Welcome to my September newsletter.
As your local representative in Parliament, I've been working alongside my Government colleagues over the past three years to turn around the economic mess and fiscal hangover left by the previous government. Tackling inflation, restoring discipline to government spending, reducing debt, and getting the Government's books back towards surplus takes time, but the hard work is beginning to pay off.
There are growing signs that New Zealand is moving in the right direction. The Reserve Bank has recently noted that the economic recovery is resuming and expected to broaden, with inflation returning towards target levels, household spending forecast to increase, and our export sector continuing to show resilience. While many households are still feeling cost of living pressures, these are encouraging signs that the foundations of the economy are strengthening.
This election is ultimately about credibility, competence, and delivery.
One of the clearest differences between National and Labour is that National gets things done. We focus on practical solutions, careful financial management, and delivering results rather than making promises that can't be funded. Across New Zealand, we're seeing progress through major infrastructure projects getting underway, hospital upgrades being delivered, housing developments moving forward, reforms to the Resource Management Act and local government system, rising student attendance, stronger export opportunities, growing international relationships, increased tourism, and fewer New Zealanders becoming victims of violent crime.
Even in a challenging global environment, we've taken a steady approach. Rather than panicking in the face of international uncertainty, we've focused on restoring confidence, supporting businesses through measures such as the Investment Boost, and creating the conditions for economic growth, higher wages, and more jobs.
National has also made a clear commitment that, if re-elected, we will introduce no new taxes. Our approach is straightforward: grow the economy, live within our means, and carefully manage taxpayers' money. Responsible financial management allows us to continue investing in essential services while reducing the burden of debt on future generations.
By contrast, Labour and its potential coalition partners have proposed significant new spending commitments alongside a range of new taxes, including a Capital Gains Tax. National believes these policies would increase costs for families, farmers, investors, and small business owners who have worked hard to build their financial security. Debt matters because every dollar spent on interest is a dollar that cannot be invested in healthcare, education, roads, law and order, or other frontline services. Keeping debt under control and returning the books to surplus is essential if New Zealand is to remain resilient in an increasingly uncertain world.
The progress we've made shows New Zealand is heading in the right direction. There is still more work to do, but National has demonstrated that we can make tough decisions, deliver on our commitments, and get things done. By sticking to a clear plan, we're rebuilding confidence, strengthening the economy, and creating greater opportunities for New Zealanders and their families.
Recent Key Announcements:
Rates Capping Bill passes first reading:
Legislation to halt excessive rates increases and ensure councils’ focus to be on fixing the basics and keeping rates affordable (Beehive PR)
New subjects bring industry and the classroom closer together:
An exciting range of future-focused, industry-led secondary school subjects launched (Beehive PR)
New rule to slash red tape for regional airports:
The Government is reforming a long-standing issue for regional airports by creating more flexible, cost-effective options to improve runway safety (Beehive PR)
Free cervical screening for all women:
Cervical screening will be free for all eligible women from 1 March 2027 (Beehive PR)
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 (Beehive PR)
First solar farm fast-tracked:
A Canterbury solar farm is the first in New Zealand to be granted fast-track approval (Beehive PR)
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 (Beehive PR)
Agricultural productivity to soar with drone reform:
Agricultural sector productivity is set to soar through common-sense reforms to drone regulations (Beehive PR)
A more practical planning system for food and fibre production:
The Government is making targeted changes to the new planning system to create a more practical system for food and fibre production (Beehive PR)
Government to consider Head Start proposals:
18 proposals have been submitted to the Government as part of the Head Start local government reform initiative (Beehive PR)
School Onsite Training Programme to provide 660 places every year from 2028:
The Government is backing more Kiwi’s to train to be teachers by significantly expanding practical, classroom-based training and providing more support to attract teachers to schools facing persistent staffing challenges (Beehive PR)
Building the future of data for rural communities:
Rural families, communities and businesses will be better represented by a new work programme to strengthen rural data in New Zealand’s official statistics (Beehive PR)
Updated science and social sciences curriculum to prepare students for a changing world:
Updated Science and Social Sciences learning areas for Years 0 to 10 (Beehive PR)
Decisions on Freshwater Farm Plans released:
The Government is making changes to freshwater farm plans to create a simpler, cheaper system focused on real risk (Beehive PR)
Government cancels fuel tax hike:
The fuel excise hike planned for next year has been cancelled (Beehive PR)
Cutting red tape between the farm gate and the freezer:
The Government is seeking feedback on changes that would make it easier for people to buy an animal from a local farmer and get it processed sooner (Beehive PR)
New lifejacket legislation to save lives:
New lifejacket legislation will save lives and reduce preventable harm on New Zealand waters this summer (Beehive PR)
If you are interested here is a link to read the PR Releases relating to my Ministerial portfolios.
