The Hauraki Gulf is Auckland’s playground. If re-elected, National will restrict commercial fishing in the Gulf and restore the original intent of its High Protection Areas.
The Government is providing police with the power to issue move-on orders as a tool to deal with disorderly behaviour in public places. New Zealanders are fair-minded people, and our culture is one where we seek to help those who are in need, but that doesn’t mean we should accept our city centres, particularly our showcase tourist spots, becoming places of intimidation, and dysfunction.
Our main streets and town centres have been blighted by disruption and disturbance. Businesses are declining as some bad behaviour goes unchecked. It needs to stop. Currently, police officers have limited options to respond, particularly when it doesn’t reach the level of offending. It means many disruptive, distressing, and potentially harmful acts can occur before officers have any means of intervention. It doesn’t make sense.
Our government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and building a future where shoppers, visitors, residents and their families can feel safe in our communities
The Government is rolling out new Maths, English, and Science resources and initiatives, helping raise student achievement and sparking discovery in primary classrooms with brand-new science kits, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced.
Labour is two years into Opposition and devoid of any new ideas to take the country forward. In March 2024, Chris Hipkins gave a State of the Nation speech where he promised that Labour would release a ‘series of discussion documents’ over the next two years on ‘key issues’ including future tax policy.
Two years on, Hipkins has given another State of Nation speech with not a single new idea for New Zealand. Just a lot of words that amount to nothing, which is how some might characterise their last term in office. It’s pretty sad that the largest party in Opposition has no new ideas for how it will help New Zealanders get ahead. In fact, Hipkins’ only tax policy so far is a reheated proposal for a capital gains tax which proves that Labour is set to repeat the same formula of ‘spend more, tax more, borrow more’ that wrecked our economy.
It has taken National two years of careful economic management to start undoing the damage Labour did to the economy and put it into recovery.
National is fixing the basics and building the future
I've had a number of concerned parents contact me about school bus services, mainly around capacity, reliability, and differences between morning and afternoon services.
I contacted the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (who manage the network) for details. They advised that demand often spikes at the start of the school year and typically eases through March. As an immediate measure, they've added a dedicated bus for Papamoa College (morning and afternoon runs) starting this week for the next four weeks to help with short-term pressure. Daily monitoring shows about 20% spare capacity on dedicated buses this morning; afternoons are busier due to simultaneous departures, while mornings are more staggered.
No major timetable changes (including cross-school coordination) are planned before at least Term 3, and only if they can be implemented without significant disruption. The council will keep monitoring daily and stay in touch with the school, with safety and practicality as priorities.
Pāpāmoa College have contacted me to note that they raised concerns about roll growth and bus overcrowding multiple times during 2025. This led to the extra bus now in place. Thanks to the college for clarifying this, accurate information matters, and I appreciate them highlighting the ongoing discussions from their side. Both the council and school are addressing the issue, and the additional service is a helpful step.
Thanks to all who raised this. If issues continue, contact the Regional Council (0800 884 880 or info@boprc.govt.nz), speak to the school, or let me know and I'll follow up.
A great afternoon at the Oceans 26 Festival of Junior Lifesaving at Pāpāmoa Beach.
I even got roped into helping officiate the Beach Flags competition (always fun to get involved). The energy from the kids, families and volunteers was awesome, great to see the next generation of surf lifesavers in action.
The celebration at the Historic Village was a real treat!
Xīnnián kuàilè 新年快乐 – Happy Chinese New Year!
Video link:Facebook
Did I know that there is a Reddit page about me, asking what people think of me as thier MP - No I didnt!
Check out my reaction - Facebook
A highlight was his meeting with our local New Zealand Certified Builders Association. It was great to have him connecting directly with tradies delivering homes and infrastructure on the ground.
We are driving real change to cut red tape and make building faster and more affordable: nearly 40,000 more products approved via Australian certifications to reduce delays and costs, the granny flat consent exemption now saving families up to $5,650 and 14 weeks per project, and earthquake-prone building reforms refocusing on high-risk cases to save over $8.2 billion while keeping communities thriving.
These practical changes are helping to boost the construction sector and helping fix the basics.
Check out the clip here: Facebook
It's the Love Grace Handbag Appeal New Zealand.
I met with Janine who is organising and coordinating everything locally. The whole idea is donating a handbag filled with essentials for women in need.
Well done Janine and all those involved and who've supported the cause.
