- Fuel Prices – What You Need to Know
- My KiwiSaver Bill to Be Fast-Tracked as a Government Bill
- National Backs Recreational Fishers
- Some Good News for Our Iconic Chateau Tongariro
- Out and About
- Government Announcements
- Upcoming Events
It’s hard to believe we are more than a quarter of the way through the year, with around only seven months to go until election day on 7 November. If you’d like to be part of the campaign as we head toward the election, I would love to hear from you.
Our campaign is powered by local people who care about the future of Rangitīkei and Horowhenua. Whether it’s delivering flyers, making calls, hosting a cottage meeting, putting up a sign or helping behind the scenes, every bit of support makes a difference. Please send me an email at: Suze.Redmayne@national.org.nz
We recently released updates to the National Fuel Plan to respond to fuel supply uncertainty driven by the conflict in the Middle East.
There is currently no need for fuel restrictions – however, we are planning carefully to ensure New Zealand is well positioned to respond, whatever the global environment brings.
Ensuring we have enough fuel to protect jobs, livelihoods and the wider economy is our first priority in managing the impact of global fuel disruption.
The National Fuel Plan outlines four clear phases that respond proportionately to the risks to New Zealand’s fuel security. These phases are assessed separately for petrol, diesel and jet fuel to reflect their different functions and challenges. 👉 You can access Fuel Response Plan factsheets outlining the four phases here.
Support for working families – we're proving timely, targeted, temporary relief to low- and middle-income working families.
From 7 April, we delivered a $50 per week boost to the in-work tax credit. This practical step supports around 143,000 working families and opens eligibility for thousands more households.
Alongside this change, superannuation, benefits, student allowances and the family tax credit increased from 1 April.
Together, these adjustments place extra support into the pockets of more than one million New Zealanders.
Support for home and community support workers – mileage rates for our essential home and community support workers increase by 30 per cent (from 63.5 cents to 82.5 cents per kilometre) from 2 April. Their role requires frequent daily travel to provide in-home care for some of our most vulnerable New Zealanders.
We won’t make a tough situation worse for Kiwis with reckless, untargeted spending. This would add more pressure to inflation and increasing debt and ultimately drive up costs like groceries and interest rates.
While we can’t control global oil prices or overseas conflicts, we can take steps to ease the pressure on working families with timely, targeted and temporary support.
I'm so excited my Member's Bill, the KiwiSaver (First Home for Farmland and Service Tenancy Tenants) Amendment Bill, has been adopted as a Government Bill. This means those whose employment contracts include a service tenancy will soon be able to use their KiwiSaver to buy their first home or farm. Farmers will also be able to use their KiwiSaver to purchase a farm through an entity in which they hold a majority share – a change which reflects the commercial reality of modern farm ownership.
👉 Watch my reel for the full backstory here
Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and these changes will help young farmers put down roots, invest in their future and keep building our primary sector. Legislation will be introduced mid-year, and I will keep you updated as it makes its way through the parliamentary process.
My thanks to Finance Minister Hon Nicola Willis and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Hon Scott Simpson for picking up this important piece of legislation - and indeed to the many others, including my Rural Nats colleagues in Caucus, Federated Farmers and the many people across the electorate, who have advocated and taken time to share their experiences with me on this issue.
Many people across our communities recently shared strong views with me about proposed changes in the Fisheries Amendment Bill.
Following those concerns, our Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke with New Zealand First Minister for Ocean and Fisheries Hon Shane Jones and agreement was reached to remove sections removing minimum size limits. This is a great example of advocacy in action and shows how community voices can help shape practical decisions.
As a keen recreational fisher, I share Kiwis' concerns on the impacts to juvenile fish stocks. We want to ensure our kids and grandkids have abundant fisheries for decades to come.
I know some concerns remain about the legislation. I encourage anyone with a view to take part in the Select Committee process and make a submission on any other aspects of the Bill you’re not happy with.
Thank you to everyone who got in touch with me - your voices really did make a difference.
👉 Keep up with the progress of the bill here.
There is positive news for one of our region’s most recognised landmarks, with our Government opening a Request for Proposals process inviting experienced operators to put forward practical plans to restore and operate the Chateau Tongariro and its associated buildings.
I know it's been difficult for many in our region seeing the Chateau sitting empty, while the Department of Conservation has continued maintenance and explored long-term options. This is an important step toward securing the future of our iconic Chateau.
Restoration remains complex, with significant structural and seismic upgrades required alongside protection of heritage and conservation values within Tongariro National Park. Finding the right operator will take time, but opening this process is an important step toward ensuring the Chateau has a sustainable future.
