It’s been all go in Parliament this week as we work towards the budget.
I have been busy in the house as we introduced the Conservation Amendment Bill to ensure we are making better use of conservation land.
My work to ban social media for under 16s also took a big step forward this week, which was great to see progress.
This weekend I am gearing up to run the 10kms in the Hawke’s Bay Marathon and I am looking forward to seeing thousands from across the country visiting our region. Look forward to seeing some of you out there – watch out for the blue t-shirts out on the course.
The Conservation Amendment Bill has now been introduced, and I was excited to speak at the first reading, as Chair of the Environment Select Committee this week. This is the biggest reform in decades, of how we manage our conservation land. Our Conservation land makes up a third of New Zealand and this new law is about making better use of this land.
We are cutting the red tape so it’s easier to operate on Conservation land, supporting more tourism, which will create jobs and opportunity.
And we’re ensuring international visitors help fund the environment they come here to enjoy. Tourists pay around the world to enjoy sites and attractions in other countries, and they should pay in NZ too, so we can use this money to preserve our environment, maintain tracks, huts and facilities.
The changes will mean:
- Strong environmental protections
- Better visitor infrastructure
- Regional jobs and growth
- More recreational and cultural activities
- Clarity around Treaty settlements and obligations.
Work to Ban Social Media for Under 16s Progresses
This week has marked a significant cross-party moment in the house for my Members' Bill to ban social media for under 16s.
Following the Education and Workforce Committee Inquiry, recommending the Government consider restricting social media for under 16s - we had a special debate. (Committee pictured here)
It was refreshing to see so many MPs agree, that we need to do more to keep our kids safe online and we need to work together to achieve positive change.
This is bigger than politics because the future of our kids is too important.
During the inquiry submitters from across NZ, voiced their concerns about protecting our kids from online harm and this has sent a powerful message to politicians.
I want to acknowledge the parents, educators, health providers, caregivers, advocacy groups and young people who shared their heartfelt stories: thank you for your courage to stand up.
There is a global movement to ban social media for Under 16s – and we should not be left behind.
I’m proud our education minister is taking action and progressing this work.
Race unity
Congratulations Amanjot Singh for winning the Race Unity National Speech Competition. What a great achievement it is to go from regional to national winner!
You have made Hawke’s Bay and Hastings Boys' High School proud!
It was wonderful to meet with Amanjot recently - he is such an inspiration for us all and has a very bright future ahead.
Well done again!
Reuse, recycle
Keeping waste out of landfill is Sustainable Hawke’s Bay’s mission.
I loved learning about the Rinsery, which is a mobile, industrial-grade wash station designed to eliminate single-use waste at festivals, markets, and events in Hawke’s Bay
The Rinsery provides, collects, washes, and sanitizes reusable cups and bowls, allowing event organizers to dramatically reduce landfill waste and meet sustainability goals.
Well done to Danielle and the team at Sustainable Hawke’s Bay.
Glorious day on Te Mata Peak
It's hard to beat a walk up the peak on a beautiful, sunny Hawke's Bay day. It was wonderful to spend some family time up Te Mata Peak, which is always my happy place. It was also a great way to prep for the upcoming Hawke's Bay marathon too!
Touring the new Woolworths Supermarket, Flaxmere
It was great to get a tour of the new Woolworths Supermarket, set to open in Flaxmere, next month. This has been a huge project in our region, supporting many jobs and local businesses.
Once the supermarket is open it will employ about 80 people and it will support employment programmes for students, from local Flaxmere College too.
Supermarket competition has been a big focus for our government, to relieve cost of living pressures.
Thank you to the team at TW Group and Woolworth for having us! This is a very exciting opening to look forward to.
Supporting our Bay Blueberry Growers
I received a taste of our Hawke’s Bay Fruit Bowl in Parliament this week - a real taste of home!
What a treat to get a punnet of Bay Blue - Delicious HB Grown Berries!
Our Hawke’s Bay blueberry growers and teams do an amazing job, and I am always proud to advocate for our growers.
We are backing our horticulture sector - whether it be water security, trade deals, a strong RSE scheme, RMA Reform, the list goes on.
Horticulture is the backbone of our Hawke’s Bay economy, supporting thousands of jobs and I will continue to work hard to represent our growers and exporters as the local Tukituki MP.
Farewell to a Parliament legend
This week was special at our national party caucus - as we farewelled Judith Collins from Parliament after 24 years of amazing service to our country .
I have loved working and learning alongside Judith.
She is a hard worker and has an amazing intellect, a sharp wit and she has been a generous and supportive colleague. Thank you Judith for your service and all you have done for our country.
Wishing you all the best in your new role.
Flexibility, adaptability key to industry-led Fuel Response Plan
The Government has worked with industry to refine the Fuel Response Plan for petrol and diesel to ensure that in the event of a prolonged global fuel shortage the country is well-placed to act to protect the economy and livelihoods.
New Zealand’s fuel supply is currently secure, but global volatility means the Government is preparing for all scenarios.
The priority is to maintain supply so restrictive measures are never needed. Steps already taken include aligning fuel standards with Australia, expanding diesel storage at Marsden Point, and securing an additional 90 million litres of diesel as a strategic reserve.
Singapore and South Korea, trading houses of the major fuel companies that supply New Zealand gave confidence about continued supply to New Zealand and assurance that they will continue to share information about forward orders and any significant disruptions.
Restrictive fuel-saving measures are highly unlikely, but the Government is prudently prepared. It is better to have a plan ready than to be caught short.
A move to Phase 4 would occur only in the unlikely event of extreme and prolonged disruption – fuel would be prioritised for critical services and essential sectors, with clear, simplified rules to ensure fuel goes where it is needed most.
Government brings certainty to climate change tort law
The Government is clarifying climate change laws to provide businesses with certainty around their obligations.
Our government is committed to fixing the basics, and certainty of law is essential for businesses to operate, attracting overseas investment, and stimulating economic growth.
Therefore, the Government will amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent findings of liability for tort for climate change damage or harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions in both current and future proceedings before the courts.
This law change will not alter the Government’s responsibilities under the Climate Change Response Act and businesses that have obligations under the ETS will still be required to meet them.
Business Mental Health Toolkit launched
A new mental health toolkit will support businesses to improve productivity in the workplace through better mental health.
The toolkit is free and provides confidential mental health support delivered in a way that best works for both employers and employees. People can either download the Groov app for practical advice, call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor 24/7 or see someone in person at Access and Choice mental health services.
The toolkit is available here- https://www.wellbeingsupport.health.nz/toolkit
Tougher penalties for misleading pricing incoming
The Government is tackling deceptive business practices with the introduction of the Fair-Trading Amendment Bill.
Kiwis should have confidence they are being treated fairly by the businesses they buy from. These changes provide strong incentives for businesses to follow the law and increases the consequences for those that don’t.
The Bill establishes a new legal defence called a ‘safe harbour’ allowing online service providers to take down suspected scam content quickly, provided they take reasonable precautions.
It will shortly be referred to Select Committee for six months, and we encourage businesses and consumers to have their say.
Our message to dodgy traders is simple: follow the law or pay the price.
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Regards, Catherine
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