It’s been great to see some settled autumn weather across Rangitīkei and Horowhenua lately, especially with duckshooting season now underway. There’s always a buzz around this time of year as friends and families gather to catch up and enjoy the outdoors.
Parliament was sitting this week – the first week of a three-week sitting block, which wraps up at the end of May following the delivery of Finance Minister Hon Nicola Willis’ third Budget. The Budget will be delivered in Parliament at 2pm on Thursday, 29 May. The Prime Minister set the scene with an inspiring speech yesterday - it’s worth a listen here, or you can read it here.
I’m looking forward to heading to National Fieldays at Mystery Creek in Hamilton, which are on from 10–13 June. I’ll be there on Wednesday 10 June and Thursday 11 June. The National Party have a stand and there will be plenty of supporters, Ministers and MPs. If you’re coming, or if you have a stand this year, please let me know – I’d love to catch up.
There was big news recently from Minister for Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Minister for Local Government Simon Watts – we are forging ahead with nationwide local government reform.
Under the proposal, regional council layers would disappear by 2028, with local councils given three months to put forward ideas on how they could reorganise and take on regional council responsibilities.
The goal is to reduce duplication, improve accountability and create a system which is easier for communities to navigate and more efficient for councils to deliver services and infrastructure. You can read the full PR for more detail here.
For communities across the mighty Rangitīkei and Horowhenua, this opens an important conversation about what local government should look like in the future. Shared services, fewer layers of bureaucracy and more localised decision-making could all bring real benefits.
I’ll be encouraging councils across our area to consider these opportunities and put forward proposals which reflect local needs and priorities.
I’d also love to hear your views. What should local government look like in your area by 2028? Please email your feedback to Suze.RedmayneMP@parliament.govt.nz
Map shows existing regional council and local council boundaries.
The signing of a once-in-a-generation trade agreement with India is fantastic news for Rangitīkei and Horowhenua and a real boost for our economy.
India is now the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with a market of 1.4 billion people, so securing better access for New Zealand exports is a huge win for local farmers, producers and businesses.
The agreement removes or reduces tariffs on 95 percent of New Zealand exports, with more than half becoming duty free immediately and rising to 82 percent over time.
Our farming and primary industries will see immediate benefits. Lamb, sheep meat and wool gain duty-free access straight away, alongside dairy and other food ingredients for re-export. Most forestry and wood products will also become duty free. Mānuka honey tariffs will reduce by 75 percent over 5 years, while wine tariffs will also fall substantially over time.
Trade plays a huge role in both our local and national economy. When exports grow, more money flows back into rural communities, supporting jobs, local businesses and hardworking families.
These are outstanding results for sectors helping drive Rangitīkei and Horowhenua forward. Trade already supports one in four Kiwi jobs and agreements like this help create long-term prosperity for provincial New Zealand and communities like ours.
I always enjoy regular catch-ups with our amazing local police officers. Recently, I caught up over coffee with Mānawatu Area Commander Marty Gray and Inspector Phil Ward. I also spent time in Levin with Courtney Hyde and Kare Te Wiata.
Our police officers do an outstanding job, working hard in often challenging situations to keep our communities safe. Thank you for your service and commitment.
It was an honour and a privilege to serve as the Reviewing Officer at the Graduation Parade for Recruit Regular Force 418 at Waiouru Military Camp last week.
The occasion celebrated the success of 82 recruits alongside their families and friends, New Zealand Army and NZ Defence Force personnel, Waiouru Army Camp staff and my friend and colleague Carl Bates, MP for Whanganui.
These soldiers now begin their service to New Zealand, carrying forward the values of commitment, courage and discipline. Congratulations to Recruit Regular Force 418.
The first Saturday in May is always a highlight and this year’s Opening Morning at ‘Tunnel Hill’ was another fantastic day. Shooters had a great morning, while the annual Hospice fundraising lunch with the Turakina duck shooting widows was outstanding as always.
For those taking part this season, my friend Didymo Dave shared a timely reminder for us all – watch it here.
Congratulations to Jo Rangooni, recipient of the Rangitīkei District Council’s 2026 Mayor’s Award.
As a champion of the Bulls community, founder of the Bulls and Districts Community Trust and a tireless advocate for local people, Jo has made an outstanding contribution to the district over many years. A true local legend – thank you, Jo, for everything you do for our community.
It was a privilege to honour service, courage and sacrifice across Horowhenua and Rangitīkei. This year I attended commemorations in Foxton, Speldhurst Country Estate, Levin and Shannon, where communities gathered in outstanding numbers to honour all who have served our country.
This year’s commemorations carried special significance. Changes passed in Parliament in February to the ANZAC Day Act meant, for the first time, all New Zealanders who have served in times of war, warlike conflicts and peacekeeping operations were formally recognised as part of official commemorations.