Upcoming events:
7 Sep Aviation Industry Association of NZ Conference, Wellington
9 Sep Ashburton Intermediate School Speech Finals
11 Sep South Canterbury Chamber Leadership Series, Timaru
12 Sep Backcountry Trust Conference, Christchurch
15 Sep Infrastructure & Growth - Deloitte & Chapman Tripp Election Conference, Wellington
29 Sep Port Industry Association Annual Conference, Christchurch
30 Sep South Canterbury Chamber Meet the Candidates event, Timaru
4 Oct Ashburton Aviation Museum opening event
Visit the following sites for more information on events happening in our region:
South Canterbury Events Website
Ashburton District Events Website
Highlights:
I recently attended the South Island Election Conference in Christchurch, where business leaders and politicians came together to discuss how we can unlock even greater opportunities for the mainland. The South Island continues to punch above its weight, with economic growth of 1.2% over the past year compared to 0.2% in the North Island, and an unemployment rate well below the national average. We produce a third of New Zealand's goods exports, attract 40% of international visitor spending, and remain a powerhouse for agriculture, food production, and tourism. That's why our Government is backing the South Island's future, with transport investment increasing by 42% through the current National Land Transport Programme. Canterbury alone is receiving $1.8 billion for projects that will strengthen freight routes, improve resilience, and keep communities connected. By continuing to invest in infrastructure, exports, energy, and regional growth, we can ensure the South Island remains a key driver of New Zealand's prosperity for generations to come.
One of the highlights of being an MP and working in the Beehive is welcoming schools from our electorate to Parliament, especially when the House is sitting and students can experience Parliament in action. It was a pleasure to meet with Year 9 and 10 students from Timaru Christian School during their recent visit to Wellington. We spent time discussing the role of Parliament, the work of MPs, and how New Zealand's democracy operates. Thank you to the students and teachers for making the trip north. I always enjoy the opportunity to connect with young people from our community and encourage them to take an interest in civics, leadership, and public service.
(Photo: With the Year 9 and 10 Timaru Christian School students)
It was great to attend the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards at Fraser Park in August and celebrate the many businesses making a positive contribution to our region. I was privileged to present the Mauri Apprentice & Youth Development Award to Fairlie Bakehouse. Their fantastic training programme is helping young people gain valuable skills, enter skilled work, and build strong foundations for future employment opportunities. Congratulations to Fairlie Bakehouse and all the finalists and winners recognised on the night. It was a wonderful evening showcasing the talent, innovation, and community spirit that make South Canterbury such a great place to live and work.
(Photo: With Sophia Osborne from Fairlie Bakehouse)
A significant milestone has been reached in my Hunting and Fishing portfolio, with more than 53,000 hunting permits now issued through DOC's new online permit system, nearly 10,000 more than originally projected. The new system is making it easier for hunters to access public conservation land while reducing permit administration by around 70%, freeing up DOC staff to spend more time on frontline conservation work. This is another example of National delivering on our commitment to improve outdoor access for Kiwi hunters and their families. We're focused on removing unnecessary barriers and making it easier for people to enjoy the great outdoors.
It was an honour to attend the Hato Hone St John South Canterbury Awards Presentation Ceremony in Waimate and help recognise the dedicated staff and volunteers who serve our communities every day. The evening celebrated remarkable milestones of service, ranging from five years through to an incredible fifty years, reflecting thousands of hours spent helping others and supporting the wellbeing of South Cantabrians. Congratulations to all award recipients. Thank you for your commitment, compassion, and the difference you make to countless lives across our region.
One last thing, our Timaru office is a drop-off point for the South CANterbury Food Drive. We encourage anyone who can donate non-perishable food items to drop them off at our office at 30 Canon Street and support the incredible work of Family Works and Presbyterian Support South Canterbury. The final day to donate is Friday 25 September.
Recent Interviews:
The Platform - Farming Skills Programme Launched For At-Risk Young People
National's Pitch to South Island interview Chris Lynch
I have a regular interview with Gareth on The Breeze every second Wednesday at 8:45am. You may also hear me on Hokonui Ashburton with Luke Howden.
Contact the team:
Any issues or feedback to do with my portfolio areas, contact my ministerial team at j.meager@ministers.govt.nz
If you need help with a local electorate issue (Mid Canterbury or South Canterbury) contact my electorate offices at james.meagerMP@parliament.govt.nz
Call: South Canterbury 03 683 2009 or Mid Canterbury 03 307 1729.
Drop in: Monday to Friday 9am - 3pm. (Note: Mid Canterbury office closed Wednesdays).
Please feel free to share this update with others, or they're welcome to subscribe at national.org.nz/jamesmeager.
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