Fuel pressures remain front of mind for the Government as ongoing turmoil in the Middle East continues to create uncertainty. We’re continuing to adapt our approach, working to ensure our communities and businesses are as protected as possible. That said, the current environment is still challenging for many.
In response, the Government has been working closely with industry to strengthen the Fuel Response Plan for petrol and diesel, making sure we’re well prepared in the event of a prolonged global shortage.
However, it’s important to remember that New Zealanders are resilient. We’ve shown time and again that we can get through difficult periods by working together. While these global events are beyond our control, how we respond is not, and staying steady, practical, and supportive of one another will make all the difference.
This week Budget 2026 will be announced. A foundational week for all sectors for the next year. This will determine the priorities, pace, and capacity for delivery across the public sector, shaping how we respond to community needs, invest in growth, and navigate ongoing economic pressures. We heard from Rt Hon Christopher Luxon about National's intent to secure New Zealand’s future in a volatile world. The recent global uncertainty has highlighted just how important careful economic management will be as we head into Budget 2026. It means staying focused on the essentials, such as health and education, while keeping a close eye on spending and inflation.
It also means making sure energy remains reliable and affordable for households and businesses, and continuing to support local companies to stay competitive. At the same time, there’s a clear focus on strengthening our connections internationally, through trade, partnerships, and ensuring we have the capability to respond to challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.
Ultimately, it’s about balancing growth with stability, so communities and businesses can thrive with confidence.
Good news as visitor numbers rise on the East Coast
We’re seeing more international visitors return to the East Coast, which is great news for our communities. Tourism plays a big role locally, and more visitors mean more support for businesses, jobs, livelihoods, and just more life back into the Coast. I am thrilled to be seeing lots of people returning to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of our home.
Numbers are continuing to climb toward pre-COVID levels quickly, and it’s giving local operators the confidence to invest, grow, and stay open year-round. The benefits are felt right across the community, from hospitality and retail to transport and services. It has taken not just our country but the whole world a little while to get back on its feet after the epidemic, but here we are. This government has cultivated an environment that tourists want to come back to, and this props up electorates like ours.
With strong interest from markets like Australia, the US, and China, the outlook is encouraging. While there will always be more improvements we can make, it's clear tourism is bouncing back strong… and when tourism grows, our whole region benefits. (Beehive PR)
On Monday, I invited MP for Bay of Plenty, Tom Rutherford, to come down to Gisborne. We had a great catch-up with local Members for a morning tea. Thank you to all who joined us; it was a great meeting, with lots of conversations about Mr Rutherford’s history and background and how we can work together with our neighbouring electorate.
After that, we headed off to the Beetham retirement village, where we spoke to the residents and had great chats about all sorts of things. Highlights were discussions about the changes to the Retirement Villages Act, interest in the changes to the NCEA curriculum system and all sorts of things. It was so nice to be reminded that these people are the core of our communities, keeping themselves updated and informed on all aspects of our society.
One of the highlights of my role is attending citizenship ceremonies. They’re always such special occasions, filled with pride, emotion, and a real sense of new beginnings. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the rest of my role being in Wellington, I have personally been unable to attend to celebrate these new Citizens. I will always make sure someone is there on my behalf to welcome these people home.
It’s incredibly inspiring to see people choosing to make New Zealand and the East Coast in particular, their home. Each ceremony is a reminder of just how special our communities are, and the values that bring people here: a strong sense of belonging, opportunity, and connection.
Welcoming new citizens is also a reminder that our region continues to grow and evolve, shaped by the diverse experiences and stories people bring with them. It’s something we can all be proud of, and I always leave feeling optimistic about the future of our communities.
I want to say a big Thank you to our volunteers who have been out and about all over the electorate delivering letterbox pamphlets for me. It warms my heart knowing I have so much support rallying around me, making sure of success for another National term. If we continue to put in the work, we can make sure our country continues to be run by a government that believes in rewarding hard work, economic prosperity and securing a strong future for our country.
A very special shout-out to Kevin Allen, who, earlier this month, at our central North Island National Conference, was honoured by Rt Hon Christopher Luxon with a well-deserved certificate of appreciation, for all the hard work and support Kevin gives National. Congratulations, Kevin, you earned that 10 times over.
I’m sure many of you have spotted my billboards popping up around the electorate, especially in Gisborne city centre! It’s been great seeing them out in the community.
If you see one while you’re out and about, I’d love for you to snap a photo, post it, and tag me so I can see!
Had the best day out at the Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Festival a couple of weeks back. The sun turned up and so did the community. We had some absolutely beautiful oysters, fantastic music, and so many people from all over the country. I love to spend my weekends out reconnecting with our whenua and reminding myself that this is what we do it for. Communities coming together and celebrating our very special corner of the world and what it provides us.
Literacy and maths at forefront of new investment: As part of Budget 2026, the Government is investing in the next phase of Teaching the Basics Brilliantly to transform our education system, ensuring every child has the opportunity to benefit from a world-leading education. (Beehive PR)
Public service to be overhauled: The Government is embarking on a fundamental overhaul of the public service to improve services, lift productivity and deliver better value for money. (Beehive PR)
Delivering fairer social housing: The Government is launching a multi-year reform of New Zealand’s social housing system to make support fairer, better targeted, and more focused on encouraging independence. (Beehive PR)
Bringing specialist paediatric palliative care closer: Children with serious illnesses and their families will be better supported with compassionate, specialist paediatric palliative care closer to home. (Beehive PR)
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. (Beehive PR)
NZ and Singapore agreement protects fuel supply: On Monday, New Zealand and Singapore signed a major agreement to protect the movement of essential goods such as fuel and food. (Beehive PR).
Building better school infrastructure for the future: As part of the Government’s $2 billion investment into school infrastructure, $56.6 million was announced to fix longstanding condition issues and bring facilities up to standard at six schools to ensure students are learning in warm, safe, fit-for-purpose classrooms. (Beehive PR).
Councils invited to fast-track local reform: The Government is giving councils a three-month window to put forward proposals to simplify and strengthen local government in their regions. (Beehive PR).
We have some upcoming community events we would love to see you at.
Gisborne: Simeon Brown Public meeting
Wednesday 10 June 3:45 - 5 pm
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