“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” — Theodore Roosevelt
As conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global oil flows, the Coalition Government is focused on limiting the impacts of this on the New Zealand economy. In the short term, this means the impact on fuel prices and supply.
Fuel security sits at the centre of that planning. At the time of writing, New Zealand currently had about 50 days of fuel supply, including shipments already on its way. This is much better than the likes of Australia, which has dire levels of fuel stock.
However, prolonged conflict will disrupt refinery supply chains in Asia, which depend heavily on Middle Eastern crude. News of a two-week ceasefire is encouraging, but we have a long way to go before we see an end to the economic effects from this crisis.
To respond, our government is temporarily allowing fuel that meets Australian specifications to be supplied to the New Zealand market. However, we need to prepare for the worst-case scenario, with fuel rationing to prioritise essential services such as emergency response and freight.
Reserve Bank forecasts indicate that inflation will rise and economic growth will slow. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has signalled that any government intervention needs to be targeted, timely, and temporary, reflecting lessons learned from earlier crises like Covid-19. That’s why we recently passed into law changes to boost the in-work tax credit – providing targeted relief of $50 per week to 143,000 working Kiwi families from 1 April.
Our government cannot support everyone.
Any further government interventions need to balance the need for immediate support against the long-term costs that are put on future generations. That was the lesson from the Covid-19 years, where debt increased by $100 billion, the economy overheated and inflation skyrocketed to more than 7 per cent.
Kiwis are still dealing with the fallout from this now and will do for many years to come.
We cannot go back to major spend-ups that create long-term pain for a short-term sugar rush. Our disciplined fiscal approach to-date has seen inflation and interest rates fall, and growth return in the economy.
With a cautious approach, where we monitor closely, hope for the best but plan for the worst, and act carefully if required, I know New Zealand will come through and thrive in these uncertain times.
Plan Change 120
Recently announced amendments to Plan Change 120 marks a significant shift in the Government’s approach to urban intensification. We have listened to your feedback and as a result we have revised downward the original capacity expectations from 2 million homes to 1.4 million homes. This revision still reinforces a clear intent to enable substantially more houses in Auckland but in the right places.
Our Government has been explicit that this level of growth should be achievable through upzoning in Auckland’s most accessible and well‑serviced locations, particularly:
- Along the City Rail Link (CRL)
- Within and around the CBD
- Along major transport corridors and at train stations
These areas already benefit from high levels of public investment in transport and infrastructure, making them ideal for higher-density living. The next and most critical step is implementation. Auckland Council and Councillors are now responsible for giving effect to these changes through detailed maps and plans for our community. I will be working with our elected Councillors to make sure our communities voice is heard as part of the process.
Update on Recent Changes to Alcohol Supply Laws
Parliament recently passed amendments to New Zealand’s alcohol supply laws, following the progression of a Members’ Bill aimed at modernising and clarifying the existing framework.
On behalf of our community, I was pleased to support this Member’s Bill as it made its way through Parliament and into law. It passed at the final reading 65 votes to 55.
The reforms contained several practical changes including:
- Clarifying restricted trading days – From this April, on‑licensed premises that are already allowed to open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Anzac Day morning, and Christmas Day can now sell alcohol under their normal licence conditions. This removes the previous requirement that alcohol could only be served to people dining or staying on the premises, simplifying compliance for hospitality staff.
- Giving more flexibility for businesses and events - The changes support easier approval processes for special licences, allow extended trading hours for major televised events through Orders in Council, and make it easier for certain businesses (such as hairdressers and barbers) to offer limited alcohol without full licensing.
- Modernising law for low‑ and no‑alcohol products - Licensing rules have been updated to better reflect the growing availability of low‑ and zero‑alcohol beverages, allowing venues greater flexibility in what they stock
- Auckland Transport Amendment Bill Set to Become Law
Major changes to how transport is governed in Auckland are close to becoming law, with the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill now in the final stages of the parliamentary process. The Bill has completed its Select Committee stage, passed its second reading, and is due to be voted into law later this month.
The legislation restores democracy and accountability for transport matters in Auckland by shifting most transport decision‑making powers from Auckland Transport back to Auckland Council. This is a long overdue change that is welcomed by many in our community!
ANZAC DAY 2026 - Local Services
Birkenhead Civic Anzac Service
Parade assembly: 9.30am Mokoia Rd, between Huka and Colonial Rds
Parade commences: 9.45am Mokoia Rd, Highbury bypass into Maraha Ave into the Birkenhead War Memorial Park
Service: 10am
Northcote Parade and Service
Parade assembly: 10.15am Queen St near Bridgeway Threatre
Parade commences: 10.30am Queen St into Rodney Rd
Service: 10.45am at front of War Memorial Hall, Rodney Rd
Glenfield Anzac Day Parade and Service
Parade assembly: 11.00am Ross Ave
Parade commences: 11:20am, Ross Ave to Glenfield War Memorial
Service: 11.30am at Glenfield War Memorial
Seniors Morning Tea
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I look forward to seeing you out in our community soon.
Regards,
Dan Bidois
MP for Northcote