Their service, commitment and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
It was very cool to be in Wellington and see this remarkable moment – wild kiwi hosted inside New Zealand Parliament for the first time in history.
The kiwi were then released into Wellington’s hills, where they had been extinct for more than 150 years, and are now thriving and breeding in the wild. This latest release brings the total number of kiwi released through the Capital Kiwi Project to 250.
It was great to recognise Conservation Week close to home with a walk through Sutherlands Pūriri Reserve in the heart of the Turakina Valley alongside Amelia, Kate and Michael from Rangitīkei Forest and Bird.
The reserve is an outstanding example of local conservation in action, protecting and preserving 60 hectares of incredible native forest. It has excellent walking tracks, historic Māori food storage pits and a new roadside deer fence helping protect the reserve for future generations – it is definitely worth a visit.
It was an awesome day on the tools at Colyton School alongside Rabobank’s Good Deeds Crew, with more than 25 volunteers joining staff, students and friends of the school to get stuck in. We built a new bike track and sandpit for students to enjoy for years to come.
I had great fun taking part in Feilding’s new boxing gym, Filly Smoke Fight Club’s, Open Day. I was proud to sponsor one of Logan’s 32 rounds in the ring for charity and take on the man himself. Even one minute in the ring gave me a whole new level of respect for what these young people put themselves through.
Filly Smoke Fight Club is far more than a boxing gym – it’s a place where young people are building confidence, discipline and a strong sense of belonging. What Logan, Jade and the team are doing for our community is outstanding. You can watch a short clip of Logan and me in the ring here.
Over Easter weekend I was invited to celebrate an outstanding milestone with Bulls Rugby Club – 150 years of inter-generational country rugby, community spirit and local pride.
It was great to welcome the New Zealand Parliamentary Rugby Team and my colleague Tom Rutherford to the mighty Rangitīkei to take on the Whisker Forestry Bulls Pressies. The Parliament XV quickly discovered they weren’t just playing 15 men on the field, but 150 years of pride and tradition.
Congratulations to President John Kaey, Colin and Mel Bartlett, the committee, players, sponsors and supporters who continue to be the backbone of this outstanding club. Here’s to the next 150 years!
👉 Operation Thor Continues with Further Arrests in Feilding – Feilding First, 8 May
👉 Colyton School Student-Led Bike Track Earns Rural Funding – Rural News, 7 May
Here is a selection of recent announcements from the Government which may be of interest to you. You can keep up with all the latest news at Beehive.govt.nz
The Government has worked with business and 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. Read more here.
New Zealand and Singapore have signed a major agreement to protect the movement of essential goods such as fuel and food. Read more here.
Children with serious illnesses and their families will be better supported with compassionate, specialist paediatric palliative care closer to home. Read more here.
The Government is tackling deceptive business practices with the introduction of the Fair Trading Amendment Bill. We know that New Zealanders are watching every dollar, but too many shoppers are being misled. Read more here.
Kiwi exports to the European Union have rocketed by $3 billion in just two years under the New Zealand-EU Free Trade Agreement, delivering a major boost to the economy and supporting jobs nationwide. Read more here.
The Government is preparing to remove or suspend regulatory barriers that make it harder for businesses and communities to cope with global fuel shocks. Read more here.
The conclusion of the Government’s Year 7 and 8 maths acceleration trial has shown students made double the progress of their peers in 12 weeks and largely retained their learning months later. Read more 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. Read more here.
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. Read more here.
WoF and CoF light vehicle inspection requirements will soon be significantly reformed, saving Kiwis time and money. Most light vehicles under 14 years old will move to two-yearly inspections, and new vehicles will go four years before their second WoF. Read more 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. Read more here.
16-17 May: The Women’s Lifestyle Expo is on again in Palmerston North at the Fly Palmy Arena. The cost to enter is $8 per ticket. It always provides a great day out. I’ll be there on the Sunday from 10am-1pm.
10-13 June: National Fieldays is on again at Mystery Creek in Hamilton from 10–13 June. I’ll be there on Wednesday 10 June and Thursday 11 June. If you’re heading along be sure to say hello if you see me, I’d love to catch up.
20-21 June: Registrations are now open for members and delegates to attend our 90th Annual Conference and AGM being held at the Lower Hutt Events Centre on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2026. You can find more information and a registration form here. See you there!
My team and I are available to assist you.
Reach us by emailing Suze.RedmayneMP@parliament.govt.nz or calling 06 323 7253 (Feilding) or 07 896 8008 (Taumarunui).
Visit us in person at one of our office locations.
Feilding office: 51 Fergusson Street, Feilding - Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Taumarunui office: 1/101 Hakiaha Street, Taumarunui - Monday 9:30am to 2:30pm and Thursday 9:30am to 12:30pm.
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