My support for him has never wavered and as a Party we are 100% united behind him.
We are fixing the basics and building the future for all New Zealanders.
Check out my reel: Facebook
From 2029, students in Years 12 and 13 will be able to study nine new industry-developed subjects spanning engineering, primary industries, construction, health, tourism, energy, hospitality, manufacturing, and applied intelligent systems.
These subjects will give students the chance to gain skills employers need while completing their secondary school qualifications. They will open doors to university, apprenticeships, further training, or employment. By expanding offerings, National is ensuring students can succeed on the path that’s right for them. We know students are more engaged when they can see real purpose in what they’re learning and how it connects to their future. That’s true for young people across New Zealand, no matter what their aspirations are.
Industry has embraced the opportunity to work with the education sector to prepare young people for the future. It’s a win for employers who need skilled workers, and a win for students who can see how their learning leads to rewarding careers. New Zealand will need more skilled people to deliver the services and infrastructure our country relies on every day. These subjects will help prepare students for careers in industries that are central to economic growth and productivity.
As part of Budget 2026, National also doubled Trades Academy places to 20,000, giving more young New Zealanders the chance to gain practical, job-ready skills while still at school. This builds on our significant work in education, including funding 1,400 new classrooms, mandating an hour of reading, writing and math's every day, banning cell phones in schools, and designing a new qualification to replace NCEA.
It’s all part of our plan to put ambition and achievement back at the heart of education, so Kiwi kids are set up for success.
National is fixing the basics and building the future.
Host Alex chats with Tom about these topics, beginning with Luxon on MMP.
This year I’m standing as National’s candidate for Mt Maunganui, and I’d be honoured to have your support.
Link to reel:Facebook
Stopped in at EastPack, New Zealand’s largest kiwifruit post-harvest operator. They’ve got six sites across the Bay of Plenty packing our fruit and getting it out to markets around the world.
Kiwifruit is massive for our region, and trade deals really matter. The new deal with India opens up more opportunities, and National will keep opening more doors for our exporters.
More markets for our fruit means more opportunities for growers and more jobs here in the Bay.
Mount Maunganui College is getting solar thanks to the Government’s Solar on Schools programme. It’s one of the schools that’ll be part of the new electorate come the election.
An exciting announcement, with schools expected to save around $8,000 a year on average, money they can instead put towards teaching and learning.
I visited the team with PM Christopher Luxon to hear more about what they’re working on and the challenges ahead.
They’ve got plenty of local expertise helping keep our communities connected and prepared for the future. Thanks for having us in.
Really enjoyed being back on the hockey turf recently, umpiring the Bay of Plenty–Waikato Men’s Intercity Semi-final.
Always good to be involved in a local Tauranga derby.
Great to be at the 2026 ASB Export Awards Bay of Plenty recently alongside Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay.
A big night celebrating some of the businesses doing awesome things right across our region.
Huge congratulations to Flicket, this year’s Exporter of the Year! They provide world-class ticketing software for independent rights holders, promoters and venues.
Very well deserved!
Part of IHC, they provide warm, secure homes for people with disabilities, older people and those on low incomes.
More housing to meet the needs of our growing community.
John came to New Zealand in 1950 and worked as a cabinet maker. For over 20 years he has called the Bay of Plenty home.
He’s celebrated with family, friends, and some lemon cake.
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
Local Government - Public Meeting - 15 October - 7pm
Women's suffrage petitions presented to Parliament
14 August 1891
Sheet from the 1893 suffrage petition
Organised by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), these petitions were signed by a total of 9000 women.
They contributed to the introduction of a Female Suffrage Bill, which received majority support in the House of Representatives but was defeated in the Legislative Council (the upper house).
Over the following two years the WCTU and its allies presented two much bigger petitions to Parliament. In 1892 their hopes were again dashed in the Legislative Council, but in 1893 women’s suffrage legislation was passed by both houses of Parliament. On 19 September the Electoral Act was signed into law by the governor, Lord Glasgow, making New Zealand the first self-governing country to grant the right to vote to all adult women.
Total Mobility scheme strengthened following review
The Government is making changes to strengthen the Total Mobility scheme and give disabled people greater transport choice, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston have announced.
