June was a very exciting month for National as we hosted our annual National Party Conference in Lower Hutt, Wellington. It was an outstanding weekend, bringing together members, MPs and supporters from right across New Zealand. There was a real sense of optimism and momentum as we discussed the opportunities ahead and our shared vision for a stronger New Zealand.
It was fantastic to connect with so many passionate people who are committed to delivering practical solutions for the challenges facing our communities. The conference highlighted the depth of talent within our team and reinforced our focus on growing the economy, improving public services like healthcare, law and order, and education, and helping New Zealanders get ahead.
We also announced our plan to further strengthen KiwiSaver and help New Zealanders build greater financial security. Alongside gradually increasing KiwiSaver contribution rates, if re-elected, National will make KiwiSaver compulsory for all workers from 2028, automatically enrol every newborn with a $1,500 Baby Boost to kick-start their savings, continue Government contributions for parents on paid parental leave, and require employers to keep contributing for workers over 65. These changes are about helping more New Zealanders build wealth, save for the future, and retire with greater financial confidence.
I left the conference feeling energised and excited about what lies ahead. It was a great reminder that National has a strong team, a clear plan to fix the basics, and the ideas needed to build a brighter future for New Zealand. I look forward to continuing that work here in Banks Peninsula.
At the National Party Conference with my colleagues Louise Upston, Rima Nakhle, and Dana Kirkpatrick.
At the National Party Conference with Gerry Brownlee.
A re-elected National Government will strengthen New Zealand’s energy resilience and help lower power bills by supporting households to move to solar power. The policy will provide low-interest, long-term loans for homeowners to install rooftop solar, home batteries, insulation and other energy-saving upgrades, with repayments made through council rates. National will also remove unnecessary barriers that make it harder to install small-scale renewable energy systems. It's a practical policy that will help families lower their energy costs, strengthen resilience during power outages, and build a more reliable and affordable electricity system for New Zealand's future.
- In some great news, Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo is set to receive 4 new classrooms as part of the Government's $62.5 million investment package to build more classrooms in the South Island. The funding will provide additional teaching spaces to help meet growing student rolls, ensuring students have access to warm, modern, and fit-for-purpose learning environments.
- It was a pleasure to have Space Minister Chris Penk in the electorate to see the exciting work being done at Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre. Seeing first-hand the innovation and ambition behind New Zealand's growing aerospace sector reinforced the enormous potential Tāwhaki has to attract investment, create high-skilled jobs, and position Canterbury as a global leader in aerospace research and technology. We also attended the Zero Bills Home Partnership opening, highlighting an innovative approach that combines solar power, battery storage and smart energy technology to help deliver homes where residents can live with significantly reduced or zero electricity bills, supporting more affordable and sustainable living for New Zealand families.
- The site for the National Erebus Memorial in Ōtautahi Christchurch’s Cracroft Reserve has been blessed, and work is underway. A blessing was held at the reserve to mark the beginning of construction of the memorial which is set to honour the 257 lives lost in the Erebus disaster.
- I hosted a public meeting with Local Government Minister Simon Watts in Christchurch where we talked about the future of local government. The event was attended by over 60 people.
- We had Scrutiny Week in Parliament where select committees spend the entire week examining the Government’s spending plans as set out in the Budget.
- A huge congratulations to Carolyn Tapley who received a New Zealand Search and Rescue Gold Award for her 12-year contribution to Coastguard Canterbury and Coastguard New Zealand, including the rebuild of a new $2.6 million Search and Rescue Centre in Lyttelton following the Canterbury earthquakes. Very well deserved, and thank you for your service!
With the Principal of Te Kura Wairepo Somerfield to share the exciting news that the school was getting 4 new classrooms.
A big thank you to everyone who attended my Seniors' Morning Teas in Woolston and Sumner recently—around 50 people came along across the two events, and it was wonderful to spend time hearing your thoughts, sharing a cup of tea, and connecting with members of our community. These mornings are always a highlight, and I really appreciate the opportunity to meet so many local seniors and listen to what matters most to you. A reminder that the Halswell Community Hub morning tea has been postponed from 3 July to Friday 17 July, while the St Martins morning tea is still scheduled to go ahead on 8 July. I look forward to seeing many of you there.
If you'd like to come along, please call my office on 03 384 5717 or email me at vanessa.weenink@parliament.govt.nz to register.
Chatting with a constituent at my Seniors' Morning Tea in Woolston.
My Seniors' Morning Tea in Sumner.
The Fisheries Amendment Bill will not be proceeding before the election.
I submitted that the Bill in its current form would not have delivered a fisheries management system that was sustainable, equitable, and trusted by New Zealanders.
People across the Banks Peninsula have a strong connection to the ocean, and we have a responsibility to keep fisheries healthy and accessible for future generations.
Delaying this bill is a smart choice so we can take the time to ensure that we shape the future of our fisheries management system in a way that balances economic opportunities with environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.
I went down to check on the progress of the construction of Te Mātaitihi on Milns Road in mid-June. The first slab for one of the buildings had already been laid. I also spoke with the site manager and things are moving along nicely.
The Ministry of Education recently closed consultation on their proposed new enrolment scheme for the school. Consultation has now also closed for the proposed changes to the enrolment schemes for Oaklands Te Kura o Ōwaka and Te Kura o te Tauawa Halswell School. You can head to the Ministry of Education website for updates on these proposals.
1. National to further boost Kiwis’ financial security: A re-elected National Government will strengthen New Zealanders’ financial security by making KiwiSaver compulsory for all workers from 1 July 2028, alongside other ambitious changes. (Party PR)
2. 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. (Party PR)
3. 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. (Party PR)
4. 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. (Party PR)
5. $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. (Party PR)
6. 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. (Party PR)
- It was great to visit Ara Institute of Canterbury's Woolston Campus to discuss the Government's announcement to expand Trades Academy places from 10,000 to 20,000, giving more young New Zealanders the opportunity to gain practical skills, explore career pathways, and build successful futures in the trades.
- I attended the Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour Community Organisations Network meeting to hear about all the amazing work that groups like Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour, Te Ahu Pātiki and Conservation Volunteers are doing to improve the health of the harbour.
- As always, I'll be out and about in July hosting coffee catch-ups, morning teas, visiting businesses and door-knocking. I'll be in Little River and Akaroa on Monday July 13 so keep an eye on my social media channels for more details.
Chatting with the Dean of Faculty- Applied Technology at Ara Institute of Canterbury about the increases in Trades Training Academy places.