February was a really rough month for many in our community who were affected by the landslips in Mount Maunganui and Papamoa in late January. The families of eight victims remain in our thoughts and their grief will be forever felt by them and those around them. The courage, strength and resilience of all involved in the recovery operation will always be remembered too. To our first responders – thank you for your selfless dedication to helping those in need. Also, a massive thank you to everyone that lent a hand to help out and donated food, goods and other items to support the rescue and recovery effort. To all those who offered your love, support and prayers – thank you.
Thank you too, to locals and visitors who have supported the Mount business owners and staff when they were able to re-open as the cordons were lifted. What should have been a happy and busy Anniversary Weekend with full cafes, shops and accommodation was instead a time of sorrow. Business interruption insurance is unaffordable for many small businesses, and those with it came up against myriad policy exclusions, so they’ve been doing tough. As part of our ongoing efforts to support communities affected by the recent severe weather events, the Government is making further contributions to Mayoral Relief Funds.
We are providing $100,000 top ups to affected councils around New Zealand, including Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Thames Coromandel District Council and Ōpōtiki District Council.
These contributions will help councils respond to the most immediate needs in their communities while broader recovery efforts continue. The impact of the weather events in January and February has been significant, and we want to ensure affected communities have the support they need during this challenging time.
In February I held outreach constituent meetings in Greerton, Gate Pa, Cherrywood and The Lakes as well as in my Tauranga Electorate Office. Connecting with constituents provides me with first-hand knowledge of the issues that matter most in our community.
My team and I have been assisting with Immigration, MSD, ACC, Health NZ, Kainga Ora, NZTA and council queries. My team excels at cutting through red tape and getting answers while connecting people to the agencies best placed to solve their specific issues.
I also met some amazing community champions and volunteers, business owners providing long term stable employment, and those who are upscaling with new tech. Visiting long-term family businesses is always fascinating – I love hearing their stories and what drives them to keep innovating and expanding.
Next weekend I’m hosting a fundraiser at the Tauranga Racecourse so if you enjoy a punt, a gourmet lunch and some top notch wines, come and join me and the crew for the Saturday 14 March Race Day. Just reply to this email for further details.
Here's a look back at February.
Two new Pharmac proposals will expand cancer treatment access starting 1 May 2026. These include immunotherapy for melanoma and new oral combination therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. These initiatives are supported by a $604 million funding boost to Pharmac.
The government has introduced changes to ADHD treatment by allowing GPs and nurse practitioners to diagnose patients and prescribe medication. This shift aims to provide faster access to support for adults. Additionally, patients on long term medication can now receive 12 month prescriptions instead of the previous 3 month limit.
Minister for ACC Scott Simpson announced the strongest rehabilitation performance in a decade. The growth rate of the Long Term Claims Pool has fallen to 1.8 percent, the first time it has been below 2 percent since 2014. Return to work rates have also improved across all categories.
An independent review led by Athanasios Orphanides and David Archer is examining the monetary policy response to the pandemic. The review focuses on how actions by the Reserve Bank contributed to inflation and housing costs. The final report is expected in August 2026.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID 19 has delivered its final report. This inquiry examined the social and economic impacts of lockdowns and vaccine mandates. The report will be released publicly on 10 March 2026.
Education Minister Erica Stanford launched a new assessment and reporting framework for primary and intermediate schools. Parents will now receive twice yearly updates on reading, writing, and maths progress through the SMART digital tool. Expanded learning support services will also benefit over 100,000 students.
Teacher supply is at its strongest level in twenty years, with 5,200 teachers expected to join the workforce over the next three years. New initiatives include doubling in classroom training spots and the Go Rural fund, which provides $4,000 grants to student teachers in isolated regions.
Significant updates to the Graduated Driver Licensing System will take effect in January 2027. The second practical driving test will be removed to save young people $80. To maintain safety, the learner period for those under 25 will increase to 12 months, and the zero alcohol limit will extend to all learner and restricted drivers.
