Make KiwiSaver compulsory for everyone in work from 2028 to support New Zealanders to build a bigger financial nest egg.
Automatically enrol every baby born in New Zealand into KiwiSaver at birth and contribute a $1500 Baby Boost payment to kick-start their savings.
Provide mums and dads on paid parental leave with a government contribution to their KiwiSaver, even if a parent isn’t contributing themselves. We know this is often a financially challenging time, and this change will enable parents to continue building their KiwiSavers.
Require employers to continue KiwiSaver contributions for employees over 65, recognising that more Kiwis are continuing to work beyond this age and shouldn’t lose out just for having a birthday.
These KiwiSaver changes are all about backing New Zealanders to get ahead, build a bigger nest egg, retire with greater financial security, more choices, and a better quality of life.
It’s all part of National’s plan to fix the basics and build the future for all New Zealanders.
Labour’s hidden bill keeps growing
Labour's Capital Gains Tax is looking extremely stretched after another untargeted spending promise.
Taxpayers' money is best spent on those who truly need it, which is the targeted approach National takes with prescriptions already being free for those on a Community Services Card, children aged under 14, everyone aged over 65, and those with a Prescription Subsidy Card.
What’s most concerning is where Labour will find the extra money to pay for its promises, given how stretched Labour’s Capital Gains Tax is already looking. Just this week, when asked what Labour would do if its Capital Gains Tax raised less revenue than expected, Barbara Edmonds said Labour would cross that bridge later if we have to.
Let’s be clear about what that means.
Labour’s Capital Gains Tax will have to get bigger and bigger to plug the shortfall. Chris Hipkins will look to squeeze more money out of any asset Kiwis have, including the family home and retirement savings.
Labour hasn't changed. It's still addicted to spending, and New Zealanders will be left paying the bill.
Recently, I spoke with Q&A about my ‘No Body, No Parole’ Members’ Bill.
The Bill will deny offenders parole if they refuse to disclose the location of their victim’s body. It will also treat that refusal as an aggravating factor at sentencing. This is about putting victims and their families at the heart of our justice system.
Offenders shouldn’t be able to move on with their lives while denying families the chance to lay their loved ones to rest
The NZ Young Nats AGM was held recently.
As always, they bring fantastic energy. I love being their patron and getting to spend time with the future of the National Party.
Fixing the basics and building the future.
Check out my video: Facebook
Made it onto 7 Days - Stay tuned!
National's Home Energy Fund will mean you can avoid the upfront cost of solar and batteries and instead cover the cost over time.
Energy resilience and lower bills. All part of our plan to fix the basics and build the future.
Hospices across New Zealand will receive a $12 million funding uplift for the 2026/27 year.
This investment will help strengthen palliative care services and reduce variation in funding levels between hospices. Every hospice will receive a baseline increase, with funding more closely aligned to need following a recent review.
This builds on the $15.5 million over four years announced in Budget 2026 to establish a nationally consistent specialist paediatric palliative care service.
I want to acknowledge the dedicated staff and volunteers at hospices around the country, including our own Waipuna Hospice here in the Bay of Plenty. They provide compassionate care and support to families during some of life’s most difficult moments, and this funding will help strengthen that important work.
I also want to thank Hospice New Zealand for their advocacy on behalf of hospices and the communities they serve.
The Bay of Plenty’s horticulture industry has a strong and exciting future ahead.
The Young Grower Gala Dinner and Awards recently showcased some outstanding young talent, with William Kenna taking out the top honour. As Orchard and Innovation Lead at KWKiwi, William delivered a standout performance and will now represent the Bay of Plenty at the National Finals in Cromwell in August.
Horticulture is a major driver of our regional economy, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to New Zealand’s export earnings.
It was great to see the next generation of growers stepping up with fresh ideas, energy and commitment to take the industry forward.
Papamoa Community Markets - Sunday 5 July
Call in for a chat, would be great to see you!
Coffee Catch Ups - Saturday 11 July
Super Blues - Monday 13 July
Bay of Plenty, Drop-in Clinic - Monday 27 July 11:30am - 1:30pm
Keen to catch up? Feel free to come along to my monthly drop-in constituency clinic at the Welcome Bay Community Centre.
See you there!
Public Meeting with the PM - Friday 31 July
Come along to hear how National is fixing the basics, building the future, and delivering for the Bay of Plenty. It’s a great opportunity to hear directly from us and ask any questions you may have.
A.J. Hackett bungy jumps from Eiffel Tower
26 June 1987
A.J. Hackett during his bungy jump from the Eiffel Tower
The speed skier and bungy pioneer planned the 110-m leap meticulously. His dozen-strong team hid on the tower overnight and Hackett jumped at dawn. He described it as ‘one small step for a man, a bloody great leap for the adventure tourism industry.’
Hackett’s friend Chris Sigglekow had made the first bungy jump in New Zealand in January 1980, from Marlborough’s Pelorus Bridge. The idea of jumping from a height with a sturdy elasticised band attached to the ankles had come from the vine jumpers of Pentecost Island, Vanuatu, via Oxford University students.
Hackett made his first jump in November 1986, refined his equipment and six months later was ready to go public. On a quiet news day, the Eiffel Tower jump was televised around the world.
