It has been another fast-paced and productive week representing our community both here in the Bay of Plenty and in Wellington. As we officially transition into spring, the focus remains firmly on progressing vital legislative reform, supporting young Kiwis and women's health, listening to local transport concerns, and celebrating our dedicated community groups and volunteers across the region.
From major parliamentary milestones replacing the RMA and cutting student loan repayments to welcoming the Mount Maunganui lifeguards back home, joining local community convoys, and honouring our referees and global fundraisers, here is a look at the week that was.
Progressing Bills to Replace the RMA in Parliament
It has been a big week in Wellington, where we progressed the bills that will replace the RMA. The new Planning Bill will make it significantly easier to consent homes, infrastructure, and growth, while the Natural Environment Bill sets clear environmental limits while still letting New Zealand use its natural resources. Together, these changes cut red tape and reduce consent costs.
In addition, we passed a new Emergency Management Act to update 24-year-old civil defence law, enabling councils to act faster with clearer roles and giving communities a stronger voice.
We also passed welfare changes to tighten Jobseeker support for 18- and 19-year-olds and better target the Accommodation Supplement, alongside moving the Serious Fraud Office Amendment Bill through its final stages to give the SFO modern tools to investigate digital and complex fraud.
Cutting Student Loan Repayments for Graduates Staying in New Zealand
This week, the National Party announced a major policy change to support young Kiwis starting out in their careers. Starting 1 April 2027, if re-elected, a National-led government will cut the compulsory student loan repayment rate from 12% to 10% for graduates who stay and work in New Zealand.
Right now, compulsory repayments are taken at 12 cents on every dollar earned above $24,128, which is often one of the biggest weekly expenses for a young professional. Dropping this rate to 10% means someone earning $75,000 a year will keep an extra $1,000 in their pocket annually, helping them get ahead at the start of their career.
Free Cervical Screening for All Women
This week, the Government announced a major milestone for women's health with the launch of the New Zealand Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2026 to 2040. Crucially, as part of this plan, cervical screening will become entirely free for all eligible women aged 25 to 69 starting from 1 March next year. Removing the cost barrier, which currently sees many women paying upwards of $35 to $100 for an appointment, will make it significantly easier for nearly 800,000 additional Kiwis to stay up to date with their screening. By combining free access, self-testing options, and clear clinical targets, we are taking a definitive step toward eliminating cervical cancer in New Zealand.
Farewelling Paulo Garcia from Parliament
This week we also marked a poignant moment in the House with the valedictory speech of our colleague and friend, Paulo Garcia. As New Zealand’s first-ever Filipino MP, Paulo has represented New Lynn and Filipino communities across the country with extraordinary warmth, grace, and dignity. His honest and moving farewell touched on his immense contributions as well as the personal challenges and abuse his family has faced in public life. No one should have to endure that, and we are certainly sad to see him go. We wish Paulo and his family all the very best for the future.
Out on the doors across our community
Each weekend I am out in our community knocking on doors, hearing from locals, answering questions, and asking for support, both for me as your local MP and for a Party Vote for National.
I have already knocked on nearly 4,000 doors across Pāpāmoa, Mount Maunganui, Welcome Bay, Bayfair Estate, Maungatapu and Ohauiti. I will be ramping this up as we head into the election. Look forward to seeing you on the doorstep.
Listening to Local Concerns at the Pāpāmoa East Interchange Car Convoy
On Sunday, I attended the community car convoy regarding the decision to toll the Pāpāmoa East Interchange. I know there are strong views in our community on this issue. Some people are naturally worried about the extra cost for local trips and the prospect of being charged twice if they exit to shop or visit family before rejoining the Tauranga Eastern Link. As your local MP, it is vital that I am there to listen firsthand to those concerns and take them back to Wellington. Thank you to everyone who came along and to the organisers for bringing the community together.
Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service Preparing to Return Home
It is great to see positive progress for the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service. Following the landslide in January, the clubhouse at the base of Mauao could not be occupied due to the risk from the hillside behind it, forcing lifeguards to keep patrols going from temporary set-ups ever since. They are now preparing to return from 19 September, operating behind a 168-tonne container wall put in place as protection while longer-term work continues. A big thank you to our lifeguards, who have kept the beach safe through a very difficult year.
Celebrating the Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees
It was a privilege to celebrate our local sporting community recently at the Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees annual awards. Having spent time refereeing rugby around our local community myself, I know firsthand the dedication it takes. Congratulations to every single nominee and this year's thoroughly deserving winners. A massive thank you as well to this season's sponsors, the Mount Golf Club, and everyone who keeps our referees association running smoothly week in and week out.
Supporting the Ark Quest Walk for Kenya
It’s always great to see our local community rally behind global causes. Local charity International Needs New Zealand is bringing the Ark Quest Walk to Mount Maunganui on Saturday 17 October, raising crucial funds for the Ark Quest Education Centre in Kenya. With 11.7 million children in Kenya lacking access to essential services like nutritious food and education, this event supports a wonderful school providing over 100 children with meals and learning. The 8km or 10km walk starts at Tay Street along the boardwalk at 9:00 AM, followed by a sausage sizzle and spot prizes. I encourage everyone to get involved and support this fantastic initiative. You can find out more here: https://www.innz.org.nz/ark-quest-walk/
Upcoming Events with Tom
Papamoa Community Market – This Sunday!
Come along for a casual face-to-face chat about any local issues on your mind while supporting our incredible local vendors. Held at Te Manawa O Papamoa School, from 8.30am to 1.00pm. See you there!
Local Government - Public Meeting -
15 October - 7pm
This Week in Parliament - in brief
RMA Replacement & Emergency Management:
Progressed the Planning and Natural Environment Bills to cut red tape and boost growth, alongside passing a modernised Emergency Management Act.
Student Loan Relief:
National announces plans to reduce compulsory student loan repayments from 12% to 10% for graduates staying in New Zealand, effective April 2027.
Free Cervical Screening:
Government announces fully funded cervical screening for all women aged 25–69 starting March 2027, removing cost barriers to save lives.
Welfare & Fraud Enforcement:
Passed welfare changes targeting Jobseeker support for younger demographics and advanced the SFO Amendment Bill to tackle digital and complex fraud.
Emergency Management Legislation:
Passing laws to strengthen the country's civil defence framework, including provisions allowing authorised responders to enter premises to assist animals during emergencies.
Online Safety and Child Protection:
Progressing recent measures like the Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill, which proposes a minimum age restriction for certain platforms alongside mandatory risk assessments.
Modern Slavery Reporting Regime:
Advancing the Modern Slavery Bill out of its select committee stage to establish business transparency obligations regarding supply chain risks.
Keep in Touch with me
Bay of Plenty Electorate Office, 3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa.
P: 07 542 0505
E: bopmp@parliament.govt.nz
If you live locally and would like to meet, please get in touch, my team and I are here to help.
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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
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