- Minister's News
- In the House
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Tourism Contributes Billions
The latest International Visitor Survey showed international tourism contributed $12.5 billion to New Zealand’s economy for the year ending December 2025, up 3 per cent compared to the previous year.
One in nine people are now employed in the tourism and hospitality industries showing the importance our Government’s commitment to growing tourism has to employment growth across New Zealand. More international visitors mean more customers for our businesses and ultimately more jobs
Regional Events
Events like the recent Art Deco Festival Napier, Taupō Summer Concert and Waka Ama 2026 Sprint Nationals at Karāpiro boost sales at our local cafes and restaurants, accommodation providers and retailers and have a flow-on effect for our local economies, as well as adding to our cultural and sporting landscape.
A recent Domestic Visitor Survey shows 60 per cent of New Zealanders took an overnight trip last year and plan to travel again this year.
State of Origin Comes to New Zealand
New Zealand will host its first-ever State of Origin match – one of Australasia's biggest sporting events – at Eden Park next year.
It is expected to attract over 10,000 Australian rugby league fans, generate more than 50,000 international visitor nights, and inject an estimated $17.4 million into the economy. It will also showcase New Zealand as a world-class destination for major events.
International Visitor Arrivals Continue to Rise
Stats NZ's visitor arrival statistics for December 2025 show it was the first annual period in which the number of overseas visitors exceeded 3.5 million since the March 2020 year, and visitor numbers increased 196,000 on the previous year.
Arrivals from China are up by 29 per cent, and from Australia, up 9.9 per cent (to 1.52 million arrivals).
Visitor surveys show changes that allow eligible visitors from China and the Pacific to travel to New Zealand from Australia with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) rather than a visa have been a deciding factor in choosing to visit New Zealand.
Natural Disasters
I'd like to offer my condolences to those who have lost loved ones and property and had their lives severely disrupted by recent weather events.
And I'd like to thank the emergency responders and volunteers who help and support those affected.
Some roads are still affected, so please consult NZTA's Journey Planner before travelling.
Supporting Disabled Kiwis Into Work
Philip (Workbridge), Chanelle (Autism New Zealand), Katherine Rich and Nathan Bentley - a panel hosted by Wellington Chamber of Commerce
I recently joined a panel to discuss the importance of supporting the one in six disabled New Zealanders into work, and how employers can provide accommodating workplaces.
For employer resources, go to oneinsix.nz.
Election Day
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced that the 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday 7 November.
The Government intends the House to rise on 24 September. Parliament will be dissolved on 1 October, Writ day will be on 4 October, and nominations will close at noon on 8 October. Advance voting will begin on 26 October and the last day for the return of the writ will be 3 December.
Budget 2026
This year's Budget will be delivered on 28 May. It will focus on supporting the delivery of core public services (including health care, education, defence, and law and order) while maintaining careful stewardship of public finances – essential to fixing the basics and building the future.
Free Trade Deal with India
New Zealand has concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India which will deliver significant gains for exporters, unlock new opportunities in India, and support long-term economic growth.
Growing exports is key to rebuilding our economy.
The deal includes, for example, a reduction or elimination of tariffs on forestry, agriculture, horticulture, seafood, honey, wine and industrial product exports, giving New Zealand among the highest levels of access of any Indian FTA.
Driver Licensing Changes
From January next year, getting a Class 1 (car) license will cost $80 less. Only one practical test will be required, provided drivers demonstrate safe driving behaviour while on their restricted license.
There will be a 12-month learner period for under 25-year-olds, with options to reduce that to six months. All learner and restricted drivers will be subject to a zero-alcohol limit. Find out more here.
Having a licence makes it easier to get a job. Learn how Work and Income Te Hiranga Tangata can help here.
Government is ensuring Kiwis get a fair deal on electricity by increasing supply and encouraging competition, as well as strengthening the Electricity Authority which oversees the electricity market and makes sure power companies play by the rules.
Amended legislation will ensure power companies will face real consequences if they try to take advantage of customers or distort the market.
We want to ensure that households, businesses and industries have the affordable, abundant, reliable supply of energy that our economy needs.
Mercury Energy’s Ngā Tamariki power station near Taupō, powered by nine 3000m-deep geothermal wells, has recently powered up a new geothermal generator which can deliver enough renewable energy to the national grid to power the equivalent of 55,000 homes.
House Sessions
The House normally sits:
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Thursdays: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
You can keep up with the happenings in Parliament (live or on demand) here and follow progress on select committees here.
