1. The saving on an average mortgage is around $10,000 a year.
2. Ram raids are down 85% and there are 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime.
3. Inflation is at 3.1%, down from Labour's 7.3%.
4. Over half of students are now at or above expectations in reading.
5. Goods exports are at an all-time high.
National's getting things done.
Right now, many rural workers like farm managers, country cops and doctors who live in employer-provided accommodation can’t use their KiwiSaver to buy a first home.
We’re fixing that. National is making changes to allow them to withdraw from their KiwiSaver to buy their first home.
We’ve been working hard to fix the basics in law and order and build a future where all New Zealanders can feel safe in their communities. We recently announced move on orders, so that police have an extra effective tool to deal with disorderly behaviour in public places.
Our main streets and town centres are facing constant disruption and disturbance. Businesses are being harmed as some bad behaviour goes unchecked. It needs to stop. Move-on orders will mean police can require someone to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours and will connect people with any support services they need. Move-on orders will help ensure our main cities are kept safe from disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidating behaviour.
We’ve also just had the latest numbers come through from the Crime and Victims survey, and they show the progress we are making in restoring law and order. In the year to October 2025 there were 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime than there were two years ago. There has also been a 22% drop in serious repeat youth offending since National took office, and ram raids are down 85%. This is a direct result of our tough on crime approach. We’ve reformed our sentencing laws to make sure people face proper consequences for their actions, banned gang patches and given police more tools to go after them, restored three strikes and more.
We know there is more work to do. Our Crimes Act reforms are making their way through the house, which will ensure criminals face stronger penalties for attacking first responders, coward punches, human trafficking, and retail crime. Work to toughen up trespass laws is also beginning shortly.
We make no apologies for being tough on crime. Labour left New Zealand in a state of lawlessness and would do it again – they have opposed every action we have taken to restore law and order.
Restoring law and order is part of National’s plan to fix the basics and build the future.
Lots of you have been in touch about the proposed closure of NZ Post at the Tara Road Pharmacy.
It might seem small on paper, but for many locals it’s an important, convenient service. Just 600 metres from nearby homes, people can sort their stamps, parcels and letters without having to travel far.
For plenty of residents, that short walk isn’t just practical, it’s part of their routine. A bit of fresh air, a quick chat, ticking off a few errands in one go. It helps people stay active and connected in our fast-growing community.
I’ve written to the NZ Post CEO raising these concerns directly. I’ve asked them to consider pausing the closure, share the data behind the decision, and properly engage with Papamoa locals before making a final decision.
I'll keep you posted on any reply. If this affects you, feel free to get in touch or share your thoughts.
Collecting with Barb recently for the Heart Foundation NZ at Mitre 10 Papamoa! Right now, around 180,000 Kiwis are living with heart disease, that’s more than 1 in 23 adults. And almost 1 in 3 deaths in New Zealand are caused by cardiovascular disease. The Heart Foundation’s life-saving research, education, and support services are making a real difference and helping turn the tide.
If you can, please donate or show your support, every bit helps save Kiwi hearts.
Happy 3rd Birthday to BFT Mount Maunganui and its incredible owners Chrissy & Hannah! What an awesome gym and even better community they’ve built.
Recently wrapped up one of the most epic days of cricket for Greerton Cricket Club! We got bowled out for 90 by Cadets Cricket Club, only to turn it around and bowl them out for 87. An absolute awesome day of cricket.
It was beautiful morning recently at the Papamoa Community Market
Thanks to those who popped in for a chat and a catch up. It's always a great day.
See you next time - Sunday 12 April
Visited Suzanne Aubert Catholic School Papamoa - what a great school! They've just opened their brand new Pompallier Centre, and it's going to be an incredible hub for students, the parish, and the wider community. (It even has a bell system that takes song requests, hadn't seen that before!)
I've been making a point of getting around schools in the electorate to hear what's working, what's challenging, and how I can help. Whether that's advocating on their behalf or working with the Minister to push things forward, I want to make sure every school feels supported. This is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Thanks to Principal Anthony Mills and the team for the warm welcome and showing me around. Proud to have such great schools in our community.
I've had several locals raise safety concerns about the Te Okuroa Drive / Ashley Place intersection. Particularly relating to congestion, poor visibility, and risks during busy times, especially with growth in the area. I've followed up with Tauranga City Council, and here's their update.
A detailed investigation is underway into traffic volumes, safety risks, pedestrian/cyclist movements, and overall conditions at the intersection. Initial findings expected by April, with next steps to follow.