The Request for Proposals process runs from 19 March to 21 April 2026. Tenders are being lodged through the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS).
March has provided plenty of opportunities to get out and about and celebrate the best of rural and provincial New Zealand ...
Lytton Street School 125th Jubilee
It was a privilege to join Lytton Street School for their 125th Jubilee and speak at the opening event for their weekend of celebrations. Great to catch up with past and present students, staff and families who came along to celebrate and reflect. Lytton Street School has built an outstanding legacy across generations and continues to shape confident, capable young people who are supported by a fantastic community.
Horowhenua Women in Business International Women’s Day Lunch
The Horowhenua Women in Business International Women’s Day Lunch in Levin provided a good reason to step away from Parliament for a few hours on a Wednesday afternoon. Supported by The Horowhenua Company Ltd and Forsyth Barr, with venue and lunch provided by Levin Cossie Club, the event celebrated the contribution women make across Horowhenua. The highlight was hearing from three inspiring speakers – Emma Clarke, Judy Sanson and Anna Robinson, who each shared their journey.
Volunteer Firefighters Celebrated
An honour to attend milestone celebrations for two outstanding local volunteer firefighters. Alistair (Ali) Stewart received his Double Gold Star marking 50 years of dedicated service with the Bulls Volunteer Fire Brigade. Darrell Boyd received his Gold Star recognising 25 years of service with the Koitiata Volunteer Fire Brigade, alongside his wife Deirdre who is also a member of the brigade. Congratulations Ali and Darrell – you represent the best of rural and provincial New Zealand. Rangitīkei is grateful for you and very proud of you both.
Central Districts Field Days
I enjoyed connecting with many hardworking farmers and growers – the backbone of our economy, at this year’s Central Districts Field Days. It was great to be there alongside Minister for Agriculture Hon Todd McClay as he announced 18 recipients of the Government’s Rural Wellbeing Fund. 👉 You can learn more about the fund and its recipients here.
Field Days take a real team effort, and it was fantastic to have such a strong team presence across the three days. I really appreciated the support from my Rangitīkei Executive team - special shout out to Evan Tull for all his hard work. Also to our awesome volunteers who helped out on the National Party Stand - Sue Squires, Oliver Bau and Murray Lyons. Great to have support from my colleagues Carl Bates MP for Whanganui, Mike Butterick MP for Wairarapa, Tim Costley MP for Ōtaki, as well as Palmerston North National Party candidate Ankit Bansal, and the Lower North Island Young Nats.
Horizons Ballance Farm Environment Awards
An honour to attend the 2026 Horizons Ballance Farm Environment Awards and see Jarred and Bronwyn Clode and team Te Hau Farms named Supreme Winners. Te Hau Farms is two-thirds owned by Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa Developments Ltd in partnership with Ātihau Whanganui Incorporation. A fantastic achievement - well done everyone.
Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway Progress
I visited the southern end of the Ōtaki to North of Levin (Ō2NL) Expressway project with my friend and colleague Tim Costley, MP for Ōtaki. It was great to meet the team and view progress on this impressive piece of infrastructure. Interesting to note that the Southern Alliance Office building previously supported construction of the Manawatū Tararua Highway and was relocated to assist another transformational regional connection. 👉 Watch my reel from our visit here
New Zealand Rural Games
The ever-popular New Zealand Rural Games in Palmerston North showcased sports which built our nation and continue bringing communities together in a uniquely Kiwi way. Events ranged from shearing to coal shovelling and gumboot throwing. I was pleased to present prizes in the Senior Clash of Colleges. Congratulations to Rathkeale College placing first and second and to Feilding High School placing third. Feilding High School also won the Secondary School Shearing Competition and Mac Foreman was awarded the Sir David Fagan Trophy for Best Shearer by the legend himself! Outstanding.
Levin Pasifika Celebration Day
It was great to meet Selina at the Pasifika Celebration Day at Levin Showgrounds – awesome atmosphere with plenty of great stalls, food and entertainment.
Feilding High School Annual Commemoration Address with Simon Goss
I attended the Annual Commemoration Address to year 12 and 13 students at Feilding High School. Wonderful to hear old boy Simon Goss deliver a heartfelt address. Simon is an absolute legend who trained for 13 months to break the ‘9-hour strong wool ewe’ world record at Te Pa Station in Waimarino in January this year – shearing 732 sheep in 9 hours – that’s 44 seconds per sheep! It was a privilege to hear Simon speak and echo the words of his school motto - Kia Toa Kia Ngakaunui - Have Courage, Desire Greatly.
