Less than a year after refreshing the Active Investor Plus visa, the results speak for themselves. More than $3.39 billion is flowing into the economy following our changes.
This investment is helping Kiwi businesses expand, create high-value jobs, and lift their productivity. Investors who choose New Zealand don’t just bring capital. They bring global experience, networks, and commercial expertise that strengthens our businesses.
Growing international investment is key to growing our economy. National is fixing the basics and building the future so all Kiwis can succeed.
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.
Honouring our service personnel on Anzac Day is one of our most enduring national traditions.
It binds us to our history and to the story of who we are as a country, while providing an opportunity to reflect on the courage and extraordinary sacrifice of those who have served to defend and protect New Zealand and our allies.
However, the Anzac Day Act was in desperate need of updating. It failed to acknowledge conflicts after 1966, meaning many service personnel were excluded from official commemorations under the law. The modernised law more accurately reflects public sentiment about who we honour on Anzac Day.
We’re saying yes to more events and concerts, and no to rules and restrictions holding back Eden Park. It means more money flowing into Auckland businesses like restaurants, bars, shops and hotels.
It’s all about creating more jobs and opportunities for Kiwis.
Standing up in Parliament, reflecting on everything that’s happened in the Bay of Plenty in recent times.
Video link below:
A very special day for us, while our community was dealing with something absolutely heartbreaking.
I’ve shared some reflections with the Herald here: Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford speaks about holding his wedding amid tragedy following Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa slips - NZ Herald
What a fantastic turnout at my monthly drop-in community clinic in Welcome Bay recently, catch you at the next one - 16 March
It was well attended by locals, and it was positive to see so many people turning up to connect directly with the agencies, ask questions, and get the latest updates on recovery.
Thank you to Western Bay of Plenty District Council and all the partner agencies involved, for putting these sessions together.
This is a stark reminder: please respect the cordons and stay out of restricted areas. These zones remain dangerous and are in place for everyone's safety during recovery and investigation.
Crucial SH35 connection restored
State Highway 35 will once more connect Tairāwhiti to Eastern Bay of Plenty, when it reopens.
It’s been a few weeks since heavy rainfall and flooding caused slips above and below the road, closing the road between Pōtaka and Te Araroa isolating the communities in between. NZTA crews have been working alongside local contractors since the storm at the end of last month to restore access as quickly, and safely, as possible.
While there have been multiple slips along this stretch of state highway, the focus has been on two particular areas – the Waikura slip between Pōtaka and Hicks Bay, and the largest slip of all, the Punaruku slip, closer to Te Araroa.
A quarter of a million cubic metres of rocks and soil came down in the Punaruku slip, and workers have shifted 25,000 cubic metres of it to restore access.
As we kick off what will be a big year for National with the election in November, I’m hosting a Pub Politics event on Monday 23 February from 5:00pm at The Freeport with Cleaver & Co, Bayfair Shopping Centre, Mount Maunganui.
This will be a relaxed, informal evening to grab a drink (or bite if you’re hungry), chat with Chris and me about what’s happening in the Bay and hear directly from him on key issues affecting our region and New Zealand.
Yvette Williams sets world long jump record
20 February 1954
Yvette Williams at Helsinki (NZ Herald/newspix.co.nz)
The jump that won Yvette Williams a gold medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics was only 1 cm short of the world record held by Francine (‘Fanny’) Blankers-Koen of The Netherlands.
Williams, like Blankers-Koen, was a versatile athlete, competing successfully in the long jump and high jump, and a range of track events.
Williams broke Blankers-Koen’s long jump record 18 months after the Helsinki Olympics at an athletics meeting in Gisborne. Her world record of 20 feet 7½ inches (6.29 m) stood for 18 months.
In 1999 Blankers-Koen was voted ‘Female Athlete of the Century’ by the International Association of Athletics Federations. Local athletics historian Peter Heidenstrom chose Williams as his ‘New Zealand Athlete of the Century’. Dame Yvette Corlett (as she now was) was honoured shortly before her death in 2019.
National strategy launched to cut AML red tape and crack down on criminals
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has released New Zealand’s new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) National Strategy.
Foreign Minister hosts Commonwealth Secretary General
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on her first official visit to New Zealand.
Common sense approach to life-saving medicines
Trained Oranga Tamariki staff will shortly be able to administer life-saving medicines, in a common sense move that will also allow young people to access the services of Nurse Practitioners.
December visitor arrivals highest since 2019
The Government welcomes new data showing New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals continued to rise in December, with strong growth from China and Australia in particular.
Active Investor Plus delivers $3 billion in investment in New Zealand
Less than a year after it was refreshed, the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa is bringing $3.39 billion into New Zealand, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced.
New Zealand signs up to U=U commitment for HIV
New Zealand has signed the global Call-to-Action on Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), sending a strong signal of our commitment to ending HIV transmission and ensuring people living with HIV can lead healthy lives free from stigma and discrimination, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
Independent review into Moa Point failures
A Crown Review Team will conduct an independent review into Wellington Water’s Moa Point sewage plant failure, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.
National Infrastructure Plan Delivered
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop welcomed the release of the National Infrastructure Plan and tabled it in Parliament.
Teaching Council reviews highlight need for change
Education Minister Erica Stanford is highlighting the clear, critical need for major change within the Teaching Council following the significant and serious findings of two recent, external reviews.
Reform brings more flexibility for workers and confidence for employers
The Employment Relations Amendment Bill has passed its third reading, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says.
Government to clarify welfare and ACC payments
The Government is introducing legislation to clarify the law on the impact of ACC payments on welfare entitlement and ensure the process is fair.
New Pharmac proposal for blood cancer patients
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s proposal to fund two new combination therapies for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a type of blood cancer.
New military health centre opens at Burnham
A first-of-its-kind health and rehabilitation centre has opened at Burnham Military Camp to support the health, wellbeing and operational readiness of New Zealand Defence Force personnel.
Next stop for the Northwest Busway
NZTA has applied for statutory approvals for the Northwest Busway project under the Fast‑track Approvals Act (FTAA), marking a major milestone for a project that will deliver faster, more frequent and more reliable public transport for Auckland’s growing northwest, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
Club red tape kicked for touch
Sports clubs, RSAs and other community clubs are set to benefit from changes allowing them to choose between a club licence or an on-licence for serving alcohol, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced.
Major Queenstown Housing Development Approved through Fast-track
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the Fast-track approval of thousands of new homes and a major economic boost in Queenstown.
More flexibility for Auckland housing plan
The Government will amend the Resource Management Act to reduce the minimum housing capacity required for Auckland Council’s Plan Change 120 from just over 2 million homes to 1.6 million homes, says Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
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Thanks,
Tom.
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