Our government is another step closer to replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA) with a planning system that is simpler, more practical, and better supports growth. The two replacement Bills have now been reported back from the Select Committee, with amendments recommended following extensive feedback from communities, businesses, farmers, councils, and industry groups. The reforms aim to make it easier to build homes, grow businesses, develop infrastructure, and make productive use of land, while continuing to protect the environment. The Select Committee also recommended several changes to better support rural communities, including streamlining freshwater farm plans and ensuring environmental limits better reflect local circumstances. The reforms have their second reading this week and will pass before the end of August. More information can be found here.
As Minister for Hunting and Fishing, I have been proud to oversee a range of initiatives that recognise the important role hunters and anglers play in our communities, economy, and conservation efforts. A major milestone this year has been the establishment of New Zealand's first Herds of Special Interest, recognising the significant recreational, economic, and conservation value of our internationally renowned wapiti and sika herds. This achievement follows years of work alongside hunters, local communities, Game Animal Council, and conservation stakeholders to develop a balanced approach that protects both hunting opportunities and the environment. It is a significant step forward in giving greater recognition to New Zealand's hunting community and the important role they play in conservation and regional economies. More information can be found here.
Backing our frontline rural health workforce: Rural communities across New Zealand will benefit from three new investments that will support the rural health workforce and help more people access care closer to home (Beehive PR)
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 (Beehive PR)
Funding boost for hospices across New Zealand: Hospices will receive a funding boost to strengthen palliative care services across New Zealand (Beehive PR)
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 (Beehive PR)
Ashburton community birthing unit upgrade underway: Construction is now underway on a major upgrade of the community birthing unit at Ashburton Hospital (Beehive PR)
Better firearm laws locked and loaded: The Arms Bill passed its final reading in Parliament meaning New Zealanders will soon have much better firearms laws that respect licenced firearm owners and improve public safety (Beehive PR)
Funding boost for aged residential care sector: A funding boost will strengthen aged residential care services and improve support for older New Zealanders (Beehive PR)
Solar on schools to boost future resilience: $30 million Government initiative to put solar panels on up to 500 schools across New Zealand (Beehive PR)
Increased support for mothers and babies: Mothers and their babies will receive more support in the crucial days after birth, with increased maternity beds and more staff to support longer postnatal stays (Beehive PR)
Over 97,500 families benefiting from FamilyBoost: Over 97,500 New Zealand families have now received FamilyBoost payments to help with the cost of early childhood education (Beehive PR)
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 (Beehive PR)
Better tools to fund and finance new infrastructure: The Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill passed by Parliament will give developers and councils more innovative tools to fund and finance the infrastructure New Zealand needs to grow (Beehive PR)
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 (Beehive PR)
Kiwis asked to help shape digital driver licences: Kiwis are one step closer to being able to carry digital drivers’ licences on their phones with public consultation on its design now underway (Beehive PR)
Backing Young Farmers: The Government is supporting the next generation of young farmers, growers, and rural leaders by backing NZ Young Farmers’ national network of clubs (Beehive PR)
If you are interested here is a link to read the PR Releases relating to my Ministerial portfolios.
5 Aug Launch of Young Enterprise Agenda, Wellington
10 Aug Automobile Association South Canterbury Event, Timaru
11 Aug Tavendale & Partners Agri-Business Event, Ashburton
11 Aug Festival of Science Opening Event, Chatham Islands
12 Aug Completion of Chatham Islands Airport Project, Chatham Islands
13 Aug NZ Cruise Association Conference, Auckland
14 Aug Business Canterbury - South Island Election Conference, Christchurch
14 Aug Business & Community Excellence Awards, Timaru
21 Aug Canterbury Club Election Year Speaker Series, Christchurch
28 Aug Opening of Dunedin Hospital Outpatient Building, Dunedin
29 Aug Stadium Fundraiser - Celebrity Basketball/Netball match, Timaru
4 Sept St John South Canterbury Service Awards Ceremony, Waimate
Visit the following sites for more information on events happening in our region:
It was a great privilege to host National Party Leader and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Ashburton on Saturday 1 August for a busy day connecting with local people, businesses, and community groups.
We started the morning at the Ashburton Farmers Market, where there was a steady stream of people stopping to say hello and chat about issues affecting Ashburton and the wider Mid Canterbury region. We also met with a local family who run a caravan selling their own citrus products, including lemons, limes, citrus juice, apple juice, honey, and eggs, while also operating the market coffee cart. It was a great example of the innovation and hard work that underpins our rural economy.
Later in the morning, we sat down with local business owners and professionals to discuss a range of issues and opportunities facing our region. These conversations are always valuable and help ensure local voices are being heard.
At 11am, we hosted a public meeting at the Ashburton Event Centre, which attracted a fantastic turnout and generated plenty of positive discussion and thoughtful questions from attendees.
The day concluded at a true grassroots community event, the Mid Canterbury Combined 1st XV vs Rolleston College 1st XV rugby match, where we met with players, coaches, officials, and sponsors ahead of the game. It was a great atmosphere and a wonderful showcase of community sport at its best.
Thank you to everyone who came along during the day, shared their views, and helped make it such a successful visit to Ashburton.
On Friday 31 July, it was great to host a Rural Nats catch-up in Winchester alongside Miles Anderson MP and Mike Butterick MP, Chair of the Rural Nats. With a strong turnout from across the rural community, the meeting provided an excellent opportunity to hear directly from farmers, growers, and rural residents about the issues that matter most to them. Discussions covered a range of topics, including RMA reform, infrastructure, and the future of regional New Zealand. It was encouraging to hear the positive feedback on the Government's work to support rural communities, rebuild confidence in the primary sector, and back the industries that are so important to our region and New Zealand's economy.
I have a regular interview with Gareth on The Breeze every second Wednesday at 8:45am. You may also hear me on Hokonui Ashburton with Luke Howden.
Any issues or feedback to do with my portfolio areas, contact my ministerial team at j.meager@ministers.govt.nz
If you need help with a local electorate issue (Mid Canterbury or South Canterbury) contact my electorate offices at james.meagerMP@parliament.govt.nz
Call: South Canterbury 03 683 2009 or Mid Canterbury 03 307 1729.
Drop in: Monday to Friday 9am - 3pm. (Note: Mid Canterbury office closed Wednesdays).
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Take care,
James
MP for Rangitata
Follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JamesMeagerMP.