Fuel Plan
We’ve updated the National Fuel Plan to respond to global disruption in the Middle East, making sure NZ is prepared and fuel keeps flowing for freight, emergency services, and businesses. There’s enough fuel right now, and no restrictions are needed. We’re planning ahead so we can respond to whatever may happen. We know higher prices are hitting households. That’s why support is targeted to low and middle-income working families, without adding to inflation or debt.
We can’t control global oil markets, but we can control how we respond. Our careful economic plan will help protect jobs, businesses, and livelihoods.
From 1 April, more than a million New Zealanders will see extra support in their pockets.
We know the conflict in the Middle East is putting more pressure on your household budget with higher fuel prices.
Superannuitants will see increased payments – for example, NZ Superannuation for a married couple who both qualify will lift more than $50 to $1,708 a fortnight.
Low-to-middle-income working parents get an extra $50 a week, for up to a year, from the in-work tax credit – helping 143,000 families, with 14,000 more now eligible.
Working for Families changes give about $14 extra a fortnight, on average, to 142,000 families.
And the family tax credit, benefits and student allowances will also rise on 1 April.
Celebrating our kiwifruit industry at Parliament and the massive contribution it makes to regional communities.
The Bay of Plenty is the heart of kiwifruit, and Zespri’s record season says it all, over $5 billion in global sales, 220.9 million trays sold, and more than $3 billion returned to the New Zealand industry.
A good news story for our economy, and with the India FTA creating incredible new opportunities, long may it continue.
I stand by our firefighters 100%.
As a former volunteer firefighter at the Mount Maunganui Fire Station, I know first-hand how critical reliable trucks are when the siren goes.
That’s why I’m pleased that Parliament’s Governance and Administration Select Committee, which I am a member of, has agreed to hold an inquiry into Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s fleet problems. The inquiry follows the last two annual reviews of FENZ and an extra hearing just two weeks ago, and was sparked by a motion from my colleague Tim Costley MP.
Firefighters across the Bay of Plenty and right around the country are telling us that their trucks are breaking down or not being available when they’re needed. The answers we’ve been getting from FENZ have been confusing and often contradictory.
Our firefighters risk their lives to keep us safe; they deserve vehicles that actually work and proper support from their leadership. This inquiry will get the answers we need through public submissions, hearings and stakeholder evidence, and deliver clear recommendations to Parliament.
Every community in New Zealand, urban or rural, volunteer or paid, relies on FENZ doing their job properly.
Good News for Papamoa: Key Postal Services Retained at Tara Road Pharmacy
As your MP for the Bay of Plenty and a local resident, I have welcomed NZ Post’s decision to retain key postal services at Tara Road Pharmacy in Papamoa.
Following strong local advocacy and community feedback, the pharmacy will continue to provide domestic sending services, along with the sale of stamps and prepay envelopes. International mail services will remain available at the main NZ Post branch in Papamoa.
This is positive news for Papamoa and a good outcome for our community. I know how important convenient local postal services are,especially for older residents and those with mobility needs. While not every service has been retained, keeping domestic sending, stamps and prepay envelopes at Tara Road Pharmacy will make daily life easier for many locals.
I’m really pleased that the strong voices of Papamoa residents,combined with my advocacy, have helped achieve this result.
The agency, which provides essential postal services such as stamps, parcel sending and collection, was initially slated for closure as part of NZ Post's urban retail network review. However, after I wrote to NZ Post's Chief Executive Officer urging a pause, data review, and community engagement, the company undertook a thorough reassessment. This included re-examining usage data and considering input from stakeholders, leading to the positive outcome. Papamoa is one of the fastest-growing parts of New Zealand.
Maintaining accessible everyday services like this is vital so people aren’t disadvantaged as our suburb continues to expand.
I’d like to thank everyone in Papamoa who took the time to have their say. Your feedback genuinely made a difference.
A very tough situation for a local family.
Verron’s wife Melissa is fighting incurable metastatic breast cancer that has spread throughout her bones and spine. Their 10-year-old son Grayson has cerebral palsy, autism and incurable kidney disease, he is wheelchair-bound and needs full-time care.
Verron is working seven days a week just to keep the family going while caring for them both. If you’re able to help, even a small donation, it would mean the world to them.
Help Verron Care for Melissa & Grayson During an Unimaginable Time - Givealittle
Happy 40th Anniversary to Greenwood Park Retirement Village in Welcome Bay!
It was great to join Winston Peters for the occasion. Winston was the MP for Tauranga when the village first opened and now it’s an integral part of our Bay of Plenty electorate.
I had a great afternoon recently at the NextGen Leaders graduation
I’ve been lucky to attend many times over the years, and this was another highlight.
NextGen (formerly Summerhill Youth Academy) has been running for over 15 years, giving Year 12 and 13 students from Tauranga and Rotorua real-world skills in business, careers and life.
Massive thanks to founders David and Cloie Blackley, and to Danny Kettoola who now leads the program. I loved chatting with the students and presenting their endorsement letters. Meeting them all has given me real confidence in the next generation of Bay of Plenty leaders.
I was door-knocking recently in Bayfair Estate.
Really appreciated everyone who stopped for a chat, you were all so welcoming and hospitable.
Heard plenty of feedback, particularly on reopening Mauao, which I’ve taken on board and will keep advocating for.
Keeping the faith no matter what!
