March across the Napier electorate has been a month of connection, progress, and listening to what matters most to our communities. It’s also been a reminder that many families are still doing it tough, with global pressures, including fuel supply disruption, continuing to push up costs at home.
Even so, the resilience and strength across our region continues to stand out. Whether it's time spent with locals, businesses, and community groups, or welcoming colleagues to Hawke’s Bay, this month has been about making sure our voice is heard in Wellington.
There have been some great highlights, from community-led events to recognising the outstanding work happening across our primary sector and local organisations. In Wairoa, I’ve also introduced regular monthly visits, including a Community Pop-In Clinic, to stay accessible and connected.
We’re also seeing progress on key infrastructure and new opportunities like the Rural Training Hub in Wairoa, supporting growth across the electorate.
At the same time, we know rising fuel prices are putting pressure on households. That’s why we’re delivering targeted support for low-to-middle income working families with children, including a $50 per week boost for eligible households.
As always, the best part of this role is the people, and I’m proud to be on this journey alongside you.
In this issue:
· Seeing Mitey in Action with Sir John Kirwan
· Scott Simpson Visits Hawke’s Bay
· NCEA Changes
· Minister Meager Visits Air Ambulance
· Highlights this month
· Recent Policy announcements
· What’s happened in the house
· Upcoming events and important dates
As always, I’m committed to keeping Napier and Wairoa front and centre. I'm here to listen, and here to help.
Katie
Seeing Mitey in Action with Sir John Kirwan
There’s something pretty special about seeing the impact of a programme like Mitey up close. I recently joined Sir John Kirwan (JK) and Sarah Manley spending time with students and staff here in Hawke’s Bay, including a visit to Taradale Intermediate.
It was a great reminder of just how important it is to support mental wellbeing in our schools. Mitey is doing exactly that — helping build resilience, confidence, and stronger connections in the classroom.
A big thank you to our local schools for getting behind this, and to Brendon Smith and Pak’nSave Hastings for supporting such meaningful work. When schools and communities come together like this, you can really see the difference
Scott Simpson Visits Hawke’s Bay
It was great to have Scott Simpson, Minister for ACC and Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, in Hawke’s Bay this week, We spent time with the teams at Radio Kahungunu and ACC, talking through how ACC processes are working on the ground, and where there’s room to do better for the people who rely on them.
We also sat down with the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce for a really constructive discussion, covering everything from global pressures like the conflict in Iran, to local issues such as banking, the decline in scams, and the move to ban surcharges.
Having Ministers here, listening directly to our community and businesses, makes a real difference, and helps ensure Hawke’s Bay voices are part of the decisions being made.
NCEA Changes: A Step Toward Clarity and Confidence
It was great to spend time at Napier Boys’ High School with the senior leadership team, talking through the proposed changes to replace NCEA and what they will mean in practice.
The feedback was really positive, with the school seeing this as a big step forward, particularly the move toward a more internationally comparable assessment model. The changes aim to simplify the system, reduce fragmentation, and bring greater clarity and consistency to how achievement is measured.
There will be a stronger focus on fewer, clearer standards, with a better balance between internal and external assessment. The goal is to make results more meaningful and easier to understand, while better recognising what students know and can do.
Importantly, these changes are also about lifting confidence in the qualification, reducing workload pressures on teachers, and setting students up for success beyond school.
Minister Meager Visits Air Ambulance
It was a privilege to visit the New Zealand Air Ambulance Service headquarters at Napier Airport alongside Minister James Meager, and to see firsthand the incredible work they do supporting emergency services across our regions.
We also had the opportunity to learn about emerging electric aviation technology, including a demonstration of the Beta Alia Electric Aircraft. It was exciting to see how innovation like this could shape the future of aeromedical services in Aotearoa — helping deliver critical care quickly while also reducing emissions.
Regional communities rely on services like this every day, so it was fantastic to see the aviation sector continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible. A big thank you to the team for hosting us and sharing the important work they do to keep Kiwis safe.
Dr. Vanessa Weenick Visits Napier
It was a full and rewarding day in Napier alongside Dr. Vanessa Weenink MP for Banks Peninsula, with a strong focus on opportunities for our young people.
From speaking at Napier SuperBlues to visiting the EIT Hawke’s Bay Trades Academy, it was a great chance to see firsthand the pathways available to students across our region.
