Back the India Deal
The Export NZ open letter calling for Parliament to get the India FTA done is open for more signatories.
A Call for Cross Party Support
Trade is critical to New Zealand’s prosperity. Our ability to sell goods, technology, and services to the world helps support jobs, lift incomes, and fund the hospitals, schools, and infrastructure we all rely on.
As a trading nation, New Zealand has benefited from a consistent and pragmatic approach to trade across successive Governments. Bipartisan commitment has been one of the quiet strengths of our economic policy. It gives exporting businesses the confidence to invest, innovate, and compete internationally.
The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is the next significant step forward.
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and is on track to become the third largest. Yet New Zealand exporters continue to face substantial tariffs and regulatory barriers when accessing its 1.4 billion consumers. The reduction of barriers secured in this FTA will directly benefit sectors such as horticulture, sheep meat, seafood, wine, honey, wood products, seeds and natural fibres, machinery, digital technology, and services, unlocking new opportunities for growth.
At its core, this is about the people behind those industries, the farmers, growers, manufacturers, innovators, and the communities that depend on them. Trade agreements with growing markets like India directly support their livelihoods by creating jobs, promoting investment and putting money back into the pockets of Kiwis.
In an increasingly uncertain global environment marked by rising protectionism, geopolitical tension, and supply chain disruption, New Zealand cannot afford to stand still. Securing better access to India will help build resilience, spread risk, and strengthen our economic position. An FTA with India is not a luxury; it is a strategic necessity for our economic security.
This agreement will also reinforce the importance of a rules-based international trading system, one that provides a level playing field for Kiwi businesses. For a small, export-reliant country like New Zealand, those rules are essential.
Opportunities of this scale are rare. This agreement was hard fought and represents New Zealand’s best opportunity to secure meaningful access to one of the world’s most important growth markets. It also keeps the door open for further engagement across other sectors.
We call on all parties across Parliament to uphold New Zealand’s bipartisan approach to trade by supporting the agreement.
Link to signings: Back the India Deal – FTA Call for Cross-Party Support
The time to act is now.
We’ve signed a long-term plan with Auckland Council that will deliver the homes, schools, transport, and infrastructure that Auckland needs.
This deal is a first and marks a new era of long-term partnership between Auckland and central Government.
Cancer infusion services are being expanded nationwide
With 14 new infusion centres and 14 expanded facilities, so more New Zealanders can access care closer to home.
Thousands more New Zealanders will be able to access life-saving cancer treatment, with a nationwide expansion of community infusion services underway.
Labour kicks open the door to more taxes
Labour’s Revenue spokesperson has pulled back the curtain on Labour’s thirst for more taxes, backing proposals from a radical left-wing lobby group.
Tax Justice Aotearoa released a report this morning calling for:
- a tax rate of 50% on income over $150,000 a year,
- a more comprehensive capital gains tax,
- an inheritance tax,
- a wealth tax,
- windfall profit taxes and,
- higher trust taxes.
Rather than hosing down ideas that would punish Kiwis and businesses, Labour’s Deborah Russell called these “really good suggestions.” Labour has already announced a capital gains tax that would target households, KiwiSavers, and every single business in the country. Now, Ms Russell has made it clear they are open to going even further.
Labour is all over the place on policy. Chris Hipkins has repeatedly refused to rule out expanding his Capital Gains Tax, Deborah Russell is backing piling on more taxes, and Barbara Edmonds is nowhere to be seen.
I had the opportunity to join our local Tauranga Police for a nightshift ride-along recently.
Our officers are out there dealing with it all, around the clock, with incredible professionalism.
Grateful for the chance to see that work firsthand. To the men and women keeping our community safe, thank you.
I recently visited businesses at the base of Mount Maunganui alongside Jay from Mount Mainstreet.
Every single business owner and operator we spoke to is struggling with the ongoing closure of Mauao, the Hot Pools, the campground, the Surf Lifesaving Club, and the Pilot Bay boat ramp. They’ve all seen a significant drop in patronage and are desperately looking for clarity and timeframes.
These are exactly the same questions I’ve been asking Tauranga City Council. Over four weeks ago I wrote to the Mayor seeking clear information on when these important community assets might reopen, and I’m yet to receive any response.
Nobody expects Mauao or the other facilities to reopen tomorrow, but some realistic timeframes and indications of next steps would be hugely helpful for our local businesses and the wider community. We need better communication on this.
Cyclone Vaianu hits the Bay of Plenty
Cyclone Vaianu hit the Bay of Plenty hard with damaging winds, storm surge, high sea levels, and coastal flooding and erosion. Strong wind gusts were up to 130km/h. I was with Minister Mark Mitchell MP, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery over the weekend, across the Western Bay of Plenty EOC, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence ECC and on air with Max from The Breeze Tauranga 95.8FM.
You would have received a few Emergency Alerts over the weekend, reminding everyone of the impending dangers associated with the storm and the options for help if/when needed.
Red weather warnings, wind damage, evacuations, flooding, power outages and more but as a community we were well warned and prepared for this major weather event.
Before the Cyclone...
It was a nice morning for the Gordon Spratt Reserve parkrun.
So good to see so many giving it a go.
Awesome to pop in and meet the team and kids at BestStart Bay Kindy in Welcome Bay.