Ahead of time and under budget, the Pāpāmoat East Interchange is officially open. You’ll be able to make use of it this side of Easter.
I’ve taken on board the many hundreds of comments, messages, emails and phone calls I’ve received over the last few days about the new toll at the Pāpāmoa East Interchange (PEI).
I know there are strong feelings out there, and I completely understand why some people are frustrated and disappointed with this decision. I’ve heard you loud and clear.
As I’ve said to many of you personally, I’m not the decision-maker on the tolling, but as your local MP I know why so many of you are coming to me, and I take that responsibility seriously.
To answer a question I’ve been asked by a number of locals and businesses: yes, the scenario many of you are worried about is correct. If you exit at the PEI to shop at The Sands, or visit friends and family, and then re-join the Tauranga Eastern Link, you will be charged two separate tolls once the new point is active. For example, $1.10 for the short northern section plus $2.30 for the southern section, totalling $3.40. That extra $1.10 simply for stopping to shop locally, visit family and friends, or whatever it may be, does feel unfair and goes against supporting new development and businesses in Pāpāmoa East.
I have already written to NZTA questioning this approach. As soon as I receive their response I will share it with the community.
I definitely wear my heart on my sleeve. Every single day, I do my best to get up and fight for the Bay of Plenty. I work as hard as I can to deliver the best possible outcomes for our community. Do I win every battle? No. But it’s never for lack of trying.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out and for sharing your views and experiences. I’m listening and taking it all on board.
Link to video: Facebook
Coffee catch up - 8 April - 9am
Next SuperBlues - 13 April
Welcome Bay - Drop in Clinic- 20 April
This Week in New Zealand History
New Zealand Cartoon Archive launched
1 April 1992
Murray Webb cartoon of Robert Muldoon (Alexander Turnbull Library, B-128-011)
The New Zealand Cartoon Archive (now the New Zealand Cartoon and Comics Archive) was launched at a function at the National Library in Wellington by Prime Minister Jim Bolger, then a favourite subject for New Zealand cartoonists. The archive was a partnership between the New Zealand Cartoon Archive Trust, which raised funds and publicised the collection, and the Alexander Turnbull Library, which housed and organised the collection.
Ian F. Grant, the moving force behind the creation of the archive, visited cartoon museums in the United States and United Kingdom while developing the concept for the archive, which employed Susan Foster as its first curator. Its first touring exhibition, A Bit of Cheek, showed the many sides of former Prime Minister Rob Muldoon, whose distinctive appearance was a gift to cartoonists.
In 2005, the Cartoon Archive was absorbed into the Turnbull Library, with the trust replaced by a Guardians committee. On 17 July 2019 the Guardians announced that they were stepping down after championing and supporting the work of the archive for many years. The collection now contains more than 60,000 cartoons and continues to grow steadily.
The Week in Parliament - Briefly
New Zealand announces fisheries support package for Tuvalu
New Zealand will contribute further funding support to the Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced during a meeting in Auckland with Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Hon Feleti Teo.
Fuel plan to protect economy amid disruption
The Government has released updates to the National Fuel Plan to respond to fuel supply uncertainty driven by the conflict in the Middle East, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.
Exceptional students named in 2026 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards
Fourteen outstanding students from across the country have been named recipients of the 2026 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards,” Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair Erica Stanford says.
Government calls for regulatory feedback to boost fuel resilience
Regulation Minister David Seymour is urging businesses, fuel users, freight operators, and the wider public to report any regulatory barriers that might be hindering our response to global fuel uncertainty.
1 April boost for superannuitants, families and other Kiwis
Superannuitants, working families, students and beneficiaries are among the New Zealanders who will receive additional support from 1 April, as conflict in the Middle East continues to impact Kiwi wallets, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
New Zealand scores a premier football line‑up
Football fans will get the chance to see global stars in action at home this year, as New Zealand confirms the ‘International Football Festival,’ with support from the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package.
Legislation gives more flex for Auckland’s PC120
The Government will introduce legislation to amend the Resource Management Act and reduce the minimum housing capacity required for Auckland Council’s Plan Change 120, Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.
Pharmac funds lifechanging cystic fibrosis medication for all ages
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to fund Trikafta and Alyftrek for children with cystic fibrosis, regardless of their age from 1 April 2026.
Medallic recognition for NZDF personnel supporting Ukraine
The Government will award the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Support to Ukraine) to recognise Defence personnel who have deployed in support of Ukraine’s self-defence, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced.
Fiscal responsibility and disclosure beefed up
Legislation preventing future governments from concealing the extent of fiscal risks in government accounts passed through its final stages in Parliament.
NZ and trade partners working together on trade disruptions
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has announced a new joint statement on keeping supply chains open with fellow Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership members Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.
Open Banking to power business growth
Open Banking will be extended to business banking channels, opening the door to a broad range of tools and services for businesses, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson and Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk say.
Inquiry to be held into FENZ fleet issues
Parliament’s Governance and Administration Select Committee will hold an inquiry into Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) fleet issues, says National MP for Ōtaki, Tim Costley.
Science funding to focus on national impact
The Government is backing a shift in science spending to areas that will have the greatest national impact, with a stronger focus on advanced technology, says Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti.
New Zealand and Cook Islands sign Defence & Security Declaration
New Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a Defence & Security Declaration in Rarotonga, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.
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, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
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Thanks,
Tom.