As we head towards the election, National has continued to outline its vision for New Zealand's future, with a strong focus on economic growth, responsible financial management, and creating opportunities for individuals, families and businesses.
Tax is a defining theme for this election, and the choice for Kiwis is clear. It’s either a National Government promising no new taxes, or a Labour and its prospective coalition proposing at least nine new taxes.
Our promise of no new taxes this election reflects our disciplined economic management, focused on growing the economy, creating jobs, lifting wages and keeping taxes low. It’s part of National’s plan to fix the basics and build the future.
That is in stark contrast to Labour, with its $18 billion of spending promises and its record of higher taxes and higher debt. Labour’s approach means higher costs, fewer jobs, stagnant wages and a less secure future for New Zealanders.
National can continue to invest in the frontline public services that New Zealanders rely on every day without introducing new taxes on Kiwis.
It was a pleasure to join Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to announce National's plan to bolster growth across the South Island.
Getting a tour of the new classrooms being built at Cashmere High.
National backs South Island growth
National backs the South Island to succeed, and that's why we've announced a package of commitments that will drive further growth and create more opportunities, jobs and higher wages.
We're investing in infrastructure to support growing communities, cutting red tape that is holding back energy generation, jobs and tourism, and delivering better public services with more hospital beds and classrooms.
Commitments in National’s Plan for the South Island include:
- Enabling investment in the Rolleston intermodal freight hub.
- Making public transport funding available for Queenstown gondola solutions in the National Land Transport Fund.
- Development of a new Government Policy Statement on mining and extraction under the Fast Track Approvals Act.
- A new requirement for data centre projects to be accompanied by new, firmed generation.
- Completion of Tower Three at Christchurch Hospital, delivering 96 additional beds for patients.
Back Pocket Boost for graduates in New Zealand
A re-elected National Government will let Kiwis with student loans who stay in New Zealand keep more of what they earn, while toughening up on those who leave the country before paying back their loan.
New Zealand’s positive economic outlook is helping reverse the brain drain, with a 14 per cent increase in Kiwis moving home from Australia. National will go further to make New Zealand even more rewarding for young Kiwis to build their future.
National will reduce the compulsory student loan repayment rate from 12 per cent to 10 per cent from 1 April 2027, complementing our promise of no new taxes and further boosting the take-home pay for workers with student loans in New Zealand.
National will also introduce tougher measures to recover student loan debt from people who move overseas.
Government moves to ban U16s from social media
We have introduced the Online Safety Bill which will ban under-16s from social media and put greater responsibilities on technology companies to protect children online.
Social media is exposing children to harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with and it’s affecting their family life, mental health, sleep, and education.
Obviously, parents have a role to play in monitoring what social media platform their children are on, but so do social media companies.
We have protections to keep children safe in the real world and we need them in the virtual world too.
Check out the online fact sheet here.
With Hon Shane Reti, MP for Whangārei.
At the the 10th Anniversary of Teeyan Da Mela.
Some highlights from July
- It was fantastic to host around 450 people at the Prime Minister’s public meeting in Christchurch, where Christopher Luxon spoke about the Government’s priorities for growing the economy, improving education outcomes, reducing crime, and backing infrastructure investment for the future. There was strong engagement from the audience and a real sense of optimism about New Zealand’s future and the opportunities ahead for Christchurch and Canterbury.
- It was a pleasure to attend Business Canterbury's South Island Election Conference and speak with business leaders from across the region about the opportunities and challenges facing the South Island. At the conference, we announced National's plan for the South Island to help create jobs, improve connectivity, and ensure the South Island continues to thrive.
- Hon Dr Shane Reti’s valedictory speech in Parliament was a fitting reflection of a career defined by service, integrity and compassion. As a fellow GP, Dr Reti has been a mentor to me from the moment I entered Parliament. He is one of the wisest, kindest and most capable people I have had the privilege to work alongside, and his guidance and support have meant a great deal to me. I am deeply grateful for his encouragement, generosity and leadership, and while Parliament will be poorer for his departure, I am excited to see what he does next and the positive impact he will undoubtedly continue to have.