In addition, a project is planned for Ashley Place to extend the footpath on both sides of the road, from the Te Okuroa Drive/Ashley Place intersection through to Kopukairoa Boulevard. This 250 metre extension will improve safety and accessibility for people walking in the area by providing a continuous connection. Construction is expected to take place later this year.
A broader upgrade to Te Okuroa Drive is listed as a future project in the Long Term Plan. They'll reassess once the Pāpāmoa East Interchange opens later this month and monitor traffic changes.
Good to see Council taking it seriously and starting proper work. I'll keep pushing and share any further updates.
Thanks to everyone who's raised it and got in touch.
The Cancer Society Relay for Life is coming to Tauranga - Saturday 14 March
It's a great community event raising vital funds for the Cancer Society and showing support for those affected by cancer. Get a team together, make a donation, or simply come along on the day.
Every bit does make a difference.
SuperBlues - Next Monday!
Welcome Bay "Drop-in Clinic" - Monday 16 March
Coffee catch ups - Thursday 19 March
This Week in New Zealand History
Country calendar goes to air
6 March 1966
Scene from one of Country calendar's famous spoofs (Te Ara)
Country calendar was initially a news programme for farmers that was shot mainly in the studio. The first episode, presented by a pipe-smoking Fred Barnes, included a feature on an apricot orchard in Central Otago. The weekly show broadened its focus in the 1970s to appeal to a wider audience. At first broadcast on Sunday evenings, it moved to Saturday in the 1990s.
From the 1970s, the iconic theme music, ‘Hillbilly child’, introduced half an hour of rural information presented in a way that was accessible to ‘townies’. Occasional satirical episodes disturbed those who didn’t get the joke. In the hands of Fred Dagg (John Clarke), a fence became a musical instrument. An episode on radio-controlled dogs sparked many complaints to the RSPCA; an exposé of high-fashion rural clothing was another highlight. A 2016 episode marking the series’ half-century introduced an app that allowed farmers to talk to their dogs.
Long-serving producers have included Frank Torley and Julian O’Brien. Country calendar has won many awards.
The Week in Parliament - Briefly
Government receives final COVID Inquiry report
The Government welcomes the delivery of the final report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons to the Governor-General this morning.
Fewer victims of crime, more police on the beat
A tough on crime approach and a near doubling of police foot patrols have driven a huge drop in the number of victims of violent crime since this Government was elected, figures show.
Better outcomes for New Zealanders on ACC
New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is delivering its strongest rehabilitation performance in over a decade and getting New Zealanders back to work and independence faster, Minister for ACC Scott Simpson says.
Flexi Fund opens for social & affordable housing
Applications have opened for the first round of the Government’s Flexible Fund, paving the way for up to 770 new social homes and affordable rentals for New Zealanders in high housing need, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.
Commercial discipline pays off at KiwiRail
KiwiRail continues to lift its performance in line with our long-term performance expectations, Rail Minister Winston Peters said.
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, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.
Tourism drives billions into New Zealand economy
The Government welcomes data out showing New Zealand’s tourism sector continues to go from strength to strength, driving billions into the economy.
Progress sails on new Chatham Islands ship
The procurement of a new Chatham Islands supply vessel has hit another major milestone with the signing of a ship delivery agreement, paving the way for its construction to begin.
New Zealand and Uruguay: Natural partners
New Zealand and Uruguay have reaffirmed their natural partnership as small, open democracies, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.
New Zealand tourism continuing to boom
Fresh data out this week shows international visitors are returning to New Zealand in droves and visitor spend is on the up, supporting local business and jobs across the country.
New Zealand consular response in Middle East
The Government continues to explore all options for assisting New Zealanders stranded by conflict in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins say.
ChamberWorks helps employers build teams
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says a new partnership which supports business owners with their hiring decisions will help get more Kiwis into work.
Upgraded women's leadership database launched
A new-look database to advance women’s progress into leadership roles has been launched to mark International Women’s Day.
Pharmac proposal will help patients recover from stem cell transplants
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s proposal to fund letermovir, which helps prevent serious infection following stem cell transplants.
Second private Building Consent Authority approved
The launch of New Zealand’s second private Building Consent Authority (BCA) will add competition and capacity to the building consent system, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.
Government backs Kiwi seafarer workforce growth
The Government’s taking action to grow New Zealand’s ageing seafarer workforce and improve its supply-chain resilience, through a major investment in training opportunities for those entering the industry, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced.
Nominating committee for the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation appointments
Two new appointments have been made to the nominating committee for the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, alongside two reappointments, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Bill to modernise census passes first reading
Legislation to support a more efficient census and provide timelier data for New Zealand has passed its first reading, Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith say.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
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07 542 0505
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Thanks,
Tom.