I’ve just spent an incredible week in St Gallen, Switzerland, attending the St Gallen Symposium as one of their “Leaders of Tomorrow”.
A few months ago I was selected as one of 200 young leaders from around the world to take part in this event.
The Symposium brought together roughly 1,000 participants, global business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians, academics, and emerging young talent, for several days of thoughtful discussions on the major challenges facing our world.
It was an honour to be selected and represent New Zealand on the international stage.
Link to reel: Facebook
Families Deserve Answers.
National is focused on supporting victims, creating safer communities, and holding violent criminals to account
Labour on the other hand...
Link to reel: Facebook
Fuel
New Zealand’s fuel supply remains secure. A shortage remains highly unlikely, but being a responsible government means we are planning ahead. We’ve worked with industry to strengthen our Fuel Response Plan so that if there are fuel supply issues, critical services and essential sectors keep moving - like ambulances, police and school transport.
Fuel is critical to jobs, livelihoods, and our economy, so we’re being prepared for whatever the global environment brings and making sure we’re in a position to be able to respond if there is a prolonged global fuel shortage.
Labour unable to form view on its own policy
The Labour Party is so devoid of ideas that it cannot form a position on Chris Hipkins’ own Fees Free policy. Fees Free was an expensive failed experiment, funded by hardworking Kiwi taxpayers.When Chris Hipkins introduced Fees Free in 2018, he promised it would increase tertiary participation and help more students from disadvantaged backgrounds into study. Instead, taxpayers spent nearly $2 billion on a policy that failed to deliver either outcome. Even when the evidence shows a policy is failing, Labour still cannot bring itself to walk away from wasteful spending.
It could not be clearer that Labour has not learnt a thing and continue to see Kiwi taxpayers as bottomless ATMs. Fees Free was a policy Chris Hipkins led, implemented, and championed in government. The fact he cannot say whether he supports it is deeply embarrassing.
It is hard to find a track record as perfect at illustrating Labour’s failure to deliver for New Zealanders than Chris Hipkins’ time as education minister. His management of our schools led to plunging achievement and soaring levels of truancy, while his management of the Polytech sector became an expensive mess.
Not content with not delivering in government, Chris Hipkins has taken to not delivering in opposition – unable to even deliver a position on a policy he himself introduced.
Judith Collins recently had her last day in Parliament, and her valedictory speech was a reminder of the huge contribution she’s made to New Zealand over nearly 24 years. No matter the role or the pressure that came with it, Judith always gave it everything she had, and I think New Zealanders can recognise the sacrifice that comes with that level of public service.
Wishing her all the very best for her new role as the President of the Law Commission
National’s 90th Birthday
90 years of the New Zealand National Party! Our party was founded on the values of ambition and success; with lower taxes, reward for hard work, and equal opportunity for all at its core.
Since 1936, our values have driven our focus, our policy, and unites our people in a common purpose. We believe in empowering individual freedom and choice, personal responsibility, and making sure New Zealanders take ownership of their future and set a good example for future generations.
National has a proven track record of doing the hard work required to deliver real solutions to the serious issues Kiwis are facing. We’ll continue fixing the basics and building the future.
Mother's Day 2026
I hope you celebrated this special day in your own unique way
Thinking of those who have lost their mum, those who never had the chance to know their mum, and those longing to become a mum.
I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up with my Mum's love, support, and guidance every step of the way.
SuperBlues with Dr Shane Reti QSM MP
A fantastic turnout at SuperBlues earlier this week. I struggled to find a carpark!
Thank you Shane Reti QSM MP for your captivating address to a packed room.
I recently caught up with Paul from Island Air in Tauranga.
Our Government has recently approved a $252,000 loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for Island Air. This will help them maintain their fleet and keep the vital Tauranga to Motiti Island air service running reliably.
Motiti Island is home to around 50 residents and has no regular boat connection. The air link is their only lifeline, for medical appointments, emergencies, freight and grocery deliveries.
Regional air services like this keep our communities connected. Good to see practical support delivered where it is needed most.
Upcoming SuperBlues - 8 June
Welcome Bay, Drop in Clinics
Next dates confirmed:
- 22nd June
- 20th July
- 17th Aug
- 21st September
- 19th October
Firefighter Fundraiser
This Week in New Zealand History
First game of rugby played in NZ?
14 May 1870
Recent replay of New Zealand's first game of rugby (Jock Phillips - Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand)
Around 200 people were on hand at Nelson’s Botanic Reserve to watch a game of football played under Rugby rules. Nelson College played the Nelson Football Club, with 18 players on each side. The ‘town’ team, wearing ‘street clothes’, beat the students 2-0.
