Alongside being the Chair of the Justice Committee, I’m also proud to be a member of the Finance and Expenditure Committee, or FEC, and as a committee it works through some of the biggest economic and financial issues before Parliament. Over the past few months, we’ve worked on legislation covering the Commerce Commission, the Nelson Tenths settlement and infrastructure investment.
Next up is the third stage of our Banking Inquiry, looking at the Reserve Bank, the FMA, the major banks and what might be holding back new fintech competition.
It’s a privilege to be part of it.
National’s changes to KiwiSaver are to help you get ahead and retire with much greater financial security so that you can have a better quality of life.
Find out how much extra money you could retire with, thanks to our proposed KiwiSaver changes.
Link: https://nationalkiwisaver.org.nz
For too long, getting important infrastructure built in New Zealand has been harder than it needed to be. Roads took years to consent, housing was held back by outdated planning rules, and communities were left waiting. National is changing that. Roads, housing, ports, and other nationally significant projects can now move through a clearer, faster process and that progress is already visible across the country.
Great infrastructure makes everyday life easier. Better roads help parents get to the school drop-off on time, businesses move freight more efficiently, and communities stay connected. That's why we're getting on with our Roads of National Significance. Four are already under construction: Ōtaki to north of Levin, Takitimu North Link, SH29 Tauriko West, and the Hawke's Bay Expressway.
We're also delivering more homes. National committed to building 3,000 additional social homes in Auckland by the end of this term, and we reached that target months ahead of schedule. More than 8,400 additional social housing places have now been delivered since we came into Government. And we're improving transport choices too. Construction is underway on the final section of Auckland's Eastern Busway, giving Aucklanders a faster, more reliable way to get where they need to go.
With most travel and goods in New Zealand moving by road, strong, reliable connections between our towns, cities, and ports are essential. That's why we're investing a record $32.9 billion to deliver better roads, better public transport, and a more efficient, resilient transport network people can rely on every day.
National is getting it done - we’re fixing the basics and building the future.
New labour market statistics show why National's long-term plan to grow the economy and create jobs matters. It's been a tough few months for employers grappling with real cost pressures and genuine uncertainty, and the latest unemployment figure of 5.6 per cent reflects that. It reinforces why New Zealand can't afford to let up on the policies that boost employer confidence and support people into work.
National has a clear long-term plan to do exactly that. We are fixing the basics in the economy by keeping taxes low and government spending down to ease pressure on inflation and interest rates, which is more important than ever when there is so much global volatility.We are also growing tourism and international education, investing in vital infrastructure, fast-tracking major construction projects, and giving businesses a real reason to invest in growth through Investment Boost.
But Labour’s response to all of this ranges from ambivalent to outright opposition. They can't credibly say jobs are their priority while working against the very policies driving job creation.
Kiwi businesses will be worse off under Labour’s policy to cut Investment Boost. Labour is taking $6.6 billion of support for Kiwi businesses and shrinking it to $1.56 billion. That is more than $5 billion ripped away from small businesses and pocketed to help fill their $18.2 billion funding gap. For every four dollars National is putting behind business owners buying new machinery and equipment, Labour would leave less than one.
Scrapping National’s $6.6 billion Investment Boost to fund a $1.56 billion fig leaf means business owners lose the incentive to invest in genuinely transformative, productivity-enhancing equipment. It is nothing more than a $5 billion tax grab dressed up as a business policy. This is a huge blow for small business owners. While they might be able to purchase a laptop or two under Labour’s policy, they will find it a lot harder to buy a ute, commercial coffee machine or manufacturing equipment that could genuinely transform their business without Investment Boost.
More than 500 people came to Tauranga Racecourse to hear the Prime Minister speak.
To me, that shows just how much people care about the future of our community and our country.
There’s still a lot to do, but there is so much opportunity ahead. I believe National has the team, experience and determination Kiwis deserve from their government. You’ll hear this a lot over the next few months, but it’s important to remember: National is fixing the basics and building the future.
Only a party vote for National can guarantee it.
You might not have heard of Syos Aerospace yet, but they’re building some of the world’s most advanced drone technology right here in Mount Maunganui.
I recently visited them with the Prime Minister. New Zealand is home to some of the world’s best innovators, and Syos is proof of what Kiwi businesses can achieve on the global stage.
Another great day of door knocking recently, this time in Bayfair Estate.
Face-to-face conversations remain the best way to hear local views on the Government’s work, what needs attention, and how I can help with issues on the ground.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts.
Shouting out a local hero, Carmen, the driving force behind the Papamoa Community Market.
Carmen owns and organises the entire market, and she does it with a heart for the people of Pāpāmoa and the wider Bay of Plenty. I’ve been having my stand at the market every month since being elected as the local MP in 2023, and it’s always one of the best parts of the job. The atmosphere, the local produce, the stallholders and the sense of belonging don’t just happen by chance.
Behind every successful Sunday is a huge amount of hard work, early mornings and quiet problem-solving. Carmen puts in the hours week after week so that local families and businesses have a place to connect and thrive. Really grateful for the contribution she makes to our home. Thank you, Carmen!
Dug the Xmas sweaters out for the Mid-Winter Christmas Quiz Night at Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa School. No win for our table this time, but still a good night out.
