Before getting into local updates, I want to acknowledge the unfolding events in the Middle East. This is an uncertain and, at times, unsettling period, particularly as many businesses and households are already managing ongoing cost pressures.
For some, it may also bring back memories of the disruption experienced during COVID. While this situation is different, the sense of unpredictability is familiar. It’s understandable that many of you are looking for clarity and reassurance while continuing to make day-to-day decisions.
At this stage, New Zealand’s fuel supply remains stable. There is no need for restrictions, and the system is continuing to function as normal. However, this is a fast-moving global situation, and price pressures are already beginning to be felt.
Feul and supply:
- Fuel supply remains stable, with healthy stock levels and ongoing shipments.
- MBIE is continuing to provide regular updates on fuel stocks, and you can find the latest information on their website HERE.
- At present, the key pressure point is cost, not availability.
Government response:
- The Government has taken an all-of-government approach, with a core group of Ministers focused on the economic response, including cost of living pressures, supply chains, and broader economic stability.
- This group is meeting multiple times each week, supported by daily coordination across agencies such as MBIE, MFAT, and Treasury.
- The National Fuel Plan has also been updated, setting out four phases of response depending on risk levels. New Zealand is currently in Phase 1 — monitoring and coordination — with no restrictions in place.
Support for households:
- 960,000 Kiwis receiving NZ Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension will get increased payments. NZ Superannuation for a married couple who both qualify will lift more than $50 to $1,708 a fortnight, an increase of over $180 since the 2023 election.
- 280,000 low-to-middle-income families will receive an increase in the family tax credit. Eligible families with one child will receive an extra $400 a year, rising to $720 for families with two children and $1,050 with three.
- 143,000 working families with children will get an extra $50 a week through a boost to the in-work tax credit. The boost will also expand eligibility to around 14,000 additional working families, who will receive the tax credit at an abated rate.
It’s also been a busy month here in Maungakiekie.
I joined Education Minister Erica Stanford at One Tree Hill College for the announcement on replacing NCEA, a significant step toward a more knowledge-rich, subject-focused qualification system.
Many of you will be aware of the concerns that have developed over time. NCEA has become increasingly fragmented, difficult to understand, and in some cases, doesn’t reliably reflect what students know and can do.
The new system is designed to be clearer, more consistent across schools, and internationally comparable, so that when a student earns a qualification, it genuinely signals they are ready for the next step.
This will be phased in over time, beginning with curriculum development and preparation, and moving through to full implementation from 2028 onwards. If you’d like further detail, please click HERE.
Tackling diabetes in our communities
Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health challenges in New Zealand, placing real pressure on families, communities, and our health system.
This month, I attended the launch of the Government’s National Diabetes Action Plan at the Tongan Health Society in Onehunga, and had the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Health Minister Simeon Brown.
The plan focuses on prevention, early intervention, and improving access to care, helping people get support earlier and reducing long-term complications.
A key change will see the diagnostic threshold for type 2 diabetes updated, meaning more people can be identified sooner. By July, around 34,500 New Zealanders previously classified as having prediabetes will meet the criteria for diabetes, aligning New Zealand with international standards.
This is about a coordinated, system-wide response, because diabetes cannot be managed by individual effort alone.
A month of street corner chats
As many of you know, my office had to close following fire damage. As a result, I’ve been making more of an effort to meet residents where they are.
Over the past four Saturdays, I’ve hosted Street Corner Chats across the electorate. They were a chance for locals to stop by, say hello, and raise any issues or ideas.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to come along. I heard a wide range of feedback — from local safety concerns to cost of living pressures and transport issues — and these conversations are invaluable in shaping the work we focus on.
If you’d like me to come to a street near you, please get in touch and we can organise it!
Out and about in Panmure
Following the 2025 boundary changes, Panmure is now part of the Maungakiekie electorate, so this year, local residents will vote as part of Maungakiekie.
I’ve spent more time in Panmure this month, hearing directly from schools and the community about what matters most.
At Panmure District School, I saw new classrooms delivered with Sommerville Special School, a smart, practical solution to expand quality learning spaces. We also discussed drop-off and pick-up issues, and I’m now working with Auckland Transport and MoE to improve safety and access.
At Sommerville Special School, we helped unblock a funding communication issue with MoE. And at Panmure Bridge School, I saw how innovative approaches, including AI tools, are boosting learning and confidence.
These conversations are important, and I’ll continue working alongside our schools and community to ensure they are well supported.
Addressing roaming and uncontrolled dogs
In my role as Deputy Chairperson of the Petitions Select Committee, roaming and uncontrolled dogs is an issue we’ve been working on over the past year. Sadly, it’s also something we’ve seen firsthand in Maungakiekie.
This month, the Government announced it has begun a review of the Dog Control Act, aimed at strengthening enforcement, improving accountability, and ensuring councils have the tools they need to respond effectively. Work is also underway to support measures such as dog desexing programmes to reduce overpopulation and improve community safety.
Finally, as we head into Easter, I hope you’re able to take some time to rest and enjoy a break with family and friends.
As always, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whether it’s at a street corner chat, out in the community, or via phone or email, I’m here and ready to listen. And if you’ve spotted a few fences around the electorate, you’ll know the message: don’t be an egg, contact Greg!
Ngā mihi nui,
Greg