I definitely left with a big smile on my face.
They’re doing some fantastic work, and it was great to see how passionate and dedicated the whole team is, and how much the kids love being there.
Such a special little community, thanks for having me!
Salisbury Wharf is now closed for essential repair works being carried out by Tauranga City Council. Following a routine inspection, repairs are underway to replace piles, joists and bearers that were found to be in poor condition.
The work is expected to take 8 to 10 weeks and will ensure the wharf remains safe and operational for the community to enjoy for many years to come.
Tauranga City Council is working to improve the southern part of Bayfair Reserve with new native planting, two small bridges over wet areas, and better pathways. The aim is to improve drainage, boost biodiversity, and make the space more accessible year-round.
Works are due to start in the next few weeks and should be finished by the end of June.
If you’d like to get involved, there’s a community planting day on Saturday 9 May from 9:30am to 12pm near the Laburnum Glen entrance. Gloves and spades will be provided, just wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Full details and the chance to have your say are here: https://letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/.../bayfair-reserve...
The Takitimu North Link will cut travel times, ease congestion, and unlock the growth the Bay of Plenty has been waiting on for years.
National designated it as a Road of National Significance, and that’s exactly why it’s now progressing.
Stage 1 is on track to open in 2028, and honestly, it can’t come soon enough!
Link to video: Facebook
I recently dropped in to see Tasha and the team at Bunnings Mount Maunganui.
They've got a great bunch of staff who've been there for years, and you notice that pretty quickly. Always worth getting out and about to hear how things are going from people who've been part of this community for a long time.
New date for SuperBlues
Please note that SuperBlues has been postponed to next Monday 20th at 10am
Welcome Bay - Drop in Clinic- 20 April
Tauranga Homeshow, Friday 1 May - Sunday 3 May
I'll see you there!
This Week in New Zealand History
Allison Roe wins Boston Marathon
20 April 1981
Allison Roe on her way to victory in the Boston Marathon, 1981 (www.photosport.co.nz)
1981 was a memorable year for Allison Roe. In April she became the first New Zealand woman to win the prestigious Boston Marathon, burning off American star Patti Catalano and breaking the course record by nearly eight minutes, running 2 hours 26 minutes 46 seconds.
Six months later, she overtook Grete Waitz to win the New York marathon. Her time of 2:25.29 was thought to be a world’s best for the marathon, but the course proved to be 150 m short.
Legendary coach Arthur Lydiard had dismissed Roe’s prospects as a marathoner, feeling that at 1.73 m she was too tall. Her victory in two of the five ‘majors’ in one year showed that on this rare occasion Lydiard’s judgement was faulty.
The marathon for women was included in the summer Olympics programme for the first time in Los Angeles in 1984. By then injury had ended Roe’s career. Her 1981 New York time remained an unofficial New Zealand best until 2010, when Kimberley Smith ran eight seconds faster in the London Marathon.
The Week in Parliament - Briefly
Panel finds Judge Ema Aitken’s conduct does not justify removal
The panel which inquired into alleged conduct by Judge Ema Aitken has found her removal is not justified, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Rural communities to access planned care closer to home
New funding will help upskill the frontline rural health workforce, enabling rural general practitioners to deliver planned care and allowing more people to receive care closer to home, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey announced.
Govt encourages farmers, growers to be prepared
Farmers, growers and rural communities are encouraged to stay up to date with weather warnings and prepare for Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say.
Government and cruise sector team up for further growth
A second joint Government and industry Cruise Forum will bring together responsible ministers and industry representatives to further strengthen New Zealand’s position as a world‑class cruise destination.
Medicinal cannabis export licenses take 6.4 working days in 2026
Cutting red tape to speed up medicinal cannabis export licensing is growing the export industry in New Zealand, Associate Health Minister David Seymour says.
New Retirement Commissioner appointed
David Boyle has been appointed as Retirement Commissioner, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer has announced.
Queenstown’s Ayrburn Screen Hub granted Fast-track approval
Fast-track approval has been granted for a screen hub, a full-service film and television production village in Queenstown.
New Zealand tourism continuing to rise
The Government welcomes new data showing New Zealand’s international visitor numbers continue to rise, with particularly strong growth from people visiting from China over Chinese New Year.
Tony Balfour Appointed as Chair of the New Zealand Lotteries Commission Board
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has announced Tony Balfour as the new Chair of the New Zealand Lotteries Commission Board.
Expanded role for community pharmacists
From June, it will be easier and more affordable for parents to get treatment for their children for a range of common health conditions, with expanded services proposed to be delivered through community pharmacies, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister David Seymour say.
New appointments for Health New Zealand Board
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced a new Chair and members for the Board of Health New Zealand, reinforcing its focus on delivering for patients.
WoF and CoF A changes to save Kiwis billions
New Zealand’s Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Certificate of Fitness A (CoF A) light vehicle inspection requirements will soon be significantly reformed, saving Kiwis time and money, Transport Ministers Chris Bishop and James Meager say.
Year-on-year increase in jobseekers finding work
Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston, welcomes new figures out showing more New Zealanders moved off benefit and into work over the year to March 2026, even as economic conditions remain challenging.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
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Thanks,
Tom.
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