I’ve spent this recess week out and about across Selwyn before I head back to Parliament next week for the final sitting block before the campaign hits full throttle!
Policy
Back Pocket Boost for Graduates
Young people across Selwyn work hard to build their careers, buy a first home, and get ahead.
National's Back Pocket Boost for Graduates will help by reducing compulsory student loan repayments from 12% to 10%, putting more money back into graduates’ pockets every payday.
At the same time, we’ll strengthen measures to recover unpaid student loan debt from overseas borrowers who aren’t meeting their obligations.
It’s about rewarding those who choose to build their future here in New Zealand, supporting local workers, and ensuring the system remains fair for everyone.
Changes to First Home Loan Scheme
For many young families and working people across Selwyn, saving for a 20% deposit remains one of the biggest barriers to home ownership.
A re-elected National Government will widen access to First Home Loans by increasing the income cap to $300,000, helping more first-home buyers purchase a home with just a 5% deposit.
Whether you're a teacher, tradie, healthcare worker, or young family trying to get ahead, we want the dream of home ownership to remain within reach.
National is backing more Kiwis into their first home and building on our plan to fix the basics and build the future.
Government announcements
Cervical screening
From 1 March 2027, cervical screening will be free for all eligible women aged 25 to 69, removing a cost barrier that can currently see women paying up to $100 for an appointment.
The change will help more women access potentially life-saving screening, with cervical cancer being one of the most preventable cancers when detected early.
It also supports the Government's goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 through increased screening, higher HPV vaccination rates, and faster treatment.
Major international education results
Major international education results out earlier this week show New Zealand has stopped the decline in maths, reading and science, with science improving.
Even more significantly, the biggest gains were among our lowest-performing students, meaning the gap between our highest and lowest performers is closing for the first time in years.
This is great news for students across the district as we work to make sure they get the world class education to best set them up for life.
Out and about
Meeting with Tend
Last week Lydia Gliddon - Mayor of Selwyn and I met with Cecilia and Wayne from Tend to continue discussions about the future of primary healthcare services across Malvern, particularly in Darfield and West Melton following Tend's recent acquisition of local operations.
A key focus of our meeting was the ongoing support needed for Darfield Hospital and the critical role that accessible, high-quality primary care plays in maintaining strong rural service hubs like Darfield.
This conversation follows several others with Health New Zealand as it progresses its Rural Health Strategy, initiated earlier this year.
Ensuring our communities have access to reliable healthcare services remains a priority as we plan for the future, and it was encouraging to hear Tend's commitment to building community-focused healthcare services that support both current residents and the growth still to come.
Local businesses
Selwyn’s businesses are always among the most innovative and creative. This week I visited two great local examples in Rolleston's I-Zone.
CNC Solutions showed me the wide range of work they do both locally and across New Zealand, from agricultural and commercial projects through to impressive sculpture pieces.
I also stopped by Organika Honey and Coffee the new café by TranzAlpine Honey New Zealand. They have plenty of delicious honey-based treats on offer, alongside a diverse range of health and wellness products.
Campaigning
It's been a busy few weeks with the campaign heating up! We had Hoardings Day last weekend - if you are keen for a sign on your fence or property - email selwyn@national.org.nz
I've also been out door knocking out in Rolleston and Lincoln over the last couple of weeks joined by some of the incredible volunteers and the Canterbury Westland Young Nats.
Media
- Cervical screening - RNZ
- Rural recycling - FarmersWeekly
- Celebrating women in farming - FarmersWeekly
Here to help
As always, my team and I are here and available to help.
You can get in touch with us by emailing Nicola.GriggMP@parliament.govt.nz, phone 03 344 2800, or pop into the office in Rolleston Square between Monday and Fridays, 10:00am - 4:00pm.
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