In November 1988, A.J. Hackett opened the world’s first commercial bungy operation at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, near Queenstown. The company later opened sites elsewhere in the country and overseas.
New parents to receive increased support
The amount paid to parents taking time off from work to care for their new children will increase from 1 July 2026, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced.
Commonsense change to insurance reporting
The Government is bringing more common sense to mandatory climate reporting by removing health and life insurers from a regime they were never well suited to, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer says.
GDP shows underlying economic strength
GDP figures confirm the economy had real momentum at the beginning of this year, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Pharmac Consumer Working Group wraps up, job well done
Last year Pharmac appointed the Consumer and Patient Working Group (the Working Group) to help Pharmac reset how it works with patients and consumers, they met for the last time having achieved that goal, Associate Health Minister David Seymour says.
2026 New Zealand Space Scholarship winners announced
Seven postgraduate students have been awarded the 2026 New Zealand Space Scholarship and will intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California, Space Minister Chris Penk announced.
Strong quarter as manufacturing leads growth
New Zealand's manufacturing sector was the single biggest driver of economic growth in the March 2026 quarter, growing 1.9 percent and powering the country's start to 2026, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer says.
Protecting our critical underwater infrastructure
Critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) such as the telecommunications cables that connect the country to the world will be better protected through breakthrough technology launched, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.
GPs overwhelmingly back funding deal
Local GP clinics will receive a major funding boost to help more New Zealanders get an appointment when they need one, with investment targeted to where patients need it most, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Government amps up Rockquest funding
The Government has increased annual funding for events delivered by Rockquest Promotions by $50,000 per year, acknowledging the rising costs for these events, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced.
99.5 per cent benefiting from KiwiSaver change
99.5 per cent of people contributing to KiwiSaver through their wages or salaries can look forward to greater security in retirement thanks to the increase in contribution rates, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
New Zealand prepared and watching as bird flu detected in Australia
New Zealand is well prepared to respond if bird flu reaches our shores, but it is important that everyone takes steps now to be ready, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
Women’s representation on public sector boards above 50 percent
Women continue to hold half of public sector board and committee roles, according to the 2025 stocktake of gender and ethnic diversity released by Minister for Women Nicola Grigg.
New research to support yellow-legged hornet response
Four new research projects will help the ongoing efforts, led by Biosecurity New Zealand, to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet from New Zealand, say Science Minister Penny Simmonds and Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
Progress continues across all five health targets
More New Zealanders are being seen and treated sooner across the health system, with the latest results showing continued improvement across all five Government health targets year-on-year, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Recognising Kiwi search and rescue excellence
The exceptional skill, teamwork and dedication of Kiwi search and rescuers have been on full display at the New Zealand Search and Rescue (NZSAR) Awards, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.
Real results delivered for mental health
Quarter three mental health and addiction target results show New Zealanders are continuing to get faster access to support, with all three mental health and addiction access targets improving on the previous quarter, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced.
Minister urges racing industry to work together
Minister for Racing Winston Peters is urging all parts of New Zealand’s racing industry to work together to secure its long-term future.
Senior Court Judges appointed
Attorney-General Chris Bishop announced the appointment of The Honourable Justice Neil Ross Campbell as a Judge of the Supreme Court and The Honourable David Gary Johnstone as a Judge of the Court of Appeal, commencing on 16 July 2026.
Multi school contracts for charter sponsors
With the third reading passage of the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill, it will now be easier for successful charter school sponsors to open more schools and offer proven education models to more students, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says.
New awards celebrate excellence and delivering real results for students
Teachers, principals and schools across New Zealand are being celebrated in the first inaugural Education Excellence Awards, Education Minister Erica Stanford hosted.
$215 million boost from new travel option
Travellers arriving on a new, simpler travel option for eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors have already brought $215 million into New Zealand’s economy in only six months, a new analysis has found.
Tourism Policy Statement sets sector direction
The Government is setting a clear pathway to grow tourism so that New Zealand businesses, workers and communities see benefits, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
Free holidays not worth dying for
Young New Zealanders who courier drugs are risking their lives, Customs Minister Casey Costello said.
“Our young people are being targeted to do things which have devastating consequences. Criminal groups only want to boost their profits – they do not care what happens to drug mules,” Ms Costello says. “As far as the gangs and cartels are concerned, they are expendable.”
India FTA bill passes first reading
Legislation to implement the historic New Zealand – India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) – has passed its first reading, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says
Government acts on conservation bill concerns
Toitū te taiao – nature endures.
The Government has listened to public concerns and will remove provisions from the Conservation Amendment Bill around the disposal or exchange of conservation land, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
"I'm always happy to help where I can. If you have an issue, you think we could help with, please get in touch. If you have a business and would like me to visit, please let me know as I'm keen to know and learn more".
If you live locally and would like to meet, please get in touch, my team and I are here to help.
Please feel free to forward this email to friends and family who might like to stay in touch. We all need to stay connected with the community and there's no time like the present!
If a friend or family member has sent you this newsletter and you would like to subscribe to future correspondence, please hit the “subscribe here” button below and fill out the "Get Updates" form at the bottom of my webpage.
Hope you have a great weekend and if there is anything I can do to help - please give my office a call on 07 542 0505 or email me at bopmp@parliament.govt.nz
Thanks,
Tom.