Wedd's Weekly | National Party

It's been a busy two weeks with a trade delegation trip to Europe, RMA Hearings starting in Parliament, and a significant number of events in Tukituki.

It was a privilege to be invited on a trade delegation to Europe to meet with MPs and Trade experts at the European Parliament and the German Parliament, about our EU Free Trade Agreement, which has been overwhelmingly successful.

The EU is our fourth largest trading partner and it's great to see trade with Europe going so well. This is significant for our export region in Hawke's Bay.

Goods exports are up 33 percent.

Fruit is up 38 percent with $1.17 billion more horticulture exports.

And $1.6 billion more red meat exports.

Our EU Free Trade Agreement is so important for our New Zealand exporters, farmers and growers. It’s creating jobs and opportunity in NZ and strengthening our economy. Building our relationship with the EU is important for our ongoing trade opportunities and security.

Thank you to the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for the invitation and facilitating and funding this important bilateral programme.

OUT AND ABOUT

Standing by Ukraine

On the 4th anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we were at NATO Headquarters where this moment was commemorated.

We have the greatest admiration for the brave people of Ukraine and stand by them.

New Zealand continues to provide training for Ukraine’s Armed Forces so they can defend freedom. We continue to keep the pressure on Russia’s economy by tightening our sanctions regime.

Russia is not winning its illegal war. Until a just and lasting peace is agreed, New Zealand will stand steadfast in our support for Ukraine.

Commemorating our fallen

It was an honour and emotional moment to lay a wreath at the Menin Gate, in Flanders Fields in Belgium.

Remembering the thousands of Kiwis who served our country here.

Walking through Tyne Cot, the largest Commonwealth War Cemetery and Buttes New British Cemetery, was a somber reminder of the incredible sacrifice that was made.

Loved ones never returned home, but we will always remember them.

Lest we forget.

Protecting kids

In Europe I’ve seen firsthand the global movement to protect kids from social media.

It was great to be with Zoe McKenzie MP - a driving force behind the Australian world first legislation that has turned Australia into the global leader everyone is watching with up to 6 million accounts taken down.

The momentum for change in Europe is huge with many countries now moving to restrict social media for kids.

While in Germany, I witnessed the leading CDU party passing a motion to ban social media for under 14s.

The world is looking at Australia, and I’m continuing my advocacy here in New Zealand with Government legislation planned this year.

Sun shone for gala

When I returned home, I got the chance to attend the Lindisfarne Gala, and what a day for it!

It was amazing to see the community coming together.

I loved catching up with the new principal Craig Hardman, who has just started this term and is excited to lead the school.

There was definitely some super impressive mahi and school spirit shown by the students.

Thanks to all the volunteers, students, teachers and organisers who worked so hard to put this fabulous event on.

Top racing at Napier Triathlon Festival

It was amazing to see Olympic silver and bronze medallist and Kiwi triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde at the Napier Triathlon Festival and witness some top racing. Local Hawke's Bay triathlete, Eva Goodison claiming third in the elite women's race.

Hawke’s Bay turned on a stunner for this Oceania event!

It was also awesome to see our daughter race alongside these top athletes - an amazing experience and great to see so many young ones progressing in Triathlon and being inspired by the triathlon legends.

Youth leaders witnessing democracy in action

Back in Parliament it was wonderful to catch up with the school leaders from Havelock North High School.

They were able to witness democracy in action, sitting in, on the first day of select committee hearings for the Resource Management Act Reform.

These are very important reforms which will have a positive impact on Hawke’s Bay.

I love seeing schools from our region visiting Parliament and learning about our democracy.

It was great to see Deputy Principal Sam Wallace facilitating these opportunities for students.

Over 200 Houses Get Fast Track Approval in Arataki

Over 200 houses in Arataki have been given Fast Track approval!

It’s the first Fast Track project to get approval in Hawke’s Bay and took just 5 months.

The project is estimated to generate $78 million in investment and create over 600 jobs over the next five years of construction.

Amazing housing progress for Hawke’s Bay!

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

RMA Select Committee hearings kick-off

The RMA reform hearings started this week.

We have two new bills, focused on property rights and the environment. These bills will reform the RMA and are crucial to getting things built in New Zealand, progressing our economy and protecting our environment.

It was great to hear from our local Hawke's Bay Regional Council this week and get their perspectives on the Resource Management Reforms, alongside many other councils and organisation's from across the country.

As the chair of the Environment Select Committee it is great to be able to navigate this milestone reform through Parliament. And I am looking forward to hearing from various organisations, councils, Iwi and environmental groups over the coming weeks, as we ensure a sustainable robust system that will work into the future.

Tourism drives billions into New Zealand economy

New national data shows tourism spending has grown to $46.6 billion for the year ending March 2025, with overseas visitor spending rising to $18.1 billion.

This national momentum is reflected here in Hawke’s Bay, where iconic events such as the Art Deco Festival, Hawke’s Bay Marathon, and Harvest Hawke’s Bay continue to draw strong crowds and support year‑round visitor activity. These events help showcase the region’s food, wine, culture and outdoor experiences, keeping Hawke’s Bay on travel itineraries throughout the year.

The Government’s $70 million tourism and major events package is expected to help attract higher‑profile events to the region, supporting local jobs and businesses.

Local councils have also committed close to $1 million to maintain Hawke’s Bay Tourism’s operations while long‑term funding is secured, reinforcing the region’s visitor economy.

Hawke’s Bay continues to benefit from strong visitor demand, vibrant events, and coordinated regional support — all helping to strengthen our local economy.

Boosting the teacher workforce and investing in success

• Growing and developing the teacher workforce is a key education priority for National.

• Teachers and principals deserve the training and support needed to succeed, so they can provide world-leading education.

• We’re introducing new initiatives that focus on leadership development, teacher training, and staffing in rural and in-demand areas.

• Nationals plan is working. Budget 25’s investment in intervention teachers, learning support coordinators, and these new initiatives are significantly strengthening teacher supply.

• New data shows the teacher workforce supply is at its strongest in twenty years.

• We’ve achieved a surplus in primary school teachers.

• We’re closing the gap on secondary teacher supply. We have a surplus projected in the next three years with a narrowing shortfall, and work will continue to close the gap.

• This is part of Nationals plans to fix the basics and build the future.

Traffic light system proves results

An evaluation has found MSD clients are more on top of their job search responsibilities under the Government's traffic light system.

90 per cent of clients surveyed as part of the Ministry of Social Development's latest evaluation said they found the traffic light system has been helpful for understanding their obligations, which include a range of activities towards finding employment.

We're also seeing nearly 99 per cent of clients are fulfilling their obligations, along with a 10.6 per cent drop in the number of sanctions issued between the September 2024 and September 2025 quarters.”

The traffic light system was designed to reset the expectations for those on welfare, and we now know this reset is having a big impact.

KiwiSaver adjustment to help rural workers

The Government is removing the barriers that prevent many farm and other rural workers from using their KiwiSaver accounts to buy their first homes.

Since 2010, Kiwis have been able to withdraw from their KiwiSaver accounts to assist with the purchase of a first home so long as they live in the homes they buy.

However, workers in service tenancies, such as farm workers, rural teachers, country cops, and defence personnel, have effectively been locked out of first home withdrawal because their jobs require them to live in employer-provided housing.

That’s not fair, so we’re making a technical change to the KiwiSaver Act to ensure workers in service tenancies aren’t denied the opportunity to put a foot on the property ladder.

The change will allow service tenancy workers to use their KiwiSaver for a first home purchase without having to live in it.

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.