Business funding now easier to find
Kiwi businesses can now find their share of the $400 million a year the Government puts into business grants, funds, and equity schemes in minutes rather than hours, with the launch of the upgraded Funding Explorer, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer says.
Zero-interest loans accelerate EV charger rollout
The Government is pushing ahead with its drive to deliver 10,000 public electric vehicle (EV) chargers by 2030, opening a second round of zero-interest loans to encourage private sector investment in charging infrastructure, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Energy Minister Simeon Brown have announced.
New Zealand announces further sanctions against Russia
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced a new round of sanctions targeting individuals and entities supporting Russia's illegal war against Ukraine.
500 schools nationwide selected for solar panels
Five hundred schools have been selected for solar technology under the Government’s plan to improve schools’ energy affordability and resilience, Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Education Minister Erica Stanford say.
First solar farm fast-tracked
A Canterbury solar farm is the first in New Zealand to be granted fast-track approval. This is the 29th project and 7th renewable energy project to be approved through the Fast-track process.
Delmore residential development Fast-tracked
The Delmore residential development in Auckland has been granted Fast-track approval, says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.
Open ocean salmon farm Fast-tracked
The Fast-track approval of the Hananui Aquaculture Project off Rakiura/Stewart Island will bring significant benefits to Southland and New Zealand’s economy, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop and Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones say.
Government to consider Head Start proposals
18 proposals have been submitted to the Government as part of the Head Start local government reform initiative, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts say.
Auckland level crossing removals keep moving ahead
The completion of a new pedestrian bridge at Te Mahia Station to the southeast of Manurewa is another major step towards replacing rail level crossings, improving safety, and unlocking the full benefits of the City Rail Link, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simon Watts.
First Northwest Busway station opens
The first station completed as part of the Northwest Busway project – Westgate Station – has been delivered on time and under budget, bringing northwest Aucklanders a step closer to better, faster and more reliable public transport choices, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
Government announces $1m community fund to fight wilding pines
Speaking at the national Wilding Pine Conference in Southland, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has announced a new $1 million community funding programme to back grassroots wilding pine control.
New attendance service re-enrolling more students than ever
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has welcomed data showing that more cases of non-enrolled students (NENs) are being referred to attendance services, and more students are re-enrolling in school.
RIF funding boosts Chatham Islands connections
Chatham Islands’ connections are being strengthened through funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for critical wharf and fuel infrastructure upgrades and improving air links through the expansion of an interlining agreement, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson say.
Eight new emergency helicopters now in service
The people of Hawkes Bay are the latest to benefit from a major upgrade of New Zealand’s emergency helicopters, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said.
Updated science and social sciences curriculum prepares students for a changing world
Education Minister Erica Stanford released the fully updated Science and Social Sciences learning areas for Years 0 to 10, setting out a clearer, more engaging pathway for what children will learn from their first years at school through to Year 10.
Arlington reset to deliver 104 new social homes
The Government has approved a plan to reset the Kāinga Ora Arlington development, which will deliver 104 new social homes in central Wellington and provide up to $6 million to Wellington City Council to support housing services for vulnerable people, Housing Minister Chris Bishop has announced.
Brain injury rehabilitation boost for Christchurch
A significant ACC investment has reestablished specialist traumatic brain injury rehabilitation to Canterbury and West Coast communities, Minister for ACC Scott Simpson and Associate Minister for ACC Nicola Grigg say.
Government delivers more support for children with complex educational needs
More young children with high and complex developmental needs will receive earlier, tailored support to help them learn, grow, and thrive, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced.
Disability community informs improvements to DSS Bill
The Social Services and Community Select Committee’s report back on the Disability Support Services Bill includes a number of amendments responding to feedback from the disability community.
New Zealand, Viet Nam advance relationship
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Viet Nam’s President and Party General Secretary, To Lam, have agreed new steps to advance the New Zealand-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Improving infrastructure tools to for Fast-track
The Government will strengthen infrastructure funding settings to ensure the costs of growth from incoming Fast-track developments can be recovered, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts say.
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office
3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa
07 542 0505
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Thanks,
Tom.