Electorate News
Taupo-nui-a-Tia College Fire
I met with Taupo-nui-a-Tia College Principal Ben Claxton last week. The beginning of term has been extremely challenging for the school, and I congratulate him on steering the school community through this trying situation.
Toi-Ohomai Update
Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology, a standalone entity since Te Pukenga was dissolved, will continue to operate as normal while the board and Chief Executive Dr Pim Borren consult with employers and business leaders, local government and learners to see which skills and courses are needed locally, and importantly, which will be supported.
The Taupō campus will remain as Te Pukenga's plan to sell it has been put on hold.
New Year Honours List 2026
Congratulations to the following people from the Taupō electorate who were recognised in the New Year Honours List:
- Ms Judith Helen Hamilton for services to rowing (Cambridge) - ONZM
- Mr Kevin John Burgess for services to governance, the community and sport (Cambridge) - MNZM
- Mrs Anneke Jacoba Dinnington for services to seniors and the community (Taupō) - KSM
Project Phoenix
I met with the Project Phoenix steering group again last week to continue to support South Waikato economic resilience and growth. Veros presented their research findings which highlighted current employment trends and the growing gaps between industry demand and available training supply in South Waikato. Their analysis made it clear that a coordinated action plan is now needed to ensure local people can access the skills and qualifications required for the jobs emerging across the district.
Follow-up actions are to be agreed. The goal is to develop a focused, community‑driven plan that strengthens local training pathways and supports the long‑term workforce needs of South Waikato industries.
An Evening with Minister Simeon Brown and Prostate Cancer Support Group
NZ Post to Close Some Local Services
NZ Post is consolidating its postal services resulting in three outlets closing across the electorate from May 2026:
- NZ Post Acacia Bay, 705 Acacia Bay Road, Taupō
- NZ Post Leamington, 173 Shakespeare Street, Cambridge
- NZ Post Hautapu, 17 Hautapu Road, Cambridge.
You can find out more here.
Takapoto Classic
The Takapoto Classic goes from strength to strength with some skilled showjumpers entertaining the crowd again this year.
Mental Health Beds
Four new community-based forensic step-down beds will open in Waikato ahead of schedule in March thanks to the partnership between Ember Services Limited and Health NZ.
These new beds will be backed by community wraparound support teams and funding to attract and retain specialist staff. They will help people who are transitioning out of inpatient forensic care gradually reintegrate and return to the community safely.
Roadworks
Asphalt upgrades on 16km of the SH1 Waikato Expressway north of Cambridge will begin next week and will be completed in 5km stages, with one restricted-speed lane open in each direction at all times. Plan for significant delays. This work will continue until late 2026.
The ANZCO Foods Ironman New Zealand is on Saturday 7 March this year. SH5 between Wairakei and Reporoa will be closed from 6am to 6pm, and Broadlands Road (including the Broadlands Road off-ramp onto East Taupō Arterial Road) will be closed between 6am and 7pm. In the lead-up to the event, beware of cyclists training on the roads.
SH1 Tīrau to Waiouru roadworks continue as the summer weather permits. If you are planning a trip, check out NZTA's Journey Planner to find out where likely delays will occur.
For updates about what's happening in your area, sign up to NZTA's newsletter here.
Attending Events
If you are organising an event that you would like me to attend, please contact my office well in advance (details below). My calendar fills up quickly!
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
Note: Dates are subject to change so please RSVP so we can advise of any changes.
Facebook Live
You can join me online to discuss the issues that currently concern you on the second Tuesday of each month.
To join my next live chat, head to Louise Upston MP | Facebook on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 at 7 p.m. and type your questions or comments.
You can watch the last Facebook Live here.
Friendly Forum
Cambridge
Friday, 13 March, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cambridge Town Hall
Please call 07 827 5572 or email upston.cambridge@parliament.govt.nz to RSVP.
NZ-India Free Trade Agreement Briefing with Hon Todd McClay
Hosted by the Taupō Business Chamber
Tuesday, 17 March 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Baked with Love, 11 Gascoigne Street, Taupō
Register here.
Electorate Assistance
Cambridge Office:
Please call 07 827 5572 or email upston.cambridge@parliament.govt.nz
South Waikato:
Please call 07 886 5554 or email upston.sthwaikato@parliament.govt.nz
Taupō Office:
Please call 07 376 5563 or email upston.taupo@parliament.govt.nz
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Kind regards
Louise Upston
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