The new pet bond system has seen over 1,700 bonds lodged since December 2025. This allows tenants to pay an additional bond of up to two weeks' rent to keep pets. Responsible ownership remains a priority, with tenants liable for any damage beyond fair wear and tear. See my recent video expressing concern about the number of dog attacks being reported locally and around New Zealand.
To strengthen energy security, the government is contracting a liquefied natural gas import facility in Taranaki. This is expected to save households approximately $50 annually. Furthermore, a $200 million investment in Genesis Energy shares ensures the Crown maintains its 51 percent stake while developing flexible generation capacity.
The rural sector saw export revenue reach $60.3 billion in 2025. Farmer confidence has hit an eight year high following trade agreements and a reduction in the Official Cash Rate to 2.25 percent. The government has also removed agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme and reformed freshwater plans to prioritize production.
New KiwiSaver changes will assist rural workers and first time farm buyers. Workers in employer provided housing can now use KiwiSaver for a first home without immediate occupation. First time farmers may also use funds when purchasing through commercial vehicles like trusts.
Building and Construction
The government has streamlined building processes by recognizing thousands of plumbing and drainage products certified under the Australian WaterMark scheme. Over 128,000 products are now approved, removing the need for builders to prove code compliance for each item during the consent process.
Economic growth
Kāinga Ora has achieved a $211 million reduction in operating costs and lowered projected debt by $9.5 billion. The agency has also improved community safety by increasing the number of tenancies ended for disruptive behaviour and reducing complaint resolution times to 10 days.
The Investment Boost policy introduced in Budget 2025 allows immediate tax deductions on capital assets. Early data shows 40 percent of firms have increased spending. This initiative is projected to lift GDP by 1 percent and wages by 1.5 percent over the next two decades.
International visitor arrivals reached 3.51 million for the year ending December 2025, hitting 90 percent of pre pandemic levels. Growth was fuelled by an increase in visitors from Australia and China. The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority has been a key factor for travellers from China and the Pacific.
The Active Investor Plus visa has attracted $3.39 billion in investment since April 2025. Most funds are supporting tech, healthcare, and horticulture. New settings also allow visa holders to purchase or build a home valued at $5 million or more to encourage local connections.
Violent crime victims decreased by 49,000 in the year ending October 2025, and repeat youth offending fell by 22 percent. These results are linked to sentencing reforms and the restoration of the Three Strikes law. New community beat teams have also been established in regions like Hamilton.
New move on orders allow police to require individuals to leave an area for up to 24 hours if they are disruptive or intimidating. These orders apply to public spaces and businesses. Police are expected to connect those in need with appropriate social and housing services and my team and I are in regular contact with local support agencies on their behalf.
Military Recognition and Defence
New legislation formally recognizes all personnel who served New Zealand during times of war, including those in conflicts after 1966 and United Nations missions. The updated law also includes the Merchant Navy and allied forces from the first Gallipoli landing.
The New Zealand Defence Force will trial advanced uncrewed systems from Syos Aerospace. This trial includes air, land, and sea drones for maritime patrols and supply transport. The partnership aims to support local industry and equip personnel with modern technology.
U ok Bro? Awesome catchup with local legend Scotty who, since 2023, has supported 1,000 people who stopped for a yarn - you've probably seen his van on the side of the road around Tauranga, available for people to chat with a social worker. No need for appointments, no obligations, no fees. Scotty also supports local businesses with workplace wellbeing tools. To see where the van is headed next or to access mental health resources, check out uokbro.nz on Facebook.
My team and I recently visited Turning Point in the Historic Village, a mental health and addiction recovery service that provides a supportive environment for young adults to develop skills, build relationships, and work toward personal recovery goals through creative and vocational programmes.
My friend and Parliamentary colleague Paulo Garcia MP visited the Tauranga electorate. Paulo represents National in the New Lynn electorate and he’s the first ever Filipino to be elected to New Zealand Parliament. I really enjoy connecting with constituents from The Philippines, who work hard supporting our country’s dairy, construction and medica care industries. Julia and I got together in the Philippines and we loved our time there.
