Too young to be an MP?
It’s a statement I heard quite a bit when I first became an MP.
Here’s my reply: Facebook
NZ stands with Australia and Jewish communities following Bondi attack
New Zealand stands in solidarity with Australians and condemns the fatal terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration gathering in Bondi. This type of cowardly terror attack has no place in society. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and all those affected in Australia.
The New Zealand Government has had an immediate response to ensure our Jewish community feel safe and supported. We have increased visible police patrols around synagogues and Jewish centres, and we are providing additional security measures where needed. No one should ever feel unsafe because of their faith or identity.Antisemitism has no place in New Zealand. We will call it out and take action to protect our Jewish community wherever it may appear.
We want to acknowledge the leadership and courage shown by our faith leaders from our Jewish and Muslim communities who came together at Government House on 22 July to sign the Harmony Accord. This Accord condemns growing antisemitism and Islamophobia globally and sets out a clear pathway for us as a country to unite and uphold tolerance and respect. This is the right way to do things.
We are united in protecting all communities and ensuring New Zealand remains a safe, inclusive home for everyone.
Time to check your passport expiry date
New Zealanders are urged to check their passport expiry dates this summer, with a massive surge in applications expected next year. In November 2015 the validity of passports changed from 5 to 10 years, meaning those who renewed their passport in 2015, and 2016 will be fast approaching their expiry. The Department of Internal Affairs is forecasting a surge in applications due to the anniversary of the ten-year passports. I encourage you all to ensure yours is up to date before you will need it.
The Department anticipates:
- Over 1.3 million passports expire in the next two years
- In 2026: around 622,000 applications are expected
- 2027: 759,000 passports set to expire.
So, if your passport needs renewing soon, so will 622,000 others. New Zealanders rightly expect excellent service, and I'm proud that our passport team has delivered exactly that. Through their efforts and operational improvements, we've dramatically reduced passport processing times from 25 days in 2023 to just 3 days - and that's for all passport applications, not just urgent ones.
Kiwi farmers, growers, and primary producers continue to help New Zealand’s economic recovery, with food and fibre exports expected to reach a record $62 billion next year.
On the steps of Parliament.
I joined colleagues and members of the Wellington Jewish community on the Parliament forecourt for a Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony.
It was a particularly poignant gathering following the tragic events in Bondi, standing in solidarity with Jewish communities and all those affected by this appalling act of terror.
Moments like this remind us of the importance of standing together against hatred and upholding peace, safety, and respect for one another.
Back in Paradise!
It was a big week in Parliament, so it was great to be back home and enjoying some beach time with my favourite girls. We really do live in paradise!
Nothing beats a Sunday snag from Bunnings Mount Maunganui, especially when it’s supporting the Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club.
More than 400 households from seven Tauranga streets have been asked to come up with thousands of dollars within weeks if they want to keep their streets sealed with asphalt.
Pāpāmoa’s Montego Drive, Santa Barbara Drive, Santa Monica Drive, Sovereign Drive, The Gardens Drive and Checketts Place, and Mount Maunganui street Denny Hulme Drive, are scheduled for Tauranga City Council (TCC) roadworks in January.
The asphalt, or hotmix, streets are set to be resurfaced with cheaper chipseal under the council’s 14-year-old “fit-for-purpose” policy for low-volume streets.
After criticism, the council last month agreed to let ratepayers self-fund the price difference to have their streets resealed with asphalt.
It has sent letters to 435 impacted property owners in the 2025/26 resealing programme about this option.
Bay of Plenty Times story link: Pāpāmoa streets face $2000–$7000 bill to keep asphalt over chipseal - NZ Herald
Happy 65th Birthday to my mum, Sharon!
So grateful for everything you do and the support you’ve always given me.
Heartbreaking news out of Welcome Bay just days before Christmas
A local family has lost their home in a fire. A Givealittle page has been set up to help with clothing and basic essentials. Any support, big or small, makes a difference.
A huge thank you to our firefighters and first responders who were on the scene.
Donate here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/fire-aid
These really are “gold” for New Zealand’s economy.
Food and fibre exports are set to reach a record $62 billion next year. All the growers and farmers in the Bay of Plenty are a huge part of it - giving a big boost to our economy.
Welcome Bay "Drop-in Clinics" 2026
SuperBlues 2026
Papamoa Community Markets - 2026
Christmas Office Hours
This Week in New Zealand History
Queen Elizabeth II arrives for royal tour
December 1953
The royal couple at Ellerslie racecourse, Boxing Day, 1953 (Archives New Zealand, AAQT 6538/1)
For the New Zealanders who experienced it, the visit of the young Queen and her dashing husband, Prince Philip, in the summer of 1953–4 was a never-to-be forgotten event.
Thousands greeted the first reigning monarch to visit this country in Auckland’s aptly named Queen St. In scenes reminiscent of a modern-day rock concert, hundreds of people had camped overnight to secure a good spot for the occasion.
The Queen visited 46 towns and cities and attended 110 functions during her stay. It was said that three out of every four New Zealanders saw her.
The country was gripped with patriotic fervour; sheep were even dyed red, white and blue. It was hard to spot a car that did not sport a Union Jack, or a building in the main cities that was not covered in bunting and flowers during the day or electric lights at night.
Sadly, the Queen’s triumphant arrival was swiftly followed by one of New Zealand’s darkest moments, when disaster struck at Tangiwai on the following night, Christmas Eve
The Week in Parliament - Briefly
Minimum wage increase balances business and worker needs
The adult minimum wage rate will increase by 2 per cent to $23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced.
