Welcome to my October newsletter.
Last week marked the end of the 54th New Zealand Parliament ahead of the General Election, and Parliament was formally dissolved by the Governor-General. Writ Day on 4 October sees the Governor-General direct the Electoral Commission to conduct the election. While Parliament will no longer be sitting, the Government continues to operate, Ministers continue their responsibilities, and Members of Parliament return to their communities.
Last week also saw the release of the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU), which provides an independent snapshot of the Government's finances and the outlook for New Zealand's economy. The update showed a stronger fiscal position than previously forecast, with larger surpluses expected, lower debt levels, and continued economic growth. These results reflect the hard work of New Zealanders, businesses, farmers, and communities who have helped drive the country's economic recovery over recent years.
The figures also reinforce the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline. While all political parties are making promises ahead of the election, voters deserve transparency about how those commitments will be funded. Questions remain about Labour's ability to pay for a number of significant new spending commitments, with key details yet to be provided on where the money will come from. At a time when Treasury's forecasts rely on spending remaining carefully controlled, any proposal for substantial new expenditure must be backed by a credible and fully costed plan.
National's approach remains clear: continue growing the economy, spend taxpayers' money carefully, reduce debt, and create the conditions for higher wages and more jobs, all without introducing new taxes. New Zealand has worked hard to get the country's finances back on track, and it is important that we do not put that progress at risk.
I look forward to continuing conversations across our communities, hearing your concerns, sharing updates on the issues that matter locally, and discussing the opportunities ahead for New Zealand.
Recent Key Announcements:
GDP shows economy grew through fuel shock:
GDP figures show the economy grew in the June quarter, defying expectations of a contraction (Beehive PR)
India FTA passes with significant majority:
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is welcoming the passing of the India Free Trade Agreement legislation (Beehive PR)
Bowel screening age drops to 56:
Free bowel screening is being lowered to 56 for thousands of New Zealanders (Beehive PR)
Manufacturing growth spreads across the sector:
New Zealand's manufacturing sector has now expanded for 14 months in a row (Beehive PR)
RMA era ends as new system passes Parliament:
Bills to replace the Resource Management Act have passed their third reading in Parliament, marking the most significant overhaul of New Zealand’s planning system in more than three decades (Beehive PR)
New GP guidance supports fairer assessments for older drivers:
new clinical guidance to support assessments of older drivers’ fitness to drive (Beehive PR)
Diagnostics target exceeded as waitlists fall 21 per cent:
Waitlists for scans, colonoscopies, and heart tests have fallen sharply over the past year (Beehive PR)
Manufacturing growth spreads across the sector:
New Zealand's manufacturing sector has now expanded for 14 months in a row (Beehive PR)
Alcohol licenses to use common sense:
next steps in the implementation of the Ministry for Regulation’s Hospitality Sector Review (Beehive PR)
Wider collaboration to preserve backcountry heritage:
New Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Conservation and Backcountry Trust (Beehive PR)
New records show energy policies are delivering:
The Government’s plan to ensure secure, affordable electricity for New Zealanders is working (Beehive PR)
New firearms system takes effect:
New firearms laws, marking the biggest reset of the firearms regulatory system in more than 40 years (Beehive PR)
Faster and fairer retirement village repayments:
The Government is strengthening protections for retirement village residents through faster repayments, earlier access to money, fairer contracts and stronger minimum standards (Beehive PR)
Self-certification scheme unblocks pipeline for plumbers and drainlayers:
The Government is delivering on its commitment to cut red tape and make building more affordable (Beehive PR)
If you are interested here is a link to read the PR Releases relating to my Ministerial portfolios.
Upcoming events:
7 Oct Business Canterbury After 5, Ashburton
13 Oct Rotary event, Ashburton
14 Oct Y Youth Survey Results Function, Timaru
15 Oct Y Youth Survey Results Function, Ashburton
16 Oct St John Mid Canterbury & Selwyn awards, Ashburton
18 Oct Seafarers Wreath Laying and Church Service, Timaru
18 Oct TBHS 1st XI v TBHS Old Boys Cricket Match, Timaru
19 Oct Grey Power Meet the Candidate, Ashburton
19 Oct Mid Canterbury Young Professionals, Ashburton
20 Oct Advance Ashburton Community Foundation
21 Oct Meet the Candidate (Rotary Club Timaru North), Timaru
24 Oct Te Aitarakihi Candidates Meeting, Timaru
26 Oct Closure of old South Canterbury Museum, Timaru
27 Oct Ōpuke Innovation Hub opening, Methven
28 Oct South Canterbury Young Enterprise Regional Finals, Timaru
30-31 Oct Ashburton Show
Visit the following sites for more information on events happening in our region:
South Canterbury Events Website
Ashburton District Events Website
Highlights:
I welcomed the Government’s changes to New Zealand’s earthquake-prone building system, which will deliver significant benefits across Rangitata. The reforms recognise our region’s lower seismic risk and reduce unnecessary compliance costs while continuing to prioritise public safety. Across Timaru, Ashburton, Temuka, Pleasant Point and Rakaia, building owners are expected to save around $289 million in earthquake-strengthening costs. The changes will also see 36 buildings removed from the earthquake-prone building register, with more practical and cost-effective remediation options available for many others. This is a common-sense reform that strikes a better balance between safety and affordability, reduces red tape, and helps local businesses and property owners focus on investing in their communities rather than facing excessive compliance costs.
Last month, National released its plan to get Fire and Emergency New Zealand back on track following a parliamentary inquiry that uncovered serious governance and procurement failures. The inquiry found years of delays in getting new fire appliances into service, leaving firefighters reliant on aging equipment despite significant investment. National’s plan focuses on improving accountability, fixing procurement processes, and ensuring funding is directed towards frontline delivery, so firefighters have the equipment they need to keep our communities safe. Read more here.
It was a privilege to attend the official opening of the new facility at the Ashburton Aviation Museum, marking the completion of a remarkable project more than 50 years in the making. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, generous community support, and countless hours of hard work, the museum has grown into one of New Zealand’s largest aviation collections. The new $2.1 million wing provides a fitting home for more than 50 aircraft and a wide range of interactive exhibits, preserving an important part of our aviation heritage for future generations. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this vision to life. It is a fantastic asset for Mid Canterbury and a great attraction for visitors to our region.
Lastly, it was great to attend the Horsepower Rally at Kyle Park and officially open the weekend's festivities. The event brought together an impressive display of vintage and modern machinery, celebrating the ingenuity, innovation, and proud farming heritage of South Canterbury. A huge thank you to the organisers, exhibitors, and volunteers whose hard work made the event such a success. From the machinery displays and demonstrations to the family friendly activities, the rally was a fantastic showcase of our rural community and the people who keep these traditions alive for future generations.
Recent Interviews:
Luke Howden Hokonui Breakfast Show interview
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.
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