While another storm cancelled weekend events around the Bay, the stoic rural folks in Te Puke persevered with their A&P Show – good on them. I really enjoyed visiting the exhibits, interacting with the livestock, chatting with farmers and connecting with my friend and colleague Dana Kirkpatrick.
Kiwifruit is such an incredible industry, delivering value, prosperity and nutritious food to our growers, region and the world. In February Zespri celebrated Momentum 2026 – bringing together industry leaders, innovators and growers to explore the Zespri 2035 strategy and the future of kiwifruit. It was great to be present during the presentation of Peter Ombler’s Hayward Medal for decades of service to the kiwifruit industry. Lovely to meet national treasure Dame Lisa too!
I volunteered at Brookfield New World to raise funds for the Big Heart Appeal. Every 90 minutes, a family in New Zealand loses a loved one to heart disease. That’s why it’s so vital that we act today and help prevent tragic, premature loss. bigheartappeal@heartfoundation.org.nz | 0800 BIG HEART (0800 244 432)
A highlight of my role as MP for Tauranga is helping people in need and seeing how that help affects those around them. Last year I advocated for two stranded members of an Afghani family who were desperate to reunite with their sister in Tauranga. Last month I finally met I met Tahira and her two younger sisters, Amina and Hamida, who had a complex and arduous journey from Afghanistan. Tahira catered an Afghan morning tea at Beverley Productions in Tauriko, where owner Rob has been an amazing support to her family, while also producing innovative textiles and non-sewn knitted garments at his high-tech plant. A great local family business success story.
I dropped by Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga on Cameron Road, a great local company that’s been family-owned for decades. It was great to visit Nicky and the team and I’m looking forward to coming back and getting some home reno supplies!
I enjoyed meeting Rob at Curtain Clean in Gate Pa who has been running his professional curtain cleaning and repairing business for 26 years. There are so many people doing interesting things like Rob and, like many visits I make, this was a spontaneous meeting. I loved my time there chatting to him and his staff. I guess the question after going here is, why replace curtains when you can repair them?
I visited Beni and Klint at Tarpaulin Makers, where they have developed these incredible flood barriers as an affordable, simple and sustainable alternative to sandbags. Fully manufactured in Mount Maunganui using locally compatible fillings, the large PVC tubes can be filled with water, making them strong and heavy enough to mould to the ground and divert water flow. The tubes can be deployed in minutes and are reusable. There is significant opportunity for this awesome local Tauranga company to provide local government with a superior fast deployment solution to protect buildings and infrastructure during extreme weather and flood events.
National Lamb Day at Parliament wasn’t like pet lamb day at country schools. This was a celebration of New Zealand’s meat sector that supplies premium product to 40 million people overseas, generating more than $4b in export earnings last year.
We had an E Truck visit Parliament. The beast can pull 44 tonnes 330km and is very price competitive. There’s also a long haul option. Exciting times, Rewiring Aotearoa.
I hosted Bowel Cancer NZ at Parliament for the launch of their Never Too Young report, which highlights that one in ten diagnoses occur in people under 50 who often face delayed detection. This event underscores our commitment to growing the economy so we can further lower the screening age and ensure better health outcomes for younger Kiwis.
I really enjoyed Waitangi festivities this year, including the pōwhiri on Te Whare Rūnanga in Waitangi and a dawn ceremony in Mount Maunganui with our dear Mount/Mauao looking over us. There were some wonderful speeches and a real display of unison from our strong Tauranga community. And we had a great breakfast at Whareroa marae, thank you very much! With many members of the National Party and other MPs in the Far North, we held the Parliament XI v Cobham Cricket Club match in Whangārei. They sported a number of former Black Caps and it was very special to play against such a great club while raising funds for their local community.
I hold regular National Party member events each month and, if you are a member, you’ll automatically be invited to all events. Non-members can still come - just reply to this email to book your attendance or find out more. Even better, join up here: Become a Member | National Party.
As always, thank you to all our members and volunteers for your support. We couldn't do this without you!
I’m looking forward to seeing you out and about this March. Enjoy the crisp autumn days, and take care out there.
Best regards,
Sam Uffindell
MP for Tauranga
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