140 Years of Pāmu Landcorp Farming and 60 Years of Hyundai Country Calendar
I enjoyed a wonderful evening in Wellington celebrating 140 years of Pāmu Landcorp Farming Ltd and 60 years of Hyundai Country Calendar. Good to be there alongside Ministers Simeon Brown and Paul Goldsmith, as well as many of our Rural Nats colleagues. It was especially awesome to share the occasion with my friend and fellow Country Calendar alumni member Hamish Campbell, MP for Ilam!
If you love the iconic Country Calendar TV series, TVNZ has put together a special collection of classic episodes from across the decades. 👉Watch them here
Catching Up with Rangitīkei Farmers at Tutaenui Hall
It was good to get alongside Rangitīkei farmers, who turned out in great number, on a stunning Friday afternoon at the Tutaenui Hall. A well timed get together, organised by the Manawatu Rangitikei Rural Family Support Trust with backing from Foundation for Arable Research, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Fonterra, DairyNZ, FMG, Southern Rangitikei Veterinary Services Ltd, ANZCO Foods and Rangitīkei District Council. Despite a tough few weeks for many, the vibe was positive. Interest rates are low, prices are high, there’s plenty of grass, and growing demand for the ‘best in the world’ food and fibre Kiwi farmers produce.
International Farmers Visit the Feilding Sale Yards
It was great to welcome a group of international farmers visiting our region for the Red Dairy Breeders World Conference to the famous Feilding Saleyards. The group included visitors from Australia, the UK, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Norway, Germany and across New Zealand. I loved the chance to chat and hear about farming life in their part of the world. A fantastic way to showcase our outstanding rural sector and share a classic Feilding sale day.
Our Government has been moving at pace, with a wide range of announcements across conservation, police, building and construction, infrastructure, health, education and much more. You can keep up with the latest at Beehive.govt.nz.
Keeping children in classrooms and supporting schools through fuel challenges: The Government’s priority is keeping schools open, students in classrooms and continuing to raise achievement as the country navigates fuel supply challenges. Read Beehive PR
Increased mileage rates for home and community support workers: Home and community support workers will receive a temporary 30 per cent increase to their mileage rates to help offset rising fuel costs. Read Beehive PR
Fuel plan to protect economy amid disruption: The Government has today released updates to the National Fuel Plan to respond to fuel supply uncertainty driven by the conflict in the Middle East. Read Beehive PR
$50 a week for lower-income working families: From 7 April, about 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. Read Beehive PR
Next steps on secondary qualification to replace NCEA confirmed: A major transport upgrade for the Western Bay of Plenty has received Fast-track approval – part of our plan to building a long-term pipeline of transport infrastructure investments to redress New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit and build jobs and growth for Kiwis. Read Beehive PR
GDP data shows a growing economy: Economic data released today confirms. The conflict will have an impact on the economy, but we are starting from a much stronger position now than was the case in the past few years, when high inflation and high interest rates were weighing down on people. Read Beehive PR
COVID-19 Inquiry released: The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 was released this week. It showed that restrictions were initially balanced but extended beyond what advice recommended as the response continued, and that around half of the $60 billion COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund was spent on programmes unrelated to the pandemic. Read Beehive PR
Exports up more than $2b – powering economy: Exports rose to $29.2 billion for the December quarter, up $2.2 billion on the same period last year, reinforcing the vital role trade plays in supporting the New Zealand economy, with one in four Kiwi jobs linked to trade. Read Beehive PR
- Meet Mike – Ashhurst Cafe Catch-up: 24 April, Mike Butterick MP for Wairarapa and I would love you to join us for a relaxed catch-up about what matters to you – details to come, please keep an eye on my facebook page.
- Whanganui Collegiate School's ANZAC Remembrance Service: 24 April at 2pm on the Bidwill Quad
- ANZAC Day Services: 25 April – this year I'll be attending the 6am Dawn Service in Foxton, followed by a service at Speldhurst at 9am and the Levin Civic Service at 10:15am.
My team and I are available to assist you.
Reach us by emailing Suze.RedmayneMP@parliament.govt.nz or calling 06 323 7253 (Feilding) or 07 896 8008 (Taumarunui).
Visit us in person at one of our office locations.
Feilding office: 51 Fergusson Street, Feilding - Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Taumarunui office: 1/101 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunui - Monday 9:30am to 2:30pm and Thursday 9:30am to 12:30pm.
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