Government boosts Kiwi space ventures
Space Minister Judith Collins launched a $1.8 million pilot programme through which Kiwi space companies can develop their technologies, that could ultimately form part of a future national space mission.
New methane target set in Parliament
The Government has passed changes setting a new sensible biogenic methane target, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts say.
Overseas investment reform enables more jobs and growth
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour is welcoming the passing of the Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Act. The changes mean most overseas investment decisions must be made in 15 working days and New Zealand businesses will have more opportunities to receive new investment, grow and pay higher wages.
New ship cleaning technology ready for summer
New in-water cleaning technology to help commercial vessels meet New Zealand’s biofouling requirements and protect our marine environment will be in use in Auckland this summer, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
Report shows overwhelming support for ECE food programme
Associate Education Minister welcomes the Ministry of Education’s ECE Food Programme Kōhanga Reo Survey Report. The report shows overwhelming support for the service provided by KidsCan in delivering taxpayer funded meals for up to 10,000 ECE children who need them
Government concludes contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government has officially shut down contracted emergency housing in Rotorua, marking the end of a system that failed the city and its community, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says
Roadside drug testing starts
Drug-impaired drivers should expect consequences, with roadside drug testing starting in the Wellington District before rolling out across the country, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
Food and fibre exports set to reach record $62 billion
Kiwi farmers, growers, and primary producers are driving New Zealand’s economy with food and fibre exports set to reach a record $62 billion next year, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has announced.
NZ helps strengthen Pacific aviation security
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced New Zealand will invest an additional $13.3 million, over five years, to strengthen aviation security in the Pacific region
Public service digital transformation accelerates
The Government is taking the next step in its plan to modernise and streamline digital services for New Zealanders by simplifying and coordinating the delivery of IT systems, Digitising Government and Public Service Minister Judith Collins says.
New ministry to deliver better housing, transport, and environmental outcomes
The Government has confirmed the establishment of a new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), to support the Government’s ambitious reform agenda in housing, transport, urban development and the environment.
Changes ensure continued access to transport subsidy for disability community
The Government will make changes to ensure the continued viability of a scheme that helps people travel when they cannot access public transport on their own, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston announced.
HYEFU 2025: Economic and fiscal repair job continues
The Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update confirms that continued fiscal discipline is required to restore the books to surplus and bend the debt curve down, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Health targets: Patients getting improved care
Kiwis are receiving faster access to healthcare, with the latest quarterly results showing year-on-year improvements across all health targets despite a busy and challenging winter, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Earthquake-prone buildings Bill passes first reading
Legislation that will bring significant financial relief to many building owners by refocusing the earthquake-prone building system has passed its first reading in Parliament.
Electoral reforms pass final reading
The Government has passed legislation which helps ensure future elections are timely and efficient, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Historic agreement for Top of South Island land
The ownership of approximately 7,583 acres (3,068 hectares) of Top of the South land will be restored to descendants of its original owners following a long-standing private litigation, Attorney General Judith Collins and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced
New Deputy Commissioner of Police appointed
Police Minister Mark Mitchell has announced the appointment of Michael Pannett MNZM as a statutory Deputy Commissioner of Police.
Easing of bank capital requirements welcomed
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the Reserve Bank’s decision to ease Bank capital requirements.
Crown delivers for Ngāpuhi
The Crown’s relationship with Ngāpuhi has taken a significant step forward with legislation which returns the historic Kororipo Pā passing in Parliament, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka say.
Removing barriers to hydrogen sector growth
The Government has agreed to make changes to the health and safety regulations for the hydrogen sector, ensuring they are fit for purpose and support growth, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden say.
Aged Care Advisory Group appointed
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello has announced appointments to the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group, to provide expert advice on long-term reform of the aged care system
Road cone hotline to close as pilot hits objectives
The road cone digital hotline pilot is wrapping up ahead of schedule, after six months of valuable data collection and relationship building with road controlling authorities.
Earlier monetisation of Chorus debt to the Crown
The Government has decided to progress with the monetisation of the debt it holds in telecommunications lines company Chorus.
Vet network will strengthen animal health response capability
A new biosecurity veterinary network will strengthen New Zealand’s ability to respond to a significant animal disease outbreak such as foot and mouth disease, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
Area School Principals’ Vote to Accept Settlement
Education Minister Erica Stanford welcomes the successful conclusion of pay negotiations to renew the Area School Principals’ Collective Agreement.
The Santa hat may be blue however the message is the same.
As the year winds down, I’ve really appreciated the chance to get out and about across our community — meeting many of you at local markets, coffee catchups, and various community events. Being born and raised in the Bay of Plenty, I know just how special this place is — from the diversity of our small businesses to the strength of our local organisations and volunteers.
I especially want to thank everyone who took the time to stop and say hello, share feedback, or raise concerns — your input helps me represent you better in Parliament. I am so grateful for your support and engagement I have received locally this year, and you have my ongoing commitment to serve our community as your MP in 2026
From my family to yours, I wish you a wonderful Christmas and all the very best for a safe and Happy New Year.
A BIG thank you message to you: Facebook
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
"I'm always happy to help where I can. If you have an issue, you think we could help with, please get in touch. If you have a business and would like me to visit, please let me know as I'm keen to know and learn more".
If you live locally and would like to meet, please get in touch, my team and I are here to help.
I hope you have a great Christmas and New Year celebration with family and friends. I look forward to seeing you in 2026!
Thanks,
Tom.
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