After the final week of Parliament sitting for 2026, I'm now out across Selwyn in full campaign mode!
Policy
Screen Free ECEs and School Start Check
Every Selwyn student deserves the best possible start to their education.
That's why National will introduce new measures to help ensure children are ready for school, including a new School Start Check before starting primary school, clearer progress updates for parents, and earlier support where extra help is needed.
We're also putting a greater focus on books, handwriting, conversation and hands-on learning by ending screen use in early childhood education and limiting it in the early years of primary school.
For Selwyn families, this is about giving children the strong foundations they need to thrive from day one.
Backing our firefighters
Selwyn is fortunate to have over 400 dedicated volunteer firefighters who give their time to protect our communities.
We want to return that support so a future National-led government will help ensure our firefighters have reliable equipment, better training opportunities, and stronger mental and physical health support for injuries sustained in the line of duty.
It will also improve accountability so Fire and Emergency New Zealand is focused on delivering for those on the frontline - especially our volunteers.
Thank you to all the firefighters and volunteers who serve our district every day.
Government announcements
Retirement Villages Act
I am pleased the Retirement Villages Act is being updated so that operators must now return proceeds within a maximum of 9 months.
This was of particular concern for many retirement village residents throughout the district, and I am glad I have been able to bring about positive change after receiving direct feedback.
The Bill is expected to be introduced early in the next Parliamentary term.
Speed limits for Sheffield
Excellent news last week from NZ Transport Agency, they have decided to drop the speed limit through Sheffield township down to 50km/h after public consultation.
Last year I wrote to the Minister of Transport after community concerns were raised following a tragic death on the road.
Sheffield’s speed limit change, alongside those in Kirwee and just south of Rolleston, is based on improving road safety in our growing communities. All stretches of road are for distances of less than 3km, ensuring minimal impact on travel times and efficiency.
Health targets
The latest health targets for the April-June quarter have just been released, and it is looking good for Canterbury.
Theres have been improvements with more patients receiving cancer treatment within target timeframes, up 3.8 percent from last year.
Significant improvement with shorter wait times for elective treatment in the required timeframe with a 8.5 percent increase from last year.
There was also an improvement in shorter waits for first specialist assessments, with a 6.9 percent increase.
There is still more work to do. Too many people are still waiting too long, and we will not stop until every Selwyn family has timely access to care.
With a record $32 billion annual investment, we are rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable, and driving better outcomes on the way to 2030.
Out and about
Darfield Science Roadshow
I joined students at Darfield High School last week for one of the Science Roadshow's interactive sessions, and it was fantastic to see so many young minds engaged in hands-on learning.
The program strongly aligns with our Government’s goals of emphasising the importance of science, innovation and technology.
I am looking forward to seeing the roadshow return to Selwyn when it visits Rolleston and Lincoln later this year.
Autowash Opening
It was a pleasure earlier this week to officially open Auto Self Serve Rolleston.
Even just for the opening, the site was pumping with many cars trying out the new facilities on offer. It’s really exciting to see New Zealand-owned and operated businesses opening up and expanding into the Selwyn District.
I really appreciated getting a run-down on their environmental initiatives that keep chemicals, detergents, sediment and dirty water out of our waterways while also recycling water to reduce water consumption.
Campaigning
Recently I had a great morning out door knocking with the Canterbury Westland Young Nats in Faringdon and Acland Park
These guys have been amazing at spreading the message of two ticks blue and hearing from residents about what matters most to them this election.
There’s only 31 days until advance voting opens - make sure you’re enrolled to vote now!
I've also been busy out and about across the district putting up our election signs. If you are interested in having a sign on your fence or property, email selwyn@national.org.nz and the Selwyn National Party team will get in touch!
Events
West Melton Coffee Catchup
🗓️11:30am, Monday 28 Sept
📍Two Fat Possums, 736 Weedons Ross Road
Lincoln Coffee Catchup
🗓️11:00am, Thursday 1 Oct
📍Robert Harris, 3 Vernon Drive
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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