- It was a privilege to attend Lyttelton Port’s announcement of its landmark $821 million Te Awaparahi Bay Expansion and Resilience Project, one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Christchurch and the South Island in recent decades. The expansion is expected to strengthen the resilience of our supply chain, support South Island exporters, and secure Lyttelton Port’s role as New Zealand’s key trade gateway for generations to come. This investment represents a bold vote of confidence in Christchurch, Canterbury and the future of the South Island economy.
- Myself and National Party colleagues celebrated Daffodil Day in Parliament, supporting a cause that raises vital funds for cancer research, treatment and support services across New Zealand.
- Attending the 10th Anniversary of Teeyan Da Mela at the La Vida Centre was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich Punjabi culture and the incredible contribution of women to our communities. Congratulations to the Canterbury Ethnic Communities Development Trust and everyone involved in making this milestone celebration such a vibrant and memorable occasion.
- I attended Forest & Bird Canterbury's Christchurch Election Hui, where candidates discussed key environmental issues facing Canterbury and New Zealand. It was a valuable opportunity to talk about National's conservation election priorities, including strengthening support for private land conservation through the QEII National Trust, and further restricting the limited amount of commercial fishing currently permitted in the Hauraki Gulf. I also talked about the work we had achieved in Government, such as working to eradicate wilding pines, and make New Zealand predator free by 2050.
Chatting with students from Cashmere High School.
It was a pleasure to visit the Hagley Learning Centre in Wigram with Tracy Summerfield, National's candidate for Wigram.
Looking to volunteer?
Volunteering is the most impactful way to get involved and make a real difference for our Party and for New Zealand. Whether you have a little time or a lot, your contribution matters. Join us today and be part of National’s plan to fix the basics and build the future.
You can find out more about volunteering on the National Party website.
Out door-knocking with Louise Upston, MP for Taupo.
National Party news
Government to cap rates:
Council rates increases will be capped at 4 per cent as the Government moves to help keep rates affordable for households and businesses. (Party PR)
Five new taxes a bottom line for Te Pāti Māori:
Te Pāti Māori has put five new taxes on the table that could be used to help Labour fund its $18 billion of spending promises. (Party PR)
Agricultural productivity to soar with drone reform:
Agricultural sector productivity is set to soar through common-sense reforms to drone regulations. (Party PR)
Labour attempts to mislead New Zealanders on tax:
Chris Hipkins and the Labour Party cannot be trusted on tax, and today they’ve again proven why. (Party PR)
Overseas visitor numbers keep climbing:
New Zealand's tourism recovery maintains its momentum, with international visitor arrivals for June reaching 95 per cent of 2019 levels for the same period. (Party PR)
Gender pay gap stays near record low:
New Zealand’s gender pay gap remains at a near-record low, thanks to the work of government and employers to identify and close them. (Party PR)
Daffodil Day with my colleagues in Parliament.
Out and about in Banks Peninsula
- I was out across the electorate putting up election signs and starting to paint the town blue. Thanks to a Council rule change, signs can go up earlier this year, so you'll see plenty more appearing over the coming week. If you'd like an election sign for your property, please email me and we'll get one to you.
- It was a pleasure to visit Cashmere High School and see the progress being made on the new classroom facilities, which will provide modern learning environments for students and staff. I would like to thank Principal John Stradwick for taking the time to show me around the site and discuss the exciting future developments for the school.
- I also spent time answering some tough questions from Cashmere High School students who are creating a documentary around a local issue as part of their Cambridge Global Perspectives course. It’s always fantastic to see young people engaging with issues that affect our communities.
- It was a pleasure to attend Lyttelton Primary School’s production of Pokoharuatepō Rāua Ko Rakinui. Congratulations to the talented students, teachers and whānau who brought the story to life with such creativity, confidence and enthusiasm.
- I spent some time on the sidelines supporting local school rugby and watching Cashmere High in a hard-fought match.
- As always, I'll be out and about in September hosting coffee catch-ups, visiting businesses and door-knocking.
Watching the rugby at Cashmere High in the terrible weather!
With the Commonwealth Women's Parliamentary Group.
