Welcome to my first newsletter for the year.
I hope you’ve had a fantastic start to 2026. The beginning of the year has been focused on planning and setting the timetable for the months ahead. The Prime Minister announced the date of this year’s General Election, with New Zealanders going to the polls on Saturday 7 November to decide who is best placed to fix the basics and build for the future. Another key date is Budget Day on 28 May, when our Government outlines its financial plans for the coming year.
There have been big infrastructure announcements across our district, and we are moving forward with plans and action. Across Mid and South Canterbury, our Government is fixing the basics, delivering results, and laying the foundations for a stronger future. In Timaru, long‑overdue investment into the SH1 Showgrounds intersection will finally remove a dangerous bottleneck that has stalled growth. The upgrade will clear both the physical eyesore and the economic handbrake that has held the town back, unlocking long‑planned development, jobs, and investment. This isn’t just about roads and traffic lights, it’s about progress.
Meanwhile, Ashburton’s long anticipated second bridge is also moving ahead, with the design and construction contract on track to be signed by the end of March, allowing work on the bridge itself to begin within this term. Together, these projects show what happens when government steps in decisively: no more excuses, no more delays just practical action, backed by significant taxpayer investment, to support growth and build for the future.
Recent Key Announcements:'
Timaru intersection upgrade to unlock growth: The Government has committed a $2.84 million grant through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to clear bottlenecks on State Highway 1, unlocking major commercial development and new jobs (Beehive PR)
Updated National direction for Natural Hazards and Highly Productive Land: The Government’s changes to improve the way productive land and natural hazard risks are managed take effect, freeing up land for development and supporting greater resilience from natural hazards (Beehive PR)
Australians invited to discover Canterbury and the West Coast: Canterbury and the West Coast’s regional tourism organisations will receive $1 million to launch a new campaign Discover Different, showcasing the best of what Canterbury and the West Coast have to offer this autumn (Beehive PR)
Easier prescriptions put more money in patients’ pockets: Starting from 1 February New Zealanders can receive prescriptions for up to 12-months, saving them money and simplifying access to medicines (Beehive PR)
Granny flat consent exemption takes effect: New Zealanders can now build granny flats in their backyards without needing building or resource consents (Beehive PR)
Next steps to fix the basics of science funding: Research Funding New Zealand will bring together leading science, innovation and technology experts to invest in research that delivers real-world benefits for New Zealanders (Beehive PR)
Electrifying growth: Infrastructure and energy RMA national direction changes: The Government’s important changes to boost infrastructure delivery, including our supply of renewable energy come into effect (Beehive PR)
Mental health co-response teams coming to first four regions: The first four new mental health co-response team locations that will work alongside Police to respond to 111 calls (Beehive PR)
Regional Tourism Boost: welcoming more visitors: More international visitors will be exploring regional New Zealand this year, thanks to a $3.69 million investment from the second round of the Government’s Regional Tourism Boost (Beehive PR)
Manufacturing starts year by shifting up a gear: New data showing New Zealand manufacturing is experiencing its highest level of activity since December 2021 signals a strong start to the year (Beehive PR)
Making it easier to find cheap power: Open Electricity will help New Zealand homes and businesses plug in to the best power plan for their needs and drive better competition in our electricity market (Beehive PR)
If you are interested here is a link to read the PR Releases relating to my Ministerial portfolios.
Upcoming events:
4 Feb NZ Parliament XI v Cobham Cricket Club XI, Whangarei
6 Feb Waitangi Day
13 Feb Southern Field Days, Gore
20 Feb Scenic Eclipse 2 Cruise ship tour, Timaru
21 Feb Bluegreens Forum, Kilbirnie
22 Feb NZ Parliament XI v Diplomats XI, Wellington
24 Feb Rangitata National Party AGM, Timaru and Ashburton
1 Mar NZ Parliament XI v Media cricket match, Basin Reserve
Visit the following sites for more information on events happening in our region:
Highlights:
It was a pleasure to be part of the reopening of The Croft last week, after the completion of significant earthquake restoration and strengthening work. The building was gifted to Presbyterian Support South Canterbury in the late 1960s. This historic building is now well positioned to continue serving our region for the next century and beyond.
(Photo: With Jo Goodhew and Carolyn Cooper at The Croft Timaru)
Recently in Timaru I announced a $2.8 million taxpayer grant to upgrade the SH1 Timaru Showgrounds intersection. For far too long, this stretch of road, and the stockpile of earth behind it, has acted as a handbrake on our town’s growth. It has been unsafe, inefficient, and frankly embarrassing. That is finally set to change. The project will deliver a redesigned intersection with better traffic flow, upgraded signalling, and safer access for pedestrians and cyclists. New Zealanders elect governments to fix problems and support growth, and that is exactly what we are doing. Work on the SH1 project will be completed by mid‑year, unlocking the second stage of the Timaru Showgrounds development.
(Photo: With Minister Patterson, NZTA officials, and Showground developers in Timaru)
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. (Note: Mid Canterbury office closed Wednesdays)
Please feel free to share this update with others, or they're welcome to subscribe at national.org.nz/jamesmeager.
Take care,
James
MP for Rangitata
Follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JamesMeagerMP.
Get Updates