Well done to everyone who helped put it together and raise money for the school’s nature playscape
August Super Blues - Monday 10 August, 10am
Bay of Plenty, Drop-in Clinic - 17 August 12:30pm - 2:30pm
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!
We’ll meet at Omanu Surf Club at 9am and finish at 4pm. Come along, meet the team and help us get around the electorate talking with locals. Everyone is welcome.
For more information, email tom.rutherford@national.org.nz
September SuperBlues - Wednesday 9 September 10am
Law & Order Public Meeting - 9 September - 6pm
Local Government - Public Meeting - 15 October - 7pm
7 August 1991
Billy T. James, 1985 (Alexander Turnbull Library, EP/1985/3350/26-F)
The much-loved entertainer was just 43 when he died of heart failure.
Born William Taitoko, the multi-talented musician toured the world with the Maori Volcanics Showband in the 1970s. He adopted the stage name Billy T. James because Australians could not pronounce his surname correctly.
James came to prominence in the television variety show Radio times, but he is best remembered for the Billy T James show, six series of which were screened by TVNZ between 1981 and 1986. On the show, the gifted impressionist portrayed a variety of characters in recurring sketches such as ‘Te News’, a parody of the Māori news show Te karere. He lampooned Māori and Pākehā quirks with affection and a trademark giggle. Later series of the show were co-written with Peter Rowley and featured more diverse material.
In 1985 James played the Tainuia Kid in an eccentric film adaptation of Ronald Hugh Morrieson’s novel, Came a hot Friday,
James suffered a major heart attack in 1988 and died three years later. The annual Billy T Award honours up-and-coming New Zealand comedians.
Businesses can now apply to transition from gas
The Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme is now open for businesses making the investment to reduce their reliance on gas, Finance Minister Nicola Willis, Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.
Rotorua opening shows future of value-added wood processing
Value-added wood processing is showing its potential in commercial construction, says Forestry Minister Todd McClay at the opening of Red Stag's new VoMo factory in Rotorua.
800 small and remote schools benefit from upgrades
A nationwide programme upgrading New Zealand’s small and remote schools has completed its 800th school upgrade, says Education Minister Erica Stanford.
Call to action: Hunter-led conservation for the win
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has issued a call to action to Kiwis, encouraging people to get behind the mission to control wild goat numbers and help protect New Zealand’s landscapes.
New Drury and Paerātā stations open for South Auckland
The new Drury and Paerātā railway stations have been formally opened with services beginning tomorrow and weekday peak trains running every 10 minutes, Rail Minister Winston Peters and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say.
School Onsite Training Programme to provide 660 places every year from 2028
The Government is backing more Kiwi’s to train to be teachers by significantly expanding practical, classroom-based training and providing more support to attract teachers to schools facing persistent staffing challenges, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
Consultation opens on Wellington heritage provisions
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released an investigation report and launched consultation on Wellington’s heritage planning rules related to five key sites.
40,581 new homes consented in a year, up 19%
More than 40,000 new homes were consented in the year to June, pointing to a positive outlook for the sector, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.
Pharmac strengthens patient voice in decision making
We have already transformed how Pharmac interacts with the patient community, now we’re building on what we’ve done, and cementing the change with a new Community and Patient Advisory Committee, says Associate Health Minister David Seymour.
Earn as You Learn programme expands
More young New Zealanders will be paid to train for manufacturing careers, with the successful Earn as You Learn programme expanding into the Hutt Valley, Bay of Plenty, Christchurch and Auckland, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer says.
Enhanced citizens’ arrest powers to become reality
Businesses will soon have additional powers to detain and arrest those stealing from them with the Government’s Crimes Act overhaul scheduled to start its final reading this week, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
Stable settings to maintain ETS certainty
The Government will maintain existing Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) unit settings, delivering stability and certainty for the market, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced.
Communities to design local social services
Communities in Ōpōtiki, Porirua and on the West Coast have been selected as the first to help design how social services are delivered in their area, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.
Downtown Carpark Redevelopment Fast-tracked
A redevelopment of Auckland’s Downtown Carpark into two skyscrapers, three podium buildings, and a new laneway network has been granted Fast-track approval
Service dog IDs to improve disability access
A new national ID card will make it easier for disabled people with certified service dogs to access public places, businesses and public transport, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says
New specialist school to fill long-standing gap in Gisborne
A new specialist school for students with complex needs in Gisborne will open in the next two years, the first of its kind in the region, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced.
Jobs data shows why economic growth matters
Labour market statistics confirm what many New Zealanders already know from experience: the second quarter of this year was a tough one, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Pharmac decision to increase access to type 2 diabetes medicines
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to widen access to type 2 diabetes medicines based on clinical need.
All Aboard: City Rail Link Opens on 13 September
Auckland's City Rail Link (CRL) will open to passengers on 13 September, with Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown confirming the long-awaited opening date.
Enhanced citizens’ arrest powers pass into law
Businesses are about to have enhanced powers to detain and arrest those stealing from them with the Crimes Act Amendment Bill passing its final reading in Parliament, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
James Miller appointed FMA chair
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer announced the appointment of James Miller as chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).
New Zealand to welcome Viet Nam President
Viet Nam’s President and Party General Secretary, His Excellency To Lam, will make a State visit to New Zealand next week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced.
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".
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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.
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