April has been one of those months where you really feel the strength and spirit of Hawke’s Bay. From coming together for ANZAC Day commemorations across the region, to hosting Ministers and advocating for local opportunities, it’s been a month focused on community, resilience, and backing our future.
A major highlight this month was the signing of a Free Trade Agreement with India, a once-in-a-generation opportunity for New Zealand exporters. For regions like Hawke’s Bay, this has the potential to create more jobs on our farms and orchards, bring more money through local communities, and open the door to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. During Minister Todd McClay’s visit, we spent time with exporters and farmers hearing directly about the opportunities this agreement could unlock for our region.
This month I also had the opportunity to host Ministers Nicola Grigg and Chris Penk, showcasing the incredible work happening across Hawke’s Bay from environmental innovation and resource efficiency to local infrastructure and the challenges facing businesses on the ground.
We’ve also seen some important milestones for the region, including the Government’s commitment toward rebuilding the EIT Taradale campus and the opening of the new Te Reinga Bridge, helping strengthen resilience and connectivity following Cyclone Gabrielle.
As always, thank you to everyone who has stopped for a chat, attended events, or shared feedback this month. Your conversations continue to shape the work I do both here in the electorate and in Wellington.
In this issue:
· Remembering Together This ANZAC Day
· India FTA: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
· Minister Chris Penk Visits Napier
· Local Innovation with Minister Nicola Grigg
. Minister Todd McClay Meets with Local Producers
· Highlights this month
· Recent Policy announcements
· What’s happened in the house
· Upcoming events and important dates
As always, I’m committed to keeping Napier and Wairoa front and centre. I'm here to listen, and here to help.
Katie
Remembering Together This ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day is always one of the most meaningful days on our calendar, and this year was no exception. From the dawn service through to the Taradale and Napier Civic services, it was incredibly moving to see our community come together in remembrance generations standing side by side to honour those who served, sacrificed, and never made it home.
It was a real privilege to speak at the Napier Civic Service and reflect on the courage, resilience, and selflessness of our servicemen and women. Their legacy is woven deeply into our communities and our country, and ANZAC Day is an important reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today came at a great cost.
Seeing so many young people there alongside veterans and families gave me real hope that these stories and sacrifices will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
Lest we forget.
India FTA: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
The signing of a Free Trade Agreement with India is an exciting opportunity for the Napier electorate and wider Hawke’s Bay region.
This once-in-a-generation agreement could open the door for our local exporters, growers, and producers to reach more than 1.4 billion people in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
For Napier, that means the potential for more jobs, stronger local businesses, increased investment through our port and export sector, and greater opportunities for local families to get ahead.
Minister Chris Penk Visits Napier
It was great to welcome Minister Chris Penk to Napier for a focused discussion with local builders, business owners, and council representatives. A strong message came through around the real pressure being caused by compliance costs, delays, and inconsistent processes.
There was valuable discussion around practical solutions, including better use of technology, more consistency across councils, and exploring options like self-certification where appropriate. We also visited the Napier Civic Centre for a project update and site walkthrough, seeing firsthand the progress being made.
These conversations are incredibly important in shaping better outcomes and reducing barriers for businesses and development across our region.
Local Innovation with Minister Nicola Grigg
It was a pleasure to welcome Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg to Hawke’s Bay and showcase some of the practical environmental work happening across our region. From visiting Tyrewise to the Henderson Road Transfer Station, we saw firsthand how resource efficiency initiatives are reducing waste, keeping materials in use longer, and supporting local jobs and recovery efforts following severe weather events.
Tyrewise alone has already diverted millions of tyres from landfill since launching in 2024, turning waste into useful products and reducing environmental harm. We also saw Sustainable Hawke’s Bay’s portable “Rinsers” wash station in action — a simple but effective initiative helping reduce single-use waste at local events.
It was a great opportunity to highlight how councils, businesses, and community groups are working together to deliver practical solutions locally. Protecting our environment goes hand in hand with building a strong, resilient Hawke’s Bay for the future.
Local Innovation with Minister Nicola Grigg
It was great to welcome Todd McClay, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Trade and Investment, to Hawke’s Bay this month and showcase the strength of our region. From visiting Ziwi, one of New Zealand’s largest pet food exporters to meeting with local farmers at a woolshed inland from Bayview, the day was focused on hearing directly from the people driving our rural economy.
