In this issue:
- Cambridge Friendly Forum Reschedule
- Minister's News
- In the House
- Electorate News
- Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
Cambridge Friendly Forum reschedule
Due to a family emergency, I needed to cancel this month's Cambridge Friendly Forum at the last minute. I apologise to those who had RSVP'd that we could not contact you all in time.
I have rescheduled for Friday 2 October from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Cambridge Town Hall Victorian Room. Ramp access is via Lake Street. Please bring along any issues or concerns you'd like to discuss.
Minister's News
Record number of Australian visitors boosts NZ tourism
New Zealand’s tourism recovery is gathering pace, with July visitor arrivals exceeding July 2019 levels. A record 134,900 Australians visited New Zealand in July, helping support local businesses, jobs and communities. Read more here.
Making a difference on family violence
Independent evaluations found three violence prevention programmes are helping shift attitudes, behaviours and social norms linked to family violence. Read more here.
Hospitality industry served regulatory relief
A recent Hospitality Sector Review identifies opportunities to reduce regulatory burdens on hospitality businesses, making it easier and cheaper for them to open, and easier to operate. Read more here.
More visitors set to discover regional New Zealand
Six initiatives aimed at attracting more international visitors from Australia, China, the United States and Canada to regional New Zealand ahead of the peak summer season are designed to support tourism growth across the country. Read more here.
Community Job Coaching
Community Job Coaching has reached 4000 enrolments since launching in October 2025. The programme supports 18 to 24-year-old Jobseekers into employment through personalised coaching delivered by community providers. Read more here.
In the House
54th Parliament dissolves 1 October
The last day in the house for this term was 23 September.
Electorate
Taupō Hospital boosts staff and trainee doctor numbers
Congratulations to Taupō Hospital Clinical Lead Dr Ralston D’Souza and local clinicians who have worked incredibly hard to ensure the hospital is on its way to being fully staffed with Senior Medical Officers by early 2027, and that Taupō Hospital will now be able to host Year 5 medical students from Auckland University on a year-long placement as part of its Rural Medical Immersion programme – in addition to students on short-term placements.
Taupō waste recovery facility upgrade
Broadlands Road Resource Recovery Centre
A $4.7 million upgrade to the Broadlands Road Resource Recovery Centre (due to be completed in 2028) will see at least 8000 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill in Taupō in its first year of operation alone.
The upgrade will be funded equally by Government's Waste Minimisation Fund and Taupō District Council.
Keeping organic waste, construction and demolition waste and other recyclable materials out of the landfill will reduce waste levy costs and emissions trading scheme charges, and open market opportunities for reuse of materials.
Read more here.
Wellbeing Connect Tradie Breakfast
Taupō Family Centre
Thanks to Whanau Taupō (Taupō Family Centre), Property Brokers (Taupō and Tūrangi), and Taupō ITM for bringing our community together to raise awareness, strengthen connections and remind us all to check in on our mates at the recent Wellbeing Connect Tradie Breakfast in Taupō on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Taupō fires
A big shout out to the fire crews from Taupō and surrounding areas who were kept busy earlier this month battling several blazes around the area.
Toi Ohomai
It's great to see Toi Ohomai in Taupō and Tokoroa go from the brink of closure at the beginning of the year, to planning growth over the next couple of years.
This tertiary provider is such an asset for local school leavers, career changers and those wanting to upskill for promotion in their existing jobs.
After the Taupo-nui-a-Tia College fire in February, Toi Ohomai stepped up and provided classroom space for students, and I thank management for giving students a place to learn.
New Taupō sports hub a gamechanger
The new sports hub at Owen Delany Park is already making a difference to players and spectators, including those at the recent Global Games Junior Girls Rugby Festival and the Global Games NZ Junior Rugby Sport Festival.
$5 million of the $5.3 million for the project came from the Government's Better Off fund.
New pou for Tokoroa
Wairaka joins the landmark 'forest' in Tokoroa.
It's great to see Wairaka (a Māori ancestor who was born in the Cook Islands), the new addition to the Tokoroa pou 'forest', installed on Leith Place.
It was disappointing that Tui Hobson's original Pacific Memories pou (which honoured the Pacific communities in Tokoroa) had to go, but the new one is equally spectacular.
Public art in Cambridge
I look forward to seeing more artworks being installed around Cambridge, thanks to the Cambridge Public Art Trust's initiative.
It's a fantastic way to showcase the talent of our local creatives and add interest and vibrancy to our shared spaces.
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
Coffee Catch Ups, Friendly Forums and Clinics
It has been great meeting those who have attended my recent Coffee Catch Ups, Friendly Forums and Clinics.
Topics like the cost of living, electricity, health, law and order and visitor numbers were discussed.
See below for the next opportunity to meet with me and share your ideas and concerns.
Note: Dates are subject to change so please RSVP so we can advise of any changes.
Friendly Forum
Cambridge
Friday, 2 October, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cambridge Town Hall, Victorian Room Cambridge
Please call 07 827 5572 or email upston.cambridge@parliament.govt.nz to RSVP.
Electorate Assistance
Cambridge Office:
Please call 07 827 5572 or email upston.cambridge@parliament.govt.nz
South Waikato:
Please call 07 886 5554 or email upston.sthwaikato@parliament.govt.nz
Taupō Office:
Please call 07 376 5563 or email upston.taupo@parliament.govt.nz
GET UPDATES