As members of the Education and Workforce Committee, which I chair, it was particularly valuable to see how EIT is supporting students with practical, hands-on learning and helping them explore future career options.
Programmes like these are building confidence, developing real skills, and opening doors for the future.
Scooter Challenge Riders Set Off for a Great Cause
It was such a fun (and slightly brave!) start to the day seeing riders set off on the Jolly Good Chaps Napier to Wellington 50cc Scooter Charity Challenge.
What might look like a tough trip was all for a fantastic cause, raising funds for local Hawke’s Bay charities. Every dollar stays right here in our community, supporting organisations doing incredible work.
Last year’s total reached an impressive $187,600, and this year the goal is to top $200,000.
Thank you to everyone for taking on the journey the very best, a huge effort for Hawke’s Bay.
Hearing from Napier’s Frontline Firefighters 🚒
I spent time with our Napier firefighters, hearing directly about the pressures they’re facing on the frontline.
I really appreciated the openness of the team in sharing their day-to-day experiences, including the challenges that come with ageing equipment, such as a 29-year-old fire truck still in service.
A big thank you to everyone at the station for the warm welcome and for the work you do every day to keep our community safe. I’ll continue to stay connected and keep these important conversations going.
Supporting Community Wellbeing at WIT
I really valued the opportunity to spend time with the Whatever It Takes leadership team at their new Shakespeare Road office. It was a great chance to catch up on current priorities, the challenges they’re navigating, and the road ahead.
Whatever It Takes Trust continues to do incredible work alongside people facing mental health and addiction challenges, supporting individuals and whānau to rebuild with confidence and dignity. It’s a powerful example of recognising a need and stepping up to meet it.
Their new space represents hope, opportunity, and a community that continues to show up for one another.
New Wairoa Training Hub to Boost Rural Health Workforce
A new rural training hub in Wairoa is set to play an important role in strengthening the region’s frontline health workforce. Designed to attract and retain healthcare professionals, the hub will support more training opportunities locally and help address workforce shortages in rural communities. Initiatives like this are a positive step toward ensuring people in Wairoa and across Hawke’s Bay can access the care they need, closer to home.
Recent Policy Announcements
Lots of policy announcements have been made this month. Please click on the links below to learn more.
Education
Assessment and reporting changes for parents shine light on learning – read the Beehive PR here
Students returning to school this week will benefit from a significant change designed to give parents clearer, more consistent information about how their children are progressing at school.
Māori education package and draft curriculum release as school starts – read the Beehive PR here
As the draft curriculum in te reo Māori is released for Term 1, Education Minister Erica Stanford is announcing a set of Māori education resources and the launch of a new te reo Māori training programme for 50,000 teachers.
Health
Easier prescriptions put more money in patients’ pockets- read the Beehive PR here
Starting today, New Zealanders can receive prescriptions for up to 12-months, saving them money and simplifying access to medicines, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Nearly 12,000 online GP consults delivered over the holidays – read the Beehive PR here
Thousands of Kiwis stayed connected to health services over the holiday period thanks to the Government’s new Online GP Care service, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Agriculture
Sheep farmers come to parliament to celebrate record year – read the Beehive PR here
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has today hosted a celebratory barbecue for farmers, industry representatives and MPs to mark the upcoming National Lamb Day on 15 February.
Finance
Government invests to support energy security – read the Beehive PR here
The Government will set out its financial intentions for the coming year on 28 May when it delivers the 2026 Budget, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Mental Health
Faster access to ADHD support coming – read the Beehive PR here
Following the changes made today, more New Zealanders with ADHD will have faster access to support as a result of changes to who can assess, diagnose, and start ADHD treatment, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
Housing
Tails wagging as over 1,700 pet bonds lodged – read the Beehive PR here
More than 1,700 pet bonds have now been lodged with Tenancy Services since the pet bond system started on 1 December 2025, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.
Kāinga Ora’s Turnaround Plan is working – read the Beehive PR here
One year on from the announcement of Kāinga Ora’s Turnaround Plan, the agency is getting its books back in order and improving performance – delivering lower build costs, a strong renewals programme, less rental debt, and higher tenancy satisfaction, Housing Minister Chris Bishop, and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.
Tourism
Tourists through new pathway triple in two months– read the Beehive PR here
A new travel option that enables eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors to cross the ditch to New Zealand visa free is bringing in a considerable boost in tourism and revenue, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston say.
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Thanks
Katie Nimon
Member of Parliament for Napier