We also joined local exporters at an Export NZ event to discuss the opportunities a future India Free Trade Agreement could create for Hawke’s Bay businesses, growers, and producers. These conversations highlighted the enormous potential our region has and the importance of continuing to back local industry, innovation, and jobs.
Highlights this month
A Special Sri Lankan New Year Celebration
One of the highlights this month was joining our local Sri Lankan community to celebrate Sri Lankan New Year. It was a wonderful morning filled with family, tradition, and a real sense of togetherness, with celebrations including the lighting of the oil lamp, shared kai, and traditional games.
Our Sri Lankan community makes an incredible contribution to Hawke’s Bay, and it’s been fantastic to see these celebrations continue to grow each year a reflection of the strong and connected community we have here. Thank you for the warm welcome and generous hospitality and wishing everyone a very happy Sri Lankan New Year.
A Major Milestone for Te Reinga
Reconnecting communities was at the heart of the official opening of the new Te Reinga Bridge this month. After years of disruption following the 2022 floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, the new $15.5 million bridge restores a vital link for locals, businesses, and travelers across the region.
Built with resilience in mind, the single-lane steel arch design removes the need for river piers, helping it better withstand future weather events and ensuring stronger connections for generations to come. It’s an important milestone for Te Reinga and another positive step forward in the region’s recovery.
Devil’s Elbow Officially Reopened
A huge milestone for Hawke’s Bay this month, with repairs on SH2 and SH5 now complete after three years of hard work following Cyclone Gabrielle. These upgrades restore safer, more reliable connections for our communities, businesses, and visitors, and mark an important step forward in the region’s recovery.
It was fantastic to drive the newly completed Devil’s Elbow section just in time for Easter. This stretch has been a long time coming, and seeing it finished means smoother, safer journeys for locals and everyone travelling through Hawke’s Bay over the holiday period and beyond.
$10 Million Boost for EIT Rebuild
There was fantastic news this month for EIT Hawke’s Bay, with the Government committing $10 million toward rebuilding the Taradale campus. Following the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, this investment is a significant step forward for our region and recognition of the important role EIT plays in supporting local industries, training our future workforce, and creating opportunities for young people close to home.
I’ve been advocating strongly for this support, particularly given the challenges EIT has faced through Te Pūkenga and the added pressure of cyclone recovery. This investment is about far more than buildings, it’s about resilience, recovery, and ensuring Hawke’s Bay continues to thrive for generations to come. I’m looking forward to seeing the rebuild take shape.
Recent Policy Announcements
Lots of policy announcements have been made this month. Please click on the links below to learn more.
Education
Primary Teachers’ vote to accept pay settlement – read the Beehive PR here
Education Minister Erica Stanford has welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations to renew the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement (PTCA). A ballot on the second of April with members of the NZEI returned a majority vote to ratify the collective agreement.
Immediate fuel relief for school communities – read the Beehive PR here
The Government is rolling out immediate targeted support to help small, rural and isolated schools manage fuel cost pressures, keep classrooms warm, and ensure students remain engaged in learning, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
Health
Increased mileage rates for home and community support workers - read the Beehive PR here
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.
- 30 per cent boost to mileage rates for home and community support workers
- Timely, temporary, and targeted support
- Supporting continuity of essential healthcare services
Nationwide expansion of cancer treatment services – read the Beehive PR here
Thousands more New Zealanders will be able to access life-saving cancer treatment closer to home, with a nationwide expansion of community infusion services underway including Napier and Wairoa, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Agriculture
Govt encourages farmers, growers to be prepared – read the Beehive PR here
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.
Finance
Additional 90 million litres of diesel coming – read the Beehive PR here
The Government has secured an additional nine days’ of diesel supply to boost New Zealand’s fuel reserves and help shield the country from the global oil shock, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.
“Following a contestable procurement process, the Government has signed a letter of intent with Z Energy today to procure 90 million litres of NZ specification diesel.
Mental Health
ED peer supporters for three extra hospitals – read the Beehive PR here
Whangārei, Hutt Valley and Hawke’s Bay are the latest hospitals to get peer support workers in their emergency departments, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced today.
Housing
Updated granny flat rules increase choice – read the Beehive PR here
The Coalition Government is expanding its granny flat building consent exemption to support faster construction, more choice for homeowners, and a wider range of off-site building methods.
Tourism
New Zealand tourism continuing to rise – read the Beehive PR here
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.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says Stats NZ’s latest monthly international travel data shows New Zealand tourism continues its strong positive recovery.
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Thanks
Katie Nimon
Member of Parliament for Napier