December has been a lively and uplifting month across Napier and Wairoa, with festive celebrations, end-of-year events, prizegiving's, and graduations bringing communities together. A special highlight was the Napier Christmas Parade, made even more memorable with Lochie’s first parade experience.
The month also marked my return to Wellington for the first time since before Lochie was born, getting back into the mahi on key priorities including RMA reform, KiwiSaver contribution changes, and measures to ease pressure on councils and ratepayers.
In this issue:
· Office Christmas Hours
· Prime Minister Visits Hawke's Bay
· Napier's Christmas Parade
· Returning to Parliament
· Hawke’s Bay Aeromedical Care
· Highlights this month
· Recent Policy announcements
· What’s happened in the house
· Upcoming events and important dates
As always, I’m committed to keeping Napier and Wairoa front and centre. Wishing you and your whānau a safe, restful Christmas and a bright start to the new year.
Katie
Office Christmas Hours
As we head into the Christmas and New Year period, please note that my electorate office will be closed from 24 December to 9 January, reopening on 13 January at 10.00am.
- Emergency assistance: Call 111
- Work & Income (MSD): 0800 559 009
- Kāinga Ora: 0800 801 601
- Oranga Tamariki: 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459)
- Mental Health Support: 1737 (call or text, free and confidential)
Prime Minister Visits Hawke's Bay
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of hosting the Prime Minister in Hawke’s Bay for a full day of listening and engagement.
We began at Gourmet Blueberries, discussing key issues facing horticulture — including energy reliability, RMA reform, water security, immigration settings, and the RSE workforce. These are critical to keeping the sector strong and competitive.
The day continued with a Federated Farmers public meeting, where local farmers spoke directly about water storage and RMA changes, both vital for rural resilience and growth.
We wrapped up at East Pier for my electorate pledge event, where we reflected on the year and the early signs the economy is starting to move in the right direction.
A great day hearing directly from the people who make Hawke’s Bay such a strong region, thank you to everyone who shared their views.
Napier Christmas Party
Napier’s Christmas Parade brought festive cheer to the city once again, with families lining the streets to enjoy the colour, music, and community spirit that make the event such a highlight of the year. This year was especially memorable for me, as Lochie experienced his very first parade, soaking up the sights and sounds, even if the floats themselves were a little beyond him. As we move through the holiday season, it’s a great reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses, with every purchase helping Napier continue to thrive.
Returning to Parliament
It’s been a special milestone returning to Parliament this month for the first time since becoming a mum, and having Lochie with me made it even more memorable. At six months old, he was a hit around the offices, soaking up cuddles and smiles from colleagues. I’m so grateful for the support as I balance life as a parent and an MP. Coming back ahead of the Christmas break has been rewarding , reconnecting with caucus and getting stuck into the mahi. I’m looking forward to being fully back in January and continuing the work for Napier and Wairoa.
A Lifesaving Boost for Hawke’s Bay Aeromedical Care
I recently attended the unveiling and blessing of our newest King Air B200C air ambulance, Te Manu Karanga — meaning “to call out, receive, and respond” — at Napier Airport. Designed locally by Tim Whaitiri Henderson in partnership with EIT and Ngāti Kahungunu, the aircraft will be based here in Hawke’s Bay, strengthening our regional air ambulance service that transports more than 1,900 patients each year. Its registration, ZK-RFB, honor's Dr Ross Freebairn, a respected ICU doctor whose career has been dedicated to improving intensive care across New Zealand and the Pacific.
Highlights this month
Secondary Schools Athletics Championships
Congratulations to all the athletes and organisers who delivered an outstanding New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Championships at Mitre 10 Sports Park. It was fantastic to welcome so many visitors to Hawke’s Bay and celebrate the talent, determination, and school spirit on display. A big thank you to the students, teachers, coaches, officials, organisers, and families whose support helped make the event such a success, with exceptional performances and an electric atmosphere throughout the championships.