We visited The Penny Farms recently in Welcome Bay and of course we had to bring our own Penny along for the adventure!
Such a beautiful spot, small, seasonal flower farm where everything is grown, picked, and arranged right on site. They’re open Saturdays in summer from 8.30am until sold out (often goes fast – arrive early!), plus occasional mid-week restocks shared on their social media.
A real treat supporting local, seasonal flowers straight from the land. Thanks to the team at Penny Farms for a lovely morning, highly recommend if you’re after fresh, homegrown blooms.
A bit star struck!
The return of the king wins 11 Oscars
29 February 2004
Peter Jackson with the 11 Oscars won by The return of the king (Alexander Turnbull Library, DX-001-739)
Peter Jackson’s last film in the epic Lord of the rings trilogy, The return of the king, won all 11 Oscars it was nominated for at the 76th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. This set a record for the largest clean sweep and equalled the highest number of Oscars, achieved by Ben Hur (1959) and Titanic (1997).
It was the first time the Academy Awards had recognised a fantasy film as Best Picture. Jackson remarked, ‘I’m so honoured, touched, and relieved that the Academy … has seen past the trolls, the wizards and the hobbits, recognising fantasy this year.’
Excited New Zealanders gathered around their television screens to view the award ceremony, and in Wellington a live telecast was screened at the Embassy theatre, where family members joined politicians and costumed Rings fans to watch the show.
Peter Jackson’s Lord of the rings trilogy began in 2001 with the release of The fellowship of the ring. A year later, the highly anticipated The two towers came out, increasing the fan base in New Zealand and around the world. On 1 December 2003, The return of the king had its world premiere in ‘Middle Earth’, Wellington.
Government invests to support energy security
The Government has confirmed it will buy up to $200 million of new Genesis Energy shares as part of a capital raise announced by the company this morning.
Hauraki Gulf commercial fishing to be restricted
National will campaign on further restricting the limited amount of commercial fishing currently permissible in the Hauraki Gulf, says National’s Conservation spokesperson Tama Potaka.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei led charter school gives students more options
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced that Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will open a charter school called Te Kura o Ngāti Whātua ki Tamaki in Term 3 2026.
New appointment to Teaching Council
Education Minister Erica Stanford has announced the appointment of Debbie Francis to the Teaching Council board, providing a valuable addition as the organisation undergoes significant change.
New Pharmac proposal for melanoma patients
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s proposal to widen access to two medicines for people with stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma.
Arataki Project Fast-tracked in Hawke’s Bay
A new residential development is set to deliver more homes and an economic boost for Hawke’s Bay following the Fast-track approval of the Arataki subdivision in Havelock North says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.
Primary Principals vote to accept settlement
Education Minister Erica Stanford has welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations to renew the Primary Principals’ (NZEI Te Riu Roa) Collective Agreement. On 24 February, a ballot with members of the NZEI returned a majority vote to ratify the PPCA settlement, which covers around 1,300 primary principals.
Government support for regional air routes takes flight
Golden Bay Air will be the first airline to receive a loan from funding ear-marked for at-risk regional air routes, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.
New Zealand announces more support for Ukraine, sanctions on Russia on 4th anniversary
New Zealand will provide $8 million in new assistance for Ukraine and implement additional sanctions targeting Russia’s war machine, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.
Fixing the basics of NZ’s transport rules
The Government is continuing its work to fix the basics of New Zealand’s transport system, with public consultation opening on two packages of practical rule changes to make everyday travel safer and cut red tape for truck operators, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
New Zealand imposes travels bans on Iranian Ministers
New Zealand is applying further sanctions on Iran, placing travel bans on members of the Iranian regime involved in the violent suppression of protests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.
Driving investment in new energy projects
The Government is leveraging public sector energy demand to drive new energy projects and grow our national supply, Energy Minister Simon Watts says.
Strong backing for Applied Doctorates Scheme
A scheme that brings student researchers and industry together to tackle challenges that matter to people’s daily lives is open for further applications, Science, Innovation and Technology and Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti says.
Green light for Ohakea as permanent alternative airport
New Zealand’s international aviation links and resilience will be significantly strengthened by a move to make RNZAF Base Ohakea available as an alternative runway for wide body aircraft 24/7, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.
Kiwi drones to boost Defence capability
Innovative Kiwi drones will be trialled by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to strengthen capability while growing local industry, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
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Thanks,
Tom.
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