Happy Art Deco everyone. Art Deco weekend is always such a great time for our region, and it’s been great to have our government focused on events for our region, supporting Art Deco with our events fund.
Events bring visitors into our region which is great for business and our local economy.
It’s been another busy week in Parliament and out and about in our electorate. Great to see the apple harvest now in full swing.
I had the privilege of being shown around the brand new RSE accommodation Kelston Village at Kelston Orchards Ltd. They are well-thought out, equipped, spacious facilities. When I visited, the 96-bed RSE accommodation was full!
As a champion of the RSE Scheme and our primary producers, it is amazing to see the investment in the RSE scheme. Investing in the RSE Scheme means we have certainty that we can grow our businesses here and create more jobs and opportunities for Hawke's Bay.
It was also wonderful to see the team at Kelston Orchards use our government's Investment Boost initiative for the accommodation and business expansion.
Well, done to the Kelston Orchards team.
I’m continuing my advocacy to protect kids from online harm, and I was honoured to host an event in Parliament with Triple P this week - a positive parenting group supporting parents to navigate many challenges.
And one of the biggest challenges is the dangerous digital world which our children are exposed to.
The event focused on the harms of social media, looking at ways in which we can support children to be safe online.
It was interesting to hear from a panel of experts who raised concerns and spoke about the importance of digital literacy as well as parental responsibility and regulation.
Governments around the world are moving to restrict social media for under 16s and our government is currently working on legislation to bring forward this year.
It was great to see the B416 group continuing their advocacy and the cross-party support for this important issue.
We must all work together to protect our kiwi kids from online harm.
It was inspiring to visit the team at Sustainable Hawke’s Bay and see their incredible work in action—especially their leadership in recycling Tetra Paks and diverting them from our landfills.
Our government has committed to product stewardship and modernising our waste legislation.
It is great to see Hawke’s Bay organisations like Sustainable Hawke’s Bay leading the way.
Our government wants to plan for a better New Zealand and transform how we plan and care for the natural environment.
Submissions have just closed and as the chair of the Environment Select Committee it is great to see some very valuable, well written submissions.
Here are the next steps-
We will replace the RMA with two Bills which separate land-use planning and natural resource management.
The RMA regulates town planning, resource management and environmental protection under one Act. The system is complicated and expensive, making it hard for the RMA to support development or protect the environment effectively.
A major change in the new system is the shift to two separate Bills:
a Planning Bill that establishes a framework for planning and regulating the use, development and enjoyment of land.
a Natural Environment Bill that establishes a framework for the use, protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
National Infrastructure Plan delivered
The National Infrastructure plan is a 30-year plan to fix the basics of our infrastructure system so we can build New Zealand’s future.
Chris Bishop asked the NZ Infrastructure Commission to begin work on a National Infrastructure Plan pretty much as soon as he became Infrastructure Minister.
The Commission consulted on a draft plan last year, and the final document incorporates feedback from the infrastructure sector and wider public.
All parties have been invited to be briefed on the Plan as it was developed, and we intend to hold a special debate in Parliament to ensure all parties’ views are heard as the Government develops its formal response to the Plan’s recommendations (due mid-year).
All wartime service now honoured on Anzac Day
Legislation to formally recognise all those who have served New Zealand in times of war as part of Anzac Day commemorations has passed in Parliament.
Preserving the memory of those who fought to defend our country, and of those who served in other vital roles during times of war, is a critical part of safeguarding New Zealand’s history and national identity.
The updated Act will now also cover the service of members of allied forces who participated in the first landing on Gallipoli, including personnel from countries such as France and India.
These changes are well overdue, and come into effect before Anzac Day 2026, meaning that this year will be the first time our national commemoration formally recognises all those who have served New Zealand in times of war.
Taking cash off criminals to protect New Zealanders
Money seized from criminals will once again be redirected to protecting New Zealanders, with a new funding round for the Proceeds of Crime Fund opening on 30 March 2026.
We are taking money off criminals and using it to fix what matters for victims by reducing violent crime.
The 2026 funding round will run from 30 March to 29 May. Approved initiatives must meet strict criteria and will be short-term investments of up to three years.
Spread the word
Please take a moment and forward this email to friends and family who might like to stay in touch. We appreciate your help staying connected with the community and there's no time like right now!
If you received this newsletter from a friend or family member and would like to subscribe to future newsletters, please hit the subscribe here button below and fill out the "Get Updates" form on my Catherine Wedd webpage.
Follow me on Facebook for updates - Catherine Wedd MP for Tukituki | Facebook
I look forward to seeing you out in our Tukituki community soon.
Regards, Catherine
Get Updates