It's been a busy few weeks of exciting policy announcements and campaigning!
I've highlighted the policies that I think will benefit Selwyn families the most, summarised my last few weeks out and about, and have several events coming up that you can catch me at.
Policy announcements
Medicine Funding and Catching Cancer Early
We have announced that we will:
- Deliver a further $604 million uplift in Pharmac’s medicines budget
- Set a national target for clinical trials in New Zealand
- Unlock CAR-T cell therapy
- Launch new screening pilots for prostate and lung cancers
This is on top of our commitments to:
- Lower the bowel screening age to 50 by 2029
- Complete the breast screening extension to age 74 by 2029
- Deliver cervical screening for all women aged 25-69 from March 2027
- Establish the Healthy Kiwis Programme offering active prescriptions.
National’s responsible fiscal management will ensure that we can keep investing in the health services that matter most. We will largely pay for it by reducing foreign aid outside of the Pacific. While we will continue to play our part in the world, New Zealanders’ money should be spent here at home on those fighting cancer and serious illnesses.
Want a more in-depth look? Check out the full policy here.
Small Business Plan
Small businesses are the backbone of Selwyn's economy - from family-run rural enterprises and tradies to local cafés, retailers and manufacturers.
Our new 47-point Small Business Plan is focused on cutting red tape, reducing compliance costs, and making it easier for local businesses to invest, grow and employ more people.
That includes:
- A "Tell Government Once" system to reduce paperwork
- Faster resolution of straightforward employment disputes
- Reviewing the GST registration threshold
- Simpler, plain-English health and safety guidance
- Support for high-potential exporters
- Easier seasonal hiring processes
- Keeping the Investment Boost tax deferral scheme to encourage businesses to invest and grow
For many small business owners, the paperwork doesn't stop when the workday ends. This plan is about giving them more time to focus on running their business, creating jobs and supporting their communities.
When Selwyn businesses succeed, our whole district benefits through more jobs, stronger local economies, and greater opportunities for families.
Read the full 47-point plan.
Securing Water and Fertiliser to back NZ Farmers
Selwyn's success is built on the hard work of our farmers, growers and the many local businesses that support them.
That's why National's plan to improve water security and strengthen fertiliser supply matters for our district.
Access to reliable water helps farmers and growers increase production, invest in their businesses and create employment opportunities. Stronger fertiliser security means greater confidence for the agricultural sector and less risk from global supply disruptions.
The flow-on effects are significant. From rural contractors and transport companies to equipment suppliers, processing businesses and local retailers, a strong farming sector supports jobs and growth right across Selwyn.
National is backing the industries that put food on tables, earn export revenue for New Zealand and keep our rural communities thriving.
Want to know how we plan to do this? Check out the full policy.
Lift school leaving requirements
Every young person deserves the chance to leave school with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
A National Government will require students to complete Year 11 before leaving school, ensuring more young people gain strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, science and English.
For Selwyn-based families, this is about giving our students the best possible start, whether they're heading into further study, apprenticeships, trades training or the workforce. It also means greater confidence for parents and employers that students have achieved clear, credible qualifications and the core skills needed for the future.
We are focused on teaching the basics brilliantly and making sure every young person has the opportunity to succeed.
Our full Education Manifesto is available here.
Out and about
Business Canterbury Women in Business Forum
Behind every successful woman is a balancing act most people never see.
Thank you to Business Canterbury for bringing together such an inspiring group of women for their latest Women in Business Forum.
Our discussion explored leadership, resilience, high workloads, raising families, and the reality of balancing competing priorities while striving to do it all well.
These conversations matter, and it's encouraging to see so many women supporting and learning from one another.
Campaigning
I have well and truly been out and about across the district in the last few weeks, knocking on doors and attending markets and catching up with locals.
I'll continue to be out door knocking and campaigning over the next week - check out the events below to see when I'm next in your area!
LUSA Meet the Candidates
Lincoln University Students' Association (LUSA) kicked off the first Selwyn Meet the Candidates event at Lincoln University this past week.
It was a fantastic opportunity to get in front of students and tell them why National’s careful fiscal management is paying off and how our policies like lowering student loan repayment rates will give them more money in their back pockets.
Events
Coffee Catchup
Want to have a chat? I’ll be in Leeston today if you want to have a coffee and talk to me - no appointment needed!
Leeston
🗓️12:00pm Monday, October 12
📍Suburban Eatery, 112 High Street
Rolleston Meet the Candidates
Rolleston Residents Association are hosting their Meet the Candidates Event and I'd love to see you there.
Details:
🗓️7:30pm Tuesday, October 13
📍Rolleston Community Centre
Ellesmere A&P Show
The Selwyn National Party and I will be at the Ellesmere A & P Show this coming Saturday - if you're attending come and say hello!
Details:
🗓️Saturday 17 October
📍Leeston Showgrounds, 1650 Leeston Road
Pub Politics
I'm hosting my Pub Politics series to meet you at your local. Bring any questions about policy, concerns or issues, or even just to say hi!
This week:
Tai Tapu
🗓️6:00pm, Saturday October 17
📍Tai Tapu Hotel, 780 Tai Tapu Road
West Melton
🗓️6:00pm, Sunday October 18
📍Two Fat Possums, 736 Weedons Ross Road
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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