Welcoming the Irish Ambassador to Napier
It was a pleasure to welcome Her Excellency Jane Connolly, the Irish Ambassador, to the electorate office during her East Coast visit. She certainly chose a perfect day to experience the sunshine that Napier is known for. It’s always a privilege to showcase our region and its warmth to international visitors.
Catching up with Napier’s Mayor, Richard McGrath
I recently had a productive first catch-up with Napier’s new Mayor, Richard McGrath. It was encouraging to hear his ideas for strengthening our city, and we discussed the Government’s upcoming local governance changes, including the move toward a rates cap from 2029. The focus is on councils delivering the basics well and meeting the needs of their communities. Strong collaboration between local and central government is essential, and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together for Napier and Hawke’s Bay.
Celebrating 100 Years of Tranzit Group
We’re making a significant investment to ensure more Kiwi kids learn in safe, warm, and dry classrooms. For the first time since 2009, school maintenance funding is increasing, with Five Year Agreement (5YA) funding rising 50 per cent from July 2026 and minimum funding for smaller schools doubling.
In the Napier electorate, this will support local schools including William Colenso College, Greenmeadows School, Napier Intermediate School, Taradale School, and Westshore School, among others.
This builds on $58 million already delivered to fast-track school maintenance and is part of our plan to deliver warmer, more modern classrooms while managing the Government’s books responsibly.
Recent Policy Announcements
Lots of policy announcements have been made this month. Please click on the links below to learn more.
Education
Community education professionals settle pay negotiations – read the Beehive PR here
Education Minister Erica Stanford is welcoming the successful conclusion of pay negotiations for community education professionals following a majority vote from Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) members to accept settlement
Significant boost to school property budgets – read the Beehive PR here
The Government is continuing to supercharge school property, increasing maintenance funding for the first time since 2010 so more students benefit from safe, warm and dry classrooms.
Health
Progress being made to improve cancer outcomes - read the Beehive PR here
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.
Aged Care Advisory Group appointed – read the Beehive PR here
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello has today announced appointments to the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group, to provide expert advice on long-term reform of the aged care system.
Agriculture
Food and fibre exports set to reach record $62 billion – read the Beehive PR here
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.
Finance
Pre-Christmas economic boost welcomed – read the Beehive PR here
Confirmation that the economy grew strongly in the third quarter of the year is welcome news before Christmas, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today that the economy grew 1.1 per cent in the third quarter of the year.
Overseas investment reform enables more jobs and growth – read the Beehive PR here
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.
Mental Health
Mental health targets delivering faster access to support – read the Beehive PR here
New data released today shows strong improvement across all three mental health and addiction access targets compared with the same quarter last year, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says.
Justice
Bill passed to improve court timeliness – read the Beehive PR here
Legislation which improves court timeliness by updating procedures and adding more High Court Judges has passed in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Courts Minister Nicole McKee say.
Local Government
Getting rates under control for ratepayers – read the Beehive PR here
The Government has agreed to progress a rates cap to help councils keep rates increases under control and reduce pressure on household budgets, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says. “Rates are taking up more of household bills, and some communities have faced double-digit increases year after year. This is unsustainable and is only adding to the cost of living for many Kiwis,” Mr Watts says.
New system to make planning easier for everyone – read the Beehive PR here
New Zealand’s new planning system will be easier for local government to use and navigate and deliver better value for ratepayers, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts. “Last month, the Government announced proposals for the biggest changes to local government since 1989, including how we plan our cities and regions,” Mr Bishop says.
Tourism
International tourism numbers continue to rise – read the Beehive PR here
International visitors are spending more and arriving in greater numbers, driving growth in New Zealand’s tourism sector and economy, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
“Tourism is New Zealand’s second-highest export earner, and the latest data shows the sector is delivering real benefits for New Zealand,” Louise Upston says.
International Visitor Survey results released this week show that:
- Between July and September, international visitors spent $2.1 billion, up 9.3 per cent on the same period in 2024.
- For the year ending September 2025, total spend reached $12.3 billion, a 5.3 per cent increase.
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Thanks
Katie Nimon
Member of Parliament for Napier
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