August brings a distinct shift in rhythm as the deep winter chill reaches its peak. With the shortest days now well behind us, the crisp morning frosts and lingering winter routines serve as a clear reminder that we are pressing forward through the second half of the year.
There is a natural persistence that comes with this time of year. As the tail end of winter unfolds, it encourages us to stay grounded, lean into our comforting routines, and re-establish our focus. It’s an ideal vantage point, a late-winter moment to look ahead with clear intention, bracing ourselves against the final brisk weeks while channelling our energy into what we want to build and achieve as spring begins to approach.
For me, education in New Zealand has always been about far more than passing exams. It’s about every young person gaining the skills, confidence, and sense of belonging they need to succeed and give back to their communities. From small rural schools in places like Piopio, Te Kūiti, and Ōpunake to our larger town schools in Hāwera and New Plymouth, I see teachers, families, communities, and the Government working together to make classrooms places students want to be and where they get the support and encouragement, they need to shape their future.
And ours.
A big part of this is going back to the basics: reading, writing, and maths. When a child feels confident reading, can express themselves clearly, and is comfortable with numbers, everything else becomes easier. With those strong foundations in place, our young people can approach science, technology, the arts, farming, and the trades with real self-belief — whether that’s on a dairy farm in South Taranaki, in an engineering workshop in Te Kūiti, or at a polytech in New Plymouth. Across our region, schools are putting extra energy into literacy and numeracy, using clear teaching methods and regular practice to help students lift their achievement. Going back to basics isn’t new — but sometimes we need to return to what works before we can move forward.
Improving school attendance is another crucial part of the picture. When students turn up regularly, they build stronger friendships, keep pace with their learning, and stay connected to the opportunities education provides, whether they stay local or move further afield. Here in Taranaki and the King Country, many schools are taking practical steps that make a real difference: flexible start times for older students who travel long distances by bus, breakfast clubs and school lunches, better transport options, and working with families. These changes recognise that every student’s situation is different, and that lifting attendance often means supporting the whole whānau.
None of this happens by accident. It takes dedicated teachers, supportive parents and caregivers, and communities that stand behind their local schools. As the MP for Taranaki and the King
Country, I’m determined that we keep backing student success and student wellbeing. When we back our kids, we’re backing stronger communities here in Taranaki and the King Country and a better future for all New Zealanders.
Recently, I have been meeting with locals in our main centers, including Te Awamutu, Te Kuiti, Otorohanga, and Urenui.
Although it rained all day during my visit to Urenui, we had a fantastic turnout, even if the accompanying photo doesn't quite capture it!
We had wide-ranging discussions covering everything from health, housing, and education to roading.
If you would like me to visit your area, please let my office staff know, and we will do our best to arrange it.
I would like to invite you to join me at one of the below location for a coffee and a chat.
With the General Election only a few months away I thought that if you had any questions or just wanted to say hello we could catchup.
I will be at the following cafe:
Friday 28 August - 10am
Fat Kiwi Café, 10 Te Kanawa Street, Otorohanga
If you are attending please come in and purchase a coffee or tea at the counter then come over and join me.
A huge congratulations to Tom Slee, who has officially been crowned the 2026 FMG Young Farmer of the Year!
After months of regional heats and an intense Grand Final, Tom proved his excellence against the country’s top agricultural talent. The competition puts every aspect of modern farming to the test, challenging contestants across practical hands-on skills, business strategy, environmental management, and leadership.
Tom’s victory is a testament to his incredible work ethic, industry expertise, and dedication to the future of New Zealand agriculture. Taking home this prestigious title is an outstanding achievement, highlighting the bright future of our rural sector.
Please join us in celebrating Tom on this monumental win! We look forward to seeing the lasting impact he continues to make in the agricultural community.
- Better planning for growth and environment: The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill have been reported back from the Environment Committee, with changes that improve the workability of New Zealand's new planning system while retaining its core design. (Beehive PR)
- Fiscal discipline critical during global volatility: Stats NZ’s Consumers Price Index showed inflation was 4.1 per cent in the 12 months to the end of June. By far the biggest contributor was the increases to petrol and diesel, at 27.5 per cent and 71 per cent respectively. (Beehive PR)
- National will modernise consent laws: A re-elected National Government will modernise sexual consent laws to specify there must always be a "yes," rather than an absence of a "no." (National PR)
- $10 billion milestone highlights growing investment in New Zealand innovation: The Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) has now supported more than $10 billion invested by businesses in research and development (R&D) activity. (Beehive PR)
- NZ and PNG strengthen Defence ties: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea’s Defence relationship continues to grow, with the two countries signing an agreement to deepen cooperation and engagement. (Beehive PR)