR)
National to lift Kiwisaver Contributions: A National Government elected next year will ensure Kiwis are more financially secure in retirement by gradually increasing KiwiSaver contributions to match Australia’s 12 per cent rate. (National PR)
Focus on basics delivers groundbreaking maths results: New data from a nationwide maths acceleration trial for Year 7 and 8 students who needed extra support, shows students made, on average, a year to two years of progress in just 12 weeks in developing fundamental maths skills. (Beehive PR)
Simpler, more cost-effective local government: The Government has announced proposals that would fundamentally simplify how we plan our cities and regions and make it far easier to build the future New Zealanders deserve. (Beehive PR)
Positive Reserve Bank outlook heartening: The bank is forecasting falling inflation and rising growth. Its forecasts support the widespread consensus that the economy is strengthening. (Beehive PR)
Building reforms deliver consumer protections: The Government has unveiled safeguarding measures to ensure building owners are protected under a more productive and ambitious building consent system (Beehive PR)
International tourism numbers continue to rise: International visitors are spending more and arriving in greater numbers, driving growth in New Zealand’s tourism sector and economy (Beehive PR)
Making New Zealand a better place for young Kiwis: The Government is reinforcing its commitment to make New Zealand a better place for young Kiwis to grow up in and thrive (Beehive PR)
Frontline decision-making key to Health New Zealand’s future: New Letter of Expectations sent to Health New Zealand Board, setting out the Government’s priorities for the rest of this financial year and into 2025/26 (Beehive PR)
$60 billion industry protected with biosecurity improvements: Changes to New Zealand’s biosecurity laws will strengthen protections against invasive pests and diseases while protecting and promoting economic growth (Beehive PR)
Next steps confirmed for SH6 Epitaph Slip site: Roading resilience projects in the South Island to ensure local communities, freight, and tourism operators can continue to get where they need to go (Beehive PR)
Global-first new Civil Aviation rule to slash red tape: A global-first advanced aviation rule will slash red-tape and enable innovators to quickly bring new ideas to market (Beehive PR)
Open Banking goes live for Kiwi customers: Open banking is live, opening the door to faster loan approvals, easier bill management, and personalised budgeting insights (Beehive PR)
RFI launched for future road user charges system: The Government is making progress on transitioning New Zealand’s 3.6 million light petrol vehicles to road user charges (RUC), today launching a Request for Information (RFI) on paying for RUC electronically (Beehive PR)
Digital trial to boost supermarket competition: The Government is acting to reduce onerous food labelling requirements on new supermarkets seeking to enter the New Zealand grocery market (Beehive PR)
Youth targeted by Social Investment Fund: Children with parents in prison are among those who will benefit from early intervention through seven new projects funded by the Social Investment Fund (Beehive PR)
If you are interested here is a link to read the PR Releases relating to my Ministerial portfolios.
Upcoming events:
1-6 Dec Scrutiny Week, Wellington
4 Dec Young Enterprise Scheme Awards, Wellington
6 Dec Ashburton Santa Parade
7 Dec Timaru Santa Parade
8 Dec Opening of Methven Central Carehome and Retirement Village
14 Dec Free Ground & Unmarked Graves Memorial Unveiling, Timaru Cemetery
14 Dec Alexandra Lifeboat Shed Opening, Caroline Bay Timaru
24 Dec Community Christmas Lunch set up, Timaru
25 Dec–8 Jan Parliamentary Services Shut Down Period
26 Dec–11 Jan Caroline Bay Carnival, Timaru
20-21 Jan Caucus Retreat, Christchurch
Visit the following sites for more information on events happening in our region:
Highlights:
I was fortunate to visit the spectacular Fiordland region recently and see firsthand the important work being done by the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation. Consultation on the first proposed Herds of Special Interest Herd Management Plans, which includes Wapiti in Fiordland National Park, closed this week. Herd Management Plans shape a future where hunting and conservation go hand in hand. You can view the draft plans at www.doc.govt.nz/sika-hosi-consultation and www.doc.govt.nz/wapiti-hosi-consultation with final management plans confirmed in the new year.
