In this issue:
- Minister's News
- In the House
- Electorate News
- Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
Minister's News
Protecting New Zealand’s tourism appeal
The Tiaki – Care for New Zealand programme will help more visitors travel responsibly and protect New Zealand’s people, places and culture.
Improvements to signage, training, websites and industry partnerships will encourage positive visitor behaviour. It will be funded from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. Read more here.
More travellers use AI
More travellers are using AI tools to plan their holidays, so New Zealand needs to be easy to find.
Improving access for disabled New Zealanders
Note: It is important not to distract service dogs when they are working. This dog was taking a break when the photo was taken.
I recently announced a new national service dog identification card for certified disability assist dog teams (example below) to help reduce misunderstandings and make it easier for disabled people with service dogs to access public places, businesses and public transport, which is their right by law. Read more here.
Total Mobility scheme
Following public consultation, the Total Mobility scheme, which supports disabled people and older New Zealanders with accessible transport, has been amended to help ensure the scheme remains sustainable and continues to support independence and mobility. Read more here.
In the House
54th Parliament dissolves 1 October
There are only three weeks left in the House before the 54th Parliament dissolves on 1 October. This will be a hugely busy time for the Government as we pass the final stages of important legislation which has been in progress for some time, including the two RMA Reform Bills.
Before the term ends, we must also pass the Budget Bill. After the Budget is released in May, legislation must be enacted which takes a few months and Parliament will examine Ministers in the House before passing the Bill in September.
Valedictories (the final speeches for retiring MPs) will also be heard before the final sitting day.
Electorate
Solar generation in schools
Seven schools across the Taupō electorate are among 500 schools nationwide selected by the Ministry of Education to receive solar electricity generation equipment because they are experiencing energy or fuel insecurity, facing higher energy costs, scheduled for gas or diesel boiler replacements, or they are in need for greater energy resilience.
They are:
- Cambridge East School
- Forest View High School
- Horahora School
- Kuratau School
- Taupo-nui-a Tia College
- Te Kura o Waitahanui
- Tokoroa Central School
- Whakamaru School
These schools are expected to save around $8000 a year (on average) in energy costs.
Separate classrooms
Hilltop School, Tainui Full Primary School and Cambridge High School are getting funding to restore open-plan classrooms to single-cell classrooms to help kids focus and teachers teach.
Councils' Head Start amalgamation
I have been listening to your concerns regarding council amalgamation and the Head Start process which gave them the opportunity to submit their reorganisation ideas and consider how local government can be better organised to deliver for their communities.
In the Taupō electorate, Waikato District Council, Waipa District Council, and South Waikato District Council have submitted a Head Start proposal to create a new unitary authority.
Officials will now assess the proposals and provide advice to Ministers. Cabinet will consider the proposals to progress to the detailed design phase in September.
Government is also continuing to consider arrangements for areas that did not submit Head Start proposals.
I appreciate the work done by our Mayors and Councillors and I respect the decisions they have made on behalf of our communities.
You can find more information about Head Start here.
Putāruru firefighters' awards
It was a pleasure to attend the Putaruru Volunteer Fire Brigade Honours Night and celebrate Glen Meads who received the Gold Star for 25 years of service, and Mike McCann who received the Long Service Good Conduct Clasp for 21 years of service.
Our firefighters are incredibly selfless. I thank them for everything they do and sacrifice in the line of duty.
Wairakei Resort
It was great to catch up with Jade and the team at the historic Wairakei Resort in the Wairakei Thermal Valley and hear about their progress and plans.
Facilities like this that cater for conferences and events are vital for a diverse and vibrant tourism economy.
Cut your electricity bill
From 1 April 2027, the Electricity Authority (an independent Crown entity) will require power companies to regularly check that their customers are on the best plans for their circumstances. Power companies will no longer be able to charge back for bills older than six months.
You can compare plans and switch providers at billy.govt.nz to get the best deal for you.
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
Coffee Catch Ups, Friendly Forums and Clinics
It has been great meeting those who have attended my recent Coffee Catch Ups, Friendly Forums and Clinics.
Te Awa Lifecare Village
Topics including the cost of living, law and order, health, energy security, climate change, child poverty, RMA, local government reform, roading and traffic have been discussed.
See below for more opportunities to meet with me and share your ideas and concerns.
Note: Dates are subject to change so please RSVP so we can advise of any changes.
Friendly Forums
Cambridge
Friday, 4 September, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cambridge Bowling Club, 37 Thornton Road, Cambridge
Please call 07 827 5572 or email upston.cambridge@parliament.govt.nz to RSVP.
Taupō
Friday, 11 September, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Lake Taupō Rotary, 12 Story Place, Taupō
Please call 07 376 5563 or email upston.taupo@parliament.govt.nz to RSVP.
South Waikato
25 September, 10:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The Plaza Theatre, 50 Kensington Street, Putāruru
Please call 07 886 5554 or email upston.sthwaikato@parliament.govt.nz to RSVP.
Electorate Assistance
Cambridge Office:
Please call 07 827 5572 or email upston.cambridge@parliament.govt.nz
South Waikato:
Please call 07 886 5554 or email upston.sthwaikato@parliament.govt.nz
Taupō Office:
Please call 07 376 5563 or email upston.taupo@parliament.govt.nz
