I have had a busy week chairing the hearings for RMA reform, a massive job as we navigate these bills into law. The hearings have wrapped up this week, and we are now considering all the feedback.
I've also been out and about in the electorate and had the chance to celebrate Elsthorpe School's 125 years, attend the annual St Luke's fair, the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, and judge the Young Farmer of the Year Awards.
OUT AND ABOUT
East Coast Young Farmer of the Year
A big congratulations to Edwin Laver for winning the East Coast Young Farmer of the Year and James Fox for Runner Up and to all the amazing young participants who toughed it out across the agri skills, business, practical and knowledge categories!
I loved being one of the judges and involved in this great event.
It's awesome to see so many young farmers from across the region supporting them.
We are backing our young farmers who are the future of rural NZ.
St Luke's Village Fair
It was a lovely morning for the annual St Luke’s Village Fair where the community comes together.
I always enjoy catching up with the amazing volunteers and taking away bags full of books, preserves, fruit and flowers. And the scones, jam and cream are a real treat.
Well done to everyone involved and a special mention to Father John and Reverend Sue who do so much in our community.
Celebrating Elsthorpe School's 125 years
It was very special to celebrate 125 Years of Elsthorpe School!
As a country kid myself I know there is something very special about country schools.
They are the beating heart of our communities and build amazing resilience and futures for generations of our kids.
Happy 125th Elsthorpe School once again - here’s to the next century of amazing teachers, kids and families.
Gaddum's do it again!
Big Congratulations to Matangi Station’s Jamie and Nicky Gaddum, the East Coast Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards!
Well done to all the finalists - amazing farmers and growers all working hard to protect our environment for our future generations.
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Fuel stocks remain steady, monitoring steps up
New Zealand is continuing to closely monitor the impacts of the escalating conflict in the Middle East on global fuel markets. While this is a fastmoving situation internationally, fuel supply into New Zealand remains stable, and onshore and incoming stocks are healthy. There is currently no need for New Zealanders to change how they buy fuel.
It is important to remember that fuel supply is inherently dynamic, with stock levels fluctuating week‑to‑week as fuel is consumed and new shipments arrive. The data released this week shows minor changes in stock levels and reflects normal patterns of consumption and shipping, not signs of supply disruption.
As of the 18th March, combined petrol, diesel and jet fuel stocks equate to about 49 days of cover nationwide, including fuel held onshore in storage terminals and fuel already on ships bound for New Zealand.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is also reporting on the pipeline of fuel shipments currently enroute to New Zealand.
More than a week’s worth of fuel is scheduled to arrive, with additional shipments already on the water and due later this month.
Robbie Williams is Coming to NZ
Robbie Williams is set to entertain us, bringing his BRITPOP world tour to Auckland and Christchurch, thanks to support from the Government’s Major Events and Tourism Package.
Williams has confirmed the two New Zealand shows, opening at Eden Park, Auckland on 24 November before becoming one of the first international artists to play the new Christchurch One New Zealand Stadium on 28 November.
We know concerts like this bring a significant economic injection into our cities and create a real buzz.
Robbie Williams is a master entertainer who can sell out stadiums like Eden Park and One New Zealand, which allows New Zealand to compete on a global level.
Moving health decisions closer to home
From 1 July, Health New Zealand will shift more decision-making to regions, districts, and hospitals so decisions are made closer to patients and communities.
Local health leaders will have greater say and authority over workforce, budgets, and service delivery, enabling faster and more responsive care.
Hospitals will be able to recruit and deploy staff without central sign-off, helping them respond more quickly when demand increases.
Health New Zealand will continue to set national strategy, standards, and system-wide planning to ensure consistency across the country.
These changes aim to reduce wait times and improve access by giving local health services more flexibility to respond to the needs of their communities.
We are fixing the basics of our healthcare system while building for the future – putting patients first in every decision.
ERO’s school reports strengthened and improved
Parents will soon benefit from clearer, more useful information on how their child’s school is performing through an overhaul to ERO’s school reports.
From Term 2, parents can expect more detail on almost twice as many topics. Reports will have clear measurements and strong, visual, easy-to-understand overviews of performance and the value that schools are adding for students.
The new reports will recognise successes as well and provide a roadmap for improvement. They focus on the key changes that will make the most difference for students.
The Government’s education reforms have put educational achievement back at the centre of our education system.
The results for children are beginning to show, and we’re ensuring parents can see exactly where their child is excelling and needing help, so that they can go with them on that journey and help them achieve their potential.
We are committed to ensuring parents have detailed information to be involved in their child’s education, including through updated assessments, clear curriculum outlines, and better reporting.
Building a stronger future for our children
More women and families affected by addiction will now have improved access to support, giving children the best possible start in life.
One of the most important times of a child’s life is the first 1000 days. If we get support to families early, we can help build a stronger future for these children. That’s why we are expanding pregnancy and parenting support services for women and families experiencing alcohol or other drug issues.
These services work with pregnant women and parents who are often poorly connected to health and social services. Through intensive outreach and case coordination, they help strengthen the family environment and ensure parents have access to the support they need.
The Action Plan can be found here- Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Substance Harm 2026 – 2029 | Ministry of Health NZ
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I look forward to seeing you out in our Tukituki community soon.
Regards, Catherine
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