The term football was used to cover many versions of a team game in which a ball was kicked and sometimes carried and passed by hand. Charles Monro had been sent to Christ’s College at Finchley in England to complete his schooling. While there he played the version of football associated with Rugby School. On his return to Nelson, Monro suggested that the local football club give Rugby rules a go.
The Week in Parliament - Briefly
Needle exchange service to strengthen prevention
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey attended the official opening of the South Island Needle Exchange Programme, marking an important step in strengthening early intervention and prevention of substance-related harm.
Government backs growth of trusted voluntary nature and carbon markets
Associate Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard announced the Government's approach to grow New Zealand's voluntary nature and carbon markets - backed by a new assurance role to give buyers and landowners confidence in what they are investing in.
Industry awards recognise innovation and impact
Defence Minister Chris Penk has paid tribute to the contribution businesses supplying the New Zealand Defence Force make to national security and resilience at the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry.
Government brings certainty to climate change tort law
The Government is clarifying climate change laws to provide businesses with certainty around their obligations, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Football festival brings more global football stars
Fans will get a chance to see Chelsea F.C. Women in action at the International Football Festival, thanks to the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
Citizenship office smashing timeliness targets
After six years of not meeting timeliness targets, citizenship by grant processing has been within target timeframes for the past six months consecutively, says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden.
Government announces delegations for new Associate Agriculture Minister
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay confirmed new Associate Agriculture Minister Mike Butterick’s key areas of delegated responsibility across the primary sector.
Laws passed to deliver AML red tape relief
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed the passage of two major Anti–Money Laundering (AML) reform Bills through their final readings in Parliament, cutting red tape and fixing what matters for thousands of businesses.
Business Mental Health Toolkit launched
A new mental health toolkit launched by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey will support businesses to improve productivity in the workplace through better mental health.
Tougher penalties for misleading pricing incoming
The Government is tackling deceptive business practices with the introduction of the Fair Trading Amendment Bill, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer say.
Securing New Zealand’s future in a more volatile world
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon outlined the need to secure New Zealand’s future in an increasingly volatile world, focusing on economic resilience, energy security, defence, international relationships and disciplined economic management.
Levelling the playing field for food business verification
The Government is making it easier for food businesses with multiple sites to operate by applying consistent verification rules across the country, says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard.
Bill to enable digital drivers licences passes third reading
Legislation to make New Zealand’s transport regulatory system fit for purpose has passed its third reading, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say.
Gang profits turned against organised crime
Money seized from criminals will be reinvested into fighting methamphetamine and gang-related harm in communities across New Zealand, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee and Associate Police Minister Casey Costello announced.
Western Bay of Plenty Deal signed to unlock long‑term growth
The Government has signed a City and Regional Deal with Western Bay of Plenty councils, establishing a long-term partnership between the Western Bay of Plenty and central Government Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts say.
Move-on orders legislation introduced
The Government has introduced legislation which provides Police with the power to issue move-on orders as a tool to deal with disorderly behaviour in public places, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Communities to lead targeted social support
Communities will have more power to decide how social services funding is spent locally under a new approach being delivered through the Government’s Social Investment Fund, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.
Targeting financial assistance to those most in need
The Government is making changes to ensure the fiscal sustainability of the welfare system by better targeting financial assistance to those most in need, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.
Pharmac proposes improving access to type 2 diabetes medicines
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s proposal to change funding criteria for three type 2 diabetes medicines based on clinical need.
Foreign Minister welcomes Deputy PM of Lao PDR to New Zealand
Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has welcomed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), His Excellency Thongsavan Phomvihane, on his first official visit to New Zealand.
Visitor numbers reflect continued tourism growth
New data showing international visitor numbers continue to grow shows confidence is increasing in the sector, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
Government reducing regulatory barriers for new agriculture, horticulture and veterinary products
The Government is making sweeping changes so farmers, growers, and vets can maximise economic growth and productivity by getting access to new agricultural chemicals and veterinary medicines safely and swiftly, says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard.
Amendment proposed to streamline hazardous substance and new organism approvals
The Government is amending the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act to speed up access to new agricultural and horticultural products for farmers, growers and industry, Environment Minister Nicola Grigg announced.
$1 million boost for Tarawera and Ōkataina tracks
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced $1 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) to upgrade tracks and campgrounds around Tarawera and Ōkataina.
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Thanks,
Tom.
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