November arrives across New Zealand with a lush, warming momentum, pushing aside the last unsettled stretches of early spring and stepping confidently into the peak of the season.
There is a vibrant, driving energy in the November air. With late spring now fully taking root across the country, it invites us to fling open the doors, step properly outside, and throw ourselves into new projects. It is a wonderful vantage point, the sweet spot of the year where we look ahead with sharp intention, leaving behind the shifting patterns of early spring to pour our energy into everything we want to grow and achieve as summer approaches.
Well, that's the 2026 general election done – or is it?
Before I talk about the election in general, I would like to thank those who once again placed their support in me for a fifth term in Parliament. It has been my pleasure representing Taranaki-King Country electorate, and I will continue to do so, as it is an honour and a privilege.
I'm very much looking forward to representing my newest town. Taumarunui which has been added to the Taranaki-King Country electorate and brings the King Country back under the same representation.
I'm very proud of my large rural electorate. I enjoy engaging with my communities, helping individuals where I can, and taking the needs of our community to Parliament to see if I can get a resolution.
I'm looking forward to learning about our newest members and how they may wish to contribute to Parliament.
This election was always going to be a tight race, but I don't think anyone thought we would be on a knife edge all election night, waiting for a result that we still don't have. Everything is going to centre around the special votes, and a seat or two either side could make a major difference.
MMP has really taken hold at this election, with seven parties now across the line. From here on in, it is important that members of Parliament start to look for similarities rather than battle over differences that sometimes aren't that big. The egos will need to go in the corner, and people need to undertake the art of collaboration and negotiation.
While each party has a different philosophy, there are many things we could work together on. Just one example would be a long-term infrastructure plan. I know it's been mentioned often lately, but it needs to happen. I know that you, the public, are very tired of the flip-flopping when there are changes of government. It's costing you, the taxpayer, a huge amount of money.
For now, it just feels like the old cheese ad on TV which says we wait and wait. Hopefully it won’t be too long before a government is formed, and Parliament is back in action.
By Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country.
I’m delighted to congratulate Major’s Homebrew on winning my category “Enhancing Rural Communities” at the 2026 Young Enterprise Scheme Taranaki Awards night recently.
Major’s Homebrew consists of students from the Stratford High School. Their business was to create a healthier alternative to the ginger beer you can purchase in the shops. They use recycle soda bottles, but their real point of difference is the flavour, which comes from using local honey as the sweetener. They stood out for their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. They have a production line in place and are already selling their ginger beer throughout the region.
The awards celebrate the creativity, commitment and enterprise shown by young people across our region. It is inspiring to see students take an idea, work together to develop it and bring it to life as a business. That experience builds confidence and practical skills that will serve them well, whatever path they choose.
I’m proud to see Taranaki students embracing new challenges and contributing their energy and ideas to our community. My warm congratulations go to the whole team, and to the teachers, mentors, families and supporters who helped make their success possible.
To every YES student who took part: you should be proud of what you have achieved. I wish Major’s Homebrew and all the participants every success for the future.
Congratulations to King Country Rugby team for their amazing win. Bringing the Meads Cup home!
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