After Fiordland, I travelled to Stewart Island for the first time and experienced this magical part of the country. While there, I joined the DOC team and the Rakiura Hunter Camp Trust to help tidy the camp at Hapuatuna Hunter’s Hut, one of 18 huts built and managed by the Trust. This partnership between hunters and DOC is a great example of collaboration to maintain and protect our outdoor spaces.
(Photo: Selfie in beautiful Stewart Island)
I was delighted to meet Roncalli College students Alexis and Krishna as they pitched their company, Neoma, at the Young Enterprise Trust event. Their innovative activewear product is designed to relieve pain and discomfort for women, a fantastic example of creativity and problem-solving in action. They represented their school and South Canterbury exceptionally well, and it was great to see them at the YES Awards in Wellington. I’m incredibly proud of the team and confident they have a bright future ahead. Initiatives like this show the talent and ambition of our young people, and it’s inspiring to see them turning great ideas into real opportunities.
(Photo: With Roncalli College students Alexis and Krishna, at YES in Wellington)
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Sika Show at Mystery Creek, New Zealand’s largest hunting and outdoor trade event. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country, all passionate about the future of our game animal management and conservation efforts. The energy and commitment at the Sika Show were inspiring. Events like this highlight the strength of our hunting community and the important role hunters play in conservation. While there, alongside Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, we announced the release of draft herd management plans for Sika and Wapiti deer, a significant step forward in hunter-led conservation in New Zealand. These plans are about ensuring sustainable game animal management while protecting the environment for future generations.
(Photo: With PM, Hon Chris Luxon and Methven local Willie Duley (NZ Hunter) at the Sika Show, Mystery Creek)
Established in January 2024, the Food Rescue Aoraki mission is simple but powerful: to combat hunger and reduce food waste in the Mid-South Canterbury region by rescuing surplus food that would otherwise go to landfill and redistributing it to those in need. Helen and her small team, plus volunteers, do an incredible job and are always looking for businesses keen to partner with them. I had the privilege of visiting their current site and chatting with them for an update on their upcoming move, they’ll soon be shifting to their new premises in Redruth. This community-led organisation is reducing waste, supporting families, and making a real difference across Mid and South Canterbury!
(Photo: With Christine, Helen, Liz, and Karen from Food Rescue Aoraki)
I recently stopped by Arofa Café in Ashburton for a quick coffee fix. The café operates out of Flashbacks on Mondays and Tuesdays and is doing incredible work in our community. They’re brewing more than coffee, opportunities are on the menu too. Arofa provides employment for neurodiverse and disadvantaged youth who might otherwise struggle in traditional workplaces, and the results so far have been fantastic. It also offers a supportive environment for early intervention for families with neurodiverse children. This is a wonderful local initiative that combines great coffee with a great cause.
(Photo: With the brilliant Arofa Café team in Ashburton)
Finally, thank you for making this a year one I won’t forget. At times it’s been hectic, but I’ve enjoyed travelling around our beautiful electorate and country to meet as many people and communities as I can, and to support as many local events as possible. It has been an honour and privilege to serve as a Minister this year, and I’m especially proud to be the first Minister for the South Island, and the second Minister for Hunting and Fishing, alongside my roles as Minister for Youth, and Associate Minister of Transport.
My truck and frequent flyer account certainty clocked up some kms. If I didn’t manage to get to your event, business, or organisation and you’d like to arrange a visit, please reach out to my staff in the Mid or South Canterbury offices to make an appointment. There’ll be no January newsletter, and our summer office hours are below. I hope you enjoy a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.
Recent interviews:
Contact the team:
Any issues or feedback to do with my portfolio areas, contact my ministerial team at j.meager@ministers.govt.nz
If you need help with a local electorate issue (Mid Canterbury or South Canterbury) contact my electorate offices at james.meagerMP@parliament.govt.nz
Call: South Canterbury 03 683 2009 or Mid Canterbury 03 307 1729.
Drop in: Monday to Friday 9am - 3pm.
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