It’s been a busy few weeks across Hamilton East and Parliament, with plenty happening locally and some significant policy announcements as we head towards the election.
A few highlights:
- More renewable energy: Fast-track approvals are unlocking major new solar and renewable projects, with approved projects now representing more than 990 MW of new generation — enough to power around 322,000 homes.
- Solar on schools: 500 schools are being selected for solar installations, including schools here Hamilton Boys high, Fairfield and Hillcrest to help reduce their energy bills and keep costs focused on where it matters
- Backing new mums: National has announced three-night postnatal stays to give mothers more time and support after giving birth.
- More opportunities in the trades: We’re doubling Trades Academy places from 10,000 to 20,000, giving more young New Zealanders a pathway into skilled work.
- Fixing our planning system: Major RMA reform continues through Parliament, aimed at making it faster and less expensive to build the homes, infrastructure and businesses New Zealand needs.
- Strengthening Waikato health: Work continues on the new University of Waikato medical school, alongside investment in additional forensic mental-health beds at Waikato Hospital.
- Backing investment and growth: From Ruakura and Hamilton Airport to new hotels, hospitality and health facilities, I’ve been meeting local businesses investing millions of dollars and creating jobs across our city.
Local happenings
Over the past six weeks I’ve also been out meeting businesses, schools and community organisations and attending events across Hamilton.
Highlights have included celebrating Hamilton’s Civic Award recipients, speaking with more than 100 students at the Waikato inter-school Model United Nations, visiting local businesses and health providers, and joining our Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Tamil and wider ethnic communities at some fantastic events.
Here at the opening of Henley's Bar and Kitchen with new owners Matt and Amber, below Made down on Cook street with awesome views of the river. Definitely worth checking out
At Silverdale High Bakery with Owners Songheng Sor and Kemheang Ouch celebrating their Gold medal Steak and Cheese Pie. Very, very good. I had to come back because they were sold out the first time I went.
Really enjoyed speaking with over 100 students at the Waikato inter-school Model United Nations event.
Caught up with Founders of River Ridge East Birth Centre Warwick and Clare along with CEO and daughter Vanessa to hear more about their work supporting mums, babies and midwives and our policy supporting new mums with 3 nights postnatal stays.
Campaign 2026
We’re now entering the business end of the electoral cycle. Hamilton East will be an important seat again, and I need your help. At the end of our next electorate meeting (on 7th September, I’ll update our campaign plan and how you can get involved — whether that’s delivering flyers, putting up signs, helping at events or joining our campaign team.
Even a few hours makes a difference.
Contact Campaign Chair: Marie Hamilton marie@hamilton4hamilton.co.nz
We’ve achieved a lot, but there’s much more to do. Let’s make sure we earn another three years to keep Hamilton and New Zealand moving forward.
What's coming up?
Electorate Meeting
Our next electorate meeting is 6:30pm on Monday 7th September at Settlement Centre, 46G Boundary Road, Claudelands. Come along and join us.
Superblues
Morning Tea with Hon Mark Mitchell 10:30am-11.45am Cost $10pp.
Hamilton Contracy Bridge Club, 20 Richmond Street, Hamilton Contact Barb Harrison, Chair, Waikato SuperBlues superblues@national.org.nz
Helping constituents
Please feel free to contact me to if you have any issues where you think I can help navigate or if you have any concerns about our community. I promise I will listen to you.
My MP Support team are Yan Liang and Lya Haveman. We can all be contacted on 07 853 5640 or Ryan.HamiltonMP@parliament.govt.nz
GET UPDATES
