January has been a busy and energising start to the year across Hawke’s Bay. From time on the ground in our rural communities to key moments on the political calendar, it’s been a month of listening, planning, and setting the direction ahead.
A real highlight was the Wairoa A&P Show. Even with a bit of drizzle, the atmosphere was upbeat, with great conversations and strong community pride. It was a timely reminder of the volunteers, families, and locals who make events like this possible year after year.
Practical living options, including 70m² granny flats, have also been front of mind as a common-sense way to support extended whānau, ageing parents, and young people to stay close to home, particularly in our rural communities.
January also marked the official start of the election countdown, with Election Day set for Saturday 7 November. I was in Christchurch for our National Caucus Retreat, focused on planning and preparing for the campaign ahead.
Catching up with people across the region has been the best part of the month. There’s plenty of work ahead, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it with you.
In this issue:
· National Caucus Retreat
· Thinking of Those Affected
· Election Date Announced
· Wairoa A&P Show
· 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 center. Wishing you and your whānau a safe, restful Christmas and a bright start to the new year.
Katie
National Party Caucus Retreat
This month I was in Christchurch for our National Caucus Retreat, and not the kind you’re probably imagining. It was less about downtime and more about planning, strategy, and getting ready for the months ahead. With National, our focus is on fixing the basics and building the future, so Kiwis can get ahead and our communities can continue to thrive.
Thinking of Those Affected
My heart is with everyone affected by the flooding and landslides across our communities 🤍🤍🤍
I’m thinking especially of the families, and those who have lost so much during this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.
Election Countdown Begins
Mark your Calenders! The countdown to Election Day — Saturday 7 November — is officially on. We kicked things off in Christchurch at our caucus meeting, getting straight into campaign mode with a clear focus on what matters most to New Zealanders. National has a strong plan to fix the basics and build for the future, so Kiwis can get ahead and our communities can thrive.
Wairoa A&P Show
It was great to be back in Wairoa recently for the Wairoa A&P Show, one of those events that really captures the heart of the community. Even with a bit of drizzle about, the atmosphere was upbeat and welcoming, with plenty of good conversations and local pride on display. A huge thank you to the volunteers, organisers, and exhibitors who put in so much work to make the show happen — events like this don’t come together without a lot of dedication, and they play such an important role in celebrating rural life and bringing people together.
Highlights this month
Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust
It was great to spend time with the team at the Hawke’s Bay Helicopter Trust and hear firsthand about the vital work they do for our region. The Trust plays a critical role in emergency response — from medical evacuations to search and rescue — often when time matters most. We talked through their current priorities, the challenges they face, and what’s needed to ensure this essential service can continue supporting our community well into the future. A big thank you to the team for their dedication and the important role they play in keeping Hawke’s Bay safe.
Easier Granny Flat Builds
Recent changes have made it easier for families to build. You can now build a granny flat of up to 70m² on your property without needing a resource or building consent. This makes it simpler for families to create space for whānau, ageing parents, or extra living options close to home — a practical change that will make a real difference for many households.
Recent Policy Announcements
Lots of policy announcements have been made this month. Please click on the links below to learn more.
Education
Provisional data shows Term 4 attendance continues to rise – read the Beehive PR here
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has welcomed provisional Term 4 attendance data, which shows attendance rates were higher than any Term 4 since 2022.
Support for schools and families affected by weather event – read the Beehive PR here
The Government is rolling out support to schools, kura and families in Northland and Gisborne to minimise potential disruptions, Education Minister Erica Stanford said. “Our thoughts and ongoing support are with the students, families, and teachers who have been affected by the severe weather we are seeing,” Ms Stanford says.
Health
More than 500 new doctors join the health workforce - read the Beehive PR here
More than 500 newly graduated doctors have started work across New Zealand this week, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Work begins on new inpatient ward at Hawke’s Bay Hospital – read the Beehive PR here
“This new ward is a practical way to meet growing demand quickly. It will provide 28 inpatient beds for short-stay surgical patients and surgical assessments, helping streamline care for this group and freeing up surgical and medical beds elsewhere in the hospital,” Mr Brown says.
Agriculture
Government provides additional support for storm hit farmers and growers – read the Beehive PR here
The Government is increasing assistance for farmers and growers affected by recent severe weather, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say.
Finance
Budget date announced – read the Beehive PR here
The Government will set out its financial intentions for the coming year on 28 May when it delivers the 2026 Budget, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Mental Health
Community boost strengthens focus on prevention – read the Beehive PR here
Thousands of New Zealanders will have faster access to mental health support following a funding boost for four community organisations, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
Housing
Granny flat consent exemption takes effect – read the Beehive PR here
New Zealanders can now build granny flats in their backyards without needing building or resource consents, marking a milestone in the Coalition Government’s effort to expand affordable and diverse housing options for Kiwis.
Accommodation support for recent severe weather events – read the Beehive PR here
The Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) has been activated today to support people displaced by recent severe weather events affecting parts of the North Island, including Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti, and other affected areas, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says.
Tourism
Raglan to make waves with World Surf League Tour – read the Beehive PR here
In a landmark moment, the World Surf League (WSL) is bringing its Championship Tour to New Zealand shores this year. Raglan has been selected as the fourth stop on the 2026 WSL Championship Tour, one of twelve international locations showcasing some of the world’s best professional surfers.
What's happened in the House?
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I look forward to seeing you around.
Thanks
Katie Nimon
Member of Parliament for Napier
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